Mule Trails Namibia
Mule Trails
have been discontinued at Fish River Canyon and now available in
Auas Mountains near Windhoek.
Guided hiking tours with mules in
the Fish River Canyon
Imagine exploring the Fish River Canyon – from as close as can be
and without lugging a heavy backpack along! The Trekking Tours
offered by Mule Trails Namibia enable hiking enthusiasts to enjoy
the stark beauty of almost pristine nature in the second largest
canyon on earth. Luggage and equipment are carried by mules while
hikers only have to take a light rucksack for the day’s necessities.
A seasoned tour guide points out and explains the rock formations
which are millions of years old, as well as the unique flora and
fauna. This trail takes participants into the wilderness area north
of the main lookout point. Nights are spent in a tent or in the
open, depending on personal preference and outside temperatures.
The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth, is
situated in the transition zone between two desert systems, the Nama
Karoo and the Succulent Karoo (the world’s most diverse desert).
The
landscape is characterised by meandering gorges which are up to 500
m deep and twist and turn through layers of rock which are millions
of years old.
The flora includes unique plants like the quiver tree,
candelabra euphorbia or tamarisk; game such as mountain zebra,
klipspringer, kudu, duiker, springbok and ostrich abounds in the
area.
Canyon Fish Eagle
Trail
Imagine exploring the Fish River Canyon from as close as can be,
hiking with just a daypack in almost pristine nature, dreaming at
the campfire and falling asleep under a dazzling night sky...
Adventurous and physically fit hiking enthusiasts who join a
Trekking Tour by Mule Trails Namibia can expect a unique and
exciting experience in the wilderness area around the northern part
of the Fish River Canyon. Since luggage and equipment are carried by
mules, participants only need to pack water and snacks for the day’s
hike - and their cameras. A qualified guide explains geology, flora
and fauna, a mule driver takes care of the pack animals and a supply
team is in charge of the camps. Meals are cooked on an open fire.
Shower and toilet offer something out of the ordinary: a view into
the great open wilds.
The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth, runs
through the transition zone of two desert systems, the Nama Karoo
and the Succulent Karoo (the most diverse desert on earth). The
landscape is characterized by meandering gorges up to 500 m deep,
which twist and turn through ancient layers of rock. The flora
includes unique plants like the quiver tree, candelabra euphorbia or
tamarisk; game such as mountain zebra, klipspringer, kudu, duiker,
springbok and ostrich abounds in the area. Even waterbirds can be
spotted with a little luck, like the African fish eagle which gave
its name to this trail.
Highlights
Diverse canyon scenery, high plateau with 360 degree panoramic views, gorges,
springs, swimming and fishing in (natural) pools, the fascinating plant and
animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert, three nights in the open under the starry
sky or in a tent
Participants
Minimum 4 / maximum 12 people,
(less than 4 people on request)
children from 12 years old
Time
15 March to 15 October; otherwise on request
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Dates:
on request
Start
Cañon House in Gondwana Cañon Park, approx. 650 km by road from Windhoek
(transfer from/to Windhoek on request)
End
Cañon House (without spending the night)
Stages
10 - 18 km / 6 - 8 hours walking per day (incl. breaks)
Languages
English; possibly German
Tour Details
Day 1 - Arrival and Introduction
Participants arrive at Cañon House in Gondwana Cañon Park at the Fish River
Canyon by their own arrangement. In the evening we discuss all there is to know
about the tour and acquaint ourselves with the equipment. (Incl. dinner and
accommodation at Cañon House).
Optional on request - Tour with transfer from and to
Windhoek:
guests are picked up at their accommodation in Windhoek; light lunch on the way.
Day 2 - Mule Trekking (approx. 18 km)
After breakfast we load our gear onto the mules and set off at around 7h00. We
leave the gorge of the seasonal Gaap River on zebra paths, clamber up to
plateaus and cross them, and every now and then we stop to marvel at the vast
canyon scenery. At midday we have a picnic in the shade while the mules move on
ahead of us. In the afternoon we continue down an escarpment, through rugged
valleys and across stony and sandy plains. Finally we arrive at the Fish River –
and at our first camp. While we enjoy a drink at the campfire our tour guide
prepares dinner; anybody who feels like it is welcome to help. The night is
spent at Flamingo Bay Camp, in a tent or in the open under the star-studded
night sky. (Incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 3 - Mule Trekking (approx. 12 km)
We enjoy our first breakfast out in the open. On smooth, blue dolomite we find
abstract rock engravings – traces left by Namibia’s original inhabitants
thousands of years ago. Then we continue upstream along the Fish River. Patches
of river pebbles alternate with slabs of rock and sand dunes. Dramatic chapters
of Earth’s history can be gleaned from the massive layers of rock. At lunchtime,
picnic in a shaded little spot. Occasionally we come across deep pools of water
in which we take a refreshing dip or fish for Fish River carp. In the afternoon
we arrive at Echo Pools Camp – named after the echo reverberating from the
arched rockfaces. Sipping sundowners we watch in awe as the rock reflects the
light of the setting sun in a blaze of colours. (Incl. breakfast, lunch, and
dinner).
