Northern Skies
Travel from Swakopmund to Victoria Falls on our Northern Skies Lodge safari - explore Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe on our popular African safari.
A small group lodge, no participation, safari from Swakopmund to Victoria Falls through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Highlights
Swakopmund, Himba Experience, Rock paintings in Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Caprivi, Mahangu National Park, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls.
Duration: 15 day(s)
Group Size: minimum 4 people, maximum 12 people
Type of Safari: Lodge Safari
Accommodation:
We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation.
Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
Day 1 & 2 : Swakopmund, Namibia [B]
You will meet your guide and the rest of the group at the A la Mer Hotel in Swakopmund. For the rest of the day as well as the following day you have the opportunity to partake in the many optional activities that are on offer. Alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.
Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
Day 3: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Brandberg, Namibia [BLD]
We follow the barren Atlantic Coast line on our way out of Swakopmund to visit Cape Cross - the largest breeding place of the Cape Fur Seals. Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind we then head inland across the desert plains for Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon or the next morning we take a walk to visit the “White Lady” one of the most famous rock paintings in the area. The footpath to the site offers spectacular views over the plains of Damaraland.
Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 4: Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest and Himba Village, Namibia [BLD]
On our journey today we will stop to see ancient Bushmen paintings at Twyfelfontein as well as the Petrified Forest, the trees of which are estimated to be 250 million years old. Twyfelfontein was named a World Heritage site in 2007, the first in the country. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba village this afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange, learning and understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Accommodation: Oppi Koppi Restcamp or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 5: From Kamanjab to Etosha National Park, Namibia [BLD]
After our cultural experience in Kamanjab, we head to Etosha National Park. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
Accommodation: Okaukuejo or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 6 & 7: Etosha National Park, Namibia [BL, BL]
We fill the next 2 days spent on game drives in the hopes of spotting some of the Big Four as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous different types of antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood lit waterholes encountering the parks various nocturnal animals as they come to drink.
Accommodation (day 6): Okaukuejo or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Accommodation (day 7): Namutoni or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 8: Etosha to Kavango River, Namibia [BLD]
Our journey continues east as we drive along the Caprivi Strip to the town of Rundu. We make our way to Kaisosi Lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon at our lodge on the banks of the Kavango River. Optional activities such as a visit to a traditional village and school or a sunset cruise are available. Alternatively just relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.
Accommodation: Kaisosi River Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 9 & 10: Kavango River to Okavango Delta, Botswana [BLD, BLD]
We leave Namibia for Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways floating through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (permanent tents with en-suite bathroom, bar area)
Day 11: Okavango Delta to Caprivi, Namibia [BLD]
Leaving Botswana, we drive up the western border of the Okavango Delta before crossing back into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. Enroute to camp we will go on a game drive to the Mahangu National Park which is rich in fauna and flora. In the park you have the chance of spotting game such as sable and roan, elephants, hippos, buffalos, and many types of antelope. For bird watchers the Mahangu National Park offers more than 420 different bird species.
Accommodation: Camp Kwando (permanent tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 12 & 13: Chobe National Park, Botswana [BLD,B]
The next morning we head along the Caprivi and cross the border back into Botswana to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. In the afternoon we go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the wildlife and the spectacular sunset.
Accommodation: Chobe Bush Lodge, Chobe Marina or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 14: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe [BL]
Continuing our trip we leave Botswana and drive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many activities on offer.
Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Top Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 15: End of tour [B]
Our safari ends after breakfast, when you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
*Please note all rates are subject to change according to rate of exchange fluctuations.
Included in the price:
- 14 nights in fixed accommodation
- All transport in fully equipped vehicle
- Game drives and activities as mentioned
- Meals as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Experienced local guide
Excluded in the price:
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Optional activities
- All drinks, tips and curios
- All personal expenses
Meal Key:
B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner