Welcome! Upon arrival at Windhoek airport, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or begin exploring Namibia's capital city. Situated at the geographic heart of the country, Windhoek sits in a highland valley surrounded by rolling hills and reflects a unique blend of German colonial architecture and modern African culture. This evening, an orientation meeting is scheduled at 6 PM, during which we meet our guide and the other participants to discuss the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight: Avani Windhoek Hotel, Windhoek (1 night)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and bar)

After breakfast at the guesthouse, our African safari vacation begins as we move south towards the Namib Naukluft National Park* where we spend the next two nights. This park protects the Namib, widely considered the world's oldest desert, characterized by towering red sand dunes and gravel plains that have remained arid for over 55 million years. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Agama Lodge, Sossusvlei (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

An early morning rise to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 meters, are absolutely spectacular. Seeing the sun rise over the piercing red sands is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River. Dinner will be at our lodging in Sossusevlei. (B, L, D)

Spend the day viewing beautiful scenery as we journey through the Namib Naukluft National Park on our way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. We may also spot the Welwitschia Mirabilis, an odd-looking shrub only found in the Namib Desert that can live up to 1,500 years. En route we stop at Walvis Bay, where we have the opportunity to see a variety of birds including flamingos in the lagoon. Late afternoon, we arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. Here we have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.

Overnight: Hotel Pension A La Mer, Swakopmund (2 nights) (B, L)
(Chalets with en suite bathrooms)

The day is free to explore Swakopmund or enjoy a variety of optional activities, including scenic flights, kayaking, boat and shore fishing, or a dolphin, seal and whale cruise. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris to pre-book.  

Leaving the coastline behind, we continue our journey inland toward Namibia’s best-known northern highlight, Etosha National Park. We spend our first night at a lodge neighbouring the park gates, beautifully situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks that overlooks a forest of mopane and white seringa trees. Here, we can spend the afternoon relaxing by the swimming pool or taking a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens before enjoying dinner at the lodge. For those wishing to begin their wildlife viewing early, optional afternoon game drives into the park are also available.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge, Etosha National Park (1 night) (B, D)
Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar

After breakfast, we enter Etosha National Park through the Andersson Gate. This southern entrance honors Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to reach the immense Etosha Pan, a salt crust whose name translates to "Great White Place" in the Ovambo tribe's Ndonga dialect. We dedicate the next two days to extensive game drives, seeking out the park's renowned wildlife, including elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard, alongside cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and diverse antelope species. Following dinner at our camp, we gather at the floodlit waterholes to observe a completely different ecosystem come alive, as nocturnal animals emerge under the cover of darkness to drink. Established as a protected reserve in 1907, Etosha shelters an impressive biodiversity that includes approximately 114 mammal, 340 bird, 110 reptile, and 16 amphibian species.

Overnight: Namutoni Camp, Etosha National Park (2 nights) (B, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Following morning meal at our camp, we have a day filled with game viewing trying to spot four of the Big Five, as well as the hundreds of other species of animals the park has to offer. (B, D)

Departing from the dry plains of Etosha, we drive north through changing landscapes to the town of Rundu, the gateway to Namibia’s greener northeast. Here, we visit the Mbunza Living Museum, located near the banks of Samsitu Lake. This open-air museum serves as both an essential cultural school and a community-run enterprise dedicated to preserving the ancient customs of the Kavango people. We interact with the local community members, who maintain their traditional pre-colonial lifestyle through fishing, livestock farming, and crop cultivation.  Following this meaningful cultural exchange, we travel a short distance east of Rundu to the Kaisosi River Lodge, situated directly on the banks of the perennial Okavango River. We arrive in the late afternoon, leaving ample time to rest by one of the swimming pools, enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun sets over the water, and have dinner at the lodge restaurant while taking in the sounds of the surrounding riverine wilderness.

Overnight: Kaisosi River Lodge, Okavango (1 night) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

This morning we travel eastwards to our camp in the western Caprivi region. Before departure, however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge. We then continue to our lodge, situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon, enjoy a stunning sunset cruise to Popa Falls.

Overnight: Nunda River Lodge, Caprivi (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

In the morning, drive to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people’, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. In the afternoon, we return to our lodge to spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L, D)

(Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Following breakfast, leave the Caprivi and travel south to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site* that fuels a unique wetland habitat within the arid Kalahari Desert, sustaining massive concentrations of African wildlife. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. En route enjoy a packed lunch. The afternoon is ours to spend at leisure, either relaxing at the pool or even experiencing a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Pre-booking with Bestway is advised to avoid disappointment.

Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge, Maun (1 night) (B, L)
(Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

We join our local Botswana guides and are taken on a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta, discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After our water excursion, we travel to our tented camp located in the Greater Moremi region. Once we settle into our new surroundings, we enjoy dinner before heading out on an evening game drive. This nocturnal outing provides an excellent opportunity to track elusive predators and other night-dwelling animals that remain hidden during the day.

Overnight: Camelthorn Bush Camp, Greater Moremi (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Safari tents with bucket hot showers, washbasins, toilets & solar power)

Today is devoted to exploring the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve by open 4x4 vehicle. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, Moremi supports an impressive diversity of mammals and is one of the best places in Botswana to search for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and African wild dog. Depending on the season, extra driving may be required to track animals migrating closer to the river. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, leave the bush territory behind and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans. Once a large river fed lake, the pans are now saline and empty. In the afternoon, we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Here we can enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to road conditions and water levels, as well as time constraints.) 

Overnight: Nata Lodge, Nata (1 night) (B, D)
(Safari tents with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Today we travel to Kasane, the gateway to wildlife-rich Chobe National Park. Renowned for its enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing along the Chobe River, the park is one of Botswana’s premier safari destinations. The afternoon is free to enjoy optional excursions or simply relax by the pool.

Overnight: Chobe Marina Lodge, Chobe (2 nights) (B, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Another incredible game viewing day, this time at Chobe National Park. Our morning game drive offers the potential to spot big game up close and encounter large predators. Afternoon we enjoy a cruise safari on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the animals as they come down to drink. We also experience the unforgettable and spectacular African sunset. We return for dinner at our lodge. (B, D)

Today after breakfast, we make our way across the border to Zimbabwe. We drive to Hwange National Park where we spend the next two nights. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra, as well as a very large concentration of giraffes. It also hosts many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.  Upon your arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Robins Camp, Hwange National Park (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Chalets with en suite bathroom, swimming pool and bar area)

Following breakfast at our lodge, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest protected area and one of Africa’s most important elephant strongholds. The park forms a vital wildlife corridor between northern Zimbabwe and Botswana and is home to one of the region’s highest concentrations of wildlife. (B, L, D)

An exciting day as we travel to Victoria Falls*, an essential African experience. Our guide will take us on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of our time in Victoria Falls is at leisure. Feel free to take part in one of the many optional activities, including a helicopter tour of Victoria Falls, a dinner cruise, or a horse back safari.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls (1 night) (B)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Our Great Trans-African Safari, one of our most memorable African safari packages, comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport for our flight. Ideal opportunity to take a breather with a few days stay in one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town. Please contact Bestway for more information. (B)