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Sunset Namibia and Botswana self-drive tour
Private Self-Drive Trip

Highlights Windhoek to Victoria Falls

16 Days from 57,900 NAD person sharing a double room

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Highlights Windhoek to Victoria Falls – 16 Day Self-Drive Tour

On this Namibia and Botswana self-drive tour you will experience many exciting highlights in a short span of time. From dry desert landscape to lush and green riverbanks, from stunning landscapes to thrilling safari adventures. Starting in Namibia’s capital Windhoek, this tour takes you to Botswana and all the way to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Accommodation type

Guest houses & lodges

Accommodation style

Starting price per person

Travellers

Private trip

Travellers

Departure date

Any day of your choice

Departure dates

Highlights

Days 1-12 Namibia | Days 13-14 Botswana | Days 15-16 Zimbabwe

Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Namib Desert
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Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Optional activities such as quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, scenic flight, day trip to the seal colony at Cape Cross

Swakopmund
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Optional activities such as quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, scenic flight, day trip to the seal colony at Cape Cross

Game drives, Etosha Pan

Etosha National Park
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Game drives, Etosha Pan

Optional activities such as boat cruise on the Kavango River, game drive in the Bwabwata National Park, visit to a local village

Kavango Region
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Optional activities such as boat cruise on the Kavango River, game drive in the Bwabwata National Park, visit to a local village

Game drives, river cruises

Chobe National Park

Game drives, river cruises

Visit to the waterfalls, optional activities such as boat cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, scenic flight

Victoria Falls

Visit to the waterfalls, optional activities such as boat cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, scenic flight

Who Should Go

This tour is great for independent travellers who don’t have a lot of time but still want to experience many of the most popular highlights of Southern Africa. Safari lovers will appreciate the ample time allocated for game drives in Etosha, Bwabwata and Chobe National Parks. Despite the many highlights, you won’t be in a rush and have enough time to stop along the way and enjoy the view. The contrasting landscapes from the dry Namib Desert to the lush Zambezi Region and the riverbanks of Chobe are a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Safari enthusiasts

Safari Enthusiasts

Nature lovers

Nature Lovers

Explorers

Explorers

Independent travellers

Independent Travellers

“We got an upgrade three times! Your company enjoys a good reputation with the lodges (this wouldn’t be the case if you booked on booking.com).”
Verena and Thilo

Accommodation

10 accommodations over 16 days/15 nights
The Elegant Desert Eco Camp at sunset in Namibia
Day 2-3
Namib Desert (Namibia)
The Elegant Desert Camp
2 nights half-board
Day 2-3
Interior of a room at the Cornerstone Guest House in Swakopmund
Day 4-5
Swakopmund (Namibia)
Cornerstone Guest House
2 nights bed & breakfast
Day 4-5
Arial view of the Vingerklip Lodge amidst a green landscape
Day 6
Ugab Valley (Namibia)
Vingerklip Lodge
1 night half-board
Day 6
Bungalow Mushara Lodge Etosha Area
Day 8
Etosha Area (Namibia)
Mushara Lodge
1 night half-board
Day 8
Front view of the Namushasha River Lodge
Day 11-12
Zambezi Region (Namibia)
Namushasha River Lodge
2 nights half-board
Day 11-12
Chobe River Lodge
Day 13-14
Kasane (Botswana)
Chobe River Lodge
2 nights full-board
Day 13-14
View of the Pioneers Lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 15
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Pioneers Lodge
1 night bed & breakfast
Day 15

Tour Itinerary

Self-Drive Lodge Tour

Every day is a highlight on this Namibia and Botswana self-drive tour: let your gaze wander across the sea of sand dunes at Sossusvlei, smell the fresh ocean air in Swakopmund, see rhinos at a waterhole in Etosha and experience the lush and green side of Namibia in the Zambezi Region. World-famous Chobe National Park in Botswana awaits you with large herds of elephants and serene boat cruises on the Chobe River. Even the end of your trip will be a highlight as you visit the impressive Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Along the way, you will stay at personal and hand-selected guesthouses, lodges, and camps, enjoying the hospitality of Southern Africa.

Highlights Windhoek to Victoria Falls tour map

Start Windhoek

Ends Victoria Falls

Arial view of the Christchurch in Windhoek, Namibia

Day 1 | Windhoek, Namibia

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Windhoek, Namibia

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

You arrive at Windhoek International Airport where you collect your rental car and drive to your booked accommodation in town. Here, you can visit some of Windhoek’s sights such as the Christ Church, the Ink Palace (House of Parliament) or the Namibia Craft Centre with works of local artists. It is also a good opportunity to do some shopping for snacks for the road. Windhoek has a variety of restaurants to choose from. You will spend your first night in Namibia in The Elegant Guesthouse.

