Namibia to Falls (Accommodated)
ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Admire iconic Spitzkoppe, spot incredible wildlife in Etosha and Chobe National Park and explore the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta on this 12 day accommodated overland safari. Travelling from Swakopmund on Namibia's Skeleton Coast to Livingstone in Zambia, where we end our adventure with a visit the spectacular Victoria Falls.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Day 1 Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund early this morning we drive into the Damaraland region to Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain where you can enjoy an incredible sunset.
Please note: Please arrive in Swakopmund at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 8am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book pre tour accommodation in Swakopmund and a transfer from Walvis Bay Airport (WVB) upon request.
Days 2-3 Etosha National Park
Days 2-3 Etosha National Park
Spitzkoppe - Etosha National Park. From Spitzkoppe we head north to Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.
We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 2 before spending our first night at a camp with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.
Day 3 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first camp, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Day 4 Windhoek
Day 4 Windhoek
Etosha National Park - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our camp is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia. Please note that some group members may be ending their tour in Windhoek.
Day 5 San Bushmen experience
Day 5 San Bushmen experience
Windhoek - Gobabis. Say goodbye to Windhoek as we travel east to the city of Gobabis, near the Botswanan border. Today we meet some of the local San Bushmen. The San culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa and we'll enjoy a bush walk and learn more about the way of life which has endured for centuries. The San people work with nature and manage their resources responsibly, something we could all learn from.
Day 6 Maun & optional Okavango Delta flight
Day 6 Maun & optional Okavango Delta flight
Gobabis - Maun (Botswana). Today sees us travelling to Maun in Botswana, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we haven't got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 15 instead.
Days 7-8 The Okavango Delta
Days 7-8 The Okavango Delta
Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 7 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our camp, which is located in the delta itself.
The following day we enjoy another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didn't have time for this on day 6. Horse riding is also offered, or you can simply relax by the pool at our camp.
Day 9 Nata Region
Day 9 Nata Region
Maun - Nata region. Today's drive takes us through a wildlife corridor between the desolate Nxai and Magkadigkadi pans. We'll stop en route to admire some of the region's towering baobab trees and arrive at our unfenced camp in the afternoon. If you're lucky, you could see all sorts of wildlife, including elephants and antelope, come right up to camp.
Day 10 Chobe River cruise
Day 10 Chobe River cruise
Nata Region - Kasane. We make the journey to Kasane in Botswana's north. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park and we'll enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River today. Chobe is home to huge herds of elephants, which we may be able to see down at the water's edge. Other species to look out for include hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and the rare African fish eagle.
Day 11 Chobe game drive & Victoria Falls
Day 11 Chobe game drive & Victoria Falls
Kasane - Chobe National Park - Livingstone (Zambia). This morning we transfer to specialized safari vehicles for a game drive in Chobe National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), although rhinos are very rare here.
It's then time to say goodbye to Botswana as we board a ferry in our overland truck to cross the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers into Zambia. Our destination is the town of Livingstone, Zambia's base for exploring Victoria Falls.
Known as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls is the world's largest falling sheet of water. There's an included visit to the waterfall today, and we set up camp at a campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Day 12 Livingstone
Day 12 Livingstone
Our tour ends after breakfast, but we highly recommend staying a few more days in the area in order to explore the Victoria Falls area to the full. Apart from the adventure activities already mentioned check out the markets, volunteer a day in some worthwhile local projects, or simply relax at the beautiful waterfront and watch the Zambezi River flow quickly past on its way to Victoria Falls.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Staying in the shadow of the dramatic Spitzkoppe rock formations is a memorable experience, and at the Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp you can enjoy this experience knowing that the proceeds from your stay go straight to supporting the local community. Although there is no electricity or Wi-Fi at this remote camp, guests can enjoy hot showers and there are shared bathroom facilities. There is a small onsite bar and restaurant, and braai BBQ facilities are also provided.
