A diverse African Budget Safari to Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Travel in a small group with an expert guide and stay at well-selected safari lodges.
This guided lodge safari combines exceptional wildlife parks with unique cultural encounters and spectacular scenery in Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe.
Mwa lele po and welcome to Namibia! This affordable African Budget Safari starts in Windhoek where you are collected from the international airport upon arrival. From the airport, you are transferred to your guesthouse in the nearby city of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Settle in and have a rest before meeting up with your guide this afternoon.
Our lodge safari kicks off with a city tour of Windhoek. Your guide will show you around the charming capital taking you to historical and cultural highlights including Christ Church, Tintenpalast or Ink Palace (the parliament), and Independence Avenue. Windhoek is a relatively small and well-managed modern city where German and African influences mingle.
Tonight we have dinner together (own expense) at the famous Joe’s Beerhouse to celebrate our first night on safari in Namibia. Your first overnight stay is at Vondelhof Guesthouse (or similar) in Windhoek.
After breakfast, your Namibia safari adventure begins. You make your way south, leave the tarmac road behind, and continue on dirt roads across beautiful landscapes and over mountain passes towards the Namib Desert. Your destination today is the Agama Lodge. Take your time settling in and enjoy the view across the nearby Naukluft Mountains, glowing purple in the evening light. When night sets in you can see the stars twinkle in the sky. Enjoy the spectacular night skies from your private rooftop terrace. If you wish, you can even sleep under the stars on your terrace (at an extra cost) – an unforgettable desert experience!
Today we wake up early and set off into the Namib Desert in time to catch the beautiful morning light at sunrise. Climb to the top of iconic Dune 45 to take in the photogenic desert landscapes from above. The glowing red and orange hues of the dune fields and desert plains in the early morning light are unforgettable and worth the effort!
Today our budget safari takes us to the famous Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei areas inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei are extremely photogenic desert landscapes consisting of dry salt pans scattered with gnarled dead trees, encircled by ochre sand dunes under bright blue skies. The striking colors, textures, shadows, and shapes of the stark pans create vivid imagery that will stay with you forever. Later we take a walk in Sesriem Canyon if the canyon is dry enough. Here you can see layer-upon-layer of sedimentary rocks revealed in the impressive cliffs of the canyon walls.
From Sesriem Canyon, we take a leisurely drive back to our Namib Desert lodge where you can take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and spend the remainder of the day relaxing.
On day four of our African Budget Safari, we travel west to the dramatic coastline of Namibia, where the Namib Desert meets the icy Atlantic Ocean. Our drive takes us past the granite hill called Bloedkoppie (Blood Hill) given its bright red color at sundown.
As we travel along Welwitschia Drive we pass incredible dry landscapes of open gravel plains and undulating granite hills. This otherworldly area is often described as a moon landscape or moonscape. Strange plants such as the ancient Welwitschia, lichens, and dollar bushes are found here, along with unique rock formations. We stop at a viewpoint along the way to admire the Moon Landscape.
Leaving the lunar landscapes we arrive in the quaint town of Swakopmund, lying between the formidable Namib and Atlantic. In Swakopmund, we take a guided walk around town to see the sights and get a feel for Namibia's top seaside destination. As with Windhoek, German influences are easy to see in Swakopmund with landmarks including the old train station (now a hotel) and Woermannhaus.
Day five is set aside for optional activities and free time for you to do your own thing. You can spend some time strolling around the lively town, shopping, and browsing, or drinking coffee and sightseeing. Also, take a walk along the seaside to the pier and visit the curio market to practice your bargaining skills. Optional adventure activities include sandboarding in the desert dunes near Swakopmund or ocean cruises to spot seals, dolphins, and marine birds at Walvis Bay. The Living Desert tour is another popular activity that entails a desert safari to track the Little Five of the Namib Desert.
In the evenings our tour group gets together at one of the many local restaurants for dinner (own expense). For the two nights in Swakopmund, we stay at Swakopmund Guesthouse (or similar).
