A Unique Tours and Safaris 4x4 self-drive from Windhoek to the Victoria Falls covering the highlights of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe

Photo: Sunset over the Kavango River - near Rundu, Namibia

From Namibia, Across Borders

Highlights of Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe
19 Day/18 Night Self-drive Safari
from Windhoek via coastal and northern Namibia to north-eastern Botswana & Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Exploring Namibia is bound to be an adventure. Exploring northern Namibia incl. parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe, is an adventure filled with beauty, wildlife, cultures, and exploring the romantic realms of one of Africa's truly great rivers, the Zambezi.

This unique tour lets you experience a small coastal town steeped in history that is wedged between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean - Swakopmund.
Further north, feast your eyes on wide open plains, the desert adapted elephant as well as Namibian wildlife in Damaraland and the Etosha National Park.
Take in Africa in a part of Namibia where there is very seldom too little water but rather at some time of the year a little too much, the Caprivi Strip.
After crossing the border into Botswana, relax in the tranquil atmosphere of a luxury boat floating on the Chobe River while watching the wildlife of this big game country.
Admire the stunning sight of the mighty Zambezi River plunging some 108 meters into a gorge to become 'Mosi oa Tunya', the 'smoke that thunders' - famous Dr. Livingstone was the first foreigner to see this natural wonder and named it after his Queen: Victoria Falls.

 A Route Map and programme details of our:
19-Day Highlights of Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe

Unique Tours & Safaris, Namibia

Contact Heike by Email:
info@unique-tours-safaris.com

Web: www.unique-tours-safaris.com

P. O. Box 1301
Swakopmund/Namibia
Cell:  +264-(0)81-2122580
Tel/Fax: +264-(0)64-406313
NTB-Registration: TFA 00107

Highlights of Namibia,Botswana & Zimbabwe

19-Day/18-Night Accommodated Self-drive Safari
from Windhoek via coastal and Northern Namibia to North-eastern Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

This programme is also available as:
- accommodated guided tour
- self-drive & camping tour

Special vehicle rental conditions and cross-border fees will apply to this safari only, if you wish to take your hired vehicle outside Namibia instead of utilising the transfer service ex Katima Mulilo, as suggested under Tour Days 16 & 17 below.

Day 1     Windhoek
Upon arrival at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport, transfer to your nearby guest farm accommodation where the remainder of the day is at leisure.   After some rest and a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon, join the farmer for a game drive. Enjoy your first meal in this beautiful country with the sound of Africa in your ears and under a starry sky that you have most probably never seen before in such splendour.
Afrika Farm Ondekaremba - near Windhoek International Airport
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Game drive included
Khomas Region
“Ondekaremba” means “the place where grazing is good”. The lovely garden with landscaped pool area awaits you - enjoy a swim and simply relax.

Optional alternative lodging:
Airport Lodge - Budget
Hohewarte Guestfarm - Tourist Class
Eningu Clay House Lodge - Upmarket
Afrika Farm Ondekaremba - Camping

Please note:
Alternatively, upon arrival, proceed on the transfer straight into Windhoek to collect your rental vehicle (as applicable to guests who booked the camping version of this tour). Check in at the overnight facility outside town, at your leisure.

Day 2 and 3     Windhoek - Swakopmund
A morning transfer from Ondekaremba into Windhoek takes you to the vehicle rental company's office for collecting your rental vehicle, and allows for doing some shopping or sightseeing, before you leave the central highland for the Namibian coast.
You are heading west towards the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The small coastal town of Swakopmund is your destination. Explore its historic sites, sandy beaches and lively central business district on foot, and enjoy the offerings of many cosy restaurants and street-side cafés.
A self-drive excursion to nearby Walvis Bay introduces you to the Namib Desert's coastal dune belts and the marine life og the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
During a boat cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon, pelicans, seagulls, cormorants as well as dolphins and seals are regularly encountered. A lucky few also occasionally sight a Mola Mola (sun fish), a sea tortoise or a whale.

