Example trip

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

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Highlights

Water activities, safari, authentic encounters, bike and boat safaris, road trips, hiking, and camping

Locations

Namibia & Botswana

Budget

from € 3.500,- p.p. excl. flight tickets

Road tripping and camping under the starry sky

Get ready for an intense road trip through the epic landscapes of Namibia and Botswana and discover the diversity of these unique countries. Drive from the world’s oldest desert to the largest inland delta, and finish at one of the largest salt pans on earth. Add an abundance of wildlife, baobab trees, and stars in the night sky, and your camera will be working overtime! There's plenty of action too, with fun activities like kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking, ensuring you spend enough time out of the car. For your cultural dose, enjoy the Katatura City Tour, the Hambukushu Village tour, or a visit to the Kuru Art Project.

22 days in Namibia & Botswana

Day 1

Arrival

Welcome to Namibia! The journey begins in the capital, Windhoek. To be honest, Windhoek isn’t particularly noteworthy, except for the Katutura City Tour, which we highly recommend. Katutura is the area where you’ll experience the real Africa. After that, the road trip can't start soon enough. You'll get a sturdy 4x4 vehicle, allowing you to travel without worry, though it does require some preparation. Check our self-drive page for more details, and perhaps take the Isabis 4x4 trail at the start of your trip to get familiar with the beast. You'll sleep comfortably in authentic lodges or in the car's rooftop tent—how cool!

Day 2 - 3

Sossusvlei

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.

Day 4 - 5

Swakopmund

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!

Day 6

Spitzkoppe

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.

Day 7

Damaraland

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.

Day 8 - 10

Etosha National Park

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!

Day 11 - 12

Rundu

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.

Day 13

Kasane

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.

Day 14

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!

Day 15

Chobe National Park

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.

Day 16 - 18

Makgadikgadi National Park

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!

Day 19 - 20

Okavango Delta

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.

Day 21

Ghanzi

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.

Day 22

Departure

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.

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Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Namibia & Botswana?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   RJ 
 68 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 75 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 90 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 92 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 162 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 183 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 269 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 286 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 286 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 286 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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    +4
 
 
 
 
 
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   Jan 
 287 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 324 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 338 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Saskia Looijen 
 345 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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