Zimbabwe/Botswana/Namibia Itinerary Guide

Detailed 17 Days Zimbabwe/Botswana/Namibia Itinerary

Days 1-4: Immerse Yourself in the Delta | 3 Nights Okavango Delta, Botswana

Botswana’s Okavango Delta – Heaven on Earth

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose yourself in the beauty of the Okavango Delta. You will be transported to Xakanaxa Camp on the Khwai River from Botswana’s Maun by light aircraft to the airport, where a driver will be waiting. One of the most distinctive aspects of Botswana’s camps, Xakanaxa, located in the Moremi Game Reserve, is an intentional “misting system” that helps to alleviate the oppressive midday heat. If you would rather relax in your tent with a nice book than by the pool, this uncommon luxury is perfect for you.

Despite its diminutive size in comparison to Africa’s massive reserves, Moremi is teeming with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, endangered wild canines, elephants, hippos, and migratory bird species. Enjoy the view of pastel waterlilies floating on the water’s surface as you are poled around the glistening canals in a mokoro. Keep an eye out for small frogs hiding in the reeds.

Days 4-7: Have Fun at Victoria Falls | 3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zambia

Following your exhilarating three-day safari in Moremi, you will be transported to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe by vehicle after a brief flight to Kasane. Victoria Falls, a huge waterfall on the Zambezi River sometimes referred to as Mosi-au-Tunya, literally “the smoke that thunders,” is accessible through this bustling but relatively tiny town.

The Ilala Lodge, so called because of the many towering palm trees in the region, will be your home for the next several days. Perched on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking views of the Falls and their white spray as it rises into the sky, making for the perfect setting for lunch or afternoon tea.

Guests of Ilala Lodge can enjoy canoe trails and guided walks in an elegantly relaxed atmosphere, while those who prefer sunset cruises or watching the antics of local birds (such as lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and carmine bee-eaters) through binoculars will find plenty of peace and quiet. In the intervals between events, relax by the pool or swim a few laps while sipping an iced drink.

Days 7-8: Off to Namibia | 1 Nights Windhoek, Namibia

Your journey to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, begins with a drive to Victoria Falls International Airport, where you will board a tiny plane to say goodbye to Africa’s tallest waterfall. The countries are very distinct from one another, despite being so close geographically: One of the biggest water sheets on Earth is located in Zimbabwe, whereas the oldest desert on Earth is in Namibia. But in all of them, you can find the same eternal calm, tranquility, and peace.

Rent a 4×4 and it will be waiting for you and your next adventure when you land at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. Great conditions for a road trip! Namibia’s network of roads is superb and well-maintained, and there is very little other traffic. Olive Grove Guesthouse, located in a peaceful, affluent neighborhood just outside the city center, will be your initial stop. This is a great place to stay the night before your Sossusvlei adventure because of the friendly, homey vibe.

Days 8-10: The Sands of Sossusvlei | 2 Nights Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei | Namibia | All you need to know

Among the most photogenic dunes in the world, the dunes of Sossusvlei rise hundreds of feet above the surface of Namib-Naukluft National Park. One of the most popular things to see in this desert nation are the sunsets, which can be any hue of ochre, bronze, or deep gold. Climbing Dune 45 before sunrise is a popular activity, and if you’re in the area, you really must visit the surreal Dead Vlei, a dried-up marsh dotted with dried-up tree stumps.

While staying at the air-conditioned Sossusvlei Lodge for two nights, you will have plenty opportunity to explore this picturesque area. The lodge features a private beer garden, a swimming pool, and rooms that are suitable for families. Taking a light aircraft or a hot-air balloon flight at dawn is a fantastic way to see the dunes from above, with the Atlantic Ocean’s churning waves stretching out before you. Even if you’d rather keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, there are plenty of things to do: join a nature walk to learn how even the tiniest creatures make it through this harsh environment, or get your adrenaline pumping on a quad bike (ATV) ride over the sand with a knowledgeable guide.

Days 10-11: Back in History | 1 Nights Swakopmund, Namibia

Among all the African settlements, Swakopmund must be the most unusual. Situated on the Atlantic coast and often shrouded in sea fog, this area is rich in Germanic architecture that dates back to the 1800s, when Germany colonized Namibia. It is not uncommon to find German food on the menus of Swakopmund’s cozy restaurants, and the town center is dominated by charming old houses and stores in vintage colors.

Upon arrival at the Swakopmund Guesthouse after your drive from Sossusvlei, you will be greeted by friendly staff. The guesthouse’s light and airy decor is inspired by the beach’s close proximity.

Days 11-13: Discover Wild Damaraland | 2 Nights Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland North – Namibia

Your journey today will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into Damaraland, where you will see the stunning Brandberg Mountains and the valley of the Huab River. Damaraland Camp, maybe the most popular eco-lodge in Namibia, will be your home for two nights. While the harsh terrain may appear uninhabitable to the uninitiated, your knowledgeable guides and trackers will be able to spot lions, desert-adapted elephants, and the scimitar-horned oryx, the most recognizable desert species in the nation.

Not only can you see some of the most fascinating and intricate rock art in the world in Damaraland, but you can also have some exciting encounters with wildlife. Pile on your mountain bike tires and head for Twyfelfontein, a site with a concentration of San petroglyphs (rock engravings) that may be as old as 6,000 years. In 2007, Twyfelfontein was designated as the first World Heritage Site in Namibia due to its exceptional uniqueness.

Days 13-16: The Best for Last | 3 Nights Etosha, Namibia

Get ready for “the big one”—Etosha National Pan—now that you’ve arrived in northern Namibia. Thanks to its flat terrain, abundant wildlife, and the enigmatic Etosha Pan, this area is a self-driver’s paradise. With Ongava Tented Camp, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a private reserve right next to the national park. During the day, go on legendary wildlife drives in Etosha; at night, cruise the streets of Ongava. Guided walking safaris are likewise not allowed in the national park, but in the private reserve you can go on them.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing beverage in Ongava’s famous waterhole—which is illuminated at night for convenient “armchair game viewing”—if you’d rather spend the day away from the car. Even though you’ll be camping, at least you’ll have the essentials for a comfortable stay in the great outdoors: running water, a flush toilet, and a ceiling fan!

Lions and cheetahs are typical sights in the region because of the abundance of animals that call it home.

Days 16-17: Return to Windhoek | 1 Nights Windhoek, Namibia

After spending a week in Namibia and another week exploring the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls, you will have experienced some of the most captivating, emotional, and memorable landscapes in Southern Africa. Today you will jog your memories of them and return to Windhoek, where the welcoming staff at Olive Grove is eager to hear about your adventures in this amazing country.

End of the 17 Days Zimbabwe/Botswana/Namibia Itinerary