Cycle Namibia

Depending on your arrival time at the hotel; there is time today to go into Windhoek and explore the city at your own pace, or you can relax at the lodge. *Arrebusch Lodge or similar*

Leaving Windhoek behind, 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 Namibia’s amazing landscapes as we descend along winding roads past private farms and local wildlife, getting used to the terrain for about 45km while stopping regularly for snacks and pictures. After lunch we transfer up Gemsberg Pass and past the 3rd highest mountain in Namibia, from where we have views stretching 100km. On the way down the pass and past the dry river beds, we should hopefully see troops of baboons as well as Hartmann's mountain zebra before reaching our camp for the evening. *Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills or similar*

Leaving the camp on our bikes we continue along gravel roads up and down rolling hills. We will cycle all the way to a T-junction, where we will start to see the red sand dunes, and then transfer the rest of the way to Solitaire via the Guab Pass.  We aim to get to Solitaire for lunch and will hopefully have the opportunity to try the local apple crumble which has been called the best in the whole southern hemisphere. After lunch, we transfer to Sesriem and then there is an optional bike ride to Elim Dune in the late afternoon (8km). *Sesriem Camp or similar*

Getting up early we drive 40km into the heart of the highest sand dunes in the world before climbing Dune 40 as the sun rays 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 tarmac road which cuts through the towering dunes. Depending on the weather it may also be possible to do a short ride (25km) to Sossusvlei and have a quick walk. After lunch at camp we transfer to Solitaire, arriving in time for an optional stroll or gentle ride before sunset. In the afternoon, we can visit the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre to meet biologists working on a cheetah conservation project (depending on time we may go tomorrow morning). *Solitaire Camp or similar*

Cycling straight from camp we continue on our journey north heading 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. With luck we should see ostrich, springbok, gemsbok and mountain zebras. Once again we end our ride in the shadow of Guab Pass before transferring to Walvis Bay known for its flamingos. From here we continue to Swakopmund driving along with the ocean on the right and the sand dunes on the left. *Prost Hotel or similar*

This morning we are introduced to our modified ‘fat’ bikes and cycle into the vast expanse of sand 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 will take around 3.5 hours and will also include the nearby moon valley landscape as well a section of the coastline if the tide is in our favour. On our return to Swakopmund we will have a free afternoon to enjoy one of the many activities available nearby, such as sandboarding or quad biking. For those feeling like relaxing a little, the Germanic town is famous for its cake and coffee shops. *Prost Hotel or similar*

We leave Swakopmund this morning for Spitzkoppe, an impressive granite structure that rises up from the surrounding gravel planes and that is sometimes known as the Matterhorn of Africa. We will explore the area by bike and 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 bike ride or short hike in the area. *Spitzkoppe Camp or similar*

After a relaxing start to the morning, we transfer to Etosha N.P, one of Southern Africa's best game viewing parks.  Here we go on a late afternoon game drive in search of the various wildlife in the park which includes elephants, rhino and lions. When in camp we have the opportunity to sit by the watering hole which is flood lit at night and enjoy the ‘living theatre’ which unfolds as animals come down to the water to drink. *Okaukuejo Camp or similar*

Today is dedicated to going on safari. We will go on morning and afternoon game drives and will have the opportunity to relax back in camp during the heat of the day when the wildlife hides from the hot Namibian sun. *Okaukuejo Camp or similar*

Heading out of the park we saddle up at the gate and head south for approximately 50km on the tarmac road. After lunch we will arrive at the oldest safari lodge in Namibia, Otjiwa. In the afternoon we can go on an optional ride on the jeep tracks and hopefully see some of the local wildlife. For our last night camping, we will enjoy a delicious braai under the African night sky. *Otjiwa Safari Camp or similar*

This morning we will cycle from camp along the jeep tracks of Otjiwa Lodge for about 3 hours while looking out for wildlife. We 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 in a comfortable room. This afternoon we will also have the opportunity to go for a walk on the Waterberg Plateau. *Waterberg Lodge or similar*

This morning we transfer back to Windhoek where the tour ends.  *Please note: *Clients must not book flights leaving before 3PM.