Namibia to Victoria Falls Explorer
14 Days Starting in Windhoek, Namibia and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Visiting: Windhoek, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Rundu, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NVA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Namibia to Victoria Falls Explorer" tour, traversing the stunning landscapes of Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Experience the thrill of traditional canoeing through the Okavango Delta, marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls, and camp amidst the lush vegetation along the Kavango River. Walk the impressive dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert and spot diverse wildlife on game drives in Etosha and Chobe National Parks. Enjoy a sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River and immerse yourself in the rich natural beauty and vibrant cultures of Southern Africa. This adventure promises breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and unique experiences, all while camping in comfort with fully serviced amenities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation Name: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation)
On arrival this afternoon in Windhoek, you have free time to explore the capital city of Namibia.
Overnight: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation).
Day 2 - 3 : Sesriem / Sossusvlei (Approx 370 Kms - 90 Kms Tarmac & 280 Kms Gravel/5 Hrs Drive)
Location: Sesriem
Accommodation Name: camp
We will be met at 10:00hrs in the reception area of the hotel for our transfer to Sesriem. Note that this transfer is operated by a local Namibian transfer service and is unescorted. Our journey takes us south through ever changing scenery to our campsite located on the edge of the Namib Desert, considered by many geologists to be one of the world's oldest deserts. The following morning is an early departure driving 70 kms (1 hr one-way), stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The name "Sossusvlei" is of mixed origin, and roughly means "dead end marsh". Sossusvlei owes this name to the fact that it is a drainage basin without outflows for the ephemeral Tsauchab River. The pan holds rainwater to form a lake and due to the high clay content of the ground, water is retained for long periods of time. Deadvlei is another clay pan, about 2 km from Sossusvlei. A notable feature of Deadvlei is that it used to be an oasis with several acacia trees. The pan is thus punctuated by blackened, dead acacia trees, in vivid contrast to the shiny white of the salty floor of the pan and the intense orange of the dunes. This creates a particularly fascinating and surrealistic landscape, that appears in uncountable pictures and that has been used as a setting for films and videos. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, which is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab river in the local sedimentary rock, about a kilometre long and up to 30 metres deep. A portion of the canyon permanently contains water, which many animals use.
Day 4 : Swakopmund (Approx 380 Kms/6 Hrs Drive)
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation Name: local guesthouse
Today we travel through the Kuiseb canyon, site of the famous book by Henno Martin, The Sheltering Desert before we stop off at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos (seasonal). The Walvis Bay wetlands - the lagoon, mudflats, shoreline and salt works - constitute the single most important coastal wetland in southern Africa for migratory birds. The wetland therefore serves mainly as a dry-season and drought refuge for migrating species like the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Plover, Grebe and African Black Oystercatcher. We arrive in Swakopmund, a quaint beach town with a strong German influence and with a sizable part of its population still German-speaking today. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is German for "Mouth of the Swakop" as it is at the mouth of the Swakop River. We spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or enjoying one of the numerous optional excursions (at own risk and own expense). Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Day 5 : Spitzkoppe (Approx 150 Kms - 125 Kms Tarmac & 25 Kms Gravel/2 Hrs Drive)
Location: Spitzkoppe
Accommodation Name: camp
Leaving Swakopmund after lunch we set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. Northeast of Swakopmund is the stark grandeur of The Spitzkoppe (sharp head), one of Namibia's most recognizable landmarks. The summit of this imposing granite rock formation (1,728m) was first scaled only in 1946, and its shape has inspired its nickname, The Matterhorn of Africa. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 6 - 7 : Etosha National Park (Approx 530 Kms/9 Hrs Drive)
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Okakeujo & Namutoni Restcamps (2023) or Trading Post Campsite & Namutoni Restcamps (2024)
We enter Etosha via the Western corridor and travel through the park to Okakeujo Restcamp. The Park was first established in 1907, when Namibia was a German colony known as South West Africa. At the time, the park's original 100,000 km² made it the largest game reserve in the world. Due to political changes since its original establishment, the park is now slightly less than a quarter of its original area, but still remains a very large and significant area in which wildlife is protected. This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okakeujo & Namutoni Restcamps attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives (approx 150 kms drive/12 hrs including lunch). Overnight: In 2023 - Okakeujo & Namutoni Restcamps inside Etosha. In 2024 - Trading Post Campsite & Namutoni Restcamps inside Etosha.
Day 8 : Kavango River - Rundu (Approx 420 Kms/6 Hrs Drive)
Location: Rundu
Accommodation Name: camp
After a morning game drive we exit Etosha and travel to Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River. Our camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River.
