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Escorted Tour: Namibia + Botswana + Etosha + Caprivi + Chobe + Victoria Falls Park

Grand Namibia + Caprivi + Botswana + Victoria Falls Tour
NYD20W

21 NIGHTS

FROM $5,740

Per person sharing

Flights quoted separately

Escorted Tour Namibia Botswana Etosha Caprivi Chobe Victoria Falls Park

This 3-week grand escorted tour of Namibia & Botswana visit three fascinating countries. From Windhoek, explore the deserts & canyons of the south - including the Kalahari, the mighty Fish River Canyon, Succulent Karoo & Namib Desert, before heading north to view the wildlife of Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe & Victoria Falls park in Zimbabwe. Regular scheduled departures. English & German. Group size 2-16. No children < 12.

▲

• Escorted Tour, Namibia & Botswana	• Windhoek	• Kalahari	• Fish River Canyon
• Namib Desert	• Swakopmund	• Etosha National Park	• Caprivi Wetlands
• Chobe National Park	• Victoria Falls Park

▲

• Escorted Tour, Namibia & Botswana	• Windhoek	• Kalahari
• Fish River Canyon	• Namib Desert	• Swakopmund
• Etosha National Park	• Caprivi Wetlands	• Chobe National Park
• Victoria Falls Park

Day 1

You will be met at Windhoek Airport and transferred 1-hour to your hotel in this small capital city.

Check in and relax under warm blue Namibian skies.

Note: Please be aware that many roads in Namibia are rough gravel with corrugated surfaces, resulting in a tougher and slower drive that can be very bumpy.

Day 2

This morning you will be collected from your Windhoek hotel for your small group tour of Namibia.

We travel southwards for 3-hours towards the scrub vegetation and red sands of the vast Kalahari, the largest sand mass on earth. The migratory Bushman people call it the “Soul of the World” and its endless grass plains interspersed with acacia trees provide the only form of survival for a vast amount of wildlife that has survived in this semi-desert environment for thousands of years. After good rains (end November/early December - although this can vary greatly) you can see hundreds of different wildflowers here.

On arrival you can participate in an optional nature drive to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants of this desert environment.

Note: Most tours are dual language with a bilingual guide (English / German), although some tours have English-only departure dates. On escorted group tours please note that for operational reasons it is sometimes necessary to substitute one hotel with another of similar quality.

Luggage should be packed in soft side bags (sports bags are ideal) not exceeding 15 kg and 65 x 46 cm, as there is limited space in the vehicle.

Day 3

A full day on the road today as we drive 6.5-hours southwards to the great Fish River Canyon, the second largest on earth.

As we travel through these expansive rocky plains, notice the unique Quiver Trees that bloom in June and July and nestle between huge dolerite boulders, some of which are stacked in such mysterious ways that it seems impossible they were formed by natural forces.

We continue to our lodge situated close to the Fish River Canyon. Explore the area on foot or enjoy an optional guided nature drive in the late afternoon.

Day 4

Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon, where we gaze down 550 meters into this magnificent canyon. The Nama Karoo desert has dramatic geological formations, which take on stupendous proportions in this canyon. The vegetation is characterized by dwarf shrubs & scattered grasslands and the slopes of the plateau mountains and vast plains are home to Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok, kudu & ostrich.

We continue to Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery for an optional tasting of their unique liquors.

We then drive 5-hours to Lüderitz stopping at Garub, keep an eye out for the wild desert horses that are sometimes observed here. Arriving in Lüderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic drive along the “Große Bucht”, enjoying the fresh sea breeze whilst stopping for a quick picnic.

Returning to the small diamond town of Lüderitz on the Atlantic Coast, where you may see colonies of aquatic birds, seals and penguins. We check into our hotel and have the res of the day at leisure.

Day 5

After an early breakfast, we leave Lüderitz and ascend the great escarpment to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where the first diamond was found in 1908. Now standing barren and abandoned to the harsh winds and sands of the unforgiving desert, it is a great reminder of the opulence and decadence of the diamond rush days.

We then travel 3.5-hours northwards towards the fascinating landscapes of the spectacular Namib Desert, which is home to some of the hightest sand dunes on earth that tower over the white desert plains.

We check in to our lodge, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the pool or take part in optional lodge activities.

Day 6

Set out early this morning on a 4x4 tour into the famous sand dunes at Sossusvlei, as this is the coolest part of the day and the best for photography.

This clay pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world – an endless sea of reddish sand stretching all the way to the distant horizon. These monumental star shaped dunes, some as high as 1,000 ft (325 m), were formed by strong multi-directional winds. The warm tints of sand range in colour from apricot to orange, red and maroon - and contrast vividly with the stark white clay pans at their base. You will be astonished by surreal Deadvlei, surrounded by some of the highest dunes and Sossusvlei, where the mostly dry Tsauchab River abruptly ends. Take the opportunity to climb one of these dunes, which afford endless vistas across the desert landscape and the sea of sand.

