Swakopmund to Victoria Falls

16 Days

Swakopmund to Victoria Falls 

Swakopmund to Victoria Falls: Explore the beauty of the Namibia Desert Experience, the oldest true desert in the World. In a desert where in many years it hardly rains, discover the abundance of life in this vast land. The driest country in Southern Africa, Namibia has a vast area of over 825 600 sq km. It lies between the Namib desert and the Kalahari desert and that makes its annual rainfall quite insignificant.

The desert, however, is very attractive in different ways than one, especially the ever-changing landscape, something impressive about Namibia. In the Central Plateau area between the Skeleton Coast and the Kalahari desert, there is a broad expense of hyper-arid gravel plains and dunes. Colourful orange-red dunes in Sossusvlei are as high as 300 metres. The red colour is because of oxidation of iron filings, evidence of the existence of iron ore. Fish river canyon, which drops to a depth of 500 metres, shows the crust structure of the earth below.

Swakopmund to Victoria Falls

The Great Escarpment rises to altitude above 2 000 metres; temperature suddenly swells up and fog and mist from the Atlantic waters disappears. Although the area is rocky with poorly developed soils, it is way more productive. Going further north to the Caprivi and Rundu, the bushveld appears with significantly high rainfall. The area is flat with sandy soil that does not keep water.

As for the climate; Namibia is arid, descending from sub-humid through semi-arid as you move to the Kalahari. Its temperature rises to 40 degrees, mostly in low-lying areas like Ais-Ais.

What to do in Namibia

Swakopmund to Victoria Falls
Giraffes in Etosha

Etosha National Park – The abundance of wildlife in Namibia is unexpected for such a driest region, common and rarest species. Etosha elephants are among the biggest in Africa. The endangered black rhino, leopards and lions are in sufficiently good numbers in the thick vegetation region.

During the rain season, the Etosha Pan fills with water, attracting a cloud of flamingos. There are over 340 species of birds and interesting ones like the ostrich, Kori-bustard, secretary bird, and vultures.

Orange River canoeing: The canoeing lap is 10 km downstream in the Orange river in the company of experienced River Guides.

Fish River Canyon; It’s a gigantic ravine spanning 160 km and up to 27 km at its widest. This is the biggest canyon in Africa.

Dune 45–The red dunes of Namibia are the key feature of the Namib Desert displaying the rust colour of oxidation that takes place when fine particles of iron react with water. As the seasonal Benguela wind current changes direction, the dust and fine sand keep building up the Dunes.

Enjoy this journey that combines culture, safari, and nature. Meet the Himba tribe of Namibia and learn the preserved culture of Namibia. You’ll have safari in Africa’s 2 distinct regions, the Etosha and the Okavango Delta stretching to Chobe national park. Sign off with the breathtaking view of the largest waterfalls in the World!!!

Overview

The first of this Tour is a Tour of Namibia’s countryside and the Etosha national park for your experience of Safari. The drive through the skeleton coast and further inland of Namibia is great experience for landscape. The last half is a real experience of wilderness in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe national park where you’ll view game from a wooden canoe (mokoro), from a boat and on-land. The roar of the splashing water on the Batoka Gorge makes the spirit of adventure in Victoria Falls Town.

Tour Highlights

  • Skeleton Coast
  • Himba Tribe
  • Etosha national park
  • Okavango Delta
  • Victoria Falls

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Swakopmund

Today it’s an open day for relaxing after some time in the Desert and also time to experience Swakopmund. The Swakopmund museum, the lighthouse, the marine museum and the Railway Station are part of the colonial era that are worth to visit. You have a choice of optional activities that you can book for the day. Accommodation: There is a wide variety of accommodation in Swakopmund to suit your taste of life. We are usually booked at Amampuri lodge. There is wi-fi and rooms can be shared between two people. It is very close to most services in the Swakopmund Town.

Day 2 :
Spitzkopje

You drive through the skeleton coast to see one of the sea wreckage in the history of Namibia’s coast. By noon you will have a walking tour of the Spitzkopje. Get to know the Damara land and the history of the ‘bushmen’. Accommodation: Khorixas country club. There is both camping site and lodges should you want to upgrade into rooms subject to availability. In addition wi-fi is available as well as swimming pool.

