Description
Experience the wild side of Namibia with this 12-day safari. Perfect for wildlife lovers, this route gives plenty of time to savour Namibia’s animal kingdom, unhurriedly and up close. Explore Etosha National
Park and the national parks in the Zambezi region, including a magical cruise on the Zambezi River spotting hippo and the countless bird species of this lush region. The vastly different natural characters of these two areas provide a well-rounded, wonderfully varied and exciting journey.
Day 1,2,3 Etosha National Park
Day 4 Okavango River, Rundu Hakusembe River Lodge
Day 5 Kwando River, Zambezi Namushasha River Lodge
Day 6 Bwabwata National Park Namushasha River Lodge
Day 7,8 Chobe River Chobe River Camp
Day 9,10 Zambezi River Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Day 11 Okavango River, Rundu Hakusembe River Lodge
Day 12 Windhoek (depart)
Day 1,2,3 Etosha National Park
Day 1
Travel northwards from the capital city via Okahandja, where you can make a stop to visit the woodcarving market or fill up with fuel, biltong and snacks for the road. The Omatakos, two mountains that jut out of the surrounding landscape, are prominent landmarks along the way. Enjoy lunch in Otjiwarongo or Outjo before reaching your friendly and relaxed destination for the next few days – Etosha
Safari Camp. A highlight of the stay at Etosha Safari Camp is the Shebeen restaurant, modelled on Namibia’s ‘shebeens’ (informal township bars) of old, where people gathered to meet, have a drink and listen to music. The colourful and quirky restaurant has become a highlight on travellers’ itineraries.
Enjoy the plentiful and delicious dinner feast outdoors in warm weather, as you listen to the Etosha
Boys strum their guitars and sing local melodies..
Day 2:
Situated on the outskirts of Etosha National Park, Etosha Safari Camp is the perfect base from which to explore this renowned wildlife sanctuary, with the option of lunchtime siestas in your chalet or around the poolside. Instead of rushing off to your next destination, enjoy the opportunity to explore the many waterholes throughout the park in your own time, where there are often a variety of animal visitors, large and small. After full days of animal viewing, return to the warm hospitality of Etosha Safari Camp.
Day 3:
Pay one last visit to the Etosha National Park or spend the day relaxing at the Camp. You can also enjoy a fantastic sunset at the Etosha Safari Lodge, as this will be your last sunset over the Etosha plains.
Day 4 Okavango River, Rundu Hakusembe River Lodge
Head down to Outjo – a good place to refuel – and take the C39 to Otavi, from here you will head north east to the Hakusembe River Lodge along the Kavango River. Between Otavi and Grootfontein you have the option to make a small detour and veer left on the D2860 to visit the Hoba Meteorites. Once you reach the Hakusembe River Lodge you can settle in and relax for the evening. The lodge is a green oasis set alongside the Okavango River and provides a peaceful escape from the road.
Day 5 Kwando River, Zambezi Namushasha River Lodge
The drive today is eastward, towards the north-eastern corner of Namibia. Once known as the Caprivi, now renamed the Zambezi region, it is a tree-filled expanse divided by waterways. It is also home to a fascinating group of people and an abundance of wildlife and birds. Bwabwata National Park runs from the Okavango River to the Kwando River and is unusually home to both people and wildlife living side by side. Slow down as you pass through settlements and keep eyes open for elephant and wild dogs!
At Kongola, turn right towards Namushasha River Lodge, a lodge of true Zambezi character. Set on the riverbank, the lodge is alive with the sound of hippos and birds and is an absolute wonderland. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.
Day 6 Bwabwata National Park Namushasha River Lodge
Today you have the opportunity to experience the many riches the river and area has to offer its visitors.
Take a leisurely boat trip on the Kwando River and relish the magic of this water-Eden. Spot the abundant bird species, crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, or pods of hippos amongst the waterlilies.
A highlight of your stay is the guided trip into the Bwabwata National Park, beginning with a boat cruise on the Kwando River. Down river guests alight on to the river bank where a game-viewing vehicle awaits for exploration into the national park. This includes a drive to the popular elephant-viewing spot at Horseshoe, an oxbow lake surrounded by Zambezi teak woodland. The afternoon is celebrated with drinks and snacks before heading back to the riverbank to board the boat as the sun begins to set. Take a drive to Mudumu National Park, a good destination for a morning or afternoon expedition, or a day trip with a picnic lunch.
Those comfortable with 4×4 driving should consider visiting Nkasa Rupara National Park, slightly further afield. Allocate a full day for this water-rich gem of a park, with stops along the way at the small
Livingstone Museum (phone ahead to arrange a suitable time) and at Sheshe Crafts to purchase the well-made baskets and woodwork of the Zambezi craftsmen.
