The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world and by far the driest. However, in the north-central region a few veins of life enter the empty expanse in the form of several very large rivers, flowing from the highlands to the coast. For thousands of years they have been the lifeblood of man and beast alike.

Join Dryland Ride on a 10-day guided mountain bike tour of unequalled beauty and wonder, in search of the region’s elusive desert elephant, rhino and antelope. Starting in the desolate Damaraland section of the Namib, we follow their trails along the mighty river courses, Bushman hunting paths and roads worn by our forefathers who braved this harsh environment.

We will be spending some nights in lodge accommodation, while on others the Dryland Ride logistics team will erect comfortable tented camps. Here we supply the bedding, stretchers, mattresses, chairs and tables for you to experience the total peace of camping under the African sky.

Dryland Ride is a joint venture initiative that offers uniquely blended adventures consisting of MTB stage racing and 4×4 touring. It teams the talents of Dryland Events, SA’s leading MTB and cross-country running stage race organiser, with those of Bhejane 4X4 Adventures, an organisation that guides families on unforgettable self-drive 4X4 experiences in southern Africa.

Between them, they have over 30 years’ experience in logistical support and planning to give you and your families the ride of a lifetime.

Due to the challenging environment, the Dryland Ride transfer & logistics team will be on hand 24/7 to feed you, supply you with reliable water points and interesting en route information, and move you, your bicycle and your loved ones whenever you don’t wish to pedal, no matter how short the distance.

Day 1: We spend the night at a guest house in Windhoek. For guests flying in, we will transfer you from the airport, and for those of you driving, there will be safe parking to leave your vehicle in until the end of the tour.

Day 2: We do a transfer to the granite outcrops of Spitzkoppe and ride the single track in the area, camping at a unique campsite in the shadow of the mountain.

Day 3: Today we head north. A combination of transfers, single track and good gravel roads gets us to our lodge accommodation at the base of the Brandberg Mountain, a prehistoric volcano. We are now truly in Damaraland. The lodge is often visited by desert elephants.

Day 4: The next day we pedal around the Brandberg area, among the prehistoric Welwitschia plants, and get the opportunity to visit the famous ‘White Lady’ Bushman painting. We spend the night at the same lodge.

Day 5: Our destination for the day is the Twyfelfontein (Fountain of Doubt) area. We are now between two of the big river systems and, although the environment is very severe, the scenery makes up for it. The routes for the day are mainly on good quality gravel roads. We reach our campsite in the late afternoon. As usual, the Dryland Ride chefs will have prepared a feast.

Day 6: Today we visit a number of local attractions, cycling to some and transferring to others. There is the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, the Burnt Mountain, the Organ Pipes and the Petrified Forest. We return to the same camp of the day before in the late afternoon.

Day 7:  We pack up camp and head further north into the Toro Conservancy area, one of the greatest conservation success stories in Namibia. Due to income from tourism, local farmers live in harmony with the desert wildlife. Our riding destination for the day is the famous Palmwag outpost, where we will be camping for two nights.

Day 8: Today is game viewing day. We do a short cycle but spend some time on safari game viewing vehicles, with trackers, in search of the elusive desert black rhino.

Day 9: We transfer from Palmwag into the Skeleton Coast National Park and you get to pedal on famous Namibian salt roads all the way along the coast. We visit shipwrecks, old mining towns and the Cape Cross seal colony, and transfer to the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund for our last night together, this time in cosier formal accommodation.

Day 10: After a hearty breakfast we transfer everyone back to their vehicles or the airport for their flights back home. It’s been a fabulous and deserving getaway, and we hope to see you on this or one of our other trips in due course.

Tour Dates:

6 – 15 May 2016

PLEASE NOTE: a valid passport is required for entry into these countries. If you are not in possession of a valid passport, application for this can be done at your department of home affairs at least six weeks in advance. Please also note that South African travel regulations for minors have changed and you have to obtain specific travel documentation available from the Office of Home Affairs.