16 DAYS - KALAHARI - VICTORIA FALLS

Day 1: Lapa Lange Game Lodge, Kalahari Namibia
Reception and assistance at the international airport.
Vehicle Rental: SUV for 2 or 4 Pax, Minibus 4 Pax or more.
After a briefing with one of Dunas Safaris’ representatives you will depart towards the Kalahari.
 
Kalahari Namibia
The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. Here in Namibia it is typically red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.

Overnight: Lapa Lange Game Lodge
An upmarket lodge in the region, perfectly situated a days’ drive from Windhoek (300km), making it an ideal first or last stop and we believe it will be worth your while to come and see what we have to offer. Lapa Lange Game Lodge is a veritable oasis on the edge of the Kalahari, built with natural thatch and poles, together with landscaped rolling lawns and waterholes, creating a warm African welcoming atmosphere. The magnificent main buildings house the reception, curio shop, restaurants, bars and lounges all overlooking the rooms, swimming pool and a floodlit waterhole that hosts over 30 species of game. The floodlit waterhole, game drives and walking trails give your clients access to these rare species.
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Departure towards Namibia’s red desert Sossusvlei
 
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.
 
Overnight: Le Mirage Resort & Spa
Le Mirage Resort & Spa, a unique construction in the Namib desert, is situated at 21 km from the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei. This makes it one of the lodges closets to Sossusvlei and the ideal place to stay when you want to visit the highest dunes in the world! Guests are accommodated in 8 Camelthorn rooms and 19 Oasis rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, safe, mini bar and coffee & tea facilities. The lodge is accommodated in a large castle sheltering guests against the harsh desert climate. The spacious restaurant serves a fusion cuisine of European and Namibian dishes. A highlight at the resort is the Mystique Spa, wellness centre which specializes in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages and de-stress treatments. In the large courtyard guests can retreat to the swimming pool sheltered from the desert in an oasis of palm trees. On offer are quad bike tours, nature drives on the private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei, scenic flights and hot air ballooning. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day in the desert.
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day free in Sossusvlei to visit and take part in any of the below activities:
 
Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
Situated in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, one of the most fascinating landscapes in Namibia, is a photographer’s dream. Gigantic orange dunes, dramatic shadows, undulating plains and Rocky Mountains create a magical kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. To the east, Namib Rand Nature Reserve vast sandy plains are surrounded by towering granite mountains and rolling dunes. Here, in the oldest desert on the planet, amazingly adapted animals and plants come together to form one of the most visually stunning ecosystems in the world. And truly the best way to experience the heart of the Namib Desert is with a hot air balloon safari. Watching the spectacular sunrise over this magnificent landscape from a silent hot air balloon is the experience of a lifetime, never to be forgotten
At landing, you come back to earth with an “Out Of Africa” style champagne breakfast set up in the middle of nowhere. Your pilot will present you with a flight certificate before you take a leisurely nature drive back to the pick-up point.

Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.
 
Dead Vlei
This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.

Big Daddy 250m
Sossusvlei’ s highest dune, and indeed one of the highest on the planet, Big Daddy towers above the surrounding desert, measuring well over 300 metres above sea level. It takes around 50 minutes to climb Big Daddy – and the views from the top are spectacular, overlooking Deadvlei with its ancient petrified trees and stretching for miles over the red sands of the Namib. If you plan on hiking to the top, remember to take plenty of water and sun protection.
Visit the social project Little Bugs proudly sponsored by Dunas Safari.

Head towards the cooler coastal town of Swakopmund, along the way you will experience some of Namibia’s most iconic views. Not to mention the photo opportunity when you drive through the Tropic Of Capricorn.
 
Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
 
Overnight: Hotel Eberwein
Welcome to the lovingly restored Hotel Eberwein. Enjoy your days in Swakopmund and let yourself be pampered in this personally managed hotel which is one of the most beautiful buildings in town. After an extensive remodelling in 2012, it now provides modern comfort combined with the charm of Victorian times. Modern amenities in one of the 17 rooms such as a television, telephone, minibar, hair dryer and underfloor heating for cold days in Swakopmund ensure your comfort and well-being in a very cosy environment. The fabric and furniture were very carefully matched to the overall style of the building. The protected heritage façade and the rooms in the main buildings with their stucco ceilings are complemented by modern ambiance. The tasteful colour coordination brings out the playful art nouveau elements in the inside and the windows of the 100-year-old building. The hotel is marked by this extraordinary atmosphere and is a small jewel in the historical coastal town.
 
Included
Bed & Breakfast

Your second day in Swakopmund, can be arranged to your liking. No activities are included on this day.
 
We suggest:
• Walvis Bay Lagoon.
• Visit Dune 7.
 
For the more adventurous, 4x4 bikes & sand boarding (OPTIONAL, seasonal price, to pay at site)
• Panoramic Flight (OPTIONAL)
• Skydiving (OPTIONAL)
 
We suggest a Dolphin & Seal Cruise. This activity starts at 08h15m and ends with a nice lunch on board the catamaran with fresh oysters and line fish as well as light snacks.
 
Dolphin & Seal Cruise
• Desert camel rides
• Kayak
 
Overnight: Hotel Eberwein
Included
Bed & Breakfast

Today we travel up the Skeleton Coast taking some time to visit Cape Cross along the way, this biggest seal colony in the world. As we drive up the Skeleton Coast you will have the opportunity to stop and admire a Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant unique to the Namib Desert with some of them being an estimated 1500 years old before arriving in Damaraland.
 
Damaraland
Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.
 
Overnight: Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge & Campsite is situated in the Palmwag Concession next to one of the tributaries of the ephemeral Uniab River in north western Damaraland / Kunene region. The lodge and campsite is nestled between huge Makalani palms and Mopane trees. Palmwag Lodge is situated 500 meters north of the veterinary control gate on the C 43 to Sesfontein. From Kamanjab you can reach Palmwag Lodge on the C 40, 120 kilometres away, and from Khorixas you can reach Palmwag Lodge on the C 39, 160 kilometres away. Palmwag Lodge is an ideal stop over on the way to the Kaokoland, Etosha and the coast. Palmwag Lodge manages and operates the 582,000-hectare large concession area. Abundant wildlife such as mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert adapted elephant, the endangered black rhino and many other species occur here. Palmwag Lodge operates a well-maintained gravelled runway for fly in safaris, just a few hundred meters away from the lodge. The runway is 1200 meters long. Coordinates: S 19˚ 52’ 48” E 13˚ 56’ 47”
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Head towards Etosha via the Grootberg pass, you will enter the park through the Galton gate and use the last 100km towards the lodge as you first game drive in the Etosha National Park.
 
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premiere game viewing experience, situated in the northwest of Namibia and is an area well known for its wildlife. Vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife. In the heart of the Park is The Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000sq kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains to a depth which is seldom deeper than 1m. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing
 
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort
Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Use this day to explore the park as you make your way to the Von Lindequist gate. Take you time to cross the park making use of the opportunity to stop and admire the huge variety of animals in their natural habitat from the mighty elephant to the tiny ground squirrel.
 
Overnight: La Rochelle Lodge
Slightly east from Etosha on the B15 / M75 road only 45 km north from Tsumeb is La Rochelle Lodge. Amidst majestic fig trees, lush gardens and meandering freshwater springs is a fine complement of luxury and private accommodation. The 10 000ha, game reserve is host to a variety of indigenous antelope species and bird life. Game drives and hiking on foot are popular activities amongst others. La Rochelle fits in perfectly as a one night or longer stay destination with a focus on optimum luxury, personalised hosting and relaxation. Etosha National Park can be reached on a more scenic route via the D3001 district road before reaching Tsintsabis. Travelling further north is an option for the intrepid traveller who wishes to explore the kaleidoscope of traditional villages and local culture. Other attractions en-route: Etosha National Park, Oshikoto and lake Guinas are easy to reach within a day's travel. Between Tsumeb and Grootfontein is the Hoba meteorite. It's the world's largest meteorite and still visible were it hit the ground approximately 80 thousand years ago.
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Return to Etosha and use the full day to explore the park stopping at one of the lodges inside the park for lunch.
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Leave the lodge after breakfast (as early as possible) today you will have an 800Km trip towards the Caprivi.
 
Bwabwata National Park
The 6,100-square-kilometre Bwabwata National Park incorporates the West Caprivi Triangle around Kongola, the Mahango Game Reserve, Popa Falls and the Buffalo Core Area. The park aims to rehabilitate wildlife populations that were lost to poachers; therefore community game guards and resource monitors are employed as part of a long-term strategy aimed at conservation as well as job creation for local Caprivian people. It is because of places like Bwabwata that there has been a steady increase in the numbers of Namibian wildlife, including several rare species. The best time to visit the park is in October when animals gather around the remaining waterholes along the Kwando River.
 
Overnight: Namushasha River Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
As the evening sky turns into a red glow you sit back, high above the river, enjoying a chilled drink while listening to the deep grunt of hippos – this experience awaits you on the sundowner deck of Namushasha River Lodge on the Kwando River in eastern Caprivi. Situated 24 km south of Kongola on the C 49 (former D 3501), it is the perfect stop-over en-route to the Victoria Falls. Apart from 24 rooms in chalets the lodge consists of a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. Watch elephant, hippo, buffalo or sable antelope on excursions by boat and off-road vehicle or take time to observe the colourful birdlife (more than 400 species).

Day free to relax and enjoy the activities offered by the lodge (not included)
 
Included
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Depart towards Botswana, please allow 1 hour for border crossing formalities. Game drives in the Chobe with the professional guides of the lodge included.
 
Chobe River Front
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.
 
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on the doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi. The close proximity to Victoria Falls International Airport, Livingstone International Airport and Kasane International Airport makes it easily accessible, with daily road transfers or charter flights connecting all these airports with Chobe Safari Lodge.
 
Included
Full board + activities

A private transfer across the border to Victoria falls sees you arriving at One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.
 
Overnight: The Kingdom Hotel
Quatermains, The Rapid Pool, The Wild Thing and The Pit sound like titles of movies or books not quite suitable for all ages. They are in fact the names of the four bars in African Sun’s closest hotel to the Victoria Falls, The Kingdom at Victoria Falls. This is a fun-filled resort hotel aimed unashamedly at the tourist who wants to take in the majesty and excitement of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Complete with its own food court offering a wide choice of relaxing or quick meals, suiting all ages, The Kingdom at Victoria Falls also offers three swimming pools and a toddlers pool, a children’s play area and, for the ladies, planning a “night on the town” or a visit to the resort’s own casino, a spa and beauty parlour. The architecture draws on the ancient Kingdom of Munhumutapa, with great domes, pillars, and bridges over the many water features, The Kingdom’s fun-filled atmosphere gives guests a unique blend of African tradition and Western leisure.
 
Included
Bed & Breakfast

Day free to visit the falls and take part in the endless activities offered by the local operators (activities not included)
 
Included
Bed & Breakfast

Transfer to the Victoria Falls international airport according to your flight home.