A variety filled journey covering the must see highlights of both Namibia and Botswana at a value for money price. Accommodation is comfortable, often in stunning locations. Zambia’s yellow fever status has been amended and as such travel to and from Livingstone does not require a certificate. In addition the uni-visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia makes travel between both sides of the Falls easy. The same itinerary is offered camping option - Desert & Delta Safari.
Departs: Livingstone, Zambia on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Ends: Livingstone, Zambia on Saturday at 12:00 noon.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
Summary
• A variety filled journey covering the must see highlights of both Namibia and Botswana at a value for money price. Accommodation is comfortable, often in stunning locations. Zambia’s yellow fever status has been amended and as such travel to and from Livingstone does not require a certificate. In addition the uni-visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia makes travel between both sides of the Falls easy.
• A true exploration of Namibia, Botswana - see it all!
• All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
• Victoria Falls, Caprivi, Etosha, Damaraland, Namib Desert, Kalahari, Okavango Delta & Chobe.
Highlights
• Victoria Falls – A natural wonder of the world & adventure activities
• Caprivi – game drives
• Etosha NP – game viewing
• Damaraland – rock paintings
• Swakopmund – dune boarding & quad biking
• Namib Desert – walk Sossusvlei dunes
• Kalahari - bush walk with San Bushman
• Okavango Delta – mokoro excursion and bush walks
• Chobe NP – sunset boat cruise on Chobe River
Alternate Routes
• Livingstone to Livingstone is the full circular route.
• Livingstone to Windhoek offers northern Namibia with a Victoria Falls start.
Overnights
• 18 nights on safari at small lodges (including tented lodges), with en suite facilities.
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2 nights tented camp in the Okavango.
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Each mini meru tent has twin camp beds with linen and en suite chemical toilet. Shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire.
Meals
• 20 breakfasts, 17 lunches & 12 dinners included, of which 6 breakfasts & 2 dinners are provided by the lodges.
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The remaining included meals are provided by safari crew and meals will be enjoyed around the campfire at the truck.
21-DAY (Livingstone to Livingstone)
SAFARI
COST: $3,395 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 2,000 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Single supplement $950.
15-DAY (Livingstone to Windhoek)
SAFARI
COST: $2,605 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,400 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Single supplement $765.
Single tent supplement is applicable to the camping nights only. On accommodated nights clients will share with a same gender client.
If you are a single traveler, you will be assigned to room with another same gender single traveler and there is no supplemental payment required. If you request to room alone, then a price supplement will be charged.
ADD-ON: All departures can be combined with the Botswana Wild Parks Safari or the Botswana Wildside Safari to create an even greater southern Africa tour. |
CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES
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DAYS 1 - 2;
(2 Nights)
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Chalet Bx1--] |
 Tour departure meeting at 14:00pm. Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and we take 2 days to explore this area. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, or an 111m bungi jump (own expense).
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Includes: Entrance to see the Victoria Falls. Day 1: Breakfast is not included. Day 1: Lunch is an own expense meal. Day 1: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant. Day 2: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 2: Lunch is an own expense meal. Day 2: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Waterfront – Twin share chalet with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. (Or Maramba Lodge, twin share chalet with en-suite facilities) Internet café.
Distance / Time: N/A.
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more.
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DAYS 3 - 4;
(2 Nights)
CAPRIVI, Namibia [chalet BLD] |
 Crossing out of Zambia into the Caprivi strip, we spend two days travelling west through this game rich area. We’ll explore the Kwando River by boat and a game drive into the Mahango Game Reserve.
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Includes: Entrance fees & game drives. Day 3: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 3: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 3: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 4: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge. Day 4: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 4: Dinner will be a set menu provided by the lodge.
Overnight: Camp Kwando – twin share permanent tents with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. WiFi not available.
Ngepi Camp – twin share tree houses with en-suite facilities. Swimming cage in the river, bar & restaurant. WiFi free in main building.
Distance / Time: Day 3: 300km, ± 4 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch. Day 4: 200km, ± 3 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing. |
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DAY 5;
(1 Night)
RUNDU, Namibia [chalet BLD] |
 After a morning enjoying the abundant birdlife that surrounds the camp, our road takes us along the Kavango River. Villages of grass huts and local wooden crafts and carvings a common sight. We stop for the night at our riverside lodge in Rundu and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
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Includes: Day 5: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 5: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 5: Dinner will be a set menu provided by the lodge.
