Düsternbrook Safari Guestfarm offers a diverse landscape with stunning wildlife – a rare experience so close to Windhoek. Open plains, riverbeds and rolling hills create ideal conditions for horse safaris, with beautiful mountain backdrops surrounding the farm.
The possibilities for horse safaris are almost endless, with breathtaking scenery unfolding behind every hilltop.
Exploring the landscape on horseback allows you to experience nature in a very special way. Wildlife tends to accept horses more naturally, often allowing riders to approach animals much closer than on foot or by vehicle.
We offer horse riding for both overnight guests and day visitors, with rides suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
For those who would like to experience more time in the saddle, we also offer worry-free multi-day riding packages, including airport transfers. Packages start from a minimum of four days, while five-, six- or seven-day options may include special experiences such as a breakfast ride, a sundowner ride or an overnight ride.
Signature Horseback Safaris at Düsternbrook
We offer you the opportunity to explore Africa’s unique landscapes on horseback. Our diverse selection of horses includes spirited Arabians, calm Quarter Horse crosses and hardy local breeds – ensuring the right horse for every rider. Horses are ridden in classic English style with comfortable trail saddles, and the weight limit is 80 kg.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, we tailor each ride to your level and confidence. For children or those who prefer extra guidance, our guides can lead the horse with a lead rope, or you can begin with a short riding lesson to build confidence.
Experienced riders can enjoy exhilarating gallops through wide riverbeds or more adventurous rides into the surrounding hills, where both rider and horse can experience the excitement of the terrain.
Throughout your safari, an experienced guide will accompany you, sharing insights into the region’s fascinating wildlife, plants and landscape.
Our Horses & Training
Our horses are kept in spacious, well-maintained stables and enjoy ample pasture to ensure they remain healthy and content. Mares and geldings live together in a herd and have access to outdoor spaces throughout the year. For training, we have a 20 × 60 m dressage arena as well as a small cross-country course.
Six of our horses are experienced guide horses with excellent character and many years of experience working with wildlife and riders of all levels. Our younger horses are equally promising—calm, willing and attentive.
Our aim is to train horses that are safe and reliable for beginners, while still offering an enjoyable and exciting ride for more experienced riders. All of our horses are regularly ridden and continuously trained.
To ensure a personal and relaxed experience, rides are limited to a maximum of five riders per group.
Horse Safaris in the African Highlands
Outrides (Outside the Carefree Packages)
For our regular guests at Düsternbrook, we offer exciting outrides with opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. These rides are available in both the morning and the afternoon, with durations suited to your riding experience:
Beginners: 60 minutes
Advanced riders: 90 minutes
A minimum of two participants is required. A single rider can also join at a 1.5 × single supplement.
Price Guide (based on 2 participants):
N$ 830.00 60 minutes (min 2 ) sgl N$ 1245.00
N$ 1124.00 90 minutes (min 2) sgl N$ 1686.00
Carefree Packages
Our Carefree Packages are designed to make your riding holiday as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. We take care of everything for you — including airport transfers, accommodation and dinner, bed & breakfast (DBB), and a flexible horse safari experience.
Packages start with a 4-day basic package and extend up to 7 days, with additional options available to extend your stay (see details below).
Horse safaris usually take place in the morning and in the afternoon, allowing guests to enjoy up to two rides per day, depending on their preferred duration.
Rides can also be combined with other activities offered at Düsternbrook, such as game drives.
Summer Season (September – March)
Rides start early in the morning, at 07:00 or 07:30, before breakfast.
Winter Season (April – August)
Rides begin after breakfast, at around 08:00.
Working Holidays / Volunteering at Düsternbrook
Volunteer Programme 2026
Would you like to experience Africa beyond travelling?
Join our horseback safari operation on a private wildlife and guest farm in Namibia.
As a volunteer, you assist with daily activities – including organising and guiding rides, working with horses, and interacting with international guests. This programme offers genuine hands-on experience in a professional farm environment.
📩 Please send your CV to:
j.vaatz@duesternbrook.net
Requirements
We are looking for motivated and reliable individuals who:
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enjoy working with horses and being outdoors
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have good riding skills (practical experience preferred)
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show initiative and responsibility
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have a friendly, service-oriented attitude
👉 This is not a budget holiday programme, but a hands-on working experience.
Duration
Ideal stay: 3 months
Minimum stay: 2 months
Accommodation & Meals
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simple, functional accommodation (not guest room standard)
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meals provided in our guest restaurant
Contribution: EUR 500 per month
Availability
Not available from 22 December to end of February (horse rest period & rainy season).
How to Book Horse Riding
Click the “Book” button and complete the questionnaire.
For Carefree Packages, additional options will appear. We will then send you a detailed offer.
Carefree Horse Safari Packages
The 4-7 day horse safari package includes:
- Pick-up from the International Airport or Windhoek
- Accommodation of your choice at Düsternbrook: Colonial House (2 stars) or Rock House (3 stars)
- Half board (dinner and breakfast)
- Optional lunch available for an additional fee
- Guided horse riding for 1-3 hours per day with an experienced guide
- An additional farm activity every 2 days
- Hiking opportunities
- Use of the pool
Here is how your Carefree Package could look like
Day 1:
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Arrival at Düsternbrook with airport pick-up and check-in
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Introduction to the horses and a meeting with the guides to discuss the upcoming days
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Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy your first horse ride or explore free activities
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Dinner and overnight
Day 2:
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Start the day with a 1-2 hour morning ride before breakfast
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Afterward, relax by the pool, enjoy Wi-Fi, or have a light lunch (not included)
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In the afternoon, take part in one of the optional activities or enjoy a second horse ride, depending on your package
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Dinner and overnight
Day 3-4:
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Similar to Day 2, depending on your arrangements with the guides
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End of the basic package with options to either extend your stay or depart
Day 5:
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Sundowner Ride Extension (no additional cost): A scenic ride in the late afternoon to a beautiful viewpoint
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Enjoy snacks and drinks at the Sundowner table, followed by a carriage ride back to the farmhouse for dinner (approx. 2.5 hours total)
Day 6:
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Breakfast Ride Extension (no additional cost): A ride to the Hippodam where you’ll enjoy a breakfast with a stunning view of the Hippo Lake (approx. 3 hours total)
Day 7:
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Overnight Bush Experience (no additional cost): Ride to a bush camp for a unique overnight stay, complete with a campfire, Sundowner drinks, and a traditional Namibian barbecue (vegetarian options available on request)
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Enjoy a starry sky and return to the farmhouse after breakfast the following morning
Riding Details:
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Choose between 2 or 3 hours of riding per day based on your preference
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The total riding hours will accumulate throughout your stay, allowing you to explore different routes
Add-ons:
Luxury Extension on the Farm:
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Spend 2+ days at our new 4-star Mini-Luxury Lodge, “Point of View” (POV), located just 11 km from the main farmhouse
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The POV offers breathtaking views and a relaxing stay with an infinity pool, a restaurant, a watering hole, and Wi-Fi
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Enjoy additional rides with opportunities for galloping and wildlife observation, or choose a game drive instead of riding
Swakopmund Package:
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An all-inclusive experience in the coastal town of Swakopmund
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Includes transfers between the farm and Swakopmund, as well as between Swakopmund and the airport
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Accommodation in a spacious, self-catering holiday apartment in a central location
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A variety of activities to choose from, including a beach ride, Sundowner ride, boat tour to see dolphins or whales, a desert dune tour, or a quad bike adventure
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Activities are arranged based on the number of days you choose
To proceed with the offer, fill out the form below, or press the “PRICES” button above.