35 Day road trip across Namibia and Botswana

HIGHLIGHTS

Climb sand dunes at the world’s oldest desert
Go for a car ride across some of the tallest sand dunes at Sandwich Harbor where the desert seamlessly meets the ocean
Ride a quad bike through sand dunes, go sand boarding
Go on safari at Etosha park
Explore Caprivi Strip
Camp in the wild and go on a boat safari at Chobe park
Go for a swim at Devil’s pool, Victoria falls
Follow meerkats and sleep under stars at Makgadikgadi salt pans
Fly in a helicopter doors off over Okavango Delta
Explore Okavango Delta by boat (mokoro)

35 DAY ITINERARY

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei – 3 days
Swakopmund – 3 days
Etosha – 4 days
Hakusembe River Lodge (Rundu) – 1 day
Ngepi camp – 1 day
Namushasha River Lodge – 3 days
Chobe River Camp – 3 days
Chobe park – 4 days
Victoria Falls – 2 days
Makgadikgadi pans – 3 days
Maun – 1 day
Moremi Game Reserve – 2 days
Khwai – 2 days
Maun – 1 day
Sandune Game Lodge – 1 day
Windhoek – 1 day

NAMIBIA

A road trip across Namibia and Botswana is an epic African adventure that should be on every adventurer’s wish list. The allure of Namibia’s stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and unparalleled hospitality bring us back a year later for our second road trip across the country. This time we venture out further into the Caprivi Strip, a verdant Northern part of Namibia where the rivers flow, teeming with hippos and crocodiles.

THINGS TO DO

SOSSUSVLEI AND DEADVLEI

Distance – 362 km away from Windhoek int. airport (5 hrs approximately)

When you witness towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei transform into a bright orange hue casting massive shadows during sunset, this nature’s spectacle will leave you speechless. There is so much to see and do in Sossusvlei like hiking the Big Daddy sand dune during sunrise, then running down this dune towards Deadvlei to marvel at the ancient trees, spotting ostriches and springbok walk across the desert, and finally, falling asleep under the most amazing night sky.

Big Daddy sand dune

Dune 45

SWAKOPMUND

Distance – 347 km away from Sesriem (5 hrs on average)

Stopover point – Solitaire (83 km away from Sesriem, known as an apple pie stop)

Swakopmund is a unique destination in Namibia where the desert meets the ocean. If you enjoy adrenaline-fueled adventures, Swakopmund has a lot to offer. Going on a drive across sand dunes at Sandwich Harbor is a must, you will come close with some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Riding quad bikes and sliding down a dune on a sand board is another thrilling adventure to be had in the desert here. While you’re in Swakopmund, you may also explore the Skeleton Coast, renowned for its abandoned ships and abundant wildlife.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Distance – 500 km away from Swakopmund,

Point of entrance – Anderson Gate

Being our first safari destination, Etosha will always hold a special place in our hearts. While it seems to be a very dry and harsh environment, great numbers of animals call Etosha their home. If time and a bit of luck are on your side, you will find herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, prides of lions and many other animals. On this particular road trip, when we traveled across all of Etosha, we discovered some really beautiful parts of the park towards Namutoni gate like big open plains with large numbers of zebras grazing all around.

CAPRIVI STRIP

Distance: Etosha Namutoni Gate to Rundu (stopover point) – 416 km (4.5 hrs approximately)

Rundu to Ngepi Camp – 216 km (2.5 hrs approximately)

Ngepi Camp to Namushasha River Lodge – 242 km (3 hrs approximately)

Namushasha River Lodge to Chobe River Camp – 200 km (2.5 hrs approximately)

If you wish to go on a boat safari, see hippos and crocodiles in Namibia, then Caprivi Strip should definitely be added to your itinerary. This Northern part of Namibia is green, more densely populated, and there are many farm animals roaming free everywhere. We had our first encounter with hippos camping by the river at Ngepi camp, it was scary and fascinating hearing them roar through the night. When we poked our heads outside the tent at sunrise, we were amazed to see local fishermen playfully warding off hippos with an oar as they laughed and continued fishing in their mokoros.

