16 Day Highlights of Southern Africa Guided Tour

Day 1: Windhoek, Namibia

It is recommended that you arrive at the Windhoek International Airport by midday. The driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your accommodation in Windhoek. Before meeting your guide in the afternoon, you will have time to relax and refresh. As part of your city tour of Windhoek, you will learn about Namibia’s capital and visit a variety of sites including the Christ Church, the Parliament Building (also known as Black Palace) and Independence Avenue. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at the luxurious Joe’s Beerhouse (own expense). Stay at the Vondelhof Guesthouse for one night.

Accommodation: Vondelhof Guesthouse
Distance: 50 km
Time: 1 hour
Included Highlights: Windhoek city tour

Day 2: Windhoek – Namib Desert, Namibia

Your journey begins after breakfast. While traveling south, you leave the tarmac road behind and follow dirt roads through breathtaking scenery to the Spreetshoogte Pass, one of the most incredible mountain passes in the country. As you approach the viewing point, you will be able to observe striking panoramic views of the Namib Desert. You will be amazed by nature’s magnificence. Following this, you will drive downhill towards the plains until you reach your accommodation for the night, the Agama Lodge. Have a refreshing swim in the pool after you have settled in. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the desert and the nearby mountains, which appear purple when lit by the evening sun. Nightfall allows you to observe the stars as they begin to shine.

Accommodation: Agama Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 250 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Included Highlights: Spreetshoogte Pass, Namib Desert

Day 3: Sossusvlei, Namibia

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.

Accommodation: Agama Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 220 km
Time: 4 hours
Included Highlights: Namib Dunes, Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Sesriem Canyon

Day 4 – 5: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

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.

Accommodation: Swakopmund Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Day 4 – 330 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Included Highlights: Swakopmund
Optional Activity: Boat Cruise or Desert Safari

Day 6: Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein, Namibia

You will be on your way after an early breakfast. You travel the coast to the Zeila wreck, one of the many stranded shipwrecks, where you stop for a photo break and a chance to view it. From the coastal region you travel inland through the beautiful Damaraland, passing the great Brandberg Mountain. This will lead you to Twyfelfontein. There are many historic and well-preserved rock engravings at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore these cultural treasures by taking a short walk. There may still be time to go on a safari through Twyfelfontein’s hinterland if time permits. Take in the stunning scenery while viewing antelopes, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and desert elephants. Later in the afternoon, you reach Malansrus Tented Camp. Spend the evening enjoying a delicious meal and falling asleep to the sounds of Namibia’s rich wildlife.

Accommodation: Malansrus Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 370 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Included Highlights: Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Brandberg Mountains

Day 7: Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park, Namibia

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 Villag is your destination for the night. During the dark of the night, you can observe animals at the flood-lit waterhole. A guided night game drive is recommended for those seeking nocturnal animals in the park (optional).

Accommodation: Etosha Village
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 350 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Included Highlights: Damara Living Museum, Etosha National Park
Optional Activity: Guided night game drive

Day 8: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Your game drive continues after the sun rises and you have eaten a hearty breakfast. There is never a dull moment on a safari, so you can anticipate an exciting day in the wilderness. Be on the lookout for herds of impalas, wildebeests, oryxes, and zebras that roam the plains and marvel at the vast Etosha Pan stretching for kilometres and kilometres to the east. Your guide will provide you with information about the habitat and behaviour of the animals at waterholes. You arrive at the Mushara Bush Camp in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park

Day 9 : Etosha National Park – Grootfontein Area

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. You continue your journey with fond memories of your safari. The Otjikoto Lake is a place where there are many stories waiting to be told. The guide will gladly share these fascinating tales with you. During your journey to the Fiume Lodge, your home for the night, you also have the opportunity to view the largest meteorite ever found on Earth, Hoba Meteorite.

Accommodation: Fiume Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 220 km
Time: 3 hours
Included Highlights: Otjikoto Lake, Hoba Meteorite

Day 10 : Grootfontein Area – Kavango Region, Namibia

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.

Accommodation: Mobola Island Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 400 km
Time:  5 hours
Included Highlights: Sunset Cruise

Day 11 – 12: Kavango Region – Zambezi Region, Namibia

As you travel through the Caprivi Strip, you pass fishing and farming villages in the Zambezi Region. You may even see large animals crossing the road. In a few moments, you will arrive at the Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, your base camp for the next two nights of thrilling safari adventures. Discover the remote and wild national parks that are located in the area with your guide. Swamps and marshes are characteristic of the Nkasa Rupara National Park, formerly known as Mamili National Park. There are a number of large herds of elephants, buffalos, red lechwes, and reedbucks that roam the area. This region is home to lions, leopards, zebras, and even rare antelope species such as roan and sable. Additionally, Mudumu National Park is nearby, providing more opportunities for safari adventures. Due to the fact that these parks are off the beaten path and not fully developed, you may experience bumpy 4×4 terrain. As part of your experience, you will also enjoy a two-hour walking safari with a local guide. You will be able to observe your surroundings up close, take in some of the smaller creatures that are normally missed and enjoy the sounds of the bush uninterrupted. Two nights will be spent at Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge.

Accommodation: Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: Day 11 – 330 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Included Highlights: Nkasa Rupara National Park, Mudumu National Park, walking safari with local guide

Day 13 – 14:  Zambezi Region – Kasane – Chobe National Park, Botswana

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.

Accommodation: The Kubu Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Day 13 – 260 km
Time: 4 hours
Included Highlights: Chobe National Park games drives, Chobe National Park boat safari

Day 15: Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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.

Accommodation: Pioneers Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 2 hours
Included Highlight: Victoria Falls

Day 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.