A Detailed 17-Day Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary

Days 1-4: Immerse Yourself in the Delta | 3 Nights

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose yourself in the beauty of the Okavango Delta. You will be transported to Xakanaxa Camp on the Khwai River from Botswana’s Maun by light aircraft to the airport, where a driver will be waiting. One of the most distinctive aspects of Botswana’s camps, Xakanaxa, located in the Moremi Game Reserve, is an intentional “misting system” that helps to alleviate the oppressive midday heat. If you would rather relax in your tent with a nice book than by the pool, this uncommon luxury is perfect for you.

Despite its diminutive size in comparison to Africa’s massive reserves, Moremi is teeming with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, endangered wild canines, elephants, hippos, and migratory bird species. As you glide serenely on the water in a mokoro, take in the sights of pastel waterlilies and keep an eye out for small frogs hiding in the reeds.

Days 4-7: Have Fun at Victoria Falls | 3 Nights

Return to the airfield for the brief flight to Kasane after your exhilarating three-day safari in Moremi. From there, you will be transported to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe. The bustling little town of Mosi-au-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders,” is the starting point for many visitors to the magnificent Victoria Falls, a waterfall on the Zambezi River.

Located on a hilltop, your home here is Ilala Lodge, so named for the towering palm trees that dot the area. From here, you can see the white spray of the Falls soaring into the air, making for a picturesque backdrop for lunch or afternoon tea.

Guests of Ilala Lodge can enjoy canoe trails and guided walks in an elegantly relaxed atmosphere, while those who prefer sunset cruises or watching the antics of local birds (such as lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and carmine bee-eaters) through binoculars will find plenty of peace and quiet. Take a few laps and relax with some ice drinks while you stretch out by the poolside or while you’re in between activities.

Days 7-8: Off to Namibia | 1 Nights

Your journey to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, begins with a drive to Victoria Falls International Airport, where you will board a tiny plane to say goodbye to Africa’s tallest waterfall. Despite being so close to each other, the two nations couldn’t be more dissimilar. Zimbabwe boasts one of the biggest water sheets on Earth, while Namibia is home to the oldest desert on the planet. But in all of them, you can find the same eternal calm, tranquillity, and tranquillity.

Your rental 4×4 will be ready for your next adventure the moment you touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. Great conditions for a road trip! Namibia’s network of roads is superb and well-maintained, and there is very little other traffic. In a peaceful, affluent district just outside of the city center, you will find the Olive Grove guesthouse, your first stop. This is a great place to stay the night before your Sossusvlei adventure because of the friendly, domestic vibe.

Days 8-10: The Sands of Sossusvlei | 2 Nights

Among the most photogenic dunes in the world, the dunes of Sossusvlei rise hundreds of feet above the surface of Namib-Naukluft National Park. One of the most popular things to see in this desert nation are the sunsets, which can be any hue of ochre, bronze, or deep gold. Climbing Dune 45 before sunrise is a popular activity, and if you’re in the area, you really must visit the surreal Dead Vlei, a dried-up marsh dotted with dried-up tree stumps.

While staying at the air-conditioned Sossusvlei Lodge for two nights, you will have plenty opportunity to explore this picturesque area. The lodge features a private beer garden, a swimming pool, and rooms that are suitable for families. Taking a light aircraft or a hot-air balloon flight at dawn is a fantastic way to see the dunes from above, with the Atlantic Ocean’s churning waves stretching out before you. Even if you’d rather keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, there are plenty of things to do: join a nature walk to learn how even the tiniest creatures make it through this harsh environment, or get your adrenaline pumping on a quad bike (ATV) ride over the sand with a knowledgeable guide.

Days 10-11: Back in History | 1 Nights

Among all the African settlements, Swakopmund must be the most unusual. This rich trove of Germanic architecture dates back to the 1800s, when Germany conquered Namibia. It lies on the Atlantic shore and is frequently encircled by fogs from the water. Swakopmund is known for its charming old houses and shops decorated in vintage colours. The town center is a popular spot for German cuisine at its comfortable eateries.

The friendly personnel at the Swakopmund Guesthouse will greet you as you arrive after your drive from Sossusvlei. The beach’s closeness serves as inspiration for the guestroom’s light and airy decor.

Days 11-13: Discover Wild Damaraland | 2 Nights

You will be departing from the bustling metropolis this morning and making your way to Damaraland, more especially the breathtaking Brandberg Mountains and the valley of the Huab River. For the next two days, you’ll be staying at Damaraland Camp, widely considered to be the most popular eco resort in Namibia. While the harsh terrain may appear uninhabitable to the uninitiated, your knowledgeable guides and trackers will be able to spot lions, desert-adapted elephants, and the scimitar-horned oryx, the most recognisable desert animal in the nation.

Damaraland is home to some of the most fascinating and intricate rock art in the world, in addition to its abundant and fascinating animals. Mount up your bike and head to Twyfelfontein, a site with a concentration of San petroglyphs (rock engravings) that may be as old as 6,000 years. Because of its exceptional significance, Twyfelfontein was in 2007 designated as the first World Heritage Site in Namibia.

Days 13-16: The Best for Last | 3 Nights

Prepare yourself for “the big one”—Etosha National Pan—now that you’ve arrived in northern Namibia. A self-driver’s paradise, with its flat terrain, abundant wildlife, and the enigmatic Etosha Pan. You may enjoy the best of both worlds at Ongava Tented Camp, your lodging, which is located in a private reserve next to the national park. Daytime activities include classic game drives in Etosha, while nighttime activities include drives near Ongava. Guided walking safaris are likewise not allowed in the national park, but in the private reserve you can go on them.

If you’d rather not spend the day in the car, you may enjoy “armchair game viewing” at Ongava’s famous waterhole, which is illuminated at night, while sipping a refreshing drink. The tent may be rustic, but it has all the modern conveniences you might want for a night in the woods, including running water, a flush toilet, and a ceiling fan.

Lions and cheetahs are typical sights in the region because of the abundance of animals that call it home.

Days 16-17: Return to Windhoek | 1 Nights

You will have experienced some of the most captivating, evocative, and memorable landscapes in Southern Africa after spending a week in Namibia and another week exploring Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. The kind personnel at Olive Grove can’t wait to hear about your adventure through this amazing country, so today you’ll commit them to memory and head back to Windhoek.

End of the 17-Day Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary

Inclusions

• Meals:
  Camp Xakanaxa : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
  Ilala Lodge : Bed & Breakfast
  Olive Grove Guesthouse : Bed & Breakfast
  Sossusvlei Lodge : Half Board (Breakfast, Dinner)
  Swakopmund Guesthouse : Bed & Breakfast
  Damaraland Camp : Half Board (Breakfast, Dinner)
  Ongava Tented Camp : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
  Olive Grove Guesthouse : Bed & Breakfast
• All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
• All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
• 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

• Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
• Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
• Tips
• Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)