Namibia & Botswana Uncovered tour
Namibia & Botswana Uncovered tour
Namibia & Botswana Uncovered tour
12 Days Starting in -22.680428,14.534123 and ending in -17.915850,25.831450
Visiting: Namibia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
57
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-85
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This two week Namibia & Botswana tour offers the perfect introduction to these interesting and culturally unique countries. It’s the ideal mix of culture, wildlife, active adventure and fun nightlife.
Starting in Swakopmund the adventure capital on Namibia, we recommend you arrive early so that you can enjoy many fun options such as skydiving, sand boarding and quad biking. From here we head inland to visit the Himba people, semi-nomadic bushmen, easily recognisable by the distinctive red colour of their skin and hair. We continue on to the Etosha National Park, which boast an amazing abundance of wildlife making it one of Southern Africa's finest and most important game reserves. We spend plenty of time wildlife viewing before moving onto Namibia’s capital city Windhoek. After a short tour of the city we wave goodbye to Namibia and cross the border into Botswana.
Our first stop is at Ghanzi for a cultural evening of tribal song and dance from the San community. We then spend the next three days discovering the wildlife in and around the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering 17 000 square km. We have plenty of time to explore this unique inland delta with nature walks, 4x4 game safaris and traditional mokoro boat trips. We finish our wildlife activities with a visit to Bostwana’s second largest wildlife reserve, the Chobe National Park, before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and our final destination the one and only Victoria Falls, crossroads of Africa.
The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level.
Note: From 2025 onwards, the visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony will no longer be included on this tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Swakopmund To Khorixas
Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. The road then continues away from the coast and takes us towards the Khorixas area where we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide.
Day 2: Khorixas To Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: </strong>With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the
Day 3: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: </strong>We start early this morning and head to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most famous destinations for game viewing with the sparse grasslands allowing great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in dense vegetation. We then have the a
Day 4: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: </strong>We have a full day on safari in Etosha today, exploring different parts of the park on the truck and searching for animals and birds we may not have seen yesterday.Included Highlight: Morning Game drive, Afternoon Game driveFacilities - Camping:
Day 5: Etosha To Divundu
Meals Included: </strong>We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.Route: Etosha National Park to DivunduIncluded Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guideFacilities - Accommodated: Two per ro
Day 6: Divundu To Maun
Accommodation Name: </strong>Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our
Day 7 : Day 7: Okavango - Khwai Conservation Area
Accommodation Name: You will be separated from the truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.
Day 8 : Day 8: Greater Moremi Game Reserve Area
Accommodation Name: Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4x4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland,
Day 9 : Day 9: Nata
Accommodation Name: Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4x4 safari vehicles before meeting the truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaki
Day 10 : Day 10: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: Those who have chosen to take the optional game drive in Chobe National Park will start early for their morning safari in open 4x4 vehicles. They'll return to camp for lunch before we all head out in the afternoon for a leisurely boat cruise which should
Day 11 : Day 11: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: We say goodbye to Botswana today as we cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel towards the Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the major waterfall on the Zambezi River in Africa.You have the day free to explore this natura
Day 12 : Day 12: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: The tour comes to an end after breakfast. With the variety of activities on offer in Victoria Falls, feel free to try some of them at your leisure.Optional Activity: Victoria Falls entry, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water
Day 2025 : Extras:
Accommodation Name: 2025 note: Please not that from 2025 the visits to Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest will be replaced with visits to Brandberg and White Lady.<STRONG>Note:</STRONG> The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2
Single Room Supplement Accommodated (NAOVNB), Extra day in Swakopmund - pre-tour, Arrival airport transfer in Swakopmund,
What's Included
What's Not Included
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- International Flights (available on request)
- Visa fees if required
- Travel Insurance (compulsory
- 'Accommodated hotel upgrade' (hotels/lodges/permanent camps instead of camping)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for guides & drivers
- Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above
- Any other items not mentioned above
Mode of Transport
Overland expedition vehicle
4x4 safari vehicles
Accommodation
2 to 4-star hotels, lodges & camps
Check out our Q&As
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What should I know before traveling?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Most international airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 23kg per person of luggage to go in the hold of the plane. Domestic flights often have smaller allowances around 15kg. As airline rules vary we recommend that you take no more than 20kg of luggage if your tour just includes international flights, and no more than 15kg if there are any domestic flights included in your itinerary. Please ask us for details if you are unsure about luggage allowances on your tour. Any excess baggage fees will be your responsibility to cover. Most airlines allow between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage so we suggest that you take no more than 5kg unless you have confirmed that your airline(s) will allow more than this.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
South Africa: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Namibia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Botswana: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted or travelled through an infected area.
Zimbabwe: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Zambia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malawi: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tanzania: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Kenya: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Uganda: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Sudan: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area. A certificate may also be required for those departing Sudan.
Morocco: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria not normally present. Yellow Fever certificate not required.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation is often required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate organised in advance and with you and to hand during the trip.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
If you are travelling on an Overland tour or your trip includes wildlife safaris then please bear in mind that you may be travelling on bumpy roads and/or rough ground for several hours at a time. This can be very uncomfortable or painful if you have a bad back, and make such conditions worse. Please contact us if you have any concerns. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. Encounters Travel will not be held responsible if travellers are denied entry because they are not in possession of the relevant visas. We therefore recommend you re-check requirements with the relevant embassy/consulate around 4 weeks before travel.
You should also be in possession of a valid onward or return flight ticket, or proof of other means of transport enabling you to leave the country that your tour passes through or finishes in. In addition you should carry proof of sufficient funds to cover you during your time in the country (eg. credit card).
Should your tour be re-entering a country, please ensure that you have a multiple entry visa that allows this. Some countries have a visa on arrival service which can be more convenient and cheaper. However, for peace of mind and to speed up the border crossing process, Encounters Travel advises that you to get your visas prior to your trip if possible. -
What is the tipping policy?
In general tipping in restaurants is expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides. It is expected to tip porters and car guards etc. Ask your guides how much is appropriate in local currency. The recommended amount for Serengeti and Masai Mara guides is around USD5-7 per client per day.
Our guides do work hard but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. On Small Group & Shoestring tours we recommend around USD 3-5 per person per day per guide as a fair tip. On longer Overland tours we recommend USD1-2 per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 2-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 2 envelopes are used and each crew member’s name written on one. Place what you feel is fair into each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
In South & East Africa we provide fully trained, local English-speaking tour leaders, drivers and crew for all our tours. This tour will feature 2 crew – a driver, and tour leader. Between them they will help with the cooking, washing up, clearing away, cleaning of the truck etc. You may assist with this if you wish, and a limited amount of help is expected and appreciated (eg. Washing your own plates & cutlery) but you are not obliged to do any more than that unless you wish to. The tour leaders are not specialist licensed guides however, but during the tour we may also use a variety of local guides for activities and tours included in the itinerary.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP 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 encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.