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Namibia Safari, Etosha lions by Frank Vassen

13 Day Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari

Tour Length13 days
Priced from pps $3558 R67250 £2821 3299 A$5463 C$4822 NZ$5954 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 12 Travellers
  • Departs from Windhoek, Namibia
  • Ends at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Accommodation Bungalow or Chalet / Hotel
  • Transport Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Experience the beauty of Southern Africa, its fascinating people, and amazing wild animals on this adventure-filled 13-Day Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari.

Highlights on this Budget Lodge Safari include:

  • Namibia Desert highlights - Sossusvlei, Hiddenvlei, and Sesriem Canyon
  • Sightseeing and optional adventure activities in seaside Swakopmund
  • Game viewing in Etosha National Park, Namibia's top safari destination
  • Okavango Delta Panhandle mokoro trip into Bwabwata National Park
  • Morning game drive and sunset cruise in Chobe National Park of Botswana
  • Visit Victoria Falls and optional adventure activities in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

This is a private group safari to Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls. The private safari is conducted by a trained and experienced safari guide and travels by 4x4 safari vehicle, staying in en-suite accommodation along the way. 

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 01: Windhoek to Namib Desert - Namibia

Your safari guide collects you from your pre-tour accommodation in Windhoek at about 07h30 on the first day of this Budget Lodge Safari to Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls.

Departing from Windhoek, the charming capital city of Namibia, we travel via the rugged Khomas Hochland region to our first destination - the Namib-Naukluft Park. The Namib-Naukluft Reserve is the biggest game reserve in Namibia and one of the largest wilderness parks in Africa, covering an area of 50 000 km² (bigger than Switzerland).

Our drive takes us through scenic landscapes over one of the highest points in Namibia, offering spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. We descend the steep slopes of the Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia, sometimes referred to as Namibia’s Garden Route. Alternatively, we travel via Rehoboth and the Remhoogte Pass. Upon reaching

As we approach our first guest farm near the Namib-Naukluft National Park we keep our eyes out for the various game species found here, including springbok, ostrich, and oryx. We stay at a guesthouse with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. The guesthouse offers lovely views of the desert surroundings, ideal for sundowners at the end of our first day on the road in Namibia.

  • Meals Included: Dinner

Day 02: Sossusvlei & Namib Desert - Namibia

Today we get an early start, heading towards the entrance gates of the Sossusvlei Dunes area of the Namib Desert. This striking part of the Namibian Desert is famous for its towering sand dunes, considered some of the highest in the world.

We stop along the way to climb one of the well-known sand dunes, Dune 45. From the top, you can take in the superb views up and down the Tsauchab River Canyon, which forms a valley between the tall sand dunes. Breakfast and coffee await you at the bottom of the sand dune in this beautiful desert setting.

A short drive after breakfast brings us to the starting point for our two-hour desert walk into the less-visited Hiddenvlei area of Sossusvlei. One of the most striking and iconic landscapes of this desert country.

Then we return to Sesriem and our guest farm accommodation on the edge of the Namib‐Naukluft Park. After lunch, you are free to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and soak up the beautiful setting of the lodge. The second night of our budget lodge safari is also spent enjoying the star-filled African skies of the Namib Desert.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 03: Namib Desert to Swakopmund - Namibia

We travel north through the vast Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world by some scientists, making our way to Swakopmund on day three of this Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari. Our scenic five-hour drive to Swakopmund takes us via the Kuiseb Canyon, where two German geologists and their dog lived for two years during World War II.

Next, we visit Walvis Bay Lagoon, one of the most important wetlands on the west coast of Southern Africa. The lagoon is famous for its large population of flamingos, as well as being home to a variety of other bird species, and the site is listed as an international Ramsar bird sanctuary.

The next two nights of our budget lodge safari are spent in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms at a hotel or guesthouse in Swakopmund. Enjoy lunch and dinner at local coffee shops and restaurants in Swakopmund (own expense).

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 04: Swakopmund - Namibia

Day four is free for you to explore the popular seaside destination of Swakopmund at your leisure or to take part in the various optional activities available in and around Swakopmund.

