Cycle Namibia

The tour is 12 days long with 8 days of cycling.

There are 8 days of cycling with an averaging distance of 39km a day with full vehicle support.

The cycling is approximately 90% on gravel/dirt roads or off road and 10% on tarmac roads. There is a mix of terrain, including some undulating rides, flat, downhill and uphill sections. The support vehicle will be on hand, especially for the more challenging sections. Most of the rides will be on roads with little traffic, though there may be some busier sections.

The fat biking on sand dunes will be with a specialist guide and on modified bikes. You will receive a tutorial before setting off but no previous experience is necessary. The terrain will be undulating and you will have the opportunity to do cycle some steep gradients down the dunes. However, there will always be the option of cycling down a gentler slope.

On all days you may do less or more cycling than stated in the trip notes.  This will depend on the ability and preference of the group as well as the local conditions at the time.

It can get hot in Namibia and shade is not common on most of the rides.

Helmets must be worn by all cyclists in Namibia.

Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere. The months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day, can drop down to single figures and even freezing at night. Between September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30°c. However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go as the desert blooms after rainfall, there is plenty of birdlife to see and, it never rains for very long.

All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners are included in the trip price.

When staying at campsites, guides will cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire and you can expect Braai, Potjie, and stir fries for dinner. Breakfasts will be continental style and usually consist of cereals, coffee, yogurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast. For lunch you can expect a good selection of sandwich ingredients like cheese and cold meats plus pasta and salads. The support vehicle carries a good selection of snacks and drinks which will be available to access every 15km or so when the group stops.

Vegetarians can be catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, rabies and tuberculosis. Malaria prophylaxis is essential, seek advice from your doctor about which malaria tablets to take. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

The standard bike for this trip is a Silverback Comp or Sport.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip, the following are recommended:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting rucksack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
- Several cycling jerseys
- Warm base layers

Yes, helmets are mandatory for everyone on this cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Yes, while most communal items are provided during nights that you will be camping, some personal items will need to be brought during the trip.

- Travel pillow
- Sleeping bag (three/four-season if travelling in July/August – otherwise two-season) for camping
- Normal daily clothes
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Small day pack (for camera and snacks)
- Torch (flashlight) for camping
- Towel