Compare South West Safari (19 days) by Acacia Africa vs Namibia & Botswana: Dunes & Delta by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 19 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 1,980 | $ 4,890 |
| Price Per Day | $ 104 | $ 326 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
18 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches and 14 Dinners |
All breakfasts, four lunches and eight dinners are included. For meals not included, please allow the equivalent of approximately £12.50/US$15 per meal per person. Some meals are in restaurants or the lodges while others are prepared by the crew. Camp meals are freshly cooked over the campfire. They are wholesome and plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not always easy to get fresh meat. However, the standard of food is generally good. Breakfast: Cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, pasta, salads, bread or rolls Dinner: Potjie (stew), braai (barbecue) or stir fries Vegetarians are well catered for on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited. |
| Description |
From Africas premier attraction, Victoria Falls to its most beautiful city Cape Town via the worlds oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquillity of the Okavango Delta, dramatic Fish River Canyon and Etosha and Chobe game reserves this overland safari is a superb introduction to southern Africa filled with adventure travel sights and activities. |
Namibia and Botswana are two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa and on this itinerary we safari in their most renowned and distinct wildernesses: Etosha National Park and the Okavango Delta. Etosha has an arid landscape scattered with waterholes, where a variety of animals reluctantly congregate for a drink. By contrast, the Okavango is a lush habitat of grassy plains and reed-lined channels carved by wandering elephants. But there is more to this region than wildlife. From the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei to the San people’s culture in the Kalahari and the adventure-sport scene at Swakopmund, there is something for everyone on this epic 15-day trip.Discover the wildlife and contrasting landscapes of Namibia and Botswana |
Day 1: Livingstone
This safari starts and spends the first day in Livingstone, allowing time to enjoy one or two activities and excursions typically available in the Victoria Falls area. If you have time to spare we would certainly recommend allowing a few extra days here to make the most of the area. Activities include white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, gorge swinging, canoeing and horse riding, scenic flights (by microlight, helicopter or small plane), and – a definite ‘must!’ - visit to the thunderous Victoria Falls themselves. At times of high river levels the spray can be seen from 20 kilometres away, hence the local name Mosi au Tunya – the ‘smoke that thunders’. Overnight at camp in Livingstone.
NB For the sake of practicality, meals in the Livingstone/Victoria Falls area are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back with the group at mealtimes. The Waterfront camp restaurant overlooks the Zambezi River and offers a good selection of reasonably priced meals and snacks throughout the day (we suggest you allow US$25 per day).
Day 2: Chobe National Park
After breakfast we leave Livingstone and travel the short distance to Botswana and the Chobe National Park. Situated in the extreme northern corner of Botswana, Chobe is home to large populations of elephant as well as lion and abundant birdlife, including the African fish-eagle. In the late afternoon, we take an afternoon cruise on the Chobe River - a delightful way to see hippo or elephant, sometimes buffalo, come to the river for bath and drink.
Day 3 – 5: Elephant Sands, Nata - Maun - Okavango Delta
We drive south via Elephant Sands, Nata to the Okavango Delta. This delta is a natural wetland system spreading over some 1.6m hectares of northern Botswana, the results from rivers that rise in Angola and flow south then divide repeatedly to form an intricate floodplain of channels and islands which spreads out into a broad flat inland delta – the only one of its kind in the world. Here we explore amongst the giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels in search of hippo, crocodile and a variety of birds. We travel on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe) and stay at our tented camp for a night on one of the river islands. The Okavango is a very unspoilt area and spending time out amidst the wilderness and the rivers listening to sounds of the African night is an unforgettable experience!
Day 6 – 7: Ghanzi, Windhoek
Leaving the Okavango we travel south-west skirting the Kalahari. We stop at Ghanzi and take a guided Bushman Walk to discover some of the secrets of this immense terrain and gain a glimpse of how the indigenous people live in this area. The following day we continue west into Namibia and stop a night in the capital Windhoek, a city steeped in German atmosphere and architecture. Enjoy the contrast from the previous few nights, perhaps with a flagon of ale at one of the local taverns.
Day 8 – 11: Windhoek – Etosha - Spitzkoppe
Leaving Windhoek we travel north to Etosha National Park, a reserve surrounding a giant salt pan. We track game for two days in this vast arid region and camp beside a floodlit waterhole, on the lookout for night time wildlife. From Etosha we travel on to beautiful Damaraland, and Spitzkoppe with its rocky outcrops and ancient bushman paintings, and set up camp amongst the idyllic scenery.
Day 12 – 15: Swakopmund – Namib Naukluft National Park - Bethanie
From Spitzkoppe we head south to the coastal town of Swakopmund where we can relax or enjoy optional activities such as quad-biking, skydiving or sand-boarding! We continue south to the Namib Naukluft Park, the world’s oldest desert. Clamber to the top of a dune for a dramatic view over the vast red sands at dawn and enjoy a walk through the dunes. Leaving the park, we head south through the arid lands to Bethanie and our camp for the night.
Day 16-19: Fish River canyon – Gariep (Orange) River - Western Cape – Cape Town
Further south we visit another natural wonder of Africa - Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. Crossing the border into South Africa we camp on the banks of the Gariep (Orange) River and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The tour ends in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, one of the world’s most attractive cities where the tour ends. If time allows we recommend you spend a few days exploring the city and surrounds. Take advantage of the variety of activities normally available here – from abseiling Table Mountain and shopping at the V&A Waterfront, to wine tasting in the nearby winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch.
