This guided 19-day wildlife safari tour package with Sustain Safaris will lead you to some extraordinary and iconic destinations within central and northern Namibia, along the Caprivi Strip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, and along the mighty Zambezi River into Zimbabwe, ending at the spectacular Victoria Falls.
The journey includes 8 unique reserves renowned for amazing mammal, bird and all-round wildlife sightings, including some of the very best in Southern Africa. The tour will move through these regions at a moderate pace, but we have focused on optimizing your chances of encounters with large game, big predators and thriving herds, exceptional bird diversity, wild waterways, dramatic landscapes, extraordinary scenery, tremendous beauty and some fascinating cultures.
On this special safari you can expect to see many rare, cryptic, special, endemic and nocturnal mammals and birds, as well as other large and small carnivores that some people only dream of finding. The tour has strategically selected certain key destinations that provide some of the very best chances for discovering these treasures in the time available. In addition, probabilities are good for discovering the Big 5 and a multitude of other diverse wildlife and birdlife.
Each destination we visit en-route offers unique habitats, extraordinary scenery, and breath-taking beauty, providing you with fantastic photographic opportunities. Habitats we explore include woodlands, savanna, wetlands, salt pans, river systems, grassland, mountains and cliffs, scrubland, and rocky slopes. These host numerous regional endemics, threatened and endangered mammal and bird species, as well as great floral diversity. The route caters to a large mammal list in excess of 75 species, with a very good hit rate on many of the rare species. The bird list is also very impressive, totaling over 650 species in the region we tour through, and we can expect to find about half of these species (including many raptors, owls and endemics).
Safari Highlights include:
This safari commences in Windhoek, Namibia and ends at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We explore:
The gigantic dunes of Sossusvlei for 2 nights.
The quaint coastal town of Swakopmund for 1 night.
The granite inselbergs of Spitzkoppe for the day.
The unique conservation research focused Okonjima Private Game Reserve for 2 nights.
The world-renowned wildlife haven and salt pans of the thriving Etosha National Park for 3 nights.
The remote semi-arid wilderness of Wildacker for 1 night.
The birding and game mecca of the Mahango Core Area in the Bwabwata National Park, along both banks of the Okavango River for 2 nights.
The length of the famed Caprivi Strip, as we pass through to the famed Savuti and Chobe regions of Chobe National Park for 4 nights.
Through Zambezi National Park into the magnificent Hwange National Park for 2 nights.
Ending in the world-renowned and spectacular Victoria Falls National Park in the Zambezi River Valley for 1 night.
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.
Depart Windhoek northwards through Okahandja before traveling south-west into the ancient Namib Desert. Experience a morning game drive into the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, followed by an afternoon relaxation and sunset drive.
Meals: Day 1: Lunch, Dinner; Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 350 km
Target Mammals: Gemsbok (South African Oryx), Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Cape Fox, Bat-eared Fox, Meerkat (Suricate), Klipspringer, Namib Round-eared Sengi, Damara Ground Squirrel.
Target Birds: Stark’s Lark, Dune Lark, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Pygmy Falcon, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Ludwig’s Bustard, Monteiro’s Hornbill.
Morning dune excursion into Sossusvlei: Drive deep into the Namib Desert to climb towering red sand dunes and explore the stark clay pan of Deadvlei.
Sunset desert game drive: Search for desert-adapted species like gemsbok and mountain zebras as dusk settles across the open plains.
Embark on an exhilarating drive through the stunning desert landscape that leads you towards the beautiful Atlantic coast. Along the way, take a leisurely stop at Walvis Bay, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, where you can observe a diverse range of coastal birds in their natural habitat. After enjoying the picturesque views and vibrant wildlife, continue your journey into Swakopmund, a charming coastal town. Spend a delightful afternoon strolling along the beachfront, soaking in the refreshing ocean breeze, and reveling in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. This captivating experience is sure to leave lasting memories.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Walvis Bay), Dinner (Swakopmund)
Distance traveled: Approximately 350 km
Target Mammals: Black-backed Jackal, Springbok, Cape Fur Seal.
Target Birds: Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Damara Tern, Chestnut-banded Plover, Chestnut-vented Warbler.
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.
Travel inland via the stunning granite peaks of Spitzkoppe to the serene Okonjima Nature Reserve. Here, you will spend two full days immersed in the thrill of tracking large carnivores, such as leopards and cheetahs, while also exploring the beautifully maintained reserve trails. Each day offers a new adventure, with opportunities to witness the incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. This experience promises to be both exhilarating and educational, making it a highlight of your journey.
Meals: Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch (Ai-Aiba), Dinner; Day 5: 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).
Target Mammals: Leopard, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Caracal, Aardwolf, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Aardvark, Kaokoveld Slender Mongoose, Black Mongoose, Damara Dik-Dik.
Target Birds: Rockrunner, Carp’s Tit, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rüppell’s Parrot, Verreaux’s Eagle, Damara Hornbill.
Spitzkoppe morning exploration: Explore the dramatic granite peaks and ancient rock art sites of Spitzkoppe in the morning light.
Open safari vehicle game drives: Track apex predators including leopards and cheetahs across Okonjima's dedicated conservation grounds.
Guided bush walk: Follow expert guides on foot to observe wildlife tracks, smaller creatures, and native plant species.
Night safari drive: Venture out with spotlights after dark to search for elusive nocturnal mammals like pangolins and brown hyenas.
Depart Okonjima and travel north into Etosha National Park via the central Anderson Gate. Drive along the southern edge of the salt pan observing game movements around waterholes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 230 km
Target Mammals: African Elephant, Lion, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Honey Badger, Oryx, African Wild Cat.
Target Birds: Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Pygmy Falcon, Violet Woodhoopoe, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Double-banded Courser.
3-hour open safari vehicle game drive: Drive along the central edge of the Etosha Pan targeting predator activity and game herds.
Game viewing at central waterholes: Station at active waterholes to watch lions, rhinos, and elephants gather to drink.
Traverse eastern Etosha through Halali to Namutoni Gate. Spend two days monitoring waterhole dynamics around Fischer’s Pan and private game reserve habitats.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 160 km
Discover the breathtaking Fischer’s Pan, a vast salt pan that offers stunning panoramic views and unique wildlife experiences. Witness incredible photographic opportunities at sunrise and sunset, while observing rare species like the black rhinoceros. The seasonal flooding creates a vibrant landscape, attracting thousands of migratory birds.
Target Mammals: African Elephant, Lion, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Honey Badger, Oryx, African Wild Cat.
Target Birds: Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Pygmy Falcon, Violet Woodhoopoe, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Double-banded Courser.
Morning game drives along Fischer’s Pan: Track wildlife movement and vast bird colonies around the edges of Fischer’s Pan.
Guided nature walks: Explore bush camp surroundings on foot to learn about local ecosystem dynamics.
Sunset open safari drives: Capture golden-hour lighting as animals become active near dusk across eastern Etosha.
Head east past Grootfontein to the 15,000-hectare Wildacker Private Reserve bordering Mangetti National Park. Explore landscapes of tree-covered dunes and termite hills.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Mammals: Eland, Red Hartebeest, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Aardvark, African Wild Dog, Caracal, Cheetah, Leopard, Suricate (Meerkat).
Target Birds: Bradfield’s Hornbill, Black-faced Babbler, Rufous-bellied Tit, Eastern Clapper Lark, African Scops Owl, Gabar Goshawk, Shaft-tailed Whydah.
Guided morning birding walk: Walk through woodland dunes and termite mound landscapes searching for specialized avian species.
Afternoon open safari vehicle sunset game drive: Explore 15,000 hectares of private reserve land to spot eland, hyenas, and rare nocturnal animals.
Journey into the Caprivi Strip and enter the Mahango Core Area of Bwabwata National Park via Popa Falls. Enjoy game drives and river cruises along the Okavango River.
Meals: Day 10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Day 11: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 455 km
Target Mammals: Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Sitatunga, Red Lechwe, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Cape Buffalo, Common Reedbuck, Tsessebe.
Target Birds: Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, White-backed Night Heron, African Finfoot, Wattled Crane, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Ross’s Turaco, Schalow’s Turaco, Slaty Egret.
Popa Falls stop: Take a scenic break to view the Okavango River cascading over rocky ledges at Popa Falls.
Morning game drives: Navigate the riverine woodlands of Mahango Core Area to spot roan, sable, and buffalo.
3-hour Okavango River sundowner boat cruise: Cruise along the Okavango River watching hippos, bathing elephant herds, and riverine birds.
