9 Day Epupa Delight Local Cycling Tour
Local is Lekker Cycling Tours are Packages specially put together for the local SADC market.
Safari Overview
A fast-phase tour to the North, cycle where just a few have cycled before, this time with Fully support vehicle & staff.
Number of Clients Need for Departure
- MINIMUM: 5 x clients
- MAXIMUM: 10
Transport
- Transport will be in a custom build Safari Truck with bike trailer.
Rates & Info
Price Per Person
Please note to qualify for these rates, you need to be a SADC citizen/resident.
Lodge-Camping Combo (3 x Rooms, 5 x Camping)
ON REQUEST
*Single supplement: ON REQUEST
Upgrade (7 x Rooms, 1 x Camping)
ON REQUEST
*Single supplement: ON REQUEST
*The single supplement is a premium charged to solo travelers when they take or request a room/tent alone.
Day 1 - Transfer Windhoek to Ruacana
Early morning departure, as we need to travel the distance of 760km to Ruacana – but hey, we locals are used to high distance travelling, and you will get your beauty sleep in – while your Mabaruli driver does the driving. We depart from Arebbusch Travel Lodge, 04h00am
Accommodation: Ruacana
Meals Included: Packed Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 0
Vehicle distance: 760 km transfer with vehicle
Day 2 - Kunene River Lodge
After a relaxed breakfast, we jump on our bikes and cycle from Ruacana falls to Kunene River Lodge, which are partly tarred roads. 15km West of Ruacana (D3701) the road becomes gravel for 45km to Kunene River Lodge. The lodge is situated on the bank of the Kunene River, which forms the north-western border between Angola & Namibia. Lush canopy of indigenous trees provide shade for chalets & campsites, while the swimming pool has its spot on the sunny lawn.
The Cunene (Portuguese spelling) or Kunene (common Namibian spelling) flows from the Angola highlands south to the border of Namibia, it’s one of the few perennial rivers in the region, 1050km long with a drainage basin 106,560 square kilometres in the area. – How’s that for taking you back to your Grade 5 Geography class!
We enjoy an ice-cold drink and watch spectacular sunset at the restaurant deck which extend over the river. Early bed, as tomorrow will be a long ride.
Accommodation: Kunene River Lodge / Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 50km cycling
Vehicle distance: 0
Day 3 - Epupa Falls
Today will be a very early start & a long day, as we will cycle to Epupa Falls. Our vehicle will also travel to Epupa Falls where our driver will meet us and return back to camp via the vehicle. There are 2 easy scenic routes from our camp to Epupa Falls. Both roads are graded regularly. Cycling the 96km sometimes near the river, will be scenic & adventurous. Stopping next to the river for lunch and then transfering back with the vehicle to our camp, where hot showers & a nice, cooked meal awaits!
Epupa Falls are one of the most spectacular attractions of the Kaokoland, today will be tiring, but so rewarding!!
Accommodation: Kunene River Lodge / Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 96km
Vehicle distance: 0
Day 4 - Opuwo
Early morning after breakfast, we will jump on bikes, staff will pack the vehicle and leave after us. We cycle +/- to Swartbooisdrift on the D3701, via Empembe on the D3700, which are both good gravel roads. We will stop en-route for lunch and then continue further via our vehicle to the dusty & colourful town of Opuwo, hundreds of Himba people in their traditional dresses going about their business. At out lodge, Opuwo County Lodge hot showers, lekker rooms & restaurant dinner await us.
Opuwo is the capital of the Kunene Region, situated 720km north-northwest from Windhoek.
Accommodation: Opuwo Country Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 50 – 60km
Vehicle distance: 75km
Day 5 - Ongongo Waterfall Warmquelle
We load our luggage, lube our bikes and cycle in the crisp morning air, leaving the highlands of Opuwo area behind heading south. Reaching Joubert Pass, we cycle down and meet with our vehicle at bottom of the Pass. From here we continue by vehicle.
Ongongo means “magical” in the Herero language, and here it is indeed a truly magical if not spectacular place! Set in a small canyon, completely barren landscape with some villages close-by, we will find permanent water oozing out of the mountain. The water is crystal clear, warm, and great for a cool down after some cycling.
Ongogo campsite is in the middle of no-where, with beautiful hot waterfall and are being managed by the community.
Accommodation: Ongongo Waterfall Warmquelle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 50 - 60 km
Vehicle distance: 85km
Day 6 - Palmwag
Just over 100km south from Ongongo we will head to Palmwag, situated between Kaokoland & the Skeleton Coast, on the Uniab River area. Amid swaying Makalani palms & robust mopane trees nourished by underground water, the lodge overlooks the sweeping northern Damaraland landscape. We enjoy a cycle from our camp +/- 60 km, before jumping in the truck to our lodge Palmwag Lodge.