Day 1 Start Windhoek
The adventure starts in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. In town, we have the chance to change money and pick up any supplies we may need. We then drive to our lodge and spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing. Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Day 2 Drive to Ghanzi; walk with the San people in the Kalahari
Leaving Windhoek, we drive east towards Botswana. Our destination today is Ghanzi, a small town in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Late in the afternoon, we join indigenous San people on a 60 - 90-minute walk into the bush to learn first-hand how to survive in this arid environment. In the process, learn more about San culture and the wildness they live in. Total drive: 330mi (530km), 7hrs 30mins Accommodation: Ghanzi Trailblazers (or similar)
Day 3 To Okavango Delta
Today we travel into the Okavango Delta after lunch. Following lunch and a welcome briefing, we board mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) and head to our Delta camp (depending on water levels we may drive in a 4×4). Pack light for the next three days, all luggage goes to camp by mokoro. Camp is ready for us on arrival and we meet the local staff who are our hosts for the next few days. The camp is made of dome tents fitted with camp beds, a mess tent and bathrooms that have a bush-shower and toilet. Camping allows us to experience Africa at its fullest, with the sounds of the Delta around us and some of the best views of the Milky Way you are likely to see. Total drive: 185mi (300km), 4hrs Accommodation: Okavango Delta wild camp
Day 4 Full day exploring the Okavango Delta by foot and dugout canoe
Day 5 Morning walking safari; return to Maun
After another early start, we enjoy one final exploration of the Delta before returning to our collection point by mokoro. Following lunch, we drive to the town of Maun where we have a free afternoon to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities available, such as scenic flights or helicopter rides. Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Transfer to Guma Lagoon; optional boat ride
We have a relaxed morning before heading to the northern part of the Okavango Delta. Leaving our vehicle behind, we take a 4×4 transfer to our lodge, which is located on the banks of the Delta. This area is a birdwatcher’s haven, there is also the option of an afternoon boat ride. Total drive: 220mi (350km), 5hrs 30mins Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 Cross border back into Namibia; to Rundu
We continue our journey north and cross back into Namibia through the Mohembo border post. From here, we travel in Mahango National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, which can commonly be seen from the roadside. Our drive along the Caprivi Strip takes us to the small town of Rundu, situated on the Okavango River close to the Angolan border. This town is our home for the evening. Total drive: 250mi (400km), 6hrs 30mins Accommodation: Nkwazi Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 To Etosha National Park
Our destination today is Etosha National Park. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before heading to our accommodation. We typically stay within the park on some or all of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are located next to waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives, which you can book and pay for on arrival. Total drive: 280mi (450km), 8hrs Accommodation: Namutoni Lodge (or similar)
Day 9 Full day in Etosha
In complete contrast to the Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park is a relatively arid wilderness of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large saltpan. It is scattered with waterholes where a great variety of animals congregate to drink, making them fairly easy to find. Zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants and lions are all present, while the park is also home to several black rhinos. Additionally, Etosha is a good place for birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. Accommodation: Okaukuejo Lodge (or similar)
Day 10 Drive to Brandberg
Leaving Etosha, we stop by the small town of Outjo before continuing our journey towards Brandberg,the highest mountain in Namibia, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for the desert elephants that roam the Ugab River, while stargazing is normally spectacular from this remote spot. Total drive: 235mi (380km), 6hrs Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge (or similar)
Day 11 Visit the White Lady rock painting; transfer to Swakopmund
We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we enjoy a walk through a valley for approximately 1hr 30min. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the famous White Lady rock painting which, along with a number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by indigenous San people at least 2,000 years ago (please note, if elephants walk into this area then it might be too dangerous to do the walk – in this case we typically go on a game drive looking for elephants). Afterwards, we head towards the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal town of Swakopmund. This small German colonial resort town has quaint cake shops and coffee houses and is known as a centre for adrenaline activities. Total drive: 185mi (300km), 4hrs 30mins Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 Free day for optional activities
Today is a free day to enjoy one of the many optional activities on offer in and around town. On the water, you can go deep-sea fishing; in the desert, you can go sandboarding and quad-biking; and in the sky, you can fly over the Skeleton Coast. Or if none of these appeal, spend the day enjoying fantastic Viennese-style cakes, walk along the beach or nearby dunes, or just watch the world pass in this town that seems strangely out of place in Africa. Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Morning stop at Walvis Bay; drive through Namib Desert to Sesriem
After breakfast, we visit nearby Walvis Bay where we hopefully see flamingos. Our journey then takes us through the Namib-Naukluft National Park – home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. The park contains spectacular desert scenery and there are photo opportunities along the way. Total drive: 210mi (340km), 5hrs 30mins Accommodation: Weltevrede Guestfarm (or similar)
Day 14 Explore the Sossusvlei dunes; optional excursion to Deadvlei
We have an early start so we can see the tallest dunes in the world in the morning light. We also have the opportunity to climb one of the dunes for fantastic views of the area. After, we can either walk to Hiddenvlei or take a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei, where ancient acacia trees in the desert form an eerie scene. If we’re lucky, we may see gemsbok or ostriches among the dunes. In the afternoon, we take a walk in Sesriem Canyon before returning to our accommodation. In the evening, we enjoy our final dinner together. Total drive: 125mi (200km), 3hrs 30mins Accommodation: Weltevrede Guestfarm (or similar)
Day 15 Return to Windhoek; end
We typically have an early start this morning as we have a long drive back to Windhoek where the tour ends. If you’d like to spend a bit longer in Namibia, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Total drive: 210mi (340km), 6hrs Please note: The group transfer back to Windhoek is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
