At a Glance
Let yourself be engrossed by the beauty of the boundless land on this 9 day active safari traversing three of Africa’s diverse countries, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Turn your dreams of seeing the majestic ‘Big 5’ and more into reality as you submerge into a luxury safari experience combining unrivalled game viewing from guided walks, game drives to river cruises and the best safari lodges across Africa. From the rich hued Sossusvlei Dunes, the grand Namib Desert, the mighty Victoria Falls to the savannas of Okavango Delta, unlock the wild majesties of Africa.
Begin your safari journey in Windhoek, Namibia exploring its natural splendours from hiking the dramatic Namib Desert by day and extraordinary stargazing by night with an astronomer. Be captivated as you hike the vivid red-orange dunes and oldest ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Hiking, activities, guided tours and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- 8 nights accommodation in luxury lodges on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- All meals as specified
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
Itinerary
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Your first day's see’s you hiking the theatrical and oldest desert on Earth, the dramatic Namib Desert. Be captivated by its vivid pink-red to orange dunes, traverse petrified dunes and walk in the footsteps of desert adapted wildlife including oryx and springbok. You'll be accompanied by local San Bushman guide who will bring the desert to life embracing its history and the desert’s flora and fauna. Come evening, be spell bounded by exceptional stargazing with an astronomer bordering Africa's only dark sky reserve. |
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Your experience culminates with a scenic flight across the extraordinary Namib Desert to the tranquil and secluded &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, your home for the next two nights. An ultra-luxury retreat on a private 37-acre reserve in the Namib Desert embraced by the immense rippled sand dunes and starry night skies. Unwind in one of just 10 spacious suites complete with private pool, an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over your bed for late night stargazing. When you are not busy exploring, spend your days reconnecting with nature in the desert with endless space. From its split-level glass area revealing unobstructed desert vistas with a central island bar or whisk away in its walk-in cellar or soothe in its sunset-facing wellness centre. |
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, NamibRand Nature Reserve (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the next few days climbing and discovering the natural wonders of the bright red-orange Sossusvlei Dunes, stapled as some of the highest in the world. Marvel at sweeping desert views and gain insight into traditional and contemporary culture on your guided twilight walk. Soak in the wilderness sipping refreshing sundowners before a delightful alfresco dinner basking in your serene dessert surroundings. Your journey continues into the breathtaking mountainous region of Damaraland, home to a diverse of desert-adapted wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, rhino, zebras and lions which eke out an existence in this near-barren landscape. Along the way, admire the picturesque Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, filled with thousands of ancient rock paintings. |
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You’ll stay at the elegant Mowani Mountain Camp, nestled discreetly in the heart if Namibia’s Damaraland. Built high up amongst massive red granite boulders, unwind in your luxury ensuite tents with private deck giving sweeping views of the wild. Savour time at the bar for evening sundowners for breathtaking views of the valleys or relax at the pool deck. Enjoy exquisite three course dinners where absorbing the stillness of the night is under a blanket of stars in front of an open fire |
Mowani Mountain Camp, TwyfelfonteinBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today you’ll take a thrilling scenic private charter flight to the incredible World Heritage Listed, Okavango Delta in Botswana. Delve in to discover the vast maze of papyrus-lined waterways and grassland on guided walks and thrilling game drives. Experience the Okavango Delta in all its glory as you pursue the search of the Big Five including lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo that are plentiful. Be captivated with your guided walks, a fresh and thrilling view from the ground as you discover a multitude of natural wonders accompanied by safari guides. Tread in the track of the Delta wildlife, discover the complexities of tracking, observe how your guide interprets the signs and sounds of the bush and feel your senses come alive. Your safari drives are just as thrilling with up-close views of unique wildlife and flourishing vegetation. Your adventure continues with a punt along the shallow waters in a traditional mokoro canoe. |
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You’ll stay at a secluded tented safari camp overlooking a flood plain and one of the best places in the world to view buffalo in large numbers. Unwind in classically-styled ensuite tents boasting private decks with hammocks. Relax in the guest area for savouring sweeping views over the surround floodplains or refresh with a dip in its outdoor pool. |
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, Okavango Delta (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Journey to the spectacular Victoria Falls, ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Your highlights for the next few days include embarking on a guided hike on the Zimbabwean side of the river. Absorb and feel the thrill of the mighty Zambezi surge down a zigzagging chasm. Grasp the serenity with dinner on the riverbank, embark on a serene cruise that sprawls a stretch if the Zambezi and keep your eyes peeled for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife that call this place home. Spark your senses as you meander the streets of a vibrant local marketplace and find moment relaxing under mangosteen trees at your magnificent river abode. You’ll stay at an opulent lodge overlooking the broad Zambezi River, upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Retreat in your ensuite styled tree houses with a private viewing deck among the canopy of giant ebony trees. Unwind in the guest areas boasting a spectacular lounge deck, open-air dining, elevated bar and elegant wine cellar. Or, unwind at the picturesque swimming pool. |
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Your inspiring safari adventure ends in Vicotria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone Zambia where on the last day your transfer are organised to respective airports. If you're connecting to an international departure out of Johannesburg on the last day of the trip, please schedule your flight out of South Africa for after 6:30 p.m. If you're extending your stay in the area, we also offer a drop-off at Victoria Falls Hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Windhoek, Namibia
- The finish point is Livingstone, Zambia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Windhoek. The nearest major airport is Windhoek Eros Airport which has domestic flights and is 5 km from the center of Windhoek, Namibia. Another major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport, which has international and domestic flights and is 45 km from Windhoek, Namibia.
The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite those of the northern hemisphere, with summer falling between November and March, and winter from May to September. Be prepared for all weather, including hot daytime temperatures, cold evenings and the occasional thunderstorm. We recommend bringing sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat as well as high quality, waterproof rain gear.
In Namibia, temperatures are generally pleasant but can reach over 100°F during the summer or become chilly at night, especially in the winter. The wet season occurs during the summer and consists of sporadic rainfall. Be prepared for wild temperature swings between hot and cold at any time of year.
Along the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the winter climate is usually quite comfortable, with moderate heat and humidity. Summer is considered the wet season but can be downright hot and humid, with highs around 90° F and rain bringing noticeable mosquitos. Be aware that nighttime temperatures can be chilly.
Botswana's Okavango Delta has a climate that is warm to hot with distinct dry (May–October) and wet (November–April) seasons. June to July bring the coolest temperatures and least rainfall, with December to February being the most hot and wet months. At any time of year, temperatures plummet at night and in the early morning.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-2.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
