Highlights of Namibia & Botswana

Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses. After the welcome meeting, why not get to know your fellow travellers over a group dinner.

This morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Elephant Sands via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Then, travel across the Kazungula border into Botswana and make your way to your accommodation in Elephant Sands. Located in a private concession bordering on the Chobe Forest Reserve, the watering hole at Elephant Sands lodge attracts herds of elephants and other wildlife in season. Take a guided bush walk through the unfenced 16,000 hectare private conservancy, which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may even spot some of Africa's lesser-known species! Tonight, maybe soak up the sounds of the wilderness with a glass of wine as you overlook the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the roaming animals.

After breakfast, drive to Maun – a bustling town on the edge of the Okavango Delta – arriving in the afternoon. When you get there, you'll have the opportunity to take in this UNESCO World Heritage site from above on an optional scenic helicopter flight (your leader can help arrange this for you). After, settle in for the night at your comfortable hotel in the heart of Maun.

Head out from Maun this morning, making your way further to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta. Hop into a 4WD for the last 12 km (7.5 mi) and watch the beautiful scenery you’re passing through. When you arrive, settle into the lodge where you’ll be spending the next two nights, located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon.

Today, you'll hop into mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) for a water-level exploration of the delta. Glide through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons and islands, keeping an eye out for elephants, antelope, warthogs and other wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a short bushwalk on one of the islands before returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Then, spend the afternoon at leisure, maybe relaxing by the pool. Finish out the day with sunset cruise on the delta.

After breakfast, jump back into the 4WD to return to your overland truck, then make your way to the Namibian border. The drive to tonight's camp on the Caprivi banks of the Okavango River, passes through the Mahango Game Reserve – keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife on the drive, like elephants and buffalo.

Today, you’ll gain insight into the ancient hunter-gatherer culture of the Khwe Indigenous group during a visit to The Living Museum of the Khwe. There are approximately 4000 members of the Khwe community living in Namibia, and their traditional culture is one of the most endangered in the country. Spend time in the museum village – a collection of traditional grass huts where you’ll learn about the Khwe way of life and pre-colonial customs. Maybe forge an arrow or braid a papyrus bracelet. Perhaps take a guided walk through the bush to spot antelopes – a great way to better understand the Khwe’s excellent tracking skills. After, head back to the lodge, where you can freshen up and get ready for your sunset cruise on the Okavango River. It’s a magical time to reflect on all you’ve seen so far.

Continue your journey today along the Caprivi Strip, located in the newly formed Kavango-Zambezi Trans Frontier Park. After crossing the border back into Botswana, you’ll arrive at Kasane, surrounded by Chobe National Park. Taking its name from the river that marks the border between Namibia and Botswana, Chobe boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa, plus an abundance of birdlife and pods of wallowing hippos. Maybe check out Kasane town or take a dip in the lodge pool. You can spend your evening by the open outdoor fire or simply watch the setting sun change colours in the sky above the river.

Wake up early and head out for a dawn wildlife drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the water’s edge, large herds of Cape buffalo and many impalas. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast, then enjoy the rest of the day free. This evening, you’ll head out on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. At the right time of year, the river is frequented by large families of elephants crossing the banks, drinking and playing in the water. It's also ideal for spotting birdlife like saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters, as well as hippos and crocodiles. Why not grab a sundowner from the small bar onboard, then sit back and watch the sunset over the river – a relaxing way to end the day.

Have breakfast at the lodge before making your way to the Zimbabwean border. After completing the border formalities, continue to Victoria Falls, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore. There’s plenty to see and do in and around town – see the falls on foot, get out on the water, take to the skies in a helicopter flight or check out the local breweries, restaurants and cafes. Be sure to ask your leader for their tips and recommendations.

After breakfast, leave Victoria Falls behind and transfer to the airport for an unaccompanied flight to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. When you arrive, you'll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Windhoek at your own pace or simply relax at the hotel. You'll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new leader and travel companions. After the meeting, why not head out for dinner together – your leader will know all the best spots.