Optional activities in & around Swakopmund/Walvis Bay are available on request.
Beach Lodge - Swakopmund
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Boat trip included
Erongo Region
The Beach Lodge is the only hotel pension situated directly on the beach! Enjoy the magnificent view of the sea from each room, smell the fresh sea breeze, and sleep with the sound of the waves rolling onto the shore in your ears.

Optional alternative lodging:
Meike’s Guesthouse - Budget
Cornerstone Guesthouse - Tourist Class
Hansa or Swakopmund Hotel - Upmarket
Alte Brücke Resort - Camping

Day 4     Swakopmund - Erongo Mountains
The “Spitzkoppe” is a well known landmark of Namibia and forms part of the Erongo Mountains. On your way into the Erongo Mountains swerve past this rock formation and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For rock climbers this is Heaven, while less adventurous visitors are bound to marvel at the pre-historic rock paintings and the abundance of wildlife found in these mountains.
Optional guided afternoon activities are available through your lodge hosts.
Tonight you sleep on the northern slopes of the Erongo Mountains in comfortable bungalows. While walking to breakfast, enjoy some bird watching.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge - Omaruru District
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Erongo Region
Lying in a secluded valley, you will find Erongo Wilderness Lodge and its ten luxury tented chalets in a dramatic setting of granite boulders and breathtaking views.

Optional alternative lodging:
Eileen Guestfarm - Budget
Ai Aiba Lodge - Tourist Class
Erindi Lodge - Upmarket
Eileen Guestfarm - Camping

Day 5     Erongo Mountains - Twyfelfontein Area
Only a 15-minute drive from the Erongo Wilderness Lodge lies the historic village of Omaruru, which became a centre of the arts and handicrafts in recent years. Travelling further west, you reach the small settlement of Uis, named after a long deserted open-cast tin mine whose crater turned into a huge lake. On your way further north from Uis, you pass the Brandberg Massive with Namibia’s highest mountain peak and home of the famous “White Lady” rock painting. (A visit of the Brandberg's rock art sites is not for the faint-hearted or unfit and should only be attempted in the early hours of a winter morning, after an overnight in a nearby lodge. A Community Guide has to be hired for this outing on the spot.)
For this tour programme, we recommend continuing in a north-westerly direction and using the opportunity for a visit to the world heritage site of Twyfelfontein with its countless beautiful rock engravings. Strange geological formations like the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain as well as a Petrified Forest also await your call.
Upon arrival at your accommodation in the late afternoon, enjoy sundowners on the platform of your lodge.
Aabadi Mountain Camp - Twyfelfontein
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
Aabadi Mountain Camp is located in unspoiled Damaraland surroundings, approx. 20 kilometres away from Twyfelfontein. The rest camp is regularly visited by the famous desert-dwelling elephants of Northern Namibia.

Optional alternative lodging:
Camp Xaragu - Budget
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge - Tourist Class
Mowani Mountain Camp - Upmarket
Camp Xaragu - Camping

Day 6     Twyfelfontein - Palmwag Area
Today's destination is situated only some 80km further north: At Palmwag, you have various activity options, ranging from optional guided excursions on offer by the lodge that concentrate on wildlife and scenery to a self-drive outing to Fort Sesfontein, the gateway to Kaokoland. The fort was built as a police station some 100 years ago, by the 'Schutztruppe', the military wing during imperial Germany's brief colonial presence in former South West Africa.
Relaxation is possible around the beautiful pool of the lodge and its numerous outdoor facilities.
Palmwag Lodge - Damaraland
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
Palmwag Lodge is a paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland – a vacation spot with a difference.

Optional alternative lodging:
Fort Sesfontein - Tourist Class
Grootberg Lodge - Upmarket
Palmwag Lodge - Camping

Day 7     Palmwag Area - Afri-Leo Foundation
Today’s journey takes you via the Grootberg Pass, with stunning vistas across the Etendeka Mountains, and via the small town of Kamanjab to the south-western boundaries of the Etosha National Park. Kavita Lion Lodge is home to the Afri-Leo Foundation and its 9 000 ha game ranch borders the Etosha National Park. For more than 40 years, lions have moved from the Park onto these neighbouring farms, killing domestic livestock (cattle, donkeys, horses, sheep and goats) as well as various antelope species.
Kavita Lion Lodge - on the south-western boundaries of the Etosha National Park
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
A unique wilderness experience, warm hospitality and personal attention await you at Kavita Lion Lodge, situated on a game ranch in northwest Namibia.

