Okavango Delta and Deserts

Dumela Botswana! We start our adventure in the town of Kasane and head south to Gweta Lodge on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans. Opt to cruise the salt pans in open safari vehicles in search of a meerkat colony while getting some funky perspective photos in one of the largest salt flats in the world. Tonights treat is sundower drinks under an icon of Botswana before retiring to the lodge for dinner and drinks at the bar.

We will say goodbye to the pans (for now) and head on to the wildlife haven that is the Okavango Delta Our minds already blown by this unique natural landscape, it's off to the Okavango Delta, where we'll take an awe-inspiring game drive before settling into our exclusive Contiki Safari Camp. We'll be greeted with luxe two person dome tents - pre-erected of course - with stretchers, mattresses and linen. Dinner? How about a campfire meal as we swap tales under a starswept sky?

Get your David Attenborough voice on, we're in the heart of Africa's iconic wildlife filming paradise. This sprawling wetland is home to some of Africa's most incredible species and after a quick bite to eat we're off on an early morning game drive in the Okavango Delta in hopes of spotting elephants, hippos and (if we're lucky) some predators. We'll head back to camp for a tasty lunch and siesta. Chill in the camp or opt for a Mokoro boat trip along the gorgeous waterways of the delta. In the afternoon we're back on another jaw-dropping game drive before our traditional campfire dinner. This evening we've a once in a lifetime opportunity - a night drive in the bush with spotlights seeking out elusive nocturnal animals you can't find during the day.

Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive eyes peeled for elephants as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise. Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, dont forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, youll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.

We've got a big day ahead of us today. We'll traverse two countries as we leave Botswana and head into Namibia. We'll say goodbye to your first Trip Manager in Maun, cross the border and arrive in Windhoek later that evening. We'll be welcomed by our local Namibian Trip Manager who will take charge for the rest of the adventure. Keep your eyes peeled (and cameras ready) for stunning Savannah scenery along the way.Welcome to the Namibian capital! Tonight well tuck into a delicious dinner, and youll have time to go shopping for any last-minute supplies (AKA snacks, sunblock etc).

Well make our way to Etosha National Park today, but not before weve checked out some of Windhoeks iconic attractions on a guided city tour. Well hit the open road with our eyes peeled for beautiful desert scenery, stopping off at a few cultural hotspots too. Well have lunch in Otjiwarongo and then after that, its all eyes on Etosha!After checking in at the lodge, youll have a bit of free time to chill by the pool. Tonight well head out for a walkabout dinner in Outjo fuelling up before the big safari day tomorrow.

Well wake up bright and early this morning, ready to embark on our first big game drive in Namibia. Prepare yourself for a wildlife experience like nowhere else on Earth. Eyes peeled for desert-savvy antelope too! Well head back to the lodge for lunch, and then youll have some free time to sunbathe and relax. Tonight well take a sunset walk and then enjoy a buffet dinner back at the lodge.

Today well head west to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Along the way, well stop off in the Erongo Mountains to visit the San Bushmen of Omandumba. Theyll teach us their local language, and educate us on how they survive and thrive in the harsh desert conditions. You can also check out their handmade arts and crafts too perfect if youre hunting for souvenirs.Our next stop-off is the Matterhorn of Namibia, where well have lunch and bask in the beauty of the towering granite peaks.Well check into our hotel together, and then we're off to take a Swakopmund Township Tour followed by a traditional dinner. After that, youll have a free night to explore.

Here we are in the adventurers paradise that is Swakopmund. First up, were heading to the oceanHere in Walvis Bay, well head to Pelican Point for a kayaking trip like no other. Look out for seals, dolphins, and even whales too(!).This afternoon youre free to explore Swakopmund at your leisure. Check out the local restaurants and bars, hit the dunes for some active adventures, or do both (if youre feeling ambitious).

This morning well take a long (but beautiful) drive into the Namibian desert. On the way, well stop for lunch at Solitare a one-horse town famous for its apple pie.This evening, well arrive at our lodge near the Soussusvlei salt and clay pans! Framed by some of the highest sand dunes in the world, this is one of the most iconic and jaw-dropping attractions in the whole of Namibia. After checking in, youll have the chance to have a little swim, and then well head out for a sunset desert drive followed by a buffet dinner back at the lodge.

Were up early this morning to visit Namib-Naukluft National Park eyes open for Oryx and other desert-dwelling wildlife. Once we hit the sand dunes, well leave the jeep and go for a walk along Big Daddy sand dune down into nearby Deadvlei. Expect unrivalled 360 views, and to hear yourself constantly saying So THATS where my desktop background comes from!After lunch, well hit the road for a final picturesque drive back into Windhoek. Well check in, freshen up and then head out for a farewell dinner at the famous Joes Beerhouse.

Rise, shine, prep your goodbyes and get planning for the big reunion (same time next year, anyone?). But before the trip ends officially, well all enjoy one last hearty breakfast together.