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Cheetah self-drive
This round self-drive trip combines 15 nights in Namibia and Botswana into a very affordable safari. Your journey of discovery starts and ends in Windhoek and includes Waterberg Plateau, the vast Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip's lush Mahango and Bwabwata national parks, and the sparkling waterways of the Okavango Delta Panhandle, before ending with a drive across the expansive landscapes and red sands of the Kalahari Desert.
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Begin your safari adventure on a scheduled overnight South African Airways flight from London Heathrow, via Johannesburg, to Windhoek. |
Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport you collect your hire car and drive into Namibia's capital city for an overnight stay. Your guesthouse accommodation is in a pleasant leafy suburb a short drive from the city centre, giving you easy access to explore Windhoek's shops, craft stalls and sights; or you may prefer to relax after your flight amid the peaceful setting at… |
| Olive Grove (bed & breakfast) |
Begin with a hearty breakfast before setting off north through the Central Highlands to reach Waterberg Plateau. This striking geological feature rises out of the surrounding Kalahari plains; its porous sandstone creating a relatively lush haven for a plethora of wildlife and vegetation. You can spot a multitude of birdlife and wander the slopes on walking trails, including a hike to the top of the plateau from where the surrounding plains seem endless. If you would like to explore the protected reserve at the top of the plateau there is also an optional guided game drive offered during your overnight stay at… |
| Waterberg Camp (bed & breakfast) |
There's time for a morning activity at Waterberg if desired before you travel north to Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier game reserve. Much of the park's landscape is open savannah, making animals relatively easy to spot. The good sand roads, well positioned waterholes and easy to follow signposts mean it's straight forward to drive yourself around the park between sunrise and sunset. Game viewing in the evenings can continue from the comfort of bench seats around the floodlit waterhole at… |
| Okaukuejo Camp (bed & breakfast) |
Discover more of Etosha National Park as you game drive your way from Okaukuejo to the eastern side of the park. Along the way you'll notice a variety of habitats, from the empty vastness of Etosha Pan and surrounding savannah, to the Mopane and Terminalia woodlands in the centre and eastern reaches of the park. These varying terrains attract different species of wildlife so keep your eyes peeled throughout. In addition to plains game such as zebra, springbok and oryx, Etosha is also known for its strong populations of elephant, lion and rhino. Your base to explore the eastern side of the park is from… |
| Namutoni Camp (bed & breakfast) |
It's a long drive today, though mostly on straight tarmac roads, to reach the lively town of Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River. As you head north-east the countryside becomes increasingly verdant due to higher annual rainfall. Once across the veterinary fence the contrast from commercial farmland to communal pastoralist settlements is obvious. Traditional villages and crop fields of the Kavango people appear alongside the road. Upon reaching Rundu, the gateway to the Caprivi Strip, you'll overnight on the outskirts of town at the delightfully rustic… |
| Nkwazi Lodge (bed & breakfast) |
A relatively short drive takes you eastwards to Mahango National Park where the variety of environs – from dry Kalahari bush to riverine forest, open floodplains and floating papyrus beds – results in a particularly wide diversity of bird and animal species. Look out for the rare sable and roan antelope as you venture through this small park in your hire car. Guided activities such as river cruises are also available if appeals. Each evening you'll return to your tented accommodation overlooking the Okavango River at the family run… |
| Ndhovu Safari Lodge (half board) |
Continue east and watch out for game along the main road through Bwabwata National Park before reaching your destination near Kongola, on the eastern boundary of the park. Here you'll spend two nights on an island within the Kwando River floodplains. There are various optional guided activities on offer to explore this area; the friendly staff can assist you with booking these during your stay at the simple yet comfortable… |
| Mazambala Island Lodge (half board) |
Backtrack along the main road back towards Divundu and take the road heading south through Mahango National Park to cross the Mohembo Border into Botswana. Continue south to Nxamaseri Village where you are met and transferred by boat to a secluded island within the Okavango Delta Panhandle. Here you spend two nights discovering the surrounding waterways and main Okavango River channel on boat cruises. This is a great way to see a myriad of bird species, hippos, crocodiles and maybe even otters or a shy sitatunga, as well as try a bit of tiger fishing. Your inviting accommodation is shaded below riverine forest, overlooking palm fringed islands, open floodplains and lily-covered lagoons from… |
| Nxamaseri Lodge (full board & activities) |
You may like to enjoy a short morning activity along the Okavango waterways before brunch; after which you'll be transferred back to your hire vehicle. Ahead is a long drive on tarred roads, travelling through rural Botswana and sprawling Kalahari scrubland to reach the small outpost of Ghanzi. Stop here to break your journey back to Namibia with an overnight stay at the… |
| Kalahari Arms Hotel (accommodation only) |
Continue along the Trans-Kalahari Highway and cross the border into Namibia. It's then a short drive on to your final safari destination within the western reaches of the Kalahari Desert. Spend your afternoon at leisure, walking or join one of the optional guided 4WD excursions into the surrounding savannah. You will find the welcome and atmosphere very relaxed at… |
| Kalahari Bush Breaks (half board) |
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Depart with plenty of time to make the 3 hour drive back to Windhoek Airport along a straight tarred road. Arrive at the airport in good time to drop off your hire car and check-in to your scheduled overnight flight back to the UK, via Johannesburg - after an unforgettable holiday in Namibia and Botswana. |
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Your flight lands in London Heathrow this morning, giving you the rest of the day to travel home or connect with an on-going flight if your home is further afield. |
| From |
To |
Cost |
| 1-Jan-2012 |
30-Apr-2012 |
£2,725 |
| 1-May-2012 |
31-May-2012 |
£2,767 |
| 1-Jun-2012 |
30-Jun-2012 |
£2,854 |
| 1-Jul-2012 |
10-Oct-2012 |
£2,998 |
| 11-Oct-2012 |
31-Oct-2012 |
£3,118 |
| 1-Nov-2012 |
7-Dec-2012 |
£2,798 |
| 8-Dec-2012 |
13-Dec-2012 |
£2,918 |
Notes:
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This itinerary includes:- Economy flights between London and Windhoek, plus UK and Namibian airport departure taxes.
- The meals and activities included in the accommodation basis as specified.
- A Group B/C hire car for the duration of your trip, to be collected and dropped off at Windhoek Airport.
- The hire car is covered by the vehicle hire company's Super Cover insurance. Please note that this is only valid for drivers who are aged 25 years and over. This covers unlimited mileage, theft, personal accident insurance and almost all damages. (Alternative insurance arrangements are possible for fully inclusive cover, although this alters the price of the itinerary slightly.)
- A comprehensive pack of information and maps relevant to the places that you'll be visiting.
- A complimentary copy of the Bradt Travel Guide to Namibia.
This itinerary excludes:- Fuel for your hire car.
- The hire vehicle is covered by the car hire company's Super Cover insurance. This cover excludes under-carriage, sand and water damage.
- All entry and national park fees.
- Tips and gratuities (which are optional).
- All meals and activities not included in the accommodation basis as noted.
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