Mashi Crafts, a treasure house of crafts, is found across from the Kongola fuel station and is also wortha visit. And, for a touch of local culture, visit the Namushasha Heritage Centre, a short distance from the lodge, to learn about the intriguing culture of the Eastern Zambezi region. The Living Museum of the Mafwe, reached from Kongola, provides another opportunity for a cultural visit when you have had your fill of animal viewing.
Day 7,8 Chobe River Chobe River Camp
Travelling from Namushasha Lodge to Chobe River Camp. You take the C49 towards Katima and then via the B8 towards the Ngoma Border Gate. The lodge lies 4 kilometres away from the border gate, which is gateway between Botswana and Namibia. Be sure to take time travelling as there are few game fences and animals roam freely. The lodge’s location on the riverfront provides phenomenal wildlife viewing with guests often delighting in watching herds of elephant passing and bathing. Lions can be heard at night in the distance. Breath-taking scenery and tall mopane woodlands, fringed with baobab trees, papyrus and water-lily lined waterways host spectacular wildlife interactions. There are a host of activities offered from the lodge depending on the time you arrive, however, a relaxed afternoon and sundowner can be enjoyed on the deck overlooking the floodplains from a couch.
Day 8:
There are a variety of activities available at the lodge. We suggest spending the day enjoying the area bordering the Chobe with one of the activities offered at the lodge. There are activities for all different interests. From Canoe trips with an experienced guide where the guests typically paddle themselves unlike the dug-out traditional makoro. Canoe safaris offer a sense of excitement, adventure, and engagement with nature that cannot be rivaled. There are a few islands on the river where you can stop for refreshments and game viewing. Although canoe safaris are an adventure activity, it does not require above average levels of physical fitness.
Participants on a canoe safari can expect to frequently encounter Elephants, Buffalo, Zebra and a variety of antelope species such as Letchwe, Kudu, Roan and Waterbuck as they come to the water to drink and bathe. Half day & full day canoeing is available
Boat Cruise (High Water Season) is a leisurely cruise on the Chobe River, the flood plains and the banks of the Chobe National Park, which is particularly well known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo.
There is a choice of either a half day cruise (morning or afternoon departures) or a full day cruise. Lastly, the walking trail for a true close to nature experience, nothing competes with a leisurely stroll along the lagoons of Chobe River and the flood plains; over the back waters and back to the lodge again.
Day 9,10 Zambezi River Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Day 9:
Driving from Chobe River Camp on the B8 to the D3508 to Zambezi Mubala Lodge. The drive is short allowing time for activities at the lodges. You will be ferried to the lodge by boat. Enjoy the stunning surrounds on the way in as well as the beautiful setting of the lodge along the river banks. Zambezi Mubala
Lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River 40kms east of the northern Namibian town of Katima Mulilo. They offer first-class river fishing, birding, photography and boating. This is an ideal place to stay for self-drive tourists and families alike who seek exciting wildlife viewing opportunities combined with comfort and excellent service. The lush savannah area of the region is bordered by the
Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and the Zambezi Rivers. Mubala means ‘colour’ in the local Silozi language, a reference to the harmonious colours of nature reflected on the Zambezi waters. Guests can choose to enjoy a sundowner cruise after an afternoon spent relaxing at the pool.
Day 10:
A second day to relax in this incredible area. Modern-day explorers can also experience the thrills and excitement on the Zambezi on guided tours in purpose built boats. There is an exceptional variety of
Namibian birdlife, game and vegetation to observe on an incredible labyrinth of waterways, floodplains and riverine forests. Scrumptious meals are served indoors or outside on communal or individual tables.
The sparkling pool is the place to go to escape the hot Namibian afternoon sunshine, after a long drive or activity or to just cool off. Afterwards you can chill and relax on the shaded sun loungers, all set close to the water’s edge. Activities offered at the lodge are sundowner cruises, guided birding walks and guided fishing trips. Fishing trips will hopefully lead to a once in a lifetime experience of tiger fish or bream being caught! A variety for all tastes to truly experience this amazing area.
Day 11 Okavango River, Rundu Hakusembe River Lodge
Day 11:
As your journey back to Windhoek begins, be sure to leave sufficient time to travel back to Hakusembe
River Lodge today. This is the perfect stopover to break your drive back from the breath-taking Caprivi to Windhoek – having spent six magnificent days relaxing and exploring this incredible area. However, if you leave Zambezi Mubala Lodge early, you will be able to enjoy your last sundowner cruise before you return to Windhoek. Enjoy a relaxed evening and dine on the deck overlooking the river before a sound night’s sleep to the sounds of river lullabies.
Day 12 Windhoek (depart)
You will need an early rise and breakfast packs for the road, as your journey to Windhoek will be an eight-hour drive. Due to the distance between the Hakusembe River Lodge and Windhoek, we suggest that you book an additional night in Windhoek, scheduling your flight for the following day to ensure that flights are not missed.
