NAMIBIA - BOTSWANA - ZIMBABWE


14 Days / 13 Nights - Ultimate Wilderness Experience Safari

TOUR SUMMARY:

ITINERARY:

Day 1
Windhoek, Namibia
On arrival at the Windhoek International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek.

Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions.
Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements, which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes offering Namibian style breakfasts (Frühschoppen) which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.

Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House
Olive Grove is an up market establishment situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. Whilst each room caters for the every need of the most discerning traveller, the atmosphere remains one of simplicity and elegance. After all luxury should be subtle. One of Olive Grove’s main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for alfresco dining. The open air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.

Day 2
Waterberg Plateau National Park, Namibia
Embark on a beautiful journey through Namibia’s wide-open landscape to the Waterberg, stopping en route for a guided tour of the Olive Farm followed by lunch in these tranquil surrounds. Continue towards the Waterberg Plateau Park – renowned for its flamboyant red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. Home to a large variety of game, plant types and over 240 bird species, the Waterberg is also steeped in history – it was here that the Herero people lost their greatest battle to the German colonial forces at the beginning of the century.

Waterberg Plateau Park  is located 60 km east of Otjiwarongo and 300 km north east of Windhoek.  The plateau itself is 48 km at its longest point and 16 km at its widest and rises 200 metres above the surrounding African savannah, the Waterberg Plateau is a flamboyant brick-red sandstone formation with lush green vegetation, it is 1,878 metres above sea level.  The top of the plateau offers an ideal habitat to many rare and endangered species such as sable and roan antelope, tsessebe and white rhino. Leopards are also found, as are buffalo and over 200 bird species. Dinosaur tracks imbedded in sandstone can be seen on top of the plateau.

The natural beauty of Waterberg can be explored either by vehicle on a guided game-viewing tour, or on foot by means of guided wilderness trails.

Accommodation:  Bernabe De La Bat Rest Camp
Nestling amongst indigenous vegetation at the foot of the plateau, the rest camp was named after the first director of Namibia's Department of Nature Conservation.  The camp was designed to blend with the surroundings, and during construction as little as possible of the natural vegetation was disturbed. In addition, the reddish brown sandstone bricks of the buildings and their copper-coloured roofs echo the colour and texture of the cliffs overlooking the rest camp.

Day 3
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Continue north to the town of Otjiwarongo which provides a convenient stop over. As with most towns in central Namibia the name Otjiwarongo originates from the Herero language, which translated means “place of the fat cattle” or “beautiful place”. Given the central role that cattle play in the Herero culture, both meanings are appropriate. Continue via Outjo and enter into Etosha National Park through the Anderson Gate.

Etosha National Park is one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas and is one of the largest game reserve in Africa with a surface area of 22,270 km².
The park's focal point is the Etosha Pan - a flat saline desert, 130 km long by 50km at it’s widest in the eastern sector of the park. 
The Pan itself is believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a shallow lake fed by the Kunene River. Subsequent climatic and tectonic changes have since lowered the water level so that the pan only holds water for a brief period each year - it teems with flamingos and pelicans in the summer. The saline and mineral residues together with moisture from perennial springs attract an immense number and variety of game and birds from mid March into November just before the new wet season starts.

Of the 114 mammals species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. The latter is endemic to north-western Namibia and south-western Angola. Etosha’s current population of more than 600 black rhino represents one of the few growing populations of black rhino in the world.

The late afternoon is spent conducting game drives to the numerous waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. Returning to the camp before sunset. The evening will be spent game viewing around the floodlit waterhole.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchells and Hartman’s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.

Day 4
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Continue with a full day of game drives through the Etosha National Park visiting the numerous waterholes on route and the edge of the majestic Etosha Pan.
The evening will be spent game viewing around the floodlit waterhole.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Namutoni Rest Camp
The first fort, a six roomed building was erected during 1902. In 1904, however it was totally destroyed by Owambo raiders. In 1906 it was rebuilt and considerably enlarged and the fort never again came under attack. From 1910 onwards it served periodically as a police post but eventually fell into disuse. It was however rebuilt in 1956 according to its original design and opened in 1958 as a tourist camp.

Day 5
Rundu, Kavango Region, Namibia
After an early morning game drive, return to camp for breakfast, we depart to Rundu visiting the Ombili Stufung Foundation on route.  It is estimated that there are approximately 65 000 San People living in Southern Africa of whom 30 000 reside in Namibia. Traditionally the San had for centuries maintained a nomadic hunter - gatherer way of life. This life style allowed for very little possessions and was based on “the day comes and the day gives” philosophy, whereby meat was hunted and wild fruits and berries gathered as was provided by nature.

