Namibia-Botswana-Self-Drive
Namibia-Botswana-Self-Drive

18 DAYS – NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA (SILVER or GOLD)

This 18-day safari celebrates Africa’s life-giving waters – from the Okavango and Kwando rivers in Namibia’s lush Caprivi to Botswana’s Chobe and the mighty Zambezi at Victoria Falls. Along the way, explore the vast Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans and the legendary Moremi Game Reserve. Expect exceptional wildlife encounters and golden sunsets – the essence of Africa at its finest.
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Okavango Rivertranquil waters and lush riverbanks
Kwando Riverhidden channels and diverse birdlife
Chobe Riverwildlife haven on the water’s edge
Victoria Fallsthe smoke that thunders 
Makgadigadi Salt Pansvast salt plains under endless skies
Moremi Game Reserveuntamed beauty in the heart of the delta

 

18 DAY – NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA SELF-DRIVE TOUR Tour Map

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Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival at the airport, we are met and transferred to Windhoek, where we either collect our rental vehicle or continue directly to our accommodation, depending on the tour. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after the long flight, relax by the pool or enjoy your first impressions of Namibia's capital. If time allows, take a stroll through Klein Windhoek or round off the day with a drink while admiring the views over the city.

Day 2

Towards Otjiwarongo

After breakfast, we collect our rental vehicle, where applicable, and begin our drive north. Today's destination is a private wildlife reserve near Otjiwarongo, renowned for its conservation initiatives and abundant wildlife. During the afternoon, we join an included game drive. Depending on the accommodation, we may explore a reserve known for its rhinos, sable and roan antelope or head out in search of Okonjima's famous resident leopards. Afterwards, there is time to relax at the lodge before enjoying dinner in the peaceful surroundings of the African bush.

Day 3

Grootfontein

Today we continue our drive north. Along the way, there is the opportunity to visit the Hoba Meteorite, the world's largest known meteorite, which has remained at its original impact site for thousands of years. Our destination is a spacious guest farm set within a private wildlife and nature reserve. Surrounded by ancient, tree-covered dunes, it offers a true taste of rural Namibia. After settling in, there is time to relax by the pool or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before ending the day with a sundowner.

Day 4

To the Okavango

Today we travel into Namibia's north-eastern Kavango-Zambezi region. Along the way, we pass traditional Kavango homesteads and notice the landscape gradually changing as the dry savannah gives way to the lush vegetation along the Okavango River. Our lodge is beautifully situated on the riverbank and provides an excellent base for exploring nearby Mahango National Park. In the afternoon, we can head into the park on a self-drive safari, where elephants, buffalo, hippos and a variety of antelope species are regularly seen.

Day 5

Eastern Caprivi

Today we cross the Okavango River and continue through Bwabwata National Park into the eastern Caprivi region. Our lodge is beautifully located on the banks of the Kwando River, in one of Namibia's richest wildlife areas. After settling in, there is time to enjoy the peaceful riverside setting before joining an afternoon boat cruise on the Kwando or, depending on the lodge, a game drive in Bwabwata National Park. This water-rich environment is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and an impressive variety of birdlife.

Day 6

Bwabwata National Park

Today we explore Bwabwata National Park, one of north-eastern Namibia's richest wildlife areas. The Kwando River supports large elephant herds, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and an abundance of antelope and birdlife. The area around the famous Horseshoe is particularly rewarding, both for its scenery and its wildlife. Afterwards, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether on another boat cruise, an optional guided activity or simply relaxing at the lodge overlooking the river.

Day 7

Chobe River, Botswana

Today we leave Namibia and travel via Katima Mulilo to Kasane in Botswana. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred by boat to our lodge on the Chobe River. Its exceptional location offers wonderful views across the river towards Chobe National Park, where elephants, buffalo and other wildlife are often seen along the banks. In the afternoon, we enjoy our first boat cruise on the Chobe, giving us the opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a rich variety of waterbirds from the water.

Day 8 & 9

Chobe National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring Chobe National Park. Depending on your accommodation, you will enjoy a combination of game drives and boat cruises or choose from the activities on offer. Chobe is renowned for its large elephant herds, as well as buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of antelope. Bird enthusiasts are equally well rewarded, with more than 400 recorded bird species in the region. Between activities, there is plenty of time to relax at the lodge and enjoy the beautiful views over the Chobe River. Guests staying an additional night can make the most of another safari or join an optional excursion to Victoria Falls.

Day 10

Towards Nata

Today we leave the Chobe region behind and travel south towards Nata, the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. As we drive, the landscape gradually changes to wide open grasslands and the vast salt pans for which this part of Botswana is famous. Depending on your accommodation, the afternoon includes either a game drive in a private wildlife reserve or the opportunity to visit the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary (optional). The area is well known for its elephant populations, abundant birdlife and expansive scenery.

Day 11

Makgadikgadi Region

Today we continue into the fascinating Makgadikgadi region. Depending on your accommodation, we stay either on a private wildlife reserve or on the banks of the Boteti River, which forms the western boundary of Makgadikgadi National Park. This diverse landscape is home to zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, kudu and many other wildlife species. During the afternoon, we join an included game drive in an open safari vehicle to explore the area. After sunset, far from the lights of towns and cities, the night sky reveals an unforgettable display of stars.

Day 12

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan

Today we continue exploring the unique landscapes of the Makgadikgadi region. Depending on your accommodation, you may enjoy a full-day excursion into Nxai Pan National Park or join one of the lodge's guided activities. The vast salt pans, remnants of the ancient Makgadikgadi Lake, create one of Botswana's most distinctive landscapes. Zebras, wildebeest, springbok and other wildlife are regularly encountered, while the iconic baobab trees add to the area's unique character. Guests staying on the Boteti River may alternatively choose from game drives, guided walks or, when water levels permit, a boat cruise.

Day 13

To Maun

Today we arrive in Maun, the lively gateway to the Okavango Delta. Depending on your itinerary, we either stay on the banks of the Thamalakane River or board a light aircraft for a scenic flight into the heart of the world-famous Okavango Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa's richest wildlife destinations, with an intricate network of waterways, islands and lagoons. During the afternoon, we explore the delta on a traditional mokoro excursion or enjoy our first boat safari or game drive, keeping an eye out for elephants, buffalo, giraffes and many other species that thrive in this extraordinary ecosystem.

Day 14

Moremi & Khwai

Today is dedicated to exploring one of Botswana's finest wildlife regions. Depending on your itinerary, you will spend the day either in Moremi Game Reserve or the Khwai area on the reserve's northern boundary. Both are regarded as outstanding safari destinations, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Included game drives take us through a variety of habitats, from river channels and lagoons to open floodplains and mopane woodland. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope and many of Africa's predators are regularly encountered, making every safari a memorable experience.

Day 15

Moremi & Okavango Delta

Today brings another highlight of our Botswana adventure. Depending on your itinerary, we either continue exploring Moremi Game Reserve on exciting game drives or board a light aircraft for a scenic flight deeper into the Okavango Delta. From the air, the intricate network of channels, lagoons and islands reveals the true scale of this remarkable inland delta. Once at camp, a variety of activities await, including game drives, boat safaris, mokoro excursions and, at selected camps, guided nature walks. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's richest ecosystems, offering outstanding opportunities to observe wildlife in an exceptional natural setting.

Day 16

Okavango Delta & Maun

Today offers another opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the Okavango Delta. Depending on your itinerary, you may enjoy another game drive, glide through the waterways on a traditional mokoro excursion or explore the delta by boat. The maze of channels, lagoons and islands supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and birdlife. Afterwards, we either fly or drive back to Maun, where we spend a relaxing evening on the banks of the Thamalakane River.

Day 17

Into the Kalahari

Today we bid farewell to Botswana. Depending on your itinerary, we either begin the day with a light aircraft flight back to Maun before continuing by rental vehicle, or we drive directly via Ghanzi to the Mamuno–Buitepos border crossing. After re-entering Namibia, we arrive at our lodge in the Kalahari, where the wide thornveld and peaceful surroundings provide a relaxing end to the day. In the evening, we gather around the campfire or enjoy dinner while reflecting on the many memorable experiences of our Botswana adventure.

Day 18

Departure

Today it is time to say goodbye to southern Africa. After breakfast, we drive back to Windhoek, return our rental vehicle and transfer to the airport for our onward flight home. We leave with unforgettable wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes and lasting memories of an extraordinary adventure through Namibia and Botswana.

Accommodation: (Subject to change)Silver Gold
Windhoek (1 Night)Ti Melen GuesthouseThe Weinberg Hotel
Otjiwarongo Area (1 Night)Otjiwa Safari LodgeOkonjima Plains Camp
Grootfontein (1 Night)Wildacker GuestfarmWildacker Guestfarm
Divundu (1 Night)Shametu River LodgeDivava Okavango Lodge
Kwando River (2 Nights)Namushasha River LodgeNambwa Tented Lodge
Chobe River (3 Nights)Zovu Elephant LodgeChobe Water Villas
Nata (1 Night)Elephant SandsNata Lodge
Makgadikgadi (2 Nights)Leopard PlainsLeroo La Tau
Maun (1 Night)Thamalakane River LodgeFly-In Okuti Camp
Khwai River (2 Nights)Sango Safari CampFly-In Okuti Camp / Kanana Camp
Maun (1 Night)Thamalakane River LodgeFly-In Kanana Camp
Kalahari (1 Night)Kalahari Bush BreaksKalahari Bush Breaks
Visual Itinerary - Silver OptionVisual Itinerary - Gold Option

SilverGold
For 2 persons:
ZAR 160,300 per person
(about USD 9,700)
For 2 persons:
ZAR 375,500 per person
(about USD 22,800)
For 4 persons:
ZAR 140,700 per person
(about USD 8,500)
For 4 persons:
ZAR 355,900 per person
(about USD 21,600)
Single room supplement: ZAR 28,300
(about USD 1,700)
Single room supplement: ZAR 111,100
(about USD 6,700)
Exchange calculated October 2025Exchange calculated October 2025

Accommodation and meals as described

Activities as specified in the itinerary

Toyota 4x4 vehicle, fully insured with no excess 

Cross border vehicle permit

International flights

Visa fees for Namibia & Zimbabwe

Entry to Victoria Falls

Meals and activities not mentioned

Park entrance fees, fuel, tips, and personal expenses