Okavango Delta & Deserts

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. (D) Stay: Gweta Lodge (or similar)

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? (B/D) Stay: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B) Stay: Island Safari Lodge (or similar)

Today we'll traverse two countries as we leave Botswana and head into Namibia. we'll arrive in Windhoek this evening after crossing the border.

Tonight we'll check out thhe famous Joe's Beerhouse, and then you're free to explore and find somewhere awesome to eat (there's lots of choice, don't worry! ) (B) Stay: Klein Windhoek Guesthouse (or similar)

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. (B/D) Stay: Hammerstein Lodge (or similar)

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 German coastal town of Swakopmund. After checking into our hotel, it's off to town for a German-inspired feast and plenty of beer at the local beer garden. (B) Stay: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Swakopmund is our adventurer's paradise as we explore the ocean and surrounding desert. We start with a seal kayaking experience at Pelican point near Walvis Bay, where we'll be on lookout for dolphins, whales and other marine life.

This afternoon, we'll hit Namib Desert for quad biking and sand boarding in the world's oldest dunes. We'll round off our day with a dinner in town (plus lots of reminiscing). (B)

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 gawp at their skills and crafts as they educate us on how to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions. (B/D) Stay: Mondijla Lodge (or similar)

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. (B)

After breakfast, we drive back down to Windhoek to catch the afternoon flights back home, saying goodbye to new friends but cherishing our lifelong memories. (B)