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15 Day Namibia to Botswana & South Africa Lodge Overland…

Tour Length15 days
Priced from pps $3843 R72850 £3019 3534 A$5860 C$5201 NZ$6318 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Africa Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Windhoek, Namibia
  • Ends at Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Luxury Camping / Hotel
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Boat / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This excellent-value Botswana & South Africa Safari departs from Windhoek in Namibia to visit Etosha National Park for premium wildlife viewing. Then this Africa Overland Tour crosses into Botswana to explore the wild Okavango Delta on a mokoro trip and guided bush walk before 4x4 safari game viewing in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. Next, visit surreal Makgadigadi Pans and embark on a relaxing boat cruise in Chobe National Park. 

Cross into Zimbabwe to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls and do optional adventure activities. Then drive overland to South Africa, via Botswana, for your Big 5 Kruger Safari in South Africa's top game reserve, Kruger National Park. Explore the beautiful Panorama Route, before returning to Johannesburg where this budget lodge safari ends.

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.

We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Windhoek to Etosha National Park – Namibia

This Botswana & South Africa Safari kicks off in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Departing from Windhoek this morning, we make our way north where rugged rocky expanses gradually give way to flat, arid plains as you approach Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premium wildlife destination. Etosha in the local Owambo language, translates to "Great White Place", referring to the massive, mineral-rich salt pan that dominates the park with its distinctive white appearance. At 130 kilometers (80 miles) long and up to 50 kilometers (30 miles) wide, it is one of the largest salt pans in the world and is even visible from space.

After settling into the Etosha rest camp where you will spend your first night, get acquainted with your guides and fellow travelers. Then we will head out for an afternoon game drive around the otherworldly landscapes of Etosha Pan surrounded by grassy plains, savannas, mopane woodlands, and waterholes. The park is renowned for its wildlife diversity, and we hope to spot the Big 5 (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, and buffalo) and numerous other animals like giraffes, cheetahs, and various antelope species.

  • Included Activities: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Etosha National Park to Divundu - Namibia

Keep a lookout for animals as we take a last drive through Etosha National Park. Then our Africa Overland Tour heads east towards the Namibia border. The dry arid desert scenery becomes lusher as we approach the great Kavango River which forms a northern border with Angola. The Kavango River rises in the Angolan highlands and flows through Namibia on its way to empty into the desert of neighboring Botswana to form the Okavango Delta. Tonight, we stay in a beautiful lodge just south of the town of Divundu, on the banks of the Kavango River.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Divundu to Maun – Botswana

Day 3 of our Overland Africa Safari begins with a leisurely boat cruise on the mighty Kavango River as we float past wallowing hippos and crocs while keeping a close watch for wild animals and birds on the riverbanks. Then we get back on the overland truck and head for the next country on our overland adventure, Botswana. The drive takes us through the Okavango Delta backroads, south to our destination for the night, Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta. We stay at a centrally located riverside hotel.

On arrival in Maun, there may be time to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. This gives you a fantastic aerial perspective over one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders. The Okavango Delta covers an area of 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles) that swells to over 15,000 square kilometers (5,800 square miles) during seasonal flooding which peaks in July. This volume of water flowing onto the desert sands supports an incredible variety of plants and animals.

  • Included Activities: Morning Boat Cruise
  • Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Maun to Khwai River Conservation Area Okavango Delta - Botswana

Early risers may have another opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting). Later, we are collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles for a two-night trip deep into the Okavango Delta floodplains. Note that you will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for this excursion due to the luggage constraints on these smaller vehicles.

We drive through the delta backroads to the floodplain of the Khwai River in the northeastern region of the Okavango Delta. Here we will stay in a beautiful tented camp for two nights. After settling in, we set off to a nearby mokoro station where we meet up with local guides who will take us out on the delta waters in traditional dugout mokoro boats. Glide along reed-lined channels, through tranquil lagoons dotted with lily pads, as your mokoro is poled through the waters by your guide. Sit back and soak up the wild scenery. Stopping at one of the delta islands, your guide will lead a nature walk to learn about the fascinating plants and creatures encountered and looking out for signs of wildlife. The mokoro excursion is not a big game-viewing activity, it is more about enjoying the beauty of the wild delta. However, we may come across some wildlife including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes like kudu and impala. As we slowly make our way back to the mokoro station, the setting sun blazes its colors across the sky.

  • Included Activity: Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro Trip
  • Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Today, we embark on a full day wildlife safari in Moremi National Park, in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The reserve boasts stunning natural beauty and strict conservation measures with limits on visitor numbers to ensure the environment remains wild and untouched. Our drive will take us through the variety of habitats, from permanent marshes to seasonally flooded grasslands, riverine woodlands, and dry woodlands that cover almost a third of the Okavango Delta's north-eastern flank. The reserve is home to some of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as the endangered African wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, many species of antelope and hundreds of species of birds. You are in for a treat!

  • Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Khwai to Maun & Nata (Makgadigadi Pans) – Botswana

We depart at first light to make the final drive through the Okavango Delta back to Maun. Here we rejoin our overland truck and head out of town, into the dry Kalahari Desert. Our destination for the night is the town of Nata, near Nata Pan which is one of the string of salt pans that make up the vast Makgadigadi Pans. These are all that is left of a vast lake that stood here many eons ago. After settling into our comfortable lodge in Nata, we head out for a drive around Nata Pan. The pan is fed with water during the rainy season, causing mineral pools which attract vast flocks of flamingo and pelican to breed. Depending on the season of your visit, keep a lookout for the birds and other animals that may cross our path.

  • Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

Our Botswana & South Africa Safari heads northeast towards the town of Kasane, our destination for the night close to where four countries converge – Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The dry arid desert scenery becomes lusher as we reach the Chobe River basin. Our accommodation for the night is a comfortable lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.

Later this afternoon we set off on a Chobe River boat cruise in nearby Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds. From the boat we get up close to plenty of wild animals, hippos and crocs in the water, and herds of buffalo, antelopes, and the famous elephants on the banks making for excellent photographic opportunities. Enjoy the play of light as the sun sets over the river.

  • Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 & 9: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

The next border crossing on our Africa Overland Tour takes us into Zimbabwe. Border formalities complete, it is a short drive to Victoria Falls town where one of the world’s natural wonders is found.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls, is an unforgettable natural spectacle! The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, the 'Smoke that Thunders', and when you experience the power of this great waterfall you will understand why. Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world, based on its combined width and height, approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) at its widest, and dropping 108 meters (354 feet) into the gorges below. The power of the water creates a permanent mist that rises above the falls and is visible many miles away.

We stay at a lodge located close to the falls in Victoria Falls village for the next two nights. Your time is free to explore as you wish and try some of the many activities on offer. This part of the Zambezi River is famous for some of the best whitewater rapids in the world, so a Whitewater Rafting excursion is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Other options are a scenic helicopter or microlight flight over the Falls, zip-line rides in Batoka Gorge, and bungee jumping from historic Victoria Falls Bridge.

Otherwise, relax by the pool, explore the historic town, watch the activity from a coffee shop, take a tram ride, visit a local village, or enjoy a high tea at Victoria Falls Hotel. You can take a more sedate sunset cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls watching for wildlife on the riverbanks.

  • Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fees, Morning Tram & Bridge Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Zipline, Scenic Flights, Village Tour, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Day 8), Breakfast (Day 9)

Day 10: Victoria Falls to Francistown – Botswana

Leaving the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe early on Day 10, we return to Botswana for a long drive south to Francistown. The city, sitting at the confluence of the Tati and Inchwe rivers, is an important administrative and commercial center in Botswana and was historically the site of southern Africa's first 'gold-rush'. We stay at a lovely lodge just outside Francistown.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Francistown to Johannesburg – South Africa

In the morning, our Botswana & South Africa Safari sets off early along the Great North Road to next country on our tour, South Africa, and our next stop, the dynamic city of Johannesburg.

