Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH)
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Southern Africa with the "Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife" tour. This journey takes you across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, starting at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Experience the thrill of game drives in Etosha and Chobe National Parks, and glide through the serene Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe. Witness breathtaking sunrises atop the Sossusvlei sand dunes and enjoy a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Travel in comfort with private transport and stay in charming 3 to 4-star safari lodges and tented camps. With an English-speaking local guide, this tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes, ensuring an adventure of a lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Sprayview Hotel
The tour starts at 15:00hrs on Day 1 with a group meeting in the foyer of the Sprayview Hotel. The afternoon is free to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. The following morning is spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls and to visit the Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar accommodation). ...more ...less
Day 2 - 3 : Chobe River (approx 90 kms/3 hrs drive)
Location: Chobe National Park, Chobe River
Accommodation Name: Chobe Safari Lodge
Crossing into Botswana via the 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 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).
Day 4 - 5 : Okavango Delta (approx 350 kms/5 hrs drive; plus 2-3 hour boat trip)
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: Swampstop chalets
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 6 only. Overnight Swampstop chalets (or similar).
Day 6 : Kavango River (approx 320 kms/5 hrs drive; plus 2-3 hour boat trip)
Location: Kavango River, Caprivi Strip
Accommodation Name: Hakusembe River Lodge
Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. We continue through the Caprivi Strip 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 account). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).
Day 7 : Etosha National Park (approx 430 kms/6 hrs drive)
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Etosha Village
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).
Day 8 : Etosha National Park (150 kms)
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Etosha Village
Today we travel from East to West through the park in our Overland vehicle enjoying morning game drives. After checking into our lodge located just outside the park entrance, we enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Park 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).
Day 9 : Damaraland (approx 220 kms/3 hrs drive)
Location: Damaraland
Accommodation Name: Ugab Terrace Lodge
Our last game drive in our Overland vehicle takes us out of the Park travelling to Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of Namibia, dominated by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).
Day 10 : Swakopmund (approx 380 kms/7 hrs drive)
Location: Damaraland, Swakopmund
Accommodation Name: The Delight
We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).
Day 11 - 12 : Sossusvlei and Sesriem (approx 520 kms/7 hrs drive)
Location: Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon
Accommodation Name: Desert Quiver Camp
Our journey takes us south through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei (70 kms one-way; 1 hr) stopping in the dune belt to witness the phenomenal 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, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).
Day 13 : Windhoek (approx 370 kms/6 hrs drive)
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation Name: Arebbusch Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing after breakfast we are transferred to Windhoek. Note that this transfer is operated by a local Namibian transfer service and is unescorted.
Overnight: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation).
Day 14 : In Windhoek, trip concludes
Location: Windhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse -
English speaking local guide
An English speaking local guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
Travel will be in private transport using a custom-built expedition vehicle.
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Chobe River game cruise
Enjoy a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River.
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Game drives and sightseeing
Experience game drives and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
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National park and conservation fees
National park and conservation fees valued at US$55 are included.
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Okavango Delta excursions
Excursions in the Okavango Delta are included.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are included in Victoria Falls and Windhoek on Days 1 and 14.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and are at your own expense.
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Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park is not included.
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All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary are not included.
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Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc., are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included in the tour package.
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Airport and departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Transfers to/from Livingstone Airport
Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 14, are not included.
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Local cash payment
A local cash payment of 2500 South African Rand is payable to the tour guide on day 1 of all trips.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in 3 to 4-star comfortable safari lodges and permanent tented camps, featuring twin share rooms with private ensuite facilities. A single supplement is compulsory for solo travelers, but sharing options may be available. Experience the charm and character of these unique accommodations.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. Although our day walks are optional there is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Southern Africa as possible. Whether this includes climbing the sandunes in Namibia or taking part in the adventure activities at Victoria Falls, the fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience. ...more ...less
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel in private transport using a custom-built expedition vehicle, with arrival and departure transfers included in Victoria Falls and Windhoek. The tour also includes a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River and various game drives.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3 to 4 star comfortable safari lodges and permanent tented camps, all with private ensuite facilities. Accommodation is based on twin share rooms, and a single supplement is compulsory if you are traveling alone unless a sharing match is found. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, especially in Victoria Falls, known as the adrenalin capital of Africa. These include white water rafting, bungee jumping, microlighting, airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, and an optional afternoon boat cruise on the Kavango River. ...more ...less
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses private transport in a custom-built expedition vehicle. Arrival and departure transfers are included in Victoria Falls and Windhoek. Additionally, there is a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River and various game drives.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 10 dinners. Lunch is included on Day 6 only.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park, a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River, and excursions in the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro). The tour aims to view animals in their natural habitat, and your experienced guides will ensure the safety of the group. ...more ...less
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Is there any physical activity involved in the tour?
While there is no commitment to extended walking, the tour includes activities such as climbing the sand dunes in Namibia and optional day walks. Physical training before the trip is advised to enhance your experience.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
You should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm in your daypack.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife (VFA to WDH)
14 Days Starting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and ending in Windhoek, Namibia
Visiting: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Chobe River, Okavango Delta, Kavango River, Caprivi Strip, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Windhoek ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TKSV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
