16 Day Highlights of Southern Africa Guided Safari

Your adventure begins in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Upon landing at Windhoek International Airport (arrival requested by midday), you will be greeted by a driver and transferred to your comfortable guesthouse. Take the afternoon to refresh after your travels before meeting your professional guide. The day concludes with a fascinating city tour, introducing you to historic landmarks such as Christ Church, the “Ink Palace” (Parliament), and the bustling Independence Avenue. In the evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants to kick off the journey

After breakfast, the urban landscape fades away as you journey south. Leaving the tarmac behind, the route traverses winding dirt roads and mountain passes, offering your first taste of Namibia’s vast, open beauty. Your destination is the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. You will settle into the Agama Lodge, situated near the Naukluft Mountains which glow purple in the twilight. For a truly unique experience, you can choose to sleep under the glittering starlit sky on your private rooftop terrace (optional extra)

You leave for the Namib Naukluft Park at the crack of dawn. We are excited about our morning in the Namib dunes. Despite the somewhat challenging and sandy ascent, it is well worth the effort to reach the top of Dune 45 for an unforgettable view across the seemingly endless sea of dunes. It is well-known that Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei consist of white clay pans, rust-red dunes, and a dark blue sky, which create a striking contrast. A visit to the Sesriem Canyon is also included. It is possible to walk through sections of this canyon during the dry season. You return to your lodge slowly after an exciting morning. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in the pool or taking a refreshing dip in the pool. Agama Lodge is your destination for another night.

Your journey takes you toward the Atlantic Ocean. We drive past the Bloedkoppie, along the Welwitschia Drive, and to the viewpoints from which you can view the Moon Landscape in Swakopmund, south-east of the city. In addition to its bizarre rock formations, this landscape is also fascinating to nature lovers due to its alien appearance. Now you are in Swakopmund, a charming coastal town. Visit the old train station and the Woermannhaus as part of a walk through the town. On the following day, you may spend the day as you wish. Enjoy a stroll through the streets of the city or along the promenade. If you prefer, you can participate in one of the many activities offered, such as a boat cruise or a desert safari that tracks the Little Five (optional). We recommend that you join your fellow travellers for dinner (own expense) at one of the many restaurants in the area. You will be staying at Swakopmund Guesthouse for these two nights.

Leaving the coast, you will stop briefly at the Zeila shipwreck for a photo opportunity before heading inland past the imposing Brandberg Mountain. Your destination is Damaraland, a region known for its raw, geological beauty. You will visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa. A guided walk will reveal these ancient cultural treasures before you retire to your lodge for dinner and a nightcap

The morning is devoted to a visit to the nearby Damara Living Museum where you can learn about the traditions of the Damara, one of Namibia’s oldest tribes, and their ancient survival techniques. You will now proceed to the next destination on your tour: Etosha National Park. During the next few days, we will be on a safari at one of the most popular national parks in Southern Africa. You search for elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, zebras, and different types of antelopes together with your guide. Your guide will share their extensive knowledge about the fascinating world of wildlife while you stop at waterholes and observe the animals quenching their thirst. Etosha Village is your destination for the night.

Devote an entire day to exploring Etosha National Park. After a hearty breakfast, you embark on game drives across the plains, keeping a lookout for herds of wildebeest, oryx, and impala. You will witness the vast Etosha Pan, a colossal salt pan that stretches for kilometers, shimmering in the heat. By visiting various waterholes, you observe the complex behaviors of the wildlife that call this arid landscape home. In the late afternoon, you exit via the eastern gate to reach your forest camp accommodation.

With a little luck, you may have a chance to see the animals you may have missed over the past two days on your last morning game drive. Seize this last opportunity to encounter those elusive animals that may have remained hidden during your previous safaris. With your camera ready and senses heightened, traverse the diverse landscapes, hoping to catch a glimpse of lions, elephants, rhinos, or any other creatures that have eluded you. Depart Etosha around lunchtime, your heart filled with incredible safari memories, and journey northeast towards Grootfontein. Your destination: the welcoming Fiume Lodge, a haven of comfort and tranquility where you can unwind and reflect on your Etosha adventures.

Continue travelling north. Along the road are thatched clay huts, and the vegetation becomes thicker and greener. We make a quick shopping stop in Rundu, the economic center of the Kavango Region. You are invited to experience the lively market where local fishermen and farmers sell their goods. The journey continues as you reach your accommodation for the night, a small oasis along the Okavango River. Take a sunset cruise on the river while enjoying a cold Rock Shandy at the island bar. If you are fortunate, you will be able to observe hippos and crocodiles. For dinner, expect to enjoy a traditional braai or barbecue. As the night time bush concert begins, you can sit around the campfire and enjoy the evening. Mobola Island Lodge is your home for the night.

Venture into the captivating Zambezi Region! Your journey takes you through the scenic Caprivi Strip, passing vibrant fishing villages and bustling farming communities. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic wildlife crossing the road, a testament to the region’s abundant biodiversity. Arrive at the idyllic Namushasha River Lodge, a true oasis nestled on the banks of the Kwando River. Settle in and embrace the tranquility of this magical setting before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise. Glide along the meandering waterways, discovering a haven for hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and even lions. Spot rare antelope species like lechwe, reedbuck, and the elusive sitatunga, unique to this region. Bird enthusiasts will be enthralled by the diverse avian life that graces the skies and riverbanks. The following day, embark on an exhilarating game drive in Bwabwata National Park, encountering a wealth of wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, unwind at the lodge, taking a refreshing dip in the pool or losing yourself in a captivating book on the riverfront viewing deck. Keep your binoculars handy, as you never know what fascinating creatures might wander by the water’s edge. Enjoy two nights of tranquility and wildlife encounters at the enchanting Namushasha River Lodge.

We will soon cross the border into Botswana and leave Namibia. By midday, you check into a charming guesthouse situated along the banks of the Chobe River. Once you have consumed a light lunch, you turn your attention to wildlife sightings. During the afternoon as well as during the following day, you will have extensive game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle in order to explore the wildlife of Chobe National Park. The Chobe National Park in southern Africa is home to one of the largest populations of elephants in the world, with more than 40,000 elephants. It is possible to see all five of the Big Five in the park. As you explore the different areas of the park, keep an eye out for large buffalo herds, prides of lions, leopards, and other large animals. Try to change your perspective by looking for crocodiles, hippos, and other animals that may be present in the river during your boat safari. The Kubu Lodge will be our home for the next two nights.

Your journey to Zimbabwe will begin after breakfast. Your destination will be Victoria Falls. You take a leisurely stroll through the smoke that thunders, Mosi-oa-Tunya. Victoria Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world, after Niagara Falls. In addition to thundering across a width of nearly two kilometres, the Zambezi plunges more than 100 meters – a stunning experience. The souvenir market and city streets can also be explored afterward. The last night of the tour, you dine in a restaurant in town (at your expense). You will then spend the night at the Pioneers Lodge.2

Your trip ends today with exciting memories on your mind. Be sure to say goodbye to your guide and fellow travellers before we leave for the airport. You will either return home from here or continue your journey. If you need assistance arranging your onward travels within the region, please contact us.