22 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS OF NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, AND ZIMBABWE

On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 1800h for your pre-departure meeting. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.
Overnight in Windhoek

Moving south you make your way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park and your accommodation for the next two nights, Agama River Camp. The Park contains what is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Sossusvlei

This morning you will wake up early to visit the sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are spectacular and provide a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). You will also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
Overnight in Sossusvlei

The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on the way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. Sightings of the unique fauna and flora are a must on a Namibian safari. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. En route you make a stop in the small town of Walvis Bay where you may spot a variety of birds including flamingoes in the lagoon. You will arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund in the late afternoon, where you will have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this quaint, little German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.
Overnight in Swakopmund

Enjoy the day at leisure or book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Swakopmund

OPTIONAL: QUAD BIKING (2 HOURS)

Experience the sheer thrill of riding a quad bike through Namibia's boundless expanse of shifting sand dunes.

OPTIONAL: TOWNSHIP TOUR

Get a glimpse of township life on tour from Swakopmund into Mondesa and the Democratic Resettlement Community. Meet the locals as you visit community craft markets, schools and homes, and learn about the cultures of the Damara and Herero peoples. Discover how humanitarian projects are taking on the townships' dire housing conditions.

OPTIONAL: SWAKOPMUND CITY TOUR

Take a short journey through time with an exploration of Swakopmund's colorful history; where its origins in the colonial area. Venture to modern-day Swakopmund to find out how the local people live life now, while the tour shows you luxury beachfront homes and learn about the living standards of the town today. Transfers are included between hotels.

OPTIONAL: PELICAN POINT KAYAKING

Early in the morning, depart from Walvis Bay Waterfront in a 4x4 vehicle along the lagoon and salt mines en route to Pelican Point. There will be photo stops to capture pictures of flamingos and a great variety of other wildlife. After approximately 1 hour, you will reach Pelican Point where you can board your kayaks for 2 hours out on the ocean depending on conditions. Breakfast upon return is included.

Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind us, you continue the journey towards Namibia’s best-known highlight of the north – Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at the lodge neighboring the park, situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks and overlooking a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool or take a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens.

Overnight in Etosha

After breakfast, enter the Etosha National Park via the Andersson gate, named after Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to come across the Etosha pan, which means “Great White Place” in the Ndonga dialect of the Ovambo tribe. The next 2 days can be filled with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino, as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and the numerous types of antelope the park, has to offer. Your nights are spent at the flood-lit waterholes or viewpoints encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals that come to drink.

Overnight in Etosha National Park

Enjoy the day with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and the numerous types of antelope the park has to offer. Etosha was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approximately 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species, and, surprisingly, one species of fish.

Overnight in Etosha National Park

Today you will drive into Bushmanland and take a guided tour of the Living Museum of the Ju’Hoansi-San, a local Bushmen community that offers visitors the opportunity to participate in their daily activities. The Living Museum is an authentic open-air museum where guests can learn about the traditional culture and the original way of living of the San people. A walk is taken in the vicinity of the village with the hunters to search for bush food; watch them prepare snares and ropes and start a fire the Ju/’Hoansi way. After lunch in the shade of the trees, your journey continues to the town of Rundu as you make your way to Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. You will arrive in the late afternoon, where you can relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.
Overnight at Okavango

This morning you travel eastwards onto our camp in the western Caprivi region, Nunda River Lodge. Before departure, however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge or a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people. Continue to your lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise to Popa Falls.
Overnight in Caprivi

In the morning you make your way to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephants, roan, kudu, and buffalo are among the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. In the afternoon return to your lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Mahangu

Today, leave the Caprivi and travel south to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “Maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, relaxing next to the pool at the lodge.

Overnight in Maun

OPTIONAL: SUNSET BOAT CRUISE ON THAMALAKANE RIVER

Depart from the launching bay for a sunset cruise along the Boro River in the Okavango Delta. There are wonderful bird-watching opportunities along the way with sundowner drinks available for purchase at the bar. This cruise will operate between May and November.

After breakfast, you will be picked up by local Botswana guides and taken a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, you will float in traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, the group will make their way to the camp, which is situated in the Greater Moremi region. Once settled into the camp, you will enjoy dinner and embark on an evening game drive in the private concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.

Overnight in Moremi

Today after breakfast you have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In the open 4x4 vehicle you can explore the Moremi Game Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of games that frequent this region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals, and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Please note that game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas.

Overnight in Moremi

You will leave the bush behind and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river-fed lake, however, the pans are now saline and empty. In the afternoon you will visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you get the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints.)

Overnight in Nata

This morning head north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second-largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants found on the African continent. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Chobe National Park

Today, you will get to see the wildlife of the Chobe National Park on a morning game drive, with the hope of spotting a big game up close and the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. In the afternoon participate in a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the animals as they come down to drink, as well as the spectacular African sunset.

Overnight in Chobe National Park

Today you will cross the border into Zimbabwe and onto Hwange National Park to spend the next two nights. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffes. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.

Overnight in Hwange

Go on a full-day game drive today in Hwange National Park, the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe!

Overnight in Hwange

Continuing the trip, you turn northwards to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. Upon arrival to Zimbabwe, there will be a tour of Victoria Falls and the rest of the day may be spent at leisure or participating in one of the optional activities available.

Overnight in Victoria Falls

OPTIONAL: SUNSET CRUISE

Put your feet up, sip a sun-downer as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You will have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippos, crocodiles, and other animals which come down to the river’s edge in the early evening, to slake their thirst. Enjoy the views along the Zambezi River with a cocktail and snacks in hand.

Tour Departs Daily: 3:30 pm or 4:00 pm
Tour Ends: 5:30 om or 6:00 pm

OPTIONAL: BUSH TRACKS EXPRESS DINNER STEAM SAFARI

This exclusive adventure reveals exquisite insights into a pristine wilderness that excites and exhilarates. There is something to delight every sense, from a lavish menu to the scent of the spray, to the sight of the setting sun. Luxurious steam train encapsulated in an air of romance and beauty of a bygone era, harmoniously paired with modern comfort and cuisine. The splendid steam train is unsurpassed with unrivaled service and serenity, as they take their passengers on a journey that uncovers some of the most beautiful components of Africa. Transfers are included, along with welcome drinks, a 5-course gourmet dinner, and South African Wines, beers, and soft drinks.
*Please note that this tour is not advisable for children under the age of 12 or clients requiring wheelchair seating
*Tour operates only on Tuesdays and Fridays

OPTIONAL: ADRENALINE HIGH-WIRE PASS

Enjoy half a day of extreme sports within the breathtaking landscapes of Batoka Gorge, located just 300 meters away from Victoria Falls. You will get the opportunity to zipline over the Gorge or bungee jump 53 meters into the George Swing! This will be an exhilarating experience for those who are looking to get their adrenaline pumping!

OPTIONAL: HORSEBACK SAFARI (NOVICE)

Surrounded by National Park and Game area Victoria Falls allows access to the rugged and varied riding country, providing a superb wilderness experience for all levels of rider. You may track elephants, buffalo, and other game to the shady banks of the Zambezi River, or ride within feet of shy impala or Kudu. Even a short novice ride provides amazing potential safari encounters and is one of the best ways to view the wild game in Victoria Falls. Qualified, licensed guides lead all rides and are accompanied by a backup rider. All our guides are dedicated, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. A keen interest is taken in the environment as well as the flora and fauna of the area.

*Please note that the maximum weight is 100KG, and children must be over the age of 12 to participate in this tour

Today you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight back home.