Africa's Diversity: Round Trip through Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls

At 2 pm your round trip through Namibia and Botswana and to Victoria Falls begins. We start by getting to know your guide and the other travellers. Together you visit the famous Victoria Falls right on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Over a width of about 1.7 kilometres, the mighty Zambezi plunges more than 100 metres – an impressive spectacle. The spray created by the force of the huge masses of water can often be seen from afar. It is not for nothing that the falls are also called "Mosi oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). In the surrounding area, many adventure activities can also be undertaken, such as scenic flights, white-water rafting or bungee jumping (all optional). You spend two nights at Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge.

In the morning you set off and cross the border into Namibia. You travel through the Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip. This lush green, subtropical strip of land has retained a large part of its remoteness to this day, and with it a wild atmosphere. Many wild animals are at home here; baobabs, forests, swamps and savannahs shape the landscape. Near Katima Mulilo you explore a lake flooded by the Zambezi by boat, where you can observe an extraordinary variety of birdlife. You stay at Caprivi Mutoya Lodge & Campsite.

Today you continue west. In Mahango Game Reserve you go on a game drive. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, sable antelope, buffalo and other big game. You stay at Ngepi Camp.

In the morning you are woken by birdsong. After breakfast you continue west as far as Rundu. Small villages of typical round huts line the road. Goats, sheep and cattle repeatedly cross the road. At the roadside, women and children sell fruit and carvings. Today's accommodation lies right on the banks of the Kavango. Enjoy a cool drink while you watch the sunset over the river. You stay at Nkwazi Lodge.

The journey continues to the next highlight of your round trip through Namibia and Botswana: Etosha National Park. It is one of the most beautiful National Parks in Southern Africa – and rightly so! Its landscape is characterised by the salt pan of almost 5,000 square kilometres. Numerous waterholes, which attract many animals especially in the dry months, surround the salt pan. You explore Etosha National Park and its wildlife on extended game drives and set out in search of elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, oryx antelopes and much more. You stay at Tarentaal Guest Farm just outside the National Park.

Through beautiful landscapes you drive today to the Brandberg, which at around 2,580 metres is Namibia's highest mountain massif. Your accommodation is located at the foot of the Brandberg in the dry riverbed of the Ugab River. In the afternoon you hike with a local guide to the famous rock painting "White Lady". Overnight stay at Brandberg White Lady Lodge.

Today you reach the coast of Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean. At Cape Cross you visit the seal colony, one of the largest in the world. Countless seals lie packed closely together here, lazing on land or frolicking in the water. After a short drive you finally reach the coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you have a free day to explore the town or join adventurous activities such as quad biking, skydiving, kayaking or sandboarding (all optional). Two nights at Hotel Pension à la Mer.

On your onward journey south you cross barren, moon-like landscapes that exert a fascination all their own. These soon give way, however, to the unique sea of dunes of the Namib Desert. You visit the famous Sossusvlei. This dried-up clay depression is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world. You also explore Sesriem Canyon, which was carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. A fantastic sunset over the unique dune landscape rounds off a wonderful day. You spend two nights at Desert Camp.

Today you reach Windhoek. The capital of the country has a special charm, which is due, among other things, to the colourful mix of Namibia's various peoples. You arrive in the late afternoon and in the evening go with the travel group to one of the many restaurants (at your own expense). You stay at Capbon Guest House.

Today you leave Namibia behind and cross the border into Botswana. Your destination for the day lies in the heart of the semi-desert Kalahari. After the long drive, a little exercise is a welcome change! Accompany the San on a walk and let them show you the tricks and techniques for surviving in the bush. Today's accommodation is owned and run by the local community.

Driving distance day 17: approx. 50 km; pure driving time approx. 2 hours

You reach Maun and prepare here for your excursion into the Okavango Delta. After one night at Island Safari Lodge in Maun, the adventure finally begins. In the Okavango Delta the Okavango River meets the Kalahari, fans out and forms one of the largest inland deltas. It is a unique and unusual water world. The seasonal flood gives the Okavango Delta an ever-changing character. The great diversity of flora and fauna makes the delta a fantastic natural paradise. In mokoros you glide through the winding water channels and finally reach a remote island where your basic camp has already been set up for you. Go on bush walks, go swimming, watch the diverse birdlife or simply enjoy this pristine wilderness. 2 nights in the Okavango Delta – camping in the wilderness.

From the wilderness of the Okavango Delta you travel by mokoro back to civilisation and on towards the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Feel the immense vastness of Africa here! After rain the pans fill with water quite quickly and then attract thousands of water birds as well as zebras, wildebeest and springbok. You stay at Nata Lodge.

The journey continues north through Kasane Forest Reserve to Kasane. In the afternoon a very special experience awaits you: you go on a boat trip on the Chobe River, which forms the northern boundary of the National Park of the same name. From the boat you have an excellent view of the hippos frolicking in the water and the animals that come down to the bank to drink. Chobe National Park is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, but the rest of the Big Five and other animal species are also present in large numbers in the park. Overnight stay at Thebe River Lodge.

In the morning you head back to the starting point of your trip, Livingstone in Zambia. Around midday your varied round trip through Namibia, Botswana and to Victoria Falls comes to an end.

Breakfast

Please note: solo travellers are welcome to share a room with other solo travellers of the same sex at no extra charge.