Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe

Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe 25 Days

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Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Splendors of Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe

Overview
Itinerary
Nuts & Bolts
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 25 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 80.0%
Style: Active Seniors (55+)
Trip ID: 66365
Start Location: Windhoek, Namibia
End Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

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Primary Activities: Safari, Wildlife
Other Activities: Off-road Auto & 4x4, Elephants, Waterfalls, river cruise, Safaris, dunes, national parks, indigenous tribes

Encounter the magic of Southern Africa — superb safaris, massive sand dunes, fascinating tribes, vast deltas and thundering waterfalls. The countries of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia offer incredible diversity and adventure.

Beginning in Namibia, meet the fascinating Kalahari Bushmen and the remote Himba tribe. The 1,000-foot-high Sossusvlei Dunes will leave you in awe, as will game viewing in Etosha, Namibia’s premier national park.

In Botswana, search for elephant herds, rhinos and lions in Chobe National Park. The famous Okavango Delta is a huge natural wetland region that attracts abundant bird and wildlife. We explore the Delta on foot, by dugout canoe poled by local boatmen, and get a bird’s eye view of this vast green wilderness during an exciting Delta flight.

In Zambia, feel the raging torrents of Victoria Falls, known as the “Smoke That Thunders”. Reflect on the wonders of our Southern Africa safari during a leisurely sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. We conclude our trip in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia: Met on arrival in Windhoek and transfer to our hotel. This evening, we will meet for dinner and orientation. Overnight in Windhoek.
Day 2: To Sossusvlei: This morning we drive westwards towards Sesriem enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Sesriem is the gateway to the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei.

The area around Sossusvlei is the most accessible part of the 300 km long and nearly 150 km wide sand sea that covers 32,000 sq km of western Namibia. Overnight near Sesriem.
Day 3: Sesriem and Sossusvlei: Today we visit the world’s highest and most picturesque sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei itself is a huge ephemeral pan set amid red sand dunes which tower as much as 200 meters above the valley floor and over 300 meters over the underlying strata. It would not be unusual to see gemsbok and ostriches roaming over the sand. The best way to get a feel for this “sea of sand” is to climb one of the dunes. The view will leave you in awe. Overnight near Sesriem.
Day 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park & Kuiseb Canyon, Swakopmund: Today we drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Kuiseb Canyon on our way to Swakopmund. Namib-Naukluft is Namibia’s largest national park and takes in much of the Namib Desert as well as the surrounding gravel plains and the dramatic Naukluft Massif. This mountainous area with dramatic scenery and superb hiking trails, serves as a refuge for Hertmann’s mountain zebra.

We spend the afternoon and evening in the quaint town of Swakopmund. With palm-lined streets, seaside promenades and friendly locals, Swakopmund offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Swakopmund.
Days 5-6: Damaraland, Bushman paintings, Petrified Forest and Desert Elephants: This morning, we make our way north into Damaraland — the territory between the Skeleton Coast and Namibia’s central Plateau. With lots of space and a negligible population, Damaraland has a host of natural attractions.

We spend two nights at a lodge deep in the desert. We take in Spitzkoppe Mountain, one of Namibia’s most recognizable landmarks. Its dramatic shape has inspired its nickname, “The Matterhorn of Africa”. Look for Twyfelfontein Bushman rock paintings and hope for a sighting of the rare endangered Desert Elephants and other game in this area. We also see some of the most extraordinary rock formations that occur in this area.

