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Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Flights Included Fully Guided Adventure Small Group 4WD Wildlife Scenic
Our Price From 18,620 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 391 Per Person
 Trip Length
23 Days
 Trip Starts
Windhoek
 Trip Finishes
Victoria Falls
23 Day Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Itinerary (Bunnik Tours)
Countries Explored: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Departures
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
12
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BUN223

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Bunnik Tours 23 Day Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls. Discover spectacular wildlife and incredible natural wonders on this diverse adventure. Visit the highest dunes on earth at Sossusvlei and get up close with an array of animals in Etosha and Chobe National Parks. Explore one of the world's richest ecosystems, the Okavango Delta and marvel at the splendour of Victoria Falls. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Welcome to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and largest city. Lying in a valley bordered by the Eros Mountains in the north and the Auas Mountains in the south, Windhoek is a scenic city with a harmonious blend of African and European cultures and architectural influences.

We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 8pm to join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink.

Today we will discover Windhoek on a city tour. Our first destination this morning is the Old Brewery Craft Centre. Here you will find a huge range of traditional wall-hangings, weavings and Bushmen arts and crafts - great for souvenirs to take home. Our touring today also includes a visit to Penduka Village, a development and training enterprise for over 500 underprivileged women. The enterprise offers work to the women and provides them with craft design and management skills.

Special Experience: Enjoy a carnivore feeding tour at Na'ankuse Lodge, as experienced guides feed baboons, lions, cheetahs and more. This evening we'll meet our fellow travellers for group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy the passing scenery as we travel through the Namib Desert this morning to Sossusvlei. This phenomenal desert has been in existence for some 43 million years and its current landscape has remained unchanged for the last 2 million years. One of Namibia's most spectacular landmarks, Sossusvlei is a large white salt and clay pan, which is surrounded by magnificent red dunes. Some of these dunes reach over 400-metres-high, making them the highest on earth. We'll arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Sossusvlei Sundowner Drive - Depart from Sossusvlei Lodge in the late afternoon on a leisurely drive on the Lodge's private reserve. Relax with a sundowner drink and experience the most spectacular sunsets in the Namib! 2 hours - from US $25 pp

We're up before the sun this morning, to reach the vast Sossusvlei dunes for sunrise. We'll climb the dunes to admire the desert and claypans from above. Be sure to bring your camera as this will be an incredible sight! Then we'll discover the nearby Dead Vlei, characterised by the dark, dead camel thorn trees that are in stark contrast to the white claypan floor – another great opportunity for photos. Admire the incredible views near Dead Vlei while enjoying a delicious breakfast.

Next, we visit Sesriem Canyon, formed around 30 million years ago when desert sands buried much of Namibia. A climatic change caused the formation of rivers which brought limestone, dissolved lime deposits and boulders. Around 2 million years ago, the Ice Age caused a drop in the sea level and following this, the increased flow of the Tsauchab River began to cut its way through the landscape to create what is now known as Sesriem Canyon.

Special Experience: Relax with a sundowner drink at Elim Dune and watch as the sun sets over the vast plains of the Namib Desert.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

This morning we make our way to Swakopmund, a German heritage town located on the south-west African coast. Established in 1892, Swakopmund is home to over 40,000 people and is the country's largest coastal town with palm-lined streets, sandy beaches, seaside promenades and old German colonial buildings. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure or take an optional scenic flight over the dramatic Skeleton Coast.

Optional Excursion: Optional Excursion - Swakopmund Scenic Flight (Cessna 210 Craft) – Often described as 'the flight of a lifetime', travelling from Swakopmund along the Kuiseb Riverbed to the awe-inspiring dunes at Sossusvlei. The colour and shadows of these gigantic mountains of sand change by the hour from beige to rust-red to purple, dazzling the eye. The flight continues over the ‘sea of sand', towards the shore at Conception Bay, soaring along the coastline and over the shipwreck of the German passenger liner, Eduard Bohlen. Other points of interests include Sandwich Harbour and it's a large saltwater lagoon, home to an incredible variety of bird life and one of southern Africa's greatest natural bird sanctuaries; and the salt mines of Walvis Bay, before landing back in the town of Swakopmund. 2 hours (610km) - from US $390pp (minimum 4 participants)

Indulge in fresh local oysters and snacks on a scenic cruise of Walvis Bay, searching for dolphins, seals and pelicans. This afternoon is at leisure for you to discover more of Swakopmund at your own pace. Why not visit the fantastic arts and crafts centre?

Today we travel north to Damaraland via the picturesque Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, arriving at our lodge in time for lunch (not included).

Later we drive out in search of the unique desert elephants. They have adapted to their semi-desert environment by having a smaller body mass with proportionally longer legs and seemingly larger feet than other elephants, meaning they can travel vast distances over arid dunes to reach water.

This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Twyfelfontein, the site of at least 2,500 ancient rock engravings. We'll explore the Zieben Platten National Heritage Site on foot. Our next stop is the Damara Living Museum. Together with the Kalahari Bushmen, the Damara belong to the oldest nations in Namibia. Their original culture was a mixture of a hunter-gatherer society and a herder, however, during colonisation their loose social structures meant they were unable to defend themselves. Now the traditional culture has become somewhat ‘lost'. We'll witness this fascinating ‘lost culture' first-hand.

We then make our way to the Petrified Forest, an accumulation of fossilised tree trunks which are approximately 280 million years old. Later this afternoon we'll travel towards the world-renowned Etosha National Park, stopping enroute to visit a traditional Himba Village where we will learn about their lives and culture. It is here that the last semi-nomadic people of Namibia reside, who are known for covering themselves in a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment known as ‘otjize paste'. This red-orange colouring not only helps cleanse the skin over long periods of water scarcity and protects them from the climate, but it is also consistent with their idea of beauty. 

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Etosha is one of Africa's most diverse and well-known wildlife reserves, boasting over 110 different animals and over 300 different bird species. It is characterised by an immense salt desert, so large that it can be seen from space – the Etosha Pan. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds during the dry season each year. After a period of rain, the salt pan fills with water and flamingos, making for an ideal photo opportunity.

We have an early start today for our full day of game viewing through Etosha National Park. The park is home to four of the ‘Big Five' – elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. Its waterholes support a rich diversity of birds and mammals, including rare species such as the black-faced impala, cheetah and Namibia's smallest antelope, the Damara dik dik. Make sure you bring your binoculars to spot the magnificent birdlife!

Another day is devoted to viewing the abundant array of wildlife found in the park. We head out early on a 4WD safari. Keep an eye out for elephant in the densely vegetated areas, giraffe in the drier regions and lion in the golden grasslands.

We travel north into the Kavango region, an area considerably greener than the rest of Namibia due to the larger than average rainfall. As we make our way towards the Kavango region, we'll stop to visit the Hoba Meteorite, the largest on earth that is still intact. Falling 80,000 years ago, the meteorite weighs approximately 60 tonnes. This afternoon, we enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Okavango River, which also acts as the border between Namibia and Angola. The birdlife is impressive and we'll soak up the setting sun while sipping a refreshing drink.

Today we venture deep into the Kavango region to Mahango National Park, an area of diverse wildlife. Mahango, located in the Caprivi Strip is affectionately known as Namibia's panhandle. German chancellor Leo von Caprivi negotiated the acquisition of the land in 1890. It is said that he believed it would provide access to the Indian Ocean for trade via the Zambezi River, however, the 355-foot drop of the world's largest waterfall got in the way, just 65 kilometres east of Caprivi. This afternoon we'll enjoy a cruise along the Kavango River with a sundowner.

Mahango is famous for its many species of antelope, however, you can also expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, baboons and vervet monkeys. The enormous baobab trees and vast floodplains provide a fantastic visual setting for photography. We expolore on a morning game drive, searching for more wildlife in Mahango National Park. The afternoon is at leisure to sit back, relax and enjoy the views over the river.

Travelling south we cross the border into Botswana, reaching Maun. Maun lies at the southern edge of the magnificent Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Situated along the banks of the Thamalekane River, Maun offers easy access to the delta. It has come a long way since its early days as a small frontier town, now acting as the gateway to one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Today we travel northeast along the dirt roads to Moremi Game Reserve. Located in the heart of the breathtaking Okavango Delta, Moremi National Park is a haven for wildlife and photographic safaris in northern Botswana. We'll take a game drive through the reserve to reach our natural safari campsite. This evening we enjoy a fantastic dinner under the stars, accompanied by South African wines.

