On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the hotel at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Day 4 to Day 5 - Swakopmund
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 350 km
The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on your way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. Sightings of the unique fauna and flora are a must on a Namibian safari. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Enroute you will make a stop in the small town of Walvis Bay where you may spot a variety of birds including flamingo’s in the lagoon. You arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund in the late afternoon, where you will have the opportunity soak up the atmosphere of this quaint, little German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. Depending on the time of arrival, half day optional activities can be arranged. (BL)
On day 5 you will have the opportunity to visit a local urban sustainability centre and explore the ways in which they preserve energy, water, waste and biodiversity, on a semi guided tour. The rest of the day you will have the opportunity to partake in optional activities or alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. (B)
Accommodation: 2 nights Hotel Pension a la Mer.
Situated on Swakopmund’s Platinum mile, Swakopmund Sands is ideally located within walking distance of the city centre, tourist attractions, restaurants and the beach. The luxurious and tranquil environment boasts magnificent sea views, stylish comfort, top-class amenities and warm Namibian hospitality.
Day 6 - Etosha National Park
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 500 km
Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind, you continue your journey towards Namibia’s best-known highlight of the north – Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at your lodge neighbouring the park, situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks and overlooking a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens. Optional game drives are also available. (BD)
Accommodation: 1 night Etosha Safari Lodge.
Nestled on an outcrop of dolomite rocks, under a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees, Toshari Lodge, in Namibia, offers affordable but enchanting accommodation close to Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s major attractions. A warm welcome awaits you complimented by a refreshing cold drink on arrival. Absorb the peace and tranquility of the natural African bush as you amble through a blend of manicured lawns and rustic bush gardens to your private room. Take a refreshing dip in our sparkling pools and enjoy the tranquillity of our striking African lapa with its stunning photographs of local Etosha wildlife. Situated only 25 kilometres from Andersons Gate at the edge of the magnificent Etosha National Park and close to the main road between the towns of Outjo and Okaukuejo; Toshari Lodge is ideally positioned for day visits into the park; on your own or on our expertly guided tours.
Day 7 to Day 8 - Etosha National Park
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 170 km
After breakfast you will enter the Etosha National Park via the Andersson gate, named after Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to come across the Etosha pan, which means “Great White Place” in the Ndonga dialect of the Ovambo tribe. You will fill the next two days with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous types of antelope the park has to offer. Your nights are spent at the flood-lit waterholes or viewpoints encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals that come to drink. Etosha was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Namutoni Camp.
Built into an old German Fort Namutoni Camp has a unique atmosphere. Within the fort you will find ample facilities and a variety of accommodation. From the walls of the fort you can enjoy an elevated view of the King Nehale Waterhole allowing for great game viewing without leaving the camp. The walls of the fort are also and excellent spot for sundowners. There is hardly a better way to end a day in the bush and Namibia than to marvel at the colours of the setting sun.
Day 9 - Okavango River
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 595 km
Departing from Etosha you drive into Bushmanland and take a guided visit to the Living Museum of the Ju’Hoansi-San, a local Bushmen community who offer you the opportunity to participate in their daily activities. The Living Museum is an authentic open-air museum where guests can learn about the traditional culture and the original way of living of the San people. A walk is taken in the vicinity of the village with the hunters to search for bush food, watch them prepare snares and ropes and start a fire the Ju/’Hoansi way. After lunch in the shade of the trees, your journey continues to the town of Rundu as you make your way to Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. You will arrive in the late afternoon to relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature. (BLD)
Accommodation: 1 night Kaisosi River Lodge.
The Kaisosi River Lodge is situated 7 kms East of Rundu, in the North East of Namibia. On the banks of the perennial Okavango River and on the route to Popa Falls and the Caprivi. We offer you complete relaxation and a true African experience. This peaceful oasis, which can be reached in a normal sedan vehicle, is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers to spend a few fulfilling days. Rundu is one of Namibia’s most beautiful landscapes and is a unique spot to visit. Spectacular sunsets, friendly people, comfortable accommodation and fine cuisine makes the Kaisosi River Lodge a must for all travellers.
