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Day 1: Travel to Namibia

Scheduled flight overnight with Air Namibia from Frankfurt (Main)/Germany which takes you directly to Windhoek.

Day 2: Windhoek Mountain Lodge - Introduction

Arriving in the early morning at Hosea Kutako International Airport, our tourguide will welcome you. After a one-hour journey you arrive at Windhoek Mountain Lodge. This comfortable lodge, located at the southern foothills of the Auas Mountains, is the starting point for all our Gravel Travel tours in Namibia. After a hearty breakfast, there is space for acclimatising and relaxing at the pool. The Windhoek Mountain Lodge offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain ranges and wide bush savannah. We have a general tour briefing in this afternoon and give introdution to the bikes and GPS devices. Subsequently, we go on an introductory ride (approx. 100 km) where you can familiarise with the road conditions and the technology. Later on you can enjoy a first sundowner at the viewing platform near the lodge before our legendary bushman fondue is served for dinner …

Day 3: Auas Mountains – Kalahari Desert
Auob Country Lodge (1 Night)

After breakfast we meet for a short briefing with some specific hints for this day stage – and off we go: today’s destination is the "Auob Country Lodge". The tour across Namibia commences with a fairly even gravel road in a south eastern direction. Thornbush savanna and barren grazing land are characteristic for the Kalahari outskirts where livestock and especially Karakul sheep are kept. We then come cross the enchanting Auob Valley via Uhlenhorst whereafter we reach our first lodging. A scenic game drive takes us through the amazing red sands of the Kalahari Desert – closing the day with a sundowner and dinner served in the dunes – what more could we want…

Day 4: Kalahari Desert – Gariganus

Our tour continues across the fascinating landscapes of the western Kalahari, past the green Stampriet oasis, where artesian fountains are being used to water vegetable plantations and where the Auob river turns to the east. This is the beginning of an interesting drive across mountains and valleys and over the sandy orange-red dune belt, which due to its dense overgrowth tends to resemble a range of hills. Only when we get close to Koës do we reach the tranquil hills and wide expanses that are so typical of the Keetmanshoop region. The Giant's Playground, a collection of enormous rock chunks, and the quivertree forest with its tree-size aloe-plants on the guestfarm Gariganus will entice you to do some sightseeing. The guest-chalets, where we will be spending the night, are also close by.

Day 5: Gariganus – Orange River

An especially impressive day is ahead. We start for Keetmanshoop (the centre of administration and commerce in the south) that is reached in a hour. The route then becomes very interesting with stunning views to remote mountain ranges and seemingly endless wide areas that we cross towards the south heading for Noordoewer, the border post of Namibia. On our way we pass the mighty Fish River Canyon with its unforgettable panoramic view, one of Namibia's most memorable attractions. Due to its total length of just over 100km and its chasmic winding ravines it counts as the second largest canyon in the world. We travel along the eastern rim of the canyon which is lined with fascinating landscapes. Later the gravel road leads along the green oasis of the broad Orange river stream eventually reaching Felix Unite River Lodge, where we stay in cosy cabanas directly on the river banks in a beautiful atmosphere.

Day 6: Orange River – Aus

Enjoy an early golden glamour of sunrise over one of the only two permanent flowing rivers in Namibia and off we go for a canoe ride on the winding Orange river, an amazing adventure. We then get back to our bikes and follow the river stream again towards west and until we turn northwards into the „Sperrgebiet“-area of remote mining town Rosh Pinah, where we stop for fuel. From there the route keeps northern direction on the commonly used and partly tarred road through remote outskirts of the Namib Desert up to Aus. Close by we finally reach our accommodation "Desert Horse Inn" at Klein-Aus Vista. Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and the fascinating desert panorama of the Namib, and a typical „braai“ dinner.

Day 7: Aus – Namib Naukluft

Today we need to get up very early as we are about to endeavour on an extended stage across one of the most diverse regions of Namibia: along the eastern fringe of Namib Desert, we come across the Neisip region, the majestic Tiras Mountains, along the Great Escarpment, the manifold colour spheres displayed on the seemingly endless, life threatening desert expanses and finally the unbelievably high sand dunes of the Sossusvlei. Finally this stunning stage leads through open plains around the Naukluft Mountains where Zebra, Springbock and Oryx antelope roam. Our today’s accommodation is the beautifully situated Namib Naukluft Lodge.

Day 8: Namib Naukluft & mountain passes trip

After quite an expanded stage the previous day, we today enjoy a bit of a rest. We stay two nights at our present lodge, so time for sleeping off and stretching out in the great desert tranquility. But if you feel like doing another trip on the bike, you may join a tour through the mountaineous hinterland on amazing passes. However the next morning we need to be up very early for a special excursion but on 4 wheels exceptionally…

Day 9: Trip to Sossusvlei – Kobo Kobo Hills

… as we are going to have a fantastic breakfast under impressive camelthorn trees in the Sossusvlei, actually next to the highest dunes in the world. An early morning rise, with a snack before leaving in 4x4 vehicles from the lodge, enables us to arrive at Sesriem, the national park’s gate at around sunrise to not miss the first gorgeous golden sun rays over the red dunes landscape (motorcycles are not allowed here). We spend the morning time in the Tsauchab Vlei and an ascent will provide you with the most awe inspiring and memorable view across a sea of apricot-coloured sand. About lunchtime we continue our motorbike tour following the gravel roads on a shorter but still interesting stage towards north. Through vast desert plains we soon reach Solitaire. Later on we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and then get along the impressive Gaub and the Kuiseb Canyon – latter one well known as shelter giving place for two german geologists hiding from 2nd world war’s army service for almost two years. After the Kuiseb river the sandy desert changes to a shrubby „bushveld“ and into mountaineous scenery, where a small track finally leads to our secret „hideout“ – Kobo Kobo Hills.

