Okavango Delta and Deserts

Africa Botswana

This safari extravaganza takes you into the heart of Botswana and Namibia, cruising in open top jeeps from meerkat colonies to petrified valleys and waterways teeming with wildlife. With a huge amount of included game drives where you can spot roaming elephants, buffalo and lions - on this trip you'll also quad bike over dunes and experience a show performed by an indigenous tribes. The accommodation is either luxe glamping in safari parks or comfy lodges where you can kick back and take a dip in the pool when you're feeling the heat.
Okavango Delta and Deserts

Accommodation

DAY 1: Gweta Lodge (or similar) - Meals: Dinner
DAY 10: Ijaba Lodge (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 2: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Island Safari Lodge (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Town Lodge, Windhoek (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Soft Adventure Camp (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: Prost Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Prost Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Ijaba Lodge (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast

Experiences

Etosha National Park: Experience life in an African bushman village, as the local people give you a snapshot of their desert lifestyle.

Okavango Delta: Enjoy a sunset trip along the waterways of the Khwai River, looking out for the incredible animals that live here.

Okavango Delta: Enjoy another taste of wildlife spotting this afternoon.

Okavango Delta: Get up with the sun in search of the amazing wildlife in this garden of Eden.

Okavango Delta: It’s our last drive in the Delta! And our last chance to see any wildlife that eluded us on previous jaunts.

Okavango Delta: Our first taste of the Okavango Delta, as we head to our Contiki Safari Camp. Hopefully spotting some of the ‘Big Five’ on our way.

Sossusvlei: Explore Sossusvlei, snap shots of Deadvlei and wander around Big Daddy sand dune

DAY 1: Kasane to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Dumela Botswana! We start our adventure in the town of Kasane and head south to Gweta Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans. Opt to cruise the salt pans in open safari vehicles in search of a meerkat colony while getting some funky perspective photos in one of the largest salt flats in the world. Tonights treat is sundower drinks under an icon of Botswana before retiring to the lodge for dinner and drinks at the bar.

DAY 2: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to Okavango Delta

We will say goodbye to the pans (for now) and head on to the wildlife haven that is the Okavango Delta Our minds already blown by this unique natural landscape, it's off to the Okavango Delta, where we'll take an awe-inspiring game drive before settling into our exclusive Contiki Safari Camp. We'll be greeted with luxe two person dome tents - pre-erected of course - with stretchers, mattresses and linen. Dinner? How about a campfire meal as we swap tales under a starswept sky?

DAY 3: Okavango Delta

Get your David Attenborough voice on, we're in the heart of Africa's iconic wildlife filming paradise. This sprawling wetland is home to some of Africa's most incredible species and after a quick bite to eat we're off on an early morning game drive in the Okavango Delta in hopes of spotting elephants, hippos and (if we're lucky) some predators. We'll head back to camp for a tasty lunch and siesta. Chill in the camp or opt for a Mokoro boat trip along the gorgeous waterways of the delta. In the afternoon we're back on another jaw-dropping game drive before our traditional campfire dinner. This evening we've a once in a lifetime opportunity - a night drive in the bush with spotlights seeking out elusive nocturnal animals you can't find during the day.

DAY 4: Okavango Delta to Maun

Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive – eyes peeled for elephants – as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise. Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, don’t forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, you’ll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.

DAY 5: Maun to Windhoek

We've got a big day ahead of us today. We'll traverse two countries as we leave Botswana and head into Namibia. Here you'll say goodbye to your first Trip Manager and welcome a local Namibian Trip Manager who'll take charge of the rest of your adventure. After that, we'll head to Windhoek in the evening. Keep your eyes peeled (and cameras ready) for stunning Savannah scenery along the way. Tonight we'll check out the famous Joe's Beerhouse - an (eccentric) cattle ranch style restaurant. There's lots to choose from. But there's nothing better than some earthy Namibian game meat to kick off our time in Namibia.

DAY 6: Windhoek to Sossusvlei

After breakfast, we'll hit the road together to admire the beautiful countryside. Namibia's main attractions are spaced far apart so expect some long drives with jaw-dropping views along the way. Beautiful desert scenery, as well as historical and cultural stops on the route - we promise the drives won't be a bore. Our first stop will be for lunch near the Nauklauft Mountain Range on a vineyard, in the middle of the desert. Wine tasting anyone? This evening, we arrive at our accommodation near one of Namibia's most iconic attractions: Sossusvlei, a huge salt and clay pan framed by enormous dunes (some of the highest in the world). We'll Check in to our lodge and then get ready for a morning’s exploration with a big ol’ buffet dinner.

DAY 7: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

We're up early today – let’s get exploring the desert before it’s too hot! We start out at the Namib-Naukluft National Park, keeping our eyes open for Oryx and other desert-dwelling wildlife. Soon we'll jump off the vehicles and take a mesmerising walk into the sand dunes (barefoot of course) with cameras ready for 360 degrees views. Wandering along Big Daddy sand dune and down into Deadvlei, admiring the views, you’ll finally realise where your desktop background images come from. We'll hit the long road again, admiring more scenery on our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. After checking into our hotel take yourself for a sunset stroll and enjoy some of the local delicacies here.

DAY 8: Swakopmund

Welcome to Swakopmund, AKA adventurer's paradise as we explore the ocean and the surrounding desert. Wanna catch glimpses of dolphins, whales and seals (and other fascinating marine life)? Then join us for a morning seal kayaking experience at Pelican point. This afternoon, you have free time to explore this quaint German Town as you please. So, go for a beer in a Brauhaus, grab lunch on the pier, or even better - head to the dunes for a dose of adventure. And if you're more about those chill vibes, you'll love the tour of Mondesa Township this evening, where you'll meet the locals and feast on a home-made dinner in a traditional restaurant.

DAY 9: Swakopmund to Etosha

Today we head back inland for our Namibian safari destination of choice – Etosha. Before we arrive, we’ll stop off in the Erongo Mountains to visit the San Bushmen of Omandumba. Here, we’ll learn some of their language and be wowed at their skills and crafts as they educate us on how to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions. Then we're headed to our accommodation near Etosha (a pan so large it can be seen from space!). But it's the natural waterholes lining the edge that interests the wildlife, and that's why it interests us. Enjoy sundowners at the lodge while the excitement builds for tomorrow's game drive.

DAY 10: Etosha

We're up early for our first Namibian game drive in Etosha! From big cats to desert-savvy antelope, the wildlife viewing experience here is like nowhere else on Earth. At midday we'll head back to the lodge for lunch and siesta by the pool. Tonight, on our last night together, we’ll treat ourselves to one last buffet dinner.

DAY 11: Etosha to Windhoek

After breakfast, we drive back down to Windhoek to catch the afternoon flights back home, saying goodbye to new friends but cherishing our lifelong memories.   Please Note: Do not book flights that depart before 14:30pm on the last day of the trip.

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Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

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