NAMIBIA - DELTA - CHOBE - VICTORIA FALLS PRIVATE SAFARI
OVERVIEW
This 16-day Namibia, Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls safari offers you the best of southern Africa's famous attractions spread evenly over the course of two weeks.
Visit Namibia's famed attractions including the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and the Caprivi wetlands. Top this fascinating voyage of discovery with a safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park and finish with a visit to Victoria Falls and you really have the makings of an incredible holiday.
Day 1 : The Elegant Guesthouse, Windhoek (B / - / -)
Windhoek :
Surrounded by the stubble-covered Auas Mountains and the endless Khomas Hochland, Windhoek lies in a long valley fed by ancient hot springs in the central highlands. Namibia’s capital and bustling city. More often than not, the start or end place of your Namibia safari.
In Windhoek there are many interesting historical buildings, museums, galleries and craft shops. The city has several good restaurants and modern shops and services making it an excellent base camp from which to launch your Namibian adventure.
Day Itinerary :
• You will be met by your guide on arrival in Windhoek and handed your travel documents
• City tour of Windhoek with your guide (if time permits)
• The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing at your own leisure
• For dinner tonight, you can head into town for a bite to eat at one of Windhoek’s well known restaurants
Overnight : The Elegant Guesthouse
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Day 2 - 4 : Desert Quiver Camp, Sossusvlei (B / - / D)
Sossusvlei :
Star dunes with up to five crests rise 300m into the air and rank among the biggest in the world; the dune valleys are marked by vast clay pans where the Tsauchab River gave up its fight to reach the sea more than 60,000 years ago.
Besides the dunes and pans of Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, a sideshow of activities and sights has developed around the region and there are plenty of game lodges that provide additional desert-adapted activities. Plants and birds are the dominant life form in this dessicated realm and they support a tiny world of mammals, reptiles and insects that, in the absence of coastal fog, seldom wander far from the rivercourse and its pans.
Day Itinerary :
Windhoek – Sossusvlei 350km - approximately 5 to 6 hours
• After breakfast, you can still pop into town for anything you might need and then depart heading south from Windhoek to your lodge for the next 2 nights
• The route will take you either via the beautiful Spreetshoogte or Remhoogte Pass, both showcasing the natural beauty of Namibia
• Wake up early for breakfast (Day 3) and then head to the entrance to Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Gate
• Spend the whole day in the beautiful Sossusvlei area, exploring the highlights: Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy, Elim Dune and the Sesriem Canyon
• Return to the lodge for lunch or arrange a lunch pack to enjoy in the dunes and return late afternoon for a well-earned rest
• Optional extra activities: Hot air balloon safari, Nature drives
Overnight : Desert Quiver Camp
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 4 - 6 : Swakopmund Luxury Suites, Swakopmund (B / - / -)
Swakopmund :
Surrounded by the ancient Namib Desert and the inhospitable - but bounteous - Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is alive with activity and has a lot on offer for the adventure-seeker: quad-biking, sand-boarding, horse-riding, skydiving and more.
Swakopmund has many interesting German-influenced buildings from the early 1900s in a variety of styles and, for its size, Swakopmund has an astonishing array of restaurants that serve mainly seafood, steak and many German staples.
Walvis Bay :
Walvis Bay is an industrial port which lies along the Atlantic Ocean, off Namibia's Skeleton Coast. The large bay and surrounding sand dunes help make Walvis Bay a tourist mecca with loads of activities on offer to explore it.
