From $ 6,290.00 per person
This is the ultimate African safari.
Spend 3 weeks exploring Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, experiencing the wildlife, culture and scenery only Africa can deliver. From marvelling at the Victoria Falls to the breathtaking magnitude of Namibia’s dunes and big game interaction – this tour combines all the comforts of lodge accommodation with an unforgettable safari experience.
Tour Highlights
- Windhoek
Capital city of Namibia - Sossusvlei
Visit the world’s highest sand dunes and Sesriem Canyon - Swakopmund
Charming coastal German town, optional activities available - Etosha
Full day game drives in national park - Rundu
Visit local Kavango fishing community - Caprivi
Sunset cruise to Popa Falls &
Game drive in Mahangu Game Reserve - Okavango Delta
Traditional mokoro excursion - Moremi Region
Day and night game drives - Makgadikgadi Pans
Visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary - Chobe
Morning game drive in the game-rich national park
Afternoon game viewing boat trip on the Chobe River - Hwange
Full-day game viewing in Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls
Tour of the Falls Sunset cruise experience on the mighty Zambezi River
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
DAY 1: WINDHOEK
On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, Avani Windhoek Hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation:Avani Windhoek Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
DAY 2 & 3: SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA – BLD, BLD
Moving south we make our way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park and our accommodation for the next two nights, Agama River Camp. The park contains what is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. The next morning we need to wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
Day 2
Distance: 280 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Agama River Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Avani Windhoek Hotel or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack prepared by Avani Windhoek Hotel or similar
Dinner: At Agama River Camp or similar
Day 3
Distance: 230 km Departure: 06h00
Breakfast: Breakfast pack from Agama River Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack prepared by Agama River Camp or similar
Dinner: At Agama River Camp or similar
DAY 4 & 5: NAMIB NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA – BLD, BLD
The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on our way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. Sightings of the unique fauna and flora are a must on a Namibian safari. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. En-route we make a stop in the small town of Walvis Bay where you may spot a variety of birds including flamingo’s in the lagoon. We arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund in the late afternoon where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
The rest of the day you will have the opportunity to partake in optional activities or alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.
Day 4
Distance: 296 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: At Hotel Pension à la Mer or similar ( Luxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
Breakfast: At Agama River Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack prepared by Agama River Camp or similar
Dinner: For your own account
Day 5
Breakfast: At Hotel Pension à la Mer or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN SWAKOPMUND
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional actvitis on offer in Swakopmund. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in South African Rand. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our servation office for further information. Should you wish to paratake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- Sunset Quadbike Tour
- Namib Desert Coast Scenic Flight
- Quadbike Tour (2 hours)
- Dune 7 Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Tandem Sky Diving
- Diamond Coast Scenic Flight
- Pelican Point Kayaking
- Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight
- Township tour
- Sand boarding lie-down
- Moon Landscape
- Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Sand boarding standing up
- Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Living Desert Tour
- Scenic flights (various)
- Dolphin, Seal & Whale Cruise
- Shore fishing Boat fishing
DAY 6: SWAKOPMUND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA – BD
Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind us, we continue our journey towards Namibia’s best-known highlight of the north – Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at our lodge neighbouring the park, situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks and overlooking a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens. Optional game drives are also available.
Distance: 494 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Hotel Pension à la Mer or similar
Lunch: For own account
Dinner: At Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
DAY 7 & 8: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA – BD, BD
After breakfast we enter the Etosha National Park via the Andersson gate, named after Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to come across the Etosha pan, which means “Great White Place” in the Ndonga dialect of the Ovambo tribe. We fill the next two days with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous types of antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood-lit waterholes or viewpoints encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals that come to drink. Etosha was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
Day 7
Distance: 162 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Namutoni Camp or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch: For own account
Dinner: At Namutoni Camp or similar
Day 8
Distance: 80 km Departure: 07h00
Breakfast: At Namutoni Camp or similar
Lunch: For own account
Dinner: At Namutoni Camp or similar
DAY 9: ETOSHA TO OKAVANGO RIVER, NAMIBIA – BLD
Departing from Etosha we drive further north to the town of Rundu. Here we visit the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people who make a living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating crops. After this cultural interaction, we make our way Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. We will arrive in the late afternoon to relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.