Namibia is well known for cultural preservation and today you meet one of the many cultural groups of the Himba tribe. Opuwo is an an exciting town to mingle and to relate with Himbas and the Herero people. Today is a very long drive from Xhorixas to Opuwo Town about 370km. Along the way you stop for lunch break and as usually in these overland tours, we stop for bush bathrooms whenever necessary to do so. Accommodation: Opuwo Country Club. There is wi-fi at the reception area and the campsite is about 200 metres from the reception. Bar and restaurant is available as well as a beautiful swimming pool

Safari in Etosha national park; It’s Africa’s biggest game reserve situated in the semi desert part of Namibia. The grass is dry so is the land, short shrubs and bushes with isolated acacia trees. The animal kingdom congregates at a few waterholes, the prey has to be extra cautious. The eagles and vultures sitting high on the trees; as the ostrich ad the secretary birds can be seen in this open veld. Etosha National park is close to 21 000 sq km making it one of the biggest national parks in Africa. Enjoy game viewing at it’s best in this extra-ordinary game reserve. Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp. This is a campsite right inside the national park. There is a water hole just outside the campsite and you allowed to walk and sit to view as animals come to drink. There is also lodges available should you want to be in rooms rather than camping. The campsite is well protected from animals.

Today it's all day game drive in the national park. There is quite a number of interesting places especially waterholes which attract high volumes of animals sometimes. Accommodation: Halali Camp. The campsite as well is inside the national park with exactly the same facilities as Okaukuejo camp.

The last day of the game drives in the park as you make your way out through Namutoni gate. But first a stop at the Etosha pan to view the long dried up salt pan. The nearly 4000 sq km dried lake covers 20% of the national Park. In rain season it attracts many animals and sometimes migratory birds. Accommodation: Just outside Namutoni gate at a farm lodge. The camping grounds are well maintained here. There is a swimming pool and wi-fi is available at the reception area. Rooms are also available for possible upgrades.

Day 7 :
Windhoek

From Safari to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. In the late afternoon you have a City Tour of the country’s administrative buildings in colonial times and other landmarks in the town. Get to know modern day Namibia. Your accommodation today is at Heja lodge 25km from the City. You will have down-time to do your shopping after the City Tour. Later in the evening there is an option to go for diner in Town at Joe's Beer, a popular joint for international, regional and local visitors to Windhoek. This you can arrange with your Guide for booking on time if you want. However there is a good restaurant at Heja Game reserve where you are staying tonight with a good variety of game meat.

Today we leave Windhoek in the morning heading North to Gobabis town and cross the border into Botswana. Later in the afternoon you mingle and interact with the last groups of the Khoisan people who are original inhabitants of this vast country Botswana. They showcase their way of life in the Kalahari desert. Accommodation: The campsite at the Trail blazers has upgrades should you want to be in rooms. There is wi-fi from 18h00 to 22h00. Once the generator goes off there is lighting or wi-fi. Hot shower is available though.

Day 9 :
Maun

You drive further inland Botswana to the Okavango Delta, the largest inland Delta in Africa. Maun meaning ‘a place of reeds’ is a small town just outside the Delta and serves as the gateway to the Delta. Today you have the afternoon to take scenic flights over the Okavango Delta and later in the evening you prepare your backpack for your excursion in the Delta. Accommodation: Sedia Hotel or similar. There is both wi-fi and hot showers at this facility. Should you want to upgrade to rooms you have to book on time. This is just 5 km from the town of Maun so very close to other services too.

Day 10 :
Delta

Your excursion in the Delta starts in the morning today. You have a transfer by 4×4 vehicles a couple hours drive to the mokoro poler- point. The delta here is only accessed by the poler driven mokoro which refers to the ‘ wooden canoe’. There are few remote villages for tribes that have always lived here. The polers mostly are from these villages and will navigate your way to your campsite through the reeds, grass and shallow waters but sometimes deep as well. Your campsite is a modern tented with stuff working there who will welcome you and show around and of course outline the ground-rules. This is way inside the Delta surrounded by water, wildlife could come as close to the campsite but you are always safe. You will have guided walks as part of the activities.

