The best way to see Namibia, of course.
Namibia Horse Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 1991)
- Member Of:
- NTB & TASA
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury horseback tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $290 to $632 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great horses, fantastic riding, jaw-droppingly beautiful country and lots of campfire laughter
This was the Damara ride and was my second horseback safari with NHSC (I've already booked a third because I've been so impressed with the whole set up).
Transfers from the airport at Windhoek to the first night's accomodation at Desert Crossing Lodge were quick and efficient, and the lodge itself is lovely. At dinner you meet your fellow riders and the main guide Andrew Gillies talks horses and matches riders with mounts. Safety is quite rightly stressed but it's done in a sensible way.
The following morning there's a long drive to the first campsite and to meet the horses. You can have a tent but I preferred to sleep under the stars - the cot and swag (duvet and pillow in canvas) are warm and comfortable and I never felt at risk in any way. The horses are fit and fun and extremely well cared for. Their well-being is an absolute priority - not always the case with some riding companies.
The riding on this trip ranged from tracking elephants through the bush at the walk to fast gallops on good ground. It's absolutely not for beginners, the faint-hearted or those who want luxury. Days in the saddle can be long and challenging but are always enjoyable and Andrew regularly passes on his wide knowledge of the land, it's history and wildlife.
The food prepared over a campfire is impressive and the sundowners slip down rather too easily! Because these rides tend to attract similar people who're up for the challenge, friendships can form quickly and generally people get on well.
The final day sees everyone ride to the coast, say goodbye to the horses and overnight in Cape Cross.
Namibia Horse Safari staff are without exception helpful, friendly and fun. There's a high percentage of return guests which probably speaks for itself!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
All horse loving riders should experience a trip with the Namibia Horse Safari Company
Right from the very start of booking this riding safari it was a truly easy and well organized experience. The fun started when we were met at the Airport and continued every minute of the 10 days until we very sadly hugged goodbye to our wonderful horses, said a huge thank you to all the fabulous staff running the operation for an epic riding experience, and then headed home with lovely memories. ! The whole trip was very well coordinated, the horses were fit and willing, the food and drink excellent and plentiful and the scenery second to none. The camp beds were comfy and warm and a tent was provided if you preferred not to sleep under the stars. I would highly recommend this holiday and can honestly say it was the best experience I have ever had on horseback. Going again this year on the Fish River Canyon Ride - can't wait !
Safe, well organised, adventurous with a very comfortable set-up run by professional & jovial people
On all of the above accounts it was the best safari I have been on. We covered a good distance over fascinating terrain & were taught a great deal from a mixture of knowledgable people on our environment & the horses we rode. Two of the guides were Zoologists & the chef was a professional who would continue to amaze us with his culinary delights !
Everyone was well cared for & we had such a lot of fun.
As a result I have already done another of their rides & fully intend to go on all the others they have to offer .
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Riding adventure in the dessert.
This is a trip for people who love horse riding, who love being away from it all, camping out in the dessert, food cooked on a campfire and a very friendly atmosphere.
You have to fill out a questionnaire about your riding ability and the kind of horse you like. Then Thelani and Andrew ( owners and guides) try to match you with the perfect horse. They got it right for me. The horse was forward going, easy to handle and fine for a six hour riding day.
They provide a packing list for the trip. Questions are answered very well and communication about plane arrival and collecting time is good.
The staff is very helpful with setting up the beds for the night. They help tacking up the horses and try to fulfil your every wish. After a long day in the saddle snacks and drinks are provided. The bush shower has it's own changing room and then we look for a spot for a sun downer, usually accompanied by an alcoholic beverage. The camp food gives you a vegatarian option, or flame roasted spingbok stake.
Game during the day is not very abundant on these trips because the land we ride through is very dry. There are soms zebra, giraffes and different kinds of antilope. It is more about the landscape then the animals. And sitting on your horse you can feel the sun, smell the air and enjoy it all.
The riding is great. No need to ride in a line. Often there is room enough to spread out and take the occasional gallop. There are rides to suit everybody's ability. And repeat customers can see a different part of the country in the different rides.
DE
Email Jasmin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Greatest horse adventure ever
This company run by a team of passionate and professional people who love and know their horses and the desert terrain will make sure you'll have the greatest horse adventure ever! Everything about it is five star. The route through the desert, the horses, the food, the company in the evenings and the changing beautiful campsites. The scenery is stunning and if you come for the wild and free experience of galloping with your horse over the plains amongst zebras and springbok you might well get exactly that! The organization is absolutely professional and everyone in the crew is willing to go out of their way to make your experience a great one.
Email Margot Grobler | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organised, awesome landscapes, excellent guides, good chef, keen helpers and spirited beautiful
The Fishriver Canyon Ride in April was my third Namibia Horse Safari. The communications and organisation always amazes me as it must be a logistical nightmare to get everything to run smoothly because of the remoteness of the rides in the most spectacular parts of Namibia. The Fishriver ride was exciting and exillirating because of the terrain which varied from rock climbing and leading the horses to easy canters on the Velvet Plains... The horses are well cared for and were once again in very good condition, they are gutsy with big hearts! Throw in the knowledge and skills of the guides Telane and Andrew, the trip exceeded my expectations. Always a life changing experience and becoming quite addictive!! Big thanks to everyone involved.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great adventure, great escape, a desert dream that doesn't fade.
This was my third desert ride so I am truly hooked on the Namibia Horse Safaris. Desert dunes rocks ravines rivers and velvet plains, starscapes, fireside stories - horses with the biggest hearts, rose quartz and brown hyenas, places of wonder and imagination. Telane and Andrew top guides, horse people and great hosts. Gourmet meals courtesy of Lesley who kept his sense of humour even when i allowed my horse to roll next to the chuck wagon as he prepared lunch. Altogether a slick team that managed to make a lot of logistical work seem effortless. Just can't stop replaying desert days in my mind.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A ride with wonderful horses, scenery, people and expectations that are fulfilled!
The guides(Andrew Gillies and Telane Greyling) are of the best !The horses are great - happy, sure footed, eager ! The food tasty! The back up staff always friendly and helpful!The riders are always interesting folk.The stretchers and bedrolls very comfortable , all the riders seem to love sleeping out under the stars!! The scenery spectacular, every day a visual suprise!The last day really is a good ending! The challenges while riding added to the adventure!And the footing on the last two days makes for the most wonderful fast canters, or gallops (you choose and your horse will oblige) .I have done this ride twice and it was my seventh ride with Namibia Horse safari!
CH
Email Simone Fähndrich | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namib Desert Trail 2015
The Namib Desert Trail was so beautiful that I have to think of it over and over again: The incredible landscape, the nights under the stars and under the full moon, wrapped in a cozy eiderdown, the nice food, the long riding days, the great horses with their different personalities, the intense experience of nature - all this makes me already think of a follow-up... The trail is run by a very professional and motivated team, which took exemplary care of the guests and the horses. But the horses were the real heroes: Motivated and almost tirelessly they carried us through the desert. Particular highlights are also their gentleness, affability and balance. The Namib Desert Trail will remain an unforgettable experience for me!
This was one of the best, most challenging, and breathtaking trips I have ever taken part in
The Namib Desert ride was the toughest yet most magnificent trip I have ever had the pleasure of taking part in. Namibia is truly stunning; its wildlife, the ever changing landscape. The trip was so well organised and the horses amazing, with stamina to burn. That feeling of galloping across a desert plane, with zebra and Oryx running alongside; not seeing another soul for eight days aside from my fellow riders and the Safari team. Coming back to the UK was hard. I can't wait to find a way to do this again! :o)