One Namibian company, Reit Safari (PO Box 20706, Windhoek; tel: 061 217940; fax: 061 256300; email: reitsaf@cyberhost.com.na) run by Albert and Waltraut Fritzsche, organise adventurous nine-day trips on horseback, from the central highlands to Swakopmund. They travel across the escarpment and through the desert. With a few nights to get used to the horses, and one at the end to relax, these are full 12-day trips. Participants must be fit, have extensive experience of riding and horses, and be totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse.

Riders camp throughout the trip and trucks transport the equipment ahead of the party.

Rates: U$2,525 per person for the whole trip, including all meals, but excluding drinks. (Residents of southern Africa may be eligible for a discount.)