Adventure activities include sandboarding, desert flights, skydiving, quad biking, dolphin cruises, and more. Swakopmund, where European and African influences meet, is located on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by desert. If you prefer sightseeing to adventure activities you can go shopping, relax at side-walk cafes or visit the art galleries, museums, or aquarium in Swakopmund.

Today you can have lunch and dinner at one of the cafes or restaurants in Swakopmund (own expense) while you explore this quaint German-influenced town.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 05: Swakopmund to Etosha National Park - Namibia

Today our Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari proceeds to the famous Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, for two days of game viewing. Our first overnight in Etosha Park is spent in comfortable accommodation at either Okaukuejo or Halali rest camps, depending on animal movements.

Both of these Etosha Camps offer tourist facilities, including a restaurant, a basic shop and a swimming pool. The safari camps also feature waterholes that are floodlit, offering 24-hour game viewing. Elephant and black rhinoceros visit the waterholes on a daily basis in the dry winter season, with a variety of other wild animals, such as leopard and lion, also frequenting these watering spots, as well as smaller nocturnal animals.

Etosha National Park, one of Africa's top game reserves, is dominated by a vast salt pan. Etosha Park is named after this dry lake bed, with the name meaning 'great white place of dry water'. Etosha is home to 340 bird species and over 100 mammal species, notably cheetah and black rhino, as well as black-faced impala, tsessebe, roan antelope, and gemsbok.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 06: Etosha National Park Safari – Namibia

We explore the 22 270 km² Etosha Park on a leisurely game drive, taking in the wide-open expanse of the dry Etosha Pan.

The flat green surface of this dry lakebed stretches out under the hot African sun, offering spectacular stark scenery and glimpses of ostriches amongst the shimmering mirages. Etosha hosts an abundance of wildlife offering superb game viewing, especially at the waterholes scattered across the park.

We stay in comfortable accommodation at Namutoni rest camp in Etosha Park (or similar) enjoying some game viewing at the floodlit watering hole in the evening.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 07: Etosha Park to Delta Panhandle – Namibia

On day seven of our Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari, we leave game-rich Etosha Park behind and travel further north.

We make our way towards the Kavango River, stopping in the dusty town of Rundu along the way. We also pass the villages of the Mbanguru Woodcarvers en route to the Kavango River in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. This afternoon there is time to unwind and enjoy a laid-back sundowner beside the Kavango River, keeping an eye out for hippos, birds, and other creatures.

We spend the next two nights at a unique eco-lodge near Mahangu National Park in the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 08: Okavango Delta Panhandle - Namibia

This morning after breakfast, we explore the panhandle of the Okavango Delta by mokoro - a traditional style of dug-out canoe. On this hour-and-a-half-long mokoro excursion, we glide along the Kavango River into Bwabwata National Park, watching birds and wildlife as we go.

Local guides pole the mekoros along the Kavango, standing in the canoes like gondoliers, moving the vessels along slowly with long poles. The head guide provides a detailed safety briefing and fills you in on what to expect on the mokoro trip. Our peaceful mokoro ride into the national park is the ideal way to spot birds and animals and take in the scenery.

After our mellow mokoro boat experience, we return to the eco-friendly lodge for lunch (own expense) at the restaurant. This afternoon you can take it easy at the eco-lodge or embark on optional activities. Options include a game drive in the Mahango Game Reserve section of the game-rich Bwabwata National Park and a visit to a traditional village nearby. We sleep in treehouse accommodation at the same rustic eco-lodge (or similar resort) in the Caprivi Strip.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 09: Caprivi Strip to Katima Mulilo - Namibia

Start the day with breakfast at the eco-lodge before we hit the road again. Today we travel further east along the Caprivi Strip, a narrow finger of Namibian territory stretching east to Zimbabwe between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana. Our journey through this uncharacteristically fertile region of Namibia takes us to Katima Mulilo, the main commercial hub in Eastern Caprivi.

The town of Katima Mulilo is only 70km from the border between Namibia and Botswana and is the capital of the Zambezi Region. We head into town to the medical center for PCR testing as a Covid PCR test is required to enter Botswana.

