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Straight tarmac road leading towards the Sossusvlei in Namibia
Private Self-Drive Trip

Highlights of Namibia and Botswana

21 Days from 6,180 USD per person sharing

Reserve your spot

Highlights of Namibia and Botswana – 21 Day Self-Drive Tour

Embark on a great journey and witness the highlights of Namibia and Botswana at a comfortable pace. Travel to the Namib and touch the oldest desert sand, fly into the Okavango Delta, hear the trumpeting of elephants in the Chobe National Park and witness the iconic Victoria Falls on this thrilling 21-day self-drive tour.

Lodge accommodation

Guest houses & lodges

Accommodation style

Starting price per person

Travellers

Private trip

Travellers

Departure dates calendar

Any day of your choice

Departure dates

Highlights

Day 1-15 Namibia | Day 16-19 Botswana | Day 20-21 Zimbabwe

Optional activities such as nature drives, Bushmen Walk, star gazing

Kalahari

Optional activities such as nature drives, Bushmen Walk, star gazing

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Namib Desert

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Optional activities such as quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, scenic flight, day trip to the seal colony at Cape Cross

Swakopmund

Optional activities such as quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, scenic flight, day trip to the seal colony at Cape Cross

Game drives, Etosha Pan

Etosha National Park

Game drives, Etosha Pan

Optional activities: Kavango River boat cruise, game drive in the Bwabwata National Park, visit to a local village

Kavango Region

Optional activities: Kavango River boat cruise, game drive in the Bwabwata National Park, visit to a local village

Game drives, river cruises

Chobe National Park
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Game drives, river cruises

Light aircraft flights to and from the delta, boat cruises, mokoro excursions, nature walks

Okavango Delta
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Light aircraft flights to and from the delta, boat cruises, mokoro excursions, nature walks

Visit to the waterfalls, optional activities such as boat cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, scenic flight

Victoria Falls

Visit to the waterfalls, optional activities such as boat cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, scenic flight

Who Should Go

If you want to experience a great mix of landscapes and wildlife and visit many of the best-known highlights of Southern Africa, this trip to Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is for you. Driving distances are long and you will cover many kilometres, so you should be a confident and experienced driver. But there are plenty of stops along the way for active travellers and nature lovers to enjoy. If you haven’t been on safari yet, look forward to exploring the Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta together with an experienced guide.

Confident Drivers

Confident Drivers

Safari activities

Safari Enthusiasts

Nature Lovers

Nature Lovers

Active travellers

Active Travellers

Accommodation

13 accommodations over 21 days/20 nights
View of the Elegant Desert Eco Camp with the horizon in the background
Day 3-4
Namib Desert (Namibia)
The Elegant Desert Eco Camp
2 nights half-board
Day 3-4
Interior of a room at the Cornerstone Guest House in Swakopmund
Day 5-6
Swakopmund (Namibia)
Cornerstone Guest House
2 nights bed&breakfast
Day 5-6
Arial view of the Vingerklip Lodge amidst a green landscape
Day 8
Ugab Valley (Namibia)
Vingerklip Lodge
1 night half-board
Day 8
Etosha Safari Lodge decorated room
Day 9-10
Etosha Area (Namibia)
Etosha Safari Lodge
2 nights half-board
Day 9-10
Outside main area Namushasha River Lodge
Day 14-15
Zambezi Region (Namibia)
Namushasha River Lodge
2 nights half-board
Day 14-15
The swimming pool of the Chobe Bakwena Lodge at sunset
Day 16-17
Kasane (Botswana)
Chobe Bakwena Lodge
2 nights full-board
Day 16-17
People sitting on the deck of the Setari Camp during the sunset
Day 18-19
Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Setari Camp
2 nights full-board
Day 18-19
Outside dining area of the Ilala Lodge at Victoria Falls
Day 20
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge
1 night bed&breakfast
Day 20

Tour Itinerary

Self-Drive Lodge Tour

Visit impressive natural sights and observe incredible wildlife on this 21-day self-drive tour through Namibia and Botswana. The highlights which await you include walking on enormous dunes at Sossusvlei, visiting the seaside town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast and going on wonderful game drives in the Etosha. Witness countless elephants in the Chobe National Park, fly into the Okavango Delta and marvel at the iconic Victoria Falls on this unforgettable safari. Your journey starts in Windhoek and ends in Victoria Falls, with charming accommodations along the way, this tour will show you the highlights of Namibia and Botswana.

Highlights of Namibia and Botswana tour map

Start Windhoek

Ends Victoria Falls

Genocide Memorial in Windhoek, Namibia

Day 1 | Windhoek

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Windhoek

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Arrive safely at the Hosea Kutako International Airport on the outskirts of Windhoek, before collecting your rental car. Then, all set and ready to go, you drive to your accommodation in Namibia’s capital. You might want to dedicate some time today to stocking up on supplies for your travels ahead. Afterwards, do a little sightseeing and visit some of Windhoek’s most famous landmarks. Alternatively, you could also use the rest of the afternoon to relax at your guest house. In the evening, we suggest you visit one of Windhoek’s excellent restaurants for dinner (at own expense). Your accommodation is The Elegant Guesthouse.

The sun setting behind the hills in the Kalahari, Namibia

Day 2 | Windhoek – Kalahari

Distance approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Windhoek – Kalahari

Distance approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

From the capital Windhoek, your Namibia-Botswana road trip takes you south towards Mariental. The dreamlike Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is your destination. It lies like an oasis in the middle of the glowing red sand dunes that are so typical of the Kalahari. Arrive, breath deep and take in the marvellous natural surroundings. In the afternoon, we recommend a guided nature tour (optional). You explore the reserve in an open safari vehicle and may come across giraffes, zebras and various antelopes. As the sun sets on the horizon, you slowly make your way back. You will spend the night in a savannah chalet at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch.

Breakfast Dinner
Moon rising over the Namib Desert at the Elegant Eco Camp

Day 3 | Kalahari – Namib Desert

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Kalahari – Namib Desert

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

It’s worth getting up early today because the sunrise in the Kalahari is simply marvellous! At the top of one of the dunes, you can witness how the rising sun makes the vast landscape glow in the most beautiful colours. After a substantial breakfast, you will finally drive on into the Namib Desert. Your destination is The Elegant Desert Camp, where you will spend the next two nights. Upon arrival at your camp, you can cool off in the camp’s swimming pool and admire the fantastic views. You can also join a guided nature drive (optional) in the afternoon to witness one of the stunning sunsets this region is famous for. You spend the night at The Elegant Desert Camp.

Breakfast Dinner
Traveller jumping down the Big Daddy Dune at Sossusvlei

Day 4 | Sossusvlei

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

Sossusvlei

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

Admiring the sun rise over the oldest desert in the world and illuminate the dunes around you with a golden glow is something you won’t easily forget. Therefore, we recommend that you are ready when the Namib-Naukluft National Park gates open at sunrise. Once in the park, head to the Deadvlei and feel the other-worldly atmosphere when standing on the white clay pan, encircled by towering dunes. There is life in the desert, and you might even spot an oryx or some ostriches is the desert landscape. Be sure to also make a stop at the Sesriem Canyon today. You can descend into the canyon and go for a stroll to escape the desert heat when the riverbed is dry. With many new memories gained, you return to your camp for a delicious dinner and some well-deserved rest. Alternatively, you also can book a guided day trip if you would rather be accompanied by an expert guide of your lodge for today’s excursion (optional). You overnight once more at The Elegant Desert Camp.

Breakfast Dinner
The beach and Atlantic Ocean at Swakopmund in Namibia

Day 5 - 6 | Namib Desert – Swakopmund

Distance on day 5: approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Namib Desert – Swakopmund

Distance on day 5: approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Today you will set off on a long drive on gravel roads towards the coastal town called Swakopmund. On this road, you will be flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on your one side and the dunes of the Namib Desert on the other. Swakopmund, or “Swakop” as the locals like to call it, is a quaint seaside town offering you many different activities. You can go on a “Little Five” desert tour, quad biking, dune boarding and skydiving as well as scenic flights. Or perhaps you would rather take to the water on a catamaran or on a kayaking excursion (all activities optional). In the evenings, you have plenty of delightful restaurants to choose from. You stay both nights at the Cornerstone Guesthouse.

Breakfast
Twyfelfontein Rock engravings Namibia

Day 7 | Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein

Distance approx. 310 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein

Distance approx. 310 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, you will leave the coast and travel inland past the oval shaped Brandberg Mountain (‘fire mountain’), which is the highest mountain range in Namibia. Your home for the night is the Malansrus Tented Camp, picturesquely situated on a tributary of the Aba Huab. Upon your arrival treat yourself to a short breather before visiting Namibia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site Twyfelfontein in the afternoon (optional). The numerous rock engravings, estimated to be 2000 years old and older, are particularly impressive and will leave you in awe. Back at camp, you can end the day in a cosy atmosphere and enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings.

