Page | 1

24 Days VIC FALLS TO WHK

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Chobe River Front - Linyanti Concessions - Mahango Game Reserve - Kavango - Northern Namibia - Etosha National Park - Kaokoveld - Damaraland - Damaraland - Erongo - Namib - Namib - Sossusvlei - Central Namibia
24 Days / 23 Nights
7 Persons
Reference: 24 Days VIC FALLS TO WHK

Click here to view your Digital Itinerary

Overview

Accommodation / Destination / Nights / Basis / Room Type
Amadeus Garden / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / 2 / B&B / 3x Double Room
Camp Chobe / Chobe River Front / 2 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Mashi Conservancy / Linyanti Concessions / 3 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Mahangu Safari Lodge / Mahango Game Reserve / 2 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Hakusembe River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia / Kavango / 1 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Treesleeper Camp / Northern Namibia / 1 / FB / 3x TENTS, 1x Driver room
Etosha Safari Camp, Gondwana Collection Namibia / Etosha National Park / 1 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Etosha Roadside Halt & Lodge / Kaokoveld / 1 / FB / 3x SAFARI TENTS, 1x Driver room
Kaias Fountain Wild Camp / Damaraland / 2 / FB+ / Semi-Luxury Camping
Madisa Camp / Damaraland / 1 / FB / 3x Safari Tent, 1x Driver room
Ameib Guesthouse / Erongo / 1 / FB / 1x Single Room, 3x Double Room
Wüstenquell Guest Farm / Namib / 2 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge / Namib / 1 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Desert Camp / Sossusvlei / 2 / FB / 3x Double Room, 1x Driver room
Sweet Thorn Retreat Airport Lodge / Central Namibia / 1 / FB / Tented chalets

Key
RO: Room only
SC: Self Catering
HB: Half Board
B&B: Bed and breakfast
D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast
FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch
FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily
FI: Fully inclusive

Included

ENGLISH DRIVER/GUIDE / Safari Vehicle / Fuel
Accommodation / meals & activities as per itinerary
Water in vehicle
Border Fee for Vic Falls and Botswana

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Day 1-3: Amadeus Garden, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Wed,28DecembertoFri,30December)

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi river at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Overnight: Amadeus Garden

The lodge is set in a spacious green garden, 11 rooms only, swimming pool and in walking distance to the Victoria Falls. If you prefer the atmosphere of a small lodge to the big Victoria Falls hotels - then Amadeus Garden is the right choice of accommodation for you. A safe and trusted guesthouse since 1999.

Amadeus offers clean and clutter free accommodation in eleven rooms all of which are tastefully decorated and furnished with local teak furniture. All beds are fitted with firm therapeutic mattresses.
Solar heated, en-suite, hot and cold shower, WC, windows fitted with fly-screens, naturally ventilated by ceiling fans, electronic safe.

Directions - Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] to Amadeus Garden

·  Head east toward A8 (0.3 km)
·  Turn left onto A8 (19.3 km)
·  Turn left onto Reynard Rd. Destination will be on the left (1.1 km)

Included

Bed & Breakfast

With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.

Day 3-5: Camp Chobe, Chobe River Front (Fri,30DecembertoSun,1January)

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.

Overnight: Camp Chobe

Camp Chobe is situated in the Eastern Zambezi Region, Namibia merely 4 km from the Ngoma border post between Botswana and Namibia, across the river from the world renowned Chobe nature reserve, home to one of the largest concentrations of elephant on the African continent.

Covering approximately a third of the eastern portion of the Zambezi Region, the Zambezi and Chobe flood plains combines permanent waterways with drier areas, creating areas filled with unexpected contrasts and diverse wildlife. The Chobe flood plains are in a constant state of flux, expanding and contracting according to the rainy season. While some parts of the Chobe remain permanently flooded, others only experience high water levels from April to July, when rainwater from Zambia flow into the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.

Camp Chobe is located on these plains. The main lodge features ensuite tents built on stilts, with a central dining and bar area overlooking the Chobe river. There is also a campsite 1km away, also facing the river.

Directions - Amadeus Garden to Camp Chobe

·  Head west toward Manyika Rd (0.3 km)
·  Turn left onto Manyika Rd (0.4 km)
·  Turn right (0.1 km)
·  Turn left (0.6 km)
·  Turn right onto Kazungula Rd. Entering Botswana (69.5 km)
·  Continue straight (2.1 km)
·  Turn left onto A33 (0.2 km)
·  Turn right onto Upper Rd/A33. Continue to follow A33 (65.0 km)
·  Turn right at Ngoma Bridge River Crossing (2.4 km)

Included

Full Board

Day 5-8: Mashi Conservancy, Linyanti Concessions (Sun,1JanuarytoWed,4January)

The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains and forests that make up these lush, unfenced reserves. The big game in this area increases dramatically during the dry season when the area hosts large herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo as well as the world’s highest density of elephant. Several packs of wild dog are found in the area and lion, leopard and cheetah are frequently sighted. Night drives allow for the discovery of nocturnal creatures such as civets, genets, honey badgers and spring hares. This vast, untamed wilderness is the perfect location for those seeking a unique African adventure in an exclusive and remote big game habitat.