On our last night in Namibia, we stay at a beautiful lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. Relax and enjoy the idyllic setting amid lush riverine vegetation where tropical birds and monkeys can be spotted.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10: Caprivi Strip to Kasane - Botswana

On day 10 of our Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari, we have a leisurely breakfast at the leafy lodge before hitting the road.

We then head into Katima Mulilo to collect our PCR test results and make our way to the Botswana border. At the border, it is time to say goodbye to your safari guide. Upon arrival at the Ngoma Border post in Botswana, our reliable private transfer service is there to collect you.

From there you are transferred to your riverside safari lodge in the small town of Kasane, near Chobe National Park. When you arrive at the safari lodge, the friendly lodge staff will be there to welcome you and check you in. You can find out more about the safari activities for tomorrow at the lodge. The staff will give you more information about the activities included in your safari - typically a morning game drive in Chobe National Park and a sunset boat cruise on Chobe River.

The lodge has a pool and a restaurant where you can have lunch and dinner. Alternatively, you can head into town and eat out at one of the local restaurants in Kasane.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Kasane & Chobe Park Safari - Botswana

Today you get to explore Chobe, Botswana's leading national park and one of Africa's top game reserves.

In the morning you'll set out into the African bush bright and early, while the birds and wildlife are most active. Your Chobe safari guide takes you in search of wildlife, with common sightings including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and various antelope species such as kudu, sable, and impala. You are also sure to see plenty of birds, from carmine bee-eaters to ibises and African fish eagles.

After your rewarding Chobe game drive, we return to the riverside lodge for a tasty brunch prepared by your guide. Spend the rest of the morning and afternoon unwinding at the safari lodge, taking a dip in the swimming pool, and resting.

Later in the afternoon, you can embark on a sunset boat cruise along the scenic Chobe River. The leisurely game viewing cruise is an ideal way to see animals and birds up close, as well as admiring the beautiful wild scenery. We overnight at the same riverside lodge with a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12: Kasane to Vic Falls - Zimbabwe

Start the day with breakfast at the riverside lodge before checking out. Our reliable private transfer collects you from the reception area at 09h00 and drives you to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Your driver will help you with border formalities when you cross from Botswana into Zimbabwe.

Once in Zimbabwe, your driver transfers you to our selected lodge in Victoria Falls. This afternoon you can visit the Victoria Falls waterfall (extra cost) in Zimbabwe, taking a local transfer from the lodge. Victoria Falls is a must-see natural wonder, known locally as the Smoke that Thunders! Vic Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world and sends up a magnificent spray that can be seen from miles around.

The lodge staff is happy to tell you all about the optional activities available at Victoria Falls and help make arrangements for the following day. The last night on our Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari is spent at the lodge along the Zambezi River on spacious, leafy grounds with a pool. Tonight you can either dine at the lodge restaurant or take a taxi into Livingstone to sample the local cuisine and culture.

Please note: If you plan to fly out of Livingstone the following day, you will need to do a PCR test in town today.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 13: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

The final day of this affordable lodge safari is free for you to revel in the adventure activities on offer at Victoria Falls.

Get your adrenaline pumping with a daring bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge or a scenic flight over Vic Falls in a helicopter, small plane, or microlight! Other thrilling options include white water rafting on the Zambezi River, zip-line rides, and gorge swings! Alternatively, you can enjoy a cultural tour, game viewing, and sightseeing in Victoria Falls.

Either spend another night (post-safari) in Victoria Falls at extra cost or catch your onward flight today.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Camping Safari Tour Option

This Budget Lodge Safari is also available as a Budget Camping Safari with a minimum of three clients required to guarantee departures. For more details and pricing of the cheaper Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Camping Safari option, please contact African Budget Safaris.

Safari Notes

  • Minimum group size of 2 people, maximum of 12
  • Transport for 2 - 3 clients is in a Toyota 4x4 Hilux / Cruiser
  • For 3 and more clients, transport is in a custom-built safari truck

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Private safaris are available for families travelling with younger children.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for information regarding private tours and quotations.

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This Namibia Tour Departs Daily on Request, with a minimum of 2 people to guarantee departures.

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