10-Day Etosha and Okavango Self-Drive

When you arrive in Windhoek, you’ll collect your car from the rental depot and make your way to your hotel. Relax and enjoy your day. You can explore the historic town this afternoon and see the distinctive German-style buildings.

From: Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
To: Windhoek

Collect your hire vehicle upon arrival. The car hire cost is not included in your trip as the vehicle size will depend on your personal requirements.

Please head straight to your hotel in Windhoek where you spend the first night including dinner and breakfast.

+ optional (not included in price)

Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over the landscape, GocheGanas is a nature reserve and luxurious hotel that brings you closer to nature with a unique combination of wildlife and wellness.

Balance out your days in the onsite Wellness Village with explorations of the 6,000 hectares of land that makes up GocheGanas Private Wildlife Reserve where there are 25 different wildlife species. Your time here will be spent enjoying a variety of activities including game drives, wildlife walks and treatments of a world-class standard to refresh the mind, body and spirit.

Address: Road B1, Windhoek 9000, Namibia

With 25 different wildlife species on the 6,000 hectares of land, game drives within the reserve are popular as the easiest way to explore GocheGanas. Game drives take place early morning and late afternoon and include a stop halfway where you will have snacks and a drink.

While exploring the nature reserve, a guide will share information on fauna, flora and interesting bird species that call the reserve home. With the abundance of game on the farm, every game drive has its highlights, especially when guests are lucky enough to view the rhino family!

+ optional (not included in price)

⇒guided

Address: GocheGanas Private Wildlife Reserve & Spa Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia

Today’s drive is 435 kilometres so it is advisable to make a fairly early start to have some time to explore Etosha National Park before sunset, which is teeming with wildlife. You will be spending three nights in this area, the first two within the park itself and the last night at a private lodge on the eastern edge of the park. Okaukuejo’s waterhole is well-known for its extensive game. The safaris are generally conducted in your own vehicle but guided tours can be arranged.

From: Windhoek
To: Okaukuejo Camp

Make your way to the Etosha Game Park today. The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours without stops.

+ not included in price

This beautiful lodge site is just one of the many highlights of the national park.

Okaukuejo Camp dates back to 1957 and has since been renovated and modernised while still blending in seamlessly with the landscape to maximise game viewing opportunities.

Okaukuejo is the official headquarters of the park and also houses the Etosha Ecological Institute which seeks to conserve the variety of fauna and flora of the region.

There is an impressive 104 chalets and 26 campsites that take over this complex making space and creating a dreamy outdoor world that will suit anyone.

Cream of the crop, there are five Premier waterhole chalets that overlook Okaukuejo’s famous floodlit waterhole. Most of the chalets are double-storied, with two en-suite bedrooms, balconies, a lounge and private patio.

The central part of the camp is where you will meet other guests at the restaurant, bar, curio shop, pool and tourist shop where you can buy basic necessities.

The main attraction of the Okaukuejo Camp is the central floodlit waterhole. Here, you can watch animals of all shapes and sizes coming to quench their thirst – starting from daybreak until night time. You will, in all probability, see elephants, lions and rhino drinking at the same time!

Address: Okaukuejo Camp, Okaukuejo, Namibia

A central hub activity 24 hours a day, the Okaukuejo Waterhole is right next to the rest camp.

The floodlit drinking and bathing spot draws black rhino almost every night as well as numerous elephants, especially between June and December. This is considered by many to be the best place in Africa to see the endangered and solitarynatured black rhino.

Although sightings can be made at any time of the day, we recommend you take some time in the evening to come to the watering hole, a prime time for viewing animal activity.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Etosha National Park,, Okaukuejo, Namibia

There is a network of roads that link the numerous waterholes around Etosha pan and you can explore these at your own leisure throughout the day. Etosha National Park is one of Namibia’s most impressive parks with vibrant wildlife and open plains to see as much activity as possible. If you did not see enough game while out driving during the day, then extra time can be spent at the spotlit waterhole in the evening.

Etosha National Park is unique – it’s unlike anywhere else in Africa. The park gained international recognition for the salt pan that is part of the Kalahari Basin, it’s so large that it can be seen from space, taking up a quarter of the park.

The national park is otherwise known for its abundant wildlife that congregates around the many waterholes that dot the park, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. The waterholes support a rich diversity of animals, many of whom can be seen all at once at a waterhole. You will also be able to spot many bird species and smaller mammals here too.