Breakfast Dinner
View of the horizon at the Ugab Valley Region in Namibia

Day 8 | Damaraland – Ugab Valley

Distance approx. 160 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

Damaraland – Ugab Valley

Distance approx. 160 km; driving time approx. 2-3 hours

Today is set aside for exploring some of the other attractions in the area. You can visit the Organ Pipes, the Burnt Mountain, and the Damara Living Museum, where you can gain an insight into traditional Damara culture and its ancient traditions. Alternatively, you can book a guided half-day excursion into the hinterland of Twyfelfontein to search for the desert-adapted elephants.
In the afternoon, continue to the Vingerklip Lodge in the Ugab Valley. Explore the fascinating landscape on signposted hiking trails and visit the nearby Fingerklip, a remarkable rock formation that resembles a finger.

Breakfast Dinner
Two zebras seen on a game drive in the Etosha National Park

Day 9 - 10 | Ugab Valley – Etosha National Park

Distance on day 9: approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours (excl. game drives)

Ugab Valley – Etosha National Park

Distance on day 9: approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours (excl. game drives)

After a leisurely breakfast, you will make your way to the famous Etosha National Park. You will enter Etosha at the Anderson Gate. The Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks and serves as a sanctuary for many animal species. The park has a healthy population of black rhinos and is also home to the near endemic black-faced impala, as well as the smallest antelope in the world, the Damara dik-dik. On a typical Etosha safari you visit the park’s waterholes, watching as the thirsty animals come in for a drink. Here you may observe elephants, lions, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest as well as herds of springbok, kudu, oryx, and eland. After an extensive afternoon game drive, you leave the park and drive to Etosha Safari Lodge, just a few minutes from the park entrance. Here you enjoy your dinner and spend two nights in one of the chalets.

Breakfast Dinner
A herd of elephants crossing the road, seen on a self drive tour of Namibia

Day 11 | Etosha National Park

Distance and driving time; depends on the route chosen on game drive

Etosha National Park

Distance and driving time; depends on the route chosen on game drive

The Etosha National Park can deliver a glorious sunrise, so anyone who gets up early will be in for a real treat. Early morning is also one of the best times to go on safari, when the animals make use of the cool temperatures. The whole day is dedicated to safari and with some luck, you might even spot a cheetah or a leopard on today’s game drive. Take some time to also visit the Etosha Pan, the name-giver of the park. The Etosha salt pan covers an area of roughly 5,000 km² and creates a surreal landscape with a haunting atmosphere. Later in the day, you can stop at either the Halali or the Namutoni Rest Camp for lunch (optional). By sunset, you will have exited the park at the Von Lindequist Gate. Mushara Lodge, your lodge for tonight, is just 8 km from this gate.

Breakfast Dinner
Sunset behind a tree in the Kavango Region of Namibia

Day 12 - 13 | Etosha Area – Kavango Region

Distance on day 12: approx. 590 km; driving time approx. 7 hours

Etosha Area – Kavango Region

Distance on day 12: approx. 590 km; driving time approx. 7 hours

Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast before setting out on the open road. Today’s journey takes you via Tsumeb and Rundu into the Zambezi Region – formerly known as the Caprivi Strip. Indigenous forests, flooded wetlands and the mighty Kavango River dominate this wilderness. You continue towards your accommodation for the next two nights, the Riverdance Lodge. Perched on the banks of the Kavango River, the lodge is the perfect place to unwind after a long drive. You also have ample activities to choose from for the following day, such as: a river cruise on the Kavango or game drives in the Mahango or Buffalo Game Park (this will require a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver unless you book a guided tour with the lodge). You could also choose to meet the local Hambukushu people on a cultural village tour (all activities optional). Soak in the relaxing atmosphere of the Riverdance Lodge and take a moment to admire your beautiful surroundings from your bungalow’s private deck.

Breakfast Dinner
A malachite kingfisher sitting on a reed in Botswana

Day 14 - 15 | Kavango Region – Zambezi Region

Distance on day 14: approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Kavango Region – Zambezi Region

Distance on day 14: approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

You embark on a beautiful drive that takes you further east into the Zambezi Region. You will pass local fishing villages, and, with a bit of luck, you may even see big game crossing your path. You reach your accommodation just north of Mudumu National Park. Situated on the banks of the Kwando River, you can enjoy the tranquillity and perhaps hear the majestic call of an African fish eagle. If you have good 4×4 driving skills, you can explore the Bwabwata or Mudumu National Park on your own the next day. Alternatively, you can also book a guided game drive or a boat trip at the lodge (optional). You will spend two nights at Namushasha River Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
A hippo walking into the water of the Chobe River in Botswana

