Start this safari in Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, travelling to top destinations in Namibia, before ending in Windhoek.
Marvel at the wonder of Victoria Falls and enjoy exciting optional activities, before driving along the Caprivi Strip of Namibia. Embark on game drives in Etosha National Park and explore the remote Damaraland of Kunene. Visit Swakopmund, do some sightseeing and choose from fun optional activities. Travel into the ancient Namib Desert, walking among the huge red-orange dunes at Sossusvlei and venturing into Sesriem Canyon.
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 Victoria Falls & Namibia Budget Lodge Safari begins at Victoria Falls in Zambia.
One of the travel highlights of Southern Africa, this natural wonder is a World Heritage Site that will not be forgotten. We walk to several viewing points to get up close to Victoria Falls and experience the “Smoke that Thunders” as the local name Mosi-o-Tunya means.
Our first two days are spent at Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, giving you enough time to explore and do optional activities. Activities (extra cost) at Vic Falls include bungi jumping, boat cruises, gorge swinging, scenic flights, tram rides, abseiling, water water rafting, cultural tours and many more.
Breakfast x 1
Leaving Vic Falls we drive northwest into the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia. This narrow finger of land hosts fertile river ecosystems and wilderness areas inhabited by a variety of animals and birds. We drive west along the Caprivi Strip running between Angola, Zambia and Botswana, from Namibia across to Zimbabwe.
In this lush part of Namibia we take a boat cruise on the Kwando River and go game viewing in Mahango Game Reserve. Mahango hosts a rich variety of wildlife and birds, such as endangered African wild dogs, elephants and hippos.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
A leisurely start on day five leaves time to relax in nature and do some bird watching at camp.
Then we follow the Kavango River into the main part of Namibia, passing traditional villages where local wooden crafts and carvings are produced along the way. Tonight we stay beside the Kavango River in Rundu, watching another lovely sunset over the bush. Dinner is an own expense meal at the lodge.
Breakfast / Lunch
Next, we drive to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top game parks. The national park is dominated by the Etosha Pan, after which the park is named.
Etosha hosts an abundance of wildlife including over 110 mammal species and about 340 bird species. Namibia's leading game park, Etosha is best known for its big elephant population and dramatic landscapes. The stark wilderness area is scattered with waterholes where an array of wildlife and birds can be spotted, often at close range. Etosha Park offers excellent black rhino sightings and chances of seeing rare black-faced impalas. On our game drives we might see lions, cheetahs and other predators, along with plenty of herbivores, including zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, eland and other antelopes.
We stay at a comfortable guest house near Etosha National Park.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today we travel onwards through the barren, rock-strewn plains of Kunene, we travel to Brandberg, Namibia's tallest mountain. Then we take a guided walk to the famous 'White Lady' san rock paintings with a local guide.
We spend the night at a lodge in the dry Ugab River, an area that is home to rare desert elephants.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
On day 10 we drive across open plains of Damaraland en route to the coastline of Namibia. Meeting the Atlantic Ocean we travel south along the Skeleton Coast stopping at Cape Cross to see one of the largest Cape Fur Seal colonies in the world.
Then we continue to the popular seaside destination of Swakopmund, once a major colonial port town. Today remnants of the German colonial history linger in the architecture, and European influences can be seen in the contemporary culture and lifestyles of Swakopmund.
The sights of Swakopmund are worth exploring and the town can easily be navigated on foot. Attractions include museums, art galleries, cafes, the beachfront and aquarium. There are also plenty of activities (extra cost) to enjoy - scenic flights, sand boarding, ocean safaris, horse rides, canoeing trips, dolphin cruises and more.
Breakfast x 2 / Lunch x 1
On day 12 we continue south on our African adventure, entering the ancient Namib Desert.
We spend the next two days experiencing the vivid landscapes of this massive desert, visiting the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Move through the tall dunes marvelling at their size and red-orange sands. Visit Sossusvlei on foot to see the stark white pan and silhouetted trees amid the fiery dunes. Alternatively you can take a 4x4 transfer (own expense) to the Sossusvlei pan. Walk into the Sesriem Canyon where history is recorded in layer-upon-layer of sedimentary rock.
The Namib Desert epitomizes Namibia more than any other place in the country with its striking desert landscapes and quiet solitude. The images of the desert glowing at sunset and sunrise will stay with you forever.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Travelling out of the mystical Namib Desert we traverse mountain passes on the way to Windhoek, in the middle of Namibia.
You have time to stroll around the city and visit attractions, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and mix of colonial German and African elements.
On our last night we eat out (own cost) in Windhoek and if you like you can also sample the nightlife.
Breakfast / Lunch
This Victoria Falls & Namibia Budget Lodge Safari ends in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, this morning.
Airport transfers can be requested when booking your safari.
Breakfast
This tour does take children.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age are accepted on group scheduled departures, travelling with an accompanying adult.
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More on this 21 Day Budget Lodge Safari
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