Day 10: Kobo Kobo Hills & surrounding countryside

Kobo Kobo Hills – a place enthusing all. We are accommodated for two nights at this most enchanted camp inmidst of granite hills and mountains where little cottages are built between boulders very uniquly. A special oasis for humans and wildlife, perfect for relaxing and relish the silence. Its up to you to decide for a rest today or take another trip through the hinterland of Kobo Kobo, there are some amazing curvy gravel roads, the Bosua and Us pass as well as the Kuiseb River Canyon to go through before reaching again the rim of Namib desert plains and our quarters for tonight. However, the evening promises great dinner served from open fire under amazing firmament and the lit waterhole for game below the terrace offers interesting observations.

Day 11: Kobo Kobo Hills – Swakopmund

After the breakfast in the wild, today’s stage leads us back towards „civilisation“ to Swakopmund at the Atlantic coast. On almost straight direction the rough gravel road takes us through the Namib Naukluft National Park and its seemingly lifeless plains, but surprisingly you should be aware of Ostrich, Oryx antelope, Zebra or Springbuck crossing your path. Only short before reaching the coast high dune ranges appear and the fresh air signalises the approach of the coast side, significantly colder as the Benguela current causes a quite refreshing climate. Our  comfortable hotel is within walking distance of the town centre and depending on how much time is available, one will be able to do some sightseeing on foot. Swakopmund, established by German colonists in 1892, still displays characteristics like many historical buildings from colonial times. For dinner, we meet up again at one of the local restaurants.

Day 12: Swakopmund – Uis

Today our tour moves on up north along a salt encrusted coastal road. Our ride passes Hentiesbay until we get to the Cape Cross seal island, which currently hosts the largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere. Depending on the season, this island can host up to 100 000 of these mammals, who primarily feed on the fish in the rich arctic Benguela current. A bit further north, we turn inland again. This will take us past the mysterious, over 2000m high Brandberg Mountain and along an incredible variety of amazing sceneries. The gravel roads lead us eastern direction to „settlement“ of Uis, which was a former tin mining village. Our overnight accommodation is a cosy place called "White Lady Guesthouse".

Day 13: Uis – Grootberg
Grootberg Lodge (1 Night)

After our morning briefing we kick off for next stage from Uis to further north with destination Grootberg. We dedicate our time to explore the desolate and yet romantic landscapes of the Damaraland. We crisscross riverbeds, which can become unexpectedly powerful in rain seasons and desert elephants roam there. The landscape is characterised by stunning tabel mountain ranges and oxide red rocky plains. Giraffes, Springbuck and Oryx may be spotted here. We have a lunch break at the Twyfelfontein Lodge where impressive rockfaces and historic bushman engravings can be seen. The roads become more remote and captivating as we travel further north. We arrive at Grootberg Lodge in the afternoon. Stunningly positioned chalets on a plateau at the rim of the Klip River Canyon with a splendid outlook.

Day 14: Grootberg – Mount Etjo

Well, if it can't get any better, you should stop … but we leave Grootberg Lodge early in the morning only for another wonderful stage and destination … Mount Etjo Safari Lodge. Via Grootberg Pass we travel down from the Etendeka Plateau in southern direction on a winding route through typical scenery of eastern Damaraland, pass the huge riverbed of Huab and stop for fuel in the small town Khorixas. We come along several settlements of the Damara people and head for the amazing landscapes at the Ugab river terraces where the Vingerklip Lodge offers a great stop over for a little snack. On smaller farm roads through Mopane tree bush land we eventually reach the settlement of Kalkfeld from where the Mount Etjo table mountain is to be seen already. The huge private game reserve around Mt Etjo is awaiting us with quite a luxurious atmosphere at the lodge and much game close around, if you’re lucky even hippos can be spotted. A very delicious dinner prepared on fire rounds up the day and as a 2nd desert you may join the lion feed at night…

Day 15: Mount Etjo – Auas Mountains (Windhoek Mountain Lodge)

Unfortunately our last stage is ahead, but however not less various. We take curvy gravel roads through remote and vast bushveld savannah farmlands up to little town Omaruru near the Erongo Mountains and turn south towards the central higlands of Namibia. Via ol mission village of Otjimbingwe we pass the huge riverbed of the Swakop and disappear in the rugged and lonely mountains of the Khomas-Hochland. We connect again wide and fairly solid gravel roads across this highlands into eastern direction enjoying great panorama views until we pass Windhoek on the brink and soon after reach the Windhoek Mountain Lodge where our team awaits us with a refreshing drink for relaxed afternoon and sundowner. Get together for a hearty barbeque-dinner , known here as „braai“ and take the time reviewing an unforgettable motorcycling tour through the diverse and marvellous country of Namibia…

Day 16: Return Flight from Namibia

This day is completely available for staying on the lodge or to make a trip to the city of Windhoek because at least the Air Namibia flight is going to start in the evening. So, it is possible to visit some sights and to go to a bazaar or to the shops where you can buy a lot of traditional handcrafted things. In the early evening, our shuttle brings you to the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Day 17: Arrival Frankfurt/Germany

Arrival in the early morning at Frankfurt (Main) and your individual onward journey via train or flight to your home town.