Day 1
Arrival in Windhoek
Our guide fetches us from the airport and drives us to our accommodation in Windhoek. Hotel Heinitzburg offers everything necessary for a relaxing stay. We can take some time to recover from the long flight or enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
In the afternoon, our guide takes us on a city tour. The mix of modern and colonial architecture is truly charming.
After our city tour, we can enjoy the gorgeous sunset from the terrace that overlooks the city before heading off to dinner.
(approx. 45 km, driving time +- 45 min.)
Hotel Heinitzburg, Comfort Deluxe Room
Day 2
Journey to Sesriem / Sossusvlei
We drive via Rehoboth to the Namib Desert. Our elegant lodge offers a spectacular view of the surroundings, which we can take in from our private plunge pool.
An endless expanse awaits us and a soothing silence that can only be experienced in the desert. There are various hiking trails, and the round trip into the dunes at sunset, offered by the lodge, is highly recommended (optional).
(approx. 295 km, driving time +- 4 hours)
The Desert Grace
Day 3
Sossusvlei
We take an early morning drive to Sesriem and pay a visit to some of the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. We enjoy a short hike through the thick sand to Deadvlei – a striking clay pan of bizarrely-shaped dead trees. The contrasting colours of the red dunes, the deep blue sky, white pan floor and dark camelthorn trees make for fantastic photography.
We can also climb the highest dune, "Big Daddy", and are rewarded with a breathtaking view when we reach the top. On the way back, we could also visit the Sesriem Canyon.
(approx. 220 km, driving time +- 4 hours)
The Desert Grace
Day 4
To Swakopmund
We travel over the Gaub Pass and Kuiseb Canyon and continue our drive across the central Namib Desert. On our way, we are sure to see ostriches and perhaps also springboks, zebras and oryx antelopes. Via Walvis Bay, we reach the coastal town of Swakopmund, where we spend the night at a hotel alongside the ocean. The city centre with its numerous cafés and restaurants is within walking distance. Dinner reservation at a restaurant with sea view.
(approx. 310 km, driving time +- 4 - 5 hours)
Strand Hotel, Luxury room with sea view
Day 5
Swakopmund
Today, we take a remarkable boat trip in the lagoon of Walvis Bay. We see hundreds of seals as well as dolphins, flamingos, and pelicans. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to partake in various other activities such as shopping, visiting the Museum, Aquarium or Kristall Galerie, strolling along the beach or quad biking in the dunes. A sightseeing flight along the coast can also be booked (all optional). Our guide can advise us on the best options available.
(approx. 40 km, driving time +- 30 min.)
Strand Hotel, Luxury room with sea view (incl. catamaran trip)
Incl. Catamaran Trip
Day 6
Erongo Mountains
We bid the coast adieu and drive to the Erongo Mountains. To the north, we see the majestic Spitzkoppe, also called the Matterhorn of Namibia, which rises 600 metres above the plain. We travel via Karibib and Omaruru to Epako Safari Lodge. It is situated in beautiful mountainous surroundings on the edge of the famous Damaraland region. We can observe a variety of animals up-close here. In the afternoon, we take part in a game drive. We are booked in here on a fully inclusive basis, so all our meals, drinks and activities are included in the price.
(approx. 270 km, driving time +- 3 hours)
Epako Safari Lodge (fully inclusive)
Day 7
Onward to Etosha National Park
Today, we want to get to Etosha National Park as quickly as possible. Via Outjo we drive to the Ongava Private Game Reserve. Our luxurious, grass-roofed chalet is beautifully built using local stone and offers a private veranda. The restaurant and bar offer magnificent views of the plains and the waterhole,
which is illuminated at night. We can relax in this beautiful lodge for the afternoon, or we could drive to Etosha Park with our guide for our first game viewing.
(approx. 250 km, driving time +- 3 hours)
Ongava Game Lodge, at the southern park entrance
Day 8
Etosha National Park
Covering an area of almost 23 000 km2, the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is considered one of the most outstanding game parks in Africa. The animals are attracted by the Etosha Pan, a huge depression that is rarely filled with rainwater - but at its edge there are waterholes where flocks of land animals and birds gather all year round.
We have the whole day to do our own game drives in the park with our guide. If we only drive through the park in the morning, we could still book a guided game drive for the afternoon in Ongava's own game reserve (optional). We are likely to encounter rhinos during Ongava’s game drive.
(approx. 60 km + game drives in the park)
Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson Gate
Day 9
Drive through the eastern part of Etosha National Park
We depart from the Ongava Private Game Reserve and drive through the eastern part of Etosha Park up to Mushara. On the way, we observe various animals such as giraffes, various antelopes, ostriches and with a bit of luck, elephants and lions at the waterholes. Before sunset, we leave the park through the eastern park gate. The entrance to Onguma The Fort is located near the eastern gate. Magnificent sunsets with a view of the Etosha pan await us here.
