Price: N$ 54,500.00 per rider (Namibian Dollars)
USD 2850.00 per rider
Euro 2660.00 per rider
Tour Dates
7 – 13 April 2024
20 – 26 October 2024
16 – 22 February 2025
19 – 25 October 2025
Walvis Bay Salt Flats
We ride through the Walvis Bay Salt Flats, one of the most significant and visually striking industrial landscapes in Africa, renowned for their large-scale production of high-quality salt.
These flats cover thousands of hectares and leverage the natural process of solar evaporation to extract salt from the sea water. The process creates a vibrant mosaic of crystalline salt pans that shimmer in the African sun, ranging in hues from bright whites to deep pinks, particularly striking against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Topnaar Tribe
The Topnaar tribe, also known as the !Nara people, is a subgroup of the Khoikhoi indigenous peoples residing primarily along the central Namibian coast, particularly in the areas near Walvis Bay and along the Kuiseb River in the Namib Desert. They are known for their deep connection to the land and its resources, especially the !Nara plant, a desert melon that is not only a food source but also carries significant cultural and economic value; its seeds are used in traditional dishes, and the fruit is harvested both for personal consumption and for sale.
Kuiseb Delta
We’ll ride into the Kuiseb Delta dunes, south of Walvis Bay, this is a unique and ecologically significant area where the Kuiseb River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This delta only flows with water during rare floods, which occur approximately once every 5-10 years. When floods do occur, the water spreads out over the desert sands creating a network of channels and forming a temporary lush, green oasis amidst the barren desert landscape.
The area is characterized by its rare linear oases formed along the riverbanks, supporting communities of reeds, tamarisks, and other vegetation, which in turn sustain a variety of wildlife, such as oryx, springbok, and a diverse array of birdlife.
Giant Dunes of the Namib
You will have the opportunity to ride on many different types of sand dunes and various types of sand. Each gives a different feel to the bikes, and require a subtle change in methods of riding. Dirkie can give you some top tips for handling your bike in all these varied scenarios. You’ll be in the hands of a master, who carries out training sessions for the Dakar riders.
Zeila Shipwreck
We’ll stop for a visit to look at the Zeila wreck, the remains of a fishing trawler that ran aground off the coast near Henties Bay. The incident occurred on August 25, 2008, when the vessel, named Zeila, became stranded after it was sold for scrap and was being towed to India for dismantling. Unfortunately, the towline snapped during the journey, and the Zeila drifted until it hit the rocky seabed along the Skeleton Coast.
The crew was rescued without casualties, but the ship itself became a permanent fixture on the coastline. Over time, the Zeila wreck has become a point of interest for tourists and photographers, (and off-road tourers!).
Moon Valley
The Moon Landscape near Swakopmund is a striking natural formation that resembles the surface of the moon. This barren and undulating terrain is part of the Namib Desert and is characterized by its stark, otherworldly appearance, with sharp ridges, deep valleys, and a palette of beige and gray colors.
Located approximately 30 kilometers east of the coastal town of Swakopmund, the Moon Landscape is the result of millions of years of erosion. The erosive forces of the Swakop River, which occasionally flows through this arid region during periods of heavy rainfall, have sculpted the soft, bentonite clay into the dramatic formations seen today.
Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is a famous group of bald granite peaks often referred to as the “Matterhorn of Namibia,” it rises dramatically above the flat surrounding plains.
The highest peak reaches nearly 1,784 meters (5,853 ft) above sea level. The granite is more than 120 million years old and has been smoothed and shaped by erosion over the eons. This has resulted in many striking rock formations and cliffs.
Spitzkoppe is considered a sacred site by the San people and contains a rich collection of ancient Bushmen paintings and carvings. The mountain is now part of a private nature reserve to help preserve the area.
Damara Tribesmen Selling Hand Dug Gemstones
The Damara people are an ethnic group native to Namibia. Some members of their community are known for hand-digging for gemstones as a traditional livelihood and craft. The Damara have dug for stones in the granite deposits and alluvial fields near their homeland for centuries. They dig and sift through sand, gravel, and rock using hand tools to uncover semi-precious stones like tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz, and amethyst. This is extremely labor-intensive work, done manually under the hot desert sun. The diggers develop skills identifying different mineral compounds and stones. When gem-bearing rocks are found, they are carefully extracted and the gems are freed by cleaving or flaking the stones.
The Damara sell or trade the rough gemstones they unearth. These are then sold commercially, cut into jewelry, or set into other ornamental pieces. You’ll have a rare opportunity to haggle for some of these stones.
Riding the Base of Namibia’s Highest Mountain
With its peak rising to 2,573 m (8,442 ft), Brandberg Mountain is the highest point in Namibia. This harsh, rocky landscape provides the perfect challenging terrain for off-road motorcycling. Numerous trails wind through the desert sands, gravel plains, and rocky hills and mountains around Brandberg. Riders can traverse over boulders, through dry riverbeds, up steep inclines, and around cliff edges along these off-road trails. The Damara Mopane Forest to the north also offers winding trails through scrubland and past giant, ancient trees.
With its mix of sandy desert, rocky climbs, and technical sections, Brandberg Mountain provides an adventurous playground for experienced off-road motorcycle riders looking to take on a challenging landscape.
Visit Himba Tribe Market
The Himba are an indigenous ethnic group who have maintained their unique customs and traditions, including their striking traditional dress.
Market stalls run by the Himba provide an opportunity for you to interact with members of the tribe and gain insight into their culture. The Himba women are recognizable by their otjize paste hairstyles, intricate jewelry, and red ochre skin coverings.
You will be able to purchase original Himba handicrafts directly from the creators, and experience the bartering process. With permission, photos may be taken.
Proper etiquette should be followed to respect Himba culture and hospitality.
Bushman Village
The San people, also known as Bushmen, are indigenous hunter-gatherer tribes living across several countries in southern Africa, including here in Namibia. Many San tribes continue practicing traditional ways of life. We visit a Bushman village, providing an opportunity to learn about and experience San culture first-hand.
You will see the simple huts the Bushmen live in, made of natural materials like straw and sticks. Villagers demonstrate and share aspects of their daily life and customs. Handicrafts and other goods are also available to purchase directly from the Bushman creators. Proper etiquette must be followed, such as requesting permission before taking photos. Visiting a Bushman village provides income and helps keep San heritage alive by sharing it with visitors.
You’d better not get too carried away with all these shopping opportunities though!
Game Drive
Omaruru Game Lodge is located about 50km from the town of Omaruru. The lodge sits on a private game reserve spanning 33,000 acres of pristine African wilderness. Game drives depart early in the morning or late afternoon in open-topped 4×4 vehicles with expert guides. Drives last 2-3 hours and explore the varied terrain of the reserve, including grassy plains, granite outcrops, dry riverbeds, and camelthorn forests.
The vehicles allow close-up viewing opportunities while ensuring safety. Drives often end with a sundowner stop, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while watching a magnificent African sunset. Back at the lodge, you’ll be able relax around a fire under the starry night sky.
With its diversity of wildlife and landscapes, your game drive at Omaruru Game Lodge will surely be an unforgettable adventure.
Luxury camping
You’ll experience our luxury camp setup. We have warm showers, and plumbed in toilets in our mobile wagon. We’ll cook a typical Namibian braai on the open fire in the open under a vast sky. All served on civilised tables and chairs all bought along especially for the occasion. Each rider will have his own tent with mattress and appropriate bedding. All this may lead you to wonder why we didn’t camp every night!