Optional alternative lodging:
Rustig Toko Lodge - Tourist Class
Gelbingen Lodge - Upmarket
Kamanjab Rest Camp - Camping

Day 8     Afri-Leo Foundation - Etosha National Park
It is time to visit the park itself. Okaukuejo, the most western camp of Etosha, is your first destination and can be reached within a hald-day's drive. When passing through the village of Outjo consider visiting the local bakery for some road snacks, they are divine. Once inside the Etosha Nat. Park, enjoy game viewing at your leisure. Time permitting, drive to Okondeka on the western edge of the Etosha Pan - lions love to linger here before sunset.
Okaukuejo Rest Camp - Etosha National Park
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Oshikoto Region
Okaukuejo is famous for its flood-lit waterhole. Rest Camp facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool and kiosk.

Optional alternative lodging:
Vreugde Guestfarm - Budget
Taleni Etosha Village / Etosha Safari Camp - Tourist Class
Etosha Safari Lodge / Ongava Lodge - Upmarket
Etosha Safari Camp / Okaukuejo - Camping

Day 9     Etosha National Park
Elephants, birds, jackals, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, springbok, impala and herds of other plains game species make up the core of the game viewing activities in the days to come. Watch out for rhinos, reptiles, big cats too - all the wildlife of Southern Africa, except from the buffalo, are here but they sure know how to use camouflage to their advantage. So try to catch up with them at various waterholes, but be patient, stay in the car, and keep a save distance. What looks like a patch of yellow grass may well turn out to be a lion waiting for some dinner to arrive.
Thus you make you way to today's final destination, the Halali Rest Camp. If you get here around lunchtime already, you might see elephants taking their luncheon drink at the Moringa Waterhole.
Camp Halali - Etosha National Park
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Oshikoto Region
Located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, Halali is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady Mopane trees. All camps have facilities similar to those at Okaukuejo.

Optional alternative lodging:
Halali - Camping

Day 10     Etosha National Park
Is there really a game and bird species you have not seen yet? Don't worry, you have another full day's game viewing ahead of you while travelling towards the eastern Etosha Gate. So keep your binoculars and camera at hand. In the vicinity of Fisher’s Pan you might get lucky spotting hyenas. On the detour of Klein Namutoni, seeing the very shy, cute little “Blue Bucks”, so called because of to the bluish coat on their behind, will take some eye straining to distinguish them from the bush. And for a change of scenery, pop in at Namutoni Rest Camp to take a shot of the historic fort that also served as police station in gone-by colonial times.
Mushara Lodge - eastern boundaries, Etosha National Park
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Oshikoto Region
Mushara is located only 8 km from the Von-Lindequist-Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park. The name Mushara derives from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree, which grows in abundance in the lodge grounds and the surrounding area.

Optional alternative lodging:
Onguma Bush Camp / Etosha Aoba Lodge - Tourist Class
Onguma Tree Top / Mushara Outpost - Upmarket
Camp Namutoni - Camping

Day 11     Etosha National Park - Grootfontein Area
On your way to Namibia's far north-eastern regions!
Lake Oshikoto close to the mining town of Tsumeb still cherishes the secret of its depth and whether it has an underground connection to Lake Guinea. It is known for sure that some of the ammunition and weapons, sunk here by the German 'Schutztruppe' while fleeing from South African troops at the end of WW I, must still be lying at the bottom of the lake but not even experienced divers managed to reach it thus far.
The small Tsumeb Museum in town is a must-see for the keen historian or the geologist interested in Namibia's many unusual minerals. Another unique Namibian feature is the Hoba Meteorite found in a field to the west of Grootfontein. With approx. 20 tons of almost pure iron, it is the largest meteorite identified on the earth's surface.

