16-Day Marvels Of Southern Africa Itinerary Guide

A Detailed 16-Day Marvels Of Southern Africa Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek, Namibia

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Your plane must land at Windhoek International Airport by noon local time. Upon your arrival in Windhoek, a driver will be waiting to transport you to your accommodation while also extending a warm welcome to Namibia. Before meeting your guide in the afternoon, you can have some time to unwind and recharge. During a city tour of Windhoek, you will learn about the history of Namibia’s capital and see notable landmarks including the Christ Church, the parliament building (sometimes called the “ink palace”), and Independence Avenue. Spend your own money on dinner for the group at one of Windhoek’s many great eateries. Vondelhof Guesthouse is where you’ll be spending the night.

Day 2: Windhoek – Namib Desert, Namibia

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

Your journey starts after breakfast. You head south, off the paved road, and onto dirt roads that lead you through scenic landscapes and over mountain passes into the Namib Desert. Today, you will be visiting the Agama Lodge. As you unpack, take in the sunset light filtering over the adjacent Naukluft Mountains, which take on a dazzling purple hue. As the sun goes down, the sky becomes visible with its twinkling stars. You can see the stars like no other place on Earth from your very own rooftop deck. Sleeping on your patio is a wonderful experience and may be yours if you so desire (for an additional fee, of course).

Day 3: Sossusvlei

Distance approx. 220 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

You make your way to Namib Naukluft Park first thing in the morning. Get ready for a morning amidst the Namib dunes! It is well worth the somewhat difficult and sandy ascent to the famed Dune 45 for the breathtaking vista over the apparently endless sea of dunes. You go to the famous Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, where the sky is a deep blue against the white clay pan and rust-red dunes. On your way, you’ll pass via Sesriem Canyon. Parts of this canyon are accessible for hiking during the dry season. You leisurely make your way back to your lodging after an entertaining morning. Relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the pool before enjoying the remainder of the day at your own pace. The Agama Lodge will be your home for the next two nights.

Day 4 – 5: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Distance on day 4: approx. 320 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

You head in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. Travel south-east of Swakopmund via the Bloedkoppie and along the Welwitschia Drive to the lookout points where you and your guide may take in the Moon Landscape. Nature enthusiasts are captivated by this otherworldly terrain, which is both strange and intriguing due to its peculiar and untamed rock formations. Swakopmund, a picturesque beach town, is now within your reach. Visit the Woermannhaus and the old rail station on a brief city tour while learning about the town’s history. You are free to do as you like on the next day. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through town, along the seafront, or peruse the shops. Go on a desert safari in search of the Little Five (optional) or go on a boat ride—just two of the many available activities. Join your fellow travellers for dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in the area (at your own expense) in the evening. The Swakopmund Guesthouse will be your home for the next two nights.

Day 6: Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Distance approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Get ready to hit the road after a hearty breakfast. You take a picture op and a break to see the Zeila wreck, one of numerous stranded ships, as you travel along the shore. Leaving the shore behind, you head inland, passing the majestic Brandberg Mountain on your way to the picturesque Damaraland. Twyfelfontein is where you need to be. The historical and remarkably well-preserved rock engravings are the main attraction of this UNESCO world heritage site. To gain insight into these priceless cultural artefacts, you embark on a little stroll. You reach Twyfelfontein Country Lodge in the late afternoon. After a satisfying meal, relax with a drink at the bar before turning in for the night.

Day 7: Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance approx. 380 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

One of the oldest tribes in Namibia, the Damara, have their traditions and survival tactics preserved in the adjacent Damara Living Museum, which you may visit in the morning. After that, your journey will continue to its next high point: Etosha National Park. Safari in one of Southern Africa’s most visited national parks is the focus of the next several days. You and your guide will search for various animals, including zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos, and antelopes. Take a break at waterholes to observe animals rehydrating as your knowledgeable guide fills you in on the fascinating world of wildlife. As the day draws to a close, you’ll head to Etosha Village, your overnight stop just outside the park’s boundaries.

Day 8: Etosha National Park, Namibia

You will go on further wildlife drives after daybreak and a substantial breakfast. An thrilling day in nature awaits you every day on safari because no two days are ever the same. Marvel at the enormous Etosha Pan, which stretches for kilometres in the east, and keep an eye out for herds of impalas, wildebeests, oryx, and zebras as they traverse the plains. Stopping at waterholes allows you to observe animals up close while also learning about their environment and habits from your guide. After lunch, you’ll depart Etosha National Park by the eastern entrance and head to the picturesque Onguma Forest Camp, which is close by.