Featuring a large number of ensuite chalets, the highlight of Okaukuejo Camp is probably the floodlit watering hole, where it is possible to see all manner of animals close up, including elephants, black rhino and antelope. There's also an onsite swimming pool, shop, bar and restaurant serving daily buffet breakfast and other meals. Ensuite rooms feature a fridge as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.
Refurbished in 2007, Namutoni Rest Camp offers a luxury camp within Etosha National Park. Rooms are tastefully decorated all with private terraces to the front and rear. Namutoni is home to the famous German fort which overlooks the King Nehale waterhole. There are also a number of shops and restaurants for guests to enjoy. On an evening why not head up the wooden walkway to the water hole and watch the animals come down to drink. This resort can be found on the eastern side of world famous Etosha National Park.
Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp combines city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi and a sparkling pool all contribute to an oasis of calm. Permanent tents come with a private patio and BBQ area with garden views. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.
Situated 25km from the border with Botswana, Zelda's Guest Farm houses 16 simply furnished ensuite chalets. Facilities available to guests include a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Resident Nharo San families can also introduce guests to their traditional culture. There's a small watering hole onsite and additional game drives and bushman walks can be booked at reception.
A series of chalets located in shaded gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Maun. Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp offers travellers an a la carte restaurant, shared lounge, bar and sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi in communal areas. Chalets come with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and some have air-conditioning. There is also a communal swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
Located on the boundary of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Elephant Bush Camp is a rustic base for exploring the wildlife-rich Delta. There is an onsite dining area and pool, but the real charm here is the location, with elephants and other wildlife known to get very close to camp. 12 permanent tents form the accommodation, with ensuite bush bathroom including bucket showers. Optional activities including game walks and mokoro canoe trips can be booked onsite.
Set on an unfenced 16,000-hectare private conservancy, this bush lodge brings you face to face with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. View elephants as they come to drink from the natural waterhole just meters away. The guestrooms are arranged in spacious chalets and equipped with ensuite bathrooms. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar offering a range of local and international wines, beers and exotic cocktails. You can also enjoy the small outdoor pool, where you can cool off and enjoy the peace and serenity of the African bush.
Overlooking the Chobe River, this lodge complements the surrounding bush with its rustic design. Its guestrooms are nestled around a courtyard and offer free WiFi, air conditioning and an ensuite. Guests will also enjoy the swimming pool and hearty meals at the Thebe Restaurant. With both covered and al fresco dining areas, this restaurant boasts a wood-fire pizza oven and one of the best breakfasts in town. The bar’s buzzing atmosphere draws both visitors and locals, serving cold beverages alongside a satellite TV for you to catch up on the latest international news and sports.
Just a few kilometres from one of Africa's finest natural wonders and found within Mosi oa Tunya National Park, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent base for discovering the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Basic chalets are located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Boasting air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, and ensuite facilities with private verandah. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.
Tour Reviews
Food was terrible - as someone who doesn't eat pork, there were days to avoid a ham sandwich the choices were bread or cheese. Had one been celiac, the choice may have been cheese. Accommodation- there were better accommodation options a short drive away from the campsites to give those willing to pay more a better experience. Some stays didn't have outlets in the room. The guide tried his best, but this was his third tour. Sometimes he'd say we have a 4hrs drive ahead and it turned out being only 40mins, the opposite happened a few times where the drive was much longer than it was said to be. For the itinerary, on one day we had a very early departure - 6:30am. however we made it to the next stop by 1pm and were told the rest of the day was at leisure. Why not leave at 9am to arrive by 3pm allowing everyone to get more rest? To add, the very next day we had another 4-5 hour drive. why not do this 8hour drive in a single day and then spend 2nts in a row at the same accommodation? overall, it was a "fine" tour, not a "good" tour.
The tour was great. Our guide and truck driver were amazing. The food was good. The only thing I had a complaint about was the truck. They are quite old compared to some of the other companies. No charging facilities on board while we are moving and we had a breakdown in the middle of a National park. Our guide and driver were amazing in the breakdown situation so no complaints there.
Extras and add-ons
Add on: Livingstone Airport Shuttle Transfer
Add on: Walvis Bay Airport Shared Transfer
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