Desert to the Delta: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls

Explore the iconic Sossusvlei clay pan, located within the Namib Desert, during your stay at Hoodia Desert Lodge. Before sunrise, your naturalist guide will pick you up from the lodge in a 4×4 vehicle. Enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park through the Sesriem Gate. Then, traverse the silty Tsauchab River bed while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as springbok, oryx and ostriches. As you journey through desert tracks, your guide will offer insights into the region’s fauna, geology and fragile ecology. Continue with a hike into the Deadvlei, a white clay pan famous for its skeletal camel thorn trees and framed by some of the world’s highest sand dunes. After exploring the neighboring Sossusvlei pan, take a break for tea. Next, drive toward Elim Dune. Here, enjoy a picnic lunch paired with cold beverages and panoramic views. Finally, stop to explore the Sesriem Canyon before returning to the lodge. In the evening, embark on an intimate sunset experience. Your driver will pick you up from the lodge and drive you to a secluded vantage point at the top one of the hills. Soak in spectacular views across the desert landscape. Sit at a well-laid-out table for snacks and sundowners as the sun dips below the horizon and the dunes turn a fiery crimson. Savor the silence of dusk before returning to the lodge. (Duration: full day; Time: 0630 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 9 ppl; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs; Entry fees included; Meals included: picnic lunch, snacks & beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear hiking boots and carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hat & binoculars; Please note that activities are subject to weather conditions; The sundowner experience is in the evening)

Explore the Sossusvlei region and take in its rugged natural beauty while staying at Kulala Desert Lodge. In the morning, set off to explore the Sossusvlei salt and clay pan, surrounded by soaring red sand dunes, within Namib-Naukluft National Park. As you drive across Kulala Nature Reserve to reach the park, watch out for small wildlife species such as oryx, bat-eared fox and brown hyena. Enter the park through a private gate and take in splendid views of the UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea along the way. At Deadvlei, see the beautiful white expanse that seems to extend right up to the horizon. Next, visit Sossusvlei to encounter some of the tallest dunes in the area and take in the dramatic landscape dotted with ancient camel thorn trees. While at the lodge, you could set off on guided walks. Go hiking along the dry river bed of Tsauchab, with your knowledgeable guide pointing out insects, reptiles and rodents that live in these harsh conditions. End your day with a stroll on the floor of Sesriem Canyon, a narrow, 100-foot deep gorge carved by the Tsauchab River. View the natural rock formations illuminated by the glow of the setting sun before you return to the lodge. Breakfast among the sand dunes and a meal under the canopy of camelthorn trees are some other experiences available to you. (Duration: half/full day; Private activity & transfers)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Windhoek. Start by exploring the striking landmarks on Robert Mugabe Avenue by car or on foot. Visit the renovated State House, the erstwhile seat of former South West African administrators, and now the official residence of the country’s Prime Minister. Then, head to Christ Church, or the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1910. See the influences of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Nouveau styles in its architecture. Do not miss the stained-glass windows donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Later, walk east to the Tintenpalast, which means Ink Palace, housing the Namibian Parliament and overlooking the beautiful Parliament Gardens. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the majestic beauty of the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Located on the Zambezi River, this thundering sheet of falling water is located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. An early morning or late afternoon visit is likely to ensure the best views and light. At the scheduled time, travel by private vehicle to the many viewing points that offer splendid vistas of the cascade and the surrounding rainforest. Feel the cool spray of the water as you get closer to the waterfall. Take in the stunning falls and capture gorgeous photographs before it is time to head back. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 0800/1400 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees included; Raincoats included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable attire & hiking/running shoes; Please carry sun protection & mosquito repellent)

Discover the fascinating upper Zambezi river during a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi Royal. After admiring the beauty of Victoria Falls, board the twin hull luxury vessel at the Wild Horizons’ jetty. Find a comfortable spot, and enjoy your ride on the well-appointed boat that is equipped with modern amenities. Onboard, you will be served gourmet hot and cold appetizers that you can pair with wines and spirits. As you glide on the water, the waterfall spray creates a gentle haze in the background. Watch the sky turn into a myriad shades as the sun sets. Spot a variety of wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants and giraffes. Keep an eye out for the unique birds found here as well. Along the way, the captain will keep you entertained with interesting commentary. After the cruise ends, head back to your accommodation. (Duration: 3 hrs (incl transfers); Time of the day: late afternoon; Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy)

