HomeTours Self-Drive Tours Namibia Botswana Northern Namibia & Best of Botswana Self-Drive Tour

Northern Namibia & Best of Botswana Self-Drive Tour

From

Waterberg

to

Maun

Duration

23 Days

Accommodation

Lodge, Luxury Hotel, Mid-range Lodge
  • Bushbuck
  • Victoria Falls
  • Zebra
  • Elephant Bull, Etosha National Park
  • White Rhino: Photo Credit to Jules Bss
CulturalFeatures WildlifeSightseeing

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Begin in Windhoek, Namibia’s vibrant capital, then journey to the stunning Waterberg Plateau. Explore Etosha National Park, home to diverse wildlife, before heading to Grootfontein and the Okavango River. Cross into Botswana, where you’ll visit Kasane and the renowned Chobe National Park, followed by a visit to Victoria Falls. Conclude your trip to Maun, where you’ll explore the Okavango Delta by Mokoro. This thrilling expedition offers unforgettable landscapes, wildlife, and culture, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Places You'll See

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant capital of Windhoek and the stunning Waterberg Plateau in Namibia.
  • Witness diverse wildlife in Etosha National Park and experience Chobe National Park in Botswana.
  • Marvel at the iconic Victoria Falls and navigate the Okavango Delta by Mokoro in Maun.

Itinerary

Departure/Return Location:

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Day 1 - Windhoek

Welcome to Namibia! Your adventure starts the moment you land at Hosea Kutako International Airport. A friendly shuttle driver will meet you at the arrival gates and take you to your B&B, giving you a first look at Windhoek along the way.

Day 2 - Waterberg Region

We’ve arranged an early pick-up from your B&B for vehicle collection at the car hire depot. After picking up your vehicle, you'll head north to the Waterberg region. The Waterberg Plateau rises sharply from the plains and is a sanctuary for rare species like white rhinos and sable antelopes. With over 200 bird species and rich wildlife, it's a haven for nature lovers. The plateau also holds historical significance, offering a perfect blend of nature and history.

Day 3 & 4 - Etosha National Park

Travel north to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering over 22,900 square kilometers of stunning landscapes, including shimmering salt pans and diverse wildlife. Spend the day exploring its abundant wildlife, with a chance to see the Big Five, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, at the park's numerous waterholes. Etosha is a photographer's paradise, offering unforgettable encounters with mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as the opportunity to spot the endangered black rhinoceros.

Day 5 - Onguma Private Nature Reserve

Located on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, Onguma Private Nature Reserve covers 34,000 hectares of untouched wilderness, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. Over the next two nights, you’ll be immersed in the wild, with memorable encounters with Namibia’s diverse wildlife. Onguma is a place where nature's beauty unfolds at every turn, creating unforgettable experiences in the heart of the African wilderness.

Day 6 & 7 - Grootfontein

As you depart Etosha National Park, head to Grootfontein, where you can immerse yourself in local culture, explore scenic hikes, and visit nearby game reserves for more wildlife experiences. Spend the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool, discovering local game and bird life, or exploring the Hoba Meteorite and Grootfontein Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the Harnas Wildlife Foundation, where you can connect with majestic wildlife before enjoying a starlit evening under Namibia's expansive sky.

Day 8 & 9 - Okavango River

Divundu, situated 200 kilometers east of Rundu along the Okavango River, serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby game parks and reserves. It offers boat cruises with stunning views of river wildlife and sunsets, along with opportunities to engage with local culture and discover traditional crafts. On day two, enjoy a range of activities including guided game drives, boat cruises, angling expeditions, and traditional Mokoro canoe trips down the river.

Day 10 - Kwando River

Flowing through the Caprivi Strip in northwest Namibia, the Kwando River originates in the Angolan highlands and marks the border between Namibia, Zambia, and Angola. The area around the river is renowned for its protected game reserves, national parks, and abundant wildlife.

Day 11 - Kwando River

You have the day to explore Bwabwata National Park and Nkasa Rupara National Park at your own pace. Guided game drives can be organised. Mamili Park is especially wild and remote, with the priority on encountering wildlife.

