Fun, Freedom and Two Fat Tires

Cycles are wonderful for whizzing along the flat, and mountain bikes offer a host of fun over rough terrain. Yet, once you go ‘fat’ you’ll never look back.

The simple addition of wider tires inflated to a lower pressure opens up so many more avenues of exploration for avid bikers, thanks to their excellent traction. Fat bikes eat up the dunes of Namibia, making for easy pedalling where you wouldn’t dare to venture on any other kind of bike, except a quad bike.

Fat bikes are more ecologically friendly than quad bikes and are also a great way to get some extra exercise while indulging your adventurous side. Those who’ve tried it say the fat bikes’ unique design creates a feeling of floating through the landscapes.

With so many sandy spots to choose from, it’s no surprise that fat biking in Namibia is one of the top activities to enjoy around Swakopmund.

Available Fat Bike Tours in Namibia

If you’re new to fat biking, a two-hour tour of Swakopmund’s historic attractions is the perfect introduction to this activity. The minimum number of people required for this tour is three, and they set out from the town centre at 8h30, 11h00, and 14h30 daily.

Desert tours are where the real fat biking fun starts. These two-hour trips require at least three participants and take you on a tour of the Namib Desert, covering 14 km of the Swakop river bed and the dunes.

You’ll need to be reasonably fit to really make the most of this tour.

Combo tours include both the city and the sands and take three hours to complete.

All you need to bring along is a reusable water bottle, everything else is provided, and a camera is highly recommended for all fat bike tours.

Sandwich Harbour Fat Bike Tours

Fat bikes are an excellent way to explore this ecologically sensitive area on a seven-hour excursion that departs from Swakopmund.

Your tour operator will pick you up at your accommodation in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay and transfer you to the coastal starting point in a 4×4.

Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy sightings of sea birds, salt pans, and the Walvis Bay lagoon.

You’ll set up base about 8km from Sandwich Harbour, where you’ll prepare for your fat biking trip. Once the refuelling snacks are packed, you’ll head off on a three-hour stint around the area, returning to base for refreshments afterwards.

This tour only takes place on days when the tide is suitably low and is only offered for a minimum of three riders.

Your fee for this excursion is fully inclusive although you should bring a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera.

Extreme Fat Bike Tours

If you’ve decided fat biking is for you, and you have at least average biking skills, ample fitness, and a lot of stamina, you can opt for a nine-day outing from Damaraland to Swakopmund.

While you’re out there, pedalling among the shifting sands, you’ll experience everything nature has to offer, from stunning scenery and interesting wildlife to sandstorms, heat, and cold. Fat biking is a novel and engaging way to enjoy camping in Namibia and days of utter immersion in the tranquillity of the desert.

During your tour, you’ll spend your nights in a single-sleeper pop-up tent, and rustic lodges, with one night in one of Swakopmund’s excellent guest houses to round off your trip.

The light five-day version of this tour includes overnighting in guest houses and lodges every night.

You can choose from several different versions of these tours incorporating some of Namibia’s popular landmarks as well as out-of-the-way places. Highlights include:

• Walvis Bay
• Swakopmund
• The Swakop river bed
• Dunes and beaches
• The Skeleton Coast wrecks
• Seals and oryx sightings
• The Sperregebiet’s forsaken diamond towns
• Some of Damaraland’s attractions

These tours require a minimum of eight riders and include transfers from Windhoek.
 
If you prefer to do your own thing, you can also rent a fat bike or a city cruiser in Swakopmund for either two or four hours.

Explore Namibia in the Best Way Possible

There are so many ways to get around Namibia, it’s difficult to choose. Why not explore them all by browsing our travel blog?

Remember, the best place to start your travels around this fascinating country is with a stay at Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

Disclaimer
Please Note: The details shared herein were correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.