Day 1 & 2: Namib Desert
After arrival in Windhoek you collect your 4x4 rental vehicle with ample advice and instructions for a safe tour. Head west to the Namib desert. The Namib Naukluft Park is synonymous with Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon although there's a lot more to see and do that rewards a slow meander from one end to the other. Sossusvlei is one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia with red sand dunes rising 300m into the air. Climb a sand dune, explore the Dead Vlei or balloon over the great Sand Sea.
Accommodation suggestion: Moon Mountain Lodge
Day 3 & 4: Swakopmund
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Swakopmund is surrounded by the ancient Namib Dessert on the one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other and is alive with activities. The town has many German influenced old buildings and offers a lot to adventure seekers such as sand-boarding and sea-kayaking. It is also the starting point for a spectacular scenic flight over the Skeleton coast, named for the shipwrecks and whale-skeletons left on the beach.
Accommodation suggestion: Swakopmund Guesthouse
Day 5: Damaraland
Southern Damaraland, from Swakopmund up to the Huab River, has many geological and historical attractions. Damaraland features vast khaki plains, sheer rocky mountains and incredible desert-adapted wildlife. Track rhino and desert elephant, explore the rugged land or sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Accommodation suggestion: Mowani Mountain Camp
Day 6-8: Etosha National Park
Explore this famous reserve from west to east over four days, staying in 2 or 3 different places. Etosha is one of Africa's great game parks. With 114 species of mammal and 340 species of bird you are sure to see a great variety of wildlife on your safari. As vegetation in most areas is sparse, the animals have learnt to drink during the day when predators are inactive and it is the safest time to be out in the open. It is not uncommon to see up to 7 different species of game at any waterhole. It is easy to get around; the roads are excellent and the waterholes clearly marked.
Accommodation suggestion: Anderssons Camp & Mushara Outpost
Day 9 & 10: West Caprivi
A long day today (day 9) heading east to Grootfontein, then north to Rundu and from there, through the Kavango area to Popa Falls. A full day is set aside for a morning drive into the beautiful Mahango Game Reserve, a boat ride and an interesting village visit.
Accommodation suggestion: Ndhovu Lodge
Day 11-13: Chobe Game Reserve & Victoria Falls
Leave Namibia behind and cross into Botswana at the Ngoma Border Post. The next three days at Chobe are bursting with activities. Join the game drives and boat cruises into Chobe Game Reserve and see the great landscape and wide variety of animals. The other day is set aside for a full day guided excursion to Victoria Falls with ample time to visit the 1700m wide, impressive falls on the Zambezi River that divides Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Accommodation suggestion: Chobe Safari Lodge
Day 14: Makgadigadi Pans
Travel further into Botswana to the Makgadigadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. During the dry season you can quad-bike across the pans and during wet season you can see the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest.
Accommodation suggestion: Planet Baobab
Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta
Drive to Maun where you board a light aircraft and enjoy a scenic flight deep into the Okavango Delta. The next 2 days are spend in the inland swamp on boat rides, nature walks, bird viewing and photography and to just enjoy this most amazing area. The activities focus on the water channels and the open floodplains of Chief's Island.
Accommodation suggestion: Moremi Crossing
Day 17: Kalahari Bushveld
Fly back to Maun and travel in westerly direction to the Central Kalahari. This area is a world apart from the hydrous northern regions of Botswana. Here animals survive for months on end without a drop of water and life follows a gentle, timeless course in a land as old the dinosaurs. View the rhino this evening with optional extra activities such as a game drive, rhino tracking or a visit to the Bushman settlement.
Accommodation suggestion: Edo’s Camp
Day 18
The drive back to Windhoek, Namibia will go via the Mamuno Border Post, which is about 6 hours. Depending on your flight departure’s time we can add a night in Windhoek. Your beautiful roundabout tour of Namibia and Botswana has come to an end. |
