An epic 21-day African Safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe, staying at comfortable safari lodges all the way. This budget African Safari combines unforgettable wildlife adventures, colorful African cultures, and gobsmackingly beautiful scenery.
Unforgettable highlights in Namibia include the ancient Namib Desert's Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon, and the game-rich Etosha National park.
Travel to Botswana where we visit the pristine Okavango Delta, Greater Moremi, Makgadikgadi Pans, and Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest elephant herds in Africa.
Then go game viewing in Hwange Park, Zimbabwe's top wildlife park. End on a high note at Vic Falls, with optional adventure activities and a relaxing boat cruise on the Zambezi River.
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 travellers 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.
This epic African Safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe, starts off in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Upon arrival at the international airport of Windhoek, our driver welcomes you to Southern Africa and drives you to your friendly hotel in the city.
Spend the afternoon resting at the comfortable hotel after your flight, taking a dip in the pool. For the more energetic you can head into this pleasant and cosmopolitan city on foot. Windhoek is a laid-back and efficiently run city, where African culture and markets meld with German colonial influences and architecture.
This evening at 18h00 you meet up with your safari guide and fellow travelers for a tour briefing at the hotel. The rest of the night is free for you to unwind at the hotel, or venture into the modern city of Windhoek for dinner.
On day two we leave Windhoek, driving southwest via mountain passes and pretty landscapes to the ancient Namib Desert. This is said to be the oldest desert in the world, dating back tens of millions of years. Here we visit the Namib Naukluft National Park staying at a desert camp near Sossusvlei for two nights.
Day three of our budget African Safari starts early to ensure that we witness the inspiring sight of sunrise over the undulating sea of red-orange sand dunes. We drive to the famous Sossusvlei Dunes stopping to take photographs of the glowing colors of the sand as the day breaks.
We explore the world’s tallest sand dunes, towering over 300m high, at Sossusvlei, and marvel at the immensity of this sandy sea. Then we visit Deadvlei, one of the must-see highlights in the iconic Namib in Namibia. The cracked clay ground stands in stark contrast to the skeletons of dead trees - with black finger-like trees dotting the white earth here. This striking scene is all the more enchanting given its setting amid the ochre dunes of the desert. The dry lake is usually parched but at times we might see some water shimmering in Deadvlei.
After experiencing the magnitude and empty silence of the unforgettable desert landscape, we head into the deep gorge that is Sesriem Canyon. Another well-known feature of the Namib Desert, this narrow chasm shows layer upon layer of exposed rocks that have been eroded over millions of years by the flow of the Tsauchab River.
On day four, we travel north through the solitary open spaces of the Namib Naukluft National Park in Namibia, passing from orange dunes fields to grey gravel plains.
As we drive through the Namib Desert the timeless atmosphere of this vast land engulfs us. This arid terrain hosts some of the rarest and most unique animals and plant species on earth. We keep our eyes open for the distinctive oryx antelope, the desert-adapted mountain zebras, and light-footed springbok, amongst others. Unusual flora surviving in this harsh area, includes the peculiar-looking Welwitschia Mirabilis, with a large protected specimen (over 1 500 years old) found here.
Our journey to Swakopmund takes us via the coastal village of Walvis Bay where we visit the lagoon to see its rich birdlife. Numerous water birds can be found at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, including huge flocks of flamingos.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at the seaside resort town of Swakopmund, a charming place where African and European flavors blend. Take a walk around the quaint town with its wide streets and sidewalk cafes, or stroll along its lovely beaches.
On day five of our lodge safari, you have the option of visiting a local sustainability initiative in the town. On a semi-guided tour of the center, you will see how local resources are being conserved, from water to waste and energy to biodiversity.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy some of the thrilling adventure activities offered in and around Swakopmund. Optional activities include - quad-biking, sandboarding, desert tours, township tours, skydiving, fishing, dolphin cruises, and kayaking. Take some time to relax on the beaches of Swakopmund and soak up the sun.
From Swakopmund, we drive to Etosha National Park, considered one of the finest wildlife parks in Africa. We spend the night at a safari lodge located on a rocky outcrop near Etosha.
This afternoon you are free to take a dip in the pool, enjoy the views over the Mopane and Seringa forest and explore the natural surroundings on foot. You also have the option of taking a game drive (extra cost) at the safari lodge.
This morning we have breakfast and make our way into Etosha National Park, the premier game viewing destination in Namibia. The national park consists largely of the Etosha Pan, with the name Etosha meaning the “Great White Place” in the Ovambo tribe's Ndonga dialect.
Over the next two days of our African Safari, we go in search of the plethora of wildlife found in Etosha, including Africa's Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. Animals sighted on game drives in Etosha Park, range from cheetah, hyena, and giraffe to zebra and an array of antelope species, including striking gemsbok and springbok.
After our rewarding game drives, we stay at rest camps inside the national park, enjoying night-time game viewing at the watering holes under spotlights.
Leaving Etosha Park behind, we make our way further north to a town called Rundu.
Here we will visit a traditional cultural school and community business of the local Kavango People. We will learn more about their lifestyle and how they make a living from fishing, tending cattle, and farming crops.
After this cultural interaction, we make our way to our safari lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. Arriving in the late afternoon, there is time to relax at the pool and sip on sundowners while listening to the sounds of the African bush.
On the morning of day 10, you have the option of embarking on an early morning boat cruise (extra cost) on the Okavango River.
Then we continue driving east through the Caprivi Strip, an unusually lush finger of Namibian land sandwiched between Botswana, Zambia, and Angola, stretching to Zimbabwe. Our overnight lodge is next to Mahango National Park on the western banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon, we take a boat cruise on the Okavango River at sunset to view the Popa Falls.
From the fertile Caprivi region, we drive to Mahangu Park on the banks of the Okavango River.
We embark on a game drive in Greater Bwabwata National Park, made up of Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Reserve. The national park lies between Botswana and Angola, forming an important migratory corridor for elephants and other wildlife. We explore this wilderness area stretching from the Kavango River to the Kwando River, looking for elephants, buffalos, and antelopes, such as kudu and roan, as well as an abundance of birds.
In the afternoon we head to our safari lodge where we take some time to relax.
Today our budget African Safari takes us south to Maun, the gateway of the world-famous Okavango Delta of Botswana. This afternoon you can retreat to the safari lodge for some rest and relaxation by the pool, or take an optional flight over the wild delta.
Scenic flights over the Okavango Delta are probably the most unforgettable activity here, showcasing the massive untamed delta and its wildlife from above.
Wake up early and tuck into breakfast before our local Botswana guides fetch you for your trip into the watery Okavango Delta.
We drive to a nearby mokoro (traditional canoe) station and switch modes of transport. Leaving the wheels behind we glide through reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons in our dug-out canoes. The canoes are poled along by local guides, standing in the vessels like the African equivalent of gondoliers.
This is the ideal way to explore the pristine Okavango Delta - moving quietly through the bush at a leisurely pace which makes it easier to spot birds and animals. The Okavango is a truly wild place where you can immerse yourself in nature. This one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon flows into the Kalahari Desert instead of flowing into the sea like other deltas.
Our mokoro trip is followed by some time to get comfortable at our next camp, set in a private concession area of Greater Moremi. Then we enjoy dinner at camp and venture into the bush on a night game drive. The night drive is an excellent way to sight some of the more elusive nocturnal creatures of Botswana and even catch a hunt in action.
On day 14 of our Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari we explore Greater Moremi. Heading out on 4x4 game drives in the morning and afternoon we look out for the abundance of wild animals often spotted in this wilderness area. Moremi is renowned for its high concentrations of mammals.
Wildlife sightings vary according to the seasons as the animals migrate to different parts of Greater Moremi. The peak season for game viewing is usually late winter to spring (August to November) when extended drives are often required to reach wildlife along the rivers. Summer is the best time for birdwatching in Greater Moremi which is also a haven for birds, especially raptors and wildfowl.
Due east, we drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana today. This is one of the largest salt pans in the world, covering some 30 000 km² of arid terrain.
In times gone by the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was covered by a gigantic inland lake, but today it stands dry and barren. This vast land of nothingness is one of those special places where you can feel the ageless power of nature in real solitude.
This afternoon we stop in at the Nata Bird Sanctuary, which offers superb views over the mesmerizing Sowa pan, forming part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans network.
Please note: we visit the salt pans if time allows, subject to road conditions and water levels.
Onwards and upwards, we drive north to Kasane on day 16 of our African Safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe. Kasane's meager claim to fame is that it serves as a convenient gateway to the magnificent Chobe National Park.
Chobe Park, on the other hand, is famous the world over as an exceptional African safari destination. This top African game park hosts one of the largest elephant populations on the continent as well as some of the highest concentrations of game. Besides its enormous elephant herds, this 10,566 km² game park is well-known for its supreme bush sunsets and boat-based game viewing.
Participate in some of the various optional activities on offer in the Chobe region of Botswana, or laze like a lizard by the pool on the afternoon of day 16.
Day 17 kicks off with an exciting game drive in the beautiful Chobe National Park, with the primary focus on spotting wildlife, of course. With any luck, we will encounter large cats and other predators, and maybe even witness a wildlife kill in action.
In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River. This laid-back cruise is a great way to enjoy some close-up wildlife encounters, especially with wading hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. We usually get to witness an inspiring African sunset from the boat, a blissful way to end an eventful day on safari in Africa.
Crossing boundaries we travel into Zimbabwe on day 18 of our unforgettable African safari.
Our next highlight; Hwange National Park. Another game viewing gem in Africa, Hwange is Zimbabwe's top wildlife park.
Hwange Park, like Chobe, is home to great big herds of elephants, as well as extra-large herds of buffalo. Here you can see plenty of zebras and numerous giraffes along with all of the endangered species found in Zimbabwe.
On day 19 we explore Hwange Park on a game drive, going in search of predators, grazers, browsers, and scavengers
Nearing the end of our grand African Safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe, today we drive north to our final destination; Victoria Falls. Vic Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world sending up a huge cloud of spray as it plummets into Bakota Gorge below.
Here your guide takes you on a tour of the powerful Victoria Falls waterfall, one of the natural wonders of the world. Your guide will take you to some excellent viewpoints and tell you more about this impressive waterfall. The locals call the waterfall Mosi-oa-Tunya which means 'the Smoke that Thunders' and standing at Vic Falls the reason for this epithet becomes clear.
Later today we embark on a laid-back boat cruise on the Zambezi River. The boat cruise takes us along the mighty Zambezi upstream of Victoria Falls waterfall, providing an opportunity to see animals and birds on the riverbanks and view the cloud of mist rising up from Vic Falls as the sunsets.
Share a hearty breakfast with your fellow travelers at the safari lodge before parting ways this morning.
We transfer you to the airport in Victoria Falls for your onward flight, saying goodbye... until your next African safari adventure.
Safari note:
We recommend spending an extra few days in Victoria Falls town (post-safari) to allow time for doing more activities in the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa. Take yourself to new heights on thrilling helicopter rides, bungee jumps, gorge swings, and zip line rides, or brave the full force of the mighty Zambezi and go white water rafting. Other wild activities that don't involve dizzying heights are canoeing, nature walks, game viewing, cultural excursions, and canopy tours.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information, should you be travelling with children.
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