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FROM US$6,000-US$8,130

Sable Self-drive Safari

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

Sable Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Sable Self-drive Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.


Day 1

Starts: Windhoek International Airport

About image
Day 1

Pick-up car: Windhoek International Airport

13:00
Windhoek International AirportNamibia

Collet your hire vehicle from Windhoek airport at the beginning of your holiday.

Elegant Guesthouse
Day 1

Elegant Guesthouse

1 night
Bed & BreakfastWindhoek, Namibia

Elegant is a simple, homely guesthouse that provides the ideal starting or finishing point for an epic Namibian road-trip. A simple, chic Windhoek guesthouse that’s the ideal place to relax at the beginning or end of your trip. Elegant by name, elegant by nature. It’s the watchword of this simple, contemporary pension in quiet residential neighbourhood Klein Windhoek. The guesthouse is close enough to the city centre (five minutes’ drive ish) to revel in the low-key buzz of Namibia’s capital, but far enough away to offer a slice of suburban cool (literally, thanks to plenty of shady spots).

Elegant Guesthouse

Elegant is a simple, homely guesthouse that provides the ideal starting or finishing point for an epic Namibian road-trip. A simple, chic Windhoek guesthouse that’s the ideal place to relax at the beginning or end of your trip. Elegant by name, elegant by nature. It’s the watchword of this simple, contemporary pension in quiet residential neighbourhood Klein Windhoek. The guesthouse is close enough to the city centre (five minutes’ drive ish) to revel in the low-key buzz of Namibia’s capital, but far enough away to offer a slice of suburban cool (literally, thanks to plenty of shady spots).

Six low-slung white-and-brick rooms gathered around a courtyard are welcoming and comfortable, and the palm trees sticking out of the corrugated roof add a playful touch.

There’s an easy-breezy open-plan feel here, helped by the homely lounge (particularly inviting after a hot afternoon spent exploring Windhoek), pool surrounded by sun loungers, pot plants placed at jaunty angles around the property and groomed lawn complete with bistro furniture. The easy-going vibe makes it an ideal place to begin or end your Namibia trip.

"A pleasant stopover in Windhoek with helpful staff. "

Mr & Mrs GfromCottenham

Arrived 25 Nov 2022, 1 night

Although the breakfast here is excellent (think eggs and bacon on demand), make the pilgrimage to Joe’s Beerhouse down the road from the hotel for lunch or dinner. It’s a lively, beer bottle-decorated sprawl of tables and a local must-do. See our full report on Elegant Guesthouse

87%
132 reviews of Elegant Guesthouse by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Cultural excursion

Onguma Camp Kala
Days 2-4

Onguma Camp Kala

2 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesEtosha National Park, Namibia

Relax in luxury and be lulled to sleep among the tree tops at Onguma Camp Kala. And in case that’s not adventurous enough, your bedroom can be left entirely open to one side, with the sights and the sounds of the bush all around.

Onguma Camp Kala

Relax in luxury and be lulled to sleep among the tree tops at Onguma Camp Kala. And in case that’s not adventurous enough, your bedroom can be left entirely open to one side, with the sights and the sounds of the bush all around.

Watch the comings and goings at the floodlit waterhole from your balcony, or even from the open-air shower: at Camp Kala, the antelope, giraffe, zebra and more that come to drink are rarely out of your sight – and nor is the occasional predator.

In the hub of the camp you’ll find a comfortable lounge with a warming stove and a help-yourself bar. Chat with the chefs in the open-plan kitchen while they prepare your meal, or head for the cosy firepit where guests – never more than eight – gather to discuss the day’s adventures (though still with a watchful eye on the waterhole, of course).

"great wildlife viewing from rooms to nearby waterhole."

Dr's WfromVictoria

Arrived 24 Aug 2019, 2 nights

So come for the wildlife – both in the private Onguma Reserve and in Namibia’s renowned magnet for wildlife, Etosha National Park. Come for the intimacy and the shared experience. But above all, come for the feel of the bush and a real sense of the wilderness. See our full report on Onguma Camp Kala

97%
43 reviews of Onguma Camp Kala by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

River Dance Lodge
Day 4

River Dance

1 night
Half BoardCaprivi Strip, Namibia

Opened in 2010, River Dance Lodge is built high in the riverine forest that lines northern Namibia’s Kavango River. This small, owner-run property has strong community links, with many of the staff hired from local villages. Guests at River Dance are invited to soak up the view, relax on the river and learn more about the Caprivi’s prolific birdlife.

River Dance Lodge

Opened in 2010, River Dance Lodge is built high in the riverine forest that lines northern Namibia’s Kavango River. This small, owner-run property has strong community links, with many of the staff hired from local villages. Guests at River Dance are invited to soak up the view, relax on the river and learn more about the Caprivi’s prolific birdlife.

