15 Day Namibia & Beyond to Victoria Falls Self–Drive

Day 1–2 Sossusvlei area

Collect your vehicle first thing after breakfast and from Windhoek, the start–point of your trip, drive through the stunningly rugged mountain landscapes and onto the desert. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sossusvlei and the incredible sand dune sea in early morning light when shadows are mesmerizing. The stark beauty of the Namib Desert makes this one of Namibia’s highlights yet desert–adapted animals manage to survive – look out for springbok, oryx and ostrich amongst the dunes.

Day 3–4 Swakopmund

Drive across the Gaub & Kuiseb Passes made up of shining mica schist, then cross the gravel plains towards Walvis Bay where you can stop at the lagoon, a RAMSAR protected wetland site; home for many different aquatic birds such as flamingo, pelicans, cormorant, avocets, the endemic Damara tern and many more. From here it is a short drive through to Swakopmund. Enjoy optional activities such as an afternoon scenic flight over the dunes of Sossusvlei, to the coast to see shipwrecks, old diamond mines, dunes falling into the ocean. Nestled in the dramatic coastline lies this quirky town offering a host of activities along with shops and restaurants set amongst German colonial architecture

Day 5 Twyfelfontein area

Drive north along the Skeleton Coast stopping to view a shipwreck just south of Henties Bay and easy seen from the beach; from here visit Cape Cross Seal Colony, where thousands of seal congregate on the beach. Damaraland’s harsh landscapes offer ancient Bushman art, rugged peaks and stark plains along with stunning landscapes of granite kopjies, gravel plains and dry riverbeds lined with trees such as camel thorns

Day 6–7 Okaukuejo/Halali, Etosha National Park

Destination Etosha! One of the best game reserves in Southern Africa, the park is home to many species of game including lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, giraffe and many types of antelope including the endemic black faced impala as well as 300 species of bird life. The floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo is renowned for its density of game during dry winter months

Day 6&7 Ongava Lodge, Ongava Reserve for Etosha National Park (superior/luxury option)

For upgraded options, your these 2 nights are spent on Ongava Private Game Reserve in one of the best reserves and lodges in Namibia, here you find a large pride of lions and can see white/black rhino in close proximity, sit and enjoy the floodlit waterhole or head out for a night drive. It is regarded as one of Namibia’s best reserves and destinations

Day 8 East Etosha, Etosha National Park

Continue with your game viewing as you criss–cross to the east aspect of the park – it’s worth a stop at Etosha Pan and viewing the endless vistas, shimmering mirages and spiralling dust devils. Look out for black–faced impala and the diminutive Damara dik–dik found the woodlands around the area. A final night is spent on the east of the park – either at Namutoni or Onguma Bush Camp (Onguma Private Game Reserve)

Day 8 Onguma Tented Camp, Onguma Reserve for Etosha (superior/luxury option)

For upgraded option, game drive across Etosha, criss–crossing the park and stopping at some of the many waterholes along the way. Look out for wildlife as it congregates around the waterholes, much of the year the only source of water. Spend tonight at the beautiful and intimate Onguma Tented Camp, the private Onguma Reserve is adjacent to Etosha on the east aspect of the park sharing Fischers Pan.

Day 9 Rundu area, Kavango

An early morning start for a long drive to Rundu, there is significant change along the way in Namibia’s more populated area in a region which receives the highest rainfall in the country – this is rural Namibia with villages and people; cattle and goat graze by the side of the road yet the region manages to feel wild and untamed in the game reserves.

Day 10–11, Mamili National Park/Bwabwata/Kwando River

Drive through the Caprivi/Zambezi Strip and Bwabwata Game Reserve today, keep your eyes open for animals such as elephant that may cross your path. Explore the former Mamili Park area, with game drives and nature at its wildest in and around the lush and tropical vegetation or along the Kwando River spotting "river horses" as hippos are known, along with crocs and plenty of water–loving antelope.

Day 12 Chobe River Front, Botswana

The lodge and campsite overlook to the Chobe River and there’s the chance to join optional activities including a highly recommended sunset boat cruise. Elephants abound frolicking in the river, along with sightings of predators, plains game and hippos/crocs! For the upgraded version, you’ll spend 1night in Mamili but 2nights at Chobe Water Villas a luxury establishment where you can enjoy game drives, river cruises and wonderful accommodation and service.

Day 13–14 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your final nights are spent in Victoria Falls where David Livingstone famously quoted ’scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight. Explore and experience the magic of Victoria Falls – whether you enter the rainforest inside the park and soak yourself from the spray of water, or enjoy breakfast on Livingstone Island or a sunset cruise along the river. For the adventurous white–water raft, bungee jump or zipline.

Day 15 Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for onward connection. End of services.