2024 Namibia and Botswana 18-Day Self-drive Tour (Gold)

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

Upon arrival, we are met at the airport and driven to our accommodation in Windhoek. The Weinberg Hotel offers everything necessary for a relaxing stay. We can recover from the long flight, refresh ourselves in the swimming pool or be pampered in their wellness area.

If there is sufficient time following our flight, we could take a stroll through Namibia's capital. At sunset, it is worth having a drink at the Sky Lounge, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Klein-Windhoek district.

(approx. 40 km, driving time +-45 min.)

The Weinberg Hotel, Courtyard Upper-Level Room (BB)

Day 2

Drive toward Otjiwarongo

We are transferred to the rental car company where we collect our rental vehicle. We then head north to Okonjima. Okonjima is the headquarters of the AfriCat Foundation. Extensive research projects on rare and endangered species are run here and we will have the unique opportunity to learn about and experience much of it.

The lodge is situated in a 22000-hectare private nature reserve in the middle of the Omboroko Mountains. We are accommodated in a comfortable, detached bungalow. We are already expected for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, a game drive is booked for us, during which we partake in the search for a leopard.

(approx. 230 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Okonjima Plains Camp, View Room (FB + leopard drive)

Day 3

Grootfontein

We continue in a northerly direction. We may visit the Hoba meteorite on our way - it is the largest known meteorite in the world, weighing an estimated 60 tonnes. Our next accommodation is situated in a very extensive game and nature reserve. The guest farm offers a comfortable stay in a classic Namibian atmosphere amidst ancient tree-covered dunes. In the afternoon, we can relax at the swimming pool and enjoy the glorious ambience of the African bush.

(approx. 420 km, driving time +- 4.5 hours)

Wildacker Guestfarm (HP)

Day 4

Into the Caprivi

Today, we’re heading to the most densely populated part of Namibia, the Okavango. On the way, we see the picturesque round huts inhabited by the indigenous people of the Kavango tribe. Divava Okavango Lodge is situated under shady trees directly on the banks of the Okavango, only a few kilometres from Mahango National Park. In the afternoon, we can take our own game drive into this animal-rich park.

(approx. 370 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa (HB)

Day 5

East Caprivi

We cross the Okavango and continue through the Bwabwata Park to Nambwa Tented Lodge. This gorgeous lodge is situated under tall camelthorn trees and is very comfortable. 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. Here, we can expect to be pampered. In the afternoon, we can already take part in a boat trip on the Kwando or in a game drive in the Bwabwata Park.

(approx. 210 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Nambwa Tented Lodge (FI)

Day 6

Bwabwata Nationalpark

Today, we go on a game drive to 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 is particularly interesting and attracts various animals and water birds. In our free time, we can sit back and absorb the tranquil atmosphere at the lodge or we could take another boat trip. Fishing, guided bush walks and a visit to a traditional village and craft market are also possible.

Nambwa Tented Lodge (FI)

Day 7

To the Chobe River

Via Katima Mulilo we continue 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 here.

(approx. 250 km, driving time +- 3 - 4 hours)

Chobe Water Villas (FI)

Day 8 & 9

Chobe National Park

We have two days to relax and enjoy all the luxury of the lodge. In the mornings, a game drive into Chobe National Park or a boat cruise is offered and in the afternoons, there are two different boat cruises to choose from. The abundant wildlife of various antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, elephants and crocodiles in this almost tropical landscape, is impressive. The area is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 400 different species that inhabit it. A day-trip to Victoria Falls to see the famous waterfalls can be arranged (extra charge).

Chobe Water Villas (FI)

Day 10

Drive to Nata

We continue our drive south toward Nata. Nata Lodge is an oasis under the Mokolwane palms at the edge of the salt pans. The lodge is situated near the entrance to the Nata Game Reserve, a junction between the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown. This area combines a variety of salt pans and vast grass plains interspersed with palm islands, forming the Great Makgadikgadi. In the afternoon, we could visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary (optional).