We travel south out of Botswana and through the changing landscapes of northern South Africa, passing from open bushveld dotted with giant baobabs to fields of citrus and maize and then into the densely populated and industrialized Highveld and Gauteng Province, the economic powerhouse of southern Africa. Our Africa Overland Tour arrives in bustling Johannesburg, the City of Gold, in the late afternoon.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park – South Africa

Early this morning our Botswana & South Africa Safari departs from Johannesburg, heading east following in the footsteps of the gold prospectors of old, towards Kruger National Park via the scenic Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.

Our next highlight is the world-renowned Kruger National Park, one of Africa's top safari destinations. For the next three nights we stay at a safari camp located in a private wildlife concession area just inside the Kruger National Park, sleeping in permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.

After settling in at camp we embark on a sunset game drive in the concession area, looking out for the Big 5 and other wildlife. While out on our game drive we stop for sundowners in the South African bushveld and savor the sights and smells of this magical place as the setting sun gives us an incredible light display over the game filled landscape. This evening we enjoy dinner around the glowing campfire under a blanket of stars.

  • Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Today we explore Kruger National Park, which covers almost 2 million hectares of the South African Lowveld. Our full-day Kruger Safari takes us in search of the abundance of wildlife that thrive here, including the Big 5 of Africa (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo). Kruger National Park protects an unrivaled diversity of plant and animal species, including around 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 114 species of reptiles, 507 bird, and 147 mammal species.

Enjoy a full day of 4x4 game drives in open safari vehicles - a great way to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The open 4x4 vehicles are designed to offer excellent visibility and better photographic opportunities than enclosed tour vehicles. Returning to camp in the mid-afternoon we set off on a sunset game drive with the obligatory sundowners! We return happy for a relaxing night at the tented camp inside Kruger Park.

  • Included Activity: Full day 4x4 Safari in Kruger National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Panorama Route – South Africa

Day 14 of our Africa Overland Tour takes us on the scenic Panorama Route. The drive takes us from the lowlands, up to the escarpment that is the start of the rugged northern Drakensberg Mountain range and location of the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Along the way, we stop at God's Window viewpoint to admire the sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. We then view Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest ‘green’ canyons and ‘the Three Rondavels’ rock formations on the opposite canyon slopes. We also pay a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, curious formations in the rocks of the riverbed at the base of Blyde River Canyon.

  • Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour (God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes & Three Rondavels)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – South Africa

On the last day of this fantastic Botswana & South Africa Safari, we venture back into the Kruger National Park for a final game drive, as we cross the park and exit at a southern gate. We then travel overland back to the vibrant city of Johannesburg. This thrilling budget lodge safari comes to an end when we arrive back in Johannesburg.

  • Included Activity: Morning Game Drive in Safari Truck
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Note

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Botswana & South Africa Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Windhoek and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Johannesburg to allow for delays and changes.

Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Namibia to Botswana & South Africa Camping Overland Tour which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping at campsites instead of staying in lodges.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

Botswana Safari Activities

  • San guided walk
  • Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
  • Tips for Polers - Clients Discretion
  • Guided walk with Kalahari San 
  • Chobe game drive

Zimbabwe Safari Activities

  • Visit Victoria Falls waterfall
  • Zambezi Sunset Cruise 
  • Dinner Out in Victoria Falls 
  • Morning Tram & Bridge Tour
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Helicopter Flights
  • White Water Rafting 

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.

Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

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For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

Botswana Safari Activities

  • San guided walk
  • Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
  • Tips for Polers - Clients Discretion
  • Guided walk with Kalahari San 
  • Chobe game drive

Zimbabwe Safari Activities

  • Visit Victoria Falls waterfall
  • Zambezi Sunset Cruise 
  • Dinner Out in Victoria Falls 
  • Morning Tram & Bridge Tour
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Helicopter Flights
  • White Water Rafting 
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Overland tour transport
  • Lodge accommodation
  • Registered tour guides
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated 
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Tips and personal items
  • Optional activities
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
Click on a departure date to enquire

If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

Explore the Route

Map

1. Ngamiland East, Botswana

2. Chobe, Botswana

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