Day 9: Etosha National Park – Grootfontein, Namibia

Distance approx. 220 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

You continue your morning game drive across Etosha National Park in the hopes of spotting any animals that you might have missed during your previous two excursions. You depart the Etosha area around lunchtime, carrying with you countless wonderful safari memories. You will spend the night at the Fiume Lodge, which is near to Grootfontein, if you head northeast.

Day 10: Grootfontein – Kavango Region, Namibia

Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

Proceed northward. Along the roadside thatched clay houses, the verdant flora thickens and becomes more verdant. Rundu, the commercial hub of the Kavango Region, is visited for a brief shopping excursion. Be a part of the hive of activity at the market as farmers and fishers sell their wares. Your overnight destination is a small oasis on the banks of the Okavango River, and you press on toward it. Unwind with a chilled Rock Shandy at the island bar before setting off on a river sunset cruise. Hopefully, you’ll be able to observe crocodiles and hippos as the enchanted landscape takes it all in. There will be a typical braai (BBQ) for supper. As the nighttime bush concert starts, enjoy the evening beside the campfire. Mobola Island Lodge is where you’ll be spending the night.

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

Distance on day 11: approx. 260 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

As you make your way into the Zambezi Region from the Caprivi Strip, you’ll pass through several farming and fishing communities. Crossing the road, you could even see some large animals. The picture-perfect Namushasha River Lodge awaits you at your destination. Feel free to settle in and unwind before your afternoon boat tour of the neighbourhood. Hippos, elephants, buffalo, lions, African wild dogs, and antelope species like lechwe, reedbuck, and sitatunga are just a few of the animals that call the expansive plains where the Kwando River winds its way home. Additionally, you should be prepared to see a wide variety of birds. You may look forward to an exhilarating game drive the following day at Bwabwata National Park, where you are sure to see a variety of animals. There will be plenty of downtime at your lodge in the afternoon. Soak in the pool or settle in with a good book on the riverfront viewing balcony. Plus, don’t take your eyes off the riverbanks; you never know what kinds of wildlife you could see there. You stay at the Namushasha River Lodge for two nights.

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

Distance on day 13: approx. 260 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Leaving Namibia and entering Botswana is the next logical step. You will be checking into a picturesque lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River around midday. Following a modest meal, your attention returns to the possibility of seeing wildlife. During the afternoon and the following day, you will get the opportunity to observe the Chobe National Park’s wildlife up close through boat rides and long game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Chobe National Park has one of the greatest concentrations of these docile giants in all of Southern Africa, with almost forty thousand of them. Even the Big Five are visible. As you go throughout the park, keep an eye out for big game like as buffalo herds, prides of lions and leopards, and more. While on your boat tour, shift your focus to the animals that come to the river seeking water, such as crocodiles and hippos. The Kubu Lodge will be our home for the next two nights.

Day 15: Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer time approx. 2 hours

We will transport you to Zimbabwe after breakfast. Your last destination is the charming hamlet of Victoria Falls. You can stroll through the thunderous smoke, or “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” at your own pace. The world’s second-largest waterfall is the Victoria Falls. The thunderous descent of the huge Zambezi River, which stretches for about two km, is a sight to behold. After that, take a stroll through town or peruse the world-renowned souvenir market. At your own expense, you dine at a local restaurant for your final tour dinner. Come back to the Pioneers Lodge for the night.

Day 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your trip comes to a close today, leaving you with exciting memories. Before we transport you to the airport, you have the opportunity to say farewell to your guide and fellow visitors. This is the point where you can decide whether to go back home or keep on travelling. If you need help planning your next steps while in the area, we’re more than happy to help.

End of the 16-Day Marvels Of Southern Africa Itinerary

Inclusions

• transport in a tour vehicle
• professional, English-speaking guide
• 15 nights’ stay in lodges, camps, and guesthouses
• meals according to the itinerary
• activities and transfers as per itinerary
• all national park fees

Exclusions

• flights (international and domestic)
• meals not indicated in the itinerary
• alcoholic and soft drinks
• optional activities
• tips
• personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance