Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
Suggested Itinerary
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14 Days From $7,319
Overview
Sandwiched between Angola to the north and Botswana to the south, the magical landscapes of the Caprivi Strip offer a stark contrast to the endless deserts and dry mountains that make up much of the rest of the country. This is a chance to discover a totally different side of Namibia’s rich natural and cultural diversity, as you travel from the Central Highlands to the confluence of the mighty Zambezi and Victoria Falls.
Beginning in Windhoek,...
Sandwiched between Angola to the north and Botswana to the south, the magical landscapes of the Caprivi Strip offer a stark contrast to the endless deserts and dry mountains that make up much of the rest of the country. This is a chance to discover a totally different side of Namibia’s rich natural and cultural diversity, as you travel from the Central Highlands to the confluence of the mighty Zambezi and Victoria Falls.
Beginning in Windhoek, your self-drive journey then takes you north into the beautiful landscapes of Eastern Etosha National Park. Heading on towards the sleepy frontier town of Rundu, you’ll then enjoy a chance to relax and savour the delights of the Hakusembe River before turning east into the lush oasis of the Caprivi Strip.
Visits to Popa Falls and the Nambwa Lagoon then follow, where you can experience some stunning bird and game encounters before the adventure crosses the border to Kasane in Botswana for some more fantastic game viewing. The final stop is in Zimbabwe at the mighty Victoria Falls National Park. Experience the wealth of activities here suited to adrenaline junkies, wildlife enthusiasts and romantics alike.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Drive north through Namibia and the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe
- The opportunity to witness fantastic wildlife viewing in five different national parks
- Spot elephants coming down to drink from the comfort of your private deck
- Try your hand at catching tiger fish on the Chobe River
- Experience both self-guided game drives and safari drives with local guides
- Witness the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the perfect finale to your adventure
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE WINDHOEK
DAY 1: ARRIVE WINDHOEK
Arriving in Windhoek today you will be met at the airport and transferred on to your overnight guesthouse for a chance to relax from the overnight flight and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead.
DAY 2: WINDHOEK - OKONJIMA PRIVATE RESERVE
DAY 2: WINDHOEK - OKONJIMA PRIVATE RESERVE
After taking delivery of your rental car at the guesthouse this morning, you will then begin your journey north into the beautiful landscapes of the Okonjima private game reserve. Arriving at the lodge in time for lunch, the rest of the afternoon then provides a chance to enjoy the reserve known for its conservation work with AfriCat.
DAY 3: OKONJIMA - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3: OKONJIMA - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Spend today driving north towards Eastern Etosha where you will see signs to Mushara Lodge which is just on the outskirts of the park and is your base for the next two nights.
DAY 4: EXPLORE ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: EXPLORE ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Take advantage of the lodge's superb location close to the Namutoni Gate at the Eastern edge of Etosha by conducting your own self-drive safaris through the park. There is an excellent network of roads to explore and plenty of places to stop and enjoy watching the park's abundant animal life, especially around the many waterholes. Guided game drives are also available.
DAY 5: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - RUNDU
DAY 5: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - RUNDU
Following a leisurely breakfast, you'll head off again this morning continuing the journey north to the old frontier town of Rundu, lying on the Angolan border beside the waters of the Kavango River. This afternoon presents a chance to relax and enjoy the views across the river from your deck; listening to the sound of birdsong or enjoying a swim in the lodge's pool. The nearby Mbunza Cultural Centre is also worth visiting.
DAY 6: RUNDU - DIVUNDU
DAY 6: RUNDU - DIVUNDU
Departing Rundu this morning you will head east, into the dense riverine landscape of high trees and lush grasses that make up the Caprivi Strip. Your destination today is the small town of Divundu, where you will be based for the next two nights. Culturally and environmentally fascinating, this captivating area of wetland provides sanctuary to over 400 bird species and an abundance of wildlife, and is also home to a number of rural African communities that continue traditions that have endured for generations.
DAY 7: EXPLORE THIS PART OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP
DAY 7: EXPLORE THIS PART OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP
Stretch your legs this morning with a trip out to Popa Falls where a series of rapids cascade down into the Okavango River. Not as spectacular as some of the other falls in the area, the cascades in the Popa reserve are nonetheless home to a rich variety of birdlife and boast some lovely walking trails, offering up the perfect antidote to those long drives. Alternatively, drive south to Mahango National Park, a wonderfully scenic area that straddles the border between Namibia and Botswana which is home to elephant, buffalo and bushbuck, as well as rarer species such as sable and red lechwe.
DAY 8: DIVUNDU - KONGOLA
DAY 8: DIVUNDU - KONGOLA
From Divundu today you continue east through the Caprivi Game Park and on to your next lodge in Kongola. Situated on the lagoon of Nambwa Island, the tented camp boasts fantastic views nearby where elephants gather in the dry season.
DAY 9: EXPLORE KONGOLA REGION OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP
DAY 9: EXPLORE KONGOLA REGION OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP
Ideally located as it is for independent exploration, the lodge can also offer a range of immensely popular fully guided excursions, game drives and walks. A walk before lunch followed by an afternoon game drive is a great way to spend the day rounded off with sundowner drinks and a chance to watch elephants drinking at the Horseshoe Lagoon.
DAY 10: KONGOLA - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA)
DAY 10: KONGOLA - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA)
Following a final morning's activity, you'll head back to the lodge for breakfast and a chance to relax before being transferred across the border into neighbouring Botswana. Check into your lodge for an evening at leisure.
DAY 11: EXPLORE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
DAY 11: EXPLORE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Spend today exploring Chobe National Park by vehicle or boat from your lodge. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffalo, lion and some of the 400 species of bird that call the park home.
DAY 12: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK - VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)
DAY 12: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK - VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)
After a final morning's activity at the lodge, you will then continue your journey across the border to Zimbabwe and the world famous, Victoria Falls. The lodge is perfectly located for making use of the numerous adventure activities and wildlife safaris available in the area.
DAY 13: EXPLORE VICTORIA FALLS
DAY 13: EXPLORE VICTORIA FALLS
There is a large variety of activities in the Victoria Falls area: private guided visits to the various view points of the falls; swimming in the Devil's Pool on the Zambian side of the river (seasonal); white water rafting (seasonal); sundowners on the edge of Batoka Gorge; helicopter flights over the falls, and game drives in Zambezi National Park, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls National Park.
DAY 14: DEPART VICTORIA FALLS
DAY 14: DEPART VICTORIA FALLS
You will be transferred to the airport this morning for your departure flight where your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Olive Grove Guesthouse, Windhoek
A small and stylish bed & breakfast tucked away in a quiet area close to the centre of Windhoek, The Olive Grove combines a convenient location, comfortable rooms and excellent service, as one of the top places to stay in the quirky Namibian capital. The 11 en-suite bedrooms all feature unique, brick-based beds and cupboards, but are wonderfully comfortable and cosy. There is a lovely little breakfast room and steps leading down to a small swimming pool and terrace where meals can be enjoyed for those not wanting to venture out. Overall, a fantastic base for a night, or possibly two, offering easy access to the attractions of Windhoek and for getting out of the city or to the airport.
Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima Private Game Reserve
Standing proud on the plains of the renowned Okonjima Farm, the home of the AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima Plains Camp is a charming camp to spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful scenery and varied activities that a stay at the farm offers. The camp is made up of 24 rooms, split between Standard and View Rooms and, whilst all offer views of the surrounding plains, the View Rooms offer more spacious accommodation and more spectacular vistas. Whichever room type you choose, you will be accommodated in the utmost comfort, with en suite bathrooms, private decking areas, roof fans, mini-fridges and a large safe. The View Rooms also boast their own writing desks and chairs in which to relax. The main part of the lodge, known as The Barn, houses the lounge, dining room and curio shop, as well as a large, secluded swimming pool. A second, smaller pool is found at the far end of the camp. The food here is excellent, enjoyed in the spacious dining room with a wonderful view out across the plains. All activities at Plains Camp are bookable in advance and popular trips include a visit to the AfriCat Foundation, Leopard Viewing and visits to their Cheetah Project. Game drives, birdwatching, bushman interaction experiences and self-guided nature walks are all on offer as well.
Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls
The beautifully styled boutique hotel provides easy access to Victoria Falls and the town. With 56 rooms there is always a vibrant atmosphere, but superb staff ensure an efficient and personal service. Bedrooms are spacious and have air-conditioning, full amenities and a traditional feel to them, with small verandas decorated in teak furnishings. The excellent Palm Restaurant, the lounge and bar and well-appointed swimming pool are set amongst luscious gardens. Ilala also owns its own small cruising boat, Ra-Ikane, offering breakfast, lunch and sunset cruises along the upper stretch of Zambezi. Activities are not included in the stay but can be arranged via the concierge.
Hakusembe River Lodge, Rundu
Hakusembe River Lodge is located just outside the town of Rundu, west of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The 18 double and 2 triple chalets all have air-conditioning, heating and small verandas with views out to the Okavango River, an ideal spot for a morning coffee. The main lodge plays host to the excellent restaurant and bar, fantastic swimming pool and a spacious sun deck all with views out to the shifting waters of the Okavango River. Activities on offer include fishing trips to catch elusive tiger fish, sunset cruises along the river and visits to local villages. A few days here is an ideal way to start a journey into the majestic Caprivi Strip and it’s lush, verdant floodplains.
Mushara Lodge, Eastern Etosha
Mushara lodge is located 8 km away from the Von Lindequist Gate on the Eastern boundary of Etosha National Park. It has an ideal location for travellers visiting the game reserve on self-drive or guided excursions. The lodge consists of 10 luxury chalets, triple and single rooms, and a spacious family unit. The thatched chalets are situated in a horseshoe shape around the bright blue swimming pool, a major feature at the lodge, and each chalet provides plenty of space to relax and unwind. The thatched public area boasts a private library, stocked with a collection of books for guests to read at their own leisure; an extensive bar with a wide selection of wines from the onsite wine cellar; a spacious, airy lounge complete with a welcoming fireplace for fresh winter evenings; an open dining area; and well stocked curio shop. The décor of the lodge throughout consists of an eclectic blend of modern and traditional African artwork and other original paintings.
Riverdance, Divundu
Swiss owners Pascale and Chris fell in love with the area and decided to stay and open Riverdance lodge hosting with passion and attentive service. Set on the riverbanks of the Okavango Delta, the camp has seven luxurious waterfront bungalows with private decks and bathtubs with a view. Each comes with a small fridge, stylish netting over the bed and natural toiletries. The main area of the lodge has a wonderful, decked terrace right on the river where guests can enjoy a drink from the bar and feast on the chef, Maria’s, wonderful three-course menus at sunset. There is also refreshing outdoor pool and a little Bush SPA offering massages.
Kazile Island Lodge, Kongola
Kazile Island Lodge sits on its own private island on the Kwando River, within the Bwabwata National Park where access is, of course, by boat. Housing 13 tented suites and Meru-style tents nestled within a mangosteen forest the setting is peaceful and exotic. Each of the ensuite tents is raised up on wooden stilts and comes equipped with a fan, charging point and hairdryer. The main lodge is comprised of a large, raised platform with covered dining and lounging areas encircling the open-top deck.
Chobe River Lodge, Kasane
Sat on the banks of the Chobe River, guests of the Chobe River Lodge can enjoy direct access to the wildlife of the Chobe Game Reserve via road and boat. When not out exploring, one can relax at the four-star lodge’s contemporary pool looking out to the river or chill out with a drink and the a view of the surrounding landscapes from the deck. In the evening retire to one of the 12 spacious, modern rooms, equipped with hotel amenities such as air conditioning.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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