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Colours of Deadvlei - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Colours of Deadvlei  | Peter Walton
Sossusvlei is an area of enormous sand dunes - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Sossusvlei is an area of enormous sand dunes  | Andrew Thomasson
Wildlife viewing around Savuti Camp in Chobe National park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Wildlife viewing around Savuti Camp in Chobe National park  | Jez Hollinshead
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Makoro, dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Makoro, dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta  | Peter Walton
Vast expanses of the Namib Desert - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Vast expanses of the Namib Desert  | Nick Lefebvre
Zebras at Etosha National Park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Zebras at Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Breathtaking sunset in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Breathtaking sunset in the Okavango Delta  | Sue Badyari
Elephants enjoy a dip in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Elephants enjoy a dip in the Okavango Delta  | Jez Hollinshead
Photographic opportunities abound at Victoria Falls - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH), Zimbabwe
Photographic opportunities abound at Victoria Falls  | Peter Walton

Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH)

All encompassing itinerary with excellent accommodation

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia
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 1 review

14 Days from

$4560 USD

Trip Code: TKSV
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Travelling alone? Your own room is required (partner-operated trip)
$1090 USD
Duration
  • 14 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 13 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 13 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

43kg of CO2-e PP per day

(558kg 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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The tour starts at 15:00hrs on Day 1 with a group meeting in the foyer of the Sprayview Hotel. The afternoon is free to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. The following morning is spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls and to visit the Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel or Waterfall Lodge (or similar).

Meals: Nil

Crossing into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta. Lunch is included on Day 6 only. Overnight Swampstop chalets or Meru tents (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. We continue through the Caprivi Strip where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own account). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Today we travel from East to West through the park in our Overland vehicle enjoying morning game drives. After checking into our lodge located just outside the park entrance, we enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Park in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Our last game drive in our Overland vehicle takes us out of the Park travelling to Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of Namibia, dominated by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals: B

Our journey takes us south through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei (70 kms one-way; 1 hr) stopping in the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Departing after breakfast we are transferred to Windhoek. Note that this transfer is operated by a local Namibian transfer service and is unescorted. Overnight: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

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

Ready to start your adventure?

5 scheduled departures between 12 Sep 2026 and 14 Dec 2026.

  • Departs 12 Sep 2026 – ends 25 Sep 2026 (14 days)
  • Departs 15 Sep 2026 – ends 28 Sep 2026 (14 days)
  • Departs 10 Oct 2026 – ends 23 Oct 2026 (14 days)
  • Departs 31 Oct 2026 – ends 13 Nov 2026 (14 days)
  • Departs 14 Dec 2026 – ends 27 Dec 2026 (14 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners; 2027 - 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
  • 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis; 2027 - 14 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local driver 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 & 14/15. (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 14/15, are NOT included
  • Local cash payment of 3200 South African Rand payable to tour guide on day 1 of all trips
Desert Rivers and Wildlife in Comfort

Reviews (1)

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This is a wonderful trip.Accomodation and food were excellent. Our guide Collen was well informed, very helpful and relaxed.

Clare|NSW, Australia
23 Oct 2025

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?
Ugab Terrace Lodge Positioned in the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, this lodge provides elevated views and a tranquil base to experience one of Namibia’s most dramatic regions

Namibia – Ugab Terrace Lodge

Positioned in the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, this lodge provides elevated views and a tranquil base to experience one of Namibia’s most dramatic regions.

Desert Quiver Camp - Modern desert accommodation near Sossusvlei, providing a comfortable base for exploring the iconic dunes and surrounding Namib Desert landscapes

Namibia – Desert Quiver Camp

Modern desert accommodation near Sossusvlei, providing a comfortable base for exploring the iconic dunes and surrounding Namib Desert landscapes.

Chobe Safari Lodge (TKSV, TKLV) Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this well-established safari lodge offers a scenic setting with easy access to river cruises and wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.

Botswana – Chobe Safari Lodge

Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this well-established safari lodge offers a scenic setting with easy access to river cruises and wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.

Hakusembe River Lodge Located on the Kavango River, this lodge offers a peaceful riverside setting, ideal for relaxing after long travel days and enjoying the natural surrounds.

Namibia – Hakusembe River Lodge

Located on the Kavango River, this lodge offers a peaceful riverside setting, ideal for relaxing after long travel days and enjoying the natural surrounds.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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