An Outstanding Botswana Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary and Map

This 17-day Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary takes you across multiple countries, starting with the rich and diverse ecosystem of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. From there, you will be transported to Victoria Falls, where your hotel is conveniently located near the impressive ‘Smoke that Thunders’. Next, you will take a trip to Namibia where you will embark on an 11-day self-drive expedition and have access to a 4X4 rental car. The itinerary includes visits to Sossusvlei, Etosha, Damaraland, and Swakopmund.

An Outstanding 17-day Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary, which starts in Victoria Falls, the “adventure capital” of the continent, and concludes with a thorough road journey through Namibia’s most captivating and thrilling regions, is the best way to truly understand Africa. In between, take in the magnificence, serenity, and calm of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the largest wilderness areas on earth.

Beginning in Livingstone, you begin at the Victoria Falls, a vast expanse of thunderous spray on the Zambezi River. In addition to exhilarating white-water rafting and microlighting, the Zambezi is a natural playground. After that, you pass into Botswana at Kasane to board a light plane that will take you to the Moremi Game Reserve on the Okavango Delta. Highlights include water activities once more: riding a mekoro through the Delta is a “must-do” experience for any safari visitor.

Once you’ve had enough of Botswana, it’s time to take a road trip to one of Africa’s top locations. Namibia is the perfect place to enjoy your time behind the wheel because it boasts a great highway system, stunning landscape, and very little other traffic outside of the few large towns. You will visit Windhoek, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park, the nation’s most famous natural reserve.

This Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia journey offers you the best of three of Africa’s most captivating and diverse environments, making it perfect for a family holiday or even an adventurous honeymoon.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls
• Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro
• Be awed by Sossusvlei
• Road trip through the best of Namibia
• Find the Big 5 in Etosha

Best For These Traveller Types

• Couples, Honeymooners, Families & Groups

Detailed Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary

Days 1-4: Immerse Yourself In The Delta | 3 Nights

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Botswana’s Okavango Delta – Heaven on Earth

Escape the pressures of everyday life by fully immersing yourself in the tranquilly and serenity of the Okavango Delta. An aeroplane of small size will transport you from Maun in Botswana to the designated landing area, where a chauffeur will be present to transport you to Xakanaxa Camp located on the Khwai River. Xakanaxa is a part of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana and stands out for its exceptional feature: an in-tent ‘misting system’ that provides a refreshing cooling effect during the hot afternoons. This is an exceptionally uncommon indulgence and is perfect if you have a preference for remaining in your tent with a captivating novel rather than idling by the swimming pool.

Despite its relatively small size compared to other reserves in Africa, Moremi is abundant in stunning natural landscapes and a diverse range of animals, including endangered wild canines, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and several migratory bird species. While being propelled through the sparkling canals in a mokoro, keep an eye out for little frogs among the reeds and appreciate the beauty of delicate colourful waterlilies floating on the surface.

Days 4-7: Have Fun At Victoria Falls | 3 Nights

Location: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Following three days of exhilarating safari in Moremi, you return to the airstrip for a brief flight to Kasane. From there, you will be transported across the border to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe. This compact yet bustling town serves as the entrance to Victoria Falls, a colossal waterfall on the Zambezi River commonly referred to as Mosi-au-Tunya or ‘the smoke that thunders’.

Your accommodation will be Ilala Lodge, which is named after the towering palm trees that are scattered around the area. Situated on a hilltop, this lodge offers a picturesque view of the white spray rising into the air from the Falls. You can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea while admiring this stunning backdrop.

Ilala Lodge offers a sophisticated and relaxed ambiance, perfect for adventurous individuals who prefer activities such as canoe trails or guided walks. It also provides a tranquil environment for those who enjoy sunset cruises or bird-watching with binoculars, where you can spot species like lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and carmine bee-eaters. During breaks, recline next to the swimming pool or relax by swimming a few laps and enjoying some refreshing iced beverages.

Days 7-8: Off To Namibia | 1 Nights

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Now comes the moment to say goodbye to Africa’s most magnificent waterfall. This journey begins by being chauffeured to Victoria Falls International Airport for a brief trip to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Although the countries are geographically close, they are fundamentally dissimilar: Zimbabwe boasts one of the greatest bodies of water in the world, whereas Namibia is home to the oldest desert on Earth. However, one might discover a similar feeling of everlasting eternity, tranquilly, and calmness in both.

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, your rented 4×4 vehicle will be readily available for you to embark on your next trip. Namibia boasts a superb and meticulously maintained road infrastructure, with minimal congestion from other vehicles. These favourable circumstances make it an ideal destination for embarking on a road trip. The initial destination on your itinerary will be Olive Grove guesthouse, located in a tranquil and affluent residential area on the outskirts of the city centre. Featuring a warm and cosy ambiance, this location offers a highly comfortable environment to spend the night before embarking on a journey to Sossusvlei.

