22 Day Brilliant Botswana And Namibia

Day 1:

Upon arrival of your flight at OR Tambo (formerly Johannesburg International) Airport you will be met by our representative and assisted onto your flight to Livingstone. Upon arrival at Livingstone Airport you will be collected by your driver and transferred to the Zambezi Sun for check-in.This 212 room Resort Hotel is situated on the banks of The Zambezi with views towards the Falls which are a short walk away. Rooms are low slung and airy overlooking onto a cool landscaped pool area, while the restaurant and bar are focused around the central pool. The two-storey en-suite rooms have private balconies that welcome the morning sun. Outside, the earth colours are soothing and soft. Inside, the airy rooms are alive with ethnic reds, blues and oranges.

Amenities in the rooms include independent air-conditioning, satellite TV, fold-out couches, safe and telephone. The central reception area houses a family-friendly, high quality buffet restaurant, a pool bar and a lively alfresco grill and entertainment area.

The Resort complex also features a Casino, restaurants, tourist shops and Business Centre for the Conference Delegates for whom the Zambezi Sun and The Royal Livingstone Hotel are ideal destination

Two Overnights at the Zambezi Sun in a standard double room with private en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2:

Today you can enjoy some of the many activities on offer – from adventure pursuits, to Museum and Village visits.

Day 3-4:

You will be collected by your driver and transferred to Kasane (Botswana’s northern-most town) by road. The transfer will take approximately two hours and will involve customs and immigration formalities. You will be dropped off at the Elephant Valley Lodge.

The lodge is situated in the Kasane Forest Reserve which forms part of the Chobe National Park and is close to the border crossings for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It is the only lodge situated in the Kasane Forest with an incredibly active waterhole at the lodge providing excellent game viewing from the comfort of the hide. Game viewed at the lodge (at night the waterhole is well lit) includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, wild dog, antelope, genet, baboon, monkey and honey badger to name a few. The bird life at the lodge is also prolific. Accommodation is in 20 luxury tents with en suite showers and toilets.

The lodge offers morning boat safaris on the Chobe River, afternoon/evening safaris into the Chobe National Park and night drives in the forest in ten seat open game viewers with experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Two Overnights at the Elephant Valley Lodge in a standard twin bedded tent with private en-suite facilities inclusive of all meals and morning and afternoon game-viewing activities

Day 5,6,7:

You will be transferred to Kasane Airport in time for your scheduled light aircraft charter flight to Mapula Lodge, in the Okavango Delta.

Mapula Lodge is situated in the remote North Eastern area of the Okavango Delta, outside the National Park. All the activities and adventure safaris at this Botswana safari lodge, allow you to witness and experience the beauty of Africa.

Accommodation is in 10 well appointed luxury Chalets, each with en-suite facilities (bath and shower) and each overlooking the lagoon in front of the Lodge. The attention to detail and use of local craftsmanship in the construction of the Chalets is particularly impressive and attractive.

Facilities at the Lodge include a small swimming pool and sun deck and a well stocked bar.

Game viewing is particularly good in this area. Hippos live in the lagoon opposite the lodge, and the trees around the Lodge are home to a huge variety of birds. Being in a permanent water area, Mapula Lodge can offer year round water activities, especially important during January – May when water levels in the Okavango can become too low to allow the use of the traditional mokoro.

Two overnights at Mapula Lodge in a standard twin bedded cottage with private en-suite facilities inclusive of all meals, all local brand drinks, teas/coffees, snacks, game-viewing and laundry

Day 8:

You will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft charter flight to Maun Airport in time to connect with your Air Namibia flight to Windhoek.

On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be welcomed by our representative who will present you with your travel vouchers and assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle. Continue to the capital city, Windhoek. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, and you have the chance to view the historical landmarks of this cosmopolitan city or to do any last minute shopping for your tour.

Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements, which contrast with the elegant shops offering Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes offer Namibian style breakfasts (Fruhschoppen), which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.