Accommodation: Palmwag Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 50 - 60km
Vehicle distance: 40km
Day 7 - Palmwag
this morning we will cycle into the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, a vast conservation area with an abundance of wildlife. Our cycling duration will be about 3 hours, seeing wildlife that roams the area. Wildlife includes rhino, desert elephants and large predators. Back at camp, the afternoon we rest the legs & bum, relax at the pools and soak in the Kaokoland sunlight.
Accommodation: Palmwag Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 40 -50 in Palmwag concession
Vehicle distance: 0
Day 8 - Kamanjab
We enjoy breakfast, before cycling 40 km towards Grootberg on the C40. Transferring the last 75 km by vehicle to the small settlement town of Kamanjab in the Kunene Region (also called Damaraland)
Our camp will be at Oppi Koppi, meaning “on a small hill” in Afrikaans – so should be no surprise to see we are camping on the side of a small koppie. Afternoon those, who want to enjoy their last cycle on tour, join a short cycle 5km to Peet Alberts Rock Engravings, these interesting rock engraving sites are believed to be more than 2000 years old. Around 1 500 paintings were discovered in the area, which has been declared a national monument. We cycle the 5km back to camp.
Accommodation: Oppi-Koppie Restcamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling distance: 50 – 60 km
Vehicle distance: 60km
Day 9 - Transit back to Windhoek
After a relaxed breakfast, we pack our vehicle and head back home! We transfer the 300km in vehicle, via Otjiwarongwe, stopping at the local Backerei, to enjoy a lekker fresh pie or sweet pastry, before continuing to Windhoek. We arrive back at Arebbusch Travel Lodge midday, where our 9 Day Epupa Delight Cycling tour comes to an end! What an amazing time on the saddle through our beautiful country Namibia!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 0
Vehicle distance: 300km
ACCOMMODATION ON TOUR:
The indication in the itinerary of what type of accommodation is provided each day are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather that and exact description. Please keep in mind however that standards can vary from one trip to the next, and occasionally we may need to change a night-stop without advance warning. We cannot guarantee the use of particular properties. Facilities and characteristics may vary from those described.
*CH - Comfortable Hotels, Lodges or Guest Houses with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. Generally good levels of service and often added amenities such as restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.
*SH - Standard Hotels, Lodges or Guest Houses, usually with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. These are generally standard, no-frills hotels perfectly accepted to most, do not expect too much. These are often small, family run establishments.
*FC – Full Camping – These nights we camp at designated Camping Grounds either at a Lodge or Private Farm’s camping ground. Campsites have shared ablution facilities, with flushable toilets and warm water showers. Most campsites have a bar and swimming pool facilities. 2 x man Dome tents are pitched and for sleeping we use a thick camping mattress (no stretches). Sleeping bag & pillows can be hired, or clients to bring their own. For camping nights clients to have own bathroom towels & flashlights.
Namibia has good tourism infrastructure and generally good service standards. Throughout this trip we stay in comfortable lodges which are simple, comfortable, and clean.
What’s Included on Tour:
All safaris are sold as a private fully inclusive package and include the following:
- Service of a Trained Safari Guided Driver
- Transport, accommodation, and all National Park Entrance Fees
- Meals stated on above itinerary (Breakfast x 9 / Lunches x 4 / Dinners x 6)
- Meals can be either purchased picnic style lunch or at accommodation
- (Meals that are not included are on client’s own expense, budget +/- N$ 300.00 per person for dinner at parks restaurants.)
- Activities included as set out in above itinerary
- Camping Options: All camping equipment for camping nights includes 2-man dome tent, which thick sleeping mattress with sleeping bag, pillow, tables, and chairs. Meals on camping can either be purchased picnic style meals or your guide will prepare at camp.
NOTE that alternative lodges/camps can be used if the above lodges/camps are fully booked.
What’s Not Included on Tour:
- Flights, Visas, and Insurance
- Alcohol, Soft Drinks and Bottled Water. (Tap water is Save to drink in Namibia)
- Tips, Gratuities, Spending money and all other items of a personal nature. Anything else that is not stated as included.
- Camping Options –Bring own swimming and bathing towels.
CHECK LIST OF WHAT TO PACK:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Comfortable T-shits and two – long sleeve shirts
- Comfortable walking shoes and good quality socks
- Shorts, trousers and/or skirts
- Sweater for evenings which can be cold
- Swimming costume
- Light raincoat (especially for visit of Victoria Falls)
- Personal toiletries
- Binoculars
- Flashlight/Torch
- Basic medical kit to include antihistamine cream/tablets, antiseptic cream, aspirins and plasters
- Suntan lotion
- Insect repellent
- Camera, charging cables, film/USB
- Visa (if required)
- Passport
- Credit card are accepted in most towns/countries
- Money – you can exchange along the route
CYCLING GEAR:
- Own Helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling pants
- Cycling Shirt
- Cycling Shoes (Bring own clip in pedals)
