Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

AMIBIA: HORSEBACK SAFARI AND ENDURANCE RACE, COMBINE PLEASURE AND COMPETITION ON PURE ARAB HORSES...

We invite you to take part in a unique horseback endurance race on sandy tracks of one of the most surprising countries of Africa, Namibia.   This 7 nights program which starts on Mondays, begins with a preparation and training stay in a Game Reserve that covers by itself 16000 hectares, with various and rich landscapes and wildlife.   Discovering Southern Africa Fauna on horseback, galloping among giraffes and antelopes in the search of the famous Kudu is an incredible adventure. You will take even more advantage of this experience knowing that the swimming pool awaits you on your way back to the ranch.   In the end of your stay you will leave with our team over Namibia to participate in an endurance race (from 30 km to 100 km according to your abilities) on one of our extraordinary arab horses. This will be an unforgettable memory...

This formula can perfectly be combined with additional nights in the ranch to fully make the most of the Game Reserve wildlife.

It can be easily shared with a non-rider who would enjoy game drives from the Lodge and will support you during the race!

ITINERARY

We recommend you to arrive the latest the Monday before the endurance race (that takes place on Saturday) as this will give you (plenty of) time to get to know your horse.You will stay in the Lodge, experiencing life in the stud, learning more about arab horses and make it a really fantastic holiday in an incredible game reserve.

Day 1 - Monday

We meet you at Windhoek airport for transfer to the Ranch.

At the farm we will introduce you to your horses and give you a briefing about the environment and the wildlife you will be in contact with during your stay.

Tonight you will stay at the Lodge.

Sundowners and a delicious dinner of local fare await you in the Park Restaurant, while we watch the resident hartebeest, blesbok and warthogs grazing on the lawn in front us. 

It is the beginning of your Namibian Endurance Riding Adventure!
Dinner and night at Lodge.

Day 2 - Tuesday

During the morning we will take the time for you to get to know the horses. A session in the veld will give both you and your horse a chance to understand each other. The rest of the day is spent either being very energetic doing something around the farm, or you can be totally lazy, enjoying the horses in the paddocks while you recline at the pool with a tall glass of icy something. Late afternoon will be spent on a training ride. During the evening we will explain some of the endurance do’s and don’ts and go through the theory of vet checks.

Dinner and night at Lodge.

Day 3 - Wednesday

We will explore a little today, go into the bush to watch the game from horseback. We will return to the lodge for lunch and go for another short training session in the afternoon and practice a vet check.

Dinner and night at Lodge.

Day 4 - Thursday

We will do some more exploring and enjoy the scenery and game from horseback. The lodge awaits us for lunch. In the (late) afternoon the last chance to get more familiar with your endurance horse and maybe practice another vet check.

Dinner and night at Lodge.

Day 5 - Friday

It is time to pack up and begin the “great trek” to the endurance ride. Depending on which ride you have chosen, the trip will take us anything between 1 and 4 hours. The journey might be slow, but you get to see part of the countryside.
We will decide on where to put our grooming area and take the time to exercise the horses. The vet check, entries and weigh-in normally starts during the (late) afternoon. On Friday early evening the pre-ride briefing will be held, where the route and basic rules will be explained.

Day 6 - Saturday

Today is the day! Early rise!

Depending on the expected weather the ride starts around 6am. We will ride together. Even though one of our grooms will be helping us, you will be expected to assist with crewing and getting your horse through the vet check. The horses always come first, and their comfort and well being is our first priority. Depending on the terrain, distance and going at the time our average speed will be about 18 km per hour. The prize giving is during the late afternoon; we will tuck the horse in and make sure that all is well. A drink, a good meal and soft bed is normally the order of the day after a really good ride.

Day 7 - Sunday
Feeling your muscles, hot coffee, check and feed the horses, breakfast, chatting and packing up in no particular order is how the day after the ride seems to go. We should be on the road by 10am. It can be a long drive home.
Dinner and night at Lodge.

Day 8 - Monday

By now we have all gotten to know each other quite well, we have had a busy week and done some hard riding, but alas, it is time to say good-bye. We will take you back to Windhoek Airport or set you on your way to the next part of your Namibian holiday.

This program is just an example and it is all weather, and arrival departures dependable.
Days can be switched but you will discover a different part of the game reserve everyday.

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 the Lodge 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.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

DISCOVER NAMIBIA AFTER YOUR RIDING SAFARI!

Many riders expend their namibian experience after their riding safari.

You can ride a few days more in the game reserve, or go through Namib desert, see the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, visit the Walwis Bay or go on the search for Big Five on Etosha National Park...

There are many possibilities, so we suggest you below two sample of programs

.

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 detailed 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.

Recommended Riding Experience

You should be an experienced rider confident at all gaits.

Horse competitions are regularly made, so you will participate in their training riding about 4H30 with high tempo.

Riders should be physically fit. Even though we make frequent stops the terrain can be challenging.

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 allocate to you two horses that you will alternately ride .

YOUR GUIDES

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.

During the Endurance Race

Friday night and Saturday night you will be accommodated in places situated near the race departure. Double rooms with private bathroom is guaranteed.

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 a la carte menu which combines fresh, local produce with African and European cuisine. The chef is specialised in "game dishes" you will have the opportunity 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

- Single room supplement : + 550 €

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

- Non rider discount : - 1200 €

Flights to Windhoek

Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

- 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,
- 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 (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,
- insurance : 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, contact Anne for any enquiry!

PRACTICAL 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.