18 Day Namibia Desert Run
Full Itinerary
Tour Highlights: Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Dunes, Swakopmund, Cheetah Park, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls
Day 1: Upington
We leave Pretoria/Johannesburg and travel west for most of the day, arriving at our destination in Upington late afternoon.
Meals: Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Hotel
Day 2: Fish River Canyon
We leave Upington and head to the beautiful country of Namibia. After crossing the border, we will head for the open desert on our way to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and second largest in the world. We camp under the Acacia tree close to the canyon for the night, there is time enough for you to enjoy a walk in the mountains before sunset this area really can take your breath away. This is just the beginning of an incredible Namibian experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 3: Aus
Breakfast is served whilst visiting the canyon one last time. We will then make our way further north-west to the small desert town of Aus, arriving late afternoon, with just enough time to go for a short hike up the mountain to watch the sunset, an experience you will not quickly forget. Our home for the night is situated amongst the boulders and Koppies (rocky outcrops).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 4: Sesriem
After breakfast we will go and find the wild horses that roam the Namib Desert, and then make our way up to Sossusvlei. The drive takes us through some of the most scenic areas in Namibia, as we head towards the largest and most beautiful dunes in the world. We will arrive at our camp late afternoon; it is situated close to the Sesriem Canyon. At night the campsite is frequently visited by jackals, gemsbok and hyenas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 5: Solitaire
This morning we will have an early start, and visit the red dunes of Sossuvlei, which cover almost the whole of the south western part of Namibia, before heading off towards Solitaire where we’ll camp down for the night. Once again the road takes us through some of the most awesome scenery of this dry country.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Days 6, 7, 8: Swakopmund
The drive from Solitaire to Swakopmund is through the Namibian Naukluft National Park and is unmistakably the most barren section of the country.
We will arrive in Swakopmund early afternoon and check into the Gruner Kranz Hotel, after which you will be briefed on all the activities on offer here; the next 3 days are spent at your own will, which means you get the opportunity to explore the town, take in some real German culture and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Budget tour: Swakop lodge
Accommodated tour: Swakop lodge
Day 9: Cheetah Park
Leaving Swakopmund behind us we will make our way up towards Kamanjab. Our camp for the night is situated under the Camel Thorn trees at a Cheetah Park. Here our hosts will take us out in an open vehicle for us to observe the cheetahs being fed. The animals are on the red data (endangered) list. Here you will also have the opportunity to experience a traditional African Bush Braai (BBQ).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Bush Chalets
Days 10, 11: Etosha National Park
After visiting the few tame cheetahs that live in the home of our hosts, we make our way to Etosha National Park. Our time spent here will take us through most of the park. We will take a short break on the pan itself, the flood plains of this amazing park. At night the watering holes by the campsites are frequented by many animals, and the chances of seeing some of the Big 5 are high.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: National Park Chalets
Days 12, 13: Northern Okavango
Leaving Etosha, we will be driving for most of the day, passing through the towns of Tjomeb, Grootfontein, Rundu, and then onto the town of Dovundu. Our campsite is situated alongside the Kavango River, in the northern-most part of the Okavango Delta. The campsite is known to most people as being one of the most beautiful campsites in Africa. It is very common to see crocodile in the river and hippo coming out to feed at night. Here you can enjoy the sunrise from the deck or go for a swim in the river swimming pool. You also have the opportunity to go on a Mokoro (dug-out canoe) trip up the river. Your local guide will inform you about the wildlife and parks in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Treehouse Chalets
Days 14, 15, 16: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
We will rise early and take a leisurely drive towards the Great Zambezi River.
Leaving Namibia behind us, we will cross into Botswana, and head straight for the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Our evening will be spent on a wonderful cruise on the Zambezi River.
The next couple of days will be yours to spend as you please, and you will have the opportunity to try out one of more of the many activities on offer in the area.
A visit to the Victoria Falls is included in the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Day 17: Botswana
Leaving early we will make our way back to the border where we will cross into Botswana and drive through the Chobe area. We will head towards the south-eastern part of Botswana where we will rest for the night, and experience another traditional African Braai (BBQ).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 18: South Africa
Today being the last day of the tour, we will give you the chance to sleep late and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for South Africa. We will arrive back in Johannesburg/Pretoria in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