• Explore the Skeleton Coast where the dunes meet the sea at Sandwich Harbour
• Go on a dolphin boat cruise in the harbour. Enjoy champagne and oysters
• Kayak among the seals at Pelican Point
• Visit and climb the mighty Dune 7
• Visit the RAMSAR wetland birding site and the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Thousands of flamingos from October to April
• Explore the neighbouring town of Swakopmund. Activities abound and dining delights
Day Itinerary :
Sossusvlei – Swakopmund 350km - approximately 5 to 6 hours
• Depart after breakfast and head north to Solitaire, then west crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons via the Namib Gravel Plains to the coast
• Either via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, or (recommended) detour via Ganab to the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Landscape
• The Namibian coastline is generally known as The Skeleton Coast due to the barren areas, ship wrecks and, in days gone by, whale skeletons left on the beach
• 1 full day is set aside for this lovely area where Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer a wide range of activities such as: Dolphin cruise; Sandwich Harbour excursion (a real Skeleton Coast experience); Dune quad biking; Sand boarding; Sea kayaking; Lots more…
• Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at a café or restaurant overlooking the sea
Overnight : Swakopmund Luxury Suites
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Day 6 : Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp, Damaraland (B / - / D)
Damaraland :
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 and endless scenery. Damaraland's hilly savannah supports a large number of species including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, eland, kudu, giraffe, klipspringer, steenbok, gemsbok and springbok. Birdlife is prolific with over 33 raptors recorded including cuckoo hawks, Egyptian vultures and peregrine falcons - the world's fastest animal.
Damaraland is divided into several enormous private game reserves, known as concessions, that support most species of Namibia's large game and provide some of the best birding and wildlife experiences in the country - and southern Africa for that matter.
Day Itinerary :
Swakopmund – Damaraland 445km - approximately 7 to 8 hours
• Head north along the Skeleton Coast, via Henties Bay to visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Along the way, stop at the Lichen Fields as well as the ship wreck between the colourful small town of Wlotskasbaken and Henties Bay
• Backtrack to Henties Bay and head inland through wide open plains to Uis, then north to the Twyfelfontein area
• Visit to Namibia’s Open Air Museum, the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings as well as the interesting Organ Pipes rock formations and Burnt Mountain
• Visit the Damara Living Museum for a hint of culture
Overnight : Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 7 : Etosha Village, Etosha South (B / - / D)
Etosha South :
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Day Itinerary :
Damaraland – Etosha (south) 325km - approximately 4 to 5 hours
• After breakfast, drive east towards Khorixas stopping at the Petrified Forest en-route
• From Khorixas head further east along the tar road to Outjo and then north to your lodge which is situated very close to the southern entrance of Etosha, the Andersson Gate
• If time permits, enter Etosha for an afternoon game drive. Depending on how often you stop today, you should arrive at your lodge in time for lunch (optional extra)
• On entering the park, the first stop would be Okaukuejo where you pay your entry fee (included) and I suggest you pop in at the local shop to purchase some drinks and snacks and most importantly, a map of Etosha which will show you all the waterholes along the way
• Etosha is one of Africa's great game parks. With 114 species of mammal and 340 species of birds you are sure to see a great variety of wildlife on your safari
Overnight : Etosha Village
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 8 - 10 : Onguma Bush Camp, Etosha East (B / - / D)
Etosha East :
On the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, the park itself is bordered by numerous private reserves and access into the park is via the Von Lindequist Gate, named after Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist who proclaimed it a game reserve in March 1907. This side of the park is characterised by flat endless plains, tree-savanna type of vegetation and fantastic waterholes, where you could easily spot any of the prolific wildlife Etosha is known for. There's an abundance of wildlife here.
Day Itinerary :
Etosha (south) – Etosha (east) a full day's game drive through the park
• From one side to the other side of the park is a full day game drive as you drive slowly east stopping at numerous waterholes along the way
• Take a slow drive in the morning and ending for lunch at the Halali Resort which is half way between Okaukuejo and the eastern exit gate or take a picnic lunch along and stop off at a waterhole
• 1 full day is set aside for game viewing, either all day or alternate with morning and afternoon drives in the area
Overnight : Onguma Bush Camp
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 10 : Shametu River Lodge, Caprivi West (B / - / D)
Caprivi West :
Caprivi West forms part of the Caprivi strip that protrudes from the northeastern corner of Namibia into Botswana and bordering on Angola. Here you're east of Rundu and on the western side of the Bwabwata National Park. The Caprivi is a lush, sub-tropical wetland offering a wealth of natural resources and serves as a haven for an abundance of wildlife, including the critically endangered African wild dog. This is the only spot in Namibia where one can spot the majestic Nile crocodile and the mighty hippo.
The Caprivi is a paradise for nature lovers with its free-roaming wildlife and postcard-perfect areas. Birdwatchers will be overjoyed as they keep an eye out for the 400 plus bird species that soar above. Visit the rapids of Popa Falls, go on game drives in the Mahango and Buffalo Core Areas of the greater Bwabwata National Park and enjoy the Okavango River.
Day Itinerary :
Etosha (east) – West Caprivi 600km - approximately 7 to 8 hours
• Depart Etosha and drive east to Grootfontein, then north to Rundu before making your way east to Bagani, close to the Popa Falls
• Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and if time allows you can visit Popa Falls.
• Optional extra would be a sunset boat cruise or a Kavango Village visit in the area
Overnight : Shametu River Lodge
Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 11 : Audi Camp, Maun (B / - / -)
Maun :
Maun. A town in northern Botswana on the banks of Thamalakane River. To the San people, the place of short reeds. To today’s tourists, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe river. It's a tiny outpost really, halfway between the juicy delta and the parched salt pans. This is Botswana’s tourism capital and the fifth largest town of Botswana.
From Maun take a day trip to explore the famed wetlands of the Okavango Delta or take a scenic flight to discover the vast expanse of sprawling river channels that bring to life to this verdant oasis. Have a sundowner on the Thamalakane River, a great spot for a drink and to enjoy one of Africa's famed sunsets. Enjoy local village and cultural tours and meet the friendly Batswana people
Day Itinerary :
West Caprivi – Maun 430km - approximately 5 to 6 hours
• Depart early and enjoy a game drive in the Mahango Game Park before you make your way via the Mohembo border post into Botswana.
• Your drive today takes you via Gumare on to Sehithwa before turning northeast to Maun
• Your guide will drop you off on arrival and bid you farewell.
• Enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure. Relax at the lodge and enjoy a sundowner
Overnight : Audi Camp
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Day 12 - 14 : Moremi Crossing, Okavango Delta (B / L / D)
Okavango Delta :
Crammed with every conceivable species of bird and beast, the delta is an Eden of excess. Amazing game viewing and birding in a scenic and tranquil African wilderness. If you’re looking for a true African safari. Look no further.
The quintessential delta experience: game drives in open safari vehicles and gliding in silence through the waterways on an African-style gondola carved from a single tree.
Access into the Okavango Delta is difficult, getting around is difficult, carting supplies in and waste out is difficult. These are all good things for this vast wildlife wilderness is utterly picturesque and devoid of human influence.
If constant close-ups of elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hyena, jackal and plenty of large and small antelope start to grow old, there's always the chance encounter with cheetah, leopard, wild dog, and red lechwe to spice things up.
Day Itinerary :
• Road transfer to Maun Airport and then light aircraft transfer to the lodge
(please take note of luggage restrictions)
• 2 nights makes this a 1.5 day stay and activities here focus on the water channels and the open floodplains of Chief's Island. Enjoy mokoro activities, game walks and boat cruises as included.
Overnight : Moremi Crossing
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Day 14 : Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe River Front (B / - / D)
Chobe River Front :
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them - a visit to the Chobe River Front guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare birdlife spotting. For a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.
Day Itinerary :
• This morning after a last activity in the Delta (if time allows) you will fly by light aircraft transfer to Kasane, which is the town close to the Chobe National Park and on to your lodge for the night
• You have 1x activity included. Enjoy optional extra activities at your own leisure and as time allows. A boat cruise on the Chobe River is recommended
Overnight : Chobe Safari Lodge
Meals : Half Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Activities
Day 15 : Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B / - / -)
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) :
A gazillion tonnes of water thundering over a sheer cliff drowns all other sounds. The swirling mist hides all sign of human activity. Beyond your rain forest sanctuary people are hurling themselves off bridges, across gorges, into walls of raging water and out of aircraft.
Victoria Falls is a paradox of tranquil beauty and exciting adventure.
Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke that Thunders' is undoubtedly Zimbabwe's finest and most well-known attraction. It is or rather was (if you're keeping up with the latest list) one of the Seven World Wonders. We still believe it deserves the title. It truly is spectacular and not considered to be one of the world's largest waterfalls without good reason. It's not the widest or the highest, yet it is considered to the largest based on its combined width, at 1,708 metres wide and height, at 108 metres. Impressively it takes the title for the largest sheet of falling water.