Day 16 - 17 | Zambezi Region – Kasane – Chobe National Park

Distance on day 16: approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

Zambezi Region – Kasane – Chobe National Park

Distance on day 16: approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, continue your drive to the border of Botswana. You drive to Kasane, where you drop off your rental car and are taken to your accommodation. The Chobe Bakwena Lodge is situated close to Kasane, just outside the Chobe National Park. With two scheduled game activities included daily, you are in the perfect position to explore the nearby Chobe National Park. Home to more than 40,000 elephants, the Chobe National Park is one of the best places in Africa to observe elephants. The elephants often steal the show, but you will notice that the Chobe offers a huge variety of wildlife and of birdlife. On Chobe River cruises and on game drives, you have the chance to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, crocodiles, giraffes, and zebra to name only a few. In the evenings, relax at your accommodation, the Chobe Bakwena Lodge, with a cool beverage in hand and watch as the sun sets over the majestic Chobe River.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Local beverages and two scheduled activities daily
A mokoro canoe excursion in the Okavango Delta

Day 18 - 19 | Kasane – Okavango Delta

Kasane – Okavango Delta

Depending on your departure time, you will take part in a morning safari activity before being transferred to Kasane Airport. There you will board a small aircraft that will take you to the heart of the Okavango Delta. During your flight, you can enjoy views across the biggest inland delta in Africa, home to spectacular wildlife; from different species of antelopes and elephants to lions and African wild dogs, just to name a few. The Okavango Delta is also a paradise for bird lovers. You will spend your time in the delta exploring your surrounds in mokoros (dugout canoes), on boat cruises or on guided bush walks. You will spend two nights at the unique Setari Camp. All activities in the Okavango Delta are included in your package.

On all light aircraft flights in Botswana, the luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg per person. Only soft bags will be accepted – no hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported, as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. Maximum dimensions for luggage: 30 cm wide x 35 cm high and 70 cm long. In case you need more luggage on your trip, please contact us in order to give you a quote for excess luggage.

Passengers weighing over 115 kg should please advise us at the time of booking, as we may need to cost in an additional seat on internal flights for your safety and comfort.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Local beverages and two scheduled activities daily
The spray of the Victoria Falls creating a rainbow

Day 20 | Okavango Delta – Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Kasane – Victoria Falls; driving time approx. 2 hours

Okavango Delta – Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Kasane – Victoria Falls; driving time approx. 2 hours

With many new impressions you return to Kasane from the Okavango Delta by a small aircraft. During the return flight, you can once again enjoy a breathtaking view over the inland delta and get an idea of its gigantic dimensions. At Kasane Airport you will meet your transfer driver who will take you across the border to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Here, you will spend one night at the Ilala Lodge, close to the Falls. In the afternoon, visit the world-known Victoria Falls, also known as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’. Take a walk along the waterfalls and, depending on the season, watch masses of water thunder downstream. Dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants in town (at own expense).

If you would like to do activities, such as sunset boat cruises lasting several hours, white water rafting or bungee jumping, you’ll need to stay one extra night at the Victoria Falls.

Breakfast
An aeroplane of the Air Namibia

Day 21 | Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

After breakfast you will be taken to Victoria Falls airport in time for your flight back home, where you will arrive with a lot of good memories and new impressions.

Breakfast

Included

  • 20 nights’ stay in lodges, tented camps, guest farms and guesthouses
  • meals according to the itinerary
  • flight Kasane – Okavango Delta – Kasane
  • transfers according to the itinerary
  • scheduled activities, national park fees, all soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks at Chobe Bakwena Lodge and Setari Camp

Excluded

  • additional flights (international and domestic)
  • rental car (please contact us for a quote)
  • fuel, possible tolls, repatriation, and cross-border fees
  • meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • alcoholic and soft drinks not specified above
  • national park fees not specified above
  • optional activities
  • tips
  • personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance

Upcoming Departures

If you prefer different dates or have any questions, please get in touch - we are happy to help!
Season per person sharing per person single room per person triple room Children < 12 (with extra bed)
01.11.2024-
30.11.2024
6,470 USD 7,940 USD on request on request
01.12.2024-
31.12.2024
6,250 USD 7,570 USD on request on request
01.01.2025-
31.03.2025
6,180 USD 7,210 USD on request on request
01.04.2025-
30.04.2025
6,870 USD 8,310 USD on request on request
01.05.2025-
31.05.2025
7,070 USD 8,610 USD on request on request
01.06.2025-
30.06.2025
7,010 USD 8,530 USD on request on request
01.07.2025-
30.09.2025
7,580 USD 9,650 USD on request on request
01.10.2025-
31.10.2025
7,180 USD 8,860 USD on request on request
01.11.2025-
30.11.2025
7,130 USD 8,750 USD on request on request

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