Desert, Delta and the Falls

On arrival in Windhoek, Namibia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the capital city of Namibia or get some much needed rest.

Today’s journey will take you north, through the ever-changing scenery, to your lodging located on the edge of the Namib Desert. Enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding your camp. Depart early the following morning for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colors of the world’s highest sand dunes. Embark on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.

Approximately 7 hours driving (460km)

Reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding (seasonal). You’ll arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (booked locally). Activities available include sand-boarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning, or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert.

Approximately 5 hours driving (300km)

Drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds, and hot, dry valleys.  If very lucky, you might see the desert-adapted elephant or rhino while here.  After that, we will visit Twyfelfontein area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 rock carvings, and walk to view the ancient Bushman rock engravings. Our lodge is located at the top of a mountain, with spectacular views of the surrounding area.  Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool.   (450km)

In the morning visit with the Himba, a semi-nomadic tribe living in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterized by their proud yet friendly stature, and the women are noted for their beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. Spend a few hours learning more about these fascinating people. After your visit, you will proceed to Etosha National Park for your first game drive, relaxing by the floodlit waterhole in the evening. Approximately 6 hours driving (200 km).

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa, with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, and elephant making this area their home. Spend the day on a game drive through the park from its western to eastern sides. Floodlit waterholes at campsites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing you with many amazing wildlife sightings.

The earliest known inhabitants of Namibia are the Sans. The San people at the Living Museum of the Ju/Hoansi San at Grashoek are the only ‘bushmen’ still allowed to hunt traditionally. We visit these beautiful people and learn from their ample knowledge.

Enter the Caprivi strip, where you’ll spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking Angola and the Okavango River. An optional afternoon boat excursion is a wonderful way to see the birds and wildlife in the area. The Kavango region is home to the well-known woodcarvers. The banks of the Kavango River will be where we stay. Hear the grunts and roars of hippos many be hard close by. The next morning starts with a visit to the Mahango Game Reserve, with the exciting possibility of spotting crocodiles, elephants, hi[[ps and rate antelope like the Sable, Roan, and Sitatunga. In the afternoon, we’ll treat ourselves to a mokoro excursion in this scenic area.

Today we leave Namibia for Botswana for Chobe National Park, staying on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets, and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. We relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. You also have the option of a game drive (own account).

Travel across the Zimbabwean border to Victoria Falls, where you will stay for the next several days along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.  Victoria Falls (Known at Mosi-oa-Tunya  – The Smoke That Thunders) is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans the the Zambezi between Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Without a doubt, the falls are one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa.  These next days are yours to spend at leisure browsing the local markets or experiencing some of the many optional activities on offer in this adrenaline capital of Africa:  white water rafting, bungee jumping, micro-lighting, airplane or helicopter flights over the falls, rhino and lion walks, and visiting the falls on foot along extensive trails (all activities booked locally).

Your travel time to Victoria Falls is approximately 2-4 hours with ferry/border crossing (80km)

After breakfast, depart for the airport to catch your onward flight. So long, Africa!