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NAMIBIA : HORSEBACK SAFARI IN A PRIVATE GAME RESERVE...

More photos? Please consult our photo album !

120 € discount for all bookings on the period July 5 to 31, 2010 !

ITINERARY

Our trails are designed to provide you with as much variation and choice as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you ride in some of the most spectacular landscape this planet has to offer and come into very close contact with the game. The riding is fairly intensive and our guests are welcome to take either a morning, afternoon or day off "out of the saddle" to enjoy the other activities or just recuperate walking or by the pool. Even though our reserve is a large one, we normally spot most of the game within the 7 days on horseback. However, just being an integral part of this fascinating environment is an incredible experience in itself.

Less than two centuries ago the first pioneers discovered this paradise and since then very little has changed. Whether you watch the sun going down on the wild hartebeest grazing on the lush grass metres from your dinner table or ride amongst a herd of giraffe or just watch the rhino from a safe distance, we promise you an unforgettable holiday.
The programme below is given for information only, the organisation of the rides can vary according to the weather and the unforeseeable character of Africa!

Day 1
We meet you at Windhoek airport and transport you to the Ranch (75 minutes by car). Once you're unpacked and refreshed (possibly with a fine lunch depending on your arrival time) it's time to meet the horses and the rest of our staff.
This is followed by a short ride to allow your horse to get to know you and, perhaps, you to get to know your horse! After the ride, over a refreshing drink, we explain the itinerary for the week and and give you a briefing on 'living and survival' in the African bush.
Accommodation : Park room or Stable room
Meals : A-la-carte dinner at the lodge restaurant. Optionnal lunch depending on your flight arrival.

Day 2

After breakfast we will leave on a ride over the savannah tracking game: sable, oryx, springbok, black and blue wildebeest, giraffe, white rhino and so much more. After approximately 4 hours in the saddle we will return to the lodge to enjoy a good lunch. The afternoon is at your disposal to hike, swim or just relax at the pool.

Day 3

Today we’ll leave slightly later than the other days. The ride will be split into a morning and an afternoon ride with a picnic and a “siesta” in the bush during the hottest hours of the day (minimum 2 persons). We will stop at a shadow rich place close to a waterhole in the hope of seeing some animals enjoying the water. After the siesta we will saddle up the horses and slowly ride back to the lodge. Quickly to the bar for that well deserved drink!

Day 4

After breakfast we saddle up and will be on the lookout for hartebeest, blesbok, giraffe, wildebeest, sable and much much more. Lunch will be served at the lodge. At the end of the afternoon you will be picked up for a visit to the lions. Dinner will be served whenever you are ready.

Day 5

Today we will be on the look-out for zebra and ostrich. This area is famous for its long sandy tracks, which invites us for long, long canters maybe accompanied by a herd of zebra or oryx. We will return to the lodge for a latish lunch. The afternoon is at your disposal.

Day 6

A long and tough day for both Horse and rider. We will ride into the mountains. There is a possibility that we will encounter lesser wildlife, but the ride and scenery are spectacular and absolutely worthwhile. Once arrived at the top, the table will be laid and ice cold drinks ready (minimum 2 person). Also today we will have a siesta during the hottest hours of the day while we enjoy a fantastic scenery still trying to spot oryx, mountain zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Binoculars!

After our relaxing lunch we saddle up and start riding towards home through Leopard Valley . After looking after our horses we will close the day with a pre-dinner drink to exchange our experiences. Afterwards a shower, a good dinner and lights out!

Day 7

Today will be an easy day for both horse and rider. We’ve all had a tough day yesterday. It will be Kudu Dam today on the lookout for the majestic kudu. Lunch will be served at the lodge. At the end of the afternoon you will be expected at the stables. Not for a ride, but for a drive. We will take you to a beautiful spot where we can enjoy the sunset with a drink and a bite and the sound of the jackal in the back ground. Before darkness sets, back to the lodge for dinner and let’s keep fingers crossed that in the headlights we will see springhare and if we’re lucky leopard.

Day 8 

Depending on your departure time from the ranch (after 13.00 hrs) there’s a possibility to make a morning ride. Afterwards it is time to say goodbye to the horses and the rest of the family. Your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport. We hope that you have had a wonderful holiday. Lunch not included.

This program is just an example and it is all weather, and arrival departures dependable.

