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

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

We are picked up at the airport and transferred to Windhoek, where we collect our rental car. Our guesthouse is located in the quiet Avis district, on the eastern outskirts of Windhoek. Here, we can recover from the long flight and refresh ourselves in the swimming pool. The rest of the day is free for us to explore the city at leisure.

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

Ti Melen Guesthouse (BB)

Day 2

Waterberg

We continue our journey to the natural paradise of Waterberg with its unique vegetation. It is known for its rare animal species, colourful bird life and magnificent landscape. We could go on a hike to the Waterberg plateau in the afternoon. The magnificent view of the vast savannah is our reward for the ascent.

(approx. 260 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Waterberg Guestfarm, Bush Bungalow (HB)

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 (HB)

Day 4

Into the Caprivi

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

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

Shametu River Lodge, Luxury Tented Chalet (HB)

Day 5

East Caprivi

We cross the Okavango and continue through the Bwabwata National Park to our lodge, south of Kongola on the Kwando River. The wooden deck at the lodge offers us a gorgeous view of the river. After lunch, we can relax a little before we go on a boat trip on the Kwando later in the afternoon.

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

Namushasha River Lodge (FB + afternoon boat trip)

Day 6

Bwabwata National Park

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.

Namushasha River Lodge (FB + game drive in the morning)

Day 7

To the Chobe River

Via Katima Mulilo, we continue to Kasane in Botswana, where a representative of the Zovu Elephant Lodge is already waiting for us. Following a short boat ride, we arrive at the lodge on an island in the Chobe River.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on an unforgettable boat trip where we can marvel at the many crocodiles, elephants, hippos and the diversity of water birds.

(approx. 260 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Zovu Elephant Lodge (FB + boat trip)

Day 8

Chobe National Park

This morning, a game drive in Chobe National Park is on the agenda. It is definitely worth it, as Chobe National Park is home to about 80 000 elephants, numerous hippos and thousands of buffalo. The buffalo are usually only seen in the early morning or late afternoon when they leave the bush to quench their thirst at the river. In the afternoon, we’ll go on another delightful boat trip.

Zovu Elephant Lodge (FB + game drive + boat trip)

Day 9

Day Trip Victoria Falls

By transfer, we travel to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We can visit the world-famous waterfalls where the huge masses of water fall over a 110 m sloping rock face along a width of 1708 m. A breathtaking spectacle!

The local Kololo people call the waterfall Mosi-oa-Tunya = "Thundering Smoke". The name comes from the spray that rises up to 300 m and can still be seen 30 km away (Zimbabwe visa and entrance to the falls is not included in the price).

A helicopter flight over the falls is recommended (optional) before returning to Kasane.

(approx. 160 km, transfer time +- 3 - 4 hours)

Zovu Elephant Lodge (HB + day trip to Victoria Falls)

Day 10

Drive to Nata

We drive south to the vicinity of the village of Nata. The camp is situated north of Nata on a 16 000 ha private nature reserve and has abundant wildlife all year round. As the name of the camp suggests, elephants are the main attraction here. In the afternoon, we go on a game drive to see large herds of elephants and other wildlife. 

(approx. 260 km, driving time +- 3.5 hours)

Elephant Sands (HB + game drive)

Day 11

To the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Our next stop is at a 7 500 ha fenced private game farm on the edge of the famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, kudu, leopard and sometimes lion and wild dog can be spotted on the property. At sunset, we’ll go on a game drive to see some of the animals that inhabit the area.

(approx. 270 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Leopard Plains Lodge (HB + sundowner drive)

Day 12

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Today, we take a day trip to the Nxai-Pan salt pans. The salt pans are the remains of the once mighty Lake Makgadikgadi, which was the largest inland sea in Africa. We are likely to see herds of wildebeest and zebra on the move, as well as lively little meerkats up close. Beautiful baobab trees line our route today.

Leopard Plains Lodge (FB + day trip to the Nxai-Pan)

Day 13

To Maun

We reach the lively town of Maun - pure Africa! Goats, cattle and donkeys freely roam the streets here. Our lodge is situated north of Maun on the Thamalakane River on the way to the Moremi Game Reserve. In the afternoon, we take a fun boat trip by mokoro, which is a type of canoe widely used in the Okavango Delta.

(approx. 120 km, driving time +- 2 hours)

Thamalakane River Lodge (HP + mokoro tour)

Day 14

To the Khwai River

We continue to the northern edge of Moremi Park. Covering an area of 4 872 km2, this is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse nature reserves on the entire continent. The comfortable Sango Safari Camp offers a unique bush ambience. It is situated in the shade of large trees and overlooks the Khwai River, where many wild animals come to drink water. Here, we have the perfect base for excursions to Moremi Park in the Okavango Delta. In the afternoon, we could already take part in a game drive. We are booked in on a fully inclusive basis, which means that all activities are already included in the price.

(approx. 120 km, driving time +- 3.5 hours)

Sango Safari Camp (FI)

Day 15

Moremi Game Reserve / Okavango Delta

We take game drives into the Moremi Game Reserve in the lodges’ open safari vehicle. The park is part of the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world. The Okavango never flows into the sea, but pours into the Kalahari Basin, forming many waterways lined with papyrus and palm trees. Some areas that can only be reached via rickety pile bridges. Moremi Park is home to a lot of wildlife, and we may even get to see all the "Big 5's" at this park.

Sango Safari Camp (FI)

Day 16

To Maun

In the morning, we could take part in another game drive before we drive back towards Maun to our lodge on the Thamalakane River. At the lodge, we could book a mokoro boat trip or a visit to a cultural village (optional).

(approx. 120 km, driving time +- 3.5 hours)

Thamalakane River Lodge (HB)

Day 17

Into the Kalahari

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 in the midst of untouched and unique nature.

The lodge is known for its delicious dinner barbecues around the campfire – the perfect way to end our African safari.

(approx. 560 km, driving time +- 6 hours)

Kalahari Bush Breaks (HB)

Day 18

Departure

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

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