Explorations Company is offering experienced riders the chance to take on one of Africa’s most exhilarating horseback adventures across Namibia’s dramatic desert landscapes. Olivia Palamountain reports

The Ultimate Namib Desert Horse Safari by Explorations Company is a new trip designed for seasoned equestrians and physically fit riders that traverses the ancient, untamed landscapes of Namibia’s Namib Desert.

During the course of this 12-day journey, riders will cover vast and varied terrain, from towering dunes and rugged canyons to wide open plains, ending dramatically at the Atlantic Ocean.

“This is not just a safari – it is one of the most challenging and exhilarating horseback adventures in Africa,” says the company, which specialises in bespoke, impact-led travel. The journey begins in Windhoek with a seamless airport transfer, overnight accommodation, and a welcome dinner. Guests meet their guide, Andrew Gillies, and fellow riders for a sunset briefing before heading out into the wilderness.

On day two, riders are transferred to the desert camp, where they are introduced to their horses and support team. The afternoon includes a visit to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, with the chance to climb Dune 45 for panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed landscape. Dinner is enjoyed around the campfire beneath the stars of the southern sky.Riding begins on the third day, initially at a steady pace to allow for acclimatisation. The route winds from the Naukluft Mountains, through the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons, and across the expansive central Namib plains. The landscape, shaped by 600 million years of geological history, features Camelthorn-lined dry riverbeds, granite outcrops, and sightings of desert-adapted wildlife including oryx and ostrich.As the expedition nears its end, the terrain becomes increasingly stark and otherworldly, before culminating at the windswept Atlantic coast—a striking finale to a physically demanding and visually awe-inspiring journey.

The safari is available year-round and can be booked privately. Accommodation includes two nights in a lodge and eight nights camping under the stars, with rustic but comfortable set-ups featuring Egyptian cotton bedding.The Ultimate Namib Desert Horse Safari is priced from £13,000 per person (full board), including a 10-night safari and three nights in Cape Town, with international flights from London.