Cycle Namibia

Name: Cycle Namibia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (26 reviews)

Overview

Pedal across desert plains, ride towering dunes, and seek big wildlife moments on safari in Etosha

Namibia is a vast country with wide-open spaces and endless skies. Dunes gradually turn into granite hills, while rocky outcrops give way to vast plains. Travelling through the wilderness by bike is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the varied landscape of this desert nation and there is also the unique experience of cycling over dunes on a modified fat bike. Discover the highlights and hidden secrets of the country on two wheels, watch the sun rise over some of the tallest dunes in the world and experience game drives in one of the best game reserves in southern Africa, Etosha National Park.

Key Information

Activity: Cycling
Activity Level: Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level: Simple
Trip Code: MZN
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Namibia
Carbon Footprint: 12kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: Low altitude; 90 percent off road/gravel roads, 10 percent paved roads
Some gentle hills and mostly along quiet roads

What's Included

All accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels/lodges), 7 Simple nights (full-service camping)
All breakfasts, two lunches, six dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced entry level 29er Mtb Hardtail (Silverback / GT) bike
8 days cycling with full vehicle support (excluding one fat biking excursion)

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip, E-bike hire is available for an additional cost.

Highlights

Cycle through the Namibian wilderness with a like-minded group

Safari in Etosha National Park, searching for lions, elephants and more

Hop on a fat bike to explore the Swakopmund dunes

Witness sunrise from the summit of a towering dune in Sossusvlei

Camp under the starry Namibian sky, visiting floodlit waterholes where wildlife gathers

Itinerary

First Destination: Windhoek
Next Destination: Windhoek

Accommodation:Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:45 km / 28 miles
Accommodation:Stofpad Lodge & Camping (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Accommodation:Sesriem Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:25 km / 15.5 miles
Accommodation:Solitaire Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:47 km / 29.2 miles
Accommodation:Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:22 km / 13.7 miles
Accommodation:Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Spitzkoppe Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:15 km / 9.3 miles
Accommodation:Otjiwa Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:23 km / 14.3 miles
Accommodation:Waterberg Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Windhoek
Next Destination: Windhoek

Begin your adventure at Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or watching the many native birds that swoop overhead.

Around 6pm to 7pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the lodge, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Leaving Windhoek, we start with a short transfer towards the Khomas Hochland and the top of the Kupferberg Pass. From here, we get our first taste of cycling through the amazing landscapes of Namibia as we descend along winding roads past private farms and local wildlife, getting used to the terrain for about 28mi (45km) while stopping regularly for snacks and pictures. Our campsite tonight is on a family-owned farm surrounded by mountains. There’s a dipping pool if you’d like to cool down and a small shop serving locally sourced and homegrown products.

Total transfer time: 2hr-2hr 30min on gravel

Upgrade from camping to a chalet today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:45 km / 28 miles
Accommodation:Stofpad Lodge & Camping (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving camp on our bikes, we continue along gravel roads on rolling hills. We cycle down the Remhoogte pass to the west where we will soon find open plains towards the desert. We aim to get to Solitaire for lunch and hopefully have the opportunity to try the local apple crumble, which has been called the best in the Southern Hemisphere. After lunch, we transfer to Sesriem. If we don’t visit Solitaire this day, we stop at Solitaire again on Day 4.

Total transfer time: Two hours on gravel

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Accommodation:Sesriem Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Waking early, we drive 25mi (40km) to some of the highest dunes in the world before climbing Dune 40 or 45 as the first sunrays peak over the horizon and hit the red-ochre sand. After descending, we have breakfast with a view before taking to our bikes for a ride back to Sesriem along a paved road cutting through the towering dunes. Depending on the weather, we may be able to do a 15.5mi (25km) ride to Sossusvlei parking area and have a quick walk to Hiddenvlei or optional 4×4 ride to Deadvlei. We might also return from Dune 40 and cycle 40km back to Sesriem. After lunch at camp, we transfer to Solitaire. In the afternoon, we can visit the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre to see cheetahs (depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning).

Total transfer time: 2hr 30min to 3hr on gravel and paved road

Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:25 km / 15.5 miles
Accommodation:Solitaire Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

After a short transfer, or we cycle from camp, we continue on our journey north, cycling towards the Tropic of Capricorn. If conditions allow, we have the option of cycling over the Kuiseb Pass or a different route towards the coast, depending on weather and road conditions. With luck, we should see ostriches, springbok, gemsbok and mountain zebras. Once again, we end our ride in the shadow of Guab Pass before transferring to Walvis Bay, which is known for its flamingos. From here, we continue to Swakopmund, driving with the ocean on the left and the dunes on the right.

