Okavango Delta & Deserts | 2024
Okavango Delta & Deserts | 2024
Okavango Delta & Deserts | 2024
11 Days Starting in Kasane and ending in Windhoek
Visiting: Kasane, Makadikadi Basin, Okavango Delta, Maun, Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AADDMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 25
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Okavango Delta & Deserts (2024)" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Botswana and Namibia. Begin your journey in Kasane, venturing through the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and immerse yourself in the wildlife haven of the Okavango Delta, where you can spot the 'Big Five' and enjoy sunset trips along the Khwai River. Experience the rich culture of an African bushman village in Etosha National Park and marvel at the iconic Sossusvlei dunes. Conclude your trip with a visit to the coastal town of Swakopmund and a safari in Etosha, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kasane To Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Location: Kasane, Makadikadi Basin
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Gweta Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Dumela Botswana! We start our adventure in the town of Kasane and head south to Gweta Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans.
Opt to cruise the salt pans in open safari vehicles in search of a meerkat colony while getting some funky perspective photos in one of the largest salt flats in the world. Tonights treat is sundower drinks under an icon of Botswana before retiring to the lodge for dinner and drinks at the bar.
Day 2: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans To Okavango Delta
Location: Makadikadi Basin, Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We will say goodbye to the pans (for now) and head on to the wildlife haven that is the Okavango Delta
Our minds already blown by this unique natural landscape, it's off to the Okavango Delta, where we'll take an awe-inspiring game drive before settling into our exclusive Contiki Safari Camp. We'll be greeted with luxe two person dome tents - pre-erected of course - with stretchers, mattresses and linen. Dinner? How about a campfire meal as we swap tales under a starswept sky?
Day 3: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get your David Attenborough voice on, we are in the heart of Africa's iconic wildlife filming paradise. This sprawling wetland is home to some of Africa's most incredible species and we will start searching for them after a quick bite to eat and we're off on an early morning game drive in the Okavango Delta in hopes of spotting elephants, hippos and if we're lucky, some predators. We'll head back to camp for a tasty lunch and siesta. Chill in the camp or opt for a Mokoro boat trip along the gorgeous waterways of the delta. In the afternoon we're back on another jaw-dropping game drive before our traditional campfire dinner. The day isn't over, though - not even close. This evening we have a once in a lifetime opportunity - a night drive in the bush with spotlights seeking out elusive nocturnal animals you can't find during the day.
Day 4: Okavango Delta To Maun
Location: Okavango Delta, Maun
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Island Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive – eyes peeled for elephants – as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise.
Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, don’t forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, you’ll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.
Day 5: Maun To Windhoek
Location: Maun, Windhoek
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge, Windhoek (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got a long day ahead of us. Today we'll traverse two countries as we leave Botswana and head into Namibia. After crossing the border, we'll arrive in Windhoek this evening. Keep your cameras ready for stunning Savanna scenery along the way. Tonight we'll check out the famous Joe's Beerhouse - an (eccentric) cattle ranch style restaurant. There's lots to choose from. But there's nothing better than some earthy Namibian game meat to kick off our time in Namibia.
Day 6: Windhoek To Sossusvlei
Location: Windhoek, Sossusvlei
Accommodation Name: Weltevrede Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we'll get back on the road together to see this beautiful country and hear all about its history – stopping off for a scenic lunch at the Nauklauft mountain range.
This evening, we arrive at one of Namibia's most iconic attractions: Sossusvlei, a huge salt and clay pan framed by enormous dunes (some of the highest in the world). We'll check in to our lodge and then get ready for a morning’s exploration with a big ol’ buffet dinner.
Day 7: Sossusvlei To Swakopmund
Location: Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're up early today – let’s get exploring the desert before it’s too hot! We start out at the Namib-Naukluft National Park, keeping our eyes open for Oyrx and other desert-dwelling wildlife. Wandering along Big Daddy sand dune and down into Deadvlei, admiring the views, you’ll finally realise where your desktop background images come from. We'll hit the road again, admiring more scenery on our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. After checking into our hotel take yourself for a sunset stroll and enjoy some of the local delicacies here.