There is a network of roads that link the numerous waterholes around Etosha pan that you can explore, the majority of sightings are early in the morning and around twilight.

Please note that the parks opening times are based on sunrise
and sunset.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Unnamed Road, Namibia

Today is another day of game viewing. From Okaukuejo, it takes at least a couple of hours to get to your accommodation on the eastern side of the park, particularly if you spot anything interesting along the way. You can either decide to continue driving yourselves around for the day and use the lodge as just an overnight stop or arrange an afternoon guided game drive with the lodge.

From: Okaukuejo
To: Mushara Bush camp

Today you head out of the park through the eastern gate to Mushara Bush Camp. The drive is roughly 2.5 hours without stops or game driving.

+ not included in price

Explore the national park with our guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that visit them.

Let them introduce you to African wildlife from the elevated seat of a game vehicle. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best game viewing experiences when the animals are at their most active. The guides are accompanied by trackers who go ahead of your vehicle in search of the Big 5 to ensure a successful game viewing experience.

Linger at a safe distance from watering holes and watch nature do its thing – this promises to be a truly fulfilling
experience.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Sitting at the gateway of the famous Etosha National Park, Mushara Bush Camp will allow you enter into the world of wildlife while staying in custom-made tent-like structures.

Offering a rustic bush experience, The Mushara Bush Camp makes safaris in Nambia accessible to everyone with affordable, yet stylish accommodation that is perfect for everyone from independent travellers to families looking to witness the magic of Etosha National Park.

The camp is centred around a thatched roof building that acts as the hub of activity. From here, you’ll spend your evenings exchanging stories of your days on safari around a campfire, and have all of your meals on the veranda or under the shade of terrace with the chance of spotting animals in the bush just
next to you!

Address: Mushara Bush camp, Namibia

Today you have a six-hour drive to the Caprivi Strip, en route to the Okavango. On your way through Grootfontein to Rundu and the Kavango region, you will notice that the landscape changes and suddenly there are small, traditionally built huts along the side of the road. The resort you are staying in this evening is located on the Okavango river banks, next to the Popa Falls. The Mahango National Game Park is a 10-minute drive away and is part of the strip.

From: Mushara Bush camp
To: Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa

+ not included in price

Luxury and wilderness meet each other on the Okavango River at Divava Okavango Resort & Spa. This simple yet stunning lodge is one of a kind.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa has just 20 luxury chalets perched high on the river bank. All of the chalets are fitted with air-conditioning and have large decks where you can end your days gazing out across the river – this is your front row seat to the wildlife show, which naturally unfolds as the sun sets.

Address: Divava Okavango Lodge

Covering the northeast of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip shares borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. Along the strip is thin – it’s long!

Covering three national parks, the Caprivi Strip is a slice of untouched nature interspersed with small villages that will introduce you to a more simple way of life. Touching the Zambezi River among others, the landscape here is abundant in water and riverine forest area which attract a lot of wildlife including four of the Big 5.

You can visit any of the national parks that make up the Caprivi Strip: Bwabwata, Nkasa Rupara, Mudumu or Mahango, no matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed an abundant wildlife experience in one of the most remote corners of Namibia.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Today can be taken at a leisurely pace as it’s only around 100 kilometres to your next stop, Guma Lagoon Camp. Having said this, when the water level drops, it can take quite a long time to negotiate the last section between Etosha 13 and the camp, so allow at least 30-45 minutes for this part. The camp is set on the edge of Guma Lagoon and surrounded by a thick canopy of trees. There is a lovely wooden deck that has views over the water, perfect for spotting wildlife.

From: Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa
To: Guma Lagoon Camp (tented camp)

+ not included in price

Guma Lagoon Camp is a fishermen’s haven and subsequently, a bird watcher’s paradise!

Sitting on the banks of Guma Lagoon in the Okavango Delta, this tent camp offers both self-catering and full-board options while here. Canvas tents line the edge of the lagoon, totalling seven campsites with tents featuring ensuite facilities and shady trees for a little privacy.

Each of the tents has twin teak beds, hot showers and flushing toilets, as well as mosquito nets and fresh towels.

For your dining experience, you’ll be looking out over the lagoon next to the pool, where meals will be served in the shade of the trees.

