Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Wildlife 14-Day Tour
Introduction
Hosea Kutako International Airport – Victoria Falls / 14-Day Tour
Tour Insight
On this guided 14-day wildlife and birding safari, we take you to extraordinary destinations in northern Namibia and along the Caprivi Strip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, and both the Zambezi National Park and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. We’ll visit several iconic areas, including Etosha, the Okavango River, the Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls in the Zambezi River Valley.
The tour includes 7 unique reserves renowned for incredible mammal, bird and wildlife sightings, including some of the best in Southern Africa. We’ll be moving through these regions fairly quickly, while optimizing your chances of encountering the iconic Big 5, other large and small carnivores, big predators and thriving herds, exceptional bird diversity, wild waterways, extraordinary landscapes and interesting cultures. You may also spot several shy and cryptic species rarely seen by most visitors.
Our strategically selected key destinations provide the best chance of encountering them in the time available. The route offers a mammal list exceeding 70 species with a high hit rate for many rare species. The bird list is also impressive, totaling over 600 species in the region and we can expect to find about half of these species, including many raptors, owls and endemics.
Highlights
The bouldered wilderness of the Erongo Mountains. (1 night)
Erindi Private Game Reserve, which focuses on conservation research or Okonjima Nature Reserve. (2 nights)
The wildlife haven and salt pans of the Etosha National Park. (3 nights)
The semi-arid wilderness of Wildacker Game Farm. (1 night)
The birding and game mecca of the Mahango Core Area in the Bwabwata National Park, along both banks of the Okavango River. (2 nights)
Travelling along the length of the famed Caprivi Strip, passing through the Kwando Core Area to reach the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, and visiting Chobe National Park. (2 nights)
The world-renowned Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls. (2 nights)
Habitats
Woodlands, savanna, wetlands, grassland, mountains and cliffs, scrubland, and rocky slopes which host numerous regional endemics, threatened and endangered mammal and bird species, as well as great floral diversity. Each destination offers extraordinary scenery, providing you with unparalleled photographic opportunities.
Wildlife & Birding Safari
Day 1 - Windhoek to Erongo Mountains Nature Conservancy
Journey from Windhoek to Erongo Mountains
Meet in Windhoek and travel to Erongo Mountains
We meet you early in the morning in Windhoek, either at the airport or your accommodation, then set off northwards for the Erongo Mountains wilderness. We explore the camp environment, tour the reserve and enjoy an exciting 3-hour night drive in an open safari vehicle.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 260 km (approx. 3 hours travel time).
Mount Erongo
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Mount Erongo, where breathtaking panoramic views and diverse hiking trails await. Discover ancient rock engravings that tell the story of the land, while keeping an eye out for rare bird species. Experience the cultural significance of this remarkable location as you explore unique rock formations and rich wildlife.
Target mammals: Brown Hyena, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Aardvark, Kaokoveld Slender Mongoose, Black Mongoose, Dassie Rat, Sitatunga, Aardwolf, Caracal, Cape Fox, African Wild Cat, African Civet, Bat-eared Fox, Cape Fox, Cape Porcupine, Meerkat (Suricate), Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Gemsbok (South African Oryx), Yellow Mongoose, Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Klipspringer, Damara Dik-Dik, Namib Round-eared Sengi, Puku, Red Lechwe, Congo Rope Squirrel, Damara Ground Squirrel.
Target bird species: Augur Buzzard, Benguela Long-billed Lark, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Carp’s Tit, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Damara Hornbill, Dusky Lark, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Rockrunner (a special), Rosy-faced Lovebird, Rüppell’s Parrot, Southern Pied Babbler, Verreaux’s Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Violet-eared Waxbill, White-tailed Shrike.
Ondudu safari lodge
Experience the beauty of Namibia at Ondudu Safari Lodge, where stunning views and a private waterhole create an unforgettable wildlife experience. Enjoy cozy accommodations and engage with local communities for a deeper cultural connection. Tailored safari adventures ensure every moment is memorable.