Also visit the narrow gorge of the impressive Sesriem Canyon, with its rock pools fed by the Tsauchab River during the rainy season. The name is derived from the six “rieme” (leather thongs) that early pioneers used to draw water from these pools.

Day 7

Today we drive for 6-hours through the small settlement of Solitare and the starkly beautiful Kuiseb Moon Valley to the harbour town of Walvis Bay. This shallow lagoon is home to hundreds of thousands of African flamingos and is one of the most important wetlands in Namibia. It is a RAMSAR World Heritage birding site.

We continue to the beach resort of Swakopmund with its old lighthouse. Swakopmund is situated on the Atlantic Coast where the cold Benguela Current sweeps up from Antarctica, releasing no moisture into the prevailingly onshore winds – hence the very low rainfall and desert conditions. Fog is common along the coast in the early mornings and late afternoons and this is what gives life to the desert-adapted flora and fauna of the region. The cold current is also highly oxygenated, causing it to teem with marine life.

Check into your hotel and relax on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 8

At leisure to relax at the beach resort of Swakopmund.

As this is Namibia’s playground, a wide variety of optional activities are on offer - including a marine cruise to view dolphins, seals and other sea life, a 4x4 excursion across the desert to Sandwich Harbour and various adventure activities, such as sandboarding down the sand dunes.

Day 9

A full day on the road today as travel 7-hours to Twyfelfontein, driving across timeless Damaraland.

Leaving Swakopmund, we head to the Brandberg Mountain, the highest in Namibia, into Damaraland which is one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the rare desert elephant, the endangered black rhino and free-roaming antelope, with the remaining day at leisure.

There are many fascinating rock formations on these vast uninhabited plains, where magnificent semi-desert flowers can grow after good rains.

Day 10

This morning we head out early for a scenic nature drive through the untouched wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This is the best time to capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain.

We continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards camp and stopping along the way under one of the majestic camelthorn trees, where we enjoy a light picnic lunch. If we are fortunate, on our drive we may encounter the elusive desert elephants that roam along the meandering dry riverbeds of Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbank.

After arriving back at camp, enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails. A highlight is a sundowner drive that offers unforgettable photo opportunities of the Brandberg and surrounding landscape.

Day 11

This morning we visit the World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein, which means "Doubtful Spring". Over 6,000 years ago, San communities engraved and painted over 2,500 pictures here. These ancient Bushman Paintings have been well preserved in this dry environment and the hills are strewn with rock art - making this an open-air museum.

After a visit to the Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest. - a geological phenomenon where wood has metamorphosised into stone, on one of the oldest land masses on earth. Here we also see the welwitschia mirabilis plant – the world's oldest living desert plant.

We then drive 5-hours to our lodge situated near the southern gate of the world famous Etosha National Park, one of the largest and greatest game parks in Africa. Etosha owes its unique landscape to a vast shallow depression – the Etosha Pan – with its open pans offering magnificent game viewing. Etosha is home to over a hundred different species of mammals, including cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.

Day 12

Today is devoted to game viewing in our touring vehicle in the famous Etosha National Park, which surrounds an enormous salt pan that is the size of the Netherlands.

We rise early to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions, as the vast Etosha Pan offers magnificent game viewing opportunities - including springbok, oryx, black-faced impala, roan, cheetah and the Damara dik-dik, Namibia’s smallest antelope. A series of waterholes throughout the park guarantees rewarding game viewing, with Etosha being renowned for its vast array of plains game and its 'great cats' which are more easily seen on the open pans.

With over 100 different species of mammals and reptiles in this park, you can hope to see lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, kudu, sable antelope, warthogs, baboons and many other interesting animals. Etosha is also a bird watchers paradise, with hundreds of recorded bird species and many migrants during the summer months.

After a beautiful African sunset, enjoy the balmy evening and pristine stars of the Milky Way as you have never seen them before – as well as the spectacular Southern Cross.

Note: There is the option to book an open top game drive today. Vehicles are not allowed to drive off-road in any national park in Namibia.

Day 13

Today enjoy a full day of game viewing as we traverse Etosha National Park.

During drier seasons it becomes an expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and spiralling dust devils. Waterholes along the southern edge frequently offer a rewarding game viewing experience, including several rare species such as black and white rhino.

This park is home to four of the Big 5, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino (as the terrain does not support buffalo) and its waterholes support a rich diversity of other mammals and birds, including species such as the black-faced impala, roan, cheetah and Namibia’s smallest antelope, the Damara dik-dik.

We enter the reserve at the southern gate and travel across Etosha National Park all day, exiting in the late afternoon at the eastern gate, before continuing to our lodge.

Day 14

A full day on the road today, as we leave Etosha and drive 6-hours through the lush Kavango region towards Rundu.

The Kavango region is famous for its woodcrafters and with its magnificent woodlands, perennial rivers and flood plains it contrasts sharply with the rest of Namibia.

We pass numerous local villages lining the roadside as we continue to Rundu. In the late afternoon we check into our lodge situated on the banks of the Kavango River, with the option of a sundowner cruise (pay locally).

Day 15

Today we follow the route of the Okavango River, travelling eastwards for 2-hours into the lush, game-rich Caprivi region.

The Caprivi (or Zambezi) region is a narrow finger of land connecting Namibia to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, surrounded by Angola and Zambia to the north and Botswana to the south. The region has abundant wildlife, with hundreds of elephants, large herds of rhino and many other species that migrate to the Kwando Floodplains before the onset of the summer rains. Roan antelope, kudu, impala and zebra also roam across these vast plains.

At the small town of Divindu we stop at the Khwe San village, where we listen to stories about Bushman culture, traditions and ther desert survival skills.

We drive through this region of woodcarving, subsistence and cattle farming towards the western edge of Mahango Game Park and check into our lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River, close to the Popa Falls. On arrival there is the option of a late afternoon boat ride (pay locally) or a short walk to a local Habukushu village. The lodge also offers wellness treatments.

Day 16

Today enjoy a game drive in Mahango National Park, Namibia's smallest but most densely populated national park.

Mahango has a high population of elephants, as well as many rare antelopes such as puku, tsessebe, red letchwe, sitatunga, roan and sable. These in turn attract a large variety of predators such as lion, leopard and even the highly endangered wild dog.

The park is divided into three different habitats - the Kavango River, the flood plains known as Omurambas and dense woodlands, which combine to create a habitat for over 400 different bird species.

In the afternoon there is an optional visit to a local village.

Day 17

This morning we continue driving eastwards towards the lush woodlands of the Chobe River.

On arrival enjoy a game drive in Bwabwabata National Park. This park forms part of an ancient migration route between Botswana and Namibia, so hundreds of elephants and large herds of buffalo pass through each season, whilst numerous antelope roam the riverine woods. If road conditions permit it, you may be fortunate enough to see hundreds of animals gathering at Horseshoe Bend.

Bwabwabata is also a birders' paradise and, with over 400 species, is regarded as one of the best birding hot spots in the whole of sothern Africa.

Day 18

This morning we complete immigration formalities and cross the border into Botswana, continuing to our lodge situated near the Chobe River.

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s premier wildlife reserve and is uniquely situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, where four African countries meet – Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Chobe River is the life-giving force of this region and provides a border between Botswana on the southern banks and Namibia on the northern banks. The river has extensive grassy floodplains on either side, which disappear under the annual floodwaters, making boats the best way of getting around.

After checking in to our lodge, enjoy a boat ride on the Chobe River, which is home to some of Botswana’s most spectacular wildlife, as well as abundant bird life. Game viewing opportunities should present themselves almost immediately in this vast game sanctuary and hopefully you will see elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and other river-based wildlife today. Afterwards dine in the atmosphere that only the African bushveld can provide.

Day 19

This morning enjoy an optional early morning open-top game drive in Chobe National Park with a lodge ranger (pay locally).

After breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to Kasane on the Zimbabwe border. After completing border formalities, we transfer 2-hours to Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River.

Located in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where the borders of five African countries converge, the sheer scale of this vast international conservation project is difficult to comprehend. It encompasses a bewildering range of experiences, ranging from the mighty Victoria Falls to the lifeforce of the region, the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers.

Check in to your hotel and relax whilst you catch your first glimpses of the magnificent Smoke That Thunders first discovered by Dr. David Livingstone and still one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is greatest from February to June following the summer rains, but they are a magnificent sight at any time of year.

Day 20

Today enjoy a guided walking tour of the mighty Victoria Falls and its rainforests, which offer magnificent views.

Afterwards you may wish to visit Elephants Walk, a small crafts complex across the road from The Kingdom hotel, where you can see talented local artists and sculptors at work and support them by buying one of their items. Alternatively you can participate in various optional activities, such as a helicopter flight over the falls.

Day 21

At leisure to explore the town of Victoria Falls on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Many optional activities are available in this small town, where adrenalin seekers come to participate in adventure activities such as canoeing down the Zambezi River, white water rafting in the turbulent gorge below the falls (grade 5), abseiling and bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge.

Day 22

Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home.

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