Discover Namibia , Botswana & Zimbabwe
The ultimate safari adventure for nature lovers seeking a rich and diverse experience across Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Explore iconic national parks teeming with wildlife, from vast, open savannas to lush, green oases. Witness animals not only on land but also from the water during unforgettable boat safaris. This journey offers a stunning variety of landscapes and ecosystems, perfect for those who crave both diversity and immersion in nature.
- Self-Drive Tour
- 24 Days (customizable)
In Namibia, the journey will take you through the rusty red and brown landscapes of Sossusvlei and Damaraland. Go on a kayak tour or catamaran cruise on the Atlantic waves, to explore life away from the shore. Spotting wildlife at Etosha National Park is certainly not to be missed: you will be overwhelmed by the large numbers of animals!
Once you enter the Zambezi region, not only the colors, but also life itself changes. Enjoy a stunning sunset while floating on the Kavango river, spotting hippo’s and crocodiles. Across the border you will be amazed by the nature of the beautiful Chobe National Park and the spectacular Victoria Falls. The journey is complete with a visit to the water world of the majestic Okavango Delta.
Highlights
- The number of different landscapes you will encounter, from deserts to salt pans, rivers and of course, a spectacular delta
- Join a mokoro trip to enter the mystical water world of the delta, searching for wildlife
- Take a flight over beautiful green and blue colored delta world; the Okavango Delta
- The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
- You will be the driver of your own safari at Etosha National Park
- Joining a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins
- Visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert is an absolute ‘must’.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Windhoek – Sossusvlei
- Day 4-5: Atlantic Coast
- Day 6: Cape Cross – Damaraland – Twyfelfontein
- Day 7-10: Etosha National Park
- Day 11-14: Zambezi Region
- Day 15-17: Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls
- Day 18: Makgadikgadi National Park
- Day 19-20: Okavango Delta
- Day 21-24: Maun – Windhoek – Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Route Combi Botswana
- Day 1-3
- Windhoek – Sossusvlei
After arriving in Namibia, you will stay the night in Windhoek.
Settle in, explore the vibrant city center, and gear up for your adventure. Your self-drive journey begins as you head to Sossusvlei, located within the “Namib Sand Sea” of Namib-Naukluft Park.
Vivid red dunes, sharply defined against a dazzling white salt pan and stark black trees at Deadvlei, create an almost otherworldly scene. Scaling one of the world’s tallest dunes offers a spectacular reward, especially at sunrise or sunset. Discover the surrounding area with a scenic nature drive or a visit to Sesriem Canyon.
- Day 4-5
- Atlantic Coast
Enjoy a nice sea breeze at the Atlantic Coast while strolling around the coastal town of Swakopmund.
The coastal town of Swakopmund is still showing some influence of colonial times represented in architecture and language. It is a small village with a small but pleasant boulevard with some nice restaurants and terraces and several lunch rooms with an international taste like Village Café.
Although Swakopmund itself is an urban area, it is surrounded by nature, offering plenty of experiences for nature lovers and for thrill seekers: a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins! Adrenaline seekers can take a sand board or quad bike and go into the dunes. A “living desert tour“ is a great way to get more understanding of the miraculous way in which life adapts to the harsh conditions of the desert climate.
- Day 6
- Cape Cross – Damaraland – Twyfelfontein
Before leaving the coast, visit the seal colony of Cape Cross
Seals lounge along the coastline, frolicking in the waves as far as the eye can see! Traveling north, the scenery shifts as you enter the stunning Damaraland, where the towering Brandberg, Namibia’s highest peak, rises dramatically, renowned for its ancient “White Lady” rock painting.
The rugged terrain is dotted with massive boulders concealing Twyfelfontein’s treasure: over 2,500 rock engravings crafted by the San people, once used to guide tribes to waterholes and warn of predators. With luck, you may encounter the region’s elusive desert elephants, uniquely adapted to thrive in this arid wilderness.
- Day 7-10
- Etosha National Park
Prepare yourself for a large number and diversity of wildlife!
It is time to enter Etosha National Park. These 22,270 square kilometers of protected nature form one of Southern Africa’s largest national parks. You will be the driver of your own safari, which is unique in Africa. However, camps in and around the park do offer guided game drives.
The animal world of Etosha National Park is overwhelming. Grab your binoculars and see if you can spot lions, cheetahs and maybe even leopards. In the late afternoon, settle down at one of the park’s waterholes and let the animals come to you: elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will gather to relief themselves from thirst.
- Day 11-14
- Zambezi Region
When driving towards the Zambezi region, you will cross the veterinary fence north of Grootfontein.