Overnight: Inkwazi Lodge – twin permanent chalets with en-suite facilities, Swimming pool, bar & restaurant. WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 210kms, ± 3 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch. |
DAYS 6 -
8; (3 Nights)
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, Namibia [lodge BLD] |
 We head deeper into Namibia to the Etosha National Park. The National Park surrounds the Etosha Pan, and is locally named “the great white place of dry water”. Waterholes surround the pan and attract game. Etosha is known for great sightings of elephant, antelope and lions. Our lodge lies on the boundary of the park and we spend our mornings and afternoons on game drives.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park, 2 x full day game drive in Etosha NP. Day 6: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge. Day 6: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 6: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 7, 8: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 7, 8: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 7, 8: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight: Tarentaal Guest Farm – private working farm outside Etosha National Park. Twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar & telephone. (35km/25min from Anderson Gate to Etosha). WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 420kms, ± 5 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch + 2 x full day game drive in Etosha NP. |
DAY 9;
(1 Night)
BRANDBERG, Namibia [lodge BLD] |
 Our journey covers some beautiful desert landscapes as we move south towards the Brandberg Mountain. Our lodge is situated in the dry Ugab River which is home to the rare desert elephants. We visit the petrified forest, and take a walk with a local guide to view the famous. White Lady rock painting in the area.
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Includes: Entrance to petrified forest and San Rock Art. Day 9: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 9: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 9: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight: Brandberg White Lady Lodge – twin share chalets with en-suite facilities, bar, restaurant & swimming pool. WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 430km, ± 6 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 10 - 11;
(2 Nights)
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia [guest house Bx2 Lx1 -] |
 We cross flat open plains to the coast where we visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Further south is the coastal town of Swakopmund where we have a day free to explore the town or try sea kayaking or dune boarding (own expense). German colonial influences are strong in the town of Swakopmund as reflected in the restaurant menus and the architecture.
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Includes: Entrance to Cape Cross seal colony. Day 10: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 10: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 10: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant. Day 11: Breakfast will be provided by the guest house. Day 11: Lunch will be an own expense meal. Day 11: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel d’Avignon - twin share rooms with en suite facilities. Telephone & restaurant. WiFi in main building.
Distance / Time: 250km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: Sand boarding, Skydiving, Ocean canoe safari, Scenic flights & many more. |
DAYS 12 -
13; (2 Nights)
NAMIB DESERT, Namibia [permanent tent BLD] |
 The lunar landscapes surround the town of Swakopmund and we visit these as we leave and head into the Namib Desert with its towering red sand dunes. We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and from the comfort of our lodge outside the national park watch a dramatic sunset over the world’s highest sand dunes.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Sesriem Canyon and Naukluft National Park. Day 12: Breakfast will be provided by the guest house. Day 12: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 12: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 13: Breakfast will be provided by the guest house. Day 13: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 13: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight: Namib Desert, Desert Camp – twin share permanent tents with en suite facilities. Restaurant, swimming pool & bar. WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 350km, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: On arrival at Sossusvlei the guide will walk with the group into Sossusvlei (+/- 3.5km). For guests who do not want to walk, there are 4WD vehicles that can drive you in. The 4WD, is an own expense (+/- N$50 each way) and is optional. |
DAY 14; (1 Night)
WINDHOEK, Namibia [guest house BL-] |
 Windhoek is the capital and largest city in Namibia, its charm lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people and an interesting mix of modern and German colonial era influenced architecture. We explore the city and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
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Includes: Day 14: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 14: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 14: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Klein Windhoek Guest House – twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar. WiFi available.
Distance / Time: 345kms, ± 4½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch. |
DAY 15;
(1 Night)
KALAHARI, Botswana [Chalets] |
 Crossing into Botswana we overnight in the heart of the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local San Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills and get an insight into how these incredible people survive in this desert environment.
15-DAY OPTION: Livingstone to Windhoek tour ends at +/-08:00am on morning of day 15. See pricing above. |
Includes: Nature walk with local San bushman and translator. Day 15: Breakfast provide by the guest house. Day 15: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 15: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight: Dqae Qare San Lodge. WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 550kms, ± 71/2 hours excluding border formalities and stops for sightseeing & lunch. |
DAYS 16 - 18;
(3 Nights)
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana [tented camp x2 BLD [tented lodge BL-] |
 An annual flood of fresh water spreads into the Kalahari Desert creating the reed lined channels of the Okavango Delta. Our first night is spent in Maun in preparation before journeying deep into the delta on mekoro (dugouts) - an experience not to be missed. We have 2 nights in our tented camp on a remote island and enjoy game walks, swimming and the birdlife in this pristine wilderness area.
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Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides. Day 16: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 16: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 16: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local. Day 17, 18: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 17, 18: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 17, 18: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight - 1x night Maun: Crocodile Camp, twin share bedrooms with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. WiFi not available.
Overnights 2x nights Okavango Delta: Wilderness tented camping - 2 nights tented camp in the Okavango. Each mini meru tent has twin camp beds with linen and an en suite chemical toilet. Shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire. Tents have built-in insect nets. We need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild tented camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. The wilderness tented camp supplies all linen blankets and pillows. Each tent is appointed with twin camp beds, comfortable mattresses, bedside table and light. The camp chairs have a backrest. WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 300kms, ± 4½ hours excluding (Kalahari – Maun) Okavango transfer in 4WD ± 2 hours each way.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD95-120) pp depending on number of people in each aircraft). |
DAY 19;
(1 Night)
MAKGADIKGADI PANS, Botswana [permanent tent BL-] |
 Feel the vastness of Africa under a big sky sunset. After the rains the pans fill with water and attract thousands of water birds and herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans. Day 19: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 19: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 19: Dinner will be an own expense meal.