Days 8-10: The Sands Of Sossusvlei | 2 Nights

Location: Sossusvlei, Namibia

Namibia TRAVEL GUIDE: The SOSSUSVLEI is the SUNNIEST place on Earth!

The dunes of Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park are exceptionally picturesque, towering hundreds of feet above the ground. The desert country’s visitors are particularly fond of the deep hues of gold, ochre, and bronze that vary depending on the time of day. Dune 45 is a well-known destination for sunrise climbing, while the neighbouring Dead Vlei, which used to be a wetland but is now completely dry and filled with dried-up tree stumps, is an extraordinary place that must be witnessed to be fully comprehended.

During your two-night stay at Sossusvlei Lodge, you will have ample opportunity to fully experience and appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings. This comfortable lodge offers air-conditioned accommodations, as well as additional amenities such as a private beer garden, a swimming pool, and family-friendly rooms. An excellent method to observe the dunes is from an aerial perspective, either during a sunrise hot-air balloon excursion or aboard a small aircraft. From above, you can witness the rolling patterns of sand extending all the way to the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean. If you prefer to remain on stable land, you have a wide range of options available. You can put on your hiking boots and join a guided nature walk to gain insight into the survival strategies of the smallest creatures in this seemingly harsh environment. Alternatively, you can start up a quad bike (ATV) and enjoy an exhilarating ride across the sand, led by a knowledgeable guide.

Days 10-11: Back In History | 1 Nights

Location: Swakopmund, Namibia

Swakopmund is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive towns in Africa. Situated on the Atlantic coast and often enveloped by oceanic fogs, Namibia is a repository of Germanic architecture from the 1800s, a period when Germany conquered the region. The town’s heart is characterised by charming old houses and businesses in vintage hues, and it is common to find German food included on the menus of Swakopmund’s little eateries.

Upon arriving at the Swakopmund Guesthouse following your drive from Sossusvlei, you will be greeted by the staff. The interior design of the guesthouse draws inspiration from the nearby coastline, resulting in a light and breezy atmosphere.

Days 11-13: Discover Wild Damaraland | 2 Nights

Location: Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland Namibia | What’s it like to travel to Namibias wildest most unvisited destination

Today, you will depart from urban living and make your way towards Damaraland, more especially the awe-inspiring Brandberg Mountains and the Huab River valley. You will be staying at Damaraland Camp for a duration of two days, which is widely considered to be Namibia’s most accomplished eco resort. The seemingly unwelcoming terrain may appear challenging to those without expertise, but with the assistance of your exceptionally skilled guides and trackers, you will be able to search for desert-adapted elephants, lions, and the scimitar-horned oryx, which is arguably the most emblematic desert creature in the country.

Damaraland not only offers the opportunity to observe wildlife, but also boasts some of the most captivating and intricate rock art in the world. Embark on a mountain bike ride to Twyfelfontein, a site known for its significant accumulation of petroglyphs, or ancient rock drawings, created by the San people, potentially dating back to a minimum of 6,000 years. Twyfelfontein was designated as Namibia’s inaugural World Heritage Site in 2007 due to its exceptional uniqueness.

Days 13-16: The Best For Last | 3 Nights

Location: Etosha, Namibia

You are currently located in the northern region of Namibia, prepared to see the renowned Etosha National Pan. This location is an ideal destination for self-driving enthusiasts, since it offers flat terrain, abundant wildlife, and the enigmatic Etosha Pan. Your lodging, Ongava Tented Camp, is situated in a privately owned reserve that is adjacent to the national park, providing you with the advantages of both environments. During the day, you have the opportunity to explore Etosha National Park on traditional game drives. In the evening, you may participate in night drives in the Ongava Reserve. The private reserve allows you the opportunity to partake in guided walking safaris, an activity that is prohibited in the national park.

If you would like to spend a day outside of the car, you can relax in a comfy seat and enjoy a refreshing drink at Ongava’s well-liked waterhole. The waterhole is illuminated at night, allowing for convenient and relaxed observation of wildlife from the comfort of an armchair. Despite the fact that you will be residing in a tent, you will have access to amenities such as running water, a flush toilet, and a ceiling fan, which are essential for comfort in the wilderness.

The region is renowned for harbouring a significant number of predators, thus it is advisable to remain vigilant for the presence of lions and cheetahs, as they are frequently observed.

Days 16-17: Return To Windhoek

Following a week in Namibia and an additional week exploring Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta, you will have experienced some of the most captivating, evocative, and unforgettable vistas in Southern Africa. Today, you memorise them and return to Windhoek, where the kind employees at Olive Grove eagerly await to hear about your remarkable expedition across their amazing nation.

End of the 17 Days Botswana, Zimbabwe And Namibia Itinerary