Summary of this Budget Safari
An epic safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe staying at comfortable safari lodges along the way.
This Budget Lodge Safari combines wild game viewing, colourful cultural interactions and gobsmacking beauty to create the supreme African Experience.
Unforgettable highlights in Namibia include the ancient Namib Desert's Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon, and the game-rich Etosha National park. Also meet the traditional Himba tribe of Namibia, visit coastal Swakopmund, discover Waterberg Plateau and walk with the bushman.
Travel through the fertile Caprivi Strip to Botswana where we visit the pristine Okavango Delta, Botswana's Crown Jewel. Other highlights in this spectacular country are the Khwai River, Makgadikgadi Pans and Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest elephants herds in Africa.
On the last few days of this inspirational journey, we go game viewing in Hwange Park and stand beside the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. End on a high note at Vic Falls, with optional adventure activities in the Adventure Capital of Africa.
The ultimate African experience done in style!
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Windhoek – Namibia
This epic African adventure starts off in Windhoek, the capital of Nambia.
Arriving at the international airport in Windhoek, we welcome you to Southern Africa and drive you to your overnight guest house in a quiet suburb of the city.
Spend the afternoon resting at the friendly guesthouse after your flight, taking a dip in the pool and enjoying the leafy gardens. For the more energetic you can head into this pleasant and cosmopolitan city on foot. Windhoek is a laid-back and efficiently run city, where African culture and markets meld with German colonial influences and architecture.
At 6:00pm on the first evening you meet up with your guide and fellow travellers at the guesthouse for tour briefing. The rest of the night is free for you to unwind at the lodge, or venture into the friendly city for dinner.
Accommodation: Guest house or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Day 2 & 3: Namib Desert & Sossusvlei – Namibia
On day two we depart from modern Windhoek, driving southwest via mountain passes and pretty landscapes to the ancient Namib Desert. This is said to be the oldest desert in the world, dating back tens of millions of years.
Here we visit the Namib Naukluft National Park staying at a desert camp near Sossusvlei for two nights.
Day three starts early to ensure that we witness the inspiring sight of sunrise over the undulating sea of red-orange sand dunes. We drive to the famous Sossusvlei Dunes stopping to take photographs of the glowing colours of the sand as the day breaks.
We explore the world’s tallest sand dunes, towering over 300m high, at Sossusvlei, and marvel at the immensity of this sandy sea.
Then we visit Deadvlei, one of the must-see highlights in the iconic Namib in Namibia. The cracked clay ground stands in stark contrast to the skeletons of dead trees - with black finger-like trees dotting the white earth here. This striking scene is all the more enchanting given its setting amid the ochre dunes of the desert. The dry lake is usually parched but at times we might see some water shimmering in Deadvlei.
After experiencing the magnitude and empty silence of the unforgettable desert landscape, we head into the deep gorge that is Sesriem Canyon. Another well-known feature of the Namib Desert, this narrow chasm shows layer upon layer of exposed rocks that have been eroded over millions of years by the flow of the Tsauchab River.
Day 2:
Distance: 280 km
Accommodation: Riverside camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse / Lunch prepared by guide / Dinner at camp
Day 3:
Distance: 230 km
Meals: Breakfast pack from camp / Lunch prepared by guide / Dinner at camp
Day 4: Namib Naukluft to Swakopmund – Namibia
Today we travel north through the solitary open spaces of the Namib Naukluft National Park in Namibia, passing from orange dunes fields to grey gravel plains.
As we drive through the Namib-Naukluft Desert the electrifying energy and timeless atmosphere of this vast land engulfs us. This arid terrain hosts some of the most rare and unique animals and plant species on earth. We keep our eyes open for the distinctive oryx antelope, the desert adapted mountain zebras and light-footed springbok, amongst others.
Unusual flora surviving in this harsh area, includes the peculiar looking Welwitschia Mirabilis, with a large protected specimen (over 1 500 years old) found here.
Our journey to Swakopmund takes us via the coastal village of Walvis Bay where we visit the lagoon to see its rich bird life. Numerous water birds can be found at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, including huge flocks of flamingos.
In the late afternoon we arrive at the seaside resort town of Swakopmund, a charming place where Africa blends with European flavours.
Take a walk around the quaint town with its wide streets and sidewalk cafes, or stroll along its lovely beaches.
Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Hotel or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast at camp / Lunch prepared by your guide
Day 5: Waterberg Plateau – Namibia
On day five of our lodge safari we veer inland crossing the country as we head to the Waterberg Plateau Reserve in the northeast of Namibia.
Arriving at the Waterberg Plateau we set off on a short hike in this lush national park. The reserve is dominated by the impressive red sandstone plateau and known for its significant role in conserving flora and fauna. Waterberg Plateau Park provides sanctuary to a variety of rare and endangered animal and bird species, such as rhinos and cape vultures. Our walk reveals the beauty of this wilderness area and with any luck some of it inhabitants too.
Distance: 500 km
Accommodation: Waterberg Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner prepared by your guide
Day 6: Kamanjab – Namibia
Today we travel from the Waterberg Plateau to Kamanjab in the north of this fascinating African country.
Visiting Kamanjab is a rich cultural experience with local Himba villagers living traditional lifestyles. We go to a Himba village to see for ourselves how these nomadic pastoralists live close to nature. Meeting the unusual-looking locals you can admire the intricate jewellery and hairstyles that they use to convey status within the tribe.
This is a great way to gain firsthand knowledge of the Himba tribes' beliefs and rituals as we witness practises such as a milking ceremony and an old-school smoke bath. Discover more about herbal medicines and ancestral ties, as well as the holy fire of Himba myths.
This cultural encounter takes you on a refreshing journey, outside of modern western life.
Distance: 315 km
Accommodation: Rest camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at camp / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at the rest camp
Day 7 & 8: Etosha National Park – Namibia
This morning we have breakfast and hit the road for our next stop, Etosha!
Etosha National Park is the premier game viewing destination in Namibia, considered one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
Entering Etosha along the Western Corridor, we drive through what used to be a restricted zone of the reserve. This part of the game park hosts particularly high concentrations of wild animals, which we look out for as we drive.
Over the next two days on safari we will go in search of the plethora of wildlife found here, including Africa's Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Animals sighted on game drives in Etosha Park, range from cheetah, hyena and giraffe to zebra and an array of antelope species.
After our game drives we stay at a rest camp inside the national park, enjoying night time game viewing at the watering holes under spotlights.
Day 7:
Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Safari camp or similar (tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at the rest camp / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at camp
Day 8:
Distance: 300 km
Accommodation: Namutoni Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at camp / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner prepared by your guide
Day 9: Grootfontein – Namibia
After our game viewing adventure of note, we depart from Etosha Park, heading into the heart of Bushman land in northern Namibia.
Our next destination is a charming camp outside the town of Grootfontein. Here you can follow one of the walking trails enjoying some bird watching and looking out for game.
Distance: 225 km
Accommodation: Rest camp or similar (bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Meals: Breakfast at the camp / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at the rest camp
Day 10: Mahangu – Namibia
Day 10 sees us embarking on a novel guided tour of the Living Museum of the local Ju’Hoansi-San. This local bushman community is open to visitors who want to see how they go about their lives.
This authentic cultural excursion takes us through an open-air museum, displaying the unique culture and tribal practises of the traditional San people in Namibia. We walk with local hunters in search of bush meat and wild plants, watching them set snares and start a fire the original Ju/’Hoansi way.
After our interesting bushman encounter we continue our journey north-west into the Caprivi Strip. Our next overnight camp is set in the western part of Caprivi, an unusually lush finger of Namibian land sandwiched between Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Distance: 420 km
Accommodation: Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Meals: Breakfast at the camp / Lunch pack from the camp / Dinner at the lodge
Day 11: Maun – Botswana
From the fertile Caprivi region we drive south into neighbouring Botswana, a wildlife safari destination of legendary proportions.
We make our way to the gateway of the world-famous Okavango Delta, Maun. We spend the afternoon in this travel hub experiencing the lively safari atmosphere in town or retreating to the lodge for some rest and relaxation by the pool.
Probably the most unforgettable activity here is a scenic flight over the massive untamed delta, an optional outing you won't forget.
Distance: 430 km
Accommodation: Riverside lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at the lodge / Lunch pack from the lodge
Day 12: Khwai River – Botswana
Rise and tuck into breakfast before our local Botswana guides fetch you for your trip into the watery delta.
We drive to a nearby mokoro (traditional canoe) station and switch modes of transport. Leaving the wheels behind we glide through reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons in our dug-out canoes. The canoes are poled along by local guides, standing in the vessels like the African equivalent of gondoliers.
This is the ideal way to explore the pristine Okavango Delta - moving quietly through the bush at a leisurely pace which makes it easier to spot birds and animals.
The Okavango is a truly wild place where you can immerse yourself in nature. This one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon flows into the Kalahari Desert instead of flowing into the sea like other deltas.
Our mokoro trip is followed by some time to get comfortable at our next camp, set near the well-known Khwai River. Then we enjoy dinner at camp and venture into the bush on a nighttime game drive. The night drive is a excellent way to sight some of the more elusive nocturnal creatures of Botswana and even catch a hunt.