Overnight: Nata Lodge – twin share luxury tents with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. (or Pelican Lodge, – chalets with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone) WiFi not available.
Distance / Time: 320km, ± 4 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing |
DAY 20;
(1 Night)
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Botswana [chalet BL-] |
 We turn north through the Chobe Forest Reserve to Kasane where we set up camp. Chobe NP is famous for large herds of elephant and buffalo. Our afternoon is spent on an exciting wildlife boat cruise in the Chobe NP.
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Includes: Sunset game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River. Day 20: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 20: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 20: Dinner will be an own expense meal.
Overnight: Thebe River Safaris – twin chalets with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. WiFi available.
Distance / Time: 300km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing. |
DAY 21
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Tour ends] |
 This morning we transfer across the Zambezi River on the Kazangula ferry to Livingstone where tour ends at +/- 12:00 noon. Transfers to local airports are available.
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Includes: Day 21: Breakfast provide by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Overnight: N/A
Distance / Time: N/A |
Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!
Note: The accommodation specified above and in the itinerary, is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard, and accommodation changes will be made without notice.
Special Interest: The Namib Desert, at 55 million years old, is one of the oldest deserts in the world and covers an area of over 80,000km². It is home to several unusual species including Stenocara gracilipes beetle which survives by obtaining water from morning fog settling on its raised body.
Sustainable Tourism: The sausage tree is the traditional tree cut down to make mokoro (dugouts) used in the Okavango Delta, but sadly these trees are disappearing from the region. There is a project to encourage the local community polers to buy fiberglass replica mekoros. Sponsorship for each mokoro is needed . If you would like to contribute, please talk to your guide.
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CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES
Transport
For the majority of this safari you travel in custom-built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. On 5% of tours we may use Mercedes Sprinter minibuses with 12 forward-facing seats and air conditioning. There are some long distances to cover and a few early morning starts. For the transfer to the Okavango, we use open-sided 4WD vehicles with local guides.
Local Payment
• A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by your tour leader on departure.
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The local payment forms part of your overall tour cost, and must be taken into consideration when booking your safari. It will be used by your tour leaders to pay for some of the operational costs incurred on safari. Many of the tour costs are prepaid; however, in many cases, a cash payment is the only option as certain of the destinations that we visit only accept cash. For example entry fees to most national parks, some of the campsites and also local food markets (and even some shops) are only payable in cash.
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In addition, each vehicle has a garage card but these are only accepted in South Africa and parts of Namibia, therefore in all other countries, fuel must be paid for in cash. Due to the remoteness of some departure points, having a local payment system enables us to manage tour funds effectively. The efficiency of this system helps keep the overall tour prices down.
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It also ensures that a portion of the tour costs goes directly into the country you are visiting, thereby benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the areas we visit. This is all part of the ongoing effort to operate sustainable safaris that make a real difference.
Participation
An essential part of your safari is some participation. From carrying your own bag to packing the truck in the morning – it’s all part of your adventure. Where the tour leaders provide meals we ask that clients help (on rotation) with the washing up.
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing are best in Livingstone, Zambia which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings. Namibia also has unusual and interesting curios and crafts. If you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along. Crafts from change from region to region.
Food
• We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except where shown in itinerary, when we try out local restaurants.
• The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
• We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
• We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
• Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. The outdoor enthusiast enjoys simple campsites and basic wild camps, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
• Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days, but also plenty of outdoor activity with some relaxing time. This is a long distance trans Africa safari - there is a lot of distance to be covered and so there will be some long travelling days. Due to local conditions, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route / schedule - please remember that this continent has its own time scale and things work differently here. Keep an open mind and a sense of humour - it’s all part of the adventure!
• Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
• Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
• You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
• Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Bring a daypack for walks.
• We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that in Namibia Euro and US$ will need to changed into Namibian $ or South African Rand as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept N$ and ZAR. In Botswana please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Zambia requires that all services are paid in local currency, however major credit cards (Mastercard / Visa) can also be used for optional activities in Livingstone and elsewhere on tour.
Common questions about this trip
• What do I need to bring? Comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, and a water bottle. A small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
• Is it safe? South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip! Every precaution is taking to ensure a happy holiday.
• Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
• Solo Traveler? Going it alone won’t make your holiday more expensive; our reservations staff will match you up with another same-gender traveler to keep your holiday affordable. If however you request a single room or tent these are available, with a price supplement.
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Please contact us for dates.
The Botswana Wild Parks Safari or the Botswana Wildside Safari can be combined with this Southern Circle departure to create an even greater southern Africa tour.
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