Find your accommodation, the Dornhügel Guestfarm, just outside Grootfontein, a town established around a former South African army base with a large airport.
Dornhügel Guestfarm - Grootfontein District
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Otjozondjupa Region
Dornhügel is ideally situated on the doorstep to the unspoilt Bushmanland, today part of the Kavango Region, and also the gateway to the tropical Caprivi Strip further to the north-east.

Optional alternative lodging:
Roy’s Camp - Budget
Ghaub Guestfarm - Tourist Class
Roy’s Camp - Camping

Day 12     Grootfontein Area - Rundu
Large forests of Namibian teak timber and tiny bush villages of Kavango wood carvers line the almost straight tar road to the north. The region was named after the Kavango River, one of Namibia’s border forming rivers, that keeps drawing its countless visitors into its spell. Whether it is the natural surroundings, birding or game viewing that leads you into this region you will not be disappointed. Your accommodation is situated close to Rundu, on the banks of the Kavango River.
Hakusembe River Lodge - Rundu
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Kavango Region
Hakusembe River Lodge enjoys an idyllic location 12km west of Rundu, on the bank of the Okavango River and providing a glimpse of neighbouring Angola across the river. The lodge offers an exceptional range of river based activities.

Optional alternative lodging:
Sarasungu River Lodge - Budget
Kaisosi River Lodge - Tourist Class
Hakusembe River Lodge - Camping

Day 13     Rundu - Mahango Game Reserve
Mahango Game Reserve is traded as a secret tip amongst travellers on their way to the Caprivi or to Botswana's far north-western regions. Here, at the western end of the Caprivi Panhandle, better know as the Caprivi Strip, you may view a huge variety of game, including the rare roan antelope, in beautiful surroundings. In order to allow for an easy half-day visit to this small game reserve, your accommodation should preferably be close to the park's gate.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge - on the western banks of the Kavango River
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kavango Region
The lodge is situated close to the Popa Falls and overlooks the Bwabwata National Park. In case you might wonder: Yes, the Kavango of Namibia is the very same river that is called Okavango in Botswana and eventually forms the magnificent Okavango Delta that fizzles out in the heart of the Kalahari.

Optional alternative lodging:
Popa Falls Lodge - Budget
Mahangu Game Lodge - Tourist Class
Divava Okavango Lodge - Upmarket
Ndhovu Lodge - Camping

Day 14 and 15     Kavango River - Kwando River 
After crossing the Kavango River at Divundu, you travel eastwards through the Bwabwata National Park, the former Caprivi Game Park, to the next border forming river, the Kwando. Originating in Angola, the Kwando River divides the Caprivi Strip from the Caprivi head. Along its course its name changes to Mashi River, Linyanti River and, still further east, to Chobe, the river that forms the border shared by Namibia and Botswana.
Mazambala Island Lodge - Kwando River, Caprivi Strip
Bed & Breakfast
Caprivi Region
Discover the allure of Mazambala, an oasis of peace and tranquility where time stands still. Enjoy optional game drives, river cruises, bird watching, nature walks and fishing under the expert guidance of local guides.

Optional alternative lodging:
Camp Kwando - Tourist Class
Namushasha Lodge / Lianshulu Lodge - Upmarket
Mazambala Island Lodge / Camp Kwando - Camping

Day 16 and 17     Kwando River - Katima Mulilo - Chobe/Zambezi Cruise
You want to relax in luxury and do game viewing while lying in bed? No problem - the Ichobezi Safari Boat will offer you exactly this service. Since crossing the border to Botswana might be a little tiring in your own vehicle, return the rental vehicle in Katima Mulilo and use a transfer across the border (Ngoma Bridge) to the Kasane Immigration point in Botswana, from where a speed boat will take you to the Ichobezi.
Ichobezi Safari Boat - Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
Full board including activities
Transfer to Kasane included
Caprivi Region
Complete indulgence and ultimate luxury are experienced when you board one of the beautiful Ichobezi Safari Boats and cruise the waterways of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.

