Visiting the Himba Village was one of the highlights of my trip to Namibia! Yes, it can smell very strong, but after a few minutes I just got used to the smell and it didnt bother me any longer. Spend the day on safari at the Moremi Game Reserve, which sits on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta. Whoaaa! 21 Days Take an epic road journey across four countries from Cape Town in South Africa to the iconic Natural Wonder of the World, Victoria Falls, in Zambia. It was a magical moment, and one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana. If you evern dreamed about planning a self-drive camping safari advanture, you are in the right place. If you are looking for a tour operator to plan a trip for you, I highly recommend Wild Wonderful World, and part of the profits is used on amazing conservation efforts. It is considered one of the best safaris on the planet, and it is very well known for the water holes, which are magnets for wildlife, Etosha is one of the highlights of any destination on a 3-week Namibia and Botswana self-drive itinerary. (50 km 2 hrs; game drive 100 km 3 hrs, 4WD required). Finally, end your adventure in Zimbabwe, overlooking "the smoke that thunders" at Victoria . Admire the surreal landscapes of Sossusvlei, including Deadvlei and Dune 45. Just watching the furry faces, and catching some sun while pups milk from their mom was a very special moment and a great place to visit. Remember, this is one of the few places you can explore the Delta on foot. In the afternoon I visitedSwakopmund,the largest coastal town in the country and the perfect stopover between the desert and the Skeleton Coast. After a beautiful drive, arrive in Swakopmund in the early afternoon. The amazing 3-week self-drive to Namibia and Botswana begins! To Lize Enderstein and Cindy Botha, a huge THANK YOU !! If you still have time, check out the other activities and attractions including basket-weaving classes, museums, restaurants and bars Maun has to offer. After the spectacular sunrise, I headED back to Dune 45 and climbed it. These hollowed-out tree trunks (or modern replicas) are poled by experienced local guides wholl take you deep into the Deltas papyrus-fringed channels. The plan so far: Day 1: Cape Town Day 2: Cape Town to Springbok Day 3: Springbok to Lderitz Day 4: Lderitz to Windhoek Day 5: Windhoek to Kang, Botswana Day 6: Kang to Gaborone Day 7: Gaborone to Pretoria Day 8: Pretoria to Johannesburg A Roadtrip through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa - kelwill A Roadtrip through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa I kept a notebook throughout this trip. The thrill of spotting any member of the Big Five elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo is reason enough to journey to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. I made do by boiling water from the campsite faucets. Marvel at the striking granite formations in Spitzkoppe. Get an early start, as the drive will take 5-6 hours along empty roads. The past week had been intense off-road driving and unforgettable animal encounters. This is a side of the Delta youll never forget, so splash out! Head north to the lesser-visited Zambezi region next before exploring the wildlife-studded wonders of Botswana's Chobe National Park. It was such an incredible feeling once I hit a paved road again. Experience the highlights of camping in Namibia through this 2 week Namibia self drive road trip itinerary. forms: { This is the border crossing that we would recommend using if you choose to cross from Namibia to Botswana. Drive back to Windhoek, spend one last night or dash to the airport to start the journey home. World Nomads Travel Insurancehas been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. This would be your most direct option into Botswana and you get to see Victoria Falls as well. I decided to head to the are lodge and have lunch and sip cold water, until the temperature dropped a little so I could continue to explore the desert. (200 km 2 hrs, game drive 100 km 3 hrs). The Okavango Delta sits at the terminal point of theOkavango River,where the water flows into a tectonic trough in the central part of theKalahari Basin. I wound up paying for the entry fee at the government office in Maun, but I wish I had brought more cash with me (including to pay for a boat safari or any other opportunity). But if you head further a field, things get a bit more adventurous. Start your second day of your Namibia and Botswana itinerary by visiting the ghost town ofKolmanskop, located in the Forbidden Zone in the Namib Desert one of the most fascinating things about abandoned places in the absence of life, but the profound sense of curiosity it creates to know what itswhole story is. ); Start the day by watching the sunrise in Sossusvlei, and again, another rewarding view. Experience the adventurous safari activities at Erindi Game Reserve. But it was still one of my favorite safaris during my 3-week self-drive in Namibia & Botswana. Internet/Wi-Fi:In Namibia, I found it easier to find camping with Wi-Fi available. Then head toCape Crossto visit the seal colony. I went on a long game drive to explore this region. Drop off your rental car, then catch your connecting flight home. I have always been fascinated by the desert in Namibia and I was in awe with the flamingos! I use and recommend RentalCar because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places. Into Africa: an epic road trip