We stop at the Petrified Forest for a guided tour by one of the locals. See petrified tree trunks up to 30 meters in length with a circumference of up to 6 meters. We have time to relax at the lodge. Overnight in Twyfelfontein area.
Day 7: Damaraland to Opuwo, Kaokoland: Traveling up through Damaraland we enter Kaokoland, often described as “Africa’s last great wilderness” and home to the Himba, Zemba and Herero people. This faraway corner of the country perhaps represents Namibia at its most primeval. Here on the flat river plains, divergent cultures raise livestock and farm their land as they have for 500 years or more. Overnight in Opuwo.
Day 8: Himba and Zemba tribes: Travelling with a local Herero speaking guide we visit local tribal villages. Although their culture and language are similar, each tribe has maintained their own ethnic traditions and attire. Many still have little contact with the modern world. The Herero women wear multi layered long dresses with distinctive cloth headwear, while the Himba women wear very little and are known for their ochre body painting. The Zemba villagers are also distinctive in their body decorations. We will visit with these friendly but shy peoples for a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. As our guide translates for us, we learn about their lifestyles and culture. To thank the villagers for their hospitality, we provide them with a donation of food. Overnight near Opuwo.
Day 9: To Outjo: Returning south through Damaraland, we pass through spectacular scenery and through the flat plains to our hotel on the outskirts of the town of Outjo. It is not uncommon to sight game as we are close to the Etosha park boundary. There will be time to stretch our legs on the grounds of the lodge and enjoy sunset from the comfort of their wide terrace. Overnight near Outjo.
Day 10: Etosha National Park: This morning we will have time to visit the town of Outjo before continuing to Etosha National Park. Once we pass the park gates we will be on the watch for wildlife, stopping whenever they are close - we may even have to stop while they cross the road in front of us - wildlife has the right of way! Picnic lunch at a Park rest stop and then continue to our lodge located within the park. In the late afternoon we will take our vehicle out of the seclusion of the lodge grounds to search for elephants, giraffes and zebra. Overnight in Halali.
Day 11: Etosha National Park — Namutoni: oday, we will send our luggage with our tour vehicle ahead to the next lodge and we will travel by open air safari vehicles with park drivers. These vehicles allow us to take the smaller tracks that criss cross the central area of the park. Game viewing under these conditions should be amazing. Arrive at one of the most popular and best-kept lodges, Namutoni in late afternoon. Namutoni originally served as an outpost for German troops and there is a spectacular view of the floodlit waterhole from the tower of the whitewashed fort. This evening you can walk closer to the waterhole, relax in the ambience of the fort’s courtyard or enjoy the solitude of your luxury accommodation. Overnight in Namutoni.
Day 12: Leave Etosha, Visit the Bushmen: This morning we will have one last watch for Etosha’s wildlife as we depart on the eastern side and head toward Bushman territory. We will have lunch at our lodge and then spend the afternoon with the Bushmen in their natural environment. We witness daily activities in the village, which may include food preparation, beadwork or bow and arrow making. We may have a walk in the vicinity of the village where we can see the many plants used for food and medicine - maybe even the poison for their arrows. Overnight at our lodge near Grootfontein.
Days 13-14: Caprivi Strip and Kavango River: Leaving the Bushmen behind, we head along the Caprivi to Rundu and on to the Nkwazi Chalets, beside the Kavango River. Over the next two days we will have the opportunity for a visit to the local school where we meet the students and teachers, and visit one of the local family compounds that dot the area around the town and river’s edge. These mud, stick and thatch buildings with their fenced enclosures contain living quarters for both the family and the animals as well as storage areas, gardens and outdoor cooking facilities. We can see how they dry their produce for storage, gather water for their fields and perhaps even how they set fish traps in the river. One evening at the lodge we will enjoy a visit from a traditional dance troup and have time to watch the sunsets over the wide Kavango River. Overnight in Nkawazi or Rainbow River Lodge.
Days 15-16: Caprivi to Okavango Delta, Botswana: We leave our lodge on the Caprivi for Etsha, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. From here, we transfer to our lodge located deep in the Delta’s marshes. Depending on water level, we may transfer by 4X4, motor boat and/or barge.

