2023 Namibia

4th - 10th November 2023

FUNDRAISING: Together, our goal is to raise USD 20,000. To ensure we achieve our targets, we request each individual to fundraise USD 2,000 so that together, we can succeed.

FITNESS LEVEL: This is a demanding test of fitness and determination and requires experience riding a bike off-road in varying terrain for up to 5-7 hours per day. It is achievable by anyone in good health. Walking your bike is allowed! Support vehicles with us along the route at all times.

TRAINING: In the run up to the challenge, Gulf for Good runs a variety of training sessions that we encourage you to join. 

Join our public WhatsApp group to keep informed of all of our news, events and activities.

COST INCLUDES:

  • A challenge, adventure and charity experience of a lifetime!
  • An opportunity to visit the charity and experience the difference your fundraising will make
  • Access to a range of Gulf for Good hiking and training activities in the UAE 
  • Fundraising approval and advice regarding fundraising events
  • Pre-challenge briefing 
  • Discount with Gulf for Good partner outdoor outfitters
  • Safety, medical and equipment advice
  • Internal ground transfers
  • Accommodation, food and water
  • Experienced Guides who are First Aid certified and Gulf for Good support team
  • In-country medical and vehicle back up
  • Ethical, global standards for in-country guides and porters
  • Bike rental
  • AED 500 admin fee to GFG and is based on a minimum of 8 pax 

PAYMENT DEADLINES:

Either pay at once or opt for our easy instalment plan below.

  • On registration AED1,000 (USD275) deposit toward the Challenge Expenses (non-refundable and non-transferable) paid to Gulf for Good to reserve your space on the challenge
  • Friday 21st July 2023: AED4,500 (USD1,227), 50% remaining balance towards the Challenge Expenses paid to Gulf for Good
  • Friday 1st September 2023: AED4,500 (USD1,227), 50% final balance towards the Challenge Expenses paid to Gulf for Good
  • Saturday 14th October 2023: AED5,000 (USD1,360) minimum Charity Donation paid to International Humanitarian City

(USD1 = AED3.67)

EXCLUDES:

• International flights
• Visas
• Tips and spending money
• Vaccinations
• Insurance
• Kit items
• Drinks (other than water)

This challenge is pending approval by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department 

Any questions please contact: [email protected] or +971 52 253 1909

Day1

Saturday 4th November

Arrive in Windhoek, transfer to hotel

Bike allocation and orientation around bike trails in nature area near Windhoek: In the afternoon we do a bike fitting/orientation and take the bike for a spin in the nature area near our accommodation. In the evening we enjoy some local cuisine at the restaurant Joe's Beerhouse.

Overnight Windhoek, Weinberg Hotel.


Day2

Sunday 5th November

Spitzkoppe granite inselberg

In the morning we leave Windhoek and drive via Okahandja and Karibib to Usakos. Here we get onto our bikes and ride the gravel road to Spitzkoppe Rest Camp. The majestic Spitzkoppe, also called the "Matterhorn of Namibia", rises 600 meters from the plain. It is an Insel mountain range with several secondary peaks and bizarre rock formations which invite us to climb and explore the area.

The mountain range was formed about 130 million years ago when South America separated from southern Africa and enormous magma masses pushed towards the earth's surface.

Erosion by wind and water over millions of years exposed this fascinating and bizarre granite formation. A delicious dinner is prepared around the fire and we enjoy our evening under the stars.

Overnight camping

Day3

Monday 6th November

Cape Cross Lodge, Skeleton coast

The call of the francolin wakes us in the early morning. After breakfast, we ride through the desert plains toward the Skeleton Coast. For the last 50 km we can cycle along the ocean and enjoy the cool breeze after the heat of the desert to Cape Cross.

Here we can visit one of the world's largest seal colonies where the fur seals frolic in the water or lie lazily in the sun. The name, Cape Cross, is derived from a stone pillar erected by the Portuguese explorer Diego Cao. 

 

Day4

Tuesday 7th November

Save the Rhino camp, camping, Brandberg West

After a scrumptious breakfast, we proceed north along the coast and then back inland towards Brandberg, the highest mountain of Namibia. We erect our camp in the Ugab ephemeral river.

The area is beautiful and secluded. Again we camp under the stars and enjoy an evening around the campfire. 

Day5

Wednesday 8th November

Huab River area, Desolation Valley, camping

Todays bike ride takes us into the remote landscape of Damaraland. We are riding through the Doro! Nawas Conservancy and hope to see a few animals which call this remote wilderness his home.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at the Huab ephemeral river where our camp will be pitched and we spend the night in the wild, under the beautiful southern sky. 

Day6

Thursday 9th November

ERONGO MOUNTAINS

A scrumptious camp breakfast is prepared before we get onto the bike and ride eastwards. Later we get into our tour vehicles and are transferred via Uis to Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge. 

The lodge is nestled between huge granite boulders in the wildly beautiful landscape at the foot of the Erongo Mountains. From our bungalow, we have a magnificent view of the savannah. We can relax by the pool, enjoy the magnificent panorama or go for a short walk. Highly recommended is the farm tour in the late afternoon, where we can visit the ancient drawings of the bushmen, which can be found everywhere on the farm area (all activities optional).

Day7

Thursday 9th November

Ai-Aiba Lodge, Erongo Mountains, single trail biking

After breakfast, we bike to a single trail and maybe see the different animals up close. Afterward, we are transferred to Okahandja.

In the afternoon we can go on another single trail game cycle close to our lodge.

Day8

Friday 10th November

Okahandja Country Hotel, biking single trails at Ongeama nature reserve

Today we don't have to travel far, therefore, we have some time to visit the wood carvers market at Okahandja.

Afterward, we drive to Windhoek and visit the project which the Gulf for Good supports.

Day9

Saturday 11th November

Transfer to the airport 1.5 hours

Departure for Dubai

Unfortunately, our Namibian Adventure is coming to an end. Depending on our departure flight we might do some sightseeing or shopping in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. In time for our flight we will be transferred to the international airport and fly back home with many beautiful memories.

Changing lives through cycling, digital literacy and robotics.

The project aims to strengthen the cycling, digital literacy and robotics project at PAY while also extending it to reach Orange Babies centre in Agste Laan informal settlement in Otjomuise where PAY already has a 'football 4 life' skills projects in place since 2021.

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