Day 2-3 - Erongo Mountains to Erindi Private Game Reserve
Explore Erindi Reserve and Night Safari
Depart the Erongo hillscape on Day 2 and travel via the dramatic granite rock arches of Spitzkoppe toward Erindi Private Game Reserve (or Okonjima). Settle into your lodge before embarking on your first open safari vehicle game drive and a specialized night drive after dark.
On Day 3, dedicate a full day to exploring the vast savannah, riverbeds, and waterholes across morning and afternoon 4x4 safari drives.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 200 km total (150 km transit on Day 2; 50 km local safari drives on Day 3).
Erindi Private Game Reserve
Discover the Erindi Private Game Reserve, where diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, roams freely. Experience luxury accommodations with breathtaking views and embark on guided game drives and nature walks with expert rangers. Enjoy exclusive encounters in a private reserve that emphasizes sustainable tourism and cultural exchanges.
Target mammals: Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Blue Wildebeest, Damara Dik-Dik Aardvark, African wild dog, bat-eared fox, black mongoose, brown hyena, Cape Fox, caracal, cheetah, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, honey badger, Kaokoveld slender mongoose, Damara dik-dik, meerkat, serval, Temminck’s ground pangolin.
Target bird species: Augur Buzzard, Benguela Long-billed Lark, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Carp’s Tit, Common Ostrich, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Damara Hornbill, Dwarf Bittern, Dusky Lark, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Herero Chat, Lappet-faced Vulture, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Rockrunner (a special), Rosy-faced Lovebird, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Rüppell’s Parrot, Southern Pied Babbler, Verreaux’s Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Violet-eared Waxbill, White-tailed Shrike.
Included Special Activities:
Guided Open Safari Vehicle Day Drive x3: Afternoon 4x4 game drives tracking large predators and plains game.
Guided Open Safari Vehicle Night Drive x1: A 3-hour post-sunset spotlighting safari searching for secretive nocturnal species like aardvark, pangolin, brown hyena, and caracal.
Old Traders Lodge
Experience the Old Traders Lodge, situated in the Erindi Private Game Reserve, where wildlife encounters are just outside your door. With its history as a former trading post, the lodge provides spacious accommodations and an outdoor pool with breathtaking views. Engage in thrilling game drives and savor local cuisine for a truly memorable stay.
Day 4-6 - Erindi / Okonjima to Etosha National Park
Etosha Pan Safaris, Guided Bush Walks & Okavango River Expedition
We start the day with a 3-hour, open safari vehicle game drive and then head northwards to the western edge of the Etosha National Park, stopping at Etosha Village for lunch.
We enter this world-renowned Park through the central Anderson Gate and game drive along the south edge of the pan, searching for the magnificent elephant herds, lion prides and other abundant wildlife and birdlife. We continue eastwards and pause to watch the animal dynamics at the famed Fischer’s Pan.
We exit through the Namutomi Gate and head to our bush lodge on the eastern edge of the park. After settling in at the camp, we enjoy a 3-hour sunset open safari vehicle game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 860 km total (420 km on Day 4; 70 km on Day 5; 70 km on Day 6; 300 km on Day 7).
Etosha National Park
Explore Etosha National Park, where you can witness diverse wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Marvel at the stunning salt pans and waterholes that attract various animals. Enjoy the unique experience of night game drives and immerse yourself in the local culture with nearby Himba villages.
Target mammals: African wild cat, brown hyena, cheetah, eland, honey badger, leopard, oryx, white rhino.
Target bird species: Bare-cheeked Babbler, Black-faced Babbler, Blue Crane, Burchell’s Courser, Carp’s Tit, Common Ostrich, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Double-banded Courser, Fawn-colored Lark, Greater Flamingo, Hooded Vulture, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Lesser Flamingo, Martial Eagle, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Pink-billed Lark, Pygmy Falcon, Red-necked Falcon, Rockrunner, Rüppell’s Parrot, Secretarybird, Sociable Weaver, Southern White-faced Owl, Stark’s Lark, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Violet Woodhoopoe, White-backed Vulture.
Included Special Activities:
Guided Open Safari Vehicle Day Drives: 4x4 open safari drives along the southern edge of Etosha Pan, Fischer's Pan, and eastern waterholes tracking lions, rhinos, and elephant herds.
Onguma Forest Camp
Onguma Forest Camp is ideally located near the Eastern Entrance Gate of Etosha National Park, making it convenient for wildlife enthusiasts. Surrounded by tranquil nature, the eco-friendly accommodations offer a unique chance to observe wildlife right from your tent. Enjoy guided game drives, nature walks, and stargazing for an unforgettable experience.
Day 7: Etosha to Grootfontein to Wildacker Reserve
Sandveld Bush Walk & Okavango River Boat Cruise
Conclude your morning in Etosha before driving east via Grootfontein toward Mururani and Wildacker Private Game Reserve. After settling in, take a guided bush walk across the red dune sandveld, followed by a scenic riverboat cruise along the Okavango River near Rundu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 300 km (approx. 3.5 hours travel time).
Wildacker Private Game Reserve & Okavango River
Wildacker is a 15,000-hectare private reserve in northeastern Namibia featuring tree-covered red sand dunes and Kalahari sandveld bordering Mangetti National Park.
Target mammal species: Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Eland, Giraffe, Common Duiker, Steenbok, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile
Target bird species: African Fish Eagle, Meyer's Parrot, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Malachite Kingfisher
Included Special Activities:
Guided Game Walk: Guided foot safari exploring red dune tracks and sandveld flora.
River Boat Cruise near Rundu: Afternoon boat excursion along the Okavango River viewing riverine birds, hippos, and local bank life.
Wildacker Guestfarm
Discover the charm of Wildacker Guestfarm, where you can experience authentic Namibian hospitality in a serene farm environment. Enjoy guided nature walks, indulge in home-cooked meals, and immerse yourself in local culture through traditional farming activities. With breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems, every moment is a chance to connect with nature.
Day 8 - Wildacker to Bwabwata National Park (Mahango)
Explore Wildacker Reserve and Bwabwata National Park
We head eastwards to the 15,000-hectare big game Wildacker Private Nature Reserve bordering the Mangetti National Park. The landscape is one of tree-covered dunes, termite hills and valleys.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 395 km (approx. 4.5 hours travel time).
Included Special Activities:
Guided Game Walk: Guided foot safari exploring red dune tracks and sandveld flora.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Ndhovu Safari Lodge, located near the Okavango River, offers stunning views and abundant wildlife. Guests can enjoy guided safari tours and unique river-based activities like fishing and canoeing. The lodge features eco-friendly accommodations and personalized service, ensuring a tranquil and immersive experience in nature.
Day 9 - Bwabwata National Park (Mahango) and Okavango River
Explore Mahango, Okavango River, and Sundowner Cruise
After a morning walk, we leave for the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia, above Botswana. We stop at the Popa Falls Resort in Popa Falls Game Park for lunch and then enter the Mahango Core Area of Bwabwata National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bwabwata National Park Mahango Core Area
Explore the breathtaking Bwabwata National Park Mahango Core Area, where diverse wildlife thrives alongside stunning landscapes. Encounter elephants, hippos, and an array of bird species, while experiencing the rich culture of local communities. Enjoy unique boat safaris and guided nature walks in this pristine environment, highlighted by the Zambezi River's beauty.
Target mammals: Aardvark, African buffalo, African elephant, bushbuck, Cape buffalo, common reedbuck, giraffe, greater kudu, hippopotamus, leopard, lion, Nile crocodile, plain’s zebra, roan, sable, sitatunga, spotted hyena, tsessebe, waterbuck.
Target bird species: African Barred Owlet, African Cuckoo-Hawk, African Finfoot, African Golden Oriole, African Mourning Dove, African Pygmy Goose, African Rail, African Skimmer, Arnot’s Chat, Baillon’s Crake, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Blue-billed Teal, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Brown Firefinch, Chirping Cisticola, Collared Pratincole, Copper Sunbird, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cut-throat Finch, Dwarf Bittern, Greater Painted-snipe, Green-capped Eremomela, Grey Penduline Tit, Grey-rumped Swallow, Half-collared Kingfisher, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Long-toed Lapwing, Luapula Cisticola, Meves’s Starling, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Rock Pratincole, Ross’s Turaco, Rufous-bellied Heron, Rufous-bellied Tit, Schalow’s Turaco, Sharp-tailed Starling, Shelley’s Sunbird, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Slaty Egret, Souza’s Shrike, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Square-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Boubou, Tinkling Cisticola, Wattled Crane, Western Banded Snake Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, White-browed Robin-Chat, White-crowned Lapwing, Wood Pipit.
Sundowner boat cruise on the Okavango River
Today we enjoy a 3-hour sundowner boat cruise along the Okavango River, viewing hippos, elephant herds and buffaloes drinking, and many bird species. With a bit of luck, we may also spot leopards and other predators coming to quench their thirst.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Accommodation at Ndhovu Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 10-11 - Bwabwata to Chobe National Park, Caprivi Strip to Kasane
Journey Along Caprivi Strip to Chobe National Park
In the morning, we head off in an easterly direction to travel the length of the narrow Caprivi Strip. We pass through the Kwando Core Area, game viewing along the way, before reaching Katima Mulilo, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and at the Zambia border, where we stop for lunch with a view!
Next, we head southwards through the Salambala Conservancy to the Ngoma Border Gate. After clearing immigration and crossing the Chobe River into northern Botswana, we drive along the southern bank through the Chobe National Park, known for its abundant wildlife, to reach our lodge bordering the Park and Kasane town. In the evening, we dine overlooking the Chobe River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 505 km
Chobe National Park
Discover Chobe National Park, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife such as elephants and lions while exploring stunning landscapes. Enjoy scenic boat cruises along the Chobe River, offering unique views of the park's lush wetlands. This remarkable destination is known for its incredible elephant population and unforgettable safari experiences.
Target mammals: Aardvark, African civet, African elephant, African wild dog, blue wildebeest, Cape buffalo, Cape porcupine, caracal, chacma baboon, Chobe bushbuck, eland, giraffe, greater kudu, hippo, honey badger, leopard, lion, puku, red lechwe, sable, spotted hyena, tsessebe, warthog.
Target bird species: African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, African Golden Oriole, African Skimmer, Arnot’s Chat, Black Coucal, Brown Firefinch, Copper Sunbird, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Greater Painted-snipe, Grey-rumped Swallow, Half-collared Kingfisher, Long-toed Lapwing, Meyer’s Parrot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Racket-tailed Roller, Red-faced Crombec, Rock Pratincole, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Ross’s Turaco, Rufous-bellied Heron, Schalow’s Turaco, Senegal Coucal, Slaty Egret, Square-tailed Nightjar, Tinkling Cisticola, Wattled Crane, Western Banded Snake Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, White-browed Robin-Chat, White-crowned Lapwing, Wood Pipit, Yellow-throated Leaflove
Included Special Activity:
Activity Description: 2 Afternoon 4x4 game drives along the Chobe Riverfront tracking elephant herds and riverline predators.
Chobe River Sundowner Cruise: Afternoon riverboat safari offering close-range viewing and photography of swimming elephants, hippos, and aquatic birdlife.
Chobe Game Lodge
Experience the Chobe Game Lodge, the only lodge within Chobe National Park, where you can enjoy remarkable wildlife sightings right from your accommodation. Indulge in luxurious rooms with spectacular views of the Chobe River, and partake in thrilling safari adventures, including game drives and serene boat cruises. Unwind at the on-site spa for a perfect retreat after your daily explorations.
Day 12-13 - Chobe to Victoria Falls, North-West Zimbabwe
Experience Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park
We leave Kasane today, heading for the Kazangula Border Gate and crossing into Zimbabwe. We travel eastwards through the wild Zambezi National Park to the renowned Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The Smoke that Thunders').
After lunch in town, we check into our lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometres upriver from the Falls. Today's unforgettable experience is viewing the spectacular Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We also explore the National Park in the golden afternoon light.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 155 km
Target mammals: African Elephant, African Wild Dog, Cape Buffalo, chacma baboon, common eland, greater kudu, leopard, lion, plain’s zebra, sable, southern giraffe, waterbuck.
