African Highlights | 13 Days

Day 1: Windhoek to Ongava Private Game Reserve
(Ongava Lodge)

Your journey begins in Windhoek, with a comfortable pick-up from your accommodation at 08:30 am. From the heart of Namibia's capital, you'll travel north to the legendary Etosha National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Perched on the southern edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Lodge is set within the exclusive 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. This privileged location offers guests seamless access to Etosha's wilderness, while the private reserve itself is a sanctuary for some of Africa's most iconic species, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and a dazzling array of birdlife.

The lodge features 14 elegant, thatched chalets, each thoughtfully designed with natural materials to blend harmoniously with the environment. Spacious and luxurious, every chalet boasts an en-suite bathroom and a private deck, where you can unwind and watch wildlife wander past against the backdrop of the African savanna.

At the heart of Ongava Lodge is the main area, which includes a stylish lounge, a welcoming bar, and a dining room – all offering panoramic views over a busy waterhole that attracts a constant parade of animals. Guests can cool off in the sparkling swimming pool, browse the curio shop for unique souvenirs, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Dining at Ongava is a memorable experience, with delicious meals served either in the thatched dining area overlooking the waterhole or outdoors on the deck beneath a canopy of stars.

After thrilling game drives and guided bush walks, you'll return each evening to the comfort and luxury of Ongava Lodge – Etosha's premier safari destination – where unforgettable wildlife encounters and warm Namibian hospitality await.

Day 2: Ongava Private Game Reserve
(Ongava Lodge)

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park, with most of the day spent in search of wildlife. We'll visit several of the park's famous waterholes – prime spots for observing a variety of animals as they come to drink and interact. One of the highlights is a stop at the iconic Etosha Pan, known as the “place of dry water”. This vast, flat salt pan stretches over 5,000 square kilometers, creating a surreal landscape of shimmering white mirages. Watching large herds of game traverse this striking expanse is an unforgettable sight, making Etosha a truly unique safari destination in Africa.

Day 3: Etosha National Park, East
(Mokuti Etosha Lodge or similar)

As we bid farewell to Ongava Game Reserve, our journey continues through the heart of Etosha National Park, heading eastward. Along the way, we'll stop at a series of waterholes, offering more opportunities to observe the park's incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

Our next destination is the eastern side of Etosha, where we'll spend the next two nights at Mokuti Lodge (or a similar lodge), conveniently located just outside the park gates. Nestled in a tranquil setting, Mokuti Lodge provides the perfect base for further exploration and relaxation, ensuring you experience the very best of Etosha's eastern wilderness.

Day 4: Etosha National Park, East
(Mokuti Etosha Lodge or similar)

Prepare for another exhilarating day of game viewing in Etosha's eastern region. This area is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings, offering the chance to observe a diverse array of animals up close. You're likely to encounter large herds of springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, and gemsbok, as well as an impressive variety of birdlife and other fascinating creatures. With each waterhole and open plain, new wildlife encounters await, making every moment in Etosha a truly memorable safari experience.

Day 5: Rundu
(Hakusembe River Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

After a final morning game drive – perfect for capturing the beauty of Etosha's wildlife in the gentle morning light – we exit the park through the eastern gate and set our course for Rundu, located in the southwestern corner of the Kavango region. This area is predominantly home to the Okavango people, offering a fascinating cultural contrast to the landscapes we've explored so far.

En route, we'll stop at the Ju/'Hoansi-San community, where you'll have the unique opportunity to learn about the San people – the original nomadic inhabitants of Namibia – and gain insight into their traditional way of life and rich cultural heritage.

Continuing on, we arrive at the serene banks of the Okavango River, where we'll spend the night at the charming Hakusembe River Lodge. Nestled right on the river's edge near Rundu, the lodge offers comfortable chalets with picturesque river views. Guests can unwind on the floating deck, take a dip in the swimming pool, or enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar – all while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the Okavango.

Day 6: Divindu
(Divava Okavango Resort & Spa or similar)

Today, our journey continues eastwards along the scenic Okavango River as we enter the breathtaking Mahango Game Reserve. Nestled in the northeastern Kavango Region, at the edge of the western Caprivi and bordering Botswana, Mahango is renowned for its rich diversity and stunning landscapes. The reserve is a mosaic of riverine forests, expansive floodplains, and ancient baobab trees, providing a haven for large herds of elephant and the striking red lechwe antelope.

Mahango is one of Namibia's most fascinating conservation areas, home to a remarkable variety of rare and sought-after species. Here, you may encounter buffalo, sable and roan antelope, Chobe bushbuck, reedbuck, tsessebe, and the elusive sitatunga, making each wildlife encounter truly special.

Our accommodation for the night is the luxurious Divava Okavango Resort & Spa, perched on the banks of the Okavango River. From your elegant chalet – complete with a spacious deck, large bathroom, and both indoor and outdoor showers – you can enjoy sweeping river views and may even spot hippos or crocodiles right from your doorstep.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a game drive through the reserve, venturing out in search of the area's incredible wildlife. With its unique blend of habitats and species, Mahango promises an unforgettable safari experience.

Day 7: Okavango Panhandle
(Nxamaseri Island Lodge or similar)

We start our day by traveling to the breathtaking Okavango Delta in Botswana. Our first stop is the amazing Tsodilo Hills, a sacred place for the San people. These hills are special because they have over 4,000 ancient rock paintings and rise high above the dry landscape.

While we're there, we'll get a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the San people, which is becoming more fragile over time.

After exploring Tsodilo Hills in the morning, we'll drive to our lodge and arrive in the early afternoon. We'll be staying for two nights at Nxamaseri Lodge, a peaceful retreat with eight private chalets nestled under a forest canopy. Each chalet has its own deck, providing a quiet space to relax and enjoy nature.

Day 8: Okavango Panhandle
(Nxamaseri Island Lodge or similar)

Our day begins with an exhilarating speedboat journey through the enchanting channels of the Okavango Delta, where we'll weave between lush islands and papyrus-lined waterways. Once we reach one of the islands, we'll transition to traditional mokoro boats, expertly guided by local polers. This allows us to glide silently through the serene waters, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Delta.

As we navigate close to the islands, we'll have the chance to spot remarkable wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, aquatic antelope, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, leopards, and a stunning variety of birds if we are lucky. The gentle pace of the mokoro provides an intimate experience to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

At a secluded island, we'll disembark for a guided bush walk, where we can explore the Delta's landscapes on foot and learn about its rich flora and fauna from our knowledgeable guide.

After this unforgettable morning of exploration, we'll return to Nxamaseri Lodge just after lunch, leaving the afternoon free to relax and soak in the magical atmosphere of the Okavango Delta.

Day 9: Kwando River, Namibia
(Camp Kwando or similar)

Today, we bid farewell to Botswana and make our way back into Namibia. Heading north, we re-enter Mahango Game Reserve for another short game drive – an excellent opportunity to search for any wildlife we may have missed during our previous visit. Keep your eyes peeled for the reserve's diverse inhabitants as we traverse its scenic landscapes once more.

Continuing our journey through the Caprivi Strip, we'll have the chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Along the way, we may stop at roadside markets or villages, where you can browse and purchase authentic Namibian handicrafts ' perfect mementos of your travels and a way to support local artisans.

Our destination for the night is the enchanting Kwando River Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Kwando River. The lodge is tucked beneath a lush canopy of Jackalberry and Mangosteen trees, offering tranquil river views and a peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can unwind and soak up the sights and sounds of the river, surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Namibia.

Day 10: Chobe River Front
(Chobe River Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

We begin our journey eastward through the heart of the Caprivi Strip, making our way to the vibrant capital, Katima Mulilo. We'll take a brief stop to soak in the town's lively atmosphere and perhaps sample some local culture. After our visit, we continue to our accommodation at Chobe River Camp, or a similar riverside retreat, where we'll be surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the region.

This afternoon, we embark on one of Africa's most iconic wildlife experiences: a Chobe River cruise. As we drift along the tranquil waters of the river, we'll have the opportunity to observe herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birdlife that flock to the riverbanks. The Chobe River is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and close-up wildlife encounters, making this cruise a true highlight of our journey.

After the cruise, we return to Chobe River Camp to unwind and enjoy the comforts of our riverside setting, all while being enveloped by the sounds and sights of the African wilderness.

Day 11: Chobe River Front
(Chobe River Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

Chobe National Park, Botswana's second largest national park, spans over 10,000 square kilometers and boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere on the African continent. Renowned for its remarkable abundance of animals and its unspoiled, quintessentially African landscapes, Chobe offers a safari experience like no other. The park is especially famous for its vast herds of elephants, which are considered to be the largest in body size of any living elephants.

This morning, we'll embark on an exciting Chobe River cruise, immersing ourselves in the river's diverse habitats as we search for iconic wildlife. With a bit of luck, we may encounter majestic elephants, powerful lions, sturdy buffalo, graceful antelope, and towering giraffes, along with a rich variety of birdlife. Just like yesterday's unforgettable boat tour, today's adventure promises to be a highlight of our safari experience.

After a delightful lunch at the camp, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can relax by the pool, soaking up the serene atmosphere and stunning views of the river, or for those eager for more adventure, there's an option to join a guided walking tour. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region.

Day 12: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
(Ilala Lodge Hotel or similar)

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Namibia and cross the border into Zimbabwe – the third and final country on our safari adventure. Our scenic drive spans approximately 200 kilometers, providing opportunities to spot wildlife along the way, so keep your eyes peeled as we traverse this remarkable landscape.

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, we'll head straight to our lodge, conveniently located near the world-famous falls. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke that Thunders”, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking spectacle and rightfully celebrated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The sheer power and beauty of the cascading water create an unforgettable experience for every visitor. We will visit the falls this afternoon to fully appreciate their grandeur.

In the evening, we'll gather for a special farewell dinner at one of Victoria Falls' renowned local restaurants. This will be a perfect opportunity to share memories and celebrate the incredible journey we've experienced together.