If you like the itinerary below please quote REF AFRICA 358 when enquiring for further details.
Alternatively you may like modify this trip with your own Holiday Wish List
On arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Your guide will meet you at the lodge and we then embark on a short orientation city tour of Windhoek. The evening is spent at leisure.
After breakfast we leave Windhoek and drive north to our first destination, Outjo in the Kunene Region. Set between low hills on the brink of the Ugab valley, Outjo is the gateway to the Etosha National Park and roughly translated means “little hills”. In the afternoon there is time to take a self-guided walk on the lodges hiking trail.
Today we travel to Namibia’s well-known Highlight of the North – Etosha National Park. After arrival we go on our first game drive through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approx 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Our accommodation is just outside Etosha Park.
On Day 4 we’ll spend as much time as possible driving through the ‘Great White Place’ (translation for Etosha) trying to get closer to some of the Big Five. The resorts also offer fabulous floodlit waterholes, which provide excellent game viewing at night.
This morning we bid farewell to the wild animals of Etosha and head to Kamanjab where we visit a local Himba village to find out more about their traditions & lifestyle. Experience the milking ceremony and the smoke bath. Learn about their beliefs around the holy fire,ancestors, and herbal medicine. In the afternoon we move onto the Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. We visit the “White Lady” one of the most famous rock paintings in the area. The footpath to the site offers spectacular views over the plains of Damaraland.
Heading south west out of the dry interior of Namibia we make our way town to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered. Alternatively you can just soak up the atmosphere of this little German Town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. This evening why not enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).
An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to the Namib Naukluft National Park, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. On the way there we will make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned Apple Crumble – only served without cream! That evening we embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge.
This morning morning we need to wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. At sunrise and sunset these dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
We leave the desert behind us and travel back to Windhoek, through the beautiful countryside, making short stops en-route. Once we arrive the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure, and dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.
Today fly from Windhoek to Maun (flight Not included). On arrival at Maun Airport, you will be met by your guide, and transfered to our accommodation. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. You could do some last minute shopping or enjoy a scenic flight over the Okavanago Delta (optional activity, please let me know if you want to book this).
After breakfast we leave Maun and reach the Mokoro station after a short drive. From here, we will float in Mokoros through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other Delta’s in the world, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. After this exciting excursion we make our way to camp which is close to the famous Khwai River. We will enjoy dinner and embark upon a night game drive - a fantastic opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal animals that are difficult to see during the day.
Today we spend a full day in the Khwai area. Enjoy an early morning game drive and sunset game drive, spotting a variety of game that frequent this region that borders Moremi and Chobe. Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and it is not unusual to see many types of wildlife during just one game drive, including elephant, buffalo, cheetah, lion, leopard and wild dog. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
After having explored the Khwai area we now head into the famous Moremi game reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve. After our wildlife experiences in the Moremi Reserve, we head back to Maun.
After breakfast we head on to Nata Lodge, which is close to the Makgadikgadi Pans. En route we will stop at the Nata Bird Sanctuary. The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata Sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky. With a little luck you will witness this wonderful spectacle today
Today we make our way to Chobe Safari Lodge on the Chobe River. Once we have reached the Lodge and settled into our accommodation, we enjoy the rest of the afternoon on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, lions, crocodiles and a variety of birds and more without having to even reach for our binoculars!
If you wish, you can start the morning with an optional game drive into Chobe National Park (bookable locally). Then we leave Botswana behind us, cross into Zimbabwe and drive to Amadeus Garden Guest House, where we will spend the night. This afternoon we explore the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, on a guided tour.
Depending on your departure flight details you will be taken to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight.