Namibia Etosha & Zambezi

We will depart Windhoek in a northernly direction, passing cattle farming areas and bushland to the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife and unique landscape. In the late afternoon, once we have reached our camp located on the outside of the National Park, we have the remainder of the day at leisure.

The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters.

After breakfast, our journey continues north-east towards Namibia’s lush Kavango region. En route, we stop at the Hoba Meteorite, the world’s largest known meteorite. We continue to Rundu, known for its rich selection of hand-made wooden crafts. With its magnificent woodlands and perennial rivers, the Kavango region contrasts sharply with the rest of Namibia. Large swathes of tall woodland, riverine forests, floodplains and reed-lined channels dominate the area. This is also the area where you will see many of the traditional huts and homesteads still in popular use today. At our lodge, we can enjoy an optional Sundowner boat cruise on the Okavango River.

We follow the route of the Okavango River into the Zambezi Region. This juxtaposition is what makes Namibia the “Land of Contrasts”. The area is typified by perennial rivers and large forests of trees. Whereas most of Namibia is arid, this area is lush, the soil rich and the wildlife plentiful. It is a lively hotbed where one can see subsistence and cattle farming and the well-known traditional wood carvings. From the banks of the Okavango River directly at the footsteps of our lodge we have a magnificent view onto the Popa Falls, a series of small rapids in paradisiacal environment before arriving at our lodge on the banks of the Okavango river and close to the Mahango National Park where the following two nights are spent along the lush vegetation. The rooms award us with an uninhibited view onto the Buffalo Park across the river. Optionally an afternoon boat cruise on the Okavango River or short walk to a local Habukushu village can be booked directly.

After an early breakfast, we travel into the Mahango National Park. Being Namibia’s smallest but most densely populated National Park, the visit will be rewarding in terms of wildlife and bird watching. The Mahango Game Park has a high number of elephants, as well as fair numbers of antelopes which are scarce or not seen in other parts of Namibia. These include the roan and sable antelope, tsessebe and the red lechwe. The park is also home to several sitatunga. The Mahango National Park is an excellent destination for bird watching with over 400 species to be spotted.

Departing the Mahango National Park we travel across the Zambezi Region to the lush woodlands of the Kwando River. Hundreds of elephants, large Buffalo herds and numerous antelopes roam these majestic riverine woods. With over 400 species of birds, this area counts as one of the best birding hotspots in the whole of southern Africa. At the lodge, you can participate in optional nature drives or boat cruises.

After breakfast, we travel across the border to Kasane, a small and bustling town right on the edge of the Chobe National Park, before crossing the mighty Chobe River on a short but scenic boat transfer to our 5 Star lodge right on the edge of the Chobe river. Our Villa for the night is in a special corner of the African wilderness, where two mighty rivers meet, a wetland paradise that is a haven for nature and wildlife. Discover the wonders of this magical destination. At the very tip of Namibia’s Zambezi Region, previously known as Caprivi Strip. The exclusivity and style of this boutique lodge is unparalleled. Here wildlife roams freely in profusion and diversity. It is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, while other game consists of large herds of buffalo, puku, lechwe, bushbuck and kudu. Other significant species such as lion, leopard, wild dog, sable and roan antelope are encountered in many areas of the reserve. In the afternoon embark on a guided Chobe sunset river cruise along the National Park to experience the multitude of game species found along the banks of the Chobe River.

Today we take part in a game drive through the Chobe National Park or any other optional activity offered by the lodge’s own activity centre. With a cup of coffee or tea enjoy the sunrise and natures awakening before departing on an open game drive with lodge rangers, exploring the national park and see the forage of wildlife along the Chobe river such as elephants, Lechwe, Roan or Waterbuck. Returning to the lodge breakfast is served on the terrace overlooking the river. The remainder of the day is at leisure. For guests departing to Victoria Falls, a transfer optionally takes you across the border to the airport.