Total transfer time: 4hr to 4hr 30min on gravel

Distance:47 km / 29.2 miles
Accommodation:Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Today, we are introduced to our modified fat bikes and cycle (2hr 30min to 3hr) into the vast expanse of dunes surrounding Swakopmund. Fat bikes have very wide tyres that make it possible to cycle over sand and explore areas that regular mountain bikes are unable to reach. Our ride, which takes place either in the morning or afternoon depending on weather conditions, includes a coastline section if the tide is in our favour.

For the rest of the day, we have time to enjoy one of the many optional activities available near Swakopmund, such as sandboarding or quad biking. If you feel like relaxing, this Germanic town is renowned for its cake and coffee shops.

Distance:22 km / 13.7 miles
Accommodation:Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

A short transfer takes us from Swakopmund to the start of our ride. We cycle through the eroded ridges and gullies of Moon Valley before stopping for coffee and cake or an early lunch at Goanikontes Oasis.

Depending on the weather and the group’s energy levels, we either cycle a little further or transfer to Spitzkoppe. Rising abruptly from the gravel plains, this granite peak is known as the Matterhorn of Namibia.

We explore the area on foot in the late afternoon. When there have been good rains, it may be possible to find rock pools where we can take a refreshing dip. Later in the afternoon, we can go on an optional short hike in the area.

Total transfer time: 2hr 30min on gravel

Distance:35 km / 21.7 miles
Accommodation:Spitzkoppe Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Etosha National Park, stopping in Outjo for lunch at the Outjo Bakery, where we can sample German-style pastries.

Upon arrival, we take a late afternoon game drive or watch sunset at the camp waterhole, depending on our arrival time.

Home to elephants, rhinos and lions, Etosha delivers big wildlife moments, whether we are scanning the plains or watching animals emerge from the dusk to drink.

Total transfer time: 5hr 30min to 6hr on gravel and paved roads

Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Today is dedicated to safari. We go on morning and afternoon game drives and have the opportunity to relax in camp during the heat of the day when the wildlife hides from the Namibian sun.

Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Etosha National Park and transfer approximately 75mi (120km) to Otjiwa, the oldest safari lodge in Namibia. In the afternoon, we ride along the jeep tracks and hopefully see some of the local wildlife. For our last night of camping, we enjoy a delicious braai (barbecue) under the African night sky.

Total transfer time: Two hours on paved roads

Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:15 km / 9.3 miles
Accommodation:Otjiwa Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we cycle (2hr to 2hr 30min) from camp along the jeep tracks of Otjiwa Lodge while looking for wildlife. Then transfer to our accommodation at the impressive red table mountain formation of the Waterberg Plateau, where we can cool off in the pool and enjoy our last night of the trip in a comfortable room. This afternoon, we can also go for a walk on the Waterberg Plateau.

Total transfer time: 1hr 30min on gravel and paved roads

Distance:23 km / 14.3 miles
Accommodation:Waterberg Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

A 3hr 30min drive brings us back to Windhoek, where our adventure ends. Bid farewell to new-found friends and begin your return journey home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to our sales representative about extending your stay.

Please note: The group transfer back to Windhoek is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

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View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and camping

On this cycling adventure in Namibia, we spend seven nights camping and four nights in hotels – bring your swimwear, most of the places we stay have pools. Below is a rundown of the hotels we typically use and some advice on camping.

Hotels

Windhoek: Arebbusch Lodge (night 1)

Cycle Namibia

Our guesthouse is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre yet is spacious with two swimming pools and one of the best pizzerias in the capital. It also has a beautiful garden with indigenous trees.

Swakopmund: Prost Hotel (nights 5-6)

Cycle Namibia

After a few camping nights, we hop back into a clean, comfy room with a stay at the Prost Hotel. When we’re not out riding dunes on fat bikes, this 28-room hotel is well-placed for visiting Swakopmund and its pubs, restaurants, and cake and coffee shops.

Waterberg: Waterberg Resort (night 11)

Cycle Namibia

We spend our final night of the trip in the comforts of the Waterberg Resort, where we can sink into a comfy bed. Find further relaxation in the swimming pool and enjoy our last night together in the restaurant and bar.

