Wild Cherry Adventures
From Dusty Roads to Desert Trails – Hiking, Self-Drives & Guided Safaris in Namibia and beyond.
Looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Namibia – and the world next door?
Whether you’re exploring on foot, by 4×4, or with a local guide, Wild Cherry Adventures offers tailor-made journeys that showcase Namibia’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and wide-open spaces, that explore Namibia’s wild heart—and reach into the neighbouring wonders of Southern Africa.
From the silence of the Namib Desert to the untamed trails of Kaokoland and beyond, our tours are crafted for those who want more than just a holiday.
We specialize in fully-catered hiking and slackpacking tours, ranging from gentle 1-day walks to the legendary 16-day, 222 km Kaokoveld Camino. With our four unique Caminos across Namibia’s most remote and striking landscapes, and our different hiking routes in several areas, there’s a trail for every level of walker — all vehicle-supported, so you can focus on the rhythm of the land. Questions about our Caminos? Visit our FAQ page or get in touch. You need it more challenging ? Join us for the Fish River Canyon Hike or up to the summit of Brandberg Mountain in Damaraland.
At Wild Cherry Adventures, we understand that everyone’s idea of a perfect adventure is different.
Whether you’re drawn to desert dunes, rugged mountains, or cultural encounters, Wild Cherry Adventures offers tailored tours across Namibia and beyond—designed to match your pace, interests, and spirit of adventure.
Walk a Camino in Namibia
Experience the ultimate slackpacking adventures with our four unique Caminos, each designed to showcase Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic 222 km, 16-day Kaokoveld Camino to shorter, immersive journeys, our Caminos offer the perfect balance of challenge and comfort for every adventurer.
Hiking Tours in Namibia
Whether you’re seeking a challenging multi-day trek or a relaxed day hike, our hiking tours offer something for everyone.
Epic Trails: Conquer iconic routes like the Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest canyon, or the rugged Naukluft Mountains, known for their technical trails and breathtaking views or explore Namibias “Matterhorn” – Spitzkoppe.
- Summit Adventure: Tackle Namibia’s most famous peak: Brandberg Summit’s Königstein, the highest peak in the country, offering sweeping views and unforgettable rewards.
- Scenic Day Hikes: For those short on time, enjoy stunning day hikes near Windhoek, perfect for exploring Namibia’s natural beauty in a relaxed setting.
- 11-Day Hiking Adventure: Experience the best of Namibia on our 11-day hiking tour, designed for true adventurers. This unforgettable journey combines multiple trails, including the Naukluft, Sossusvlei, Moon landscape, Brandberg area and Etosha National park, while immersing you in the unique landscapes and wildlife of Namibia.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual explorer, our hiking tours showcase Namibia’s stunning landscapes, ancient geology, and rich biodiversity at your own pace. Let us guide you on your next adventure!
About us – Our Story
At Wild Cherry Adventures, our mission is to bring the untamed beauty of Namibia to life through transformative journeys that reconnect people with nature. Founded on a love for the Namibian wilderness, we create experiences that blend adventure, mindfulness, and environmental respect. Today, Wild Cherry Adventures is operated by Ellen Horlebein, who carries forward the legacy of the company’s founder, Chad Wratten, known as “Chadmanwalking.”
Chad Wratten and Chadmanwalking
Chad Wratten’s passion for the outdoors began early in his life. In his twenties, he entered the world of tourism, working first in the Kruger National Park and quickly finding a deep sense of purpose and joy in guiding. Over the next decade, Chad honed his skills across Southern and East Africa, with Namibia’s vast landscapes holding a special place in his heart. This bond with Namibia eventually led him to establish his own guiding business in Windhoek in 2004.
Just three years later, he expanded it into Wild Cherry Adventures, focusing on safaris to iconic sites like Sossusvlei & Etosha and creating unique desert experiences. Chad was not only a guide but a passionate explorer. Over the years, he undertook several remarkable journeys across the Namib Desert on foot, covering over 3000 km. One of his favourite treks was through the Kaokoveld up to the Kunene River to support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which got developed in 2023 to the Kaokoveld Camino.
To Chad, a great safari was more than just a tour—it was an experience of discovery and enjoyment, led by knowledgeable guides, enriched with good food, comfortable accommodations, and filled with laughter and connection. Chad’s philosophy lives on in every tour we offer, ensuring that Wild Cherry Adventures continues to create fun and meaningful journeys.
Ellen Horlebein leading the adventures
Ellen Horlebein now leads Wild Cherry Adventures with the same commitment to immersive, soulful travel. A seasoned adventurer herself, Ellen has hiked trails around the world, crossed the Alps on foot, and completed the Camino de Santiago twice. Her passion for travel and nature brought her to Southern Africa, where she spent eight years exploring in her well-loved “My Pink Bumper” vehicle, diving deep into the region’s landscapes and communities. During this time she met Chad Wratten somewhere in the Erongo Mountains…
Ellen’s vision for Wild Cherry Adventures builds on Chad’s legacy, expanding the company’s offerings while staying true to its roots. She believes that exploring Namibia’s wilderness is an opportunity for personal transformation, with the potential to foster mindfulness, mental clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Ellen’s personal experiences with nature, combined with her adventurous spirit, infuse every Wild Cherry journey with inspiration and purpose, making each trip an unforgettable blend of fun, beauty, and connection. Under Ellen’s leadership, Wild Cherry Adventures continues to honor Chad’s legacy by delivering meaningful, eco-conscious tours that celebrate the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities of Namibia.
The offer the following Caminos:
