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

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

We are fetched from the airport and transferred to our accommodation in Windhoek. Hotel Heinitzburg offers everything necessary for a relaxing stay. We can recover from the long flight here and refresh ourselves in the swimming pool.

We are free to spend this day at leisure. If there is sufficient time, we could take a stroll through Namibia's capital.

At sunset, it is worth having a refreshing drink on the hotel’s terrace – the view of the city from here is magical.

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

Hotel Heinitzburg, Comfort Deluxe Room (BB)

Day 2

Journey to Sesriem / Sossusvlei

After breakfast, we are picked up at the hotel and transferred to the rental car company where we fetch our rental car. We then drive via Rehoboth to the Namib Desert.

Our elegant lodge offers a spectacular view of the surroundings, which we can enjoy 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 to choose from, 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 (HB)

Day 3

Sossusvlei

We take a 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 (HB)

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. Dinner reservation at the restaurant with sea view possible (optional).

(approx. 310 km, driving time +- 4 - 5 hours)

Strand Hotel, Luxury room with ocean view (BB)

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).

(approx. 40 km to Walvis Bay, driving time +- 30 minutes)

Strand Hotel, Luxury room with sea view (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. We continue via Karibib and Omaruru to Epako Safari Lodge. It is situated in a beautiful mountainous setting on the edge of the famous Damaraland region.

Here, we can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat at close range. In the afternoon, we take part in a game drive. As we are treated to a fully inclusive stay, all 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. From the restaurant and bar, we can enjoy the magnificent view of the plains and waterhole, which is floodlit at night.

We can relax in this beautiful lodge for the afternoon, or we could drive to Etosha Park for our first game viewings here.

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

Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson Gate (FB)

Day 8

Etosha National Park

Covering an area of almost 23 000 km2, 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 stay all year round. If we only drive through the park in the morning, we could book a guided game drive for the afternoon in Ongava's own game reserve on site (optional). We are likely to encounter rhinos during Ongava’s game drive.

(approx. 60 km + game drive in the park)

Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson Gate (HB)

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 Onguma Game Reserve. On the way, we observe various animals such as giraffe, 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 the luxurious lodge, Onguma The Fort, is not far from the park gate. The sunsets and views of the Etosha Pan here are magnificent.

(approx. 190 km, driving time +- 4 hours + pauses at water points)

Onguma The Fort, at the eastern gate entrance (HB)

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 experience untouched nature from the comfort of a beautiful lodge. At sunset, we take an unforgettable boat trip.

(approx. 430 km, driving time +- 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 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 (FB + boat trip)

Day 12

Mahango National Park

We take a 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 and maybe even the rare sable antelope.

If time allows, we could go to Buffalo Park on the other side of the river. We could also choose to relax at the lodge instead 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 (FB)

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.

(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 typical 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 return the rental car. We are then transferred to Kasane in Botswana, where a representative of Chobe Water Villas is already waiting for us. After 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.

(approx. 260 km, drive + transfer time +-3 - 4 hours)

Chobe Water Villas (fully inclusive + 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 antelope, buffaloes, hippos, elephants and crocodiles in an almost tropical landscape, is impressive. The area is also a bird lovers’ paradise, with over 400 different species to be spotted here.

We are sure to see many animals and many water birds. As our booking is fully inclusive, the activities are included in the price.

Chobe Water Villas (Fully Inclusive)

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). 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!

Victoria Falls offers many other activities: a visit to a crocodile farm, a sunset boat trip (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 (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 back home.