At the Ombili Foundation peoples of eleven different language groups have come together in an effort to work for a better future. The plight of the San prompted a group of idealistic farmers living in the north of Namibia to assist and the Ombili project was founded. The farmers who have lived and worked with San people for several generations believe it to be in the interest of Namibia to find a way whereby the San can be helped to adapt to modern life and ultimately achieve self reliance.

The transition from hunter-gatherer to self production is not easy and a daily routine has been introduced. Ombili has created 56 work places for the San,  these jobs include working in the vegetable garden, fields or with cattle, workshop, in the Kindergarten and hostel. Other San people, not having a permanent job, can apply for chopping poles or are free to attend the traditional work and the production of handcraft. The money earned this way is for personal needs and commodities such as tea, coffee, sugar, oil, tobacco, etc. which are sold at the local foundation shop.

Continue to Rundu with a visit on route to the Baobab Tree and the Wood Cravers market, arriving at the accommodation in the afternoon.

Accommodation: N'Kwazi Lodge
The lodge is situated about 20km east of Rundu, the lodge is built on the banks of the Okavango River and offers its guests activities such as boating, fishing, game drives, walking trails and horseback riding. In the evenings, one can relax and enjoy a candlelit dinner in the open plan restaurant with the optional performance of traditional dancers.

Day 6 & Day 7
Susuwe Concession - Bwabwata National Park - Caprivi, Namibia
After breakfast we continue our safari which takes us to the Caprivi Strip where we will visit the Mahango Game Reserve.  This little jewel of a game reserve is home to many unusual species such as roan and sable antelope, buffalo, large herds of elephant, hippo and many aquatic birds not found in the southern part of Namibia. After a brief visit to Popa Falls before continuing through the Caprivi Strip to the Susuwe concession, where the two night will be spent in the Susuwe concession and the adjacent Kwando area which is one of the largest unfenced wilderness areas in Southern Africa with only 40 guests in the entire area making this a true wilderness area.

Accommodation: Susuwe Island Lodge
Susuwe Island Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to experience closely a wild and untouched island of Africa. Situated in North-Eastern Namibia, the island is in the remote Kwando River - a permanent water source which nourishes delicate ecosystems and sustains varied game and birdlife. Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount here.

Susuwe Island Lodge is built to incorporate the riverine forest - the main complex has lofty canopy viewing decks overlooking endless savannahs, glistening lily-studded wetlands and ancient Kalahari woodlands, as well as a fire pit, spacious lounge and dining areas, curio shop and small reference library.

Six spacious brick and thatch suites equipped with double bathroom, bedroom, lounge and wooden viewing deck each with private plunge pool offer visitors the opportunity to merge unhurriedly with Africa's timeless evolution of hazy days and star-studded nights. Mosquito nets, overhead fans and hairdryers as well as generated electricity are provided.

At Susuwe game drives are in open 4 x 4 vehicles in the Bwabwata National Park, which was previously known as the Caprivi Game Reserve. Game sightings in this cradle of rivers could include vast herds of roaming elephant and buffalo, lion, hippo, leopard, sable, roan, lechwe and Puku for example. Night drives at Susuwe offer an even closer insight into the intrigue of the African bush.

Day 8
Chobe National Park, Botswana
This morning we will cross the border at Ngoma into Botswana.  Chobe is famous for its large herds of elephant and buffalo which offer a wonderful safari experience all year round with incredible profusion of game during the dryer (April - November).  Beautiful vegetation with a great diversity during the wet season.  Muchenje is the ultimate Wilderness experience of Chobe offering uninhibited game viewing.

Accommodation:  Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje Lodge offers unparalleled Safari experiences, situated on the Western side of Chobe National Park, Muchenje is the only lodge in this area and offers unique prolific game experiences.
Muchenje's central lodge has a stunning panoramic view of the Caprivi flood plains and overlooks its own waterhole and features dining area, bar, reception, curio shop, game viewing platform and library. The feature swimming pool is built amongst natural rock formations, taking advantage of the African vista..
Activities offered are Walking Safaris Game Drives, Chobe River Cruises, Village visits, Mountain bikes, Bird watching

Day 9 &10
Impalila Island, Chobe River, Namibia
After a morning game drive and breakfast we continue on to Kasane where we clear immigrations, a boat transfer to the Namibian border post and then onto Impalila Island.  Impalila Island is situated at the meeting place of two mighty African rivers, the Chobe and the Zambezi, and four countries, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. Impalila Island forms the north-eastern tip of Namibia and lies just 70km's west of Victoria Falls. The surrounding area is an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld: Host to exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities.