Villa Verdi offers comfortable individually decorated rooms in an ethnic style with secluded gardens, a large swimming pool and views of the Auas Mountains provide the ideal atmosphere to relax after the rigors of travel or a day’s shopping in the city.

Overnight accommodation will be at the Hotel Pension Villa Verdi on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 9:

After breakfast you depart Windhoek and head south through the Khomas Hochland region towards the town of Rehoboth. Rehoboth is home to the “Baster Community” a fiercely independent group of people who are the descendants of a group of farmers of mixed European and Khoisan blood. These people first migrated to the area from the Cape in 1870 where they established a settlement at the site of an abandoned Rhenish Mission Station.

Continue south towards the small settlement of Kalkrand before heading in an easterly direction towards the western Kalahari Basin and the Intu Afrika Kalahari Reserve. The Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve is situated in the western Kalahari Basin where the red dunes meet the deep blue sky, and the sun sets in an explosion of colour, where some of the last few Bushmen roam in freedom and harmony with the land.

Overnight accommodation at the Camel Thorn Lodge on a full board basis and includes all scheduled activities. These include an afternoon game drive and sun downer excursion in open safari vehicles, an early morning desert walk with a Bushman tracker and a visit to the !Xoo Bushman community.

Day 10:

Today’s journey continues to the town of Mariental and onwards to Maltahohe. Afternoon arrival Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa, located on the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park. Located only 21km from Sesriem, the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. Guests are accommodated in 27 luxury rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, a safe, mini-bar and coffee/ tea facilities. Each room offers a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. A spacious restaurant where superb cuisine is served shelters guests against the harsh desert climate. The highlight at the lodge is its wellness centre, which specialises in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages, Thai massages and de-stress treatments. In the large courtyard guests can relax around the swimming pool surrounded and sheltered by an oasis of palm trees. Guests are offered quad-bike tours, nature drives on Le Mirages private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei, scenic flights and hot-air ballooning. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day in the desert. Your overnight accommodation is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 11:

This morning participate in an optional guided excursion into the Namib Desert to the Namib “Sand Sea” and the Sossusvlei Dune belt. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 metres. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. A picnic breakfast is served under the spreading Camel Thorn Acacia Trees in Sossusvlei before returning to the lodge by midday.

During the afternoon you might choose an optional nature drive activity on the property, taking in the desert scenery with its unique fauna and flora. This is not a game rich area due to the harsh environment, however, what game is seen is interesting and dramatized by the contrast between desert and the magnificent animals like Springbok, Oryx and Ostrich who survive and eke out an existence on these arid plains.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 12:

After breakfast you head towards the coastal town of Swakopmund, via Solitaire. From Solitaire continue travelling in a northerly direction running adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park. This route crosses the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib Desert on route to the commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. From Walvis Bay continue north between the coast and the dune belt to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund.

The town is known for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territory’s main harbour for years. Today this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Sea Breeze Guest House on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Situated directly on the beach, Sea Breeze offers a spectacular view over the ocean. From a relaxed garden atmosphere, guests can watch both dolphins and surfers enjoying the waves.

Day 13:

Today can be spent at leisure exploring Namibia’s premier coastal resort or the Namib Desert and coastal region. Optional excursion can also be included into the Namib Naukluft Park to view and experience the ancient “Welwitschia mirabilis” plants, the lichen Fields found on the gravel plains and the feature of the “Moon Landscape”.

An optional excursion may also be included to the harbour town of Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon or to participate in a Dolphin Cruise excursion. This excursion departs from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club in the morning. Your skipper will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at Walvis Bay harbour, Namibia’s largest port, while clearing harbour port control. Passing the small craft harbour the central basin of the harbour is exited heading north, visiting Bird Island and providing spectacular scenes of the desert dune landscape enhanced by the contrast between the ocean and the dunes. Highlights of the excursion include close encounters with Cape Fur Seals and bow riding Dolphins while crossing the harbour mouth to Pelican Point. While drifting past seal colonies fresh oysters and sparkling wine can be enjoyed. Return to the Walvis Bay Yacht Club via the lagoon and flamingo colonies. If you are interested in the ocean, marine mammals or aquatic birds this is an ideal opportunity to experience the Atlantic Ocean.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Sea Breeze Guesthouse on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 14:

An early morning departure from Swakopmund, as you head in a northerly direction, through the National West Coast Recreational Area. An optional excursion which can be included on route today includes a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. In 1486, the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia, Diago Cao, erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal at a site now known as Cape Cross 115 kilometres north of Swakopmund. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals.

You then continue in an easterly direction and crossing the “Gravel Plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis. The large-scale mining of tin began in Uis during 1951 but due to the mine no longer being profitable in was closed down in 1990.

From Uis continue in a northerly direction towards the Damaraland Region. This route passes Namibia’s highest Mountain Range, the Brandberg which is 2 573 metres at its highest point.

Late afternoon arrival at the Mowani Mountain Camp for overnight accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 15:

Between the Ugab and the Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and unspoiled wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the desert-adapted elephant. This is where you will find the Twyfelfontein Conservancy and the Mowani Mountain Camp.

“Mowani” is taken from the word “Mwane”, meaning “Place of God” and it is here that you will find the true meaning of peace and tranquillity. The Mowani Mountain Camp nestles amongst the boulders of this beautiful area on a high spot commanding distant views over the ancient landscape.

While in the Twyfelfontein area optional excursions can be conducted to visit the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen paintings in Namibia, and the geological formations of the “Burnt Mountain” and the dolomite columns known as the “Organ Pipes”. Optional extra-guided excursion along the watercourses of the Aba-Huab and Huab Rivers can be conducted in search of the “desert adapted Elephant”.

Overnight accommodation at the Mowani Mountain Camp on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 16:

Today’s route passes the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo. An optional excursion on route is a visit to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years.

The small farming centre of Outjo has its origins as a hunting and trading centre and was first inhabited by the early European explorer Tom Lambert in 1880. From Outjo continue in a northerly direction towards the Etosha National Park and Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa for overnight on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

The Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa provides breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. This luxury lodge, built from natural rock with thatch roofs boasts eight luxury canvas tents, all with spacious en- suite facilities. All tents have a private raised wooden balcony with a splash pool, coffee & tea facilities and a safe. Each bathroom has a shower, WC and washbasin. The lodge has two restaurants, main bar, pool bar, swimming pool and a fully equipped Spa with aroma and mud baths, hydro therapies, pedicures, manicures, massages, yoga and Thalasso Therapy. Our well-trained therapists will spoil you to unforgettable treatments in the bush. Guests can partake in optional activities such as night drives, guided walks, quad biking and horse trails. The Epacha Game reserve is home to 21 antelope species as well as endangered species such as black Rhino and sable antelope. The lodge offers all modern-day luxuries to its guests combined with an unforgettable African bush experience.

Day 17:

While at the Eagle Tented Lodge your scheduled excursions include and early morning drive into Etosha National Park in an open safari vehicle and afternoon excursion on Epacha Game Reserve.

Morning guided game viewing excursions in open safari vehicles are also included into the Okaukuejo Region of the Etosha National Park. The Etosha National Park has over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species and 21 vegetation types. The most common plains game species encountered include plain’s zebra, springbok, black-faced impala, blue wildebeest, oryx, giraffe and red hartebeest. The Etosha National Park also boasts healthy populations of lion, elephant and black rhino.

Your overnight accommodation at the Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa on a full board basis and includes scheduled activities.

Day 18:

Depart Epacha and enter Etosha National Park is via the Andersson / Ombika Gate. Please note that on entering the Etosha National Park an entrance permit must be completed. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the conditions of entry into the park and comply with them. Your park entry permit must be presented at the Okaukuejo reservations office when paying your admission fee.