Since the cruise takes place in an area where 4 countries meet  - namely Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe - and where they share parts of these widely branching river systems, it is necessary to first enter Botswana, as there is no suitable overland access to that area from within Namibia.
Kasane in Botswana provides the only immigration point and other facilities to proceed by boat transfer to any water-locked destination within the area, even if it means returning to Namibia and ten re-entering Botswana on the way out.
Only lodges situated on the southern banks of the Chobe River, in the Kasane area of Botswana, can be reached by overland roads.  

Optional alternative lodging:
Water Lily Lodge - Budget (Kasane area, Botswana)
Kubu Lodge - Tourist Class (Kasane area, Botswana)
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge - Upmarket (on a Namibian island)

Day 18      Chobe/Zambezi Cruise - Victoria Falls    
"Mosi oa Tunya", the “smoke that thunders”, is one of the 7 world wonders and on your menu for today. After the cruise, a speed boat takes you back to the Immigration point in Kasane, and a road transfer will get you across the border from Botswana into Zimbabwe.
Upon reaching Gorges Lodge, check into your room and enjoy the view of the cloud of mist hanging over the famous water falls. A shuttle service is available to take you to Victoria Falls Park in the afternoon (shuttle bus & entrance fees are optional extras), from where you may experience the marvel of the Victoria Falls and its surrounding rain forest from close quarters. Depending on water levels in the Zambezi River, soaked clothing and a wet camera might be part of the deal but the sight of a rainbow rising out of the chasm against the backdrop of a curtain of water over 100 metres high will be the part never to be forgotten again.
Gorges Lodge - Zimbabwe
Bed & Breakfast
Transfer from Kasane/Botswana to Gorges Lodge/Zimbabwe included
A special lodge, uniquely situated high above the Zambezi River Gorge just downstream of the Victoria Falls, with dramatic views that are sure to take your breath away!

Optional alternative lodging:
Victoria Falls Rest Camp - Budget
Amadeus Garden Lodge - Tourist Class
Protea Hotel Livingstone - Upmarket
Victoria Falls Rest Camp - Camping

Day 19     Victoria Falls - Departure
Today you bid farewell to this amazing place that according to legend made Dr. Livingstone of Africa explorer fame utter the words: "A sight so beautiful it must have been gazed upon by angles."
Transfer to VFA Airport, in time for your outbound flight.

Services Included in this programme, on a SELF-DRIVE basis:
- Accommodation as indicated above
- 2-nights Luxury Boat Cruise incl. boat transfers from/to Kasane as indicated above
- Activities indicated as included above
- Meal basis as indicated above
- Vehicle rental from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo - 16 days:
  Suzuki Jimny or Toyota Camping Vehicle equipped for 2
  • Incl. unlimited mileage
  • Incl. insurance cover as per vehicle rental company utilised

- Road transfers:

  • from Katima Mulilo/Namibia to Kasane/Botswana
  • from Kasane to Gorges Lodge near Victoria Falls/Zimbabwe
  • from Gorges Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Not included are:
- Flights & Visa/Permits of any kind
- Sightseeing programme & entrance/park fees
- Optional activities

- Additional meals & all beverages
- Fuel for rental vehicle
- Purchases and expenses of a personal nature

On a GUIDED basis, the tour includes in addition to the above inclusions:
- English speaking driver-guide for the Namibia portion: Windhoek to Katima Mulilo,
  & all tour expenses pertaining to the guide.
  (From Day 16 to departure on Day 19: services as per self-drive programme)
- Transport in an air-conditioned 5-seater minibus & all tour expenses pertaining to
  the vehicle
- Sightseeing marked in bold above & the applicable entrance/park fees

An indication of the approximate cost of services included in this 19-day tour:
SELF-DRIVE:  Daily rate per person sharing rental vehicle & room: N$1970
GUIDED:      Daily rate per person sharing accommodation: N$3520/min. 2 guests

CAMPING:   Daily rate per person sharing camper rental: N$1500
 
All prices are based on service supplier rates valid until 31 October 2012