The swimmig pool at the Elegant Desert Eco Camp with views of the Namib

Day 2 | Windhoek – Namib Desert, Namibia

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Windhoek – Namib Desert, Namibia

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

You leave Namibia’s capital and drive in southwestern direction towards the Namib Naukluft Park. Your home for the next two nights will be The Elegant Desert Camp. Relax surrounded by this stunning desert landscape or explore the area on foot. You can also book a sunset scenic drive to experience the magical light in the desert (optional). Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner. You overnight at Elegant Desert Camp.

Breakfast Dinner
A traveller walking through the Deadvlei in Namibia

Day 3 | Sossusvlei, Namibia

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

The national park opens its gate at sunrise, so be sure to wake up early to make the most of the day. Look forward to exploring Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Within the national park, you can park your car at a car park and walk to the sand dunes. You can also make use of a 4×4 transfer (optional). Hike up one of the impressive dunes and be in awe once you reach the top and let your gaze wander across the stunning Namib Sand Sea. Walk across the white clay pan of Deadvlei and see the ancient dead trees. Afterwards, visit the Sesriem Canyon which will seasonally carry water. In the dry season you can walk through the canyon. After an exciting day of exploring, drive back to your camp. If you’d prefer to experience the area together with a guide, you can also book a guided tour (optional). You spend another night at Elegant Desert Camp.

Breakfast Dinner
The Swakopmund Jetty, leading into the Atlantic Ocean

Day 4 - 5 | Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Distance on day 4: approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Distance on day 4: approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Today, you will drive north. Your destination is Swakopmund, a coastal town on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, where you will spend the next two nights. The town is still characterised by its colonial past which you will notice in its architecture, cuisine and even spoken language. From Swakopmund, you can explore the area and join exciting activities (optional): sand boarding, quad biking or horse riding in the dunes, scenic flights, boat tours or an exciting desert safari to see the Little Five – there is so much to see and do. You overnight at the Cornerstone Guesthouse. There are different options for dinner at one of the restaurants in town (own expense).

Breakfast
Panaroma view of the Ugab Valley near the Vingerklip Lodge

Day 6 | Swakopmund – Ugab Valley, Namibia

Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Swakopmund – Ugab Valley, Namibia

Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours

Leave the Atlantic coast and drive inland via Henties Bay. Along the way, you can stop at the large seal colony of Cape Cross. If time permits, stop at the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain at 2,580m, and hike to the famous rock painting ‘White Lady’. (Please calculate at least 3 hours for the detour to the Brandberg.) Later, your drive leads you further across Damaraland and to the Ugab Valley, a picturesque valley with impressive high plateaus. Along signposted hiking trails, you can explore the area and visit the Vingerklip, a remarkable rock formation that resembles a finger. You will spend the night at Vingerklip Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
An oryx at a waterhole, reflected in the water at the Etosha National Park

Day 7 | Ugab Valley – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours (excl. game drives)

Ugab Valley – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours (excl. game drives)

You drive north and via Outjo you will reach the Anderson Gate, your gateway to Etosha National Park. Etosha was founded in 1907 and is considered one of the most impressive big game parks of Southern Africa. You will spend most of your time observing wildlife at the different waterholes. Elephants, giraffes, different antelopes and with a little luck lions and leopards come to the waterholes to quench their thirst. As the sun approaches the horizon, you leave the park and drive to Etosha Safari Lodge, just a few minutes from the park entrance. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend two nights in one of the chalets.

Breakfast Dinner
A close-up of two zebras in Namibia

Day 8 | Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance and driving time; depends on the route chosen on game drive

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance and driving time; depends on the route chosen on game drive

After sunrise and a hearty breakfast, you go on another game drive. Drive past the expansive salt pan, stretching east for many kilometres. Watch herds of impalas, wildebeest, oryx and zebras crossing the wide open plains. In the evening, you leave the park through the Von Lindequist Gate taking with you wonderful safari memories. You will overnight at the beautiful Mushara Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
The sun setting over the horizon of the Zambezi Region

