| D1: Windhoek - Khorixas |
| Meet and Greet |
| | - | Be met at Windhoek Airport by one of our experienced guides, who will explain your itinerary and give you valuable advice, as well as information to make your trip run smoothly and be utterly unforgettable. Our guide will answer any questions you may have, hand over all the travel documents that you may need such as maps and vouchers, and escort you to your designated transportation. |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar NA Classic Max Category W b: 7-13 days at Windhoek - Drop Off Chobe (Day 10) - 10 days  |
| | - | Travel to Khorixas |
| | - | Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Khorixas - Etosha |
| Petrified Forest(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Touch trees of stone with a visit to the Petrified Forest, a remarkable site of fossilised tree trunks dating back to the paleontological era. Geological research has revealed that these trees belong to the pine family, and were washed down the continent in a massive flood to their current site, buried beneath hundreds of metres of sediment. Over millions of years, the pressure caused the organic material to be replaced by silica and completely transformed the trees into stone. The effects of erosion have exposed these tree relics, including two trees measuring up to 45 metres. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Etosha |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Okaukuejo Rest Camp (Double Room (A) - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Etosha |
| Etosha Central Game Drive Full Day(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Sweep through the wilderness on a full day game drive in the Etosha National Park. Proclaimed a game reserve in 1907, Etosha spreads over 22 270km2 of saline desert, mopane forests and grassy scrublands. The park's most distinctive feature is the Etosha Pan, once a lake and now a massive white, salty depression that fills with pockets of pools after infrequent rains, attracting up to 1-million flamingos which use the pan as a breeding ground. The rain pools, along with approximately 30 waterholes and springs across the reserve, sustain an abundance of wildlife, including 340 bird and 114 mammal species, as well as some rarities like the Damara dik-dik, the black-faced impala and the Egyptian vulture. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Halali Rest Camp (Double Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Etosha |
| Etosha East Morning Game Drive(n) • Guided Night Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Energise your senses on a morning safari in your tour vehicle (coach, minibus or car) in the eastern sector of the Etosha National Park. Enter the Von Lindequist Gate at sunrise and visit the numerous waterholes fed by springs and artesian fountains where you may encounter many species of animals such as black-faced impala, eland, giraffe, gemsbok, elephant, black rhino and lion. The picturesque Fischer's Pan - named after the park's first game warden - attracts thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds during the rainy season. Stop at Namutoni for refreshments and to observe the waterhole it overlooks. Namutoni has a Beau Geste charm and the historic fortress was once the northernmost German outpost and is now a national monument. (n) (n) |
| | - | Guided Night Drive (Optional rates: D4: Guided Night Drive) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Namutoni Rest Camp (Double Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Etosha - Rundu |
| Rundu Discover(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Rundu |
| | - | Admire intricate woodcarvings in Rundu. This town is the capital of the Kavango Region and located along the southern banks of the Okavango River, acting as a gateway to the Caprivi and a link for neighbouring African countries to the port at Walvis Bay. As such, it is a hub of trade and industry and includes a number of amenities such as banks, shops and service stations. The town is also a good place to pick up mementos of your African travels as it features a large open market, and adjacent to that, a woodcarvers market. Here, Namibia's most skilled woodcarvers make and sell their woodwork and other artefacts that are snapped up by visitors and proudly displayed the world over. Slow down to admire the picturesque river frontage of the town that is also known to showcase some spectacular sunset vistas. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: nKwazi Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D6: Rundu - Divundu |
| Mahango Afternoon Game Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Divundu |
| | - | Note the beauty of the flora and fauna on an afternoon game drive in the Mahango Game Reserve. This unique region sets itself apart from the country’s mostly dry and sandy landscape, showcasing a flowing river, well-fed waterholes, and thickly fronded riverine vegetation. Shaded by statuesque trees such as the Zambezi teak and willowy wild syringa, the reserve’s woodlands are verged by grassy plains that in turn give way to reeds and water grasses that thickly cover the wetlands. Within this habitat numerous species of wildlife can be found, the most common being elephant, warthog and antelope. The many fruit-bearing trees attract both fruit and insect eating birds that mingle with various wetland species in a pretty and tranquil environment. As your afternoon game drive concludes, look out for hippos slowly making their way from the river to graze under an illuminating moon. (Optional rates: D6:Mohango Park GD PM) |
| | - | Dinner: Ndhovu Lodge |
| | - | Overnight at the Lodge: Ndhovu Lodge (Tent - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D7: Divundu - Kongola |
| Popa Falls(n) • Bwabwata National Park(n) • Boat Cruise(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Listen to the cascading of water at Popo Falls. One of the highlights of the western Caprivi is the Popo Falls, a series of beautiful white water rapids that cascade gently and melodically down quartzite ledges. The falls form part of the Okavango River and cover a breadth of over one kilometre before descending down four metres of rocky outcrops into the Okavango riverbed. They are located at the entrance of the Bwabwata National Park, with many campsites gracing their shores and splendid scenic beauty all around. Popo Falls can be accessed by foot and offers a breath of fresh air as well as an opportunity to observe the flora and fauna that thrive in and around the life-giving water. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Rundu |
| | - | Observe the balance between humans and nature at the Bwabwata National Park. This area is also known as ‘the people’s park’ as it supports both wildlife and human populations that work together in a mutually beneficial manner, as the local Caprivian community is afforded employment opportunities that in turn help protect Namibian wildlife. The park extends from the Okavango River in the west of Namibia to the Kwando River in the east and is abundant in wildlife including several thousand elephant, buffalo, hippo, various antelope, lion and leopard, while the woodlands are dominated by beautiful African trees such as wild seringa, copalwood and Zambezi teak. Good game viewing is possible around watering holes along the Kwando River, particularly in the drier months as well as Horseshoe, a large perennial oxbow lake with picturesque white-sand beaches. Rare species in the park include red lechwe and sitatunga antelope. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Kongola |
| | - | Drift along in silent serenity on a boat cruise on the Kwando River. With its origins in the highlands of Angola, the 730 kilometre long Kwando River is the life-blood of the Caprivi region, providing sustenance for local people who pole along its course in traditional dug-out canoes. The river is also a source of food and water for vast herds of elephant and hippo, crocodiles, and large numbers of red lechwe, as well as a haven for upwards of 430 bird species. Rare wattled cranes, slaty egret, Stanley’s bustard and rosy-throated longclaw are but a few of the magnificent species to appreciate as you cruise through the water channels in a flat-bottomed boat. Look out for broken reeds along the river banks as these are signs of recent elephant presence, and there are good opportunities for finding sitatunga, a rarely sighted water-loving antelope. (Optional rates: D7:Kwando Boat Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Camp Kwando (Tented Chalet - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Kongola |
| Kwando Cultural Village (n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Dance with the medicine man at Kwando Cultural Village. This interesting settlement is situated just adjacent to Camp Kwando on the banks of the Kwando River and takes you on a tour of a re-created traditional village. The villagers are mostly staff from Camp Kwando who will give you fascinating insight into ancient traditions that have been fiercely protected by their people over the centuries. The village is built in typical tribal style utilising reeds, mud and other naturally available products. Besides observing the aspects of everyday life you will also be given demonstrations on various tribal fishing and hunting techniques and watch a performance by the local healer, or ‘Medicine Man’, as he employs various dancing methods to ward off illnesses and cure problems. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Camp Kwando (Tented Chalet - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Kongola - Chobe |
| Chobe National Park(n) • Boat trip(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Chobe |
| | - | Chobe National Park is one of the largest in Botswana, famed not only for the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa but also for having the densest population of game on the continent. This, together with its reputation of offering superb wildlife viewing all year round, makes it a highly popular travel destination. The park lies along the Chobe River and is comprised of four distinct ecosystem – the lush plains and forests of the Chobe river front attracting elephant and vast herds of buffalo; the rich grasslands and savannahs of the Savuti Marsh; the Linyanti Swamps, renowned for prowling predators and large herds of game; and the hot and dry hinterland of Nogatsaa and Tchinga, holding water well into the dry season and attracting a profusion of game between August and October. A high density of predators and the occurrence of many rare antelope species rounds off this spectacular game park. (n) |
| | - | Travel to Chobe |
| | - | Boat cruise (Optional rates: D9:Chobe Boat Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge (Safari Room/BB) |
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| D10: Chobe - Victoria Falls |
| Transfer • Meet and Greet • Cruise: Sunset(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Transfer from Chobe |
| | - | Meet and greet at Victoria Falls Airport. Our guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall carrying a branded sign board. |
| | - | Arrival at Victoria Falls, one of the most famous landmarks in the world and visited by thousands of tourists every year, yet the town of the same name remains small and filled with plenty of old-world frontier charm. Victoria Falls town is bright and friendly and a great place to browse craft markets and collect souvenirs of your African travels as you take some time to absorb the atmosphere and pick up a greater sense of the African cultures and the rich history that have shaped the Victoria Falls over time. Wildlife lovers may need to look no further than right in front of them as animals are known to roam the streets with cheeky baboons hanging around in the trees and occasionally even an elephant or two strolling across the road to the nearby Zambezi River. (n) (n) |
| | - | Soak up the beauty of Africa on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The immense, calm waters of the Zambezi River lend themselves to leisurely boat cruises amongst the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. From your lodge you will be taken to the jetty and begin your sailing journey upstream from the Victoria Falls. As you peacefully drift along the river you can admire the splashes of colour that the setting sun paints in the sky as well as watch the wildlife that congregates along the river banks in the coolness of the evening. Your wondrous cruise is rounded off with aperitifs and snacks served on board the boat. (Optional rates: D10:Sunset Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D11: Victoria Falls |
| Falls: Zimbabwe Side(o) • Transfer |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | View one of the world’s natural wonders on a visit to the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls. This enormous sheet of falling water was first discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, although it had been known to the local people for much longer than that. It is shared by two countries, Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south. Around two thirds of the falls are located on the Zimbabwe side and this country is also considered to have more classical views of the mains falls with footpaths leading you to breathtaking viewpoints such as Devils Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the very popular Rainbow Falls. The sights from here are considered some of the best on the planet while the sheer force of the tumbling water is a sensory treat as water plunges and tumbles, sending sprays of mist up into the skies. (Optional rates: D11:Falls: Zimbabwe Side) |
| | - | Transfer |
