Magical North Eastern Namibia

6 April 2027 - 22 April 2027

Tour Cost
$18,650 ($AUD)
Single Supplement
$2,950 ($AUD)
Tour Dates
6 April 2027 – 22 April 2027
Duration
17 days
Tour Fitness Level
Moderate

Magical North Eastern Namibia is a spectacular 17-day journey to this diverse and sparsely populated land. From the Waterberg region to the vast Etosha salt pan, through the magnificent Caprivi Strip and on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this is an exciting journey encapsulating wonderful wildlife, luxury safari lodges and a relaxed pace of travel.

Starting in Windhoek we travel north up to the border with Angola before heading east to finish at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. On the way we pass through the Caprivi Strip staying at a number of delightful properties on the Okavango, Linyanti and Chobe Rivers before witnessing the mighty Zambezi. In addition to visiting the world-renowned game parks of Etosha and Chobe National Park we also visit some less well-known reserves as well as private conservancies. We stay at beautiful properties along the way, and the pace of travel is relaxed with no long travel days. This gives us the opportunity to fully enjoy the amenities of the lodges and their beautiful surrounds, and enjoy some leisure time after each day’s activities. Join us on an exciting adventure to the less-visited, but wildlife rich reserves of Magical North Eastern Namibia!

 

Namibia

  • Stay at luxury lodges and tented camps
  • Rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot
  • Full day safari excursion into Etosha National Park
  • Enjoy the waterways of the Kavango region
  • Travel through the remarkable and game-rich Caprivi Strip
  • Enjoy multiple early morning and evening game drives

Botswana

  • Stay two nights at Chobe Bush Lodge
  • Explore Chobe National Park by vehicle and boat

Zimbabwe

  • Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel
  • Take an exhilarating helicopter ride over Victoria Falls
  • Enjoy dinner and a show at the famous Jungle Junction Restaurant

Inclusions

  • All flights between Australia and Africa
  • All flights within Africa
  • All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
  • All accommodation (twin share)
  • Meals as specified
  • Travel Directors’ tour leader throughout
  • Expert local guides
  • All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
  • All local sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Visas
  • All tips and gratuities

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $3,000 paid at the time of booking. Maximum group size 8 people.

06/04/2027 Australia – Johannesburg

Depart from your chosen Australian airport on an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

07/04/2027 Johannesburg – Windhoek (LD)

This morning we board our connecting flight to Windhoek.

Depart Johannesburg SA 74, 11.40

Arrive Windhoek, 13.35

On arrival in Windhoek, we transfer to the Windhoek Country Club which is approximately 10kms out of town. On arrival we have lunch and then check in. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

Windhoek Country Club

Windhoek

08/04/2027 Windhoek – Otjiwa (BLD)

After breakfast we head north into the Waterberg region, where our home for the next two nights is Otjiwa Safari Lodge. The word Otjiwa means ‘a beautiful place’ and the family-run lodge provides a warm welcome and makes sure guests have a relaxing and unforgettable experience. The newly built Thornbush Luxury Tented Camp, which is part of the Otjiwa collection, is nestled along the banks of a dry riverbed offering an unparalleled blend of comfort and wilderness. Each spacious tent features a luxurious en suite bathroom with stunning views that invite nature indoors. There is also a private deck and a small splash pool whilst a state-of-the-art cooling system ensures your comfort, allowing you to unwind after a day of exploration. This afternoon we enjoy a sundowner game drive exploring the private reserve which has a large variety of game ranging from the national small springbok to the biggest, the white rhino.

Thornbush Luxury Tented Camp

Otjiwa Private Reserve

09/04/2027 Otjiwa (BLD)

This morning we accompany our well-trained guide who will track Rhino by vehicle and once spotted will take us close on foot. This is an amazing experience and will definitely get the adrenalin flowing! After lunch we pay a visit to the nearby Ombu Village for a historical tour on how architecture, culture and traditions have developed over the centuries. We also have the opportunity to participate in some of the local customs and traditions which include milk churning and Holy Fire rituals.

10/04/2027 Otjiwa – Etosha National Park (BLD)

This morning we make the three-hour drive north to Mokuti Etosha Lodge which is located on its own private 4,300 hectare nature reserve and is the closest lodge to the world famous Etosha National Park. Etosha is a sanctuary for large herds of plains animals and has the largest black rhino population in Africa. Our accommodation is in beautifully comfortable chalets with en suite bathrooms. There is also a pool, wine cellar and a foot spa where you can enjoy a free foot massage. This afternoon we take the opportunity to enjoy the amenities that the property has to offer. The stunning viewing decks, which overlook the waterhole, allow us to experience the wildlife that visit daily, including kudu, eland, waterbuck, oryx, giraffe, ostrich, black and blue wildebeest, zebra, small game and birds.

