This Namibia & Botswana Small Group Tour takes a maximum of 12 guests on a remarkable journey from Namibia's coastal adventure capital, Swakopmund, to Etosha National Park, then following the Kavango River through to Botswana and the Okavango Delta, surreal Makgadigadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert and then to the Chobe River flowing to the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Travel in a luxury 4x4 overland tour vehicle, built to provide extra comfort and convenience on the rugged roads of Africa. Stay at a handpicked selection of unique lodges with authentic charm, affordable rates, and excellent service. A well-rounded and diverse Namibia & Botswana Safari at an excellent price!
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.
This Namibia & Botswana Small Group Safari departs from the charming coastal town of Swakopmund on the first morning. We drive north following the coastline where the hot sands of the desert meet the icy waves of the Atlantic Ocean. En-route we make a stop at the charming seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken to admire the picturesque views of the cottages set against the desert sands and crashing Atlantic Ocean waves. Then we head to nearby Lichen Fields where a local guide will enlighten us about these fascinating organisms which thrive in harsh desert environments.
We continue up the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, known for its seal colony which is one of the largest in the world – over 200,000 seals gather on the rocks in a cacophony of sounds and smells! Cape Cross is also known as one of the historic landing points of Portuguese explorer Diego Cao in 1486. (Note that at certain times the seal colony is closed to visitors which may prevent us from visiting). The road then heads inland towards our first overnight stop, the town of Khorixas where we overnight at a comfortable lodge.
On Day 2 of our Africa Overland Tour, we begin exploring the ancient wonders of the Khorixas area. The area was inhabited by the Khoi San people for 6,000 years and the site is rich in their rock art, made by shamans during rituals. Over 2,500 rock art pieces have been found in the area. Our local guide shows us round this impressive site. Then on to the nearby Petrified Forest, the remains of ancient trees that were washed down an ancient river forever captured in time.
We then get back on the road headed northeast to Namibia’s premium wildlife destination, Etosha National Park. The park is dominated by a vast salt pan visible from space – the word Etosha means ‘great white place’. Etosha National Park covers an area of 18,000 square kilometers and is home to an impressive variety of plants and animals. On entering the park, we enjoy our first game drive keeping a lookout for animals that cross our path. We make our way to one of the comfortable park rest camps where we will overnight in en-suite rooms. We will spend three nights in the park at two of the comfortable rest camps.
The next two days of our Small Group Tour is devoted to exploring this rugged wild region, hosting an amazing array and abundance of wildlife - large mammals, birds, and other creatures.
On our game drives we explore the open plains and acacia woodlands surrounding the great salt pan. Etosha Pan was once a massive inland lake, but today the flat expanse stands almost entirely dry, except for the shallow waters that sometimes collect during rainy seasons. When shallow pools form in the pans large flocks of birds can be seen and when short grasses sprout after the rains grazers make an appearance.
We stop in at the watering holes where wildlife watching is often particularly rewarding, given the congregation of herbivores and predators drawn to the precious water sources. Etosha is known for its dramatic wildlife sightings, not only because of the stark landscapes but also due to the intense competition that unfolds in its harsh environment, especially at the waterholes. With some luck, we are likely to encounter lions, rhinos, and leopards. Chances of sighting elephants, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, and other antelopes are excellent.
Our evenings are spent relaxing at the rest camp. Each Etosha rest camp has a floodlit watering hole where you can watch wildlife at close range from the comfort of camp.
On Day 5 of our Africa Small Group Tour, we are up early again, for one last game drive in Etosha National Park. This is our last chance to spot the wild animals of Etosha in the wide-open landscapes. Leaving Etosha we head northeast towards the border. The arid landscape becomes lusher as we near the mighty Kavango River basin. We follow the river to our next overnight stop, at a beautiful lodge on the banks of the Kavango River. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the river.
We start the day with a boat cruise on the Kavango River keeping a lookout to the wildlife which is drawn to the riverbanks to drink. Our boat weaves through groups of wallowing hippos and the occasional crocodile lurking near the riverbanks.
Next, we journey into the second country on our budget African safari - Botswana! Once border formalities are complete, we skirt the edge of the Okavango Delta towards the town of Maun, gateway for all exploration of the spectacular Okavango Delta region.
We overnight at a lovely riverside lodge in Maun and prepare for our two-day excursion into the Okavango Delta tomorrow. We will need to pack smaller overnight bags as we travel in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles. On arrival in Maun, there may be time to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather and time permitting), which provides a spectacular perspective over this water wonderland sitting in the middle of the desert!
This morning our Swakopmund to Victoria Falls Africa Small Group Overland Tour heads into Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta, one of the highlights of our tour. The Kavango River has no outlet to the sea, emptying into the sands of the Kalahari Desert and irrigating some 15,000 square kilometers of land. This water rich environment supports an incredible variety of plants and animals making it one of the most spectacular wilderness destinations on earth.