Day 4 - Mule Trekking (approx. 10 km)
Today the shortest, but at the same time most strenuous leg of the hike lies
ahead of us. A zigzag path as steep as it is littered with stones is the way up,
onto a high plateau. The exertion is amply rewarded: with a 360 degree panoramic
view across the canyon scenery which extends to the far horizon, 40 km and
beyond into every direction - a spectacular contrast to the limited field of
vision in the canyon. At midday we find some shade for our picnic. Thus
fortified we cross the plateau, past clusters of quiver trees, and come to a
little spring. To our amazement there is a high waterfall. Depending on the time
of year and the yield of the rainy season it either lies dry or has water
cascading over it. In the afternoon the highlight of our tour awaits us: our
camp, pitched right next to the rim of the Horse Shoe Canyon. (Incl. breakfast,
lunch, and dinner).
Day 5 - Transfer to Cañon House
After breakfast we pile into the open vehicle which takes us to the final
destination of our roundtrip. We relish the two-hour drive through the canyon
scenery. As we pull up at Cañon House our tour has come to its end. (Incl.
breakfast).
Services included:
- Schedule as described above
- Full board (breakfast, light lunch, dinner) as described above
- During the tour: an experienced guide, mule driver and supply team
- Mules to carry the luggage and equipment
- Equipment in the camps (tent, mattress, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery,
shower,
- toilet, etc.)
Services not included:
- Beverages (other than water, coffee & tea), drinking bottle (about 2
litres)
- Light rucksack (day pack ± 25 litre)
- Sleeping bag (-5 °C)
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- Souvenirs/presents
- It is not possible to ride the mules
Canyon Klipspringer Trail
The alternative for those who do not have a lot of time on their hands. The
experience of hiking in the canyon scenery is condensed into 2 hiking days.
Imagine exploring the Fish River Canyon from as close as can be, hiking with
just a daypack in almost pristine nature, dreaming at the campfire and falling
asleep under a dazzling night sky... Adventurous and physically fit hiking
enthusiasts who join a Trekking Tour by Mule Trails Namibia can expect a unique
and exciting experience in the wilderness area around the northern part of the
Fish River Canyon. Since luggage and equipment are carried by mules,
participants only need to pack water and snacks for the day’s hike - and their
cameras. A qualified guide explains geology, flora and fauna, a mule driver
takes care of the pack animals and a supply team is in charge of the camps.
Meals are cooked on an open fire. Shower and toilet offer something out of the
ordinary: a view into the great open wilds.
The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth, runs through the
transition zone of two desert systems, the Nama Karoo and the Succulent Karoo
(the most diverse desert on earth). The landscape is characterized by meandering
gorges up to 500 m deep, which twist and turn through ancient layers of rock.
The flora includes unique plants like the quiver tree, candelabra euphorbia or
tamarisk; game such as mountain zebra, kudu, duiker, springbok, klipspringer
(which provided the name for this trail), and ostrich abounds in the area. Even
waterbirds can be spotted with a little luck, like the Hammerkop or the African
fish eagle.
Highlights Diverse canyon scenery, high plateau with 360 degree panoramic views,
gorges, springs, swimming and fishing in (natural) pools, the fascinating plant
and animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert, three nights in the open under the
starry sky or in a tent
Participants Minimum 4 / maximum 12 people,
(less than 4 people on request)
children from 12 years old
Time 15 March to 15 October; otherwise on request
Duration 4 days / 3 nights
Dates on request
Start Cañon House in Gondwana Cañon Park, approx. 650 km by road from Windhoek
( transfer from/to Windhoek on request)
End Cañon House (without spending the night)
Stages 10 - 18 km / 6 - 8 hours walking per day (incl. breaks)
Languages English; possibly German
Tour details
Day 1 - Arrival and Introduction
Participants arrive at Cañon House in Gondwana Cañon Park at the Fish River
Canyon by their own arrangement. In the evening we discuss all there is to know
about the tour and acquaint ourselves with the equipment. (Incl. dinner and
accommodation at Cañon House).
Optional on request - Tour with transfer from and to Windhoek:
guests are picked up at their accommodation in Windhoek; light lunch on the way.