Distance: 450 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Kaisosi River Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Namutoni Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack prepared by Namutoni or similar
Dinner: At Kaisosi River Lodge or similar
DAY 10: CAPRIVI REGION, NAMIBIA – BLD
This morning we travel eastwards onto our camp in the western Caprivi region, Nunda River Lodge. Before departure however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge. Continue to your lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon you will enjoy a sunset cruise to Popa Falls.
Distance: 210 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Nunda River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Kaisosi River Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Nunda River Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Nunda River Lodge or similar
DAY 11: MAHANGU NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA – BLD
In the morning we drive to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people’, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy an morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife.
In the afternoon return to your lodge and spent the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Distance: 50 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Nunda River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Nunda River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Nunda River Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Nunda River Lodge or similar
DAY 12: MAUN, BOTSWANA – BL
We leave the Caprivi and travel south to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.
Distance: 430 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Nunda River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Nunda River Lodge or similar
Dinner: For your own account
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAUN
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person or per flight and are quoted in Botswana Pula or US Dollar. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- Scenic Flight over the Delta (3, 5 or 6 passengers)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seats)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 4 seater)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 4 seater)
*Please note prices are subject to change
** The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.
DAY 13: MAUN TO GREATER MOREMI , BOTSWANA – BLD
After breakfast we will be picked up by our local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in these traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to Mankwe Tented Retreat, which is situated on a private concession in the Greater Moremi region. Once settled, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the private concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Distance: 100 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Camp or similar (meru-style tented camp with en-suite bathrooms).
Breakfast: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Adventure Camp or similar
DAY 14: GREATER MOREMI, BOTSWANA – BLD
We have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4×4 vehicle we will explore the Moremi Game Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors.
Distance: 150 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Camp or similar (meru-style tented camp with en-suite bathrooms).
Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Camp or similar
Lunch: At Mankwe Tented Camp or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Tented Camp or similar
DAY 15: GREATER MOREMI TO NATA, BOTSWANA – BD
We leave the bush behind and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, once a large river fed lake, however the pans are now saline and empty. In the afternoon we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where we get the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints.)
Distance: 420 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (safari tent with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Camp or similar
Lunch: For own account
Dinner: At Nata Lodge or similar
DAY 16 & 17: NATA TO CHOBE, BOTSWANA – BD, BD
This morning we head north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in a number of optional activities or to relax by the pool. The next day you will get to see the wildlife of the Chobe National Park on a morning game drive, with the hope of spotting big game up close and also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. In the afternoon we go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the animals as they come down to drink, as well as the spectacular African sunset.
Distance: 320 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 16
Breakfast: At Nata Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 17
Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
DAY 18 & 19: CHOBE TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE – BLD, BLD
Today, we make our way into Zimbabwe to Robins Camp, situated in the northwest corner of Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering an area of approx. 14 650 km2. Named after a local chief, Hwange is situated in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Victoria Falls. Due to its close proximity to the Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded here. Upon your arrival, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure.
The following morning, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide on a game drive where you will discover a variety of animals, including some predators among them. The multifaceted landscape allows you to experience everything that the park has to offer. To end off the day you will get the opportunity to experience a sunset game drive to continue your search for African wildlife.
Distance: 193 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Robins Camp or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 18
Breakfast: At Chobe Marina Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
Accommodation: Robins Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 19
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Robins Camp or similar
Dinner: At Robins Camp or similar
DAY 20: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – B
Continuing our trip, we turn northwards to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon we have a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many optional activities on offer (at own expense).
Distance: 111 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Ilala Lodge similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Robins Camp or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- 15 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
- 22 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Gorge Swing
- Zip Line
DAY 21: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – B
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Breakfast: At Ilala Lodge or similar
DEPARTURE:
The Great Trans-African Lodge Safari departs from Avani Windhoek Hotel, Windhoek.
Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.
On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.
Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.
TRANSPORT:
We use fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, Mercedes All-Terrain vehicle, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavor to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.
TRAVELLING TIMES AND DISTANCES:
All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.
ACCOMMODATION:
We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.
MEALS:
Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
VISAS:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit the countries stated on the itinerary. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with us. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.