Day 12 - Kasane

Today, you’ll cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane. This scenic town, located in northeastern Botswana on the banks of the Chobe River, sits right next to Chobe National Park. With no boundary fences between the town and the park, you may spot elephants and hippos wandering through the area.

Day 13 & 14 - Victoria Falls

Today, enjoy a road transfer to Victoria Falls, home to the world’s widest waterfalls, stretching an impressive 1,708 meters across the Zimbabwean side. Spend day 2 exploring the falls with a range of activities, including guided walking tours, river cruises, bike and canopy tours, or thrilling adventures like white-water rafting, zip-lining, helicopter scenic flights, and bungee jumping.

Day 15 - Kasane

It is time to bid Vic Falls farewell. A road transfer will take you back to Kasane, Botswana. From here your self-drive adventure continues via Chobe Waterfront. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare bird life spotting.

Day 16 & 17 - Chobe National Park

Savuti lies in the heart of Botswana’s beautiful Chobe National Park. This dynamic wilderness is a sweeping expanse of savannah brooded over by several rocky outcrops which guard a relic marsh and the dry channel that was once its lifeline.

Day 18 & 19 -Khwai

Next stop, The Khwai area of the Okavango which lies along the northern boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. Khwai Community Area has unfenced boundaries allowing wildlife to move freely between the woodlands in the wet season when water is plentiful and back to permanent rivers and lagoons in the dry season.

Day 20 - Maun

Today you will make your way to Maun, set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third-largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Spend the night in Maun and get an airport transfer for your homeward journey the next day.

Things to do

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • 4x4 Vehicle with AC & GPS
  • Lodge Accommodation
  • Meals: Bed & Breakfast / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
  • Vehicle Excess
  • Vehicle Collection from Maun

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic Beverages & Drinks
  • Fuel & Rental Vehicle Insurance
  • Gratuities & Tips
  • International Flights (Arrival & Departure)
  • Items of Personal Nature
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Park Entry Fees & Permits
  • Travel Insurance
  • VISA (If Applicable)

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

What our customers ask about this tour

Can a day visit be arranged for guests who do not want to overnight in Victoria Falls?

Yes, a day visit to Victoria Falls can easily be arranged for guests who prefer not to stay overnight. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the falls and experience several activities, including guided walking tours, boat cruises, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, all within a day.

What activities can be done during a day visit to Victoria Falls?

A variety of activities are available for a day visit, including guided walking tours of the falls, scenic river cruises, bike tours, or more adventurous options like zip-lining, helicopter flights, and white-water rafting, all allowing you to experience the falls from different perspectives.

How long does it take to explore Victoria Falls?

Most guests find that spending a few hours to half a day at the falls is sufficient to experience its grandeur, but for those wanting to take part in multiple activities, a full day can be easily filled with tours, adventures, and exploring the surrounding areas.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Reach out to our experts with your enquiry, they usually respond in less than 2 hours.

Good to Know

Currency

In Namibia, the official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), and the Rand is also widely accepted.

In Botswana, the local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), though South African Rand may be accepted in some places.

In Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is used, but US Dollars, South African Rand, and other currencies are commonly accepted, especially in tourist areas.

In South Africa, the official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). It is widely accepted across the country and can also be used in Namibia, where the Namibian Dollar (NAD) is pegged to it.

Travel Requirements for Adults with Children Under 18

Adults travelling with children under 18 must provide the child’s original Birth Certificate and a consent form if only one parent is accompanying the child. Failure to present these documents may result in denied entry.

Visa

Unfortunately, we do not offer visa application services. Whether you require a visa depends on your nationality and your destination. If your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you’re visiting, you will need to apply for a visa before your departure. Additionally, some countries may require an invitation letter for the Namibian Embassy to process a tourist visa. If needed, guests can contact us for assistance with obtaining the invitation letter.

Keep Exploring

Victoria Falls
Okavango Delta
Botswana & Namibia Budget Adventure Self-Drive Tour – 18 Days

Book this Tour

  • Discover breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and culture on this unforgettable self-drive adventure through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

  • Best price guarantee. Learn more

Plan your adventure

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare
We do not offer any tours involving elephant rides or any activities that exploit animals for entertainment.

Supporting Destinations
We consciously try to reduce over-tourism by taking travellers outside of the main visitor hubs. We hire local guides.