If you are an intrepid equestrian, a riding safari across the remote Namib Desert is one of the most exhilarating experiences you could dream of. 

One country: Namibia

Two words: Speed and Space

Ten days of pure adventure

Read about Emma's unforgettable Namibian horseback journey below:

The magic of traversing the wild open spaces of the desert from the saddle really has to be seen first-hand to be believed. 

This is perfect as either a once-in-a-lifetime adventure (such as my experience) or combined with a wider Namibia itinerary - and Bonamy are ready to help make the ideal trip for you.

But first, let me take you through my journey:

The Route

This isn’t for the faint-hearted. 

320 km over 10 days (8 days in the saddle) from Solitaire to Swakopmund. 

It’s rugged, it’s raw, but this is what makes the experience so unique and so addictive. 

Long days in the saddle, changing terrain, vast open spaces, big canyons and epic dunes. 

Spurts of pure exhilaration are interwoven with the steady calming rhythm of horses' hooves amongst the sand.

The first and second days will be a chance to meet your new riding family and visit the spectacular Sossusvlei, famed for its vibrant ochre sand dunes (one of which you can attempt to climb!). 

And then, the trip really begins. 

Being introduced to your horse, your most loyal companion for the next 8 days, before saddling up and setting off. 

The riding route has been carefully curated to showcase the best Namibia has to offer, with endless horizons and deep red sand below bright blue skies. 

You’ll pass the encircling Naukluft (narrow gorge) mountain, the dramatic Gaub and much larger Kuiseb River Canyons on the way to the fast-paced Namib Plains, before reaching Marble Mountain, and then crossing into the Swakop River Basin for a final canter to the beach.

The Team

For Andrew, Larissa, and their incredible team at The Namibian Horse Safari Company, this is more than just a trip. It’s a lifestyle, and being able to share their passion with like-minded individuals is unparalleled. 

The team’s expertise continues well beyond riding itself, sharing their knowledge about the fascinating fauna, flora and history of the desert plains. 

They seamlessly manage to create a sense of family, fun and freedom as you traverse Namibia’s vast landscapes.

The Camp

This is a fully mobile safari, which, in my opinion, is the best way to properly see any country, and settling into the rhythm of camp life is natural - eat, sleep, ride, repeat. 

The camp support team works their magic to create the most homely environments each day. 

Campsites in ‘nowhere’ become ‘somewhere’, and it feels like you are arriving home after a long day of riding. 

From the pop-up showers to clean the desert dust off your aching body, the camp kitchen and bar where a sundowner savanna (or your drink of choice) is waiting for you, to the roaring fire and smell of what you know will be a delicious dinner. 

Evenings are spent around the campfire, regaling stories with your riding family, before lead guide Andrew gives his daily speech, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” to let you know what the next day of riding will entail. 

This is always met with excitement and anticipation.

Camp nights end with you pitching up your bed anywhere of your choosing (you have the whole desert to choose from!), climbing into perhaps the comfiest sleeping bags you will ever come across and sleeping soundly under the stars.

The Food

Not only will this experience expand your mind, but it will most certainly expand your waistband too, in the best way possible. 

I am still trying to work out how Chef Willem and Lizbeth managed to cook up some of the best dishes I’ve had in Africa, with only the most basic cooking appliances in the middle of the desert. 

So be warned: you’ll find yourself returning for second (and often third) helpings at every meal time. 

The Horses

The true stars of the show, these horses are full of life, unlike any you will have ever experienced before. They are truly magical and ensuring they are happy and healthy is taken very seriously. 

Their beautiful, courageous and resilient nature and giving temperament are testament to this. 

They are all checked every morning, lunchtime and evening to ensure they are riding fit, and there are always additional horses on the safari in case needed.  

The team emphasises horse-rider bonding which is unlike many other riding safaris. 

YOU look after your horse - grooming them, helping to saddle them, watering them and even helping to feed them if you have that extra energy after a long day in the saddle. 

The horses stay close to camp every day, allowing you to learn every personality trait and quirk of your noble steed. 

It’s fascinating to witness the partnership forged between horse and rider after 10 days together. 

The Journey

When asked to summarise my experience in 1-2 words, the first thing that sprung to mind was ‘A Journey’. 

This trip will test you both mentally and physically, with long and fast riding, hot days, and changing and challenging terrain. 

But this is what also makes it the experience that will forever remain at the top of my memory list. 

It’s more than just a riding safari, more than a sum of its parts - it’s a chance to really push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn about your inner strength and ride as one resilient team.

Each day in the saddle encourages you to disconnect from everyday life, to stop, breathe and just take it all in. 

It fills you with an innate feeling of freedom and gratitude, something we often take for granted. 

Combine this with unforgettable stories, laughter, and like-minded individuals - it’s the ultimate way to feel alive.

The Specifics

Who is this for? 

This is ultimate riding - you are going at pace, and the wild nature of the Namibian landscape calls for experience and confidence. 

This is really suited to anyone at fit intermediate or experienced riding level - don’t underestimate the fitness needed, so make sure you are properly riding fit, and it’ll just mean you have the best time possible

When should you go? 

Between April and November for the drier, cooler months in Namibia. 

But ultimately it depends on your preference of ride. If you want to prioritise animal viewings, you may opt for a different ride compared to if you favour a diversity of terrains. 

What can this be combined with? 

Head onto Etosha for some time on safari (our pick would be Ongava or Onguma), or up to discover the otherworldly Skeleton Coast and Hoanib regions. Or, fly off to the Indian Ocean for some downtime on the beach.

How can you make it happen? 

That’s the easy part - contact the Bonamy team to help you saddle up with the right ride for you, and prepare for the wild beauty of Namibia to take your breath away.