Experience the very best of Southern Africa on this comprehensive 25-day journey through Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. You will witness the power of Victoria Falls, explore three distinct regions of the Okavango & Selinda by helicopter and light aircraft, and discover the haunting beauty of Namibia’s Sossusvlei dunes and the remote Skeleton Coast. This high-end safari offers an immersive adventure through some of the continent's most iconic and contrasting wilderness areas.
Upon arrival at O R Tambo International Airport (arrival flight on own arrangements) you will make your way to the City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport where you will spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is conveniently located within the airport precinct, so is very easy to find and access. This evening is at your leisure to rest before your safari begins.
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture. With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport offers a convenient and comfortable sanctuary for both business and leisure travelers. Situated just a short walk from Africa's busiest airport and adjacent to the Gautrain Airport Station, it provides an ideal base for quick visits or relaxing layovers. With 365 well-appointed rooms, the hotel ensures a restful stay before or after flights. Guests can enjoy a spacious lobby lounge with real-time flight information, unlimited WiFi, and a variety of facilities designed for both productivity and relaxation. The hotel aims to make every guest's airport experience seamless and enjoyable. This hotel embodies "easy living" by combining accessibility with comprehensive amenities. Whether you are catching an early morning flight, have a layover, or are in Johannesburg for a brief business trip, the City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo provides a hassle-free and comfortable environment. The on-site restaurant and bar, fitness room, and outdoor swimming pool offer opportunities to unwind, while the proximity to airport retailers and banking facilities adds to the convenience. Its strategic location and array of services make it a prime choice for travelers seeking efficiency and comfort at the airport.
This morning you will check in for your Airlink flight 4Z492 departing Johannesburg at 10:00 and arriving at Victoria Falls Airport at 11:45. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to The Victoria Falls Hotel to spend 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. As Australian passport holders, you will need to purchase a Zimbabwe visa on arrival for approximately US$30. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the historic gardens of this iconic hotel with its views of the Victoria Falls bridge.
Zimbabwe - a treasure trove of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba and the untamed beauty of Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other. Explore the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, or paddle along the tranquil channels of the Lower Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles linger at every turn.
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind. As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
The Victoria Falls Hotel, a majestic Edwardian-style hotel built in 1904 and splendidly redecorated in 2013, stands as a true icon of luxury in Africa. It boasts a prime location overlooking the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, a renowned Natural Wonder of the World. For over 110 years, this five-star establishment has offered guests an unparalleled experience, blending traditional grandeur with modern sophistication. With internationally-trained chefs providing a connoisseur's delight of dining options, the hotel ensures a memorable and luxurious stay for all its visitors.
Originally conceived to accommodate workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway, The Victoria Falls Hotel has evolved into a premier destination, offering style, glamour, and sophistication in every aspect of its design and service. Its rich history and breathtaking surroundings make it a unique and captivating retreat. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, guests are immersed in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and natural wonder, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's classic five-star hotels.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Victoria Falls across the border to Kasane Airport in Botswana. From here, you board a Mack Air light aircraft flight departing for the Okavango Delta, to spend 4 nights at Mbamba on a fully inclusive basis. Please note the light aircraft flights have a strict luggage limit of 20kgs per person (including hand luggage) and bags must be soft sided.
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa. The unique geography of the country has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Chobe River, Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime. Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience. The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
Mbamba is a new tented camp located in the private NG12 concession in the northern Okavango Delta, brought to you by the Uncharted Africa team. It offers a blend of remarkable guided wilderness experiences and a classic safari style, set in a superb location for year-round game viewing. With some of the best safari guides in the business and a variety of land and water-based activities, guests can look forward to a rewarding wildlife experience in this game-rich private concession. The camp is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of the natural world in a relaxed environment.
The camp features 12 stylish canvas tents (4 double, 6 twin, and 2 family units), each with spacious en-suite bathrooms, over-bed cooling systems, and a private veranda with stunning views of the Okavango Delta. The main mess area offers two lounges, a small library, and a swimming pool for relaxation. Meals are served family-style, with options for outdoor dining and stargazing around the firepit. Mbamba is open year-round, with each season offering unique adventures in the Delta.
After your final morning activity at Mbamba, you will board a helicopter flight for a scenic transfer across the delta to Mokolwane. You will spend 3 nights here on a fully inclusive basis, giving you the opportunity to explore a different habitat within this vast ecosystem. Your afternoon will be spent on your first safari activity in this remote region.
