| D1: Windhoek |
| Meet and Greet • Windhoek tour(n) |
| | - | 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 c: 14-30 days at Windhoek - Drop Off Chobe (Day 19) - 19 days  |
| | - | Saunter the sidewalks on a city tour of Windhoek. The capital of Namibia lies at an altitude of 1 654 metres within the Khomashochland, a hilly plateau in the centre of the country. With its unique blend of European and African architecture, history and culture, the tranquil city has a slightly vintage feel. Its first inhabitants named the city as a "place of vapour, water or fire" due to the numerous hot water springs in the area. Following the arrival of the Germans in 1890 the city grew around a fortress, or the Alte Feste, and the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), Namibia's parliament building. The Christuskirche, built in neo-Gothic / Art Nouveau style, rises above the city showcasing the German architectural influence of the time. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Londiningi Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Windhoek - Kalahari |
| Kalahari Visit(n) • Nature Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kalahari |
| | - | Be blown away by the haunting beauty of the Kalahari Desert. Extending over an area of 500,000 km², the Kalahari covers most of Botswana - where it is known as the Kgalagadi - some areas of South Africa, and south-eastern Namibia. Contrary to what the notion of 'desert' might suggest, the Kalahari has a semi-arid climate and receives an average annual rainfall of 100 mm (as opposed to a maximum of 25 mm for a true desert). The rains enable a multitude of life to flourish across the red sands that transform into grassy plains at times of higher rainfall, and numerous species of mammals and birds inhabit the Kalahari, as do the San Bushmen, southern Africa's oldest human inhabitants. The solitary expanses evoke a sense of isolation, yet its lunar landscapes, varied fauna and flora and ancient tribes make the Kalahari an enriching experience. (n) (n) |
| | - | Nature Drive. This is the perfect way of getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The colourful display of dunes, grass and sky unfolds in its most glorious splendour just before sunset (Optional rates: D2:Kalahari Nature Drive) |
| | - | Dinner: Kalahari Anib Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge (Comfort Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Kalahari - Fish River Canyon |
| Kokerboom Forest National Monument Site(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Keetmanshoop |
| | - | Transcend time with a visit to the Kokerboom Forest south of Keetmanshoop, proclaimed a national monument in 1955 due to its exceptional concentration of quiver trees. Belonging to the aloe family, the quiver tree (aloe dichotoma) is endemic to Namibia and is certainly one of the country's most outlandish plant specimens. Once the branches of this aloe are dry, the fibrous inner contents are removed and the hollow bark is used as a quiver for arrows by the indigenous people. Some specimens can reach a height of 9 metres and the trees in this natural forest are between two and three hundred years old. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Fish River Canyon |
| | - | Overnight: Canyon Village (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Fish River Canyon |
| Fish River Canyon(n) • Sundowner Nature Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Sense the magnitude of nature's forces with a visit to the Fish River Canyon. Located in the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park at the lower reaches of the Fish River - Namibia's longest river - the Fish River Canyon is said to be the world's second largest canyon after America's Grand Canyon. Formed 650-million years ago as a result of tectonic shifts, the canyon spans a depth of 600 metres, a length of 80 kilometres and a width of approximately 20 kilometres. The sight of the massive ravine against a stark desert backdrop is one of the highlights of southern Namibia. (n) (n) |
| | - | Sundowner Nature Drive (Optional rates: D4:Sundowner Drive) |
| | - | Overnight: Canyon Village (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Fish River Canyon - Aus |
| Namib desert wild horses(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Aus |
| | - | Encounter the ephemeral Namib Desert Horses, the only wild desert-dwelling horses in Africa, and possibly the world. These horses are the subject of many discussions and studies as to their origin and incredible resistance to the extreme conditions of the desert. They are found to the west of the town of Aus on the road to Lüderitz, and in the valley of the Koichab River. Today the Namib feral horses are highly protected by the Namibian Directorate of Nature Conservation. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Klein Aus Vista - Lodge (Room Desert Horse Inn - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D6: Aus - Namib-Naukluft |
| Namib-Naukluft Introduction(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Prepare to be mesmerised as you explore the enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park. The park covers an area of just under 50 000 km2, and is the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, and the fourth largest in the world. This is a vast, remote area encompassing dramatic landscapes, from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes, to deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. The Naukluft area is situated north-west of Maltahöhe on the road to the coastal town of Swakopmund at the edge of the Namib Desert. Amid the semi-desert landscape and mountainous escarpment, mountain zebra and other species of game can be found. Sesriem, the main entrance gate to the park, lies west of the Naukluft mountains, where the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge at a huge, dried-up pan, called Sossusvlei. Here, the towering dunes, reaching up to 300 m high - among the tallest dunes in the world - extend as far as the eye can see, and their multi-coloured hues vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. Sandwich Harbour, 42 km south of the port of Walvis Bay, is a large, reed-lined marine lagoon home to many coastal and freshwater birds and only accessibly by 4x4 vehicles. (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Sossusvlei Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D7: Namib-Naukluft |
| Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei (Shuttle)(n) • Sesriem Canyon(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel by 4x4 shuttle to the incredible site of Sossusvlei. Meaning 'dead-end marsh', Sossusvlei is a salt pan surrounded by ancient dunes that are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 300-400 metres. Visitors from all around the world come to capture haunting images of the towering coral-hued dunes. Skeletal remnants of 550-year-old dead camelthorn trees rise from another dry lake, the Dead Vlei, in stark contrast against its surrounding sea of sand. While it may seem that this stark environment could not sustain life, many species of plants and animals have adapted to the harsh conditions, among them the gemsbok (oryx), which can survive without water for weeks. (n) (n) |
