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Sossusvlei is an area of enormous sand dunes - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Sossusvlei is an area of enormous sand dunes  | Andrew Thomasson
Wildlife viewing around Savuti Camp in Chobe National park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Wildlife viewing around Savuti Camp in Chobe National park  | Jez Hollinshead
Colours of Deadvlei - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Colours of Deadvlei  | Peter Walton
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Makoro, dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Makoro, dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta  | Peter Walton
Vast expanses of the Namib Desert - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Vast expanses of the Namib Desert  | Nick Lefebvre
Zebras at Etosha National Park - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Zebras at Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Breathtaking sunset in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Breathtaking sunset in the Okavango Delta  | Sue Badyari
Elephants enjoy a dip in the Okavango Delta - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Elephants enjoy a dip in the Okavango Delta  | Jez Hollinshead
Photographic opportunities abound at Victoria Falls - Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife, Namibia
Photographic opportunities abound at Victoria Falls  | Peter Walton

Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife

All encompassing itinerary with excellent accommodation

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
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 17 reviews

14 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: TKS
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 14 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 13 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 13 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

66kg of CO2-e PP per day

(859kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Watch a magnificent sunrise from the top of the Sossusvlei sand dunes
  • Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River

Overview

Travelling in a comfortable, custom-built expedition vehicle and staying in well-appointed accommodation with plenty of local charm, this journey offers an abundance of stunning scenery, unique wildlife and cultural encounters. The vastness of both Namibia and Botswana become apparent with wide open spaces far outnumbering people. A shorter version of our African Wildlife Explorer trip, this overland journey commences from Windhoek, Namibia's capital city. Ascend the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei; and enjoy cosmopolitan Swakopmund with its relaxed cafe culture and wide, tree-lined streets. Search for wildlife in the contrasting environments of Etosha National Park and the Kavango River before being enchanted by a Chobe River sunset and still more wildlife in the Okavango Delta. The trip concludes in Zimbabwe with the unforgettable sight of tons of water hurtling over Victoria Falls into the chasm of the Zambezi Gorge.

Itinerary

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On arrival this afternoon in Windhoek, you have free time to explore the capital city of Namibia. Overnight: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: Nil

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing 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. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Today we travel through the Kuiseb canyon, site of the famous book by Henno Martin, The Sheltering Desert before we stop off at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos (seasonal). The Walvis Bay wetlands - the lagoon, mudflats, shoreline and salt works - constitute the single most important coastal wetland in southern Africa for migratory birds. The wetland therefore serves mainly as a dry-season and drought refuge for migrating species like the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Plover, Grebe and African Black Oystercatcher. We drive to Swakopmund (33 kms), a quaint beach town with a strong German influence and with a sizable part of its population still German-speaking today. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is German for "Mouth of the Swakop" as it is at the mouth of the Swakop River. We spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals: B

We leave the coast behind and drive inland through the Damaraland region. Damaraland was a name given to the north-central part of Namibia and inhabited by the Damara people, an ethnic group who make up 8.5% of Namibia's population. Thought to be a remnant of southwestern Africa's hunter-gatherers, have no known cultural relationship with any of the other tribes anywhere else in Africa. The region is a vast and rugged terrain with mountain ranges intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Be on the lookout for the slightly smaller, desert-adapted elephants found predominantly in the Kaokaland and Damaraland regions. The Desert Elephant belongs to the savanna elephant and are a protected species. Consider yourself lucky if you see the elusive desert elephant or desert rhino, as these animals were subjected to poaching in the 1980's and numbers have diminished significantly. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. We spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive 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).

Meals: B,D

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).

Meals: B,D

We enter the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region) 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 expense). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

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 11 only. Overnight Swampstop chalets or Meru tents (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Crossing into Botswana via 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 National Park has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. Where the Chobe river flows into the Zambezi River the two rivers form the borders between Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. One of the few places in the world that four countries border on each other. 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).

Meals: B,D

We travel across the Zimbabwe border to view Victoria Falls - one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (otherwise known as Victoria Falls) is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Park covers 66 km2 from the Songwe Gorge below the falls in a northwest arc along about 20 km of the Zambian riverbank. Two countries - Zambia and Zimbabwe, share the magnificent falls. Nothing can compare to viewing the awesome power of 'The Smoke that thunders" for the first time. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, and to visit the actual Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel or Waterfall Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B

Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 20 Nov 2026 and 20 Nov 2026.

