Day 1: Departure

Your journey begins with the long-haul flight to Namibia

 

Day 2: Welcome to Namibia

Arrive at Walvis Bay International Airport, Namibia, where your English speaking tour guide will welcome you with a big smile. Together we drive to our beautiful guest house in Swakopmund, where we will stay for the next two nights. Swakopmund, is famous for its beautiful old German colonial architecture. The Namibians use it as a holiday destination to escape the heat of the country. Before dinner, we will enjoy a sundowner on the Namib Dunes watching the fiery African skies reflecting on the Atlantic Ocean. What a way to start the tour. Welcome to Africa! 51 km / D

 

Day 3: Desert Dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean

This morning, you can either relax and unwind in Swakopmund, explore beautiful shops or take part in an optional boat tour in Walvis Bay. In the afternoon we will have a tour with a local desert expert who will introduce us to the many little creatures living in the world's most inhospitable desert. Plants, insects and reptiles have adapted to the harsh environment of the desert, on the “Living Desert Tour” we will learn more about all life in the desert. This evening we get to enjoy dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic ocean. 76 km / B,D

 

Day 4: Ancient Art- The Spitzkoppe

Today the big journey starts; We leave the Atlantic Ocean in a northwesterly direction to Namibia's most famous mountain, Spitzkoppe. This is a series displaying granite peaks in the Damara region. The granite is over 700 million years old. The highest point is 1,784 meters above sea level and rises dramatically from the flat plain. Here we discover spectacular rock formations and marvel at the drawings that the Bushmen of Namibia left here about 5,000 years ago; now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site! After a drive North through the dry Savanna we reach our lodge in the afternoon. Our lodge is located on a mountain range and offers spectacular views of the endless expanses of the region. 385 km / B,D

 

Day 5: Zebra Crossing- The Etosha National Park

After breakfast, we continue Northeast, to the southern entrance of the world famous Etosha National Park. The park is one of the largest parks in Africa, with a size of 22,275 km², characterised by its enormous animal populations. On one of our first Safari trips, we will see large herds of Zebra, Springbok and Gnu herds. These specific animals are what make Etosha famous. The big game species such as giraffes, lions, elephants and rhinos can be found next to the hundreds of bird species and smaller animals! Tonight we will sleep in a beautiful lodge just outside the park, ending our adventurous day with a delicious dinner. 203 km / B,D

 

Day 6: The big white area

The name "Etosha" comes from the Oshivambo language and means "big white area". Which refers to the salt pan in the Etosha National Park, which has a diameter of about 5,000 km ². On our discovery tour of the park, we will visit waterholes that are regularly visited by elephants and other thirsty animals. In total there are 114 mammals, 340 birds, 100 reptiles and 16 different amphibian species in the park. Today we will spend the night in comfortable chalets. Theres nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of Africa! 134 km / B,D

 

Day 7: In the footsteps of the Bushmen- A cultural experience

After a final short safari drive after breakfast, we leave the park in a Northeastern direction through the Anderson Gate. We drive past many traditional African round hut villages and in the afternoon we arrive in the Northern town of Rundu, right on the waterfront to Angola. Here our lodge is located on the banks of the peaceful Okavango River. Valerie's home-cooked dinners are legendary and a perfect end to the day! 366 km / B, D

 

Day 8: The friendly people at the Okavango River

On a walk after breakfast we visit the villages of the Kavangos; an unforgettable experience! A local guide accompanies us and informs us about the daily lives of the Kavangos. Friendly faces and interesting stories are told about Kavangos and their special relationship with the important Okavango River. In the afternoon, we will be back at the lodge, where we can relax a it before embarking on a boat trip along the Kavango River during sunset. While we enjoy a tasty dinner, we will be entertained by the rhythm of African drums and dances, symbolising strength and cohesion. . 0 km / B, D

 

Day 9: Happy Hippos

This morning we head East to the Zambezi region, along the former Caprivi Strip, before heading South to the Mahangu National Park. With a little luck, we will meet buffalos, rhinos and elephants or even some of the many antelope herds living here. The very rare sable and moor antelope are also found here. At lunchtime, we will cross the border into Botswana and arrive in Shakawe, where a boat will pick us up and take us to our lodge on the Okavango River. Here we spend the night in luxurious safari tents on the riverbank. At night, we listen to the grunting laughter of the hippos, who often come grazing out of the water. 250 km / B,D

 

Day 10: A flight to paradise- the Okavango Delta

In the morning after breakfast, the boat takes us back to the parked vehicle and then follows a Southbound drive to the fast growing city of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. From Maun we fly in a small engine plane to our lodge, in the "Pearl of the Kalahari". After 1,600 km², we reach the Okavango River, a natural paradise. For the next tow nights we stay in luxurious tents, in the midst of this beautiful landscape. 377 km / B,D

 

