Upon arrival and check-in, you’ll have the option of either a restful afternoon to unwind or a guided city tour of Windhoek, depending on your preference and arrival time. Windhoek offers a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural sights, making it a charming introduction to Namibia. Dinner plans are flexible and can be tailored based on your guide's recommendations. He can help you reserve a table at one of Windhoek’s popular restaurants, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine and get a taste of Namibian hospitality.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
On your first in Namibia, you’ll journey to Sossusvlei, located in the heart of the Namib Sand Sea, a designated UNESCO World Heriatge site. Sossusvlei captivates visitors with its stunning desert landscapes, especially the towering red dunes that can reach nearly 400 meters in height—some of the tallest in the world and the favourite to climb, "Big Daddy".
Deadvlei is a striking white salt and clay pan set against the vibrant orange-red dunes and the deep blue sky. It is dotted with ancient, blackened camel thorn trees, which create a surreal, almost timeless atmosphere. The area is a photographer's paradise and is accessible year-round, providing an unforgettable experience of the stark beauty and immense scale of the Namib Desert.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Your journey then takes you to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the vast Namib Desert, along the coastal dune belt. Known for its distinct German colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere, Swakopmund offers a unique blend of European and African cultures. Founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South West Africa, the town retains much of its heritage, with colorful buildings, bakeries, and cafes lining its streets.
Swakopmund serves as a base for both relaxation and adventure, offering activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dolphin cruises. The town’s cool coastal climate is a refreshing change from the desert, and it’s also a prime spot to explore Namibia's vibrant marine life. Whether you’re looking to dive into adrenaline-pumping activities or simply unwind by the ocean, Swakopmund provides a delightful contrast to Namibia’s desert landscapes.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife sanctuary, offering an exceptional game-viewing experience against a backdrop of uniquely varied landscapes. The park is home to a remarkable diversity of animals, including lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, eland, and two species of zebra. This abundance of wildlife makes every game drive a thrilling encounter with nature.
One of Etosha’s defining features is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering expanse of green and white that spans approximately 4,800 square kilometers, covering nearly a quarter of the park. At 130 kilometers long and up to 50 kilometers wide in some areas, it is the largest salt pan in Africa. The pan, a remnant of an ancient lake, attracts numerous animals, especially in the dry season when it transforms into a critical water source for wildlife. With its surreal beauty and diverse fauna, Etosha offers a game-viewing experience unlike any other in Africa.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Grootfontein (English: "Big spring", named after the nearby hot springs) is one of the three towns in the Otavi Triangle and is located on the federal highway leading from Otavi to the Caprivi Strip. It serves as a restful stopover as one travels to Rundu and Divundu. The giant Hoba meteorite lies 24km west of Grootfontein. At over 60 tons, it is the largest known meteorite on Earth and the largest naturally occurring mass of iron known to exist on the planet's surface.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Serving as a local service hub, Rundu has amenities like a hospital and supports livestock farming in the surrounding area. This quiet, small town offers a peaceful setting for relaxation. Travelers journeying from the Namibian coast to Rundu will notice a dramatic change in scenery—from the arid yellow sand dunes of the coastal regions to Rundu’s lush green fields and tree-lined landscapes.
Stop at Rundu in the Kavango East region, then travel to Divundu on the Okavango River. Enjoy peaceful river scenery, cultural encounters, and the diverse ecosystems along the Okavango. Positioned at the edge of the Caprivi Strip, Rundu is an ideal stopover for breaking up longer journeys, making it a convenient and essential rest point for travelers in the region.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Divundu is a village on the southeastern bank of the Okavango River in the Kavango East Region. With a population of around 5,430 people, it is home to the local Mbukushu kings. Game drives in the nearby Bwabwata National Park are known for their diversity of wildlife in typical riverine and swamp areas. There are boat trips to Popa Falls and guided village tours to the local Kamutjonga village.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Kasane, located in the northeastern corner of Botswana, sits at the intersection of four countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This strategic position makes Kasane a prime gateway to Chobe National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants that gather along the Chobe River during the dry season, creating a stunning spectacle of wildlife.
The town is also home to the Caracal Biodiversity Center, which provides sanctuary for rescued wild animals and offers educational opportunities for visitors. Nearby, the Chobe Crocodile Farm allows visitors to observe and learn about crocodiles up close.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Victoria Falls, a city in western Zimbabwe, serves as the gateway to the spectacular waterfall of the same name, where the Zambezi River cascades over a cliff, plunging into the Boiling Pot before continuing its journey through a series of dramatic gorges. The area’s famous Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls, offers adventurous visitors a unique view of the steep drop. The historic Victoria Falls Bridge, constructed in 1905, spans the Zambezi River, linking Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Surrounding the falls, Zambezi National Park provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including white rhinos and elephants, making this region a hub for both natural wonders and safari experiences. A visit to the Falls is a must.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
As your incredible journey through this part of Southern Africa concludes, you’ll carry home not only countless photos but also unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm encounters with local cultures. With a “trunk full” of these memories, you’re sure to relive the magic of Africa long after you return home, keeping its beauty and spirit close for a lifetime. Safe travels!
Departure from Victoria Falls International Airport.