Target bird species: African Finfoot, African Skimmer, Arnot’s Chat, Bearded Scrub Robin, Broad-billed Roller, Brown Firefinch, Collared Palm Thrush, Goliath Heron, Grey-headed Parrot, Half-collared Kingfisher, Kori Bustard, Lanner Falcon, Long-toed Lapwing, Miombo Blue-eared Starling, Miombo Tit, Olive Woodpecker, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Racket-tailed Roller, Red-faced Crombec, Rock Pratincole, Saddle-billed Stork, Schalow’s Turaco, Tropical Boubou, Trumpeter Hornbill, Western Banded Snake Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, White-breasted Cuckooshrike.
Insika Lodge
Insika Lodge offers a tranquil retreat just moments away from the breathtaking Victoria Falls. With its authentic local architecture and lush gardens, guests can unwind in a beautiful setting. The personalized service ensures that every need is met, while adventure activities nearby add excitement to your stay.
Day 14: Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls Airport
Final Morning & Airport Transfer
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before taking a final transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward flight, where the tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Map
A. Hosea Kutako International Airport
Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek, NamibiaB. Erongo Mountains Nature Conservancy
Erongo Mountains, NamibiaC. Erindi Private Game Reserve
Erindi Private Game Reserve, NamibiaD. Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve, NamibiaE. Etosha National Park (Anderson Gate)
Etosha National Park, Anderson Gate, NamibiaF. Onguma Forest Camp
Onguma Forest Camp, Eastern Etosha, NamibiaG. Wildacker Private Nature Reserve
Wildacker Private Nature Reserve, NamibiaH. Bwabwata National Park (Mahango Core Area)
Mahango Core Area, Bwabwata National Park, NamibiaI. Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Ndhovu Safari Lodge, Divundu, NamibiaJ. Katima Mulilo
Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, NamibiaK. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, BotswanaL. Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane, BotswanaM. Kazungula Border Gate
Kazungula Border, Botswana/ZimbabweN. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, ZimbabweO. A’Zambezi River Lodge
A’Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls, ZimbabweP. Victoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls Airport, ZimbabweWhat's Included
What's included
Private wildlife and birding guide.
Accommodation in semi-luxury lodges and guesthouses (may change subject to availability, in which case similar will be found).
All ground transport – Maximum 6 participants and 1 guide per luxury touring vehicle.
Activities:
10 x Guided open safari vehicle day drives – 3 x Erindi, 3 x Emanya, 2 x Bwabwata (Mahango), 2 x Chobe 10 x Guided game walk – 1 x Etosha, 1 x Wildaker 1 x Guided open safari vehicle night drive – 1 x Erindi 3 x River boat cruises – 1 x Okavango River near Rundu, 1 x Okavango River in Mahango, 1 x Chobe River in Kasane
All road tolls and parking fees.
3 Meals per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner; including 1 outdoor dinner at Onguma, and 1 outdoor lunch in Chobe
Bottled water in vehicles whilst travelling – 2 per person per day.
All entrance fees.
Conservation levies.
Community levies.
Trip guide.
Personalized species checklists.
What's not included
All airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance (incl. personal equipment and repatriation).
All snacks and drinks (except bottled waters).
Additional excursions/activities/extensions/purchases.
Specialist guide fees and activities not specified.
Gratuities for guides and local restaurants.
Items of a personal nature.
Laundry and telephone charges.
Tips and gratuities.
Anything not listed under “Included”.
Pricing
About Us
Sustain Safaris helps nature lovers explore their wildest dreams. We lead experienced global wildlife travelers on captivating and responsible expeditions to find Sub-Saharan Africa's rarest, most cryptic, elusive, and endemic species in the most extraordinary destinations.
We offer highly specialized nature tours and expeditions which will immerse you in unique destinations that showcase some of the very best mammal, bird, and biodiversity hotspots.
Guided by our passionate regional experts, you’ll encounter not only iconic species but also enjoy a holistic nature-based and cultural-based experience with comfortable to luxury lodging. Our small groups will also ensure a personalized experience throughout our journey together.
Sustain Safaris is not a volume operator. We go the extra mile, every time. We understand every client has unique needs and we offer bespoke itineraries catering for your preferences and budget.