10 Day Unveiling Africa’s Wonders: Etosha National Park to Victoria Falls

Departing Windhoek, we travel north through extensive cattle farming areas and bushland to the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife and unique landscape. The rest of the afternoon is at our leisure once we reach the lodge located on the outskirts of the National Park. Accommodation this evening will be at Eldorado Lodge.

Etosha National Park has abundant wildlife, and the day is completely devoted to it. An arid salt desert surrounds Etosha Pan. Elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos are four of the ‘Big 5’ in the park. Over 114 different game species can be observed in the park, while over 340 species of birds can be seen by avid bird watchers around the waterholes. We leave the park and head to our lodge for the evening

Then, after breakfast, we embark on a north-easterly journey toward Namibia’s lush Kavango region. We then travel to Rundu, which is known for its extensive selection of wooden crafts. Kavango’s majestic woodlands and perennial rivers are a stark contrast to Namibia’s other regions. There are large expanses of reed-lined channels, floodplains, and forest covered floodplains. Several of the traditional huts and homesteads that are still in use today can also be found in this region. An optional Okavango River boat cruise can be enjoyed at our lodge.

Leaving the Okavango River behind, we follow the Zambezi River into the Zambezi Region. A stop in the small town of Divindu allows us to see some of the desert survival skills of the Khwe San bushmen and learn about their culture and traditions. This region of the Zambezi is lush, green, and riverine. A land of contrasts, Namibia is known for its juxtapositions. A large forest of trees and perennial rivers characterize the area. The soil, wildlife, and vegetation in this area vary greatly from those of most of Namibia, which is arid. This is a vibrant hotbed of subsistence farming and cattle grazing, along with well-known wood carving traditions.

We are immediately at the feet of our lodge on the banks of the Okavango River, overlooking the Popa Falls, which are a series of small rapids in a paradisiacal setting, before arriving at our lodge near the Mahango National Park, where we will spend the next two nights. Overlooking the Buffalo Park across the river, our rooms offer an unobstructed view. There is also the option of taking a boat cruise on the Okavango River or walking to a local Habukushu village in the late afternoon. Guests can also enjoy wellness treatments at the lodge.

The Mahango National Park is our next destination after an early breakfast. Since this is Namibia’s smallest and most densely populated National Park, it is the best place to watch wildlife and birds. Elephants and antelopes are abundant in Mahango National Park, which is not seen elsewhere in Namibia. Roan and sable antelopes, as well as tsessebes and red lechwes, are some of them. A number of sitatunga can also be found in the park. With over 400 species of birds to observe, Mahango National Park makes a great bird watching spot. You can visit a local village for an optional afternoon walk

The journey from Mahango National Park to the lush woodlands of the Zambezi River begins in the Zambezi Region. In these majestic riverine woods, countless antelopes, buffalo herds and elephants roam. A birding hotspot in Southern Africa, this area is home to over 400 species of birds. The afternoon will be filled with guided activities after you have settled in.

On our way to Kasane, we cross the border into the Chobe National Park. The room where we are staying for the next night is located in a wetland paradise where two mighty rivers meet, a haven for wildlife and nature. Take a trip to this magical destination and discover what it has to offer. There is a profusion and diversity of wildlife here that roams freely. Among the other game found here are buffalo, puku, lechwe, bushbuck, and kudu, as well as the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many areas of the adjacent game reserve are home to other important species such as lion, leopard, wild dog, sable, and roan antelope. Experience the numerous game species found along the banks of the Chobe River in the afternoon on a guided Chobe sunset river cruise.

During our early morning, we partake in an optional game drive offered by the lodge’s activity center, here we can enjoy the spectacular wildlife of the Chobe National Park. Enjoy breakfast and nature’s awakening before setting off on an open vehicle game drive with the lodge rangers to explore the Chobe River and see the foraging of wildlife such as elephants, lechwe, roan and waterbuck. The lodge serves breakfast overlooking the river on its terrace. Our last destination on this safari is Zimbabwe, where we are taken across the border after breakfast on the Chobe River Front. In and around Victoria Falls, there are a wide variety of activities to choose from in the afternoon.

As we explore Victoria Falls on foot, we discover why the Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A deafening roar and fine spray accompany this dramatic event, giving the falls its local name: Mosi-oa-Tunya – the “Smoke that Thunders”. The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure before returning to our hotel, located in the center of town. There will be a craft market where we can buy or browse handmade crafts of the locals (optional).

Your tour comes to an end today. You will be taken to Victoria Falls International Airport by your guide today, depending on your departure flight.