Country(ies): Botswana , Namibia , Zimbabwe
Tour type: Overland
Group size: Min: 4 | Max: 20
Accommodation:2 to 4-star hotels, lodges & camps
Meals: Breakfasts - 9, Lunches - 9, Dinners - 7
Transport: Overland expedition vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicles
Highlights:Etosha NP, Kavango River, Maun, Okavango Delta, Khwai Conservation Area, Moremi, Kasane, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls
Get ready for an epic overland adventure across Southern Africa! This incredible journey kicks off in Windhoek, Namibia, whisking you straight to Etosha National Park for an exhilarating afternoon game drive – your first taste of the wild. From there, you'll traverse the vast Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, heading towards Divundu.
Prepare for some serious relaxation with a boat cruise on the tranquil Kavango River, where you can spot hippos and crocs, before the option of an exciting afternoon game drive in the hidden gem that is Mahangu National Park. Then, it's across the border into Botswana, arriving in Maun, your launchpad for the legendary Okavango Delta.
The heart of this adventure lies deep within the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. You'll delve into the Khwai Conservation Area, experiencing a rustic mobile fly camp – talk about getting up close with nature! Brace yourself for a magical sunset mokoro excursion gliding through the Delta's channels, followed by a full-throttle, full-day game drive in Moremi, a true wildlife paradise brimming with incredible creatures.
The overland journey continues, taking you past Botswana's mesmerising salt pans on the way to Nata. Then, it's on to Kasane for an unforgettable Chobe National Park boat cruise, where you'll witness enormous herds of elephants and a kaleidoscope of wildlife from a unique river perspective.
Finally, the grand finale awaits in Zimbabwe: the thundering Victoria Falls! Prepare to be awestruck by this natural wonder, with plenty of time to explore its power or dive into thrilling optional activities like helicopter flights or white-water rafting. This amazing adventure wraps up after breakfast, leaving you with a lifetime of wild memories.
Your fantastic overland package includes nine nights' accommodation, all your transport in a robust 25-seat expedition vehicle (your trusty steed!), all the exciting 'included highlights', two expert crew members, local guides, and delicious meals as detailed.
Accommodation is either camping based or in comfortable hotels, lodges and permanent camps and travel is on a specialist expedition vehicle with large windows, charging points and an experienced tour leader/driver and cook on board.
Many of our group itineraries can be booked as private departures, offering the flexibility to customise your accommodation or work with our sales team to create a completely tailor-made journey. Contact us for details.
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This morning, you'll be met at the departure point by a representative who will transfer you to your first overnight stop near Etosha National Park. The shuttle service is expected to take between 4-5 hours. The number of travellers will depend on the bookings. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the drive to the Etosha National Park area.
Upon arrival, your Tour Leader will greet you and get you acquainted with the tour, your truck, and your fellow travellers.
OVERNIGHT:
Kupferquelle Resort
MEALS:
Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Leaving the distinctive white sands of Etosha behind, our journey continues towards the Kavango River, bringing us into the immense Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). This incredible area, one of the world's largest protected landscapes, spans five Southern African countries, and we'll traverse parts of it through Botswana and Zimbabwe, offering a glimpse into its vital role in supporting diverse wildlife and ecosystems; our overnight stop in Divundu provides the perfect introduction to this rich natural haven.
OVERNIGHT:
Mahangu or Rainbow River Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we'll enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the tranquil waters of the Kavango River. This is a chance to truly unwind and soak in the serene scenery, observing the vibrant birdlife that thrives along its banks. Keep your eyes peeled – you might even spot hippos lounging in the shallows or crocodiles basking in the sun.
In the afternoon, you'll have the exciting opportunity to embark on an optional game drive into Mahangu National Park. Often considered a hidden gem, Mahangu is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It's a fantastic place for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of large herds of elephants and buffalo. You can also expect to see various species of antelope, and if luck is on our side, even some of the elusive big cats like lion or leopard. This drive offers a superb chance to immerse ourselves further in the incredible wildlife of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
OVERNIGHT:
Mahangu or Rainbow River Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Leaving Namibia, we'll then cross the border into Botswana, a country celebrated for its commitment to conservation and its spectacular wilderness areas. Our destination for the evening is Maun, a bustling, vibrant town often referred to as the gateway to the iconic Okavango Delta. Maun itself sits on the Thamalakane River, which is an outflow of the Delta, offering a taste of the unique watery landscapes to come. We'll spend the night here, giving us a chance to relax and prepare before our highly anticipated adventure into the heart of the Okavango Delta tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT:
Maun Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
OVERNIGHT:
Khwai Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today is dedicated to an exhilarating full-day game drive as we spend most of our time on safari within the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Get ready for an adventure as we traverse this incredible wilderness area in our robust 4x4 vehicles. Be prepared for some bumpy roads – it's all part of the authentic safari experience as we navigate the diverse terrain.
