Adventure Travel Program - Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls

Botswana

Other Cities in Botswana:

Namibia

Other Cities in Namibia:

Zambia

Other Cities in Zambia:

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: All Year - Please Contact Us

Description: Day One
Windhoek to Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana (600 km) (LD) (camping)
Pick up time: 07:30-08:00

A long drive today, making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The road takes us first to the small town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock farming centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with Botswana.

After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari Highway.

Day Two
Ghanzi Okavango Delta (450 km) (BLD) (camping)

An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way.

A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.

We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta.

Mokoro's will be our main form of transport. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoros carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel.

Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan the majestic sable antelope.

Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters end, the delta.

The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along Botswana's northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route. The locals in this area are the Kavango people and we make a cultural visit to a local community. The people here have taken the initiative to establish a traditional "kraal" which will be opened for us and we will give a guided tour.

We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and superstition.

From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando River in a beautiful setting. There is a craft market nearby where you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.

We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when we arrive in Namibia's easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world's largest population of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River.

Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise, back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us.

Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends.

Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry depot and complete our Botswanan exit formalities. We cross the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the mighty Victoria Falls.

The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic, there are many small paths and lookout points to explore.

This afternoon your guide will help you organise the many optional activities available in Livingstone. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but a few.

NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense.

After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able to offer advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We pack up our campsite.

Only for clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey in the morning.

An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern Namibia.

We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far river bank.

Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the price.

Another early start and another long drive. We head south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.

Highlights: This safari has a guaranteed departure nearly every Friday of the year, with a minimum of 2 people. There is no single supplement, and the price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will need whilst travelling with us. The style is limited participation, assisted camping. Pick up time is between 07:30 and 08:00 from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.

This itinerary can be linked to our 7 day Northern Adventure Safari or our 7 day Southern Swing Safari. Additionally you can combine with our 3 day itineraries Etosha or Sossusvlei Link in order to carry you to some or all of the very best highlights that Namibia has to offer.

Okavango Delta
Probably the best known area of Botswana is the Okavango Delta. This area is one of the world's largest inland water systems, a unique oasis of life in the centre of the Kalahari Desert. It stretches over 15,000km2 and supports a staggering variety of animal, plant and bird life. The water is once thought to have reached the sea, but this is no longer the case. After a series of tectonic uplifts and earthquakes running along geological fault lines, the land at the edge of the Delta now lies lower than that of the surrounding area.

There are two fairly distinct areas of the Delta - the permanent swamp which is inundated with water all year round, and the seasonal swamp which is flooded annually and dries gradually with the onset of summer in October.

The wildlife in the Delta is rich and varied. Many of the larger herbivores are present and include elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and antelope species as well as numerous smaller animals. The carnivore populations are healthy and widespread including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, crocodile and jackal. In addition to the animal populations, the Delta is home to a staggering variety of birds; some 450 species exist within Northern Botswana. The most exciting aspect of encountering this wildlife is that the populations have never been imported or controlled in any way, and the large, protected areas are not fenced. Therefore Botswana is one of the last remaining areas where you are able to witness the complex interactions of a truly natural environment.

Victoria Falls is a spectacular waterfall and one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Falls themselves plunge into a 300ft gorge creating a spray that has given them the name - 'The Smoke that Thunders'. The Falls span the 1.5km width of the Zambezi River where one can enjoy a range of adrenalin activities - no wonder Vic Falls is also considered the adventure capital of Africa.

Safaris exclude:
* Sleeping bag (can be hired)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Soft drinks
* Personal travel insurance

Useful items to bring with you:
* Two litre water bottle
* Torch
* Towel
* Sun hat
* Pillow

Please make sure that passports and visas are valid for the duration of the safari as the Company cannot be held liable for any necessary visas or other travel documents not held by the clients. Please also note that if your passport requires a visa for Namibia and/or Botswana, it should be a multiple entry visa for the purpose of this trip. As of 20 November 2008, we have received the following information on entrance to Zambia:

'According to the newly revised fees, a single entry visa will now be US$50.00 and a double entry visa will cost US$80.00 for all nationalities requiring a visa to visit Zambia. This is a substantial reduction for countries such as Britain and the United States of America (USA). It should however be noted that visa entry requirements remain unchanged, and while certain guests may need to apply for their visa prior to travelling, most of our major markets can obtain a visa on arrival in Zambia'

* For more specific information concerning visas, please seek the advice of your consultant!

These details, guidelines and figures are accurate at time of posting (April 2009) and should remain so. They may change without notice should our local service providers update their tariffs due to unforeseen circumstances (such as Tax or Fuel Increases). Please ensure you email us to reconfirm this at time of enquiry or booking.

The client will email FYI Travel, we will send out our application & indemnity form via email or fax. They need to complete it (hand sign it) and scan & email or fax it back to FYI Travel for approval.

They will be contacted and notified according to availability and date requirements. Full acceptance will be confirmed with an invoice from FYI for payment. Once payment is received, the program is confirmed and booked with service providers.

FYI Travel's Mission Statement: Travel is a life-changing experience and FYI Travel will assist those who wish to, providing important information, giving peace of mind and support throughout their journey. FYI Travel is a link between traveller's and ground operators/service providers. We empower those in South Africa and Africa who offer extraordinary experiences. Our goal is to be instrumental in assisting individuals in making their trip a memorable one, being part of the traveller's life experience. We firmly believe that South Africa and Africa have so much to offer. The beauty and character of these countries are unique and should be experienced by everyone on this planet.

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Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls - 8 Day Delta and Falls