Colours of Deadvlei | Peter Walton

Sossusvlei is an area of enormous sand dunes | Andrew Thomasson

Wildlife viewing around Savuti Camp in Chobe National park | Jez Hollinshead

Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park | Peter Walton

Makoro, dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta | Peter Walton

Vast expanses of the Namib Desert | Nick Lefebvre

Zebras at Etosha National Park | Peter Walton

Breathtaking sunset in the Okavango Delta | Sue Badyari

Elephants enjoy a dip in the Okavango Delta | Jez Hollinshead

Photographic opportunities abound at Victoria Falls | Peter Walton

Updated

Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife 2027 (VFA to WDH)

All encompassing itinerary with excellent accommodation

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia

15 Days from

$5060 USD

Trip Code: SADV

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$1130 USD

Duration

15 Days

Activities

Wildlife Safari

Accommodation

14 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse

Meals

10 Dinners
1 Lunch
14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

66kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(859kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
Watch a magnificent sunrise from the top of the Sossusvlei sand dunes
Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River

Overview

Travelling in a comfortable, custom-built expedition vehicle and staying in well-appointed accommodation with plenty of local charm, this journey offers an abundance of stunning scenery, unique wildlife and cultural encounters. The vastness of both Namibia and Botswana become apparent with wide open spaces far outnumbering people. A shorter version of our African Wildlife Explorer trip, this overland journey commences from Victoria Falls Zimbabwe. Be enchanted by a Chobe River sunset, and search for wildlife in the contrasting environments of the Okavango Delta and Etosha National Park. Ascend the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei; and enjoy cosmopolitan Swakopmund with its relaxed cafe culture and wide, tree-lined streets. The trip concludes in Windhoek Namibia.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Victoria Falls, you are transferred to your accommodation and have free time to explore the town. Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. The town is known for its local markets, adventure activities and access to the Zambezi River. The afternoon is at leisure before settling into your accommodation for the evening. Accommodation: Waterfalls Lodge or similar

Meals: Nil

Cross into Botswana and travel to the Chobe River, famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Chobe National Park supports one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants across riverfront floodplains and woodland habitats. The following day includes a morning game drive and a sunset game-viewing cruise along the Chobe River. Both evenings are spent overlooking the river in one of southern Africa’s most significant wildlife regions. Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Travel through Chobe National Park and continue into Namibia’s Caprivi region before crossing into Botswana towards the Okavango Delta. Arrive at your lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta surrounded by waterways, floodplains and wetland landscapes. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and supports rich ecosystems within the Kalahari Basin. Spend the evening relaxing ahead of tomorrow’s delta excursions. Accommodation: Swampstop Chalets or Meru tents or similar

Meals: B,D

Transfer by boat into the Nxamasire channels of the Okavango Delta for a full day exploring this unique wetland environment. Mokoro excursions, boat trips and nature walks on smaller islands provide opportunities to experience the delta’s waterways and wildlife up close, subject to water levels. The Okavango Delta supports diverse birdlife and wildlife across one of Africa’s most important inland ecosystems. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon after a full day in the delta. Accommodation: Swampstop Chalets or Meru tents or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Depart the Okavango Delta and cross back into Namibia through the Caprivi Strip. Lush vegetation and riverine landscapes replace the drier environments of earlier days as you continue towards the Kavango River. The river flows from Angola through Namibia before feeding the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Spend the evening overlooking the river and surrounding floodplains from your lodge. Accommodation: Hakusembe River Lodge or similar Hakusembe River Lodge Address: Kanzoni, Owamboland, Namibia, Zufahrt Hakusembe River Road, Rundu, Namibia Phone: +264 61 427 200

Meals: B,D

Travel to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most important wildlife reserves. The park is dominated by a vast salt pan visible from space, while surrounding waterholes attract elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra, cheetah and numerous antelope species. In the afternoon, head into the park in open 4x4 vehicles for your first game drive through Etosha’s diverse wildlife habitats. Accommodation: Namutoni Restcamp or similar

Meals: B,D

Spend the day exploring Etosha National Park on an extended game drive through the eastern sector of the reserve. Travel across open plains, around waterholes and along the edge of the immense Etosha Pan while searching for wildlife throughout the park. Large herds of antelope and zebra are commonly seen alongside predators and birdlife across this diverse ecosystem. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon after a full day of wildlife viewing. Accommodation: Etosha Village or similar Etosha Village Address: On the C38 Road from Outjo to Okaukeujo. Southern Etosha, Namibia. Phone: +264 67 333 413

Meals: B,D

Travel through the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, one of Namibia’s most scenic regions. Mountain ranges, wide gravel plains, dry riverbeds and rocky gorges define this remote wilderness environment. Keep watch for elusive desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife that move through these harsh landscapes. Arrive at your mountain lodge in the late afternoon and enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding terrain. Accommodation: Ugab Terrace Lodge or similar Ugab Terrace Lodge Damaraland - No address available Phone: +264 81 140 0179

Meals: B,D

Travel south through the rugged landscapes of Damaraland towards Namibia’s Atlantic coastline. Arrive in Swakopmund and spend time exploring this German colonial town known for its historic architecture, wide streets and coastal setting. The following day is free for independent exploration or optional activities including dolphin cruises and Sandwich Harbour excursions at your own expense. Both evenings are spent in Swakopmund, where desert landscapes meet the Atlantic coastline. Accommodation: The Delight or similar The Delight Address: Theo-Ben Gurirab Ave, Swakopmund, Namibia Phone: +264 64 426 000

Meals: B

Travel south through changing desert landscapes towards accommodation on the edge of the Namib Desert. An early departure the following morning takes you into the dune belt at Sossusvlei where shifting light changes the colour of the towering dunes and clay pans of Deadvlei. A 5km walk explores Sossusvlei and Deadvlei before continuing to Sesriem Canyon for a short afternoon hike. The two days conclude back at camp surrounded by the desert landscapes of the Namib region. Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp or similar Desert Quiver Camp Address: On D826 / C27, Sossusvlei, Namibia Phone: 021 930 4564

Meals: B,D

Depart Sesriem after breakfast and travel north through Namibia’s changing desert landscapes towards Windhoek. Namibia’s capital city combines German colonial architecture with modern African culture and remains the administrative centre of the country. The afternoon is free to explore the city’s historic buildings, open public spaces and local cafés. Spend your final evening in Windhoek ahead of tomorrow’s departure. Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Enjoy a free morning to further explore the city before your included transfer for your onward flight. Bid farewell to southern Africa as your tour concludes today.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
14 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
English speaking local guide
Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
Chobe River game cruise
Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
Okavango Delta excursions
Arrival and departure transfers are included in Victoria Falls & Windhoek on Days 1 & 15. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

International flights
Optional activities
Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
Airport and departure taxes
Visas
Travel Insurance
Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 15, are NOT included
Local cash payment of 3200 South African Rand payable to tour guide on day 1 of all trips