Namibia and Botswana self drive 17 days

The day is exclusively dedicated to spotting the rich wildlife in Etosha National Park, surrounding the arid salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park hosts 4 of the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Etosha was declared the first conservation area in Namibia in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the park's size, only the southern edge is accessible to visitors. Animal sightings in the park are largely centered around waterholes, some spring-fed and some provided by drilled wells—ideal places to sit and observe over 114 different species of wildlife or, for avid birders, over 340 species of birds. You'll find famous animal species like giraffes, blue wildebeests, mountain zebras, hyenas, lions, leopards, antelopes like kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some endangered species like black rhinos, cheetahs, and black-faced impalas. An extensive road network connects over 30 waterholes, allowing visitors the opportunity for a comprehensive safari experience throughout the park, with each area offering unique encounters. Overnight and dinner at Etosha Safari Lodge.

Traveling along interesting and scenic roads, you'll leave Etosha NP and head southwest, passing through Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain (2,579 m), into Damaraland, one of Africa's least populated and geologically diverse regions. This rugged and rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, black rhinos, and many antelope species. Accompanied by a local Damara guide, you'll visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2,500 images around 6,000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Damara Museum, you'll proceed to the Petrified Forest—a geological phenomenon that describes the transformation of wood into stone among some of the Earth's oldest landmasses. Here, you can also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant—the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Overnight at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, dinner included.

Breakfast and departure for Cape Cross, the largest colony of southern hemisphere fur seals. An unforgettable experience. The exact number of seals in the colony isn't known, estimated between 80,000 and 100,000 individuals. On the way from Cape Cross to Swakopmund, stop for photos at the Zeila wreck. Lunch at Cape Cross Restaurant. Overnight in Walvis Bay at Oyster Box or similar (depending on availability).

Breakfast and departure for Sossusvlei on C14, considered by many as one of the most beautiful roads in Namibia, and I fully agree. You can stop for lunch at Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, a wonderful lodge nestled on a hill's ridge, built with local materials, fantastic view of the valley below. Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge at the park's entrance gate.

Early morning departure for the dunes (#45, #17, but especially Big Daddy Dune) that you'll "climb." Breathtaking experience. As we'll be leaving early in the morning, the lodge will prepare a packed breakfast for you. Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended, and your lodge will provide the packed breakfast. Lunch at the park's entrance restaurant, afternoon rest, and return to the dunes... Unforgettable colors. Return and dinner at the lodge.

Breakfast and departure for Aus. You'll take the C14 and C13, and the scenery will hold many surprises. Lunch in the oasis of Betta, where you can stock up. Continuing a few kilometers north on D826, you'll reach one of Namibia's most incredible places, Duwisib Castle, built in 1909 by Baron and Captain Heinrick Von Wolf to entice his American wife to move to Namibia. Overnight in Aus at Bahnhof Hotel. The Bahnhof's chefs are among the best in Namibia.

Breakfast and departure for Luderitz, visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop—an interesting abandoned settlement about 50 years old, slowly being reclaimed by the desert. Eerie and fascinating... beautifully photogenic. Visiting hours are usually from 9:30 to 11:00. Lunch at Diaz Coffee Shop in Luderitz, a simple restaurant with an incredible and fresh variety of fish. Tables are made from old lobster traps, and benches from old buoys. After lunch, I recommend visiting Diaz Point. On the way back, stop at Garub to see the wild horses of the Namib. Return to Aus and overnight at Bahnhof Hotel.

Breakfast and departure for Zebra Kalahari Lodge, half-board accommodation. The road is beautiful, less traveled, and covering long distances is not tiring at all. In the afternoon, a walk with the Bushmen through the desert dunes—a marvelous experience. The Bushmen are the most knowledgeable about local nature (plants, animals). One activity I highly recommend at this lodge is dinner on the dunes... WONDERFUL!

After breakfast, depart for Ghanzi (Botswana). The best road to Ghanzi is D1268, then C21 towards Hoachanas, then follow C15 to Kalkrand, turn right onto C25 until it intersects with C23 where you'll turn right until Leonardville, where you'll turn left onto C20 to Goba, where you'll encounter the B6 (national road), which you'll follow to the border at Buitepos. Continue on A2 until you intersect with A3. Take A3 north to Ghanzi, where you'll overnight at Kalahari Arms. (594 Km, 6.5 hours)

Breakfast and departure for Maun. The landscape on this transfer is almost lunar, driving through Tihabologo Trust Reserve and Central Kalahari Reserve. A perfect day for an afternoon flight over the Okavango Delta (not included in the trip price), departing from Maun Airport at 15:30, time to be confirmed. Overnight at Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa in Maun or similar (depending on availability).

Breakfast, departure from your lodge for a mokoro excursion, a traditional boat of the Okavango Delta. Packed lunch organized by the lodge. Exploring the delta's channels with the mokoro is a unique experience—no noise, untouched nature, unforgettable day. You'll stop for lunch on one of the many islands in the delta. Your guide will also be the "captain" of your boat.

Breakfast and departure for Makgadikgadi National Park—an incredible landscape, from tall mopane trees to the yellow grass savannah. Vast horizons and an incredible concentration of animals. The park is less known to mass tourism but absolutely worth a visit. You'll enter the park from Xhumaga village using the ferry (cash payment). Packed lunch—I recommend buying food and drinks at a Maun supermarket. Exit at Phuduhudu gate on A3, about 77 Km from Gueta village. Past the Gweta turnoff, towards Nata, you'll find Planet Baobab where you'll overnight. This lodge is set in a forest of ancient baobabs.

Breakfast and departure for Kasane, where you'll overnight. The main roads are well-maintained and practically traffic-free. The road from Maun to Kasane runs through Chobe, and you'll likely encounter elephants, zebras, sables, and many other wildlife along the way. Mandatory stop at Elephant Sand, 55 km after Nata town. The lodge has an excellent restaurant and a natural water source used by passing elephants to drink. In the afternoon, I recommend visiting Senyati Safari Camp for drinks on the terrace. The view of the water source is exciting; just before sunset, dozens of buffaloes and large herds of elephants come to drink. Overnight at Kwalape Safari Lodge.

Breakfast and departure for Victoria Falls with African Bush Lover, local professionals, well-organized, very serious and knowledgeable. They will pick you up, take you to Victoria Falls, organize lunch for you, and bring you back to your hotel. In addition to visiting the falls, you can choose to walk with lions, take a helicopter flight, or, an absolute must, swim in the Devil's Pool. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Half-day departure for Chobe (remember to have your packed breakfast prepared by your lodge). You'll retrace the same trails, and each day offers a different spectacle. As it's the dry season, the park's interior doesn't have much water, so there won't be as many animals. Return to Kasane by 2:30 pm, depart for the Chobe Boat Tour at 3:00 pm. A boat ride on the river is truly unforgettable. Return to Kasane and dinner at the lodge.

Breakfast, transfer to Kasane Airport, departure for the return flight to your country.