Day 8: Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Swakopmund is our adventurer's paradise as we explore the ocean and the surrounding desert. Fancy a seal kayaking experience at Pelican point? You can catch glimpses of dolphins, whales, seals (of course) and other fascinating marine life. Then opt into hitting the Namib Desert for a spot of quad biking or sand boarding in the oldest dunes. If you'd prefer to keep things chilled then take a historic and cultural tour of Mondesa Township, meeting the locals and learning about the different ethnic groups followed by a home-made dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 9: Swakopmund To Etosha
Location: Swakopmund, Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Ljaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we head back inland for our Namibian safari destination of choice – Etosha. Before we arrive, we’ll stop off in the Erongo Mountains to visit the San Bushmen of Omandumba. Here, we’ll learn some of their language and be wowed at their skills and crafts as they educate us on how to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions. Then we're headed to our accommodation near Etosha (a pan so large it can be seen from space!). But it's the natural waterholes lining the edge that interests the wildlife, and that's why it interests us. Enjoy sundowners and an included dinner at the lodge while the excitement builds for tomorrow's game drive.
Day 10: Etosha
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Ljaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We're up early for our first Namibian game drive in Etosha! From big cats to desert-savvy antelope, the wildlife viewing experience here is like nowhere else on Earth. During the daytime heat, you’ll sit at the waterhole watching wildlife come and go before heading out for another game drive in the afternoon. Tonight, on our last night together, we’ll treat ourselves to one last buffet dinner.
Day 11: Etosha To Windhoek
Location: Etosha National Park, Windhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive back down to Windhoek to catch the afternoon flights back home. We'll say goodbye to new friends but cherish our lifelong memories. Please Note: Do not book flights that depart before 14:30pm on the last day of the trip.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals included as per itinerary: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days.
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Game Drives
Multiple game drives in the Okavango Delta and Etosha National Park.
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Cultural Experiences
Visit to the San Bushmen of Omandumba in the Erongo Mountains and a Township Tour in Swakopmund.
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Activities
Activities such as a sunset trip along the Khwai River, seal kayaking at Pelican Point, and a scenic lunch at the Nauklauft mountain range.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a Mokoro boat trip, Okavango Delta helicopter flight, quad biking, and sand boarding.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the itinerary.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Botswana and Namibia are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes game drives in the Okavango Delta and Etosha National Park, as well as travel between various lodges and locations in Botswana and Namibia.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Gweta Lodge, Contiki Safari Camp, Island Safari Lodge, Klein Windhoek Guesthouse, Hammerstein Lodge, Prost Hotel, and Mondijla Lodge (or similar).
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various lodges and camps including Gweta Lodge, Contiki Safari Camp, Island Safari Lodge, Klein Windhoek Guesthouse, Hammerstein Lodge, Prost Hotel, and Mondijla Lodge (or similar).
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes multiple game drives in the Okavango Delta and Etosha National Park, a visit to the San Bushmen of Omandumba, a Township Tour in Swakopmund, a sunset trip along the Khwai River, seal kayaking at Pelican Point, and a scenic lunch at the Nauklauft mountain range.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities include a Mokoro boat trip, Okavango Delta helicopter flight, quad biking, and sand boarding.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Okavango Delta?
In the Okavango Delta, you can expect to see elephants, hippos, and if you're lucky, some predators. The area is home to some of Africa's most incredible species.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the San Bushmen of Omandumba in the Erongo Mountains and a Township Tour in Swakopmund.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Sossusvlei?
The highlight of the visit to Sossusvlei includes exploring the Namib-Naukluft National Park, wandering along Big Daddy sand dune, and admiring the views of Deadvlei.
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What can I expect during the visit to Etosha National Park?
In Etosha National Park, you will go on game drives to see big cats, desert-savvy antelope, and other wildlife. You will also spend time at a waterhole watching wildlife come and go.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions