22-Day Safari Through Southern Africa

Today, you have the choice to explore the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Stretching approximately a mile wide and plunging 108 meters into a narrow gorge below, the mist from the falls can be visible from miles away. During the dry season, the falls offer a clear view, revealing small islets in the river below. Experiencing the immense power of this remarkable waterfall firsthand is essential to truly appreciate its grandeur. It's no surprise that the local name Mosi oa Tunya translates to the 'smoke that thunders'. Alternatively, your guide can suggest various other activities to enjoy.

Get ready for an early start as we embark on a morning game drive. Exploring the park, you'll have the chance to encounter wildlife up close – with some luck, you might spot a variety of animals and numerous exotic bird species. Apart from the renowned elephants of Chobe, the river is a magnet for hippos and crocodiles, the latter often basking along the water's edge. Additionally, cheetahs may make an appearance as they come for a drink. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the excellent birdwatching opportunities, with eagles, kingfishers, and marabou storks among the many species to look out for. In the afternoon, you might consider joining an optional cruise along the Chobe River – an ideal way to observe the park's wildlife.

Today, you'll cross the border into Namibia, traveling from Kasane to Ngoma Bridge, and finally reaching your campsite at Bagani. Bagani, a quaint and welcoming town, offers pleasant hiking trails along the river, along with serene spots to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. This region holds historical significance as the ancestral lands of the local Mbukushu kings. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit an ATM and explore a local market or shop. Your campsite provides amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi, with potential upgrades available based on availability.

Cross the border into Botswana and proceed south along the Okavango Panhandle, which is the narrowest section of the delta, until you reach Seronga. Upon arrival, you'll park your vehicle and transition to your mode of transport for the journey into the delta. Board a boat to navigate across the swamps to Gao Island, where you'll meet your team of guides and begin exploring the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoros. Each mokoro, a small dugout canoe, accommodates two passengers and is propelled through the waterways by a local tribesman. As you glide along, you'll encounter reeds and lily pads lining the streams, while startled birds take flight from the surrounding grasses. Occasionally, the tranquil atmosphere is interrupted by the grunts of hippos. Your first night will be spent camping on an isolated island, far from urban civilization.

Continue exploring the delta before returning to Gao Island and then heading to the relative civilization of Umvuvu Camp. This camp typically offers hot showers and has a small bar where you can unwind with a refreshing sundowner. You also have the option to take a guided nature walk today, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the stunning natural surroundings, learn about the local history, and spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants.

Head to Etosha National Park this morning. Etosha is home to a diverse range of southern Africa's wildlife, including major predators and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope, and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in Etosha is relatively easy thanks to the man-made waterholes and the vast, sparsely vegetated pans. While the surrounding bushland can be dense, there are plenty of clearings, pans, and waterholes for wildlife sightings. Opt for an evening game drive, then spend the night at Namutoni, where accommodation upgrades are available.

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Namibia has successfully protected its game reserves from poaching, resulting in large populations of elephants, antelope, and other herbivores. The park also hosts around 340 bird species, so watch the skies for eagles. Tonight, stay at the stunning Okaukuejo Camp, which overlooks a floodlit waterhole frequented by various species day and night. Note that upgrades are not available at this camp tonight.

Travel to the mountain of Spitzkoppe or the 'Matterhorn of Namibia' today. The wild lands around this superb granite peak are some of Namibia's most stunning. The mountain itself is 700 million years old and 1987 m (6519 ft) high. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes to do in the area, rich in plant life and with some bush paintings to be found. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still viewable. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling hues of orange and red.

Drive to Sesriem, which will serve as your base for exploring the breathtaking Namib Desert region. This desert is renowned for its expansive dune fields, with the most impressive dunes located near the Sesriem Canyon. The canyon, formed around 15 million years ago by the Tsauchab River carving a 30-meter gorge into the gravel deposits, now leads to the vast dune fields that extend along the coast. The river eventually dries up in a clay pan at Sossusvlei. These towering dunes, the highest in the world, are remarkable for their vivid, flaming hues created by the brightly colored sands.

Rise before dawn and climb to the top of the dunes to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the expansive sea of sand. The shifting colors are stunning, offering a perfect backdrop for your brunch. Afterwards, hop into the back of a pickup truck for a ride to Sossusvlei, the remarkable salt and clay pan nearby. Spend some time exploring this fascinating and enigmatic desert feature. Later, travel past the small town of Bethanie to reach your camp, which offers basic facilities including showers, flush toilets, wi-fi, and optional upgrades.

Explore the town of Bethanie before journeying further south into Namibia's expansive desert towards Fish River Canyon. This immense canyon, one of the largest in the world, measures 500 meters deep and over 160 kilometers long. In the dry season, the riverbed often dries up entirely, leaving only a few puddles, while in the wet season, summer rains can transform the river into a spectacular torrent. No matter the time of year, this location offers incredible photographic opportunities as the colors of the granite rocks shift with the setting sun.

Leaving Fish River Canyon behind, head to Noordoewer in southern Namibia. Set up your tent along the picturesque banks of the Gariep (Orange) River, which spans 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) and is the longest river in Lesotho. Originating in the Drakensberg mountain range, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River also plays a key role in transporting diamonds and forming the deposits found along the Namibian coast.

Travel to Cape Town this morning, where your journey concludes. Known for its breathtaking coastline, contemporary cityscape, nearby mountains, and numerous accessible vineyards, Cape Town is one of Africa's most vibrant cities. While no accommodation is included for tonight, arrangements can be made upon booking the trip.