Travel east through the narrow and picturesque Caprivi Strip, a stunning region known for its rich wildlife and vibrant ecosystems. As you journey along this scenic route, you'll cross into Northern Botswana via the breathtaking Linyanti system. This area is renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant animal life, providing a perfect backdrop for your adventures.
Once you arrive, prepare to explore the western sections of Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and incredible game viewing opportunities. Each moment spent here will be filled with the wonder of nature and unforgettable experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 520 km
Target Mammals: African Wild Dog, Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Sable Antelope, Honey Badger, Tsessebe, Spotted Hyena.
Target Birds: Dickinson’s Kestrel, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Meyer’s Parrot, Racket-tailed Roller, Arnot’s Chat, Rufous-bellied Heron.
Transit game viewing along Caprivi: Keep watch for big game while traveling through the Kwando Core Area corridor.
Morning Savuti region safari drives: Explore the famous Savuti marshlands in search of resident lion prides and hyena clans.
Afternoon wilderness relaxation: Unwind at the safari lodge while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding Linyanti ecosystem.
Explore the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront near Kasane, a stunning destination teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Here, you can track various predators along the picturesque river bank, where the sights and sounds of nature come alive. Embark on exhilarating water-based game viewing adventures, allowing you to witness majestic elephants, playful hippos, and a myriad of bird species up close. The tranquil waters provide a unique vantage point, offering unforgettable experiences as you glide through this breathtaking landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 145 km
Target Mammals: Massive African Elephant herds, Cape Buffalo, Chobe Bushbuck, Puku, Red Lechwe, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Lion.
Target Birds: African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, Long-toed Lapwing, Luapula Cisticola, Coppery-tailed Coucal.
Morning game drives along Chobe River: Track high concentrations of elephants, buffalo, and riverfront predators along the park boundary.
Sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River: Drift alongside riverbanks as elephants swim and animals come down to drink at dusk.
Cross into Zimbabwe, traversing Zambezi National Park en route to Hwange National Park. Spend two full days tracking game across Hwange’s open plains and waterholes.
Meals: Day 16: Breakfast (Kasane), Lunch (Victoria Falls), Dinner (Hwange); Day 17: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance traveled: Approximately 230 km
Target Mammals: Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Giraffe, Common Eland.
Target Birds: Bradfield’s Hornbill, Arnot’s Chat, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Three-banded Courser, Southern Ground Hornbill, Broad-billed Roller.
Transit game drive through Zambezi NP: Enjoy wildlife viewing while traversing Zambezi National Park toward the border.
Morning and sunset game drives in Hwange: Search for Hwange’s famous elephant herds, wild dogs, and big cats across vast savannahs.
Night open safari drive: Search for secretive nocturnal hunters using spotlights in private reserve sectors of Hwange.
Travel from Hwange to the breathtaking Victoria Falls. Enjoy a scenic journey that showcases the stunning landscapes of Zimbabwe. Once you arrive, immerse yourself in the lush rainforest paths that line the edge of the magnificent waterfall. Take your time to absorb the beauty and power of the cascading water, with its mist rising like a magical veil. Capture unforgettable moments as you stroll along the paths, listening to the thundering roar of the falls. After this incredible exploration, you'll be transferred to the airport for your final departure, filled with memories of one of nature's most awe-inspiring wonders.
Meals: Day 18: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Day 19: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance traveled: Approximately 145 km
Target Mammals: Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Chacma Baboon, Waterbuck, Southern Giraffe.
Target Birds: Schalow’s Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, Collared Palm Thrush, Half-collared Kingfisher, Rock Pratincole, African Finfoot.
Insika Lodge is set very near the banks of the Zambezi River and is conveniently located near Victoria Falls National Park. Guests can explore a range of adventure activities, including white-water rafting and wildlife safaris. The lodge features traditional African décor and on-site dining with local cuisine, enhancing your immersive experience.
The tour ends on the 19th day. After visiting Victoria Falls National Park, you will head to the airport for departure.
16 x Guided open safari vehicle day and sunset drives – 1 x Sossusvlei, 4 x Okonjima, 2 x Etosha central, 2 x Etosha east, 1 x Bwabwata (Mahango), 2 x Nkasa Rupara, 2 x Chobe, 2 x Hwange. 3 x Guided open safari vehicle night drives – 1 x Okonjima, 1 x Nkasa Rupara, 1 x Hwange. 2 x River boat cruises – 1 x Okavango River, 1 x Chobe River in Kasane. 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
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.