The world famous Etosha National Park combined with the rich tapestry of woodlands, floodplain grasslands, lily-carpeted waterways and riverine forests of Namibia's north-east.
Game drives
Bush walks
Mokoro trips
Horse riding
Boat cruise
Please note that a rental vehicle is not included in the rate.
Day 1 Departing Windhoek, head north to Okahandja which is the administrative centre for the Herero People and where the Kavango woodcarvers ply their trade at a large open-air craft market on the outskirts of the town. Continue north through the garden-town of Otjiwarongo, originally a railway staging post between Tsumeb and Swakopmund. Otjiwarongo is situated at the crossroads for both the railway and road network and is an area dominated by commercial cattle ranching. Proceed to the town of Tsumeb which is dominated by the central mine shaft, mining a rich ore pipe for copper, zinc, lead, silver and a variety of unusual crystals for which Tsumeb is world famous. This one pipe has produced 217 different minerals and gemstones, of which 40 have been found nowhere else on earth. Your journey takes you to a Lodge situated on the outside of the Etosha National Park. Overnight Mokuti Lodge.
Day 2 Etosha Enter the world famous Etosha National Park, where a full day of game driving is enjoyed. The game and birds found here are typical of the savannah plains of Southern Africa, but include several species endemic to the western side of the continent, adjacent to the Namib desert. Herbivores such as zebra, elephant, giraffe, eland, blue wildebeest, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and steenbok abound. Among the rarer species, black and white rhino are sometimes seen. Black-faced Impala are restricted to Namibia and southern Angola, the Damara dik-dik, the Parks smallest antelope is also endemic. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded, including many migrants during the summer period. Larger felines are also found, such as lion, leopard, cheetah and caracal, with hyenas, cape fox, and black-backed jackal seen during the early mornings and late evenings. Exit the National Park and proceed to Mokuti Lodge for overnight. Breakfast
Day 3 Etosha Return to the National Park for a morning game drive, concentrate on the area surrounding Namutoni which is renown for the sightings of the diminutive Dik Dik and the endangered Black Faced Impala. Exit the National Park and travel via Tsumeb to your Lodge situated in the Grootfontein surrounds for overnight. A further area to visit (time permitting) is the Hoba Meteorite, the largest known meteorite in the world. This 50-ton mass of nickel and iron, which is between 100 million and 300 million years old, crashed to earth some 30 000 to 80 000 years ago and was discovered in the 1920's. Overnight Ghaub Guest Farm. Breakfast
Day 4 Caprivi Strip Travel through the fertile farming land surrounding Grootfontein, crossing the veterinary fence one enters the communal land area of Namibia, leaving behind the commercial farms and well ordered towns. Thatched villages line the road and women tend to Mahango fields while men turn the wood of kiaat and teak trees into beautiful carvings. Continue to the town of Rundu situated on the banks of the Kavango River, from here eastward to the Popa Falls region for overnight on the banks of the Kavango River. Overnight Suclabo River Lodge. Breakfast
Day 5 Caprivi Strip Visit neighbouring Mahango National Park, one of the smallest and least known of Namibia's parks. Proclaimed in 1989 it covers a small area and harbours rare game species such as Buffalo, Sable and Roan antelope, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Tsessebe and Sitatunga. The park is characterised by riverine forests, a broad flood plain and baobabs. Popa Falls is located in the vacinity of the Lodge, the name is deceiving as the falls are more aptly described as rapids. This is a beautiful area with riverine vegetation contrasting with stark baobab trees, villages line the riverbanks and in the evening the soft murmur of village life drifts along the river. Overnight Suclabo River Lodge. Breakfast
Day 6 Impalila Island Caprivi Strip East of the Kavango River the Caprivi 'panhandle', a 30km wide strip, extends for nearly 200km to the Kwando River. Except for a small triangle along the Kwando River, the entire strip enjoys the protection of the Caprivi Game Park, set to be re-proclaimed as the Bwabwata National Park. Since the Kavango and Kwando rivers are the only source of permanent water in the Park, this is where game concentrates during the dry season. Travel through commercial farmlands, through forest Kiaat Forests and past Lozi Homesteads to reach Katima Mulilo - 'the place where the fires were put out' situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. Proceeding through passport and immigration formalities at Ngoma one enters Botswana. At Kasane a boat transfer takes one to a unique Lodge situated on a small island at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in Eastern Caprivi where Four Countries meet: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe! Overnight Impalila Island Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 7 Impalila Island Caprivi Strip With a bird checklist of over 450 species, Caprivi is without doubt the top birding destination in Namibia.. A wide variety of activities are offered, including sunset game cruises along the Chobe River, mokoro (dug-out canoes) trips, island walks, excellent birding as well as visits to traditional fishing villages. Full day at the Lodge. Overnight Impalila Island Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 8 Mudumu National Park Return to Namibia and on to Mudumu National Park in the Eastern Caprivi which is a wedge-shaped intrusion into Northern Botswana. The park was proclaimed in 1990 and consists of dense savannah and mopane woodlands, with the Kwando River as its western border. Hundreds of elephant , large herds of buffalo and several other species cram the Kwando floodplains just before the onset of summer rains. Overnight Lianshulu Lodge. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 Mudumu National Park South of Lianshulu the river breaks up into a labyrinth of channels to form the Linyanti swamp. Apart from game such as Sitatunga, Red Lechwe, Spotted-necked otter, hippo and crocodile the area is also a bird watchers paradise. To date 430 species, nearly 70% of Namibia's total number of species, have been recorded in this water-rich area. A varied cultural experience adds to the region's attraction with a visit to one of the traditional villages which provides an insight into the history and lifestyle of the Caprivian people. Activities include boat excursions on the Kwando River, 4x4 game drives and guided walks within the National Park. Overnight Lianshulu Lodge. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 Rundu (Kavango River) Journey through the Caprivi Game Park travelling to the riverside town of Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River, the home of Namibia's well-known woodcarvers. Your Lodge where you will overnight is nestled amongst the riverine trees. Activities on offer include guided walks along the river where Kavango fishermen ply up and down the river in mokoro's while a confusing variety of birds flit amongst the trees and across the waters. Alternatively take the opportunity of going out by boat or on horseback. Overnight N'Kwazi Lodge. Breakfast
Day 11 Waterberg Plateau Park Departing Rundu travel to the farming community of Grootfontein, which serves the cattle ranching community. Waterberg National Park was established in the early seventies as a sanctuary for the rare and endangered game species of the Caprivi, for which an extensive relocation programme was carried out. While game viewing opportunities are not as favourable as Etosha this part of the park may be explored on foot or by vehicle on a guided excursion offered by conservation officials. Overnight Bernabe de la Bat Rest Camp. Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 Return to Windhoek via the town of Okahandja.