through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana "Is this your first time in the Okavango?" asked Fred, our bush-ranging guide, as we climbed aboard his. Yes, I sat for over an hour watching a family of lions just living their everyday lives at Savuti. Several hundred species of birds also live here, including Pel's fishing owl, crested cranes, the lilac-breasted roller, hammerkop, and sacred ibis. Have narrowed it down to SA, Botswana, Namibia and side trip to Vic Falls. Last month we were in Okaukuejo in Etosha. The full-day (520 mi/ 840 km) drive east to the Zambezi Region requires an early start. We are of retirement age all. Enjoy the beautiful Savute region which is known for their lions who are specialist big game hunters. All lodges in Namibia organize sundowner/safari rides, so make sure you get to your lodge in time for the late afternoon ride. Namibia and Botswana Itinerary | Day-By-DayNAMIBIA &, Namibia and Botswana Itinerary | Trip Resources, My Namibia and Botswana itinerary in Conclusion, Best options for accommodations in Keetmanshoop, Check here for best options for accommodations around Helmeringhausen, Check here for the best options for accommodations in Sesriem, Check here for the best options for accommodations in Walvis Bay, Check here for the best options for accommodations in Khorixas. Landscape in Savuti/ Wildlife diversity/ Encounter with lions. Paula Martinelli Pinterest A road trip in Namibia is one of the most remarkable adventures of a lifetime. (Game drive 150 km 6 hours, 4WD required). Welcome to Windhoek! There are only a few roads that are paved and have a speed limit of up to 120 km/h and the majority of the roads have different levels of gravel road, which some are really good and you still can drive at 100 km/h. Take a day trip to Victoria Falls in nearby Zimbabwe. Stay at a camp in the Moremi Game Reserve such as Xakanaxa or Third Bridge Campsites. Muchenje Safari Lodge is a short 5-minute drive from the Ngoma Bridge Border Control. Youll fall in love with the vast landscapes of Namibia and the wildness of Botswana on this circular road trip. A good example is schedul", Traveled to Namibia as a family in August, 2022, "As someone who usually prefers to make all of my own travel arrangements, I was hesitant to use Kimkim for my recent trip to Namibia. The drive from Savuti ti Khwai is a safari in itself. As abig supporter of responsible and ethical traveling, the good news is that the Living Museum is a very ethical and a cultural highlight in Namibia as well as a good example for sustainable development, as the visitors give back to the local community and help to support Preservation of their culture. 4546 km Stretch your legs on one of the nine trails found around the base of the plateau. Watch for the endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra and other Namibian wildlife on the way. Your self-drive itinerary will need to be tailored respecting the time of the year that you are visiting. { Roam through sand dunes and desert landscapes in Namibia; experience the wetland wilderness of the Okavango Delta and the big game sanctuary of the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana along the way. I grabbed a coffee and a light meal at the airport restaurant and thumbed through my pictures before getting on the plane, exhausted but exhilarated. Experience the beauty of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, 28 days Wiltshire Level Contributor 56 posts 9 reviews 5 helpful votes 2 month tour of South Africa, Namibia & Botswana Dec 10, 2022, 2:35 PM Save We'd like to a 2 month tour of these areas. Results are ordered by price from lowest to highest. No four-wheel drive? Here, wind and rain have spent eons carving enormous granite outcrops and dolerite dikes into incredible formations. Bookings are recommended. The area is challenging to drive as there are deep mud pools on many of the trails and some wet areas that make it impossible to pass. See the detailed route, where they stayed, as well as activities along the way. I arrived mid-afternoon, checked in at my campsite, and went to explore the park and watch the sunset from the dunes. Explore the waterways by motorboat to see thousands of breeding herons and storks. The following day starts at 5am, when many of the park's animals will be stirring and hunting in the cooler temperatures. Experience the beauty of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, 28 days P50 for a single entry and P90 for a return trip. Today was off the beaten track and absolutely one of my favorite things I have done in Namibia ever! Suggestion: west Etosha park- would have loved Etosha village lodge by the gate. 21 vehicles. Make sure to go over your rental car company and follow all the instructions they will give you, such as pressure on the tire, speed limit, and what you should do when you get stuck in deep sand. Higher pressure is better gas mileage, but it is also easier for rocks to puncture. The winter dry season from July to October is a better time for a Namibia safari. 