Explore Otjiwa Reserve and Etosha National Park, spotting wildlife on game drives and spending an awe-inspiring evening at a waterhole under the stars
Hop on a fat bike to pedal up and down the Namib Desert’s towering dunes, with the Atlantic ocean on one side and vast desert on the other
Catch the sunrise over the enormous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, one of the world’s most ancient desert landscapes
Want to travel this year? Head over to our 2025 edition of this adventure
Day 1
Touch down in Windhoek and head to your hotel. If you’ve got time and energy, you can explore the surrounding area; if you'd rather relax, the hotel has its own pool – so just kick back! Join your group and guide later in the day for dinner, taking the chance to sample some delicious Namibian cuisine as you get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Today, the adventure begins. Hit the road north to Otjiwa, one of Namibia’s oldest private reserves and home to a rich array of wildlife – including the rare and elusive white rhino. Keep your eyes peeled during the journey; this is safari country. This afternoon, hop on your bike for your first ride, a sunset cycle across jeep tracks and wildlife trails as the bush stirs to life for the evening (the perfect introduction to cycling in the wild). Enjoy a hearty dinner back at the bush camp, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Day 3
Early risers can enjoy a short morning ride from the camp before heading to Etosha National Park, one of the greatest national parks in Africa and a hot spot for lions and rhinos. After a quick stop for pastries at Outjo Bakery, you’ll arrive at Etosha and head out on a game drive – eyes peeled for lions, elephants, and giraffes on the move. Etosha is full of waterholes and these are dotted all over this vast landscape. These waterholes are where the animals congregate, particularly in the dry season (from April to October), when water is scarce elsewhere. This evening, you'll have a chance to sit by the local watering hole and watch the animals come down to drink. Staying up late at a waterhole in Etosha, soaking up the calm silence of the African bush, watching the shooting stars and waiting with bated breath for the next visitor is one of the true highlights of this trip.
Day 4
Start the day with a short morning game drive – one last chance to spot some wildlife before leaving Etosha behind. Set off towards Spitzkoppe, the iconic mountain known as 'Namibia’s Matterhorn', stopping for a picnic lunch en route. You'll see the iconic shapes of the massif from the road as you approach, and as you enter the huge campground you'll see why our adventurers say this is the best camp spot in all of Namibia. Settle in to camp, then set off for a short sunset walk to the Spitzkoppe Arch. This surreal, beautiful landscape of massive granite boulders rising out of the desert is a great place to stretch your legs and take it all in. After your sunset walk, get comfy at your simple camp and enjoy a peaceful night under a star-filled sky.
Day 5
This morning, settle in for a two-hour transfer to the start point of today's ride, before getting on your bike to pedal along hard-packed gravel roads through open desert to the lush oasis of Goanikontes. Refuel with lunch and coffee, then tackle the next stage through the Moon Landscape – an ancient, craggy terrain shaped by millennia of erosion. The day finishes with a drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund, a popular town with a German flavour, where the Atlantic meets the dunes. You can explore the town and grab a cold beer overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 6
Get ready for one of Namibia’s most unique adventures – a fat bike ride through the Namib Desert dunes. The oversized tyres make light work of the sand, and the landscapes are jaw-dropping. If tides are favourable, you can cruise along the Atlantic shoreline before heading inland across the towering dunes. This is all about fun – the dunes are huge and tightly packed, so propelling yourself down them on a fat bike is an experience you certainly won’t forget. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore Swakopmund’s quirky cafes and seaside charm.
Day 7
Leave the coast behind and drive southeast towards the Kuiseb Canyon and Gaub Pass. This region marks your transition from highlands to desert plains. Expect rolling gravel roads, and wide-open views. Cycling today depends on the weather – heat, wind, and road conditions all come into play. Your guide will pick the perfect starting point, the ride will usually be about 40–50km. Pedal through vast open spaces, stopping for a picnic lunch and spotting ostrich, warthog and oryx just off the road. Reach the quirky outpost of Solitaire, which feels like something out of a forgotten Western – a scattering of weathered buildings, rusted old cars, and a famous bakery known for its unexpectedly legendary apple pie.
Day 8
Today’s ride is the big one – the Queen Stage! Starting from Solitaire camp, you’ll head deeper into the desert on a mix of gravel and asphalt roads, with the full route covering up to 85km all the way to Sesriem, the gateway to the Namib dunes. If you're feeling strong, go for the full distance. Otherwise, it’s the norm to cycle around 50km, before jumping in the support vehicle for the final stretch. No matter how far you ride, it’s a rewarding day of wide-open desert views and smooth, steady pedalling. The camp at Sesriem is surrounded by enormous red sand dunes and has an inviting pool to cool off in.
