INTRODUCTION
This 16 day Namibia Vic Falls self-drive tour incorporates the main highlights of central and northern Namibia as with Vic Falls. The accommodation options are for the more budget conscious. A myriad of different landscapes and experiences awaits – the serpentine sands of Sossusvlei; the harsh Atlantic coastline; ancient rock art; the dusty white plains of Etosha with plentiful wildlife; the lush riverbanks of the Zambezi region; the thundering waters of Vic Falls
| Start |
Accommodation |
Option |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
| Day 1 |
Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia |
accommodation |
Mariental |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Kalahari Anib Campsite Gondwana Collection Namibia |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 2 |
Desert Camp |
accommodation |
Sesriem |
D,B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Sesriem Campsite |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 4 |
Prost Hotel Swakopmund |
Accommodation/camping |
Swakopmund |
B&B |
2 Nights |
| Day 6 |
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge |
accommodation |
Twyfelfontein |
D,B&B |
1 Night |
|
Madisa Campsite |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 7 |
Okaukuejo Resort |
accommodation |
Etosha South |
B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Okaukuejo Campsite |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 9 |
Namutoni Resort |
accommodation |
Etosha East |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Namutoni Campsite |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 10 |
Hakusembe River Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia |
accommodation |
Rundu |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Hakusembe Campsite Gondwana Collection Namibia |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 11 |
Namushasha River Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia |
accommodation |
Kwando River |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Namushasha Campsite Gondwana Collection Namibia |
camping |
|
Self-catering |
|
| Day 12 |
Kubu Lodge |
Accommodation/camping |
Chobe River Front |
B&B |
2 Nights |
| Day 14 |
Shearwater Explorers Village |
Accommodation/camping |
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe |
B&B |
2 Nights |
Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast. D, B&B: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
1
Day 1: Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Mariental
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival in Windhoek collect your vehicle and to head south to the red dunes of the Kalahari Basin, where you’ll overnight at Kalahari Anib Lodge in a twin share room on a bed and breakfast basis. If time permits perhaps join an optional guided nature drive around the reserve to look out for some of the desert adapted wildlife. Additional meals and optional activities at own expense. Approx 3hours drive from city
Accommodated option
Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Kalahari Anib Campsite – no meals included
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
2-3
Day 2-3: Desert Camp, Sesriem
Make your way east and onward to the desert region of the Namib Naukluft, where we will spend 2nights. Your lodge enjoys stunning mountain views over gravel plains and sunsets are spectacular. This afternoon perhaps take part in a sunset horse ride or alternatively a sun-downer drive to explore a little. The following day, rise early to drive to Sesriem gate where you enter the park ideally at sunrise following the road to the 2×4 car park where you then venture into the dune fields. Visit nearby Dead Vlei, where the ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand on the white pan with a backdrop of orange sand dunes and deep blue skies. Explore the area on foot, climb a dune and witness the endless sand sea before returning to your vehicle and wending your way back to your accommodation. It’s worth a stop at Dune 45 – one of the most accessible and photographed dunes, along with a visit to Sesriem Canyon. Alternatively, you can join a guided activity offered by the lodge if you would rather sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes. Spend two nights in a twin share chalet on a dinner, bed and breakfast with all other meals and activities at client’s own expense. Day 3: Approx 5hours. Day 4:30-40mins to Sesriem & 1hour to 2×4 car park from Sesriem gate. We suggest you leave the vehicle at the 2×4 car park – from here walk the last section or take a shuttle which you book/pay when you are there. Note the last 5km is deep sand and 4×4 only so we do not recommend this unless you are an experienced sand driver.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Desert Camp – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Sesriem Campsite – no meals included
Optional Activities
| Sesriem Canyon |
| Dune 45 |
| Dead Vlei |
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
4-5
Day 4-5: Prost Hotel Swakopmund, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary
Drive across the Gaub and Kuiseb passes towards Walvis Bay, where you can stop at the lagoon, a RAMSAR protected wetland site; home for many different aquatic birds such as flamingo, pelicans, cormorant, avocets, the endemic Damara tern and many more. From here, it’s a short drive through to Swakopmund – if you arrive early enough take part in one of the optional activities such as an afternoon scenic flight over the dunes of Sossusvlei, to the coast to see shipwrecks, old diamond mines, dunes falling into the ocean as well as seal colonies, flamingos etc. This flight really gives a different perspective of the area you have already seen from land. Alternatively, you take part in quad biking, tandem sky diving, marine cruise, or a recommended half/full day excursion to Sandwich Harbour – either this excursion or the scenic flight will give you a feel the Skeleton Coast. Two nights are spent at the quirky coastal town to enable sufficient time for activities. Accommodation in twin share room with en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis, all other meals/activities at client’s expense. Approx 4.5-5hours
Overnight: Prost Hotel – both options
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
6
Day 6: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Twyfelfontein
Day Itinerary
Recommended Activity
| Rock Engravings & Petroglyphs |
Rock Engravings & Petroglyphs
A trip to the Rock engravings & paintings, The Burnt Mountain and The Organ Pipes accompanied by a resident guide. Many of the rock formations are the products of prehistoric volcanic action. Fascinating plants in the area include the Welwitschia Mirabilis, the Moringa and a variety of Commiphora species.
Rock engravings: The engravings have very few depictions of humans; by far the majority of the engravings at Twyfelfontein depict animals and their spoor. The rock engravings at Twyfelfontein revealed a deeper understanding of the world to the hunters and the gatherers that lived there in the past.
Organ Pipes: These masses of perpendicular dolerite pillars are located down the riverbed and formed by the intrusion of volcanic rock dolerite about 120 million years ago.
Burnt Mountain: Located a couple of kilometers from the Organ Pipes and visible from the road. The Karoo limestones, which formed the mountain, were deposited around 200 million years ago. About 120 million years ago, the same period the Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded the limestones and metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.
Departure time: 08h00 (after breakfast)
Included: Mineral water & soft drinks
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
7-8
Day 7-8: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South
Day Itinerary
Destination Etosha! One of the best game reserves in Southern Africa, the park is home to many species of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, hyaena, giraffe and many types of antelope including the endemic black-faced impala as well as over 300 species of bird life. Days can be spent game driving around the park visiting some of the many waterholes, and evenings can be spent at the floodlit waterholes observing the behaviour of the animals – Okaukuejo in particular has an active waterhole during the dry season when herds of plains game come to quench their thirst and the hooves conjure trails of dust ensuring great photos around sunset, watch out for other species such as the endangered black rhino, elephants and predators. Overnight in standard rooms.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Okaukuejo Campsite – no meals included
Recommended
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
9
Day 9: Namutoni Resort, Etosha East
Day Itinerary
Continue game driving across to the east aspect of the park – it’s worth a stop at Etosha Pan to the endless vistas and shimmering shapes on the horizon, an ancient salt lake so large it can be viewed from space. Close to Namutoni and around the nearby waterholes, you will often see black-faced impala and Damara dik-dik – the smallest of all antelopes. A night is spent at atmospheric and traditional fort at Namutoni in a bush chalet.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Namutoni Resort – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Namutoni Campsite – no meals included
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Recommended
10
Day 10: Hakusembe River Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Rundu
Day Itinerary
An early morning start for a long drive to rural Rundu, there is a significant change along the way – this is rural Namibia, but with increased rainfall in the north there are more local inhabitants, you’ll find cattle and goats grazing by the side of the road close to the villages, and yet the region manages to retain a wild and untamed feeling in the game reserves of the area. The lodge tonight, is situated on the riverbank overlooking Angola and depending on the time of arrival, you may have a chance to join an optional activity of a riverboat cruise for sunset (optional and can be booked when you arrive). Overnight in twin chalet on a bed and breakfast basis Approx 6-7hours
Accommodated option
Overnight: Hakusembe River Lodge – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Haksembe River Campsite – no meals included
11
Day 11: Namushasha River Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Kwando River
Day Itinerary
Drive through the Caprivi/Zambezi Strip and Bwabwata Game Reserve today, keep your eyes open for animals such as elephants that may cross your path and hidden amongst the tall teak trees that line your route. You’ll be based at Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge for two nights giving ample time to enjoy the former Mamili Park (now renamed Nkasa Lupala) area, enjoy game drives and nature at its wildest in and around the lush and tropical vegetation. You may even find buffalo, crocs and the “river horse” (hippo), which are normally absent through much of Namibia but abound in the waters here. Overnight in twin en-suite room, bed and breakfast basis, all other meals’/activities at client’s expense. Approx 4-5hours. Note the last section is 4×4 and transfers can be arranged if necessary
Accommodated option
Overnight: Namushasha River Lodge- BB
Camping option
Overnight: Namushasha River Campsite – no meals included
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
12-13
Day 12-13: Kubu Lodge, Chobe River Front
Day Itinerary
Today, cross the border into Botswana driving through Chobe National Park en-route to Kasane. The lodge overlooks the Chobe River and there’s the chance to join optional activities including a highly recommended sunset boat cruise. This area is home to the densest population of elephants in Africa and everywhere you look you’ll see them – a sunset cruise often means you’ll enjoy watching them crossing and bathing in the river late in the afternoon. In addition, you may see predators such as lion and leopard, as well as game including lechwe, roan, sable, buffalo and plenty of hippos and crocs – a great way to end your game viewing experience. Approx 4hours plus border (times can vary)
Overnight: Kubu Lodge – BB – both options
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
14-15
Day 14-15: Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day Itinerary
This morning, depart for Victoria Falls (leave your vehicle at Kasane); transfer over the border to the buzzy little town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where you are based for the final two nights. Once here, explore and experience the magic of Victoria Falls – whether you enter the rain forest park and soak yourself from the spray of water, enjoy breakfast on Livingstone Island, or experience them from the air or on the river from a cruise– they really are one of the most majestic sights and no wonder a Natural Wonder of the World. Bed and breakfast basis with shared transfers. Transfer approx. 70km but border crossings so time varies
Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village – both options
Recommended
| Victoria Falls – The Falls |
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
16
Day 16: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Transfer to the airport in time for onward connection. End of services 15-30mins
Consultant Notes
As with all car hire companies if you have an accident and they prove you were negligent– for example – speeding then the zero excess becomes void and you are liable. You will complete the contract and discuss any extras with the car rental company upon collection of the vehicle – please check the vehicle carefully as you are responsible for it thereafter. If you have any problems with the car whilst you are on the road please contact them directly. With all car rentals you will need to provide your passport, driving licence (written in English or an international licence), as well as supply credit card for refundable deposit. A GPS is often available by the car rental companies (at clients’ own expense), however, we do find that due to our road network system (and small population), it is not normally required, we realize this is a personal preference and are happy to pre-book for you. Please do not drive around/after sunset
Please note that this quote is based on the availability of both accommodation/ vehicle and on the understanding that no bookings have been made. Should we need to use alternative options the price and itinerary is subject to change.
Please note that this price is in 2 currencies NAD for the Namibia section and U$ for Botswana and Victoria Falls
Price per person to Serene African Adventures
Valid from 1st November 2021 until 30 June 2022
Accommodated options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 32,535.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 28 085.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 25 865.00 + U$ 500.00
Single Supplement N$ 3,350.00
Camping options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle: 1 Tent
N$ 21, 010.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 16, 325.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 13, 610.00 + U$ 500.00
Single Supplement N$ 230.00
Valid from 1 July 2022 until 31 October 2022
Accommodated options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 34,245.00 + U$ 505.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 29, 575.00 + U$ 505.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 27,245.00 + U$ 505.00
Single Supplement N$ 3,740.00
Camping options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle: 1 Tent
N$ 21,950.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle: 2 Tents
N$ 16 975.00 + U$ 500.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle: 2 Tents
N$ 14,095.00 + U$ 500.00
Single Supplement N$ 230.00
Included
- Accommodation / Campsite and activities as set out in itinerary;
- Car rental as indicated;
- Meals as stated in itinerary;
- vat; tourism levy;
- welcome pack;
Standard Inclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Unlimited kms,
- Super CDW,
- Super theft loss waiver;
- Stamp duty, VAT;
- airport surcharge; map, inbound guide;
- tyre & windscreen cover
- 1 or 2 spare wheel/s depending on car rental
Extra for Camping vehicle inclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Standard Camping Equipment (2-4 pax)
- Rooftop Tent OR Ground Tent
Please inquire for the details list of camping equipment.
Excluded
- International and other flights;
- visas; fuel;
- additional meals and optional activities; personal
- insurance; tips/gratuities; items of a personal nature;
- curios; entry fees to parks and places of interest;
- extras for car hire as indicated below
Standard exclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Rental deposit
- contract fee
- fuel; tyre/rim/glass (all) waiver combined;
- refuelling fee
- additional driver per rental
- young driver surcharge N (18-20 yrs);
- fine handling fee
- claim handling fee
- Assessors fee in event damage is greater than N$5000
- Baby seat/booster seat
- GPS unit + (plus refundable deposit)
- Jerry can (plus refundable deposit);
- second spare wheel – depending on car rental company – please inquire
- delivery/collection fee during office hours – Within 25km
- Further than 25km; delivery collection after hours /weekends within 25km; further than 25km
- Water/sand/and undercarriage damage renters account; hail damage ;
- towing charges if not mechanical – renters account; no show fees/cancellation T&C; lost keys surcharge /call out + replacement of keys;
- valet service (only if car excessively dirty and at discretion of the car rental company – renter account;
- damage to equipment – renter account; towing – mechanical (car rental);
- towing – accident – renter account;
- carbon emission tax ;
From 2019 proposed park entry fees: N$250/person/day; N$100/child under 16 years and N$50/vehicle day – subject to change – please note that visitors must be in rest camps or outside the park – gates open/close at sunrise/sunset