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

Etosha

11/04/2027 Etosha National Park (BLD)

Today is a special one as we embark on an exciting game viewing experience at Etosha, entering the park at the Lindequist Gate near Namutoni Camp. Etosha National Park owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of some 5,000 square kilometres – so large it can be seen from space. The park is rich with game – and the only place in southern Africa where you’ll find the black-faced impala. It is also a sanctuary for 340 species of bird including the world’s largest, the ostrich. After a full day safari in Etosha we return to our lodge, where we have dinner overlooking the waterhole.

12/04/2027 Etosha – Rundu (BLD)

Our journey today continues north into the Kavango-East Region of northern Namibia passing through the capital of the region of Rundu which lies on the border with Angola. Our drive will take approximately four and a half hours getting us to our overnight destination – Hakusembe River Lodge – early afternoon. On entering the Lodge, we are greeted with a refreshing image of green lawns, large trees and a sparkling river, which comprise the verdant Hakusembe oasis. After a light lunch we will be shown to our accommodation which is in comfortable chalets with en suite facilities. We then have time to explore the beautiful grounds before heading to the sprawling deck to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. Dinner is a buffet in the restaurant.

Hakusembe River Lodge

Rundu

13/04/2027 Rundu – Divundu (BLD)

After a leisurely breakfast we begin our two-and-a-half-hour drive eastwards along the Kavango River to Mahangu Safari Lodge, which lies 22 Kms south of the town of Divundu at the western bank of the Okavango River en route to the Mahango National Park. The comfortably styled thatched lodge, set amongst large Jackelberry trees, offers a dining and lounge area, bar and pool with picturesque views of the river as well as two sun decks on the river front. After lunch here the afternoon is at leisure. Early evening we make the short trip to our dinner destination which is on an island where our chef will serve us a spectacular five course dinner under the stars.

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Divundu

14/04/2027 Divundu (BLD)

Early this morning we set out on a game drive into the Mahango National Park. Although this is a relatively small game park (245 km2) it is home to numerous game. There are large herds of elephants and buffalo as well as hippos and large crocodiles. Almost all the antelope species living in North Eastern Namibia can be seen in the park including the rare roan and sable antelope. Main predators are lion, leopard and hyena. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge then hop on a boat to the other side of the Okavango River for a game drive in the West Caprivi National Park with sundowners before returning to the Lodge for dinner.

15/04/2027 Divundu – Nkasa Rupara National Park (BLD)

Our destination today is one of the most remote and exclusive areas in the region – the Nkasa Rupara National Park (commonly known as Mamili and recently renamed). Nkasa is a joint venture between the private sector and the Wuparo Conservancy that is part of the successful and award-winning Namibian conservancies program. Nkasa’s popularity is due to its exclusive and wild location with limited guest and vehicle numbers and extraordinarily consistent game viewing. Built on the banks of one of the many channels in the Kwando/Linyanti river system the lodge has 10 luxury Tents, all en suite, and the central area has a bar, dining room and lounge. This afternoon we embark on a game drive into the conservancy where our sightings could include, elephant, buffalo, hippo, lion, leopard, impala, kudu and wildebeest.

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

Nkasa Rupara National Park

16/04/2027 Nkasa Rupara National Park (BLD)

After breakfast we head off into the conservancy to pay a visit to a local homestead. Returning to the lodge for lunch we have the afternoon to relax, enjoy our surroundings and maybe take advantage of the relaxing and deep tissue massages that the lodge offers. After dinner we head out on a short night drive in search of those elusive animals that can only be observed at night.

17/04/2027 Nkasa Rupara NP – Chobe (BLD)

This morning our journey takes us along the Chobe River and across into Botswana and Chobe National Park.  Covering an area of 11,000 sq km, the park is renowned for its big game viewing by land and by boat on the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its diverse concentration of wildlife including elephant, hippo, crocodile and lion. After lunch we embark on an afternoon sunset cruise on the tranquil Chobe River where we see elephants bathing in the water. This place is also home to the beautiful malachite kingfisher.

Chobe Bush Lodge

Chobe

18/04/2027 Chobe (BLD)

Another spectacular day in Africa begins with an early-morning game drive to try to find the lions and leopards after their overnight activity. Kudu, impala, puku and hippos will be plentiful as we drive along the river foreshore. In the afternoon we have the choice of another delightful river cruise or a game drive in our open 4WD vehicles.

