Spend the night under the Milky Way
In sparsely populated Namibia there is hardly any light pollution. Sleep in the wild under an endless starry sky and enjoy the magical silence of the desert
Gravel Africa
Gravel Namibia
From vast deserts and rugged mountain ranges to green riverbanks and endless savannahs: no country is as pristine and impressive as Namibia.
Best time to travel
The Gravel Africa Namibia tour takes place in the ideal cycling months: September/October. Namibia has a dry climate with large temperature differences between day and night. In these months the days are pleasantly warm and the nights not too cold.
Climate
The climate in Namibia varies by region and season. The south has a desert climate, where the temperature in the summer can rise to over 40 degrees. In the winter months it is pleasant during the day and can get quite cold at night. The climate is milder on the coast.
Highlight
The Gravel Africa Namibia tour is a fusion of the country’s most pristine and rugged landscapes. You will cross endless savannahs and rocky mountain ranges, culminating in cycling through the remote Kaokoveld, where nature is untamed and pure.
known for
Namibia’s pristine landscapes range from the red sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the deep Fish River Canyon to the rugged savannahs of Damaraland. The remote Kaokoveld is home to the traditional Himba people, who continue to practice their ancient customs.
Gravel Africa Namibia: An Untamed Gravel Experience
Experience Namibia in the most adventurous way with the Gravel Africa Namibia tour. For days you cycle on endless gravel roads, through vast savannahs and along rugged mountain ranges, while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and absolute silence. You spend the night in tents on campsites, with a swimming pool, or camp wild under the stars with a field kitchen and shower in nature. The tents are set up for you along the way, so that you only have to pedal and enjoy – a unique and unforgettable experience awaits you!
Why Namibia?
Cycling through the Kaokoveld
Drive along remote gravel roads through the rugged, mountainous savannahs of the Kaokoveld, where you may encounter traditional Himba communities and wildlife.
The impressive Namib desert
Doorkruis een van de oudste woestijnen ter wereld, met uitgestrekte zandvlaktes, grillige rotsformaties en eindeloze gravelwegen die je het ultieme gevoel van vrijheid geven.
Traveller review
“Gravel Africa offers an unforgettable gravel bike experience with varied landscapes, challenging mountain passes and unique overnight accommodations. The professional organization ensures a perfect balance between sportsmanship, nature and culture, with an eye for detail and comfort. An absolute must for lovers of adventure, cycling and discovery!”
Namibia in figures
The Gravel Africa Namibia covers an impressive 640 kilometres, with over 4,500 metres of elevation gain divided over 8 stages in 12 days. The longest stage is 94 kilometres, while the steepest climb takes us through the Kaokoveld, with an ascent of 790 metres. The route crosses various landscapes: from vast deserts and savannahs to green riverbanks and rugged rock formations. In addition to the physical challenge, the journey offers unique experiences, such as dining under the stars, a visit to a Himba village and overnight stays in remote locations in the middle of the wilderness.
Good to know
Our accommodations
During the Gravel Africa Namibia trip you will spend the night in tents on campsites or wild camping under the stars, with a final night in a lodge. The tents will be set up for you and you will enjoy delicious meals from the field kitchen. With a field shower and the African wilderness as a backdrop, you will experience Namibia at its purest.
Safari
During our journey we cross vast savannahs and rugged mountain areas where wild animals move freely. We do not make a specific safari, but along the way we can encounter elephants, giraffes and antelopes. Whether the animals show themselves is determined by nature – which makes every encounter all the more special.
Culinary
During the Gravel Africa Namibia trip we discover the country not only by bike, but also by the local cuisine. Our guide Phil prepares delicious meals almost daily in the field kitchen, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. From fragrant stews to locally grilled game, every meal is an experience in itself.
The route day by day
Day 1 & 2
Arrival and Preparation
Our journey begins with a flight to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. After arriving in the afternoon, we will be met and travel directly to our first overnight stop, where we assemble the bikes and prepare for the adventure. We spend the first night in a tented camp in the middle of nature, where we enjoy a delicious meal under a clear starry sky.
Day 3 & 4
Gravel along the Kunene River
Our first stage takes us along the Kunene River, the natural border with Angola. We cycle on beautiful gravel roads, surrounded by basalt formations and lush riverbanks full of birds. This contrast between the green valley and the dry environment makes this ride unique. After 69 kilometers we reach our lodge, an oasis of peace on the river.
Day 5 & 6
Culture and desert landscapes
Today is all about culture and relaxation. We take a short bike ride to a Himba village , where we meet this traditional nomadic population. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about their age-old lifestyle and customs. In the afternoon we return to Epupa Falls, where we have the rest of the day free to enjoy the surroundings.
Day 7 & 8
Through the heart of Kaokoveld
We leave our wild camping spot and continue further into the rugged Kaokoveld . The route takes us past impressive rock formations and deserted valleys. We pass small settlements and meet the Herero people along the way, recognizable by their colorful traditional dresses. The day ends in Opuwo , a vibrant town where local culture comes to life.
Day 9 & 10
From green oases to dry plains
After descending from the mountains, we ride through a varied landscape of red rocks and white trees. We pass a green valley where water sources provide a surprisingly fertile environment. Our destination is Ongongo Waterfall Campsite , a beautiful place where we can swim in a natural pool under a waterfall.
Day 11 & 12
Back to Windhoek
After a final night in the wilderness, we start our return journey. A transfer of a few hours takes us back to Windhoek , where we prepare our bikes for transport and end the trip together with a delicious dinner.
Gravel Africa & Songo: Cycling with Impact
At Gravel Africa, we believe in the power of sport to change lives. That’s why we partner with Songo, an inspiring youth development program in South Africa. Songo offers underprivileged children in Stellenbosch the opportunity to build a better future through education and mountain biking. With every Gravel Africa trip, we donate a fixed amount to this project and visit Songo, where we experience the children and their passion for cycling up close. This way, your adventure contributes to a lasting, positive impact.
OUR GUIDES
Want to know more?
Our guides
René de Bruijn
Product Manager & Gids
René is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and lets you discover the real Africa. “The nature, the landscapes and the animals are beautiful, but what I like most is the connections that are made on the bike. Pedaling together leads to special conversations – not only about cycling, but about life itself. With Gravel Africa you forget the world around you and enjoy yourself to the fullest.”
Youri Poelemeijer
Medical Doctor & Gids
Youri is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and plays an indispensable role behind the scenes. “The nature, the animals and the landscapes are impressive, but the best part is the conversations on the bike. Cycling together connects, pushes boundaries and lets you fully immerse yourself in the moment. With Gravel Africa, it’s all about enjoyment.”
Phil van Wyk
Technical support
Phil Van Wyk is a born and bred Namibian with a passion for adventure. After studying Sports Science at Stellenbosch University, he started guiding 21-day overland safaris and fell in love with the outdoors. “Under the Namibian sky, around the campfire, all differences fade away – there is only you, nature and what really matters.”
How does it work?
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Describe your ideal dream trip
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