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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

14 Days$3990USD

Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 13 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 13 Breakfasts
2
Adventure touring

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Watch a magnificent sunrise from the top of the Sossusvlei sand dunes
  • Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River

Travelling in a comfortable, custom-built expedition vehicle and staying in well-appointed accommodation with plenty of local charm, this journey offers an abundance of stunning scenery, unique wildlife and cultural encounters. The vastness of both Namibia and Botswana become apparent with wide open spaces far outnumbering people. A shorter version of our African Wildlife Explorer trip, this overland journey commences from Windhoek, Namibia's capital city. Ascend the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei; and enjoy cosmopolitan Swakopmund with its relaxed cafe culture and wide, tree-lined streets. Search for wildlife in the contrasting environments of Etosha National Park and the Kavango River before being enchanted by a Chobe River sunset and still more wildlife in the Okavango Delta. The trip concludes in Zimbabwe with the unforgettable sight of tons of water hurtling over Victoria Falls into the chasm of the Zambezi Gorge.

Trip Code: TKS

On arrival this afternoon in Windhoek, you have free time to explore the capital city of Namibia. Overnight: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  Nil

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar)

Meals:  B,D

Today we travel through the Kuiseb canyon, site of the famous book by Henno Martin, The Sheltering Desert before we stop off at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos (seasonal). The Walvis Bay wetlands - the lagoon, mudflats, shoreline and salt works - constitute the single most important coastal wetland in southern Africa for migratory birds. The wetland therefore serves mainly as a dry-season and drought refuge for migrating species like the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Plover, Grebe and African Black Oystercatcher. We drive to Swakopmund (33 kms), a quaint beach town with a strong German influence and with a sizable part of its population still German-speaking today. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is German for "Mouth of the Swakop" as it is at the mouth of the Swakop River. We spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals:  B

We leave the coast behind and drive inland through the Damaraland region. Damaraland was a name given to the north-central part of Namibia and inhabited by the Damara people, an ethnic group who make up 8.5% of Namibia's population. Thought to be a remnant of southwestern Africa's hunter-gatherers, have no known cultural relationship with any of the other tribes anywhere else in Africa. The region is a vast and rugged terrain with mountain ranges intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Be on the lookout for the slightly smaller, desert-adapted elephants found predominantly in the Kaokaland and Damaraland regions. The Desert Elephant belongs to the savanna elephant and are a protected species. Consider yourself lucky if you see the elusive desert elephant or desert rhino, as these animals were subjected to poaching in the 1980's and numbers have diminished significantly. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. We spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We enter the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region) where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own expense). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta. Lunch is included on Day 11 only. Overnight Swampstop chalets (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Crossing into Botswana via Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The National Park has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. Where the Chobe river flows into the Zambezi River the two rivers form the borders between Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. One of the few places in the world that four countries border on each other. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We travel across the Zimbabwe border to view Victoria Falls - one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (otherwise known as Victoria Falls) is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Park covers 66 km2 from the Songwe Gorge below the falls in a northwest arc along about 20 km of the Zambian riverbank. Two countries - Zambia and Zimbabwe, share the magnificent falls. Nothing can compare to viewing the awesome power of 'The Smoke that thunders" for the first time. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, and to visit the actual Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar).

Meals:  B

Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
  • 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local guide
  • Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
  • Chobe River game cruise
  • Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • National park and conservation fees valued at US$55
  • Okavango Delta excursions
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Windhoek and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 14. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

  • International flights
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 14, are NOT included
  • Local cash payment of 2500 South African Rand payable to tour guide on day 1 of all trips

Accommodation


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
LP
Local payment of ZAR2500 payable in addition to trip cost
Note:
There is also a reverse itinerary starting in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Note:
For a longer version of this trip refer to African Wildlife Explorer

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$780
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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