Namibia. Blazing sunsets, vast open plains, immense sand dunes, big-hearted people and, of course, iconic wildlife.
The traditional idea of an ‘African safari’ involves being shepherded across the bush in a 4x4 vehicle, marveling at the native animals from behind metal and glass. Nothing wrong with that.
If, however, you prefer your adventures to be a bit more active and hands-on, then mountain biking holiday experts H&I Adventures have just the vacation for you.
Their new 12-day guided mountain biking safari in Namibia takes you from the capital Windhoek to the immense sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the fossilised trees of Deadvlie, through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, and finally to Etosha National Park.
This isn’t safari at arm’s length: from the saddle of your mountain bike you’ll have the freedom to connect directly with the landscapes, wildlife, and local communities you’ll meet along the way. Giraffe, zebra, oryx, kudu...these majestic animals roam freely across Namibia, punctuating your journey with incredible memories. No matter how much wildlife you see during your vacation you’ll never forget your first sighting of a wild animal in its natural habitat!
No adventure in Namibia would be complete without a visit to Etosha National Park and the chance to experience and learn first-hand about this world-renowned conservation effort; just one of many successful programs in Namibia.
In addition to all this, what makes this mountain bike safari in Africa unique is the opportunity to cycle from the Skeleton Coast, in the shadow of the Brandberg mountains, to the Huab River, home to desert elephants, lions and black rhino.
Your accommodation will range from sleeping under the stars on luxury campsites to farmstays, guest houses, small hotels, and even a former movie set! You’ll enjoy an array of local dishes including fresh seafood from the coast and kudu cooked traditionally over the camp fire.
Euan Wilson, H&I Adventures director, explains the rationale for launching this new tour in Namibia, “A safari in Africa is one of those really aspirational vacations, but if you’re an active person like me, the thought of being a ‘passenger’ to the adventure in the confines of a jeep for 12 days doesn’t really appeal.
“We use local mountain bike guides, support drivers and fixers to enable us to have a much more intimate, yet safe, experience of this magnificent country, its wildlife and its people.”
Euan continues, “The nature of the terrain in Namibia means that this adventure can be enjoyed by anyone who is fit and active, whether they are an enthusiastic mountain biker or not. It may even be the perfect vacation to convince a partner or friend to share your passion for mountain biking!”
The first of these new mountain biking safaris in Namibia runs from September 23rd to October 4th, and places are limited to eight per tour. Prices from $3,910 per person and for all the details visit www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/bike-tours/namibia, or contact H&I Adventures directly on [email protected]
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