2024 Windhoek to Victoria Falls 18-Day Self-drive Tour (Silver)

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

Arrival and transfer to our cosy accommodation in the middle of the bush. We can relax in the garden or by the pool and drink in the beautiful views of the farmlands. Depending on the time of our arrival, we could book a farm tour (optional). In the evening, we are treated to a delicious dinner.

(approx. 25 km, driving time +- 30 min.)

Guesthouse Voigtland (HB)

Day 2

Toward Sesriem/Sossusvlei

We are transferred to Windhoek where we fetch our rental car. We then drive via Rehoboth to our accommodation in the Namib Desert. Le Mirage Resort & Spa is situated about 21 km from the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei. The resort is a truly unique desert oasis with luxurious rooms, a beautiful, lush garden area and it offers wellness options and an outstanding gourmet experience.

(approx. 330 km, driving time +- 5 hours)

Le Mirage Resort & Spa, Oasis Room (HB)

Day 3

Sossusvlei

We 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. 170 km, driving time +- 3  hours)

Le Mirage Resort & Spa, Oasis Room (HB)

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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 in a guesthouse with an ocean view.

The city centre, with its many cafés and restaurants, is within walking distance. Dinner reservation in a restaurant with ocean view (optional).

(approx. 370 km, driving time +- 5 - 6 hours)

At the Sea Guesthouse (BB)

Day 5

Swakopmund

Today, we take a remarkable boat trip in the lagoon of Walvis Bay. We will 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).

(approx. 80 km, driving time +- 1 - 1.5 hours)

At the Sea Guesthouse (BB) + 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. Our lodge is situated at the foothills of the Erongo Mountains, nestled between towering granite rock formations.

(approx. 200 km, driving time +- 2.5 – 3 hours)

Ai Aiba Rockpainting Lodge (HB)

Day 7

Drive to Etosha National Park

Today, we’d like to leave as early as possible to make the trip to Etosha National Park. It 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 to 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 congregate all year round. In the afternoon, we can already take our first game drives in the park. Our camp has a floodlit waterhole that offers us the thrill of watching the animals come and go in the evening in these special surroundings.

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

Camp Okaukuejo, in the Park (BB)

Day 8

Drive through eastern part of Etosha National Park

Exciting game viewing awaits us for today in the Etosha National Park. We have all day to visit the various waterholes at leisure. More than 110 mammal species inhabit the park, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebra, twelve different antelope species and lions. At sunset at the latest, we leave the park through the eastern park gate. Our beautiful accommodation at Mushara Lodge is located a few kilometres past the park exit. With its tastefully furnished tents, the camp exudes a true bush feeling.

(approx. 160 km, driving time +- 3 hours + game drives in the park)

Mushara Lodge, near eastern gate entrance (HB)

Day 9

Etosha National Park

Once again, we have the opportunity to enjoy the abundance of animals in the park and observe the many wild animals quenching their thirst at the waterholes. We could also spend the day or part of it, relaxing at our gorgeous accommodation.

Mushara Lodge, near the eastern park 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 resembles a remote paradise - hidden among the lush vegetation on the banks of the Okavango. Here, we experience untouched nature from the comfort of a beautiful lodge. On the other side of this river, is Angola. At sunset, we take an unforgettable boat trip.

(approx. 420 km, driving time +- 4.5 - 5 hours)

Hakusembe River Lodge (HB + boat trip)

Day 11

The Okavango River

Birdsong wakes us from our sleep. It is truly wonderful here directly on 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 roofs of the huts. Our next lodge is nestled between leafy old trees directly on the banks of the Okavango. We are already expected for lunch here. At sunset, we go on another unforgettable boat trip on the Okavango.

(approx. 180 km, driving time +- 2 hours)

RiverDance Lodge (FB + boat trip)

Day 12

Mahango National Park

We take our own drive to the Mahango Game Park. This park is one of the most beautiful parks in Namibia with an interesting variety of wildlife. We hope to see buffalo, elephant, hippo or maybe even the rare sable antelope. At night, we are surrounded by a tranquil silence - except for the huffing and puffing of hippos, nothing else can be heard.

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

RiverDance Lodge (FB)

Day 13

Journey through eastern Caprivi

We cross the Okavango and continue through the Bwabwata Park to our lodge, which is situated on the east side of the Kwando River. The wooden deck at our room overlooks the restful river scenery. After lunch, we can relax a little before we go on a boat trip on the Kwando in the afternoon.

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

Namushasha River Lodge (FB + boat trip)

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. In our free time in the afternoon, we may feel like trying our hand at fishing on the Kwando. Or we can simply sit back and enjoy the classic African atmosphere at the lodge.

Namushasha River Lodge (FB + game drive)

Day 15

Journey to Chobe River

We drive to Katima Mulilo and return the rental car. All necessary transfers from this point in our journey, have been organised. A transfer company drives us to Kasane in Botswana, where we will be met by a representative of Zovu Elephant Lodge and taken by boat to the lodge. After the short boat ride, we arrive at the lodge on an island in the Chobe River.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on a boat trip, where we will see many elephants, crocodiles, hippos, but also fascinating water birds.

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

Zovu Elephant Lodge (FB + transfer by boat)

Day 16

Chobe National Park

Today, we go on a game drive in Chobe National Park. The drive along the riverbank promises numerous wildlife experiences as there are about 80 000 elephants, numerous hippos and thousands of buffalo that inhabit the area. 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. After lunch, we can relax as we look out over the Chobe River from the lodge before taking another captivating boat trip in the afternoon.

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

Day 17

Victoria Falls

Via transfer, we continue to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Our lodge is situated in a quiet part of Victoria Falls, surrounded by lush green gardens. The lively city centre is within walking distance. We could visit the world-famous waterfalls in the afternoon, where huge masses of water plunge over a 110 m sloping cliff face along a width of 1708 m. A breathtaking spectacle!

(approx. 80 km, transfer time +- 1.5 - 2 hours)

Batonka Guest Lodge (BB)

Day 18

Departure

In the morning, we have the opportunity to partake in various activities (optional). Later on, transfer to the airport and departure in the early afternoon.