Camping

Cycle Namibia

Namibia is a fantastic destination for camping. The landscapes are grand and unpopulated, wildlife is widespread plus the campsites are clean and well maintained. All communal camping gear is provided, including spacious two-person dome tents, thick foam mattresses and folding stools, although you need to take your own sleeping bag and pillow.

Worth knowing

For camping on nights 2, 4, 8, 9 and 10, it’s possible to upgrade to a room – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Average daily distance: 24mi (39km)
Number of cycling days: Eight (including a morning fat biking)
Vehicle support: Fully supported except for the fat biking excursion and Otjiwa

Bikes: You will typically be riding a full-suspension mountain bike (Specialized Stumpjumpers or similar). For a more comfortable ride, you can rent an e-bike (S-works/Specialized) locally for the tour.

Route: The cycling is approximately 80% on open public gravel/dirt roads, 10% on dunes and 4×4 tracks or off-road, and 10% on paved roads. There is a mix of terrain, including some rolling rides, flat, downhill and uphill sections. The support vehicle is available, especially for the more challenging sections. Most of the cycling on roads is with little traffic, though there may be some busier sections near the desert in high season. The last two rides are on jeep track roads on a reserve.

The fat biking on dunes is with a specialist guide and on modified bikes. These are mountain bikes fitted with extra-large wide tyres, making it easier to ride on sand and distributes the rider’s mass across a larger area, enabling more traction and stops the bike from sinking into the sand. You receive a tutorial before setting off but no experience is necessary. The terrain is rolling and you have the opportunity to cycle some steep gradients down the dunes. However, there is always the option of cycling down a gentler slope. You can also upgrade to an optional e-fat bike.

Safety: Helmets must be worn by all cyclists in Namibia.

Itinerary: On all days, we may do less or more cycling than stated in the Trip Notes. This depends on the ability and preference of the group plus the local conditions at the time. We also have many early starts.

Weather: It can get hot in Namibia and shade is not common on most of the rides.

Important flight information: If you’re booking your own flights, you should not book flights leaving before 3pm on the departure day.

Key information

Start hotel: Arebbusch Lodge, Cnr of Golf & Auas Rd, Olympia, Windhoek
Phone: +264 61 252 255
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, there will be a welcome briefing around 6pm in the evening.
Airport: Windhoek Airport (WDH)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers are to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and are on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Catching your return flight

The last night of the trip is spent in the Waterberg Plateau Park and the tour finishes in Windhoek. The group transfer back to Windhoek is scheduled to align with a chosen flight; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.

Namibia

Travellers from the UK, US, Canada, and some EU states need a visa to enter Namibia (see the full list here).

Visas can be obtained online (https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/) and you should apply for the Visa on Arrival option. Please check all visa requirements.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/namibia
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/namibia
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Namibia.html

If you are transiting through South Africa and are a non-UK passport holder you may require a transit visa. Please check before travelling. Please note that if flying via South Africa you will probably have to pass immigration there.

Passports: To enter Namibia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least one blank page. If you’re travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional two blank pages.

Travelling with children: In addition to valid passports, parents travelling with children (under 18) should always carry the original or certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate (listing the child’s and both parents’ details). Adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel. If a child is travelling with only one parent, the other parent should give consent for travel in the form of an affidavit.

When staying at campsites, our guides cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire; expect braai (barbecue), potjie (stew) and stir fries for dinner. Breakfasts are continental and usually consist of cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast. For lunch, expect a good selection of sandwich ingredients such as cheese and cold meats plus pasta and salads. Our support vehicle carries a good selection of snacks and water, which are available to access every 9mi (15km) or so when the group stops.

Vegetarians can be catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

June, July and August, while clear and warm during the day, it can be cold and even freezing at night. Between September and May, it is considerably warmer with the time between October and April being the hottest, when it often reaches 30C (86F) to 40C (104F). However, it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The wet season is between November and February (this can vary a month either side), but this is not a bad time to go as the desert blooms after rainfall and it never rains for very long.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Visit the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre to learn how research, education, and rehabilitation support the long-term protection of Namibia’s large carnivores.