After an early breakfast, we commence our morning game drive. Boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world, Moremi is unrivalled in its beautiful scenery and is host to a splendid array of birds, animals and plants. Boarding motorboats we experience the permanent lagoons of Xaxanika or Godikwa heronries.

We'll return to the camp for lunch and have some time to relax before we head out again this afternoon in search of more wildlife. Did you know there are over 500 species of bird in Moremi? Back at our camp this evening, we'll indulge in sundowners and another amazing dinner under the stars.

After breakfast we take a final game drive early this morning, before boarding a light plane for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Enjoy the fantastic views of the expanded waterways, white claypans and palm-lined lagoons. Keep an eye out for hippos in the channels and elephant and buffalo huddling in the shade of the trees. Once we arrive in Maun, we'll make our way towards Nata and the Makgadikgadi Pans.

This fascinating region is made up of a series of pans all crossing over each other in the barren wilderness. Typically, during the dry season (March to September) the pans are nothing more than empty, cracked mud, however, in the wet season (November to March) it comes alive as a haven for the wildlife that flock to the watering holes.

This morning we explore our incredible surroundings on a guided nature drive in an open safari vehicle of the Sua Pan and Nata Sanctuary. Later, we make our way into famous Chobe, the third largest national park in Botswana. Chobe is home to the highest elephant concentration on earth and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular national parks in Africa.

The riverine forests and floodplains support an abundance of game species, which in turn attract predators such as lion, leopard and hyena. The park is divided into four distinctly different ecosystems: Serondela, with its lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area in the extreme north, the Savuti Marsh in the west; the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the hot, dry hinterland in between. The large concentration of elephants that reside here during the dry season (June to October) congregate along the fertile floodplains of the Chobe River.

Shortly before sunrise, we take our first open-air safari in this amazing national park. We return to our lodge for breakfast and some time at leisure. Later today we'll look out for game during our cruise along the Chobe River. A multitude of incredible wildlife species can be found along its banks. Enjoy the calming serenity as we watch the sun sink into the horizon.

This morning we cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe during our transfer to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls, also known as the ‘Smoke that Thunders', is suggested to be the world's biggest waterfall at 1.7-kilometres-wide and 110-metres-high. The noise of the falls can be heard from 40 kilometres away, while its spray and mist can be seen from 50 kilometres.

Victoria Falls is located on the mighty Zambezi River, which forms the international border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. David Livingstone is believed to have been the first European to discover the waterfall in November 1855 and named it in honour of Queen Victoria. Later this afternoon we'll embark on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and we are set to explore them on foot this morning. Our walking discovery will take us to various vantage points from which to view this natural phenomenon. Facing the Zambian side, each viewing point affords a different perspective of the falls, one providing a view of the Victoria Falls Bridge, others taking you through the jungle and some even allowing you to peer right over the edge.

Witness the spray and rapturous thunder of the falls. Millions of tonnes of water tumble over the ridge into the deep narrow gorge, where the Zambezi River continues its eastward course some 110 metres below towards the Indian Ocean.

Special Experience: Discover the history of Victoria Falls Bridge during an informative and exciting bridge walk.

Optional Excursion: Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour - After take-off you will fly out over the Victoria Falls where your pilot will fly left- and right-hand circuits over the falls in both directions. Continuing the flight downstream over the Batoka Gorge, experience the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring dramatic feature, following the mighty Zambezi as it carves its way between steep cliffs. Includes return transfers from your Victoria Falls hotel. Excludes Park Fees and Government Fees of $15pp US, which are to be paid locally to the operator. 12 minutes – from US $150 pp / 25 minutes – from US $290 pp (minimum of 3 participants)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to our incredible adventure across Africa. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Trip Inclusions

