Namibia & Botswana roadtrip through landscapes with unique safaris and beautiful hikes

Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert, surrounded by the highest dunes on Earth, promises an unforgettable Namibian experience. The iconic Dune 45 and Deadvlei, with its 700-year-old black trees in a white clay pan, mesmerise visitors with a blend of mystery and beauty. An early start reveals the magic of the golden hour as you walk across the dunes, and in the evening, you're rewarded with a sky full of bright stars. Namibia's vast orange dune landscape invites capturing stunning moments, making every traveller fall in love with this surreal landscape.

Swakopmund, a charming mix of sea and desert, welcomes travellers with German flair and countless activities. Explore the local cuisine and architecture, while the beach and sea invite swimming and sunbathing. The Jetty Pier offers a picturesque view, while stocking up on supplies is essential for further adventures. This 'activity paradise' offers a wide range of pursuits, from quad biking to skydiving and scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. Don't miss the kayak experience and desert tour, where you may even spot 'the little five.' Swakopmund promises a refreshing and unforgettable Namibian experience!

Spitzkoppe, which rises a staggering 1,728 metres above the ground, is a striking landmark in the Namibian landscape. The granite of the Spitzkoppe mountain range is over 700 million years old. Comprising several large, distinctive peaks that rise from various parts of the landscape, the main peak is known as Gross Spitzkoppe. The mountain’s characteristic shape has earned it the nickname the Matterhorn of Namibia. The area is a paradise for hikers and climbers, and the view from the top is an incredible reward for the effort required to climb the rock to reach it.

In the rugged landscape of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, with its impressive rock formations and towering mountains, both humans and animals have made a home amidst challenging conditions. The 'Desert Elephants and Rhinos' and the local people have thrived here for years, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This area is remarkable not only for its bizarre landscape but also for the resilience of its inhabitants. Today, you have a full day to explore the desolate Damaraland, with activities ranging from rhino tracking to cultural tours, allowing every visitor to enjoy the fascinating mix of nature and human life.

Welcome to Etosha National Park, a vast wildlife reserve that is home to an impressive variety of animals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. The park is renowned for its abundance of waterholes, where animals gather to drink, offering breathtaking sightings. The expansive Etosha Salt Pan, a dried-up lake, provides a unique landscape where elephants cover themselves with the white clay as sunscreen—a phenomenon that can only be seen here. There are various activities to enjoy, such as sundowner drives and night safaris, where you explore the bush and search for predators hunting under the cover of night. Etosha is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast!

On to Rundu in the unique Caprivi Strip! A lively and bustling town with many people on the streets, businesses, a football field, and local markets. As you head towards your lodge or campsite, often located on the banks of the Okavango River, you’ll find yourself in an oasis of tranquillity. A boat cruise is the best way to experience the beauty of the Okavango River. As you sail, you’ll get even closer to the many birds, as well as hippos and crocodiles that are abundant here. It’s incredibly relaxing to drift leisurely along the river.

Kasane is located near Africa’s "Four Corners", where Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia meet. Because Kasane is right next to the Chobe River, there are plenty of opportunities (for example, from the lodge) to spot wildlife enjoying the refreshment of the river. Elephants (lots and lots of elephants), buffaloes, and hippos are all too eager to cool down and replenish here. Kasane is the perfect base for a safari in Chobe National Park and for visiting Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls is the widest waterfall in Africa, with a curtain of water over 1,700 metres wide and 100 metres high, and around 500 million litres of water cascade over the rock face every minute. Explorer David Livingstone wrote of the falls: "such lovely scenes must have been admired by the angels during their flights." Victoria Falls is compact enough to explore on foot and serves as an ideal base for travellers wanting to discover this seventh wonder of the world! Walk along all the viewpoints of the falls and feel the rain sprays from all directions. Make sure to protect your camera, as you will definitely get wet from these powerful falls!

Welcome to Chobe National Park, where adventure awaits on challenging routes that take you deeper into the wilderness. Prepare for encounters with Africa's diverse wildlife, from elephants to rare wild dogs. The park, bordering the Okavango Delta, is home to large herds of elephants along the Chobe Riverfront and features floodplains that attract birds and migrating zebras. Lions, antelope, and hippos inhabit the forests and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh. Explore the pristine nature and dirt trails, and be ready for animal encounters as you navigate through water, pits, and mud. Chobe National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of Africa.

You will drive on to the Makgadikgadi National Park. Here, you'll feel as though you're alone in the world, surrounded by miles of nothing but open plains and wildlife. If you're lucky, you might spot cheetahs, foxes, or hyenas. A sunset from a remote campsite is unforgettable, just like the world-renowned salt pans. Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park form an expansive area filled with baobab trees. Visit the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary for flamingos and pelicans, and don't forget to meet the famous Timon, one of the meerkats accustomed to human company!

Explore the magical Okavango Delta, one of the most visited destinations in Southern Africa, but not easily accessible due to the many rivers, lakes, and marshes. The constantly changing water levels make it challenging to navigate, so a boat trip or flight is essential for a spectacular experience. The Mokoro trip offers the ultimate Botswana adventure, drifting through the delta in search of wildlife, with stops for lunch, game walks, and refreshing swims. Enjoy sunsets that reflect in the still waters and spend the night on an island in the heart of the bush for a truly off-the-beaten-track experience under the starry sky.

As the drive from Botswana to Windhoek is too long to complete in one go, we make a stopover in Ghanzi. It has a handful of lodges, restaurants, and shops. D'Kar Village is located nearby and is home to the popular Kuru Bushman Museum and Cultural Centre. The museum focuses on the history of the San people and features exhibits, a crafts centre, a library, and various workshops. Visit the "Kuru Art Project," where the San create art as their ancestors once did to earn an income. The paintings depict animals, birds, mythical figures, and hunting scenes. Be inspired and take home a truly valuable souvenir.

Everything comes to an end, including this wonderful adventure. Fully rested, you pack your bags to get on the plane home. With a nice healthy colour on your cheeks, you board the plane. With your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you relive the cool adventures of the past few days. Full of inspiration and with an overdose of wonderful memories, you return home. Unspoilt nature, lush wildlife, inspiring people & vibrant cities. You now have plenty of stories to tell family and friends later by the fire. An adventure over, but a new set of experiences richer.