12 years ago Save Hello everybody, once again when I need start planning a trip I come here. The lodge offers a range of off-road day trips in their vehicles. Okaukuejo camp is famous for its floodlit waterholes, a great way to spend your last evening at Etosha. Please verify all form fields again. Experience the beauty of the Kalahari Desert, Kglagadi, 10 days Once at the falls, take your time, the walk to the various viewpoints is well worth it. The best catch of the day was to watch the king lion passion right in front of my car without even looking at me. Road Scholars offers small group expeditions to South Africa, learning adventures from Morocco to Madagascar, riverboat tours through Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, and so many more African tours. It is smart to also pack some portable water filters. You'll fall in love with the vast landscapes of Namibia and the wildness of Botswana on this circular road trip. Be prepared for stretches of very deep sand, lowering your tyre pressures is a must. 1. As you drive along the coast, the scenery gradually changes from mountains and dunes to rolling grass-covered hills, dotted with stands of acacia trees. Home Travel Tips Last updated: June 10, 2023 566 shares Facebook 74 Twitter 7 Pinterest 485 This post may contain affiliate links. Learn how your comment data is processed. The second day of my Third Bridge safari was one of my favorite safaris. Loved the lodge. Drive to Henties Bay, stopping en route to admire the wreck of the Zeila. You will see thousands of Cape fur seals, what is considered the largest aggregations in the world. Drive to Maun and once settled in, take an hours flight over the Okavango Delta. I have also added alternative routes to give you options while planning your own itinerary. This region of Etosha is well-known for its incredible game viewing. We drove 2658km (1652 miles) in April 2017, which is at the end of Namibia's summer rainy season. See the best of the Garden Route through this 3 week Garden Route road trip itinerary. (170 km 3 hrs; game drive 50 km 2 hrs, 4WD required). It took me several months of planning this Namibia and Botswana itinerary, and I finally settled on a road trip route that took me through some of Namibia and Botswana highlights from the capital Windhoek, to the desert sands of Sossusvlei, to the misty Skeleton Coast, to some of the best safaris on the African continent from Etosha, to Chobe to Okavango Delta. Etosha is one of Namibias most popular game parks, a place where you can expect to see small and large animal species. Take two weeks to check out Namibia and Botswana's varied landscapes and the many creatures they contain on this itinerary. I end up spending my whole plan for today and skipping one day of safari in Etosha. Check here the Review on Top Backpacks on the market today. This was a great mid-way point for my trip back to Windhoek. There is something for everyone among our many free road trips, sourced from travellers who've been there and done it: from Marrakech in the north to Cape Town in the south. Keep in mind that if youre crossing into the country overland and in your own (or rented) car, when you pass through immigration, they will search for fresh meat, fresh fruit, and dairy products, most of which will be confiscated if found. I also saw many other animals, but no more cats. See the best of the Namibia through this 2 week road trip itinerary. An aerial view of the waters youve just visited will round off your perspective of this amazing place. One of the highlights is visiting the flamingo colony, where you can spot thousands of guess what? Drive back to Windhoek, where you will be returning the rental car back to Hosea Kutako International Airport and onto your flight back home. Take a short flight back to Maun, then pick up your car before continuing west through the grasslands of the Kalahari Plains to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a 5-7 hour (150 mi/ 250 km) drive south (depending on how often you stop for photos). Image Source. After breakfast, transfer to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a seven-hour (250 miles/ 400 km) drive south of Chobe National Park. To the Botswana border Quiver trees The Richtersveld and around |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Spa The road south Mariental Rehoboth To the South African border The southern Kalahari Taking on the main road south from Windhoek promises some of the country's greatest sights and spectacles. Make your way south to the Khwai region and stay at one of the community campsites here (advance bookings required) or in the Moremi Game Reserve. You will need to have a 44 vehicle to go on your Namibia road trip. How safe would it be for us to do this in a rental car on our own? (Allow one hour for the border crossing.) In the afternoons, massive herds of several thousand cape buffalo congregate on the riverfront. Today you transfer to Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana, a 5-hour drive (155 miles/ 250 km) away. Experience the highlights of camping in Namibia through this 2 week Namibia self drive road trip itinerary. You can choose to make this a lazy day in the camp or organise a bushwalk via the Khwai Development Trust. I would recommend a pre-planning if you are going to self-drive in Namibia and Botswana. During this time, the delta swells to three times its usual size, attracting animals from all over and creating one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife. Here are Drive South Africa's top Botswana 44 self- drive route recommendations when visiting Botswana. Listen to the sounds of the night, and catch glimpses of nocturnal animals on nighttime game drives. Experience the diverse wildlife of Etosha National Park and Caprivi Strips lush reserves. This area is known for its abundance of water and the life that it supports. The combination of year-round swamps and