Cycle, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia: The 2026 Edition

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 realize that organizing your own trip can be a total hassle. 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. Hassle eliminated! All you have to do is show up, pedal, and take in the landscape with your fellow cyclists. 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 aluminum 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 tires.

For your time on the sand dunes, you will be provided with a fat bike. Fat bikes are mountain bikes fitted with extra-large tires, which makes them perfect for riding on sand. The super fat tires 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 tire 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 during 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 1,600 Namibian Dollars (around $85 per person).

There will be one driver and one biking 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 you will have access to throughout the day, you can ride completely unburdened if you wish to. We do suggest bringing a small fanny pack for carrying essential items like money, cell phone, sunscreen, and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike parts 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 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 traveling, 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 habitat, 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 review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

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 daily, so 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:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.