Early birds have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Delta (at extra cost). Later, you are collected for the drive to the Khwai River Area in the eastern portion of the delta. We spend the next two nights in a comfortable tented camp overlooking the sweeping Khwai River floodplain.
After lunch, we drive to a nearby mokoro polers station where local guides will take us out on the delta waterways on traditional dugout mokoro boats. Each mokoro takes one passenger and the guide who expertly leads the boat through the water channels. This a truly serene way to experience the wonder of the Okavango Delta. You will make a stop on one of the delta islands and your guide will lead a walk to learn more about the life of this fascinating area. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water as you glide back to the base.
On Day 8, a full day is devoted to exploring the beautiful Moremi Game Reserve. This reserve lies at the heart of the delta, named after Chief Moremi of the local Batwana tribe who were instrumental in the protection of this pristine area.
Moremi Game Reserve has diverse landscapes, with water filled pans, floodplains, lagoons dotted with grasslands, acacia trees and dense mopane woodlands. Our game drive will encounter the impressive variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffe, zebra, and antelopes such as kudu, red lechwe, tsessebe, and impala. The Okavango Delta is a birding paradise with more than 450 bird species recorded here, amongst them several rare and endangered species. You are really in for a game viewing treat!
Today we leave the Khwai River Area and head through the delta backroads to reunite with our vehicle in Maun. Our overland tour then heads out of Maun, and the landscape becomes more arid as we head into the Kalahari Desert. The next destination on our Small Group Overland Tour is the surreal landscapes of the Makgadigadi Pans. The area once held a giant lake, Lake Makgadigadi, which has evaporated to leave a string of salt pans.
We stay at a lodge near the town of Nata, named after the river which flows into this dry crusty area during the wet season, covering the otherwise arid landscape with new growth which attracts herds of herbivores. With the standing waters come large flocks of flamingos and pelicans. This afternoon we take a drive into the pans to take in the surreal landscapes and keep a lookout for any birds or animals that may cross our path (depending on the season).
Out Africa Overland Tour continues through Botswana. The arid desert landscape slowly becomes greener as we near the Chobe River which forms the border with Zimbabwe. Our destination for the night is the town of Kasane which lies close to the intersection where four countries meet, namely Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. We will stay at a beautiful riverside lodge overlooking the Chobe River.
After lunch, we set out on a boat cruise along the Chobe River in the renown Chobe National Park. From the water, we have the perfect opportunity to get close to animals such as hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the waters, and animals like antelopes, buffalos, and elephant grazing on the banks. Chobe National Park covers 11,700 square kilometers of diverse habitats from lush plains and wooded grasslands to dense forests and swamps. The river is the lifeblood of this otherwise arid region, attracting large numbers of wildlife. The park is renowned for its huge population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds.
Today we cross into the final African country on our overland adventure - Zimbabwe! It is a short drive to our last stop: the world-famous Victoria Falls. We spend our last night at a family run lodge set in a lush tropical garden near the falls.
Reaching Victoria Falls town, you are free to enjoy the many activities on offer. Visit the natural wonder of Victoria Falls waterfall up close to feel the power of the world's largest sheet of falling water that plummets 108 meters to the gorge below causing a mist that rises above the falls and is visible many miles away. The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as 'The Smoke that Thunders'.
You are free to unwind at the lodge, explore the markets, sights, and food options of Victoria Falls town, or jump into an adventure activity. Your guide can help you to select and book activities at Vic Falls, with a plethora of options available – white water rafting, bungee jumping or gorge swinging, helicopter/small plane/microlight scenic flights, boat cruises or game drives.
Our epic Namibia & Botswana Small Group Safari comes to a close this morning after breakfast at the safari lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Spend the day participating in adventure activities and exploring the old colonial town on your own. There are so many exciting activities on offer here that we recommend spending an extra night or two at Victoria Falls after your Africa Overland Tour.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Namibia & Botswana Small Group Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Swakopmund and fly out at least a day after the overland tour ends in Victoria Falls to allow for delays and change, and to enjoy the exciting adventure activities available here
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This Small Group Tour is also available as a budget friendly Lodge Overland Tour - Namibia & Botswana Lodge Safari (Africa Overland Tour) which follows the same itinerary but travels in a larger overland vehicle with group size of 20 people.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
This small-group Namibia & Botswana Safari is conducted in a state-of-the-art 4x4 overland vehicle. The custom-built luxury overland tour vehicle comfortably accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. These specially designed overland vehicles provide extra space and amenities, offering a more luxurious safari experience with all the adventure, but in added style and comfort.
Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water throughout the journey. The luxury vehicle has reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees and lock into your preferred position (for example, window or front-facing). Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature.
Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.
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 to 12 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 2 children, aged between 13 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 2 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Children under 12 years are not permitted to enter the Delta area.
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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