Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe: Dunes to Falls - 21 Days

Distance/time: ±320km, 4h30 actual driving time, but the gravel road deteriorates and can be slow so with lunch and stops, we expect a travel day of ±7h30.

Journey south from Windhoek, passing through scenic mountain landscapes before descending onto the desert plains. Enroute, stop at the remote outpost of Solitaire - famous for its apple tart (own expense) before continuing to the lodge in the Namib Desert. The afternoon is free to relax and take in the vast, arid surroundings.

The next morning, we explore the Namib Naukluft National Park. Towering red dunes surround the white clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, where twisted Camel Thorn trees create surreal silhouettes. These ancient landscapes, shaped by rare floods of the Tsauchab River, offer some of the most iconic desert scenery in Africa.

Includes: Entrance fees to Sesriem Canyon and Naukluft National Park.

Distance/time: ±350km, 5h00 actual driving time, this gravel road is very rough, a stop for photos at the tropic of Capricorn, sightseeing and lunch in Walvis Bay, expect a travel day of ±8h00.

Swakopmund lies on the Atlantic coast, where cool sea breezes offer respite from the desert heat. En-route stop at Walvis Bay’s lagoon to observe flocks of flamingos, thousands of these elegant pink birds wading in the shallow waters. The town of Swakopmund sits at the mouth of the mostly dry Swakop River, which marks the northern boundary of the ever-shifting Namib Desert dunes. You have time in the afternoon for a walk along the beachfront before having a restaurant dinner (own expense).

Includes: N/A

Distance/time: ±330km, 5h00 actual driving time, starting on a "salt" road. The road is generally quite good, for a total travel day of ±6h00.

Namibia is a country of striking extremes, and Damaraland embodies this with its stark plains, dry riverbeds, and ancient valleys carved between rocky outcrops. Towering above it all are the Brandberg Massif Mountains, their peaks a dramatic backdrop to this rugged wilderness. Embark on a walk with a local guide exploring the ancient Brandberg Massif to view the Brandberg White Lady rock painting. In the evening, settle in for a sundowner at your lodge in the Ugab River valley and watch as the sun sinks behind the mountains.

Includes: Entrance to the Brandberg San rock art.

Distance/time: ±370km, 6h00 actual driving time + game drive, the road can be rough and with an afternoon game drive in Etosha, expect a total of ±9h30 in the vehicle.

Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife sanctuaries, has been safeguarding Namibia's iconic species since it was established as a reserve in 1907. The park's best wildlife sightings are typically found around its productive waterholes scattered along the edge of the expansive salt pan. These life-sustaining waters draw in elephants and herds of antelope, which in turn attract predators like lions and cheetahs.

On day 6, enjoy a late-afternoon game drive before leaving the national park to relax at a comfortable nearby lodge. The following day will be dedicated to game drives in Etosha  spending time waiting at the waterholes to observe the diverse wildlife come and go.

Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park, afternoon and full day in Etosha NP.

Tarentaal Guest Farm or similar (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)

Distance/time: ±535km, 6h30 actual driving time. An early start on all tarmac roads, but with a border crossing and lunch stop, expect a total transit day of ±7h30 into the Kalahari.

Cross into Botswana and travel south through the flat, rural landscape of the western Delta. Small villages and cattle posts are dotted along the way as you journey to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango. The changing scenery hints at the wetlands to come, and arrive with time to prepare for the Delta experience ahead.

Includes: N/A

Distance/time: ±50km, 2h00 actual driving time to mekoro station. Mokoro ride to camp is dependent on campsite location so overall travel time for the day ±5h00.

Setting off early in the morning and venture into the remarkable Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most unique and breath taking ecosystems. As you drive toward this vast wetland, there's opportunity to take an optional scenic helicopter flight (own expense). This aerial perspective offers an unforgettable view of the Delta’s intricate network of channels, floodplains, and islands.

Upon reaching the mokoro launch station, board traditional dugout mekoro, guided by skilled local polers who navigate you to your remote wilderness camp. The Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, is rich in wildlife, home to red lechwe, buffalo, elephants, and a dazzling array of bird species. As you glide silently through narrow, reed-fringed channels, immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of the Delta, venturing deeper into its pristine wilderness.

Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides.
Optional Activities: Scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta.

Distance/time: ±120km, 4h00 actual driving time but it’s a rough 4x4 route, and with a mokoro ride start, lunch stop and game viewing en-route, expect a full travel day of ±9h00 subject to sunset time.

Depart early from the Okavango Delta camp, retracing your route by mokoro to the poling station, where your open game-viewing vehicle awaits. From here, begin your journey north to Moremi Game Reserve. Explore Moremi, one of Africa’s premier wildlife areas. The reserve’s rich mosaic of landscapes supports thriving populations of elephant, hippo, buffalo, painted dog, leopard and lion. Your game drives take you through both the Moremi and surrounding private concessions, giving you the best chance to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including the region’s impressive predator population.

Depart Moremi in the late afternoon, exploring the adjacent wildlife concession. By evening, arrive at your tented camp, set on the banks of the Khwai River.

On day 14, game drive on the Mababe Private Reserve, a lesser-travelled area known for its abundant wildlife and raw beauty, before making your way towards Maun for an evening restaurant meal at the lodge (own expense).

Includes: Entrance fees to Moremi Game Reserve, game drives in an open 4WD vehicle.