Directly after this checkpoint, you will see many villages and business along the road. As also the area is more densely populated you will experience a nice African atmosphere. The dry landscapes of Namibia make place for a lush oasis of green woodlands and blue rivers of this area that is better known by its former name, the Caprivi Strip. Join a boat cruise over the Kavango River or Kwando River during sunset and do not forget to stop at the small but elegant, tranquil Popa Falls.
The national parks of Mahango and Mudumu are wonderful for safaris. You will encounter other animal species than you saw earlier in Etosha National Park, such as roan- and sable antelopes, wild dogs, crocodiles and hippos. Traditional life in the Caprivi is again different from the life in the south and Damaraland. There are two living museums, close to Rundu and Kongola, which are definitely worth a visit.
- Day 15-17
- Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls
See elephants bathing in the water from very close by
After crossing the border of Botswana, you will be staying in Kasane. This is the perfect base to visit Chobe National Park and its Chobe Riverfront, where you can drive around yourself or choose to join a game drive. You will be amazed by the number of elephants you encounter: up to 70,000 of these beautiful giants live in this area, making it the largest elephant population on the African continent.
Take a nice lunch break at one of the picknick spots, however be aware of naughty monkeys! A true spectacle is the Chobe River, where you can see elephants bathing in the water from very close by during a sunset boat cruise. The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are a 2 hours drive away from Kasane, and will be definite highlight of your trip. Do not forget your raincoat!
- Day 18
- Makgadikgadi National Park
Enormous salt pans of Makgadikgadi National Park
From Kasane you continue your journey in southern direction, where you can visit the enormous salt pans of Makgadikgadi National Park: the remnants of what was once a super lake. Although the area is usually dry, a bit of rain transforms the landscape into grassland savannah, attracting thousands of animals.
You can encounter springboks, impalas, oryx, cheetahs, foxes and brown hyenas. Also groups of elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards can be spotted here. And look out for the shy meerkats! If you are hungry for some adventure, explore the pans by quad bike, and stay the night under the open sky (pre-booking required).
- Day 19-20
- Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta of the world
Maun is the entrance gate to the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta of the world. It shimmers as an oasis in the vast Kalahari Desert: nature here is overwhelming! Step into a mokoro and see hippos, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and enjoy the silence and the clear delta water. Or take your own car and drive through Moremi Game Reserve, the part of the delta that is accessible for vehicles, and look for lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes and elephants.
Those who cannot get enough of this paradise can take a flight over this beautiful green and blue colored delta world. A great way to explore the Okavango Delta is by joining a mobile safari. This guided tour will bring you deep in the Delta. You will sleep in tents and will be guided along the sandy tracks and lagoons while searching for wildlife.
- Day 21-25
- Maun – Windhoek – Departure – Arrival Home
Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.
Leaving Maun, your last stop in Botswana, is Ghanzi. Here, in the Kalahari Desert, you have another chance to visit or stay at a San village. Your adventure really comes to an end. In Windhoek, you will have the opportunity to relax and rewind, and look back on a very successful and unforgettable holiday.
Envision Africa Travel offers organized self-drive holidays and private guided tours to Namibia. Embark on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your choice, with accommodations pre-arranged to suit your preferences, whether staying in lodges, guesthouses, campsites, or a combination of these.
Experience Africa
Self-Drive Extension
North Culture
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection to Namibia’s heritage and landscapes. Self-Drive Extension
South
A great option for those seeking to experience the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of southern Namibia before continuing to Sesriem and beyond. Self-Drive Extension
Vic Falls + Chobe
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection to Namibia’s heritage and landscapes.TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
Every traveller is unique, with distinct preferences for their journey. Planning a self-drive trip to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe? Let Envision Africa Travel’s expert tour consultants guide you! Based in Africa, our friendly, service-oriented team collaborates with you to craft a fully customized tour tailored to your desires, needs, and budget. From 4×4 rentals to camping or luxury lodging, we create a personalized proposal for your unforgettable AFRICAN adventure.
Included Self-Drive Trip:
- Car rental
- Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Complete camping equipment (camping trip)
- Car insurance with standard excess
- Third party insurance
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering
- Personal travel App for cell phone
- 24-hours emergency service
- Tips and route information
- Airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation:
- Standard accommodation tours include all rooms at middle-class hotels, guesthouses or lodges (mostly B&B), unless otherwise requested.
- Standard camping tours include most nights at campsites, combined with several nights at middle-class hotels, guesthouse or lodges (mostly B&B).
- Almost all campsites and accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
- If the trips includes visits to National Parks, then the nights will be spent inside the parks as much as possible.
Meals & Drinks:
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering. It will be clearly indicated what meals are included in your tour proposal.
- With most accommodations it is also possible to book dinner in advance. If you would like to include this in your proposal, please let us know.
Not included Self-Drive Trip:
- International Flights
- Fuel
- Park fees, entrance fees to museums
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.
- Meals (unless indicated as included)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