Day 9 - 10 | Etosha Area – Kavango Region, Namibia

Distance on day 9: approx. 590 km; driving time approx. 7 hours

Etosha Area – Kavango Region, Namibia

Distance on day 9: approx. 590 km; driving time approx. 7 hours

After an early breakfast, your tour takes you via Tsumeb and Grootfontein to Rundu, capital and economic centre of the Kavango Region in Namibia’s northeast. Here, you can do a little shopping for the coming days. You then head to your accommodation for the coming two nights which is directly at the Okavango River. Relax after a long drive and enjoy a cold drink at the Island Bar. Use the next day for activities such as a boat cruise on the Okavango, a safari in the Mahango Game Reserve (only in a 4×4 or as guided tour) or visit a local village and learn more about the culture of the people living in the area (all optional). You overnight in an island tent at Mobola Island Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
A boat cruise at the Nkasa Lupala National Park in Namibia

Day 11 - 12 | Kavango Region – Zambezi Region, Namibia

Distance on day 11: approx. 280 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Kavango Region – Zambezi Region, Namibia

Distance on day 11: approx. 280 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Embark on a beautiful drive, heading further east into the narrow strip of land which in the past was called Caprivi Strip. You pass by local fishing villages and with a little luck you might even spot big game crossing your way. You reach your accommodation just north of Mudumu National Park. Situated on the banks of the Kwando River, you can enjoy the tranquillity and perhaps hear the majestic call of an African fish eagle. If you have good 4×4 driving skills, you can explore the Bwabwata or Mudumu National Park on your own the next day. Alternatively, you can also book a guided game drive or boat trips at the lodge (optional). You will spend two nights at Namushasha River Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
An elephant walking through the tall grass in the Chobe Region

Day 13 - 14 | Zambezi Region, Namibia – Kasane – Chobe National Park, Botswana

Distance on day 13: approx. 260 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Zambezi Region, Namibia – Kasane – Chobe National Park, Botswana

Distance on day 13: approx. 260 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, continue your drive to the border with Botswana. You drive to Kasane, where you drop off your rental car and are taken to your accommodation, the Chobe River Lodge. It will be your home for the next two nights. Your time in Chobe National Park is all about safari and you will discover the fascinating wildlife of the region. Chobe is home to the Big Five and many other species. With more than 40,000 elephants living in the park, Chobe is home to one of the highest numbers of elephants in all of Africa, relative to its size. Your booking includes three safari activities. Join an early morning or afternoon guided game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle and observe the large elephant herds drinking at the shores of the Chobe River. You can also join a boat cruise on the Chobe River and watch the goings-on ashore from the water, as well as hippos, crocodiles and many different kinds of birds. You spend two nights at the Chobe River Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Activities
A double rainbow at the Victoria Falls

Day 15 | Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Kasane – Victoria Falls; driving time approx. 2 hours

Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Kasane – Victoria Falls; driving time approx. 2 hours

After an amazing time in the bush and many new memories made, you will be picked up at your camp in the morning and taken to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon, you have time to visit ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, translated to ‘The smoke that thunders’ – the Victoria Falls. Explore the second-largest water falls on Earth on a walk. The Elephant Market in town is a good place to look for a few souvenirs. For dinner, visit one of the restaurants in town (at own expense). You spend the night at Pioneers Lodge.

If you would like to do activities, such as sunset boat cruises lasting several hours, white water rafting or bungee jumping, you’ll need to stay one extra night at Victoria Falls.

Breakfast
A malachite kingfisher amongst the reeds and grasses

Day 16 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Airport; driving time approx. 30 minutes

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Transfer Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Airport; driving time approx. 30 minutes

After your last breakfast of the trip, you will be taken to the airport. From here, you will fly back home or continue your travels. We hope you will keep the great memories of your journey around Southern Africa for many years to come.

Breakfast

Included

  • 15 nights’ stay in lodges, tented camps and guest houses
  • meals according to the itinerary
  • all transfers according to the itinerary
  • 3 safari activities and national park fees at Chobe River Lodge

Excluded

  • flights (international and domestic)
  • rental car (please contact us for a quote)
  • fuel, possible tolls, repatriation, and cross-border fees
  • meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • alcoholic and soft drinks
  • national park fees not specified above
  • optional activities
  • tips
  • personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance

Upcoming Departures

If you prefer different dates or have any questions, please get in touch - we are happy to help!
Season per person sharing per person single room per person triple room Children < 12 (with extra bed)
01.01.2025-
31.03.2025
57,900 NAD 73,900 NAD on request on request
01.04.2025-
30.06.2025
59,200 NAD 77,700 NAD on request on request
01.07.2025-
31.10.2025
61,000 NAD 80,600 NAD on request on request
01.11.2025-
30.11.2025
62,500 NAD 82,400 NAD on request on request

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