The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Okavango Delta is often described as the “river which never finds the sea.” It is an extraordinary environment of channels and islands that seem cut off from the western world, and it abounds with bird life and other wildlife that covers an area the size of Switzerland. Overnight in Mbiroba or at Guma Lagoon Camp.
Day 17: Moremi Game Reserve: We get up early for our scenic flight from the panhandle of the Okavango Delta into Moremi Game Reserve. The park has a distinctly dual personality, with large areas of dry land rising between vast wetlands. The reserve is part of the Okavango Delta officially cordoned off for the preservation of wildlife. Watch for game as we transfer in 4x4 safari vehicles from the airstrip to our camp, which is set up for us deep in the Reserve. This afternoon we will enjoy a game drive. Dinner and overnight camping in Moremi.
Day 18: Moremi Game Reserve: We spend today exploring the Moremi region of the Okavango Delta. We take a morning and afternoon game drive when the animals are most active. Overnight camping in Moremi.
Day 19: Savuti: This morning we have a game drive along the small winding roads surrounded by low bush to the Savuti area. There are several waterholes here to attract both animals and birdlife. Afternoon game drive through this seldom visited area of the Linganti Wildlife Reserve. Overnight Savuti.
Day 20: Chobe National Park: We depart in our safari vehicles for the trip to Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park. Most of the trip should have excellent game viewing possibilities as this vast region is a magnificent ecosystem supporting a high concentration of wildlife and bird life. This afternoon we travel into the Park in open air safari vehicles to search for the famous Chobe Elephants. The park is reputed to have some of the largest concentrations of game in Africa so expect an exciting afternoon. Overnight near Kasane at Chobe Safari Lodge or similar.
Day 21: Chobe National Park: This morning we again travel in our small open air safari vehicles into the Park in search of elephants, giraffe, sable and cape buffalo as well as the many other species found here. We will be able to access the small tracks and quiet areas in the Park allowing us excellent game viewing possibilities.

Return to our lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River watching for the hippo and crocodiles as well as the elephants, giraffes and impala who come to the waters edge to drink. The sun will set over the river as we make our way back to the dock and return to our lodge for dinner. Overnight near Kasane.
Day 22: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: We cross into Zimbabwe across the Zambezi River. After completing immigration formalities we continue to our hotel, located within Victoria Falls National Park. This afternoon we can enjoy the stunning architecture of the hotel, reminiscent of the ancient Kingdom of Munhumutapa, with great domes, pillars and bridges over the many water features. Optional activities (additional cost) while we are in Zimbabwe which may be available include bungee jumping, ultralight or helicopter flights, walking with lions or elephant riding. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Day 23: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: The world-famous Victoria Falls is 1.7 km (1.1 miles) wide and drops between 90 meters (295 feet) and 107 meters (351 feet) into the Zambezi Gorge. This morning we visit the majestic falls and walk through the mists for a close up sight of the “Smoke that Thunders”. Later, we will visit a traditional Zimbabwe village. In late afternoon we will return to the Zambezi River for a delightful cruise. The river’s edge offers a lush refuge for wildlife including birds and hippos. We will have the opportunity to feel the tremendous power of the river as it rushes towards the falls and enjoy the sunset on this magical and historical river. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Day 24: Flight from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Johannesburg: Our afternoon flight takes us to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel where we have some time to unwind before our farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Sandton area.
Day 25: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa: Today we say goodbye to Africa and transfer to the airport to connect with our international flights homeward or connect to our Cape Town Extension. Note: Our Johannesburg extension tour may be taken either before or after the main tour.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

all accommodations throughout
all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
bottled drinking water throughout the trip
all internal transportation
airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
tips for hotels (porterage), restaurants and spot guides
services of a trip leader

Trip Excludes

International flights
tips to ElderTreks tour leader
national guide bus driver
alcoholic drinks
visa’s and travel insurance

Trip ID#: 66365

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Reviews (2)

N. Exner

“I enjoyed the visits to villages, cultural activities; uniqueness of the experience - more than the usual tourist attractions; long rides - opportunities to get to know the fellow travelers; the guides - Roger is a gem; variety of activities.”
- Overall Rating
  90%
- Guide Rating
  90%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  100%
- Accomodation Rating
  90%
Jacquie Temple

"The tour leader was tremendous to be with – a true adventure. The pace allowed us time to enjoy the animal and bird sightings. During the camping the drivers and cooking crew were outstanding. Other highlights were visiting the Bushmen, canoeing, walking and animal spotting."
- Overall Rating
  90%
- Guide Rating
  90%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  90%

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