Overnight: Mashi Conservancy

Activities

Walking Trails
Namvic Guided Drive in Mudumu NP
Overnight Forest Walking Trail

Directions - Camp Chobe to Mashi Conservancy

·  Head southwest toward Ngoma Bridge River Crossing (2.4 km)
·  Turn right onto Ngoma Bridge River Crossing. Entering Namibia (0.8 km)
·  Continue straight to stay on Ngoma Bridge River Crossing (0.3 km)
·  Ngoma Bridge River Crossing turns left and becomes B8 (56.9 km)
·  Turn left (5.8 km)
·  Turn left (0.4 km)
·  Turn right (0.7 km)
·  Continue straight onto C49 (6.3 km)
·  Turn left onto B8 (102 km)
·  Turn left onto C49/M125. Destination will be on the left (27.7 km)

Included

Full Board

Day 8-10: Mahangu Safari Lodge, Mahango Game Reserve (Wed,4JanuarytoFri,6January)

Mahango Game Park is a small park, a short drive south of Popa Falls, on the border with Botswana. As Popa Falls is a natural point to break the long journey between Rundu and Katima Mulilo, Mahango Game Park should be considered for inclusion in the itinerary. Driving the route through the park will take approximately half a day. In order to drive the full circular route, an offroad vehicle will be needed. There is a shorter route which can be drivenby a sedan in the dry season. The effort of visiting the park will be rewarding in terms ofwildlife and bird watching. The Mahango Game Park has a high number of elephants, as well as fair numbers of antelopes which are scarce or not seen in other parts of Namibia. These include the roan and sable antelope, tsessebe and the red lechwe. The park is also home to anumber of sitatunga, however these antelopes are very scarce, and sightings will be excellent luck. The best time to see elephants and antelope will be during the dry season. Part of the park borders on the Kavango river, so the possibility of seeing crocodiles exists. In order to see hippos, the traveller should book a nocturnal game viewing trip, as hippos are nocturnal creatures. The best time for game viewing is in the dry months between March and October.The Mahango Game Park is an excellent destination for bird watching. It has three different habitats: the Kavango River, the flood plains, known as omurambas and woodlands, so a wide spread of species can be seen. The best time of year for bird watching is in the rainy months from November to February.

Overnight: Mahangu Safari Lodge

The comfortably-styled, thatched Mahangu Safari Lodge is a new lodge in the Caprivi Region of Namibia, next to the Mahango National Park. The Lodge offers beautiful campsites with power points next to the river. Campers are welcome to make use of the restaurant. Mahangu Safari Lodge offers a game drives, boat trips as well as fishing excursions.

Activities

Mahangu National Park guided drive

Directions - Mashi Conservancy to Mahangu Safari Lodge

·  Head north on C49/M125 (27.7 km)
·  Turn left onto B8 (122 km)
·  Continue onto B8 (68.1 km)
·  Turn left onto D3430 (5.3 km)

Included

Full Board

Day 10: Hakusembe River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia, Kavango (Fri,6January)

This region of Namibia takes its name from the Kavango River on which the main town of Rundu is built. Unlike much of the country the Kavango region receives sufficient rain for cultivation.

Overnight: Hakusembe River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia View iBrochure

Picturesquely situated on the south bank of the Okavango River, 16 km west of Rundu, Hakusembe River Lodge makes for the perfect stopover on the way into Caprivi and to the Victoria Falls. The 10 chalets (with air-conditioning) offer magnificent views of the river and the lush vegetation which teems with diverse birdlife. The swimming pool invites to cool off on hot summer days. Experience the river world on a boat trip and relish the enchanting atmosphere during dinner in the restaurant and with a drink at the bar. A campsite is available.

Directions - Mahangu Safari Lodge to Hakusembe River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia

·  Head northwest on D3430 (5.3 km)
·  Turn left onto B8 (213 km)
·  Turn right onto B10 (9.8 km)

Included

Full Board

Day 11: Treesleeper Camp, Northern Namibia (Sat,7January)

A region of harsh but striking scenery,
Highlights include the desolate beauty of Skeleton Coast’s windswept shores, Etosha National Park with its vast pan and rich wildlife, and the remote desert region of Kaokoland, where the indigenous semi-nomadic Himba people still live an authentic tribal existence. On the northern border with Angola lie the Epupa and Ruacana Falls, both providing gorgeous spectacles for those intrepid travellers who make the trip this far north.

Notes

MEALS PREPARED BY GUIDE

Overnight: Treesleeper Camp

Relax at your private and secluded campsite set amongst trees in the beautiful natural bush. Pitch a tent on a Tree deck or simply sleep safely out in the open under the stars. Treesleepers Community Campsite is a convenient stop on the shortcut between Etosha and the B8 to Caprivi.