Each camp in the park has a restaurant, a shop and a filling station. We suggest that you purchase a map of the park to familiarize yourself with the waterholes in your area, as this is where you will be most likely to encounter the game.

Conduct a full day of game drives through the Etosha National Park as you traverse along the southern boundary of Etosha Pan towards the eastern Namutoni Region. Note that each reservations office has an “animal sightings” book. Refer to this book as a guide before departing on your drives, this will assist you in locating the most recent sightings of game.

By late afternoon you will depart the Park via the eastern Von Lindquist Gate. Please note that the gates to the park are open strictly between sunrise and sunset so ensure that you have sufficient time to exit the park before the gates close. Late afternoon arrival and overnight at the Mushara Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis only.

The name Mushara derives from the Purple Pod Terminalia Tree, which grows in abundance around the lodge. Accommodation consists of 10 spacious chalets, all with air-conditioning, telephones, mini-bars, mosquito nets, safes and en-suite facilities.

Day 19:

After a leisurely breakfast depart Mushara Lodge, and join the main road heading in a southerly direction towards the mining town of Tsumeb. Thanks to the wealth generated by the mines, Tsumeb is an attractive town boasting some fine old colonial buildings and a palm lined central park with spreading lawns.

From Tsumeb continue in a southerly direction towards the towns of Otavi and Otjiwarongo. You want to visit the largest known meteorite at Hoba located near the town of Grootfontein. This town forms one of the trio towns of the maize triangle with agriculture on predominantly white owned farms.

Continue south towards the town of Otjiwarongo which provides a convenient stop over on route to the north or the south of the country. As with most towns in central Namibia the name Otjiwarongo originates from the Herero language, which translated means “place of the fat cattle” or “beautiful place”. Given the central role that cattle play in the Herero culture, both meanings are appropriate. The town was officially founded in 1906 upon the arrival of the narrow gauge railway linking the important mining centre of Tsumeb and the coastal town of Swakopmund.

From Otjiwarongo continue south along the main route towards the Okonjima Guest farm. Your scheduled arrival at Okonjima should be by early afternoon. The Okonjima Guest farm (translated from the Herero language as “place of the baboons”) is situated on the Omboroko Mountains.

Afternoon activities include an introduction to work conducted by the AfriCat Foundation. This unique program will enable you to learn more about Namibia’s most beautiful cats and is also renowned for the excellent opportunities for viewing and photographing both leopard and cheetah. An evening activity to the local viewing hide provides the ideal opportunity to view some of the more elusive Namibian nocturnal mammals.

Overnight accommodation will be at the Okonjima Bush Lodge on a full board basis including all scheduled activities.

The Bush Lodge comprises 8 thatched, African style chalets and a lapa in the form of the indigenous Camel Thorn pod. Each exclusive chalet enjoys complete privacy and is a unique combination of earthy, ochre walls and khaki green canvas, under a thatch roof.

Day 20:

Your scheduled morning activities while at Okonjima commences with a light breakfast served at the Lion Lapa before continuing on a guided nature walk. This walk is an interpretive introduction into the lives of the “Bushmen” and provides explanations and examples on fire making, hunting skills and the manufacturing of rope and ornaments. An additional afternoon activity will be included to another of the projects conducted by the AfriCat Foundation. Overnight accommodation will be at the Okonjima Bush Lodge on a full board basis including all scheduled activities.

Day 21:

After a leisurely breakfast depart for Windhoek, travelling via the small town of Okahandja. This is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorates those who died during the wars against the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open – air wood carving centre and the Herero Graves

Afternoon arrival back in the capital city, Windhoek where the late afternoon will be at leisure. Your overnight accommodation will be at Hotel Pension Villa Verdi on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 22:

Continue to the Windhoek International Airport for your scheduled departure flight. Please note that check-in times for departures is two hours prior to the flight departure time.