Mokolwane is a small, intimate safari camp nestled amongst Mokolwane palms in the 180,000-hectare Xudum concession (NG29) in the Southern Okavango Delta. This remote camp is the only one in the concession, offering unparalleled privacy and an exclusive, low-impact safari experience. It's renowned as "leopard country," boasting the third-highest density of leopards in Africa, making it a prime location for big cat enthusiasts and wildlife filmmakers alike. The camp offers a chance to immerse yourself in an untamed wilderness teeming with diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and all the Okavango predators.
Mokolwane is perfect for those seeking adventure and solitude, with each season presenting a unique spectacle of the Okavango Delta. The camp provides an authentic and intimate connection with nature, allowing guests to breathe in the stillness and witness incredible wildlife action up close. Its charm extends to being an ideal hideaway for exclusive-use groups, promising a truly unforgettable safari.
The property is dedicated to conservation, supporting the "Coaching Conservation" outreach program for children. Guests contribute directly to these initiatives, fostering a deeper respect for wildlife and the environment. With its unique location, exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, and commitment to responsible tourism, Mokolwane offers an extraordinary and impactful safari journey.
Leaving the pans behind, you will fly by helicopter into the Selinda Reserve to spend 4 nights at Okavango Explorers Camp on a fully inclusive basis. This area is famous for its high concentrations of wildlife and beautiful landscapes, which you will begin to explore this afternoon on a game drive.
Just when you thought that lodges could not get any more remote or wild in Botswana! In the far north of the country, bordering Namibia, you will find the Selinda Spillway, the Linyanti River and Marsh, and the Kwando River. The Spillway is the waterway which connects the Okavango Delta with the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers, which then flow on to become the Chobe River. The wilderness areas supported by these waters have been divided into private concessions, on which are scattered very few, very luxurious, lodges.
The Okavango Explorers Camp offers an unparalleled safari experience, immersing guests in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This intimate camp provides a luxurious haven amidst Botswana's untouched wilderness, where breathtaking wildlife encounters are an everyday occurrence. Designed for the discerning traveler, the camp blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering an authentic yet sophisticated base for exploration.
Wake to the sounds of the African bush and embark on thrilling game drives, mokoro excursions, and guided walks led by expert guides. Return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed tent, where personalized service and exquisite cuisine await. The Okavango Explorers Camp is more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation to connect with nature on a profound level and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This morning you will fly by light aircraft from Okavango Explorers Camp to Maun Airport to connect with your flight to Windhoek. Upon arrival in Namibia, you will be met and transferred to Etango Ranch Guest Farm to spend 1 night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. As Australian passport holders, a visa is now required for Namibia and should be obtained as an eVisa or from a Namibian mission before travel.
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities. Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination. Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
Namibia's quirky capital city is often used as a stopover city, with international flights arriving and departing daily. While it's a convenient place to break a long journey, Windhoek also offers some surprising local culture, interesting restaurants, and excellent shopping for local arts and crafts.
Etango Ranch Guest Farm offers a tranquil and hospitable oasis just 5 minutes from Hosea Kutako International Airport. Guests can enjoy the peace and quiet of the Namibian landscape without being disturbed by airport noise, making it an ideal choice for both international visitors starting or ending their journey and transit passengers. The guest farm emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere where guests can truly feel at home.
The property is committed to guest safety and operates in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and WHO, ensuring a secure and comfortable stay for all. With its convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and array of amenities, Etango Ranch Guest Farm provides a perfect blend of relaxation and accessibility.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat after a long flight, a convenient stopover before your next adventure, or simply a place to unwind amidst nature, Etango Ranch Guest Farm promises a memorable and refreshing experience with its warm hospitality and serene environment.
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Windhoek Airport to board a Wilderness Air light aircraft flight to the Sossusvlei region. You will spend 3 nights at Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge on a fully inclusive basis. This lodge offers a private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft Park, and this afternoon you will enjoy your first excursion into the ancient red dunes of the Namib Desert. Please note that light aircraft flights in Namibia have a strict 20kg luggage limit in soft bags.
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert will remain in your memories forever. With night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and sunrises and sunsets casting gorgeous colours over the dunes. Stretching about 1200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Nestled within the unspoiled expanse of Namibia's Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Kulala Desert Lodge offers an unparalleled desert escape. Overlooking a majestic, perpetually dry riverbed with convenient private access to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, this lodge is a sanctuary of tranquility and adventure. Each of the lodge's 23 thatch-and-canvas "cool" chalets harmoniously blends with the natural environment, providing a comfortable and immersive experience. Wake to breathtaking desert sunrises, embark on thrilling desert excursions, and unwind under a canopy of a million stars.
At Kulala Desert Lodge, every detail is crafted to enhance your connection with this extraordinary landscape. From guided nature drives and walks that reveal the desert's hidden wonders to exhilarating hot air balloon safaris over the vast dunes, authentic Namibian adventures await. The lodge’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures a minimal environmental footprint, allowing guests to experience the raw beauty of the desert in a responsible and enriching way. Indulge in delicious cuisine, relax by the pool, and let the magic of the Namib Desert captivate your soul.
Leaving the dunes behind, you fly north by light aircraft to the rugged landscapes of Damaraland to spend 2 nights at Wilderness Doro Nawas on a fully inclusive basis. This region is known for its dramatic geological formations and desert-adapted wildlife. This afternoon you will head out on a nature drive to explore the rocky terrain and soak in the vast vistas.
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer. With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Nestled in the breathtaking wilderness of Namibia's Damaraland, Wilderness Doro Nawas offers an unparalleled safari experience. This luxurious lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, providing a tranquil escape with stunning desert vistas and unobstructed views of the Aba-Huab River Valley. Guests can immerse themselves in the stark beauty of the landscape while enjoying exceptional comfort and personalized service, making every moment an unforgettable adventure.
Wilderness Doro Nawas is renowned for its commitment to conservation and its dedication to providing authentic cultural encounters. Explore the ancient geological formations, track desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and rhinos, and discover the rich heritage of the Damara people. After a day of exploration, unwind in the inviting lounge, stargaze from your veranda, or indulge in delectable cuisine, all while surrounded by the captivating allure of the Namibian desert.
This morning you board a Wilderness Air light aircraft flight departing for one of the most remote areas of Namibia. You will spend 3 nights at Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp on a fully inclusive basis. This starkly beautiful landscape is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, and your stay includes a range of nature drives and walks to discover this unique ecosystem.
Taking its name from the skeletal remains which were found on the beaches from whaling and seal hunts, the Skeleton Coast has been known to generate its fair share of human bones too. This harsh coastline has been the resting place of numerous shipwrecks, with the fate of the sailors being of unimaginable hardship. Canyons, sand dunes and mountains make up the terrain of the area, with numerous species of wildlife surprisingly being found suriving the conditions.
Nestled in the rugged, ancient landscapes of Namibia, Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp offers an extraordinary safari experience where the desert meets the sea. This luxurious camp, located in a concession bordering the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, provides unparalleled access to a unique desert ecosystem. Guests can immerse themselves in breathtaking vistas, encounter remarkable desert-adapted wildlife, and discover the raw beauty of one of Africa's most remote and captivating wildernesses. Each stay promises adventure, tranquility, and a profound connection to nature in an area famed for its dramatic scenery and exclusive exploration opportunities.
Designed with a deep respect for its environment, the camp blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, offering an intimate and eco-conscious retreat. Luxurious tents provide comfort and style, each with en-suite facilities and a private veranda looking out onto the stunning desert panoramas. Beyond the exceptional accommodation, Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences, from thrilling game drives in search of desert-adapted elephants and lions to fascinating excursions to the coastline, revealing shipwrecks and seal colonies. It’s an ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking adventure, photographic opportunities, and a truly unique safari experience off the beaten path.
After your final morning in the desert, you fly by light aircraft from Hoanib back to Windhoek Airport. You will then check in for Airlink flight 4Z127, departing Windhoek at 18:10 and arriving in Johannesburg at 20:00. You will spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis at City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport, conveniently located for your travel home tomorrow.
Day 25· Day of Departure
Today marks the end of your journey. You will have the day at leisure before making your own way back to the terminal (international departure flight not yet included in quotation).
Indicative Pricing
Pricing for this period is being finalised. Please enquire for an up-to-date quote.
Inclusions
All accommodation as specified
All internal flights and helicopter transfers
All meals and drinks, except for Johannesburg (2 nights on bed and breakfast), Victoria Falls (2 nights on bed and breakfast) and Windhoek (1 night on half board)
All game viewing activities, guided tour of Victoria Falls, 25 minute helicopter flight over the Falls, sunset cruise on Zambezi River, hot-air balloon flight in the Namib Desert
Exclusions
International flights between Australia and Africa
Visas for Zimbabwe and Namibia
Lunches and dinners in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, drinks in Windhoek
Tips (recommended budget US$20 - US$30 per person per day)
Make this journey yours
Every safari we craft is tailored to you. Use this as a starting point and we'll shape it around your dates, group and preferences.
