Namibia & Botswana: Dunes & Delta

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Namibia and Botswana are two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa and on this itinerary we safari in their most renowned and distinct wildernesses: Etosha National Park and the Okavango Delta. Etosha has an arid landscape scattered with waterholes, where a variety of animals reluctantly congregate for a drink. By contrast, the Okavango is a lush habitat...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Enjoy safaris in the Okavango Delta and Etosha National Park
    • Walk with the San people in the Kalahari Desert
    • See the mighty dunes and dead trees of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
    • Explore Brandberg Mountain and see the White Lady rock painting
    • Experience the majestic desert scenery of Namib-Naukluft National Park

What's this trip about?

    Namibia and Botswana are two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa and on this itinerary we safari in their most renowned and distinct wildernesses: Etosha National Park and the Okavango Delta. Etosha has an arid landscape scattered with waterholes, where a variety of animals reluctantly congregate for a drink. By contrast, the Okavango is a lush habitat of grassy plains and reed-lined channels carved by wandering elephants. But there is more to this region than wildlife. From the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei to the San people’s culture in the Kalahari and the adventure-sport scene at Swakopmund, there is something for everyone on this epic 15-day trip.Discover the wildlife and contrasting landscapes of Namibia and Botswana

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityWindhoek
End CityWindhoek

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Botswana
  • Namibia

Attractions

  • Okavango Delta
  • Windhoek

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, four lunches, eight dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival and departure transfers (from Windhoek)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Windhoek

The adventure starts in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. In town, we have the chance to change money and pick up any supplies we may need. We then drive to our lodge and spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing. Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Ghanzi; walk with the San people in the Kalahari

Leaving Windhoek, we drive east towards Botswana. Our destination today is Ghanzi, a small town in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Late in the afternoon, we join indigenous San people on a 90-minute walk into the bush to learn first-hand how to survive in this arid...

Day 3 To Okavango Delta

Today we travel into the Okavango Delta. Following lunch and a welcome briefing, we board mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) and head to our Delta camp (depending on water levels we may drive in a 4×4). Pack light for the next three days, all luggage goes to camp by ...

Day 4 Full day exploring the Okavango Delta by foot and dugout canoe

Day 5 Morning walking safari; return to Maun

After another early start, we enjoy one final exploration of the Delta before returning to our collection point by mokoro. Following lunch, we drive to the town of Maun where we have a free afternoon to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities available, such as scenic flights or helicopter rides. Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Transfer to Guma Lagoon; optional boat ride

We have a relaxed morning before heading to the northern part of the Okavango Delta. Leaving our vehicle behind, we take a 4×4 transfer to our lodge, which is located on the banks of the Delta. This area is a birdwatcher’s haven, there is also the option of an afternoon boat ride. Total drive: 220mi (350km), 5hrs 30mins Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Cross border back into Namibia; to Rundu

We continue our journey north and cross back into Namibia through the Mohembo border post. From here, we travel in Mahango National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, which can commonly be seen from the roadside. Our drive along the Cap...

Day 8 To Etosha National Park

Our destination today is Etosha National Park. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before heading to our accommodation. We typically stay within the park on some or all of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are located next to ...

Day 9 Full day in Etosha

In complete contrast to the Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park is a relatively arid wilderness of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large saltpan. It is scattered with waterholes where a great variety of animals congregate to drink, making them fairly easy...

Day 10 Drive to Brandberg

Leaving Etosha, we stop by the small town of Outjo before continuing our journey towards Brandberg,the highest mountain in Namibia, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for the desert elephants that roam the Ugab River, while stargazing is normally spectacular from this remote spot. Total drive: 235mi (380km), 6hrs Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Visit the White Lady rock painting; transfer to Swakopmund

We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we enjoy a walk through a valley for approximately 1hr 30min. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the famous White Lady rock painting which, alon...

Day 12 Free day for optional activities

Today is a free day to enjoy one of the many optional activities on offer in and around town. On the water, you can go deep-sea fishing; in the desert, you can go sandboarding and quad-biking; and in the sky, you can fly over the Skeleton Coast. Or if none of these ap...

Day 13 Morning stop at Walvis Bay; drive through Namib Desert to Sesriem

After breakfast, we visit nearby Walvis Bay where we hopefully see flamingos. Our journey then takes us through the Namib-Naukluft National Park – home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. The park contains spectacular desert scenery and there are photo opportunities along the way. Total drive: 210mi (340km), 5hrs 30mins Accommodation: Weltevrede Guestfarm (or similar)

Day 14 Explore the Sossusvlei dunes; optional excursion to Deadvlei

We have an early start so we can see the tallest dunes in the world in the morning light. We also have the opportunity to climb one of the dunes for fantastic views of the area. After, we can either walk to Hiddenvlei or take a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei, w...

Day 15 Return to Windhoek; end

We typically have an early start this morning as we have a long drive back to Windhoek where the tour ends. If you’d like to spend a bit longer in Namibia, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Total drive: 210mi (340km), 6hrs Please note: Th...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,890
Price per day$326
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
05 May 2024
19 May 2024
$5,400
3 spots left
21 Jul 2024
04 Aug 2024
$4,890
8 spots left
11 Aug 2024
25 Aug 2024
$5,700
2 spots left
25 Aug 2024
08 Sep 2024
$4,950
8 spots left
15 Sep 2024
29 Sep 2024
$5,700
Limited
29 Sep 2024
13 Oct 2024
$5,550
1 spots left
13 Oct 2024
27 Oct 2024
$5,400
4 spots left
10 Nov 2024
24 Nov 2024
$5,400
8 spots left
06 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2025
$5,850
8 spots left
04 May 2025
18 May 2025
$5,850
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

,For our time in Namibia and Botswana, we spend 12 nights in lodges/hotels and two nights full-service camping. Occasionally, we stay in permanent tented camps. These are comfortable rooms, in part made of canvas, with private bathrooms and are a quintessential African safari experience. Properties are comfortable, well located for our activities and some have swimming pools. Below are a few of the standouts. Wild camping in the Okavango Delta The highlight stay on this trip for many is our two nights of wild camping in the Okavango Delta. Our neighbours, which you’ll likely hear shuffling around at night, include hippos, elephants and lions, while our away-from-it-all location normally allows us to see a night sky illuminated with stars. To make things easier, our camp is set up for us and all equipment is provided. We sleep in spacious, two-person tents fitted with thick foam mattresses and there is a bush shower and toilet, while dinner is taken around our atmospheric campfire. Brandberg White Lady Lodge Our Brandberg stay is in the middle of nowhere. From the viewpoint, you will not see another property, just the ruggedly beautiful landscape of Damaraland and possibly some desert elephants in the distance. There’s a dining area, well-stocked bar, lounge, and two swimming pools. Lodges in Etosha National Park In Etosha, we stay within the national park itself – a huge plus for any animal lover. The resorts we use are either Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni. Each location has a restaurant, swimming pool and bar but the highlights are the flood-lit waterholes where wildlife regularly stops to drink and bathe. Worth knowing Wifi is available in several properties but not everywhere, notably not in Sesriem, Etosha or Waterberg. When visiting the Delta, we take only what we need for three days (sleeping bags and pillows are provided). Due to the limited amount of accommodation within Etosha National Park, it is sometimes necessary to sleep outside the park. However, this is rare. Where we stay will not impact the number of game drives we have within the park.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and eight dinners are included. For meals not included, please allow the equivalent of approximately £12.50/US$15 per meal per person. Some meals are in restaurants or the lodges while others are prepared by the crew. Camp meals are freshly cooked over the campfire. They are wholesome and plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not always easy to get fresh meat. However, the standard of food is generally good. Breakfast: Cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, pasta, salads, bread or rolls Dinner: Potjie (stew), braai (barbecue) or stir fries Vegetarians are well catered for on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 12 nights in lodges/hotels and two nights of full-service camping
  • Travel by purpose-built overland bus, 4×4 vehicle and dugout canoe
  • Some long drives
Trip ID
exodus-AZB

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