  • Departs 20 Nov 2026 – ends 3 Dec 2026 (14 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners; 2027 - 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
  • 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis; 2027 - 14 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local driver guide
  • Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
  • Chobe River game cruise
  • Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • Okavango Delta excursions
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Windhoek and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 14/15. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

  • International flights
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 14/15, are NOT included
  • Local cash payment of 3200 South African Rand payable to tour guide on day 1 of all trips
Desert Rivers and Wildlife in Comfort

Reviews (17)

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A brilliant trip from start to finish . Well organised. Good accommodation,great driver/guide Adam . We visit amazing places and had a great time

Samantha Clarke|Towcester, United Kingdom
2 Oct 2024
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Our guide Adam was amazing. He kept the trip moving and was very efficient and capable.

There was some long days driving but to be expected given the vast areas.

Deborah Powell|Cambridge, New Zealand
24 Sep 2024
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A great trip, with Namibia my favourite from the scenry to the animals in Etoshi. Adam our driver and guide was amazing.

Pros: Great way to see three countries in two weeks.

Cons: Some of the accommodation at Swamp Stop & Victoria falls was pretty basic. The others great. There is a lot of driving and often you only get to sleep in a place before moving on again.

Linda Newman|Lilyfield, NSW Australia
24 Sep 2024
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Amazing place with fantastic adventures!

Gyro Inman|Ottawa, Ontario Canada
7 Aug 2024
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Trip overall was great.

Colin, our guide, was amazing!

Accommodation was fantastic!

My only complaint was the truck - although I was told it was the only truck to do the trip - I wondered if the suspension could have been better as we had some very rough riding!

Catherine Flannery|Coogee, NSW Australia
16 Jul 2024
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the program is fantastic. I would prefer 2 more days for this itinerary as we do not have time to slow down or rest in between the long journey otherwise, I enjoyed the trip very much.

The tour guide is very helpful and the journey ran smoothly .

Rusli Suwito|Liverpool, NSW Australia
10 Jan 2023
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Very Nice Trip. Many Thanks to our Good Guide Mischek. He made so much effort to accomodate all issues and persons

Eugen Mindricelu|Dallas, TX
10 Jun 2022
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My friend and I had the trip of a lifetime as we explored the different landscapes and cultures of the various countries we visited while viewing all the wonderful animals and birds - sharing these sights with our excellent guides who bent over backwards to show us their beautiful country and all its delights.

H. Rosner|Sutherland, NSW
15 Jun 2019
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The tour fulfilled my expectations and was organised very nicely. As a person that does not take tours I was not quite sure what to expect but our guide was excellent. He was knowledgeable, an excellent driver and blessed with a good understanding of human nature. The accommodations were, on the whole, far better than I had expected. The food while far from brilliant was varied and generally acceptable with breakfast being the best meal of the day in terms of quality.

B. Wohlrab|France
28 May 2019

Extra trip info

Who will I travel with?AccommodationWill My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety
Group shot, 'African wilderness in comfort' trip | Peter Walton

Travelling with our local partners

This trip is run by one of our local partners, on a departure shared with travellers from other companies.

What's the benefit to you? More departure dates, and dates that reach their minimum numbers sooner, because bookings from several companies go into one group. Your guides live and work in the region.

Who is in your group? Expect a mix of travellers and nationalities, not only people who booked with World Expeditions.

What will we tell you when you book? We advise the name of the local partner at the time of booking, along with any terms of their own, such as an additional deposit. These apply alongside our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Travelling alone? On some partner-operated trips your own room is required. The room options on this page show which applies to this trip.

Accommodation at Ugab Terrace Lodge | Peter Walton

Namibia – Ugab Terrace Lodge

Positioned in the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, this lodge provides elevated views and a tranquil base to experience one of Namibia’s most dramatic regions.

Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta | Peter Walton

Namibia – Desert Quiver Camp

Modern desert accommodation near Sossusvlei, providing a comfortable base for exploring the iconic dunes and surrounding Namib Desert landscapes.

Chobe Safari Lodge (TKSV, TKLV) Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this well-established safari lodge offers a scenic setting with easy access to river cruises and wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.

Botswana – Chobe Safari Lodge

Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this well-established safari lodge offers a scenic setting with easy access to river cruises and wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.Set on the banks of the Chobe River, this well-established safari lodge offers a scenic setting with easy access to river cruises and wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.

Hakusembe River Lodge Located on the Kavango River, this lodge offers a peaceful riverside setting, ideal for relaxing after long travel days and enjoying the natural surrounds.

Namibia – Hakusembe River Lodge

Located on the Kavango River, this lodge offers a peaceful riverside setting, ideal for relaxing after long travel days and enjoying the natural surrounds.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

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