Desert and Delta - South  

  Duration12 Days

Day 1 – Victoria Falls

Your tour begins today in the town of Victoria falls, home to the spectacular Victoria Falls.  The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel.  

Day 2 – Victoria Falls – Kasane

This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls.  After lunch, we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana and will arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon, to set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day 3 – Kasane – Chobe National Park

For those that opt to participate in the optional game drive in Chobe National Park, you will be collected early from camp and will venture out in open 4×4 safari type vehicles.  You will return to camp in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.

Day 4 – Kasane – Chobe – Savuti – Khwai

You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart camp today.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.   Today’s journey from Kasane to Khwai (via the Savuti National Park) is expected to take approximately 10 hours.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles.  The road conditions can best be described as dense sand and depending on the season you are travelling in, could be through thick vegetation.  During the winter months (May-September) we strongly suggest layering up on clothing, pack a beanie and/or scarf and thick jacket.  Animal sightings can never be guaranteed while we transit/traverse these wilderness areas and any stops for viewing of the wildlife will add to the time spent in the 4×4 safari vehicle.  We suggest stocking up on snacks and at least 1 x 5l bottle of water in Kasane for the journey as there are no re-supply points.

The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east.  Today is a long day as we spend most of our day travelling via the various sectors including the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles.  Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible.  This afternoon we will arrive at our camp in the Khwai Conservation area.

Day 5 – Khwai Conservation Area
Heading out early, we transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta.  The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons.  Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your pole and after the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station.  While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.   After lunch, we will return to the Khwai Conservation Area for our afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles.  The game viewing routes chosen during the afternoon by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable.

Day 6 – Central Kalahari District

We will depart early this morning in our 4×4 vehicles and make our way to Maun, where upon arrival you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting).  In Maun, we will re-unite with our Nomad truck and will continue our journey towards the Ghanzi district in the central Kalahari.   Tonight we get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.  The nomadic San are hunter-gatherers that have passed down a rich knowledge of the plants and animals that play such an important part in their lifestyle.

Day 7 – Ghanzi – Windhoek

We start early this morning as we continue west and cross the border into Namibia, travelling onwards to the capital city of Windhoek. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport).

Day 8 – Etosha National Park  

Before taking aim for Etosha National Park, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. After our city walk, we have a full day of driving ahead of us and will reach the gates of Etosha National Park in the late afternoon.  We begin with our first game drive as we enter the park and travel the short distance to our overnight rest camp for the night.

Day 9 – Etosha National Park

Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park.

Day 10 – Kamanjab

We will rise early and enjoy our last game drive through Etosha as we make our way to the gates and exit the park. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of rugged mountains and dry river beds.

Day 11 – Brandberg White Lady

The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area.  After reaching our destination for the day, we will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). 

Day 12 –Swakopmund

The massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe tower 700 metres above the desert plains below and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for the seaside town of Swakopmund. Swakopmund is well known for its many adventure activities, coffee shops and rich German influence. Although you tour comes to an end upon arrival in Swakopmund, this evening you will have the opportunity to book some of the many exciting activities on offer should you wish to extend your stay in Swakopmund.