Distance: 120 km
Accommodation: Bedouin camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant area)
Meals: Breakfast at the lodge / Lunch pack from the lodge / Dinner at the camp
Day 13: Khwai River – Botswana
The Khwai area is ours to explore on game drives today.
We look out for the range of wild animals often spotted in this wilderness area, renowned for its high concentrations of mammals. The Khwai is known as an outstanding spot for seeing elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and endangered African wild dogs. This is also a haven for birds, especially raptors and wildfowl.
Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Bedouin camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant area)
Meals: Breakfast at the camp / Lunch pack from the camp / Dinner at camp
Day 14: Khwai to Nata – Botswana
Due east, we drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana today.
This is one of the largest salt pans in the world, covering some 30 000 km² of arid terrain.
In times gone by the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was covered by a gigantic inland lake, but today it stands dry and barren. This vast land of nothingness is one of those special places where you can feel the ageless power of nature in real solitude.
This afternoon we stop in at the Nata Bird Sanctuary, which offers superb views over the mesmerising Sowa pan, forming part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.
Please note: we visit the salt pans if time allows, subject to road conditions and water levels.
Distance: 410 km
Accommodation: Lodge or similar (safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at the camp / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at the lodge
Day 15 & 16: Nata to Chobe – Botswana
Onwards and upwards we drive north to Kasane today. Kasane's meagre claim to fame is that it serves as a convenient gateway to the magnificent Chobe National Park.
Chobe Park on the other hand is famous the world over as a exceptional safari destination. This top African game park hosts one of the largest elephant populations on the continent as well as some of the highest concentrations of game.
Besides its enormous elephant herds, this 10,566 km² game park is well-known for its supreme bush sunsets and boat based game viewing.
Participate in some of the various optional activities on offer in the Chobe region of Botswana, or laze like a lizard by the pool on the afternoon of day 15. Day 16 kicks off with an exciting game drive in the beautiful Chobe National Park, the primary focus being on spotting wildlife, of course. With any luck we encounter some large cats and other predators, maybe even witnessing a kill in action.
In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River. This laid-back cruise is a super way to enjoy some close up wildlife encounters, especially with wading hippos, crocodiles and elephants. We usually get to witness a spectacular African sunset from the boat, a blissful way to end an eventful day in the bush.
Distance: 265 km Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Bush Lodge or similar (tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals on Day 15: Breakfast at the lodge / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at the lodge
Meals on Day 16: Breakfast at the lodge
Day 17 & 18: Chobe to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
Crossing boundaries we travel into Zimbabwe on day 17 of our unforgettable trip through Southern Africa.
Next highlight - Hwange National Park. Another game viewing gem in Africa, this is Zimbabwe's pride and joy of safari travel.
Hwange Park, like Chobe, is home to great big herds of elephants, as well as extra large herds of buffalo. Here you can see plenty of zebras and numerous giraffes along with all of the endangered species found in Zimbabwe.
On day 18 we drive around in Hwange Park searching for predators, grazers, browsers and scavengers
Distance: 415 km
Accommodation: Lodge or similar (permanent tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar area)
Meals on Day 17: Breakfast at the lodge / Lunch prepared by your guide / Dinner at the lodge
Melas on Day 18: Breakfast at the lodge / Lunch pack from the lodge / Dinner at the lodge
Day 19: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Nearing the end of our grand African safari we turn north towards our final destination - Victoria Falls.
Ending on a high note we visit the powerful Victoria Falls, with a guide who shows us the way to some awesome view points.
The locals call the waterfall Mosi oa Tunya which means 'the smoke that thunders' and standing at Vic Falls there is no wondering why it got this epithet. This is the largest sheet of falling water in the world sending up a huge cloud of spray as it plummets into Bakota Gorge below.
After the inspiring ogle at one of the natural wonders of the world, you are free to make the most of your time in the Adventure Capital of Africa.
Take yourself to new heights on thrilling helicopter rides, bungee jumps, gorge swings and zip line rides, or brave the full force of the mighty Zambezi and go white water rafting. Other wild activities that don't involve dizzying heights are lion encounters and walks, or elephant interactions and rides. Tamer adventure activity options include canoeing, sunset cruises and canopy tours.
Distance: 120 km
Accommodation: Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Meals: Breakfast at the lodge
Day 20: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Share a hearty breakfast with your fellow travellers at the lodge before parting ways this morning.
We transfer you to the airport in Victoria Falls for your onward flight, saying good bye... until your next adventure in Africa.
Meals: Breakfast at the lodge