DAY 1

Meet your host at our International airport and transfer to Windhoek for a quick tour of its sights & sounds before settling into a comfortable B&B.

DAY 2

Transfer of about 8 hours including a picnic along the way. Arrive late afternoon at Holoog farmstead at the northern point of Gondwana Park. Be introduced to fellow-riders, hosts, guides and local crew. Dinner around the campfire under the African sky.

DAY 3

This is already part of the route to the Orange River, but still resembles a “trial ride” where you meet the horses and adapt to riding style and the terrain we will explore.  Leisurely ride from Holoog along the Gaap River to Augurabis, a nearly forgotten farmstead, well hidden in lush vegetation, near a natural fountain.  It is an approximate 20km ride with the afternoon free for relaxation, hiking, photographs, etc. At this point your luggage needs to be re-arranged, to take just a small bag for two days, since tracks are non-existent or poor and only tough 4x4’s can transport as little as possible, but as much as needed.  Mechanical back-up will only be used for the pioneer rides; employment of pack animals is envisaged and in progress for future trails.

DAY 4

Ride from Augurabis to Koelkrans (“cool cliffs”). This is serious riding over variable terrain, to meet the canyon with a stunning view, stop at the view point and descend into the canyon. Camp at a large natural pool surrounded by steep cliffs. Go for a much appreciated swim in an otherwise extremely dry area. You could see Mountain Zebra, Oryx, Klipspringer and Dassies (rock Hyrax), as well as birds of prey and owls, on the way.

Day 5

From Koelkrans past Sandy Beach to Flamingo Bay – names as extraordinary as their setting. Yes, we might see a flamingo in the desert. The ride will follow a section of the Fish River Canyon where few people have set foot before. Who knows what is waiting for us. Whether we ride in the canyon or on Zebra tracks around the edge will depend on the water level in the river.

DAY 6

Flamingo Bay along the Gaap River to Augurabis. Following the Fish River Canyon further down to the mouth of the Gaap River, another stunning viewpoint. Continue up along the Gaap with its own interesting and winding passage. Past ruins of a homestead where one cannot believe any human being could have lived, and on into an unexpected dense riverine forest, back to Augurabis, to be re-united with all your luggage.

Augurabis to Dassiepos. Serpentine away from the canyon through bizarre weathered rocks to the southeast where the basalt ridges end on a vast open plain, to enjoy some fast cantering and larger numbers of game like Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Ostrich and herds of Oryx. As we ride in a fenceless environment, riding is not limited to a specific route. We camp at a waterhole on wide open terrain with a great panorama.  All luggage available and back to the usual camp facilities and routine.

Dassiepos to Mountain Camp. Ride through endless savannah into an area strewn with granite boulders and charismatic quiver trees, to arrive for lunch at Mountain Camp. The afternoon will include a drive to the main view point of the Fish River Canyon, where the normal tourists go hiking and sight seeing.  You will be amazed to see where our group has been with their horses. Enjoy some luxury and a very special evening at Mountain Camp - goodbye dinner (for you who have done Namibia´s Southern Canyon Trail) and welcome (for those who have just arrived) - happy chats around the campfire under the African sky.

DAY 9

After breakfast drive back to Windhoek. Arrival early afternoon to settle into a 3-star Hotel to freshen up, relax and gradually be re-introduced to civilization before dinner.

DAY 10

Subject to flight departure time, you may have all morning to browse the central business district of Windhoek with its coffee shops and street markets. Transfer to the airport to arrive in time for your  departure flight.