Day 11 :
Delta

The whole day activities from your campsite would include nature walking trails with your Guides as well as mokoro ride around the islands. You will have a good chance of viewing game and relaxing in the late afternoon. For bird lovers here is your perfect chance.

Day 12 :
Maun

The mokoro ride back the way you came will take you to the pick-up point where you will be transferred to the lodge in Maun. Enjoy the Delta and also have an optional late afternoon activities in Maun or an opportunity to do shopping. For an exclusive experience take the scenic flight over the Delta. This is optional but you can as well book ahead of time when you book your Tour.

Day 13 :
Nata

We leave Maun to Nata today through the Xai-Xai national park. The Makgadikgadi salt pans will be visible as you drive through the now Savanna region with predominant butterfly trees, baobab trees and acacia trees. At your campsite there you will have a sunset drive to the salt pans or you can take a walking tour with local guides. Accommodation: Nata lodge. This facility has very good safari tents should you want to upgrade. There is also hot shower on shared ablution blocks, a bar and wi-fi at the reception and bar.

Day 14 :
Chobe

with the Zambezi river in this region and forms the border between Zambia and Botswana and across the Zambezi river forms the border between Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This whole region falls under the Kazungula-Zambezia (KAZA) Trans-frontier allowing free passage of wildlife. The town of Kasane and Kazungula has buffaloes, hippos, elephants, antelopes sometimes hippos seen roaming and grazing around campsites. In the afternoon you go on a sunset game drive on the Chobe River which passes through the national Park

We take this morning to prepare for another overnight adventure in the Chobe national park. Chobe National park is 14 000 ha and home to the largest herds of elephants in Africa. As you drive to your campsite through the national park you will already be enjoying game viewing. The afternoon you continue with game viewing until sunset. Tonight you are once again surrounded by wildlife as you easy to sleep.

In the morning we head back to kasane, pack our luggage and proceed to the border of Botswana and Zimbabwe. We arrive in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) late afternoon. Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s busiest small tourist town where tourists from the North and South converge. Its a real wonder of the World and forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. A short walk from your campsite and you are already on the entrance of the Victoria Falls national Park. Enjoy the thundering and deafening sound of the Zambezi river as it plunges to a depth of 108 metres. There is a lot of activities to do in Victoria Falls. The other side of Victoria Falls is on the Zambian side and activities can as well be booked from here.

Day 17 :

Cost

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle) Transportation to and from!! Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip. English speaking guide and/or translator when necessary. First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit) All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare Visa Charges Hotel Expenses Your travel and medical insurance Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bill, telephone, laundry, titbits etc Food and accommodations not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter. International vaccinations and inoculations . Postage and porterage fees, Tips and gratuities for your driver/Guide and lodge staff. Optional Activities unless specified.

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need?

No fitness is required for most of the activities on tour as they will be done on our vehicles. However for check the fitness requirements for the optional activities you may want to book on our Activities Page

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Most of the campsites we book do have charging points as well as our vehicles. Hot showers are available as well on campsites as well as on rooms.

Are there ATMs on the way?

Yes there are ATMs on most of the towns we shall drive through. The Visa cards and Master cards are as well accepted for payment on most our facilities for personal purchase of drinks and other services.

What about internet access?

On most of our camping sites there is wi-fi at your additional cost. While driving out in the country side connection will be a challenge unless you buy local sim cards and register with local service providers.

Is it necessary to hire Guides?

All our Tours are run by qualified and professional Tour Guides

How much do guides and porters cost?

We have all guides on contract basis and we would appreciate if you would pay them Tips. Usually tips range from $5-$10 per day. As for porters on lodges and airports it’s about $10-$20.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Swakopmund to Victoria Falls
8% Off
From €1,950 €1,800
/ Adult
  • 1-12 people
  • Camping and lodges
  • Swakopmund
  • Moderate
  • All year
  • 17 breakfast, 17 lunches and 15 dinners
  • English speaking guides available who will double as either driver or chef.
  • Overland Tour

Recent Comments

Categories