Other activities

There are a variety of other activities for riding and non-riding guests (to be paid directly).

Game drives take place most mornings and afternoons and are a popular feature of Okapuka with many visitors coming solely for the game drives. You may have to share the game drive vehicle with day visitors or other residents at the lodge. The game drives are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the bush as well as to photograph some of the game you will have seen from horseback.

The ranch has lion in a large fenced enclosure (35 hectares). It is exhilarating to visit the lions at feeding time.
You may choose to see the ranch and the mountains by helicopter. The owner of the ranch has a four-seater helicopter and takes clients for approx. 20 minutes rides. Helicopter rides are an additional cost payable locally.

There is also a 4x4 trail (only for experienced drivers having hired their own car), hiking trails, excursions to the Okahandja wood carving market or to the capital city Windhoek.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

DISCOVER NAMIBIA AFTER YOUR RIDING SAFARI

Take advantage of your stay in Namibia to visit the country : the Kalahari desert, the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei... We can organize all the logistic: hired car, hotels or lodges reservation on a half board or breakfast basis, etc. We suggest you below 2 different samples of itinerary. For any other quotation, please contact us.

SOSSUSVLEI 3 nights

Included :
- rental car (Toyota Corolla type) based on 2 people sharing with super cover insurance,
- 3 nights in double room basis with breakfast,
- all necessary travel documents.

To add :
- fuel,
- meals not included (lunches and dinners),
- tips and personal expenses,
- eventual upgrade in accommodation or rental car (4x4) if required,
- insurance.

Departure all year long on request. Consult rates below.

GREAT TOUR 6 nights

A great summary of Namibia : Etosha National Park (2 nights), Damaraland (1 night), Twyfelfontein (1 night), Swakopmund (2 nights), Starting point to Walvis Bay or a flight over the Sossusvlei dunes. Your rental car will be delivered directly to our ranch and you'll give the car back to the airport before departure. Consult us for the detailled program.

Included :
- rental car (Toyota Corolla type) based on 2 people sharing with super cover insurance,
- 6 nights in double room basis with breakfast, and dinner on day 3,
- all necessary travel documents.

To add :
- fuel,
- meals not included (lunches and dinners except dinner on day 3),
- tips and personal expenses,
- eventual upgrade in accommodation or rental car (4x4) if required,
- insurance.

Departure all year long on request. Consult rates below.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses Our horses are our greatest and most important assets. In order to ensure a safe yet exciting ride we have chosen Arabian blood. Tough and willing, these horses have remarkable stamina and are very rarely sick, sorry or unsound. We've specifically chosen them for their even temperaments and have trained them in all aspects of trail riding. Feeding and grooming is in principle taken care of by the stable boys. However, you are recommended to groom and tack up your own horse every morning. This creates a bond between rider and horse that both parties will rely on during the day's adventures.

Tack
The saddle style is an endurance type. They are hand-made African Stock, renowned for giving the best support, safety and comfort for both horse and rider during long trails through challenging terrain.

Required riding experience
You should be an experienced rider confident at all gaits. While much of the trail riding is done at a walk or trot, it is essential that you can cope with higher speeds. Some of the trails are in the mountains and can be narrow and steep.
Riders should be physically fit. Even though we make frequent stops the terrain can be challenging and the tempo high.

The guide is responsible for your safety, therefore he can ask you not to ride if your riding level is not sufficient for this ride.
When riding you are advised to wear a hard riding hat, preferably lightweight with good ventilation.

Age-weight
Non-accompanied children must be over 16 years of age. However, there is no age limit for our non-riding visitors.
There is a rider weight limit of 90 kilos. Riding guests weighing more, the registration is subject to acceptance, will be subject to a supplement, because we will alocate to you two horses that you will alternately ride .

