A fat bike adventure in the Namib Desert

Enjoy a Namib Desert cycling adventure on this unique fat bike tour. The trip starts at our Swakopmund office, where you’ll be kitted out with a fat bike, which has thick tyres that can travel over sandy terrain. They’re eco-friendly and less invasive than cars or quad bikes; their tracks are even shallower than footprints. Set off with your guide, passing Swakopmund’s German-colonial architecture, and follow a riverbed into the desert.

Cycle leisurely through rolling dunes, soaking up the views and stopping to photograph the scenery. You can see back down into Swakopmund and across the Atlantic, with the never-ending sands of the Namib Desert stretching in the other direction. You’ve got the contrast of the yellow, orange and even black dunes, all set against the blue sky. Namib means “vast place” in the local Nama language, which perfectly describes the view.

We’re one of only a few tour companies with a permit to operate in this area of the National Park, so it often feels like we’re alone in the desert. As we cycle, we might spot a gecko or a snake – I’ve even seen a roaming desert elephant. Your guide will tell you stories about the desert and Swakopmund, there are also some adventurous downhill sections to tackle if you’re craving a dose of adrenaline.

Guests love the excitement of being able to ride in this extreme environment. The bikes are suitable for all, but if you’re not a confident cyclist, we also have e-bikes with fat tyres that you can use instead. People tell me how nice it is to get out of the car and get some exercise. Out in the desert, there’s no pollution, just pristine nature as far as the eye can see.