Route Summary:

Our ride starts at the geographical centre of Namibia, at an elevation of 1700 metres and heads up over 2,000m. We roll out of our guesthouse in Windhoek, heading to the south of the city then onto the gravel, to the south went of the capital. This warm up ride will give you plenty of time to acclimatise and get a good feel for the wide open gravel roads in Namibia.

Our route takes you directly to our peaceful camp, situated on Farm Vaalgras, in the beautiful Khomas Hochland, where wildlife such as Eland, Zebra, Gemsbok and Springbok roam freely. We’ll sit around the fire, enjoy a traditional braai and relax under the stars in the wilderness.

Ride Distance: 74km   Ride Elevation: 1148m   % Off Road: 84%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

We are straight onto the gravel today, and all wide open gravel roads with barely a vehicle in sight. Wonder at the array of colourful birds and game that play close to the route. Today will also be a good introduction to corrugation or washboard gravel – think Tuscany on steroids! Stay relaxed and find your line and you will soon get used to it! We have a lot of rolling terrain today as well as a fun gravel descent in the Gamsberg area.

Cycling will be through a mix of desert landscapes and rocky outcroppings, with a reward waiting for us at the end of the ride – a glorious dip in the pool at Rooisand Desert Ranch and a cold beer at the bar.

Ride Distance: 140km   Ride Elevation: 1255m   % Off Road: 98%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

A shorter day today, you’ll be straight back onto the wide gravel roads again. You’ll notice the landscapes become more desert-like and the wildlife become more sparse as we ride into the Namib Desert. Pause to take a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn sign en route, just below the actual Tropic!

Then the fast rolling gravel will take us quickly onwards to Rostock, where there is a choice of a dip in the pool, a scenic hike up to a stunning viewpoint or an off-road vehicle exploration with sunset viewing. Our accommodation is the very unique Rostock Ritz Desert lodge, tucked into the Namib desert. Watching the light change while soaking in the lodges pool is a highlight of many of the guests here. Ancient rock paintings, some over 1000 years old, are a testament to the rich history of ancient people living in this area.

Ride Distance: 64km   Ride Elevation: 547m   % Off Road: 98%   Difficulty: 2.5/5

Route Summary:

We are straight back onto the gravel roads today and heading for Sesriem, just outside the Namib Naukluft Park. Passing through Solitaire on our way, a small settlement with one of Namibia’s many airstrips, we head deeper into the Namib Desert.

Our route finishes at Sossusvlei Lodge, where we will stay for the night. Situated at the Entrance Gate to the National Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon.

Ride Distance: 134km   Ride Elevation: 627m   % Off Road: 100%   Difficulty: 4/5

Route Summary:

We have a leisurely start to the day today and options to accommodate everyone. You could take today as a rest day and explore town, or you could choose one of several loops from town. For those that want something a bit different, you can test your tekkerz on the sand dunes outside Swakopmund.

Within just a few kilometres of town, you’re back on the gravel, but with a difference. The local mountain bikers have created some fun single track out in the sand dunes behind the town, featuring some fun “whoops” for a bit of a challenge. For those that want to stick to gravel, we have a few routes of varying lengths that will take you into the dunes near town to explore the local area at a more relaxed pace.

Ride Distance: 53km   Ride Elevation: 774m   % Off Road: 90%   Difficulty: 4/5

Route Summary:

After a short drive north of Swakopmund we begin today’s ride just outside Henties Bay. Expect cool temperatures to start, but it will heat up pretty quickly. Our route rolls gently uphill all day, without any big climbs to speak of, and we head back inland. The scenery changes again as we ride through the Dorob National Park, a hyper arid desert in the Erongo region.

You’ll see Klein Spitzkoppe early in the day, which masks the larger Gross Spitzkoppe, or the majestic “Namibian Matterhorn”, behind it.  Mirages will play tricks on you, but don’t worry, our vans will always be close by to keep your bidons topped up and quench your thirst!

We have our second night under the stars tonight as we glamp at Spitzkoppe Tented Camp. It’s a beautiful sunset location, close to the red rock of the Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks.

Ride Distance: 109km   Ride Elevation: 1,152m   % Off Road: 100%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

After a peaceful night at camp, it’s time to hit the gravel roads again as we head to the small town of Uis, an old mining settlement. Our route today is all gravel until you hit the tarmac just outside town. You’ll notice more vegetation and wildlife again today as we head north and cross the Omaruru river and into Damaraland. The sandy riverbed is home to the elusive desert-adapted elephants.

To the north west of town, you can see the Brandberg (‘Fire Mountain’) Massif and Namibia’s highest peak, Königstein (‘King’s Stone’), standing at a mighty 2573m above sea level. Named for the vivid shade of orange it sometimes turns at sunset, the Brandberg has been sacred to the San people (one of the oldest surviving cultures of southern Africa) for centuries. The Tsisab Ravine at its base has over 45 000 ancient San rock paintings, including the famous ‘White Lady’.

Ride Distance: 93km   Ride Elevation: 557m   % Off Road: 96%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

Rolling out of town on tarmac that quickly turns to gravel, our route takes us through beautiful Damaraland. The huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. It’s easy to see why it’s a favourite area of our team.

You’ll see many more signs of life today as we pass some traditional villages and ride through a few townships. Expect to see shepherds with cattle and goats as well as more birds, game and greenery. ‘Where there is water there is life’, and we’ll be crossing multiple rivers today, albeit mostly dry riverbeds.

Our last 12km today is on smooth tarmac as we head into Khorixas. Our home for the night is iGowati Lodge with its thatched roofs and Namib desert colours. The Damara people that work at iGowati are believed to be one of the first ancient groups to settle in Namibia and are of Bantu origin. Damarland and Khorixas have a slow African rhythm with friendly people and a welcoming environment to all guests.

Ride Distance: 118km   Ride Elevation: 852m   % Off Road: 85%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

We begin our ride today on the same smooth tarmac as yesterday but it quickly turns to gravel road with some sandy sections. We’ll ride part way to Etosha and drive the rest so that we can make it to our final destination, Etosha Safari Lodge, a stylish lodge overlooking a vast expanse of mopane woodland. Choose from one of three pools for your well-earned swim or simply sit on the spacious deck area, cold drink in hand, and take in the lavish views and the mystery and magic of Etosha, ‘Place of Legends’.

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in north-western Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Relax today as we are saving that delight for tomorrow!

Ride Distance: 110km   Ride Elevation: 570m   % Off Road: 88%   Difficulty: 3.5/5