Hans was extremely knowledgable about EVERYTHING! Wilidfle, geology, Namibian history and so on. He had a genuine interest in sharing this knowledge with us. He also got us to where we were meant to be and sorted out meals and accommodation effectively. Benson our driver, cook and tent erector was brilliant too. He was friendly, helpful, made amazing meals and drove well on some terrible roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware you will be getting up by six everyday for early starts, this was great as you got to see the sunrise but won’t suit everyone! Take wet wipes, after some rides you then Travel in the truck for a few hours in your cycling gear so good to have a refresh Binoculars are a must, so much to see, the lions we saw were amazing but those without binoculars couldn’t really see them. Camping temperatures varied so take a sleeping bag liner so you can just use that on warm nights and the sleeping bag for cooler nights. Take something you can use as a pillow, I didn’t but my lightweight down jacket did me proud.

Suggestions

It was great but Exodus pleas amend the trip notes.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Louisa for her review; we are delighted to read that she had an enjoyable time, but are sorry that she was disappointed with some aspects of the trip. We very recently amended the cycling on day 10 of the itinerary, having received feedback that the road existing Etosha National Park had become increasingly busy and therefore was not as suitable for cycling as it had previously been. We will update the trip notes to reflect this, although we regret that Louisa was disappointed that this ride did not take place. We were also sorry to learn that the fat-biking activity was shorter than listed; our local team have explained that the fat-bike operator will sometimes curtail the length of this ride, depending on individual group preferences. Moving forward, we have asked the local supplier to ensure that both longer and shorter rides are offered to every group, which we hope will ensure future clients do not encounter similar disappointment. We are happy to read that overall Louisa enjoyed her time in Namibia, and in particular appreciate her kind words regarding Hans, her tour leader; we look forward to hopefully welcoming her on another trip in the future. John Penge – Product Manager

Steph Dyer

Added November 2018

Cycle Namibia

A fantastic varied exciting adventure exploring Namibia, it's breathtaking natural beauty and it's wildlife, both large and small. A cyclists/naturalist/geologists/ photographers paradise

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the dunes, Experiencing Etosha wildlife then tiny desert animals, seeing sidewinders ... experiencing a thunderstorm Namibia style Cycling the huge vast areas was mesmerising and challenging, admiring the beauty whilst concentrating on the sandy tracks- Cycling with the game in the ranch reserve near the end of the holiday, being a few hundred yards from White rhino- without a fence! Hiddenvlek at the dunes Sundowner after cheetah experience at Solitaire lodge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good very knowledgeable on wildlife, Namibia in general. The group felt very well lead by the three team members Happy and McLoud were brilliant and the three worked well together, complementing each others skills. Stefan team leader was great, always cheerful and obliging, answered any questions we had, looked after us all. Occasionally a little light on specific details of the trip (eg how long upcoming cycle was) but we felt this was sensible as it allowed him to be flexible and he always made good decisions as to when we had had enough! I would encourage him to talk to the whole group more about history/ geography of Namibia as he had much more to tell when we asked him on a 1:1!

Advice for Potential Travellers

make sure you take lip salve a cycling scarf that you can soak in water to keep the dust out ear plugs for camping- some of the others will snore! camera! I don't think I ever stood up in my pedals to cycle, it's all steady, flattish and you develop skills on sand!

Suggestions

A beautiful country that felt safe at all times The trip felt like a Namibia adventure with cycling rather than a cycling holiday per se; this was just right as it's too hot to cycle more than 3-4hrs in any one day- and there is so much to see; this compromise is perfect. we extended our trip by b24hrs to stay in Windhoek; this gave us a chance to wind down and relax and was good value. The Independence memorial worth a trip with amazing views from its restaurant up the tower. There are a few sights to see in Windhoek and good place to buy souvenirs but I don't think recommended walking around at night , we ate in our hotel.

David Crookston

Added October 2018

Cycle Namibia

Great scenery and opportunity to see wildlife. Some hard hot slogs on slippery and dusty gravel roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery. Wildlife, especially rhinos at the watering hole at night at Etosha. Fantastic meals by chef McLeod.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent organizational and people skills. Knowledgeable and fit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Need to be quite fit and heat tolerant.

Suggestions

Felt very safe and well cared for.

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Cycle Namibia

Overview

Pedal across desert plains, ride towering dunes, and seek big wildlife moments on safari in Etosha

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and camping

Hotels

Camping

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Namibia

Reviews

Unforgettable trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing way to experience Namibia by bike!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good Cycling tour across Namibia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

a brilliant trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A fantastic Adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycle Namibia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suggestions

Oct 19

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Namibia is fabulous

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Reply from Exodus

Cycle Namibia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Cycle Namibia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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