Day 9 - 10 : Okavango Delta (Approx 300 Kms/5 Hrs Drive)
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: camp
Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our campsite on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta.
Day 11 - 12 : Chobe River (Approx 230 Kms/5 Hrs Drive)
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Continuing through the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel through the Chobe National Park setting up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we relax on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. A morning game drive in Chobe National Park included on Day 12.
Day 13 : Victoria Falls (Approx 90 Kms/3 Hrs Drive)
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Sprayview Lodge (or similar)
We travel across the Zimbabwean border to Victoria Falls, without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (otherwise known as Victoria Falls) is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Park covers 66 km2 from the Songwe Gorge below the falls in a northwest arc along about 20 km of the Zambian riverbank. Two countries - Zambia and Zimbabwe, share the magnificent falls. Nothing can compare to viewing the awesome power of 'The Smoke that thunders" for the first time. There will be plenty of opportunity to view the Falls 'up close and personal' by traversing the many walkways in and around the rain forest that surrounds the many view points (entrance fee own account). In the wet season, be sure to wear a raincoat as the spray can give you a thorough drenching! Victoria Falls is also the "adventure capital" of Southern Africa and there are many optional activities on offer to whet your appetite. These range from game drives in the nearby national park, scenic micro light or helicopter flights, or for the more adventurous white water rafting or bungi jumping. Victoria Falls also has many markets where you can browse for African curios. All lunches, dinners and optional activities will be at your own expense. Overnight Sprayview Lodge (or similar).
Day 14 : Victoria Falls, Trip Concludes
Location: Victoria Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour ends today after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights camping -
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 10 dinners
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All camping gear (including sleeping bag & pillow) spacious 2 person safari tents, Camp bed and comfortable safari folding chair
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English speaking local guide
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Group camping equipment, reference library and first aid box
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Nature walks and game drives as per itinerary
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Private transport in custom built safari vehicle
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Boat cruise on Chobe River
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National park and site entrance fees per itinerary
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Arrival and departure transfers are included in Windhoek and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 14. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).
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International flights
What's Not Included
Accommodation
10 nights camping. All accommodation for the tour is provided on a twin share room or tent basis. We enjoy fully serviced camping on this trip, which means all camping gear (including sleeping bag & pillow), spacious 2 person safari tents, camp bed, foam mattress and comfortable safari folding chairs are all provided. We also enjoy the attention of two camp assistants/cooks who set everything up for us, in addition to our English-speaking guide. Note that a single supplement is compulsory for this trip if you are travelling alone. If you prefer to share, please advise us at time of booking and we will try to match you with another person of the same gender and also willing to share. This is rarely possible but if a match does happen we will be able to refund the single supplement approx 4 weeks prior to departure.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. There are regular early mornings and late evenings throughout the trip to make the most of the game spotting opportunities. Our day walks are optional there is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Southern Africa as possible. Whether this includes climbing the sand dunes in Namibia or taking part in the adventure activities at Victoria Falls, the fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience. Active participation in camp set up and some chores are encouraged for this trip.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Mode of Transport
Private transport in a custom-built safari vehicle is provided. Arrival and departure transfers are included in Windhoek and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 14. Note that the transfer to Sesriem is operated by a local Namibian transfer service and is unescorted.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 10 nights of camping accommodation. All accommodation is on a twin share room or tent basis. The camping is fully serviced, meaning all camping gear including sleeping bags, pillows, spacious 2-person safari tents, camp beds, foam mattresses, and comfortable safari folding chairs are provided. Two camp assistants/cooks set everything up, in addition to an English-speaking guide. A single supplement is compulsory if you are traveling alone, but if you prefer to share, the tour operator will try to match you with another person of the same gender.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes nature walks and game drives as per the itinerary, a boat cruise on the Chobe River, and entrance fees to national parks and sites as per the itinerary. Additionally, there are mokoro and boat excursions in the Okavango Delta, and a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Arrival and departure transfers are included in Windhoek and Victoria Falls on Days 1 and 14. However, transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day than Days 1 and 14, are not included.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing (as it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm.
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What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?
Although there is no commitment to extended walking, the tour keeps an 'accent on the active.' Physical training before the trip is advised to enhance your experience. There are regular early mornings and late evenings to maximize game spotting opportunities. Day walks are optional, but activities like climbing sand dunes in Namibia or participating in adventure activities at Victoria Falls will be more enjoyable if you are fit. Active participation in camp setup and some chores is encouraged.
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Is it safe to view wildlife during the tour?
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. However, all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals, is never entirely without risk. By participating, you accept that there is an element of risk, which is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.