Day 10 - Caprivi Region, Namibia
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 210 km
This morning you travel eastwards onto your camp in the western Caprivi region, Nunda River Lodge. Before departure however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge or a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people. Continue to your lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise to Popa Falls. (BLD)
Day 11 - Caprivi Region, Namibia
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 50 km
In the morning you drive to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people’, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. In the afternoon return to your lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (BLD)
Accommodation: 1 night Thamalakane River Lodge.
Thamalakane River Lodge is placed on the banks of the Thamalakane River, just 19kms from Maun, and enroute to the famous Moremi Game Reserve.
En-suite stone chalets, some with private splash pools are positioned in the shade of the riverine forest, overlooking the river. Chalets and the swimming pool take advantage of the 180 degree view of the riverbanks lined with fluttering reeds visited by an ever changing array of water fowl, and birds and the occasional hippo. It is a delightful place to come home to after a day spent exploring.
Day 12 - Maun
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 430 km
You leave the Caprivi and travel south to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. (BL)
Accommodation: 1 night Thamalakane River Lodge.
Located in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, Mankwe Tented Retreat offer guests a lovely camping experience in lush green surroundings. Accommodation consists of ten tented suites, each with a private viewing deck, en-suite bathrooms and complimentary bath amenities. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes in the communal dining area. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a lounge, a bar and Wi-Fi is available throughout the main area.,
Day 13 - Greater Moremi
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 100 km
After breakfast you will be picked up by your local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, you will float in these traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, you will make your way to your camp, which is situated in the Greater Moremi region. Once settled into your camp, you will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the private concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. (BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Mankwe Tented Retreat.
An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas. 22 luxury chalets, 10 luxury custom-designed en-suite Meru style tents and camping.
Day 14 - Greater Moremi
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 150 km
You have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In your open 4X4 vehicle you will explore the Moremi Game Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for the tour company to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. (BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge.
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on your doorstep is the meeting point of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi. A magical lodge experience and spectacular game viewing.
Day 15 - Nata
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 420 km
You will leave the bush behind and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake, however the pans are now saline and empty. In the afternoon you visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you will get the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). (BD)
Accommodation: 1 night Nata Lodge.
A luxury eco-lodge in a sublime setting bordering Hwange National Park, Elephant’s Eye, Hwange hosts guests in eight comfortable raised tented chalets made with sustainable and reclaimed materials, all with private outdoor showers and views over the waterhole. Experienced guides invite you on game drives, guided safari walks, horse-back safaris, and community experiences.
A swimming pool and the eco-spa welcome you to take the time to indulge and relax. Experience warm African hospitality at a Boma dinner lit by lanterns and a roaring fire, gourmet meals are served at different locations around the lodge to revel in the natural beauty of the African surroundings. In the evenings enjoy exciting night-time game drives, romantic sundowners at breath-taking viewpoints, or take the opportunity to sleep under the stars at the secluded open-air star bed next to a waterhole.
Throughout your stay, you may notice characteristics of our green policy, such as recycling, solar power, and being completely plastic free. Conservation and community engagement are at the core of our vision and you are invited to be introduced to the African culture in the Community Upliftment Experience. Discover the splendour and excitement of Africa and its wildlife in a beautiful and intimate setting.
Day 16 to Day 17 - Chobe National Park
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 320 km
This morning you will head north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in a number of optional activities or to relax by the pool. The next day you will get to see the wildlife of the Chobe National Park on a morning game drive, with the hope of spotting big game up close and also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. In the afternoon you go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the animals as they come down to drink, as well as the spectacular African sunset. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Marina Lodge.
Offering distinguished accommodation with gracious and secluded ambiance, the décor evokes a bygone era of adventure and discovery. The elegant hotel is close to the Falls and town centre and borders the National Park, so wildlife is often seen on the lawns as well as the spray from the Falls themselves. The lodge offers 52 air-conditioned rooms, plus four suites, all with en-suite bathroom, patio doors opening on to gardens or balcony, overhead fans and satellite TV together with the fabulous Palm Restaurant.
Day 18 to Day 19 - Hwange National Park
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 265 km
Today you make your way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto Hwange National Park where you spend the next two nights. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. A full day game drive is included on the park on the second day. (BLD)
Day 20 - Victoria Falls
Departure: 09h00
Distance: 190 km
Continuing your trip, you turn northwards to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon you will have a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many optional activities on offer (at own expense). (B)
Day 21 - End of Great Trans African Lodge Safari
Your safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight. (B)