The progress of a day on horseback
You will spend about 4h30 on horseback a day. Namibia is at its best first thing in the morning. It is at this time that most wildlife can be seen. During the summer period (November - January) riding is most comfortable from 5.30 to 10.00 a.m. and then from 4.00 to 7.30 p.m. This is the best time for visitors to combine a few hours of riding with (longish) periods relaxing by the pool or undertaking some of the other activities. During the winter, autumn and spring we ride virtually all day with a (picnic) lunch during the midday hours (12.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.) when it is too warm to ride. Choosing which time of year to make your visit depends on whether you wish to relax and ride a little or to ride and relax a little!The Sambulenni Trail has you riding in the early morning either before or afterbreakfast (depending on season and climate) for 2 to 3 hours. Then it's back to the Ranch for breakfast or lunch, a swim and a siesta. Some days we have a lunch break and picnic in the bush.
In the afternoon we spend between 2 to 3 hours in the saddle ending with sundowners (evening drinks) back at the lodge. In the evening the restaurant's extensive menu and wine list are at your disposal. The ride may be adjusted due to changes in temperature or other reasons.Riders requirementsYou should be a competent rider capable of riding at walk, trot and canter. Some of the trails in the mountains can be narrow and steep. When game viewing or when riding through thorn, you ride mainly at a walk. There are also long sandy tracks and dried riverbeds which are perfect for long trots and canters.

YOUR GUIDES

The trail rides are supervised by experienced local guides. We limit the groups to 6 people in order to be able to ensure an optimal and a safe discovery of the African wildlife. The ride may be adjusted due to changes in temperature or other reasons.

ACCOMMODATION

Park room
We will accommodate you in extremely comfortable thatched bungalows with full-equipped en suite bathrooms. The bungalows provide wonderful views of the Otjihavera river(bed) or the golden veld.
The Park Restaurant is a few minutes walk from the bungalows. The facilities include two swimming pools, a hard court tennis court and sauna.

Stable room
At a lower budget, we can suggest you confortable accomodation with private bathroom less typical as the Park rooms.

Meals
Except for long days trails where we will have picnic lunches, all meals will be served at the Park Restaurant. Our restaurant is known as one of the best in Namibia and has an extensive à la carte menu which combines fresh, local produce with African and European cuisine. The chef is specialised in "game dishes" you will have the opportunitiy to discover. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice.
For breakfast, you will find a choice of fresh fruits, juices, dairy products, coffee, tea, toast, bacon, eggs...

DATES AND RATES

- Extra night + horseback riding : 280 € in Park room, 260 € in Stable room
- Single room supplement : + 460 € in Park room, + 400 € in Stable room

(applies if you travel alone and we do not find another rider to share your room)

- Triple room total discount : -150 €

- Private guide (per guide, per week) : 840 € for 1 or 2 riders, 690 € for 3 riders, 550 € for 4 riders.

At some departure dates, our guide will not be able to welcome you at ranch because she practices endurance rides. The rides are open to guests.

- February 06 (max 100km FEI*)
- March 06 (max 100km)
- May 08 ( maxi 100km)

- June 12 (maxi 80km )
- July 03 (maxi 80km FEI*1 & 120km FEI**)
- September 25 (maxi 100km)

Contact us if you're interested in joining our guide on one of the endurance ride and ride one of her excellent horses.

- the trail ride and a guide's services,
- the 7 nights accommodation in Park room or Stable room based on 2 people sharing,
- meals as described in program,
- access to tennis courts, swimming pools and saunas,
- 2 lions feeding,
- transfers from and toward Windhoek,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

- flights to Windhoek, please contact us to check the best available rate from your departure country,
- the organisation of a possible tour through the region before or after the trail ride,
- drinks,
- lunches day 2 and 8 (if necessary, depending on your flight schedule),
- the game drives, helicopter rides and 4x4 trails you may book and pay directly,
- any other service,
- tips,
- insurrance : multiple-risk (cancellation, luggage, repatriation) : More information.

OPTIONS

What is included, what's not?

What is included, what's not?

Please contact us for any other quotation.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please, for any enquiry, contact Dorothee, the specialist for this destination !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

Most of Namibia enjoys a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year, but generally, the winter climate is the most pleasant. Namibia has a dry climate. Most days are pleasantly warm (the average temperature is between 20 to 34 C), while the nights are generally cool (in winter temperatures can fall to 0 C.)
There are two relatively short rainy seasons, the shorter occurs between October and December, while the main stormy period occurs between January and April. The storms are brief and spectacular. Forked lightening illuminates the dark thunderclouds while the rain refreshes the air and soaks down the dust.
The lodge enjoys low humidity and gentle breezes, which make for a pleasant and comfortable climate in which to ride. The area averages between 200 to 400 mm of rain per year, all of which falls in the summer.

The climate is ideal for riding which is exceptional in Africa.

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.