(approx. 320 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Nata Lodge (HB)

Day 11

To the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Our next stop, is along the border of the famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans National Park. Far from any tourist trails, our lodge today is beautifully nestled on the banks of the Boteti River. The luxurious thatched-roof chalets are built on cliffs and are all equipped with a glass front, allowing for an unrestricted view of the river and nature. In the afternoon, we can go on a game drive in the lodge's open jeep. We may encounter lions, zebras, wildebeests, impalas and kudus. Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, caracals and genet can also be spotted here.

(approx. 230 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Leroo La Tau Lodge (FI)

Day 12

Boteti River

First thing in the morning, we go on another game drive in search of wild animals. Today, we are looking to encounter herds of wildebeest and zebra and also to experience the lively little meerkats up close.

Guided walks and boat trips on the Boteti (depending on the water level) are also offered. We could go on a night game drive after dinner to see some of the nocturnal animals.

Leroo La Tau Lodge (FI)

Day 13

To Maun / Moremi Wildlife Resort

We reach the lively town of Maun – pure Africa! Goats, cattle and donkeys roam freely in the streets here. A special highlight awaits us today: a flight safari to the Moremi Wildlife Resort in the Okavango Delta! The Okavango Delta and the Moremi Park are among the most animal-rich areas in the world. Our lodge is situated on the northern edge of Moremi Park on the Maunachira River, a branch of the Okavango. The luxurious camp is designed in the style of an African village. We can explore the Okavango Delta by boat and the Moremi Park by open safari vehicle. We can be on the lookout out for buffalo, giraffe, elephant and numerous smaller species. Of course, predators such as lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard can also be seen.

(approx. 150 km, driving time +- 2 hours)

Okuti Camp (FI)

Day 14

Moremi Wildlife Resort

Today, we explore the Moremi Game Reserve. Covering an area of 4 872 km2, it is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse game reserves on the entire continent. It covers about one third of the Okavango Delta and stretches from the northeast over the Mopane Tongue and Chief's Island, deep into the western delta. We can do game drives in the park, either only in the surrounding area, as there are so many animals to see, or we could travel as far as Third Bridge. Some areas that can only be reached via rickety pile bridges. Moremi Park is home to a lot of wild animals, and we might even see all of the "Big 5" here.

Okuti Camp (FI)

Day 15

Okavango Delta

We fly to Kanana Camp from Okuti Camp. On the flight, we can enjoy the amazing view of the delta from above. Kanana Camp is situated on the Xudum branch of the Okavango in the south-west of the delta - a special natural paradise with many grass and palm-covered islands. We will spend two wonderful days here. If we’d like, we could make use of a special “Sleep Out Deck“ at night, to sleep under the starry African sky. The camp is a water paradise and offers game drives and guided walks in addition to the water activities. It is possible that we will see lions, hyenas or a solitary leopard very close by.

Kanana Camp (FI)

Day 16

Okavango Delta

Once again, we drink in the fascinating landscape around us. An incomparable variety of animals live on water bodies, wetlands and islands. Here, we get to experience nature up close. Depending on the water level, safaris are offered on land, but typically on water. We can take a boat trip by mokoro. This is a type of canoe that is widely used in the Okavango Delta.

As we glide leisurely along one of the many waterways, animals such as antelope, elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, crocodile and many native bird species can be seen.

Kanana Camp (FI)

Day 17

Into the Kalahari

A small aircraft takes us to Maun where we continue our tour by rental car. Via Ghanzi, we travel to the Mamuno-Buitepos border post. We leave Botswana and re-enter Namibia here. Shortly afterward, we reach the Kalahari Bush Breaks lodge. The lodge is known for its delicious dinner barbecues around the campfire – the perfect way to end our African safari.

(approx. 530 km, driving time +- 6 hours)

Kalahari Bush Breaks (HB)

Day 18

Departure

Our safari adventure comes to an end today. Once again, we enjoy the African morning sun and the tranquility of the bush, before heading back to Windhoek. Return of the rental car and transfer to the airport.

(approx. 340 km, driving + transfer time +- 4 hours)