Address: Guma Lagoon Camp (tented camp), Botswana

Today is set aside for a mokoro traditional canoe trip. This is one of the best ways for really appreciating the beauty of this area. You’ll be gently being poled amongst water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands, rich with birdlife including kingfishers, herons, storks and other waterfowl, with the possibility of also seeing hippos, crocodiles and otters. You’ll also have the choice to explore the Okavango during sunset, one of the most magical times on the delta.

The traditional dugout canoe, locally known as a mokoro, was the mode of transport chosen by the Okavango’s first inhabitants, the Bayei and Banoka people. Guma Lagoon Camp offers a choice of day trips that take you into the heart of the Okavango in a mokoro. This is an adventurous safari experience not to be missed.

From Guma Lagoon Camp, a 15-minute boat transfer that passes through a narrow meandering channel will get you to the start of your mokoro experience. From here, you will get onto fibreglass or wooden mokoro which can seat two people. The Head Mokoro Poler will then talk to the group about safety and what to expect on your trip.

You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive floodplain system to the main river. Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands abound making for the most scenic of experiences. On one of the larger islands, you will have time to have your lunch and a guided walk. There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.

After your hearty lunch and walk you will make your way slowly back to the Mokoro station where our motorboats will be waiting for you to take you back to camp.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Okavango Delta, Botswana

After breakfast, you’ll head south to Ghanzi, some 350 kilometres away. Thakadu Camp’s comfortable Meru-style tents are built on wooden decks and are set amongst ancient leadwood trees, providing much-needed shade in the hotter months. The main area overlooks a concrete pan and floodlit waterhole which attracts game such as eland, kudu, impala, wildebeest and other animals suited to this area of the Kalahari.

From: Guma Lagoon Camp (tented camp)
To: Thakadu Bush Camp

+ not included in price

Situated in the village of D’Kar in the Ghanzi district, the Kuru Museum and Cultural Centre is a place where locals and other Basarwa from neighbouring settlements come together to share and strengthen their traditions and culture. The museum has a beautiful permanent exhibition on Basarwa culture.

Apart from its Annual Dance Festival, the centre organises traditional knowledge workshops for local primary school children. Traditional musical instrument lessons are also taught at the workshops. These lessons are meant to keep the fire of culture burning, now and for the future. The staff at the centre also visits schools to teach San traditional music, dance and culture.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Dekar, Ghanzi District, Botswana

Resting in the south of Ghanzi is Thakadu Camp, a safari lodge that overlooks a calcrete pan and a floodlit waterhole. Surrounded by ancient leadwood trees, which thrives on this ridge, the camp benefits from the natural shade that presents a welcome opportunity to relax.

Thakadu Bush Camp is set around a pool with unspoilt views of the lush vegetation and watering hole where you can view game at all times of the day, if you are lucky. The main chalet is home to a bar and restaurant, as well as a curio shop with local crafts. Each of the chalets has an en-suite bathroom with options ranging from the luxurious en-suite Meru tents to budget twin-bedded cottage tents.

Address: Thakadu Bush Camp, Ghanzi, Botswana

It is around 550 kilometres back to Windhoek and therefore one of the longest drives you will have to undertake. However, the road along this stretch is normally in good condition and after leaving Botswana, livestock wandering the roads should no longer be an issue. There is not much to see along this route and few places to stop for lunch – Gobabis is the only real option. Taking snacks is strongly advised.

From: Thakadu Bush Camp
To: GocheGanas Private Wildlife Reserve & Spa

+ optional (not included in price)

Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over the landscape, GocheGanas is a nature reserve and luxurious hotel that brings you closer to nature with a unique combination of wildlife and wellness.

Balance out your days in the onsite Wellness Village with explorations of the 6,000 hectares of land that makes up GocheGanas Private Wildlife Reserve where there are 25 different wildlife species. Your time here will be spent enjoying a variety of activities including game drives, wildlife walks and treatments of a world-class standard to refresh the mind, body and spirit.

Address: Road B1, Windhoek 9000, Namibia

Today you’ll enjoy your last leisurely breakfast before you bid farewell to the beautiful country, completing your Namibia itinerary.

From: GocheGanas Private Wildlife Reserve & Spa
To: Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport

Today, you’ll head to the airport to return your car.

+ not included in price