Zambia offers some of the finest scenery and game viewing experiences on the African continent. The country has opened up to selective tourism and is the “new” destination of Southern Africa. It boasts impressive populations of game and birds in the country’s 19 national parks and 31 game management areas. This country offers unrivalled wilderness qualities and it is known as “the real Africa”. The name “Zambia” derives from the Zambezi River. The country is located on the central African plateau which is above 1100m in elevation. The area is 752 615km2 with a population of 6 million. Lusaka the capital has a population of 1 million.

A “must” on any traveller’s itinerary when visiting Zambia is the Lower Zambezi National Park. The mighty Zambezi River running forms the southern border of this remote and scenic National Park. Canoeing on this river is one of the highlights on a visit to Zambia

ITINERARIES
Remember, we create individual, tailor-made itineraries so please don’t feel you have to stick to the following. It is just one example of the many trips we can arrange in Namibia.

Day 1
A long drive today, making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The road takes us first to the small town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock farming centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with Botswana.

After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari Highway.

Driving time: approx. 7.5 hrs. (600 km).

Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutions. Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way.

A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.

Driving time approx. 6hrs. (450 km).

Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutions Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta.

Mokoro's will be our main form of transport for the next two days. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoros carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel.

Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango waters.

Overnight: Guma Camp.Camping/Communal ablutions Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan the majestic sable antelope.

Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters end, the delta.

Driving time approx. 4 hrs. (350 km).

Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutionsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along the Botswana's northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route. The locals in this area are the Kavango people and we make a cultural visit to a local community. The people here have taken the initiative to establish a traditional "kraal" which will be opened for us and we will give a guided tour.

We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and superstition.

From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando River in a beautifull setting. There is a craft market nearby where you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.

Driving time approx. 3 hrs. (200km).

Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutions Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6
We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when we arrive in Namibia's easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world's largest population of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River. Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise, back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us.

Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many beautifull species of our feathered friends.Driving time approx. 4hrs. (300km). Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutions Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry depot and complete our Botswanan exit formalities. We cross the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the might Victoria Falls.

The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic, there are many small paths and lookout points to explore.

This afternoon your guide will help you organise the many optional activities available in Livingstone. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but a few.

Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant at the client's own expense.

NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense.

Driving time approx. 2hrs. (100km).

Overnight: Camping/Communal ablutions Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 8
After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able to offer advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We pack up our campsite.

For clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey in the morning.

Overnight: Breakfast.

Day 9
An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern Namibia.

We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far river bank.

Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the price.

Driving time approx. 9 hrs. (700km).

Overnight: Communal ablutions/camping. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10
Another early start and another long drive. We head south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.

You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Driving time approx. 10hrs. (800km).