Discover the incredible dunes and deserts of Namibia

  • Tour the Old Brewery Craft Centre
  • Visit Penduka Village
  • Enjoy a carnivore feeding tour at Na'ankuse Lodge
  • Travel into the heart of the Namib Desert
  • Visit Sossusvlei and the nearby Dead Vlei
  • Have breakfast amongst the dunes near Dead Vlei
  • Visit Sesriem Canyon
  • Enjoy sundowner drinks at Elim Dune in the Namib Desert
  • Cruise on Walvis Bay
  • Visit a typical Himba Village
  • Search for famous desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland
  • Visit Twyfelfontein to view the ancient rock art
  • Explore the Damara Living Museum
  • Discover the age-old Petrified Forest in Damaraland
  • Game drive through Etosha National Park
  • See Hoba Meteorite, the largest known intact meteorite
  • Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Okavango River
  • Travel through the Caprivi Strip
  • Explore the Kavango River by boat safari
  • Game drives in the Mahango National Park

Breathtaking Botswana

  • Explore the Okavango Delta
  • Camp in Moremi Game Reserve
  • Take a flight over the Okavango Delta
  • Travel to the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Game drive through Chobe National Park
  • Enjoy a river safari on the Chobe River

The smoke that thunders

  • Spend 2 nights at Victoria Falls with free time
  • Take a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River
  • Guided excursion of the Falls
  • Discover the history of Victoria Falls Bridge on an exciting 'bridge walk'
  • Visit a local community to enjoy an authentic Zimbabwean dinner

  • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Africa. Taxes included
  • Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta in a light aircraft
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
  • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles (excluding open safari 4WD)

  • 7 nights in 3-4½ star hotels
  • 12 nights in 4 star African lodges
  • 2 nights in basic canvas eco-tented accommodation with bucket shower in Moremi Game Reserve
  • Hotel Thule, Windhoek
  • Sossusvlei Lodge, Sossusvlei Namib Desert
  • Swakopmund Hotel, Swakopmund
  • Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Damaraland
  • Etosha Village, Etosha National Park West
  • Mokuti Etosha Lodge, Etosha National Park East
  • Hakusembe River Lodge, Kavango Region
  • Shametu River Lodge, Caprivi Strip
  • Maun Lodge, Maun
  • Private Campsite, Moremi Game Reserve
  • Nata Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Chobe Safari Lodge, Chobe
  • The Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls

  • 21 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 17 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

  • English-speaking locally based national driver/guide
  • English-speaking locally based guides

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
  • Due to the limited storage space in light aircraft and safari vehicles in Africa, please note a soft bag is required for this tour. There is a maximum weight of 15kg per person.
  • There will be an opportunity to present gifts to those at Penduka Village, either brought from Australia or purchased locally - please discuss with your guide if you wish to participate in this. Recommendations for gifts include clothes and stationery for their children’s schoolwork such as books, pens and pencils.
  • We will spend two nights camping in Moremi National Park from day 16 – day 18. You must pack an overnight bag/pack for these nights as your luggage will stay in Maun. The campsite is basic with private outdoor bathroom facilities (bucket shower). Our tents are pitched in a common campsite and are not permanent; however, they are equipped with camp beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, towels, a bedside table and paraffin lamp. We suggest that you bring a torch along with you to help navigate the campsite at night. There is no power supply so please ensure your batteries are fully charged before arrival.
  • As we cross into Zambia to complete the Victoria Falls Bridge walk on day 23, please ensure you take your passport. There are no visa requirements. You can take a small backpack/shoulder bag onto the bridge to allow you to store any valuables as well as your passport safely. Please note you will be required to wear a harness, so pants or shorts are recommended.
  • All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of optional excursions advised is an approximate only. Optional excursions can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional excursions may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls' Reviews

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Well planned holiday 1 , VIC, Australia, Jul 2018
The trip was excellent. Jemma was outstanding in her attention to the details we required and every request was quickly acted upon.
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Bunnik Africa (2024)

Get packed for the adventure of a lifetime with Bunnik Tours! Spot the 'Big 5' running wild across the African plains, gaze across the sweeping desert landscapes of Sossusvlei and visit local villages for deeper insights into life on the African continent. Travelling the Bunnik Way means touring in a small group made up of like-minded people. People...more who want to connect with the places and cultures they visit. People who share a love and passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants.

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