FOURTEEN DAYS, 2 750KM

	Arrive at the Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) where you will meet your safari leader.  Our comfortable 4x4 vehicles will transport you to a scenic lodge situated ± 11 kilometres from the airport.  Safari briefing and an induction course on dirt road motorbike riding will follow upon arrival at the lodge.
The Kunene River

You are now ready to get your first taste of African dirt roads and will have plenty of time during the rest of the day to familiarize yourself with the motorbike you will be using during the safari.  Final safari administration and planning will be concluded before dinner is served at the lodge while you enjoy the opportunity to acquaint yourself with your safari hosts and fellow participants.  Lodge accommodation will provide the necessary comfort for a good night’s rest prior to the first day of serious riding.

Early wake up call by your safari leader and a hearty Namibian breakfast at the lodge will set you up for your first stretch of true adventurous dirt road riding.  En route to our destination at Omaruru you will get your first opportunity to experience the splendid beauty of the Namibian landscape. 

A gravel road will take you to Okahandja where you can witness the Omatako Mountains (Herero for buttocks) north of Okahandja.  Self catering chalets at a lodge near Omaruru will provide the ideal setting to unwind from the first day of riding.  A variety of game at the lodge will introduce you to the Namibian wildlife.  Optional game drives can be arranged. 

African Elephants

After the game drive the camp fire will be lit for a traditional Namibian braai. The day will be concluded with a night cap at the waterhole.

A wake up call at the crack of dawn and a scrumptious breakfast at the lodge will prepare you to depart for the Kunene River.  We will be traveling north next to the western border of the Etosha National Park as we enter Owamboland.  You will know witness the traditional Owambo lifestyle in the various villages next to the road.  As we turn west we will enter the rugged Kaokoland which is regarded as one of Namibia’s most scenic regions. 

Ovahimba men

Friendly traditional nomadic Himba livestock farmers will greet with enthusiasm along way.   Snacks will be served at the Ruacana waterfalls which is quite spectacular when in flood.  One possible explanation for the name is “Orua Hakahana” which is the Ovahimba meaning for fast waters. 

From here a challenging and adventurous route along the Kunene River will take us to a lodge on the banks of the Kunene River.  Dinner will be served while you relax around the camp fire.

A day of rest and leisure will be spent on the bank of the Kunene River.  The evening will be spent around the campfire while your hosts will be treating you with their personal favorite outdoor recipes prepared on open fire while you share stories of your motorbike adventure with fellow participants.

Kunene River

After a traditional breakfast prepared on open fire we will set off to the Epupa Falls.  We will be travelling along the Kunene River for a short distance up to Swartbooisdrif form where we will turn south and again north to reach the Epupa falls.   Here you will experience the traditional lifestyle of the Ovahimba people in Kaokoland. 

Himba girl (Image copyright Simon Brown © 2006)

The Epupa Falls is an astonishing sight after traveling through the very harsh Kaokoland.  Here the Kunene River plunges over a 450meter cascade of 45 degrees.  You will see Makalani palms growing along the Kunene River and Baobab trees against the cliffs.  Dinner will be served at the campsite.

A wake up call at the crack of dawn and a scrumptious traditional breakfast prepared on open fire will prepare you to depart for Fort Sesfontein via the frontier town of Opuwo.  Palmwag will provide the ideal opportunity to take a break and enjoy refreshments. Palmwag is at the centre of the area inhabited by the world-renowned desert-dwelling elephant and black rhino, and the possibility of seeing these rare animals is one of the main attractions of the area.

Desert dwelling rhino

The main attraction at Fort Sesfontein is the old German Fort, which was built in 1905 and later restored to the Fort Sesfontein Lodge.  We will camp and have dinner around the campfire.