Chobe River Camp

WHERE WE STAYED

SESRIEM OSHANA CAMP (SOSSUSVLEI)

Sleeping under a canopy of millions of bright stars inside a national park is one experience in Namibia you will never forget. When staying at Sesriem Oshana camp, you’re given a chance to be among the first to hike the red sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Moreover, you get to enjoy the sunset while others staying outside the national park have to leave before the sun sets over the dunes. Make sure to book your campsite months in advance since many if not all overlanders coming to Sossusvlei try to camp inside the park, and the options are very limited. This campsite offered all the essentials, including a private toilet, shower, braai and a fire pit.

THE DELIGHT (SWAKOPMUND)

When I think of our stay at The Delight, I remember their fantastic breakfast buffet, our cozy room and lovely staff who really cared about providing us with the best experience. Every night, we would find two hot water bags under our sheets to make sure we kept warm throughout the night, small touches like that really showed their care for us as their guests.

ETOSHA SAFARI LODGE BY GONDWANA (ETOSHA PARK)

When we got to Etosha Safari Lodge, the sun was setting. The views from their sun deck were breathtaking, all we could see were endless mopane woodlands stretching for miles in every direction. They had several swimming pools throughout their sprawling property and, naturally, the infinity pool by the sun deck became our favorite. Like with other Gondwana lodges we stayed at, Etosha Safari Lodge offered amazing breakfast and dinner buffets.

ONGUMA CAMPSITE

En route to Caprivi Strip, we drove across all of Etosha and exited the park through Namutoni gate. Located closely to that gate, Onguma campsite was perfect for an overnight stay. We loved having dinner by their private waterhole, especially when a pack of hyenas suddenly appeared in the dark hunting by the water’s edge.

HAKUSEMBE RIVER LODGE (RUNDU)

Originally planned as a one night stopover between Etosha and Caprivi Strip, Hakusembe River Lodge left us completely surprised, wishing we had more time at this stunning place. Tucked away in a lush garden, Hakusembe felt like an oasis with its thatched chalets, a floating deck, a swimming pool and even a small sandy shore. Also, seeing Angola across the river while enjoying our breakfast felt very unique to us.

NGEPI CAMP (CAPRIVI STRIP)

The journey to Ngepi camp proved to be an adventure in itself and we loved every minute of it from finding funny road signs directing us to the camp to a fun drive down a narrow, sandy road through the bush passing by traditional huts. This was our first time camping in the wild right by the river with hippos roaming free through campsites which added even more fun and adrenaline to this whole experience. Taking a plunge into a natural, caged swimming pool on the river with hippos and crocodiles floating in a close proximity was another fun and memorable thing we did at Ngepi camp.

NAMUSHASHA RIVER LODGE (CAPRIVI STRIP)

One of our most thrilling safaris on this trip took place in Namushasha. It started with a boat ride down narrow river channels bustling with hippos, birds and crocodiles. Once we reached the opposite shore, we hopped out of the boat and got into a jeep for our on land part of safari. In addition to giraffes and elephants, we were very lucky to encounter a pack of African wild dogs, a rare sighting in both Namibia and Botswana. Namushasha’s stunning design and prime location, coupled with the attentive staff and exceptional food, made the entire experience unforgettable for us.

CHOBE RIVER CAMP

Located on the border with Botswana, Chobe River Camp is a perfect final destination in Caprivi Strip, especially for travelers heading to Chobe park in Botswana. With its tented chalets standing on stilts over Chobe river, you can watch crocodiles waiting out their prey right from your own porch. While you’re there, don’t miss an opportunity to embark on a guided safari drive, you may get lucky to see herds of elephants and giraffes gather for their sunset drink at the river. Their breakfast and dinner buffets offer some fantastic local food. Also, their swimming pool is to die for during those scorching afternoons.