"Good rest point"

AlexfromSeattle

Arrived 11 Aug 2022, 1 night

With views of the river, a tranquil setting and excellent birdlife, River Dance is a great spot for birding, fishing or simply taking in the setting. On our last visit we so enjoyed the ambience and food that we wished we could have stayed longer. The only down side seems to be the lack of proximity to the Caprivi’s national parks. That said, as a place to kick back and relax River Dance would be hard to beat. See our full report on River Dance Lodge

93%
16 reviews of River Dance by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Nxamaseri Lodge
Days 5-7

Nxamaseri Lodge

2 nights
Full Board & ActivitiesNorth-west Kalahari & Panhandle, Botswana

Floating down the narrow, lily-strewn channels that surround Nxamaseri offers a truly tranquil perspective on the Okavango. As your boat glides up to Nxamaseri's wooden jetty, the lodge's island location comes into its own. Cast away for the duration of your stay, you'll be welcomed and looked after by staff drawn largely from the local community.

Nxamaseri Lodge

Floating down the narrow, lily-strewn channels that surround Nxamaseri offers a truly tranquil perspective on the Okavango. As your boat glides up to Nxamaseri's wooden jetty, the lodge's island location comes into its own. Cast away for the duration of your stay, you'll be welcomed and looked after by staff drawn largely from the local community.

Spacious chalets of wood and canvas nestle into the thick riverine vegetation, most high enough to look over the water from their wooden decks and semi-open bedrooms – and deliciously cool even in the heat of the day.

Sharing that perspective are a comfortable lounge with handcrafted furniture, a solid communal dining table, and a firepit where guests gather to discuss the day's adventures.

Nxamaseri was founded as a fishing lodge, and remains a superb spot for both experienced anglers and those just wanting to have a go – in the expert hands of guides who have grown up around these waters.

Come, too, for the birds – the resident waterbirds, the occasional rarity such as the slaty egret or African skimmer, and those that flock here on migration, including the spectacular carmine bee-eater.

"We went to Tsodillo Hills which I recommend."

Ms UfromIdaho

Arrived 19 Jan 2023, 2 nights

But most of all, come for the setting – both the river itself, and the nearby Tsodilo Hills, whose ancient rock art reflects a culture whose influence continues down the years. See our full report on Nxamaseri Lodge

93%
79 reviews of Nxamaseri Lodge by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Mokoro

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Days 7-9

Nkasa Lupala

2 nights
Half BoardCaprivi Strip, Namibia

Surrounded by trees in the beautiful and peaceful Wuparo Conservancy, the small Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge was opened in 2011. The lodge is built on the banks of a channel of the Kwando–Linyanti river system, only a short drive from the Namibia’s Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) National Park and is a perfect base from which to explore this little-visited corner of the Zambezi Region (widely known as the Caprivi Strip).

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

Surrounded by trees in the beautiful and peaceful Wuparo Conservancy, the small Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge was opened in 2011. The lodge is built on the banks of a channel of the Kwando–Linyanti river system, only a short drive from the Namibia’s Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) National Park and is a perfect base from which to explore this little-visited corner of the Zambezi Region (widely known as the Caprivi Strip).

"A truly remote lodge.. amazing views from the lodge.. game drive was excellent.."

Mr. & Mrs. EfromUK

Arrived 3 Nov 2023, 2 nights

Remote Nkasa Lupala is a lovely choice for exploring Nkasa Rupara National Park, and its open location should attract those with a sense of adventure. Food, service and comfort are all of a high standard, and the remote location gives a real sense of being in the wilderness. See our full report on Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

93%
33 reviews of Nkasa Lupala by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Mokoro

Self-guided walking

About image
Day 9

Drop-off car: Garden Lodge

16:00
Garden LodgeBotswana

We'll collect the vehicle from Garden Lodge on the evening after you arrive there, at the end of the self-drive section of your trip.

Chobe River Lodge
Days 9-11

Chobe River Lodge

2 nights
Half BoardChobe National Park, Botswana

A riot of lush foliage frames the entrance to the Chobe River Lodge, hinting at the far-from-corporate guesthouse within. Indeed, this attractive thatched building has more in common with a safari lodge than with Kasane’s large hotels. Quietly secluded within beautiful gardens, it’s an uncomplicated set up matched by personal service and a friendly touch that is often missing from the larger establishments.

Chobe River Lodge

A riot of lush foliage frames the entrance to the Chobe River Lodge, hinting at the far-from-corporate guesthouse within. Indeed, this attractive thatched building has more in common with a safari lodge than with Kasane’s large hotels. Quietly secluded within beautiful gardens, it’s an uncomplicated set up matched by personal service and a friendly touch that is often missing from the larger establishments.

For starters, guests dine together at one big communal table, overlooking lawns that lead down to the Chobe River. And these, in turn, are beloved of the local hippos, who sometimes turn up to graze at nightfall.

Then at the heart of the lodge, a proper pool takes up one side of the the lofty lounge area, open to the sky, and lined by welcoming sunloungers. And upstairs, a rustic balcony invites guests to settle down with a pair of binoculars and watch the river.

And so to the rooms: comfortable beds, unfussy décor, tiled floors, en-suite bathrooms, individual verandas. The feel is homely yet uncluttered.

"...game drive in Chobe..was excellent ...evening river cruise.. guide..brilliant"

Ms J.fromNorthallerton

Arrived 3 Jul 2023, 2 nights

It all adds up to a welcoming place to while away the time between activities: game drives into Chobe National Park are operated by the lodge itself, as are boat cruises from its own jetty. See our full report on Chobe River Lodge

96%
58 reviews of Chobe River Lodge by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Fishing

Helicopter

Day 11

Kasane to Victoria Falls by road

A driver will collect you from Garden Lodge for the drive to the Kazungula border post and assist you with the paperwork before introducing you to your Zimbabwean driver. Formalities complete, it's then about an hour's pleasant drive to the Victoria Falls Hotel, which is close to the Falls themselves.

Victoria Falls Hotel
Days 11-13

Victoria Falls Hotel

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Not just the most famous name in town, this grand old lady of yesteryear is still up there with the best. Let’s start with the setting. Looking proudly down on the bridge that spans the Zambezi River gorge, the Victoria Falls Hotel remains the closest hotel in town to the waterfall. Just a 15-minute stroll from the extensive lawns and you’re gazing at one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Not just the most famous name in town, this grand old lady of yesteryear is still up there with the best. Let’s start with the setting. Looking proudly down on the bridge that spans the Zambezi River gorge, the Victoria Falls Hotel remains the closest hotel in town to the waterfall. Just a 15-minute stroll from the extensive lawns and you’re gazing at one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Then there’s the sheer glamour of the place. Oozing Edwardian style, it is now fitted out in contemporary comfort to marry the charm of the old world with the efficiency of the new.

Not least among its attractions is the imposing Livingstone Room. While jackets and ties are no longer de rigueur, dinner here remains a gloriously formal occasion with a top-notch menu, along with dancing accompanied by a live pianist.

Of course, you could work up an appetite on the tennis court or in the pool, but a relaxing spa treatment seems rather more appropriate before high tea, or perhaps cocktails on the terrace.

"It is very comfortable.. a very warm welcome.. quality of food was great.. "

Mr A.fromOngar

Arrived 15 Nov 2023, 3 nights

Combine this with committed, service-orientated staff, and it’s no wonder that the hotel remains the place to stay in Victoria Falls. See our full report on Victoria Falls Hotel

94%
162 reviews of Victoria Falls Hotel by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Helicopter

Kayaking

Microlight

White-water rafting

Day 13

Victoria Falls Hotel to the airport by road

After a relaxed morning, your driver will collect you in plenty of time to get you to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward travel arrangements. The journey, on good tar roads, takes around half an hour, and you may stop to pick up other people along the way.

Day 13

Ends: Victoria Falls Airport

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Experiences you can add to this trip.

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.


Rhino Walk

Rhino Walk

Around four hours - mornings only

Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.

More about Rhino Walk
93% (3 reviews)
Chobe Day Trip

Chobe Day Trip

Full day - typically around 11 hours

For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.

More about Chobe Day Trip
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe

Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe

Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes

While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.

More about Helicopter Flight
95% (8 reviews)
Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Two hours minimum

Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.

More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise
95% (35 reviews)
Elephant Encounter

Elephant Encounter

Three hours

For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.

More about Elephant Encounter
92% (5 reviews)
Elephant Art Experience

Elephant Art Experience

Three hours

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique experience in the bush, with private tutors running painting workshops and habituated elephants provision impressive models, standing just metres away from your easel.

More about Elephant Art Experience
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise

Zambezi Explorer River Cruise

Two hours

Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.

More about Zambezi Explorer
100% (4 reviews)
Microlight Flight

Microlight Flight

15 or 30 minutes

For pure exhilaration, it's hard to find something better than flying in a microlight, swooping through the spray that crashes up and off the Victoria Falls, with rainbows shimmering below. If you don't like heights, then this isn't for you! For those looking for a different way to see the Falls, the microlight flights offer a stunning birds eye view of this spectacular natural wonder.

More about Microlight Flight
100% (1 reviews)
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Three hours

Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.

More about Livingstone Island
95% (8 reviews)
Historical Bridge Tour

Historical Bridge Tour

Two hours - AM & PM departures

A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.

More about Bridge Tour
Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Two hours - AM & PM departures

One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?

More about Tour of the Falls
100% (4 reviews)
Cookery Course & Activity

Cookery Course & Activity

Six hours - afternoon activity

Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.

More about Cookery Course
Bushtracks Express

Bushtracks Express

Generally four and a half hours

The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.

More about Bushtracks Express
Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

More about Helicopter Flight

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