Self-Drive 16-Day Adventure: Botswana and Namibia

The first destination of your vacation, Maun, is an ideal entry point for the exploration of Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta. The delta is a vast inland river network you will admire during the first leg of your adventure, however, this afternoon and evening in Maun will be the perfect time to relax and unwind in preparation for your journey to come. In Maun, you will come to appreciate Botswana’s cultural charm as you are guided through town to traditional eateries serving customary local dishes and enjoy an evening in your accommodation decorated in a blend of tribal and modern furnishings.

Getting around Botswana’s rugged landscape is a difficult endeavor, however, you will be fully prepared with exceptional driver training and equipped with a 4x4 vehicle capable of tackling the toughest terrain this morning. Ready for your extraordinary journey across the country, you will head out and soon catch glimpses of the Okavango Panhandle’s dreamy floodplains sprawling across the delta. Following rock-fringed pathways and bumpy dirt roads, the drive through the delta to your accommodation lining one of the region’s flowing channels will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for free exploration.

The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most breathtaking wilderness sanctuary and arguably one of the world’s most impressive inland deltas. The region is composed of a garden of islands, each boasting flourishing ecosystems and presenting spectacular views of the surrounding nourished wetlands. Today, you will fully immerse yourself in the majesty of the Panhandle and enjoy exceptional fishing off the banks of the islands. The channels dissecting the delta are swarming with fish and teeming with birdlife, allowing you to relish a remarkable day of fish catching and bird watching.

Its wetlands are home to hundreds of species of fish and birds, however, the Okavango Delta offers many more wildlife viewing opportunities you may enjoy today. Joined by a knowledgeable guide, you may set off in your 4x4 vehicle to spot the magnificent mammals grazing the surrounding grassland. Before returning to your lodge, your safari may conclude at the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Botswana’s most spiritually significant destinations. The caves, shelters, and rock depressions composing the spellbinding geological formation are home to ancient San rock paintings your guide will help you decipher.

Namibia may be best known for its impressive yellow sand deserts, however, the Caprivi Strip is the country’s lesser-known hidden gem, and you will be swept away by its emerald beauty from the minute you cross the Botswana border in your cruiser and the tar road makes way for the luxuriant wildlife paradise. Stretches of winding river dissect Caprivi, and the Zambezi River’s backwaters provide enchanting environments for fishing. After checking into your delightful riverside lodge, you will spend your afternoon casting your rod into Caprivi’s sapphire ribbons of river.

Whether you find yourself cruising across the narrow downstream channels of the Zambezi River or gliding across the shimmering strip of the Kwando River, your time spent in Caprivi will be bewitching, and you will relish many fabulous fishing experiences along these natural waterways. In addition to the sought-after tigerfish, bream, tilapia, catfish, and pike crowd the quiet rivers and dazzling birdlife, including the slaty egret and coppery-tailed coucal flutter through the clear skies covering Caprivi. You may capture images of these spectacular species of fish and birdlife before returning to camp for dinner around the fire.

Botswana’s most visited reserve, Chobe National Park, will introduce you to the wonders of the country’s untouched wilderness along the banks of the famous Chobe River. You will transfer back into Botswana via your cruiser and make your way down to the luxuriant reserve home to the world’s largest elephant population. After checking into your charming accommodation, you will set off across dirt paths weaving through the park’s prolific landscape in search of the massive elephant herds roaming the refreshing river shoreline. You will also likely encounter crocodiles, antelope, and buffaloes during your adventures along the river banks.

While you will have been ecstatic to discover the wildlife sweeping the banks of the Chobe River, your second day in the reserve is dedicated to hopping out of your 4x4 vehicle and fishing off the very slopes upon which these animals graze. While casting your rod into the river in the hope of catching and releasing some remarkable river marine life, you will cherish the panoramic views of Chobe’s unspoiled riverscapes as well as capture images of birds hovering in the towering treeline and pods of hippos spraying water from their snouts as they reach the water’s surface.

Bordering Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the town of Kasane is also encompassed by the Victoria Falls region, a gateway to each of its neighboring countries as well as the highlight of its name, the mesmerizing sheet of falling water thousands of visitors flock to this destination to view year in and year out. Today, you will arrive at your accommodation in Kasane before visiting the region’s national park and taking in the awe-inspiring falls from lofty viewpoints where you will feel the spray of the pounding water as its enormous expanse of water plummets into the deep Zambezi Gorge.

While the falls are the region’s iconic natural spectacle, it is also home to enchanting wildlife and boasts opportunities to witness the staggering wilderness from unique vantage points. Today, you may board a light aircraft, helicopter, or microlight and set off into the sky to capture the panoramic scenes of Victoria Falls from such great heights. You will witness the cascading white streams of the falls flowing into the colossal gorge, untouched wilderness spreading as far as the eye can see, and animals grazing the pastures so far away they will seem like ants scuttling across the landscape.

You will retrace your journey a little back towards Chobe National Park this morning, only this time staying at a gorgeous safari lodge in the Chobe Forest Reserve. Panoramic views from the terrace of your hideaway lodge offer incredible bird-watching experiences, and the wetlands below provide the perfect place for fishing accompanied by the region’s idyllic backdrop. Whether you choose to appreciate the amenities at your accommodation or treasure some time fishing in the open waters, your stay will be a relaxing stop before you continue your adventures in Botswana.

With quality 4x4 driving training under your belt, you will access one of the greater Chobe National Park’s rural and desolate regions, Savute. While part of the park, its landscape differs considerably and views of thick vegetation will give way to sweeping golden savannas and sparse open plains. In Savute, your game drives will spotlight the fascinating wildlife and curious creatures who have made themselves home in these more rugged parts of the country. From lions and their cubs lounging under shady acacia trees to elephants seeking the refreshing springs, you will spot marvelous game during Savute safaris.

Beyond spotting every member of the Big Five, you will hope to search for other sensational sightings, including wild dogs, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and even ostrich. Besides the wildlife, Savute is adored for its spectacular geological formations and distinct environments you will encounter during your tours of the region. Today, you will discover huge monolithic rock formations that cast shadows over the landscape and are veiled in ancient Bushman paintings offering insight into the former tribes of Africa. These sightings and experiences will give you a greater sense of connection to the environment and its local inhabitants.

The final destination of your journey will be Moremi Game Reserve, a picturesque safari region home to indulgent glamping campsites and accommodations circled by the untamed wilderness. Along the way, you will spot various wildlife and indigenous birdlife, animals that you will likely watch wandering around your camp while you unpack your things and enjoy a cocktail on your balcony. One of the Okavango Delta’s premier getaways, you will explore the rich network of waterways during your stay through several exceptional safari experiences.

Boasting a garden of islands peppering its inland delta, the Okavango Delta has few better ways to explore it than by boat. Today, you will join your captain and guide for a graceful cruise across the web of channels weaving through the delta in search of colorful birds perching in the trees and water-based wildlife swimming in the shallows. You will also relish a catch and release fishing excursion at some of the delta’s prime fishing spots, where you may catch each iconic Moremi fish species throughout the day.

Either opting to stay an additional night in Maun or departing from Moremi Game Reserve this morning, depending on your flight time, you will cherish your final moments in Botswana. You will be overwhelmed by the satisfaction of thinking back on your thrilling adventures across the breathtaking country, having explored famous nature reserves, delightful local towns, and idyllic conservation areas. You will soon find yourself on your flight back home with wonderful memories of Botswana and gorgeous photography commemorating your time spent on the African continent.