Leave Windhoek this morning and travel north to Waterberg Wilderness – a private nature reserve located at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau. The plateau stretches up to a height of 200 m and is 50 km long. When you arrive, head out on a nature walk along one of the reserve’s trails. Winding through the valley and over the slopes of the plateau, you’ll make stops at viewpoints along the way and learn about the springs, wildlife and flora that make up this ecosystem. Stroll through the Botanical Garden where you can learn about the 500 or so species of plants on the plateau and its surrounds, including fig trees, camel thorn trees and leadwood trees.

This morning, head out into the Waterberg reserve with an experienced guide in search of rhinos. As you explore, keep an eye out for giraffes, kudu, oryx, eland, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest as well. Then, say goodbye to Waterberg and drive north, headed for Etosha National Park. This is one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Namibia. Spanning more than 20,000 sq km, more than 114 mammal species and 340 bird species can be found here. This afternoon, you can opt to go on a 4WD safari to start exploring the national park and catch your first glimpse of the diversity of wildlife that calls this place home.

Rise bright and early this morning to set off on a full-day 4WD safari in Etosha National Park. Drive along the open plains and keep watch at the waterholes on the edge of the Etosha Pan where the wildlife gathers to drink. You might see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, rhinos and the endemic black-faced impala. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon, where you can debrief about the day’s adventures with your group or just kick back and relax.

Travel to the mountainous region of Damaraland this morning. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Twyfelfontein, home to one of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa. The carvings depict rhinos, footprints of both animals and humans and rock shelters, combining to create a record of hunter-gathering practices in this region dating back thousands of years. Continue to the Damara Living Museum to learn about Damara cultural traditions and crafts like blacksmithing, fire-making, singing and dancing. Then it’s on to one of Damaraland’s natural wonders – the Petrified Forest, where you can see a vast deposit of 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks. After, head to Khorixas, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning, journey towards Brandberg Mountain – Namibia’s highest peak at an elevation of 2573 m. On the way, make a stop at a community conservancy where you’ll learn how locals are working to protect wildlife and conserve habitats. Continue towards Brandberg, where you’ll spend the night at a lodge.

Journey to the coast, making a stop at Spitzkoppe to take in the views of dramatic granite peaks rising from the desert. Then, continue to the coastal city of Swakopmund. Join your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings, then the rest of your day is free. Maybe get together with your group for dinner – your leader will be ready with recommendations for restaurants where you can sample some fresh local seafood.

You have some free time to explore Swakopmund at your own pace today. Maybe visit the Swakopmund Museum to learn more about Namibia’s natural and cultural history, then wander past the town’s lighthouse to reach the waterfront and Mole Beach. With everything so close together, this a great area to explore on foot. Later, head into the Namib Desert to explore the Moon Landscape, named for its lunar-like appearance that’s been shaped over millions of years by erosion from the Swakop River. Take a walk through the rugged landscape before settling in for a picnic as the sun sets. Look up at the night sky for some stargazing before returning to Swakopmund.

Head towards the sand dunes this morning for a guided Living Desert experience. Learn about the wildlife that calls the Namib Desert home and hear about how desert-adapted creatures survive in this seemingly inhospitable, harsh environment. Then, leave Swakopmund and journey south towards Sesriem. Along the way, you’ll stop at the small desert settlement of Solitaire, where you might like to try a slice of the famous apple pie from the local bakery. Continue to Sesriem – your base for exploring the landscapes of Sossusvlei tomorrow.

Spend today exploring the unforgettable landscapes of the Namib Desert. Travel to the Sossusvlei salt and clay pan and visit Deadvlei, where ancient camel thorn trees rise from a white clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes. Explore the area on foot, taking in some of the Namib’s most iconic desert scenery. Later, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge carved into the rock by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. Walk into the canyon to see its layered rock walls and learn how water has shaped this arid landscape.

Say goodbye to the Namib Desert this morning and travel back to Windhoek. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk to see some of this capital city’s highlights. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or keep exploring at your own pace. You might like to head out for dinner with your group tonight to celebrate the end of your adventure. Ask your leader where to try popular local dishes like kapana (grilled meat) or potjiekos (a hearty meat and vegetable stew).

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.