Moremi is a truly exceptional reserve, celebrated for its rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It offers a mosaic of habitats, ranging from serene wetlands and expansive open water to vast grasslands and dense Savannah woodland. This incredible variety means we have the chance to encounter a wide array of species. We'll be actively searching for the magnificent fauna that roam these plains, including large herds of elephants, a variety of antelope, and perhaps even the elusive big cats like lions, leopards, or cheetahs. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, and many other fascinating creatures. The diverse flora of the reserve is equally captivating, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
As the sun begins to set, we'll make our way back to our camp in Khwai. This evening, we'll have the perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and compare all the amazing sightings and memorable moments from our day on safari in Moremi. It's a fantastic chance to relive the excitement with your fellow travellers.
OVERNIGHT:
Khwai Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we'll be travelling from Khwai to Nata, a journey that takes us past Botswana's incredible salt pans. We'll pack up our camp and depart at first light in our open 4x4 safari vehicles, soaking in the early morning wilderness. These smaller vehicles allow us to navigate the terrain effectively before we reconnect with our main truck in Maun.
The scenic drive from Maun to Nata offers a fantastic opportunity to witness some of Botswana's truly breathtaking landscapes and get a feel for its rich cultural heritage. As we travel, keep your eyes peeled – there's always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two along the way. You might spot various antelope, zebras, or even some larger game as they roam the unfenced areas. Our destination for the night is Nata, where we'll settle in after a day of diverse scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
OVERNIGHT:
Nata Lodge or Elephant Sands Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we journey from the fascinating Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane, a vibrant town strategically located at the convergence of four countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We aim to arrive in time for a well-deserved lunch, followed by a quick siesta to refresh ourselves.
In the afternoon, our adventure truly begins as we head out to explore the world-renowned Chobe National Park from a unique perspective: the river. We'll embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Chobe River, which offers an unparalleled opportunity for up-close and personal wildlife encounters. This is especially true for the park's most famous residents – the elephants. Chobe is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and in the afternoons, vast herds frequently gather at the riverbanks to drink, play, and cool off. Expect to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, often just meters away from our boat, along with a myriad of other animals and an abundance of birdlife that thrive along the river's edge. It's an unforgettable experience, promising incredible photographic opportunities and lasting memories.
OVERNIGHT:
Thebe River Safaris or Kwalape Safari Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
With the incredible memories of our recent wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we embark on the final leg of our journey today. This morning, we'll cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel the short distance to the iconic town of Victoria Falls.
Today is dedicated to experiencing the truly spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally by the evocative name of "Mosi-oa-Tunya" – "the smoke that thunders." You'll have the opportunity to visit this natural wonder at your leisure, taking your time to explore the various viewpoints and witness the sheer power of the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges dramatically into the Batoka Gorge below. The roar of the water and the spray that rises hundreds of metres into the air are an awe-inspiring sight, truly living up to its local name.
While much of today is rightly dedicated to viewing the Falls, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a wide range of optional activities for those seeking an extra dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. Options can include thrilling helicopter flights over the Falls, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, or even bungee jumping. For the more relaxed traveller, there are charming craft markets to explore, offering local artworks and souvenirs, alongside inviting coffee shops where you can simply unwind and soak in the atmosphere.
This evening, you have the option to join the group for a delightful optional dinner at a local restaurant. This is a wonderful chance to savour a delicious meal, share stories from your incredible journey, and reflect on the day's awe-inspiring experiences at Victoria Falls with your fellow travellers. Your guide will be happy to arrange a booking for those who wish to participate.
OVERNIGHT:
Shearwater Explorers Village or Bayete Guest Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
Your tour officially comes to an end after breakfast today. With a wealth of activities on offer in Victoria Falls, this is the perfect day to tailor an adventure that most suits your style. Whether you're keen to experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River or prefer to enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the iconic Victoria Falls, today is yours to make the most of the many attractions this vibrant town offers.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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This tour forms part of our longer Grand Southern Safari tour which starts in Cape Town and travels through South Africa and Namibia before joining this tour in Namibia and continuing together to Victoria Falls.
If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
This tour departs Windhoek early in the morning on Day 1 so please plan to add at least 1 extra day to your travels before & after the tour dates below. Extra hotel nights and airport transfers are available on request.
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time
in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and
add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise
upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other
options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend
booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or
high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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