Accommodation:  Impalila Island Lodge
Impalila Island Lodge is a 16-bedded luxury lodge with much to offer discerning clients. The island is situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the place where 4 countries meet - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities. Impalila is also the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the very best of the Chobe River – that is game viewing by boat.

Game Viewing - At Impalila game viewing by boat in the Chobe National Park for Africa's big game is preferable during the mid afternoon to sunset when game comes down to the waters edge to drink. The Chobe is but a short distance away and one of the attractions is to take a late afternoon cruise into the Kasai channel and from there into the Chobe - renown for vast Elephant herds, Buffalo, Lion, Hippo, the rare Chobe Bushbuck and Puku. Elephant cross the Chobe onto Impalila Island often, and along with Hippo, Sitatunga can be seen from Impalila Island Lodge.
Guided walks - offer a closer insight into the ecological marvels of this Cradle of Rivers. At Impalila the surrounding islands offer unrestricted walks, including a visit to a 2000 year-old baobab from whose lofty heights all 4 countries and the convergence of the mighty rivers can be seen. Afro-Botanical walks offer insight into the traditional medicinal uses of plants and trees.
Fishing - A choice of fishing in the Zambezi, Chobe, Kasai or Kwando rivers as well as the Mambova rapids, and backwaters of the floodplains makes our island fishing opportunities magnificent. Fly fishing or traditional angling from either motorized boat or mokoro for a variety of African species is possible.
Birding - is excellent with over 450 species occurring here - including some of Africa's rarest species. The area attracts many migrants and the variety of habitats offer specials such as Pels owl, Rock pratincole, African skimmers, and Pygmy geese.
River Cruises - Impalila Island Lodge, situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, provides access to 120km's of Zambezi river - inhabited only by amazing bird and fish life and the odd traditional fishing village of the timeless Lozi people

Day 11 & 12
Matetsi Concession, Zimbabwe
After a leisurely breakfast a boat transfer will take us back through the immigrations to Kasane, Botswana and from there we will proceed to the Kazungula border post to enter into Zimbabwe; a short drive will take us to the Matetsi Concession.  Situated just 40 kilometres upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Matetsi extends over 45 000 hectares of pristine African wilderness – the largest private wildlife concession in the country. With 15 kilometres of exclusive Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi offers an unrivalled river experience in addition to spectacular game viewing and bird watching.

Matetsi is world-renowned as one of Africa’s most unforgettable natural retreats, the lush banks of the Zambezi River boast a remarkable array of African wildlife – including huge elephant and buffalo herds, and rare roan and sable antelope.

Accommodation:  Matetsi Water Lodge
Matetsi offers three romantic camps – West Water, North Water and East Water – are set on the riverbank under a canopy of lush, riverine trees. Each camp comprises six private suites with vast teak doors that swing open to plunge pools and decks with magnificent river views.
The layout of each camp ensures privacy and intimacy in an idyllic setting. Open sided, thatched guest areas consist of an elegant dining and sitting area with large fireplace. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the intimate riverside dining decks or in a surprise setting in Matetsi’s pristine wilderness.
Exciting safari activities: Matetsi’s location next to the great Zambezi River offers exhilarating water activities such as boat cruises, canoeing and fishing, in addition to excellent game viewing and bird watching.

Day 13
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After a morning activity and a leisurely brunch continue on to Victoria Falls.  Situated on the southern banks of the mighty Zambezi River is the quaint town of Victoria Falls, it is a travellers and adrenaline junkies Mecca. 
The original Victoria Falls town was called Old Drift, established as a wild west-style trading settlement on what is now the Zambian riverbank, shortly after David Livingstone's reports about the Falls began attracting Anglo traders. At the turn of the century, malaria started taking its toll and Old Drift was shifted to the site of present-day Livingstone in Zambia. The Zambezi Gorge was first bridged for the abortive Cape-to-Cairo railway in 1902, and with the railway came the first influx of tourists. 
Afternoon at leisure to explore the town, shop of African curios or part take in  the activities on offer. 

Accommodation:  Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers accommodation in a traditional African lodge style, but with all the comforts of a modern hotel. 3km from Victoria Falls, set high on a plateau in a natural bush environment which forms a boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park. Regular game activity and movement is a seen around the nearby waterhole.  All rooms & suites overlook the permanent waterhole & Zambezi-valley - each bedroom has its own balcony, air-conditioning and modern bathroom.

Day 14
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls International Airport where you will connect with your regional or international scheduled departure.

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Our tours are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailored to suit your specific needs: Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel