Countries: Zambia , Namibia
Destinations: Livingstone , Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) , Etosha National Park , Damaraland , Swakopmund , Namib Desert , Windhoek
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 15
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
Zambia's Victoria Falls are one of the highlights of the natural world. Add time in Namibia's spectacular desert landscapes and you have one compelling combination. There's an abundance of wildlife in Etosha National Park, then the atmospheric wilderness of Brandburg Mountain and the Sossusvlei dunes.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 - 2 : Livingstone
Tour departure meeting at 14:00pm. Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and we take 2 days to explore this area. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, helicopter flights or an 111m bungee jump (own expense).
A land competing with the best when it comes to wild and action packed safaris, Zambia offers a world of exploration and adventure.
While sharing the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, Zambia also has some truly wild and spectacular destinations of its own. With some magical national parks offering great wildlife experiences, Zambia has developed a name for its excellent guides, and exciting safari activities.
Accessed by air via either South Africa or Kenya, or by road from Botswana or Zimbabwe, Zambia offers full safari itineraries, or can be a great combination with other East or Southern African countries.
In general, due to the remoteness of the parks in Zambia, fly-in safaris are popular, although mobile road safaris are available. A major highlight of a Zambian safari is the isolation of many of the luxurious camps.
"Mosi Oa Tunya," or "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Day 3 : Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
Crossing out of Zambia into the Caprivi strip, we spend two days travelling west through this game rich area. Near Katima Mulilo we explore by boat a permanent lake flooded by the Zambezi River, where we'll witness extraordinary birdlife, and we’ll game drive in the Mahango Game Reserve on the flood plains of the Kavango River.
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
In the north east of Namibia, bordering Angola, Botswana and Zambia, the Caprivi region is a mosaic of woodlands, rivertine forests, swamps and rivers and home to an abundance of game and birds. Community campsites and joint venture lodges are set in amazing places.
The wildlife is protected by several reserves: Mamili, Bwabwata, Lizauli and Mudumu. There are no fences, therefore the animals roam freely across the borders of Namibia's neighbouring countries, Botswana and Zambia.
Caprivi land based activities include exciting game drives and walking safaris, while the tranquil waterways are ideal for game viewing by boat, canoeing and tiger fishing. Birdwatchers will have a wonderful time spotting more than 400 species of bird..
Caprivi Mutoya Lodge, a small owner-run lodge, is situated in a small riverine forest, on the banks of a tranquil backwater lake of the Zambezi River, approximately 24km east of Katima Mulilo. A variety of accommodations include contemporary standard rooms, standard safari tents in the campsite, and a campsite. Leading off the restaurant and bar is a deck area offering magnificent views and sunsets. Activities include boat cruises, canoeing, forest walks, village tours, and floodplain drives.
Also on offer is a nature-inspired workshop/conference pavilion set amongst ancient indigenous trees.
Ngepi Camp is situated in the upper reaches of the Okavango delta panhandle in the western Caprivi strip, Kavango region. The camp is set on an island under trees, with frontage on to a permanent river and surrounded by seasonally flooded swamps. It is an area with abundant wildlife, between Mahango National park, a short distance to the south, and Bwabwata National Park directly opposite across the river. Great care is taken to ensure the camp is as environmentally friendly as possible and involves the local community in many ways.
The prime accommodation in the camp is in the en suite tree houses built on the rivers edge, each house fitting the trees structure naturally. The houses have simple decor, with roll down reed walls and an evaporative air-conditioning system which uses a garden spray system on the roof as well as a cooling with a system of natural air flow.
There is a river view dining area with a bar, a complimentary coffee station, and a curio shop with high quality craftsman made items.
The novel swimming pool is a steel cage floating in the clear and clean river.
Ngepi offers a variety of activities to give a full delta experience, including sunset and sunrise boat cruises, fishing, mokoro trips, Dragon River Rafting, guided nature and village walks, and game drives in the National Parks.
Children of all ages are welcome, but there are age restrictions on some activities.
The camp is accessed by road from the east in Namibia, and the west and south from Botswana. Light aircraft are served by the nearby Bagani Airstrip in Divundu as well as Shakawe Airstrip to the south in Botswana.
Day 5 : Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
After a morning enjoying the abundant birdlife that surrounds the camp, our road takes us along the Kavango River. Villages of grass huts and local wooden crafts and carvings a common sight. We stop for the night at our riverside lodge in Rundu and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
With 12 en-suite thatched bungalows, a restaurant, bar and lounge with free Wi-Fi, sparkling clear swimming pool, sunset river cruises, traditional dances, a wide variety of bird life, cultural excursions and the possibility to help the Mayana Community through sponsoring orphaned children, nKwazi Lodge is the perfect stop between the Etosha National Park in Namibia, and the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Day 6 - 8 : Etosha National Park
We head deeper into Namibia to the Etosha National Park. The National Park surrounds the Etosha Pan and is locally named “the great white place of dry water”. Waterholes surround the pan and attract game. Etosha is known for great sightings of elephant, antelope and lions. Our lodge lies on the boundary of the park and we spend our mornings and afternoons on game drives.
Meaning "Place of Dry Water," Etosha is the best wildlife destination in Namibia, and at certain times of year can rival any game reserve in Africa.
Formed around the enormous and beautiful Etosha Salt Pan, the national park is home to an incredible number of species, including black rhino, the endemic black faced impala, thousands upon thousands and springbok, zebra, wildebeest and the majestic gemsbok (oryx).
During the dry season, these animals are drawn in their masses to the very few remaining water holes, and it is not uncommon to see a few hundred of several different species all in one location at one time.
Being roughly a 5 hour drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is also accessible by air, and is definitely a highlight of a Namibian safari itinerary.
Tarentaal Guest Farm is situated 35 km from the southern gate of the Etosha National Park and is an ideal place to stay for visitors to the park. We provide the hospitality only to be expected in Namibia.
Come and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a typical Namibian live stock farm with a buffet of delicious home cooked meals.
Day 9 : Damaraland
Our journey covers some beautiful desert landscapes as we move south towards the Brandberg Mountain. Our lodge is situated in the dry Ugab River which is home to the rare desert elephants. We take a walk with a local guide to view the famous White Lady rock painting in the area.
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer.
With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.
You have travelled! You have seen places! Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland will add to your travel experience through Damaraland. This is our promise.
Since its opening in 2002, Brandberg White Lady Lodge has become a destination of choice for nature orientated tourists looking for an experienced guide to take them on a wildlife safari in Damaraland.
Our clients visit us from all over the globe not only for our experience and professionalism, but also for our hospitality in the Lodge, the friendliness of our staff and the tranquility of the Damaraland Camp. Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland is a place where you will feel at home and enjoy a true warm-hearted hospitality and friendship. Whether you camp or stay in a chalet - there will be nothing you'll miss.
Here, at the foot of Namibias highest Mountain, nothing has changed since the earth's early days. Clocks, cellphones and watches are not part of this world. Here, you have got time.
Day 10 - 11 : Swakopmund
We cross flat open plains to the coast where we visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Further south is the coastal town of Swakopmund where we have a day free to explore the town or try sea kayaking or dune boarding (own expense). German colonial influences are strong in the town of Swakopmund as is reflected in the restaurant menus and the architecture.
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
Hotel Pension A La Mer is situated in the heart of Swakopmund only 20 seconds away from the beach and historical jetty. With our warm and friendly atmosphere, we offer you charming accommodation in your choice of 46 en-suit bedrooms, including a sumptuous breakfast. Security service as well as secured parking and free wireless internet is part of our service.
Certain units feature a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a shower.
Day 12 - 13 : Namib Desert
The lunar landscapes surround the town of Swakopmund and we visit these as we leave and head into the Namib Desert with its towering red sand dunes. We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and from the comfort of our lodge outside the national park watch a dramatic sunset over the world’s highest sand dunes.
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert experience is one which will remain in your memories forever. With the night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and the sunrises and sunsets casting the most gorgeous colours over the dunes, the Namib will enchant you in many ways.
Stretching about 1 200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Amazing too is that San Bushmen have tackled this environment for hundreds of years, and succeeded!
Desert Camp is is situated on a 40 000 hectare private reserve, with views over the desert landscapes and surrounding mountains, 5 km from Sossusvlei Lodge and the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Nauklauft Park. .
There are 28 spacious air-conditioned units with en-suite bathrooms, shaded verandas with a fitted kitchenette, barbeques, power points and adjacent parking areas. The units are intended for self-catering occupation, but the restauarant and other facilities at Sossusvlei Lodge can be utilized.
The facilties at Desert Camp main building include a fully stocked and serviced bar with big screen television, a swimming pool and 2 communal bomas with cooking and wash up facilities. Wi-Fi is access available at the bar area.
The nearby Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre offers a range of desert activities including guided excursions and walks, hot-air ballooning, scenic flights, and sundowner drives.
Children of all ages are welcomed.
The camp is accessible to all vehicles on well-maintained gravel roads and is about a 1 hour flight from Windhoek, Swakopmund or Walvis Bay to the Sossusvlei landing strip.
Day 14 : Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital and largest city in Namibia, its charm lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people and an interesting mix of modern and German colonial era influenced architecture. We arrive late in the day and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
Welcoming guests in Namibia for over two decades, Guesthouse Terra Africa is the ideal starting point for the adventure that is Namibia.
12 Comfort Collection rooms ranging Twin to Family options in classic African themed design, a tranquil garden and pool, allow you to enjoy your stay in Windhoek.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with light lunch and bar facilities available. Our DeVine Wine & Eatery is right next door to enjoy beautiful sunset views for sundowners and dinner.
Welcome to the land of the golden dunes, Namibia – welcome home at Terra Africa!