(approx. 190 km, driving time +- 4 hours + pauses at water points)
Onguma The Fort, at the eastern gate entrance
Day 10
Journey to Rundu
Today, we continue to the most densely populated part of Namibia - the Okavango River. On the way, we will see picturesque round huts inhabited by the indigenous people of the Kavango tribe. Our accommodation today - hidden among the lush vegetation on the banks of the Okavango - resembles a remote paradise.
Here, we’ll experience untouched nature from the comfort of a beautiful lodge. On the other side of the river, is Angola. At sunset, we take an unforgettable boat trip.
(approx. 420 km, driving time +-4.5 – 5 hours)
Hakusembe River Lodge (incl. boat trip)
Incl. Boat Trip
Day 11
The Okavango River
Birdsong wakes us from our sleep. It is truly wonderful here directly along the Okavango River! We continue eastwards to the Caprivi. From time to time, we see the kraals of the Kavango and straw traders selling straw sheaves along the road that serve as the roofs of the huts. The comfortable and luxurious Divava Lodge is situated under large trees near the Popa Falls, directly on the banks of the mighty Okavango River. At sunset, we’ll go on another unforgettable boat trip on the Okavango.
(approx. 220 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)
Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa (incl. boat trip)
Incl. Boat Trip
Day 12
Mahango National Park
We take a drive to the Mahango Game Park. This park is one of the most beautiful in Namibia with an interesting variety of wildlife. We hope to see buffalo, elephant, hippo and maybe even the rare sable antelope. In the afternoon, we could choose to relax at the lodge or be pampered at the spa. At night, we are
surrounded by a tranquil silence - except for the huffing and puffing of hippos, nothing else can be heard.
(approx. 15 km to park entrance, driving time +- 15 min.)
Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa
Day 13
Journey through eastern Caprivi
We cross the Okavango and continue through the Bwabwata Park to Nambwa Tented Lodge. Here "pure Africa" awaits us. The lodge is situated under tall camelthorn trees and is truly exquisite. It is the only one with a concession in a national park in this area of Namibia and is situated on one of the large flood plains of the Kwando River. We are sure to be pampered here.
In the afternoon, we can take part in a boat trip on the Kwando or in a game drive in the Bwabwata Park. The activities are all included in the price.
(approx. 220 km, driving time +- 3 hours)
Nambwa Tented Lodge (fully inclusive)
Day 14
Bwabwata National Park
Today, we go on a game drive in the Bwabwata National Park. The region around the Kwando River is considered to have the highest concentration of elephants in southern Africa. The landscape around the Horseshoe area is particularly interesting. Back at the lodge, we can relax and enjoy the classic African atmosphere or take another boat trip. Fishing, guided bush walks and a visit to a traditional village and craft market are also possible.
Nambwa Tented Lodge (fully inclusive)
Day 15
Journey to Chobe River
We drive to Katima Mulilo and take leave of our guide here. Transfer to Kasane in Botswana, where a representative of Chobe Water Villas is already waiting for us. Following a short boat ride, we reach the lodge. It is situated on the Namibian side of the Chobe River overlooking its floodplains. The exceptional location of the lodge allows for spectacular views of untamed Africa.
The luxurious villas all offer an unrestricted 180-degree view over the Chobe River and the Chobe National Park.
In the afternoon, we can already take part in our first boat trip on this river. We are also booked in here on a fully inclusive basis, so all activities are included in the price.
(approx. 260 km, drive+transfer time +- 3 – 4 hours)
Chobe Water Villas (incl. transfer)
Day 16
Chobe National Park
We have the whole day to relax and enjoy the luxury of the lodge. In the morning, a game drive into Chobe National Park or a boat trip is offered, and in the afternoon, there are two different boat trips to choose from. The abundance of wildlife with various antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, elephants and crocodiles in this almost tropical landscape, is impressive. The area is also a bird lovers’ paradise, with over 400 different species to be spotted. We are sure to see many animals and many water birds.
Chobe Water Villas
Day 17
Victoria Falls
Following a short boat ride, we are transferred to Victoria Falls. The traditional Victoria Falls Hotel is situated within walking distance of the famous waterfalls (10 minutes) and offers breathtaking views of the Falls from its stylish veranda.
The local Kololo people call the waterfall Mosi-oa-Tunya = "Thundering Smoke". The name is derived from the spray that rises off the falls up to 300 m high and can still be seen up 30 km away. Huge masses of water fall over a 110 m sloping rock face along the width of 1708 m. A breathtaking spectacle! (Entrance to the Falls not included in the price).
Victoria Falls offers many other activities: a visit to a crocodile farm, a sunset boat trip (also available with dinner) or a helicopter flight over the falls (optional).
(approx. 80 km, transfer time +- 1.5 - 2 hours)
The Victoria Falls Hotel, Stables Signature Wing Room (only breakfast included in the price)
Day 18
Departure
In the morning, we have the opportunity to partake in various activities (optional). Later on, transfer to the airport and departure back home.