19/04/2027 Chobe – Kasane – Victoria Falls (BLD)

This morning we cross into Zimbabwe and travel the 70 Km to Victoria Falls and check in to the Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1905, the Victoria Falls Hotel is one of the great colonial properties in Africa and still retains much of its Edwardian charm. This afternoon we have the opportunity to relax in the comfort of the Bulawayo Room or on the terrace overlooking the famous bridge and the falls themselves. This evening we have dinner under the stars, over looking the gorge at the famous Jungle Junction Restaurant at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Enjoy live, cultural entertainment including African dancing and live music.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls

20/04/2027 Victoria Falls (BLD)

The Victoria Falls are certainly one of the wonders of the world and today we have the chance to view them by air and on foot. At nearly two-kms wide and 100m deep, they form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. After lunch at a local café we have a leisurely afternoon exploring the huge markets offering a wonderful array of local products and souvenirs. In the evening we head out onto the Zambezi river for a relaxing and picturesque sundowner cruise which includes our farewell dinner.

21/04/2027 Victoria Falls – Johannesburg (B)

After breakfast we have the opportunity to pay a quick visit to the curio market before leaving for the airport for our flight to Johannesburg and connecting flight home.

Depart Victoria Falls South African Airlines SA 41, 14.20

Arrive Johannesburg 16.05

On arrival in Johannesburg connect with your flight to Australia.

22/04/2027 Arrive Australia

We arrive home in Australia today.

If I travel alone do I have to pay the single supplement?

If you wish to have sole use of a hotel room on the tour, you will need to pay the single supplement. If you are travelling alone but willing to share a room, we will endeavour to match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. We cannot guarantee that a share-match can be provided, and in the event that this cannot be arranged at the time of final payment, you will need to pay the single supplement.

How long is the flight from Australia to Johannesburg?

Flying time from Perth to Johannesburg is 11 hours. From Sydney to Johannesburg is 14 hours and 20 minutes. Due to the arrival time, travellers arriving in Jo’burg from Sydney will have an overnight stay in a hotel at the airport before catching the flight to Windhoek.

Is personal security a problem on this tour?

Security is not a big problem. However in we remind our guests of the need to take sensible precautions. These include not wearing ostentatious jewellery, and not showing or counting money in public. Basically it’s a case of using common sense, particularly in large cities.

What kind of clothing should I take for game drives?

Comfortable clothing in earthy colours is best. Layering is recommended as it can be quite cool on early morning and evening game drives.

How much spending money do I need for the entire trip?

Because almost everything is included, we would suggest an amount of USD $500 per person as being ample for the whole journey.

Are credit cards acceptable?

Most curio shops at the lodges and scenic sites will take credit card payments for purchases. While ATMs are unavailable for quite a portion of this tour, it should not cause difficulties, as practically everything is included.

Do I need vaccinations for this journey?

Tetanus should always be up to date, plus you should consider Typhoid and medication for malaria prevention is highly recommended. Insect repellent is essential. You should also seek advice from your doctor.

Is the water safe to drink en route and what is the general standard of hygiene?

We err on the side of caution on all of our tours and advise travellers to drink only bottled water. This is easy to obtain everywhere. The standard of hygiene in Namibia is surprisingly high along the entire route.

What is the climate like at the time we travel?

The climate is generally warm and dry throughout with a maximum temperature of around 33 degrees, although it can be very cool early morning and in the evening on game drives. A warm fleece or jacket and scarf are essential, and light clothing for the warmer days.

If I want to travel to Africa before or after the group departs is this possible?

It is possible, with reasonable notice, to fly to Johannesburg ahead of the group or stay on after the group has departed.

Do I need a visas?

An Australian passport holder will need a visa for Namibia and Zimbabwe. These are included in the tour cost.

A lot of companies have many expensive optional extras on their tours. Do you?

We don’t believe in a lot of expensive ‘optional tours’. Our itineraries are designed to make the best possible use of time and to include all the must-see sights, plus additional surprises. Therefore practically everything is included in the tour cost.

What is the standard of hotels and lodges like on this tour?

The properties we use on this trip are all of a high standard, between 4 and 5-star and are well-located for our activities.

What currency should I take?

We advise you bring most of your money in the form of South African Rand and some in US dollars cash (for Victoria Falls and Botswana).  They should be in low denominations, clean and undamaged.

Are internet facilities available en route?

Internet facilities and wifi are available in some of the hotels and lodges, though not all. Due to the remote nature of some of the lodges at which we stay, wifi may be limited to communal areas, and in some cases is not available.

Do mobile telephones work?

Telstra and Optus mobiles work along much of the route, although we pass through a number of areas where there is no coverage. You will need to ensure you have global roaming and a tri-band phone. Contact your provider for further details.

How much should we tip the guides and porters?

There is no need to tip guides or porters as this is included in the tour cost.

Magical North Eastern Namibia

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