seasonal floodplains leads to unexpected wildlife and geographic features. This is just the tip of the ice-berg. I would have also definitely brought more water more is better. The tracks in this area are best traversed in an off-road vehicle with an experienced person at the wheel. This is an easy drive and a chance to refuel after your week in the bush. It was an excellent travel experience across three beautiful Africa. vehicle preparation find a self drive holiday in africa - rent a vehicle or use your own Self drive tours in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and parts of Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia makes for excellent self drive holiday road trips. (Game drive 150 km 6 hrs; boat trip, FWD required). With this unique blog, my goal is to inspire you to find a life balance betweenActive Travel & a HealthyLifestyle! At night you can easily hear the animals, especially elephants, or be serenaded by hippo grunts. Along the way, stop to see Otjikoto and Guinas Lakes, Namibia's only two permanent natural lakes created by collapsed karst caves. In other words, you should budget for about P180 for a return trip across one of Botswana's border posts. It is also a great opportunity to get to know some local people, and also, they will appreciate you sharing the food with them. From the desert to the bush and the coast, I was blown away by the variety of sights and scenery on this journey and I list this experience as one of the top road trips on our Planet! Along the way, stop at the small town of Outjo for a coffee break and the Ugab Terrace for photos. Spend your days exploring the area on game walks and relaxing in the peaceful countryside. Springbok and ostrich roam the vast gravel plains of the Namib, and welwitschia plants cover the arid ground. Unfortunately, our trip has come to an end, and we had to head back to Maun to take our flight home. Also, Savuti is well known as lions prey on elephants, and I could see signs with so many skeletons on the ground. Sossuvlei is located in Africa's largest conservation area, the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is important to stay the first night in Windhoek. Driving at night is too dangerous for you and the animals. 1 Toyota Single Cab 4x4 SCE Minimum rental: 5 days 160 Litre Diesel Fuel Tank Fuel Economy: 8km/litre Manual Transmission Aircon Radio Power Steering ABS Diesel Download Vehicle Specs See Vehicle Details Enquire Now 2 Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux Single Cab 4x4 Safari Camper Explore Skeleton Coasts shipwrecks and Africas largest seal colony at Cape Cross. The drive to Xakanaka took around 2-hours and it was also very challenging. See the detailed route, where they stayed as well as activities along the way. 4x4. If you are driving in the National Parks in Botswana, a 44 is essential, since there are both, deep sand and clay. Whether youve flown in or driven to Windhoek, the chances are good that youll be tired. Sunrise and sunset game drives are the perfect way to see elusive wildlife like leopards, and if you spend time at the park's 30+ waterholes, you're bound to see something incredible. It was one of the highlights of my whole trip. I have been to more than 40 countries while following my fitness journey. I arrived at the airport in the morning. They went above and beyond in so many ways. I was running out of fresh water and my gas tanks were low. Wake up in time for one last sunrise at the Sossusvlei dunes, then start the drive to Swakopmund, a five-hour drive (250 miles/ 400 km) to the north. I woke up at 4:30 AM as the park gate opens 5 AM and drove to Deadvlei for the sunrise. What an amaaaaazing trip! Drive into Etosha National Park, where you will stay 1 night at Olifantsrus Campsite. Non-44 option: continue south to Nata and then west on the A3 to Planet Baobab, a lodge which offers various trips and activities. Arrive in the late afternoon in time to relax before dinner. Shop Our Guidebooks. But our guide was very good and managed to call on the radio for help and they sent another boat to rescue us. What an incredible adventure and inspiration. After spotting the wildlife, Chobe National Park has to offer, drive to Khwai, where you will stay 2 nights at Magotho Camp. Lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyens, and leopards are the main reason visitors drive to this remote part of Chobe National Park. See the best of a rainy season self-drive itinerary through in Zimbabwe. After arriving at theZambezi rental car, it took around 1 hour for the explanations about the truck, how to use it, and to sign the contract. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Organization was excellent - quality of lodges and activities. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The trail through Gauteng is one of the best road trip routes in South Africa. Possibilities. There are 46 raptors to be found within Etosha, including the Egyptian vulture. Next, after our time at Etosha, we began making our way East towards the Caprivi and, ultimately, Northern Botswana. Maps/GPS:Our rental car came with a GPS and it worked wonders, even in remote areas. It looks like an amazing road trip! Thanks for watching the trailer of my road trip from South Africa to Botswana to Namibia. The Ultimate 25 Day Namibia and Botswana Road Trip Itinerary, Visual moments in time to celebrate life and the natural and cultural beauty of our planet, and Indo. Start the day with a drive through the town of Katima, then to Ngoma Bridge, where you enter Botswana and the national park. The park is 40 square km of wildlife, camping and picnic sites, and a lodge. After breakfast, hit the road for the six-hour drive to Sossuvlei (226 mi/ 365 km away.) I will make sure to read your tips again if I can ever make it there . Knowing that I needed to make my way back to Namibia, I did not spend much time in Maun. One excellent option is Planet Baobab, which has been voted as one of the top 10 most extraordinary places to stay in the world by Lonely Planet. They are really in the bush and there is no electricity or water at the campsitebut surely I had a lot of excitement to make up for it. How a little knowledge can help you survive, 10 Adventurous things to do in Swakopmund, The Caprivi (Zambezi region) is still wild, 10 Interesting facts about the Otter Hiking Trail, All you need to know about the Otter Trail, Anysberg: Back to nature close to Cape Town, Stories of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, The right GPS for navigating with T4A maps, Why the T4A Overland Navigator app works offline, 10 Questions most frequently posed to T4A, Discover Baviaanskloof and 20 passes on a motorbike, Vehicle and after-market fitment problems on our overland trip, Exploring the beauty of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Mozambique from the coast to the forest, Exploring the southern shores of Lake Kariba, From the Zambezi to the north of Mozambique, Exploring the less travelled roads of Western Kenya, Ethiopias spectacular caves and an ancient city, Get Africa at your fingertips on your GPS, T4A GPS Maps Travellers Africa 14.05 released, Namibia and Botswana Self-drive Guide Books, How to plan a route on the T4A Navigator App. Nerver again!! 4546 km Pick up the rental car from Hosea Kutako International Airport and drive to the first destination, Sesriem Campsite, in Namib Naukluft National Park. 4x4. Even though youve got your own vehicle, consider signing up for a guided game drive. In the evening, head into town for dinner at one of Windhoek's cozy restaurants. Before embarking on this wonderful trip, dont forget to purchase our GPS Maps on SD Card for Garmin GPS Systems, the latest Namibia and Botswana Self-Drive Guide Books Combo, and because we believe your safety is a priority, Namibia and Botswana Travelers Paper Map (just in case you experience any technical glitches along the way). In the morning, continue to the east through Etosha National Park to your next lodge. Copyright 2023 Paula Pins The Planet - All Rights Reserved. Experience the beauty of the Erindi, Etosha, Maun and more. From diamonds to dust What one day was a wealthy town, where diamonds could easily be found, because of intensive mining, it depleted the area and by 1956 it was abandoned. I chose to spend the night at Helmeringhausen since it was a good distance to my next destination. I returned my 4WD and headed to the Hosea Kutato International Airport. Head out in the morning for Etosha National Park, located three hours (210 mi/ 340 km) to the north. Our suggested route takes in the top attractions of each country and can be completed in 21 days. If your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening, make sure you spend the night in Windhoek before you start driving. After a wonderful few days at Erindi, we were ready for a short stopover at Etosha before heading on to Caprivi and, finally, Northern Botswana. The Garden Route. Endless open skies and geologic formations add to the region's beauty. This is the Ultimte Namibia and Botswna itinerary will take you to the must see spetacular parts of both countries - from the tallest dunes in the world in Namibia to the remote safaris of Botswana. I also saw herds of zebra and quite a few elephants. You travel through both Botswana and neighboring Namibia on a landscape-laden road trip across ecosystems, keeping an eye for the elephants and other wildlife along the way. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. After a whole day of self-drive safari with a 1-hour break for a nap under a tree in the middle of the day time to go back to the camp, cook dinner, and get some rest. I checked in at the hotel outside the gate and headed to the National Park to buy my permit. Let's Pin the Planet together! Climbing a dune is harder than I predicted and for each step, I would take upward, I felt that I would slide 2 steps backand it started to get hot. Cost of crossing Botswana border post. I had 2 stops for a cold drink and also for fuel. Visitors to the area can expect to see animals year-round. No trip to Moremi is complete without a mokoro trip. Stay 1 night at Halali Campsite. You can get a 15% off your rental car when you book through this site. 3150 km Start in Namibia for towering dunes, salt pans, and a self-drive safari in Etosha National Park. On your arrival, theres still quite a lot to do. last time was for a 3 weeks vacation in China, now I need some tips for an African tour! The park's watering holes draw an astonishing variety of animals and birds from miles around, as they're the only source of water for the area. There was no hot water, and last day no water, and after a while all toilets are full. First, take a break andlook at the location of the Caprivi Strip on the map It is a 280-mile-long panhandle only 20 miles (32 kilometers) wide, a very interesting place on the map, and of course, to drive.
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