| | - | Stare into the abyss at the Sesriem Canyon located 4,5 km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The 50 metre-deep gorge was formed by the Tsauchab River as a result of millions of years of erosion, and is one the few places in the Namib Desert that holds water all year round - there are water pools at the bottom of the canyon even in the dry season. Early Afrikaans explorers tied six (ses) leather ropes (riem) together to pull buckets of water from the canyon for their livestock. (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Sossusvlei Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Namib-Naukluft - Swakopmund |
| Kuiseb Canyon(n) • Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Mirabilis(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Namib-Naukluft |
| | - | Capture hypnotic scenic images at the Kuiseb Canyon. The ephemeral Kuiseb River has carved an impressive nine kilometre long canyon which can be seen from the C14 road close to the town of Solitaire. This river is the dividing line between the endless rocky plains of the north and the sand dunes that end near the Orange River. After the rainy season in the summer, the Kuiseb River mostly dries up but some water remains at the canyon. Klipspringer, leopard, hyena, jackal and springbok can sometimes be spotted. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Swakopmund |
| | - | Walk on the moon Namibian-style at the Namib Moon Landscape, a name given to a part of the valley of the Swakop River near Swakopmund. The lunar-type landscape, eroded by thousands of years of wind and rain, is awe-inspiring. The river that flows from time to time at the bottom of the valley brings a short-lived period of fertility to the region and the water allows some plants to survive in this hostile environment. Man tried to cultivate parts of this valley for agriculture at the beginning of the previous century, with little success due to the harshness of the environment. Discover the Welwitschia mirabilis, a botanical curiosity that is found almost exclusively in areas of fog of the Namib Desert. Some specimens are older than 1500 years. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Organic Square Guesthouse (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Swakopmund |
| Dolphin Cruise(o) • Swakopmund Orientation(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Inhale the fresh, salty air as you prepare for a marine dolphin motorboat cruise to Pelican Point. The calm waters of Walvis Bay's lagoon are teeming with marine life. The cruise traverses the oyster lines, Walvis Bay Harbour and Pelican Point with its iconic lighthouse, where Cape fur seals play in the waves and come right up to the boat. Further out bottlenose and heaviside dolphins swim alongside the boat, and whales can be spotted between July and November. Flamingos, pelicans and even jackass penguins are common sightings during the cruise. Light lunch with oysters served on board. (Optional rates: D9:Walvis Bay Marine Dolphin Cruise) |
| | - | Soak up the salty sea breeze on an orientation tour of Swakopmund. A popular seaside resort providing visitors respite from the heat of the desert, the town is a quirky mix of German architecture, stemming from its origins as a harbour town for German South West Africa, and the African love for adrenalin. To this day, the town's main inhabitants and visitors are German-speaking, preserving European heritage at the edge of the Namib Desert. The harbour activities were moved to Walvis Bay in 1915 but tourism continues to thrive as visitors come to see the incongruous Baltic Sea architecture among palm tree-lined streets, and participate in the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. The most iconic remnant of the German colonial era in Swakopmund is the ornate Victorian Hohenzollern building, dominated by a figure of Atlas holding the world upon his shoulders. Other prominent examples of German architecture dating from the early 1900s include the Prinzessin Rupprecht Rezidenz (originally a military hospital and now a hotel), the Woermannhaus (1905), the youth hostel, the Lutheran Church on Post Street (1911), the court, the railway station which is also now a hotel (1901), the buildings on Sam Nujoma Avenue (previously Kaiser Wilhelm Strasse), the Arnold Shad Promenade, and the metal pier which was built in 1915, and recently rescued from dereliction. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Organic Square Guesthouse (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D10: Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein |
| Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Twyfelfontein |
| | - | Read the pictures that paint a thousand words at the site of Twyvelfontein in the heart of Damaraland. With over 2 500 rock engravings dating back 6 000 years to the hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age, as well as numerous Khoikhoi rock painting sites estimated to be 2 000 years old, Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa, and was declared Namibia's first World Heritage Site in 2007. The ancient engravings and paintings depict the lives of lost communities and the animals with whom they shared the landscape. Twyfelfontein is translated to 'doubtful spring' in Afrikaans, referring to the /Ui-//aes spring that that lies within the valley along the slopes of the sandstone plateau. (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (FIT)) |
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| D11: Twyfelfontein - 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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| D12: 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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| D13: 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: D13: Guided Night Drive) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Namutoni Rest Camp (Double Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D14: 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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| D15: 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: D15:Mohango Park GD PM) |
| | - | Dinner: Ndhovu Lodge |
| | - | Overnight at the Lodge: Ndhovu Lodge (Tent - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D16: 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: D16:Kwando Boat Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Camp Kwando (Tented Chalet - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D17: 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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| D18: 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: D18:Chobe Boat Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge (Safari Room/BB) |
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| D19: 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: D19:Sunset Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D20: 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: D20:Falls: Zimbabwe Side) |
| | - | Transfer |