Day 11: Discover an animal kingdom on waterway- the Mokoro experience

In the morning, a ride awaits us in a traditional dugout boat, known as the "Mokoro". As we navigate gently through the grassy reeds of the Okavango Delta, we can observe many animal and bird species up close. A brunch awaits us at the lodge after our boat trip. This afternoon, we will enjoy an afternoon safari drive in an open jeep, where we might see the rare Sitatunga antelope, as well as lions and elephants. 0 km / B, L,D

 

Day 12: The Makgadikgadi National Park

After the return flight from the Delta, we arrive back in Maun. Once we are back on our vehicle, we drive East through a changing flat grass landscape. We will pass baobab tree regularly. Our destination for today is the largest salt pans in the world, know as the endless Makgadikgadi Pans. These pans are approximately the same size as Belgium. Tonight we stay in a breathtaking lodge at Makgadikgadi National Park. This afternoon, we will explore this unique area on a walk. 311 km / B,D

 

Day 13: Zimbabwe- In the land of the Ndebeles

This morning we leave the lodge and drive further East across the border into Zimbabwe. In the afternoon we reach Bulawayo, the capital of the Matabele country. A quick stop in this bustling city can include a visit to the famous Cultural History Museum or a coffee stop to watch the bustle of Zimbabwean everyday life. Another hour's drive South brings us to the world famous Matobo Hills, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Southern Africa. Impressive granite rock formations rising up out of the wooded surroundings dominate the landscape. Our comfortable lodge is built on a granite hill, with a fantastic view of this mystical landscape. A sundowner and a delicious dinner are a great way to end this day. 399 km / B,D

 

Day 14: Matobos National Park- A view of the world

The Matobo National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of incredible natural beauty, with granite rocks all over. In the morning we explore the park and visit some protrude rocks, which offered protection to puerile 40 000 years ago. The paintings and ornaments have been preserved to this day. We can also visit the grave of Africa's most famous imperialist Cecil John Rhodes here at the famous "Worlds View". This afternoon we can choose to go on an afternoon safari game drive or choose to relax at the pool. Dinner is serve in the lodge’s own restaurant. 68 km / B,D

 

Day 15: Great Zimbabwe- The stone house

After breakfast we head East to Masvingo. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is on the program for today: The Great Zimbabwe National Monument. It is believed that the first stone walls were built here about 1,000 years ago. This impressive ruined city has a size of 722 ha and is the largest stone structure ever built South of the Sahara. The name Zimbabwe comes from the Shona words "dzimba dza mabwe" and means "stone house". After a fascinating tour and some information about the former great empire of the Shona, we return to a pleasant guest house located on a hill, which has a beautiful view of the Mutirikwe Lake. The beautiful gardens of the house invite you to relax before a delicious cooked dinner is served. 357 km / B, D

 

Day 16: The Shona culture in the Eastern Highlands

The Eastern highlands of Zimbabwe will be our destination for today, an area known for its dense vegetation, rare bird species as well as the Samango monkeys. For the next two nights we stay in a beautiful lodge in the “Eastern Highlands” of Zimbabwe.We meet very interesting and very hospitable people of the Shona culture. Breathtaking views and unique vegetation awaits us in the afternoon with an adventurous walk in the area. After enjoying a sundowner, we enjoy a scrumptious dinner together in the lodge. 320 km / B,D

 

Day 17: Tobacco Growers

In the morning we visit a Zimbabwe typical tobacco farmer cooperation, which employs 2,800 people. Tobacco has always been an important industry in Zimbabwe where we will see good cooperation amongst local farmers. On a tour we gain insight into the economic development of the country and the mastery of people under difficult political and economic conditions. A lovely drive into the beautiful Bvumba mountains awaits us in the afternoon before we return to the mountain lodge. 120 km / B,D

 

Day 18: Vilankulo- A continent was crossed

From Mutare, we take a short drive to the Mozambique border. After handling border formalities, we are already in our fourth African country of the trip! A final, longer drive Southeast brings us across the Save River to the tropical beach of the Indian Ocean. After crossing continents, the destination is reached - from coast to coast. We have reached the east coast of Africa. After a short swim in the warm Indian Ocean near Inhassoro we drive further South to Vilankulo, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Mozambique. Our lodge is situated right on the palm fringed beach, with is beautiful turquoise water. The nearby mangrove forests are home many waterfowls. Before dinner in the lodge, we get to relax in this tropical heaven. 583 km / B,D

 

Day 19: Dive- The Tropical Indian Ocean

Today is for complete relaxation - either on the white beach just outside the door, swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or relaxing by the lodge's pool. Also, the nearby market "Machilla Magic" invites you for a visit. A market that offers excellent craftsmanship from over 50 local families It is a great place to find souvenirs. An optional day trip on a boat to the beautiful "Two Mile Reef" for snorkelling or diving can also be done. We conclude this unforgettable trip with a candlelit dinner on the sandy beach of Vilankulo. 0 km / B, D. 

 

Day 20: An adventure comes to an end- Until next time!

After breakfast at the lodge and perhaps a final swim in the Indian Ocean, we make our way to the nearby Vilankulo Airport, where you will catch your flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa and your international connecting flight back home. 5 km / B

 

Day 21: Welcome home

 

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