Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Namibia & Botswana Deserts of Namibia to Floodplains of Okavango Delta Namibia and Botswana

 Deserts of Namibia to Floodplains of Okavango Delta
Namibia & Botswana  - 13 day

Day 1&2            Kalahari Desert
Upon arrival from your flight you will collect your vehicle and drive from the airport into the heart of the Kalahari Basin.  For the first two nights of your holiday you will be based in this 7,000ha game reserve.  Formerly a sheep and cattle farm it is now home to various species of game such as kudu, giraffe, springbok and also cheetah – the cheetah are part of a conservation programme run by CCF – Cheetah Conservation Fund and will give you a chance to see these elegant cats at close quarters.  There is also a family of meerkats living close to the lodge and their antics are guaranteed to entertain you.  The main lodge has an excellent library, dining area and lounge as well as a swimming pool to relax around.  Activities include nature and sunset drives, visits to the cheetah reserve and nature walks.  Overnight is based in a double room with en-suite facilities on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Driving time approx 3 hours

Day 3&4            Zebra River Lodge
Nestled amongst the rocks of the Tsaris Mountains lies Zebra River Lodge.  This family run lodge and its assortment of cats and dogs, friendly atmosphere and home-from-home feel is guaranteed to make you want to stay longer.  You can relax around the pool, on your verandah or take walks in the surrounding hills, canyons and valleys. The views are magnificent and a complete contrast to much of the desert landscape of gravel plains and sand dunes you encounter.  Walks can be anything from an hour to a full day so perfect for those wanting to stretch their legs or challenge themselves a little more.  Dinners are normally served around a large table as a group where you can chat to other guests and exchange stories, though if you prefer a candlelit table for the pair of you can be arranged.  Full board basis – driving time approx 4 hours

Day 5&6            Desert Homestead – Namib Naukluft
With under 1hours drive to your next destination today there is ample opportunity to laze around in bed or take another walk before departing.  However, the landscape along the way changes dramatically as you leave the flat topped mountains and descends to the desert floor with huge open plains and endless vistas.  The lodge has a large terrace with a rock garden and beautifully refreshing swimming pool and each of the chalets are private and welcoming with their own verandah overlooking the desert.   The interiors are simple to look at but nevertheless stylish and elegant.  From here you can explore Sossusvlei and the incredible sand dune sea that Namibia is notorious for.  This can be seen with an optional activity run by the lodge or alternatively you can drive yourselves.  These towering dunes stand around 250-300m above the plains and are part of the oldest desert in the world, a fascinating variation of plant and animal life survive in this harsh environment.  It’s worth the early morning to see the colours change in the desert as the sun rises over the horizon casting shadows first thing before softening to pastel colours during the heat of the day and best explored before the scorching sun makes it too hot.  Nearby Sesriem Canyon is also worth a visit before you return to the lodge later.  Desert Homestead also offers sunset horse rides for those more adventurous.  Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 7              Amani Lodge
This morning you may wish to enjoy a romantic hot air balloon ride and one of most enthralling optional activities on offer.  At first light passengers are gathered to the take-off site and watch as the balloons are unfurled and prepared, then everyone climbs into the basket and with a blast of the burner lifts into the air.  You’ll sail over mountains, plains and maybe dunes – it all depends on the direction of the wind.  The burner only occasionally interrupts the silence otherwise you float along enraptured by the beauty that surrounds you.  After an hour you’ll land and a full champagne breakfast will be prepared in the heart of the desert – a worthy finish to the flight before you are transported back to your lodge.  From here you drive back towards Windhoek.  Amani Lodge is situated at the top of the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range about 20km from the city.  Each of the tastefully decorated bungalows enjoys a magnificent view and this afternoon you can enjoy a "Big Cat Tour" where you will have the opportunity to visit cheetah - part of the Cheetan Conservation Fund programme to release cheetah back into the wild.  You can also see their lion and leopard and get some great photos, before returning to the lodge for a sun downer drink.  Bed and breakfast basis, includes Big Cat Tour

Day 8              Windhoek
After a leisurely start, depart from Amani to drive through to the city for your final night in Namibia.  Overnight is based in a double room with en-suite on a bed and breakfast basis.  Additional meals at own expense.

Day 9-13            Okavango Delta, Botswana
                             -2 nights Gunn’s Camp/Moremi Crossing
                             -2 nights Pom Pom Camp
This morning you will drive to the airport where you will drop your vehicle and take your onward flight to Maun.  From here you will be collected and join a 4-night safari.  Your adventure starts with a scenic flight from Maun and takes in the magnificence of the winding, papyrus fringed channels that make up one of the worlds greatest wetland regions. You will be able to see some of Africa's most celebrated animals from a bird's eye view –500 FT above the ground. Overlooking the legendary Chiefs Island and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Gunn's Camp is one of the last few remaining luxury, vintage safari camps. Set under leafy palms and African Ebony to blend naturally with its unique surroundings, Gunn's Camp achieves a fine balance of comfort without isolating guests from the sights and sounds of the wilderness.  Activities are included and you will spend time as part of the bustling river life by easing between the papyrus-clad banks on traditional “Mokoro” canoes.  Skilled “poler” guides, allow the guests to sit back and absorb the scenery, propel these from the stern. Alternatively you can join game walks and motorised boat cruises.  Overnight is in luxury meru style tents on a fully inclusive basis, after 2 nights of enjoying Pom Pom Camp you will take a chartered flight from Gunns Camp to PomPom Camp.  The camp is located on Pom Pom Island in a private concession situated in the heart of the Delta and has nine luxury safari tents in a true safari style.  All of the tents have full en-suite semi open ablution facilities to appreciate the full beauty of the region.  The main building is constructed of thatch and canvas and comprises of a lounge, dining, bar and pool area, as well as a gift shop and boma area.  Activities include game drives, night drives, mokoro trips and walks.  You will have the chance of seeing all major predators, a variety of big and plains game, as well as an abundance of bird life including noisy plovers, knob-billed ducks, saddle-billed storks and a whole variety of colourful kingfishers and a wealth of other residents.  Overnight is in luxury tents on a fully inclusive basis – please note that this section of the itinerary may be reversed.  Fully inclusive with chartered flights

Day 13                        Maun
You will be flown back to Maun this morning where you can take your onward connection. End of services