Start day six with an early breakfast, before we leave Swakomund behind. Traveling north along the coast, we drive to the Zeila wreck, one of the many stranded shipwrecks, where we stop to take photos. Then we leave the Atlantic Ocean coastline behind and continue inland, passing Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's tallest peak. We travel into the southern Kunene Region, formerly known as Damaraland, making our way to Twyfelfontein. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its historical and well-preserved San rock engravings. Here we take a short walk to view the ancient San rock art and learn about the culture of Namibia's San bushmen people. In the late afternoon, we drive to Malansrus Tented Camp near Twyfelfontein. Enjoy a delicious dinner and fall asleep to the sounds of the great outdoors.
This morning we take a tour of the Damara Living Museum to find out about one of the oldest tribes in Namibia. This museum is a traditional-style Damara village where you get to see the original traditions of the Damara tribe of Namibia. On this cultural trip, we gain insight into the Damara people's old way of life and learn about their ancient survival techniques.
Next up on our budget safari is Etosha National Park - the best game park for wildlife viewing in Namibia! Home to 114 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants), Etosha is one of the top safari destinations in Africa.
Entering Etosha the wildlife viewing adventure begins! Your guide takes you in search of Etosha's animals, stopping at waterholes where they gather to drink and bathe. Common sightings include lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes such as oryx, kudu, springbok, and impala. As you explore your guide can tell you all about the wildlife, birds, and habitats of Etosha National Park, giving you insight into these fascinating creatures and their home.
Later in the afternoon, we exit Etosha and head to our nearby lodge in a private nature reserve just outside the national park.
Wake up for a glowing sunrise and a hearty breakfast on day eight of our African Budget Safari. Then we venture back out into the African bush to find wildlife.
We spend the day exploring Etosha National Park on game drives in our 4x4 vehicle, pausing to enjoy sightings and watching animals at the watering holes. Etosha is one of the best places to see rhinos so keep your eyes peeled for these primitive-looking mammals. Herds of antelopes, zebras, and elephants are commonly seen and we may also see cheetahs, wildebeest, hyenas, and warthogs, amongst other wild animals. Our game drives take us along the southern fringes of the vast Etosha Pan, after which the national park is named.
Late this afternoon we leave Etosha National Park via the eastern gate and take a short drive to our next scenic safari lodge, Mushara Bush Camp.
Day nine of our lodge safari in Namibia kicks off with a final game drive in Etosha National Park. The last chance to African wildlife in this dramatic setting.
After our game drive, we exit Etosha and travel northeast to our next overnight safari lodge, Fiume Lodge (or similar). This owner-run lodge is set on a private game farm near Grootfontein.
Today we travel north into the greener Kavango Region of Namibia. As we drive the vegetation becomes increasingly lush and we see thatched huts scattered across the rural landscapes. Along the way, we stop to top up on supplies in the town of Rundu. Pop in at the local market of Rundu to experience the bustle and see the local fisherfolk and farmers selling produce.
Then we continue the Okavango River and our oasis for the night. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing drink before we set off on a sunset cruise along the Okavango River. We may see hippos and crocodiles as we cruise along at a leisurely pace and soak up the scenery. Dinner tonight is a traditional braai (barbecue) enjoyed around the campfire at Mobola Island Lodge (or similar), in true African safari style.
Wake up to the sounds of nature along the Okavango River before driving through the fertile Zambezi Region of Namibia. Formerly called the Caprivi Strip the Zambezi Region is much greener than the rest of Namibia which is largely a desert country. As we travel we pass numerous small fishing and farming villages and we may even see big game roaming around.
We head to the magical Namushasha River Lodge and settle in at this idyllic spot. Relax and freshen up before we head out on a three-hour boat cruise on the Kwando River this afternoon. Keep your eyes open for birds and animals along the river which sustains a variety of habitats ideal for these wild inhabitants. Possible sightings include hippos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, African wild dogs, and various antelope species such as lechwe, reedbuck, and sitatunga.
On day 12 of our lodge safari we explore the sub-tropical Bwabwata National Park in the remote Zambezi and Kavango East regions of Namibia. This narrow finger of Namibian land stretches east all the way to Zimbabwe, sandwiched between Botswana (to the south) and Angola and Zambia (to the north). Our 4x4 game drive promises exciting bird and wildlife sightings in this less-visited national park. This off-the-beaten-track park is less developed than more renowned Africa parks, offering a wild safari experience.
In the afternoon, we return to the lodge for free time to swim in the pool and relax on the riverside deck, keeping an eye out for birds and animals. The next two nights of our African Budget Safari are spent at Namushasha River Lodge (or similar).
Bid farewell to Namibia as we cross into Botswana today. Once in northern Botswana, we head straight to our lovely safari lodge on the banks of the Chobe River, in Kasane. Take some time to settle in and have a light lunch, enjoy the gardens and riverside setting of this small, family-owned, and run lodge, before we dive back into game viewing.
This afternoon we venture into Chobe National Park on a 4x4 game drive or a boat cruise. In Chobe, our chances of seeing the Big Five of Africa are relatively high. We are sure to see elephants given that there are more than 40,000 of these gentle giants in Chobe National Park. Lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and various antelopes are commonly sighted too. With some luck, we may spot leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, and even endangered wild dogs. Chobe's birdlife is also impressive, particularly along the river, and skimmers, storks, herons, and African fish eagles are often seen. Look for crocodiles and hippos on your boat safari as well as wildlife coming to bathe and drink along the river edge.
The next two days are all about game viewing in Chobe National Park, our next top African safari destination. An expert guide from the lodge takes you on extensive game drives in Chobe Park, which is famous for its massive elephant population and beautiful scenery. The game drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles. We also take a boat cruise on the Chobe River, known for its outstanding boat-based game viewing.
We spend our first two nights on safari in Botswana at Kubu Lodge (or similar).
This morning we have breakfast before hitting the road for Zimbabwe. After crossing the border we head straight to Victoria Falls town, the final destination on this budget African safari.
Finally, you get to visit the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall, one of the natural wonders of the world. The largest sheet of falling water on earth, Vic Falls is an unforgettable sight! We take a short walk to the Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means 'the smoke that thunders. After marveling at Victoria Falls you can do some souvenir shopping at the African curio market or explore the historic town.
On our last night together, we eat out at a local restaurant in Victoria Falls (own account) and celebrate the adventures shared on the road in Southern Africa. Spend your final night at the charming Pioneers Lodge (or similar) set in lush gardens 2.5 km from Victoria Falls waterfall.
After breakfast this morning our budget safari comes to an end in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
At the end of this African safari, you are transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. Alternatively, you can extend your stay and book a few extra days at the lodge in Victoria Falls to enjoy adventure activities.
The type of vehicle used on this budget safari depends on the size of your tour group. This safari is conducted in a Toyota Hilux Dakar, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes Sprinter, or minibus, depending on the number of people traveling.
All Windhoek Departures | All Namibia Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
An affordable upmarket tour of Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls, staying at comfortable lodge accommodation, travelling by custom-built 4x4 vehicle and embarking on unforgettable adventures.
More on this 15 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Africa Overland Tour to Namibia Etosha National Park, Botswana Okavango Delta & Chobe, Victoria Falls & South Africa Kruger National Park (budget lodge safari)
Travel to the best Namibia, Botswana and South Africa wildlife destinations and scenery & magnificent Victoria Falls on this epic Africa Overland Camping Tour
A fully inclusive accommodated Safari to Namibia's Amani Lodge, Ethosha National Park and the desert area of Sesreim. An affordable and exciting 7 Day Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Safari to Namibia's top game park and ancient Namib Desert!
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
This Private Namibia Desert & Swakopmund Safari combines the ancient Namib Desert with Swakopmund town where sea and adventure activities abound. An affordable guided private safari with comfortable accommodation and 4x4 transport.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
The 5-day Budget Lodge Namibia Desert Safari to the Namib Naukluft Park, including the Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon, as well as Swakopmund for optional adventure activities and sightseeing. An affordable accommodated safari in Namibia.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
__small.jpg)
A Private Namibia Safari to Etosha National Park, Namibia's best national park. Explore Etosha on guided game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle staying at comfortable accommodation inside the park.
More on this 3 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An excellent 4-day Victoria Falls Tour in Zimbabwe including hotel accommodation, a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, canoeing trip, Chobe Park Safari, helicopter flight and village tour.
An exciting short Victoria Falls Tour Package staying at an affordable luxury hotel. Activities on this Zambia Safari Adventure include a Sunset Cruise, Canoe Trip, Chobe National Park Safari, Helicopter Flight, Victoria Falls and Village Tour.
More on Victoria Falls Tour Package - Zambia Safari Adventure
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