Day 2 - Mule Trekking (approx. 18 km)
After breakfast we load our gear onto the mules and set off at around 7h00. We
leave the gorge of the seasonal Gaap River on zebra paths, clamber up to
plateaus and cross them, and every now and then we stop to marvel at the vast
canyon scenery. At midday we have a picnic in the shade while the mules move on
ahead of us. In the afternoon we continue down an escarpment, through rugged
valleys and across stony and sandy plains. Finally we arrive at the Fish River -
which we follow upstream. Patches of river pebbles alternate with slabs of rock
and sand dunes. Dramatic chapters of Earth’s history can be gleaned from the
massive layers of rock. Occasionally we come across deep pools of water in which
we take a refreshing dip or fish for Fish River carp. In the afternoon we arrive
at Echo Pools Camp – named after the echo reverberating from the arched
rockfaces. Sipping sundowners we watch in awe as the rock reflects the light of
the setting sun in a blaze of colours. (Incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 3 - Mule Trekking (approx. 10 km)
Today a short, but at the same time strenuous leg of the hike lies ahead of us.
A zigzag path as steep as it is littered with stones is the way up, onto a high
plateau. The exertion is amply rewarded: with a 360 degree panoramic view across
the canyon scenery which extends to the far horizon, 40 km and beyond into every
direction - a spectacular contrast to the limited field of vision in the canyon.
At midday we find some shade for our picnic. Thus fortified we cross the
plateau, past clusters of quiver trees, and come to a little spring. To our
amazement there is a high waterfall. Depending on the time of year and the yield
of the rainy season it either lies dry or has water cascading over it. In the
afternoon the highlight of our tour awaits us: our camp, pitched right next to
the rim of the Horse Shoe Canyon. (Incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 4 – Transfer to Cañon House
After breakfast we pile into the open vehicle which takes us to the final
destination of our roundtrip. We relish the two-hour drive through the canyon
scenery. As we pull up at Cañon House our tour has come to its end. (Incl.
breakfast).
Services included:
- Schedule as described above
- Full board (breakfast, light lunch, dinner) as described above
- During the tour: an experienced guide, mule driver and supply team
- Mules to carry the luggage and equipment
- Equipment in the camps (tent, mattress, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery,
shower,
- toilet, etc.)
Services not included:
- Beverages (other than water, coffee & tea), drinking bottle (about 2 litres)
- Light rucksack (day pack ± 25 litre)
- Sleeping bag (-5 °C)
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- Souvenirs/presents
- It is not possible to ride the mules
Special requirements:
- Participants have to be physically fit and sure-footed, and cannot be afraid
of heights
- Operator urgently recommends that comprehensive insurance cover be taken out
before embarking on the tour to make provision for cancellation, curtailment,
medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation as well as loss or damage
of personal baggage and loss of foreign currency.
General Information
Nature of the tour and requirements
These hikes are not difficult technically, but they are demanding: fitness and
stamina are a prerequisite. On the Fish River Canyon stages you will be walking
for 7 to 8 hours per day and carry your daily necessities (6 - 7 kg) yourself –
the mules take care of a maximum of 8 kg of luggage per guest.
The warm climate and the vastly differing day and night temperatures put
additional strain on your body. You need to have a healthy heart and
cardiovascular system. You also need to be in good shape and sure-footed as you
will be hiking on various terrains. Please check your level of fitness before
the tour in order to make sure that you will be able to cope with the additional
strain caused by the hot, dry climate.
Climate
The seasons in southern Africa are at opposite times to those in the northern
hemisphere. When it is winter in the north it is summer in southern Africa – and
the other way round. But the seasons do not have the same significance for
either side.
Namibia’s winter is the cooler dry season with considerable differences in
temperature and permanent sunshine. Nights can be very cold in the desert (May
to August down to minus 5°C), but during the day the thermometer rises to 25°C
and more. Such contrasts are a lot to cope with for the human body.
The Namibian summer (December to March) is the time when rain may be expected.
Rain is a rare occurrence during the rest of the year. From November to February
temperatures are generally high and rise to well over 30°C – depending on where
you are. Overcast skies for weeks on end are simply unheard of, even during the
rainy season (to be more precise: the months with an increased likelihood of
rain). This makes Namibia an ideal travel destination throughout the year.
Own risk
Herewith we explicitly point out that our guests participate in this tour
entirely at their own risk.
We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover be taken out before
embarking on the tour to make provision for cancellation, curtailment, medical
expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation as well as loss or damage of
personal baggage and loss of foreign currency.
Mule Trails Namibia will not be held responsible for any costs arising from any
of the above events. Restriction of liability also applies if clients were
unaware of this policy.
Force majeure
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct the tour as described in
the programme; we cannot vouch for it, however. Unfavourable weather conditions,
the Fish River in flood, organizational problems, unforeseen events or other
factors may force us to change the course of the tour. We apologise for any
inconvenience.
Rates: on request
Reservations & information:
E-mail:
info@namibweb.com
Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Terms & conditions,
Payment options and
Cancellation
policy
Related:
Accommodation
in the area:
Activities
in the area:
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