Day 9
Wake before sunrise and drive into the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to the oldest desert in the world. Climb Dune 40 – the lesser-known sibling of Dune 45, which means fewer crowds and more space to soak in the sunrise as it spills golden light across the vast desert. Walk, run or roll back down the huge wall of sand, tucking into breakfast and coffee at the foot of the dunes. Then, hop on your bike for a ride through one of the planet’s most surreal landscapes. You can choose to cycle towards Sossusvlei, then take an optional 4x4 into Deadvlei – an ancient, cracked clay pan dotted with fossilised trees. Alternatively, cycle the whole way back on a smooth road between towering dunes. All day, you'll feel like you're on the set of a movie (Mad Max: Fury Road was filmed around here). After lunch at camp, transfer to Stofpad for a dip in the pool and your final night under the stars.
Day 10
Kick back in the van and take in the dramatic landscape for one last time as you drive back to Windhoek, arriving at the airport in time for evening flights home.
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your host can help with advice; however, we would suggest £5 per person, per day as a guideline.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
UK citizens, US citizens, and most EU citizens will need a visa to visit Namibia. This can generally be done on arrival, and costs 1600 Namibian Dollars for citizens from non-African countries. As the system is relatively new, we would advise applying in advance to ensure a smooth process on arrival. For more information and to apply for the visa, please visit the website for Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (opens in new tab).
However, visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
When staying at campsites, your guides will generally cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire – for dinner, expect braai (BBQ) food, potjie and stir-fries with various sides. You will also stay at hotels and campsites where…
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price . Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
For active people who want to explore more wild and adventurous places
This trip is designed for cyclists with a decent base level of fitness who are able to cover an average of approximately 25-50km each day. You should be comfortable with ridin...
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Friday 3rd July 2026
to Sunday 12th July 2026
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Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country; however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!
For the majority of the trip, you will typically be riding Silverbacks or GT 29ers – hardtail, entry-level mountain bikes. These are light aluminium mountain bikes – perfect for riding on road and tracks. The bikes are equipped with two water bottle cages. You are also welcome to bring your own bike, but do make sure it's well serviced and please note, it will need to have tubeless tyres.
For your time on the sand dunes you will be provided with a fat bike. Fat bikes are mountain bikes fitted with extra-large tyres, which makes them perfect for riding on sand. The super fat tyres distribute the rider’s mass across a larger area, so that you don't sink in and can gain more traction than with a standard tyre size. You can ride easily and with stability over firm packed sand. No previous experience on a fat bike is needed.
For a more comfortable ride, you can rent a full-suspension mountain bike locally(S-Works/Specialized). Please see the 'Optional Extras' section for more details.
In Etosha, your host uses the main trip vehicle for the game drives, which we feel offers the best experience and value for money. This main trip vehicle is specially adapted to offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with large windows and a pop-up roof hatch. In addition, these vehicles also provide shelter from the dust and elements, which can be uncomfortable in open Jeeps at particularly dry periods in Etosha.
For those who wish to have a different experience, there is also sometimes the option to go on a game drive in an open 4x4 Jeep with a park ranger (if time allows). This option is bookable locally and costs 1600 Namibian Dollars (around £70 per person).
There will be one driver and one cycling guide.
All your accommodation is pre-booked, and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle which there will be access to throughout the day you can cycle completely unburdened if you wish to. We do suggest bringing a small bumbag for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike bits if needed.
Your host will often be able to provide you with clean, safe drinking water from large containers. At certain times of the year, the tap water can have a slightly strange (brackish) taste to it, and on these trips, the guide will advise and help you to pick up containers of drinking water at the start of the trip, in order to refill your smaller bottle as you go. This will be at your own expense. Therefore, bring a refillable bottle, it will be used well.
In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative route or activity will be offered.
Most places in Namibia will accept both the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand. Money can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or withdrawn from ATMs during the trip. Many local purchases can be made by card. Plan ahead before you travel to avoid paying unnecessary charges and fees.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
This trip takes place in environments where wild animals are present in their natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some species may be dangerous, venomous, or unpredictable. Sightings are a privilege – but safety is key. Always follow your guide’s instructions and any posted signage.
We recommend considering your comfort around wildlife and discussing any concerns with your host before travel, particularly if you have allergies, phobias, or related health conditions.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so essentially has the opposite seasons to the UK. Due to the desert climate, it is generally dry and pleasant all year round. The months of June to August remain sunny and warm during the day (20-25°C), but drop down to single figures at night in the desert.
Between September and May it gets warmer, with highs of around 30°C; however, it is always a dry heat and still gets cold at night throughout the year. Rainfall usually occurs between November and March. If it does rain, it is minimal and in short sharp downpours that are quite spectacular in the desert.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 324kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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