Day Itinerary :
• Enjoy breakfast and then you will be transferred to Victoria Falls into Zimbabwe … your driver will assist with the border crossing which is an experience in itself
• Visit to Victoria Falls this afternoon, either on your own or arrange to go with a guide
• Recommended is a sunset Zambezi boat cruise to end the day (optional extra) or look to dine at The Boma Restaurant for a taste of the African flavours, action, music and atmosphere
Overnight: Batonka Guest Lodge
Meals : Bed and Breakfast
Day 16 : End of Itinerary (B / - / -)
Day Itinerary :
• Squeeze in a morning activity if time allows. Choose from the many on offer.
• Road transfer from the lodge to the airport in time for your departure flight
Bed and Breakfast
End of our services
Our services include :
- Accommodation as indicated – can change depending on availability and request at time of booking
- Meals as indicated
- Car hire for 2 & 4 pax – for 6 pax the vehicle is slightly larger
- All vehicle costs including fuel
- All park entry fees in Namibia
- Guide and guide costs
- Shared road transfers and internal flights by light aircraft as indicated – on a set seat rate basis
- Water in the vehicle at all times
- Activities as shown in the itinerary … all activities that can be done with NTS guide and vehicle are included
- Tour file with detailed itinerary, map with route descriptions, vouchers etc.
- 24 hour personal and friendly support
- Fast and efficient response to service providers
Our services do not include :
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional extra activities
- International flights
- Holiday or personal insurance
- Staff gratuities
- Visas and visa applications
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Accommodation |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
Windhoek |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Sossusvlei |
D,B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Swakopmund Luxury Suites |
Swakopmund |
B&B |
2 Nights |
Damaraland |
D,B&B |
1 Night |
|
Etosha South |
D,B&B |
1 Night |
|
Etosha East |
D,B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Shametu River Lodge |
Caprivi West |
D,B&B |
1 Night |
Audi Camp |
Maun |
B&B |
1 Night |
Okavango Delta |
FI |
2 Nights |
|
Chobe River Front |
HB+ |
1 Night |
|
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) |
B&B |
1 Night |
Namibia, located in southwestern Africa, is renowned for its vast desert landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and diverse wildlife. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your Namibian adventure :
Windhoek :
Start your journey in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Explore the city's colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions such as the Independence Memorial Museum and the National Botanical Garden.
Etosha National Park :
Visit Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Embark on game drives to observe a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos, congregating around waterholes in this expansive savannah landscape.
Sossusvlei and Namib-Naukluft National Park :
Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Marvel at towering sand dunes, including the iconic Dune 45 and Big Daddy, and visit the surreal salt and clay pans dotted with ancient camel thorn trees.
Skeleton Coast :
Discover the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast, where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore shipwrecks, towering sand dunes, and unique desert-adapted wildlife, including seals, desert-adapted elephants, and rare bird species.
Swakopmund :
Experience the coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, outdoor activities, and adventure sports. Enjoy activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, and scenic flights over the Namib Desert.
Damaraland and Twyfelfontein :
Journey through Damaraland, a region of dramatic landscapes characterized by rugged mountains, ancient rock formations, and desert-adapted wildlife. Visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock engravings and petroglyphs.
Fish River Canyon :
Explore the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. Hike along the canyon rim for breathtaking views, or embark on a multi-day trek through the canyon for an immersive wilderness experience.
Practical Tips :
Weather: Namibia has a desert climate, with hot days and cool nights. The dry season (May to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR) are widely accepted.
Language: English is the official language, with Afrikaans, German, and indigenous languages also spoken.
Namibia's diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.
Whether exploring the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, observing wildlife in Etosha National Park, or discovering the ancient rock art of Twyfelfontein, Namibia promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.
This 16-day Namibia, Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls safari offers you the best of southern Africa's famous attractions spread evenly over the course of two weeks.
Visit Namibia's famed attractions including the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and the Caprivi wetlands. Top this fascinating voyage of discovery with a safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park and finish with a visit to Victoria Falls and you really have the makings of an incredible holiday.