Savor a delicious lunch at The Lookout Cafe, which offers spectacular views of the thundering Victoria Falls. From your hotel, you will be driven to the town’s iconic eatery.  Take a seat on the outdoor terrace that faces the mighty waterfall. Choose from the menu of local African and global dishes. Try a freshly grilled Zambezi bream in white wine sauce, served with salad and French fries, or a duet of roast zucchini and mushrooms with halloumi in a puff pastry shell. Finish off with a delectable fresh fruit kebab, drizzled with cinnamon and honey. As you savor your food, enjoy the views. After, head back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Drinks are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please dress comfortably; The restaurant is open from 1000-1600 hrs)

Have a distinctive African safari experience while staying onboard the Chobe Princess. During your time here, embark on boat excursions to observe elephants, buffalos and lions roaming in their natural habitat. As you glide on the Chobe River, your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the characteristics and behaviors of the animals you spot. You could also visit riverside communities and interact with the residents to gain insight into their daily lives. Try your hand at fishing for species such as tigerfish, one of the most sought after fish inhabiting the region. Make use of the included high quality fishing gear to cast your bait and snag a prize catch, under expert guidance. In the mornings, you can go birding as well. After a day of exploring, unwind on the deck with a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset. (Duration: half/full day; Time of the day: morning & late afternoon; Shared activity; Entry fees included; Min age: 6 yrs)

Discover all that Chobe National Park has to offer during your stay aboard the Zambezi Queen. Accompanied by expert guides, set off on leisurely boat safaris along the Chobe River. In the afternoon, enjoy your favorite drink and spot elephants in the river or walking along the bank as you glide on the water. If you are lucky, you might spot lions, giraffes, and zebras. The region is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 450 avian species found here. On bird-spotting excursions, you may see African finfoot, rock pratincoles and African skimmers. There are also village tours where you can interact with the locals and gain an understanding of their culture and heritage. At a 100-year-old Namibian hamlet on the floodplains of the East Caprivi, learn about the traditions still followed here. Enjoy a traditional dance and music performance before you return to the houseboat. (Duration: half day; Shared activity & transfers; All meals, soft drinks, local beer, and wine are included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fishing excursions dependent on availability of fishing boats)

Immerse yourself in the African wilderness while staying at Khwai Lediba. Set off on exciting game drives during the day and at night, in search of the Big Five and elusive nocturnal animals. Go on an adventurous walking safari, accompanied by experienced and armed guides. Enjoy unique wildlife encounters along the way, including spotting smaller species that you might have missed on game drives. Explore the rivers and tributaries of the Khwai area in a traditional dugout canoe, known as a mokoro. Head out on birding excursions to view exotic bird species such as green herons and African wood owls. Visit local communities to gain insights into their cultural heritage and rich traditions. Younger guests can look forward to Ngwana Club activities such as customized safaris, nature walks around camp and culinary classes, as well as art and craft lessons. (Duration: half/full day; Shared activity; Mokoro excursions are dependent on water levels; Armed guides accompany walking safaris)

Enjoy the ultimate African adventure with game drives and mokoro rides while staying at Kanana Camp. Set off on day and night drives in an open safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced guide. Travel deep into the wilderness of the private concession in search of lions, leopards and elephants. Along the way, learn about the animals’ distinctive characteristics and behaviors. Night safaris begin in the late afternoon, and as darkness falls, keep an eye out for nocturnal animals. Add some adventure to your getaway by going on a guided bush walk with an experienced tracker, who will lead you to safe yet prime wildlife viewing areas. During the season, explore the waters in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. Drift past endemic species of flora and fauna that inhabit the Okavango Delta. Spot aquatic birds, hippos and crocodiles amid the water lilies and papyrus reeds. You could also go on a motorboat safari of some of the largest heronries of southern Africa. (Duration: half/full day; Time of the day: morning & late afternoon; Shared activity; Group size: max 6 ppl per vehicle; Entry fees included; Please note that mokoro rides are available seasonally from Jul to Sep; Boat safari is dependent on water levels; Please note that the activities and their timings are coordinated by the camp according to guests’ interests and seasonal considerations; Bush walks need to be pre-booked in advance, to ensure a walking guide is available; Min age: 7 yrs)