BOTSWANA

There are no words to describe the emotions that course through you when you see hundreds of elephants heading for an afternoon swim at Chobe river or your first time camping in the wild and discovering lion footprints all around your jeep in the morning. Botswana is one wild, beautiful destination, filled with unique experiences and sights.

THINGS TO DO

CHOBE PARK SAFARI

If you’re traveling to Botswana from the Caprivi Strip, Chobe park will be your point of entrance and what an amazing destination it is to start your road trip in Botswana. If Botswana is considered the elephants’ capital of the world, then Chobe park undoubtedly holds the title of the elephants’ capital in Botswana. The sheer numbers of elephants we saw gathering at Chobe river were unbelievable. Our self drives along Chobe river became one of the highlights of our entire trip in Botswana. Watching elephants swim and play in the river was pure magic. Don’t miss out on boat safaris in Chobe Park—getting up close to hippos and other animals on the river and Sedudu Island is a must.

VICTORIA FALLS (DAY TRIP TO ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE)

Taking a plunge into the Devil’s pool atop Victoria Falls was another huge highlight of our road trip. It started with a thrilling boat ride to Livingstone island, followed by a short swim and, ultimately, a nerve-wracking descent into the Devil’s pool. As the guide held our ankles one person at a time, we crawled to the pool’s edge for a breathtaking view. It was one of the most frightening yet stunning scenes, with a double rainbow gracing the immense walls of thundering water all around. Upon returning to Livingstone island, we enjoyed our delicious breakfast. Having spent a lot on visa fees to Zimbabwe and Zambia, our only regret was not having at least one night by the waterfall. However, we figured we’d be back on our future road trip across Zambia and Zimbabwe.

MAKGADIKGADI PANS

Makgadikgadi pans are some of the largest salt pans in the world, visible even from space. During the dry season, you can go for a drive on the salt pans and fall asleep under a starry sky. As soon as the rain comes, salt pans become impassable but that’s when a great migration brings huge numbers of zebras to Makgadikgadi pans. A meerkat, another famous resident of Makgadikgadi pans, attracts many travelers to this area as well. We were no exception seizing the opportunity to follow a meerkat colony on foot. Since the rain made the salt pans impassable during our stay, we only got to enjoy our breakfast on the pan’s edge. One day, we will have to return to experience a ride on quad bikes across the pans and the ultimate sleep out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by stars.

OKAVANGO DELTA

Flying over Okavango Delta in a helicopter doors off while capturing elephants wading through the water has been a long-time dream of ours that finally came true. Even when looking back at the experience, somehow it doesn’t feel real. We booked our sunset flight with Helicopter Horizons and were very happy with the young English pilot who skillfully positioned our helicopter for perfect wildlife photos. I suggest spending a night in Maun so you don’t feel rushed to continue on your road trip to Moremi game reserve.

MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Encompassing one third of the Okavango Delta, Moremi game reserve also happens to be the most accessible part of it. There are dry and wet trails going through Moremi providing access to some stunning landscapes and wildlife in the area. Moremi is not as action packed as Chobe park where huge herds of elephants can be seen all around but it makes up for it with its unique landscapes. Spotting wildlife in Moremi feels like a reward rather than an expected experience.

KHWAI PRIVATE CONCESSION

Owned by the Khwai people, Khwai concession borders Moremi Game Reserve at the North Gate. With Khwai river running between Khwai concession and Moremi reserve, there are some amazing safari opportunities on Khwai side as well. We booked our safari drive with Khwai Hippo Pool camp and we absolutely loved it. Khwai river views were so stunning, it felt like we walked into a painting. There were elephants, hippos, buffalo and other animals grazing by the river, and our guide even managed to spot a lioness with a tiny cub laying under a thick bush. As darkness fell on our way back, we drove past a hyena burrow and saw a hyena cub poking its head out.

WHERE WE STAYED

IHAHA CAMPSITE (INSIDE CHOBE PARK)

Distance – 20 km away from Ngoma Bridge (1 hr approximately)

One of our most memorable experiences in Botswana was camping at Ihaha, right by Chobe river, in the heart of the national park. There were no fences to shield us from the wildlife and we never felt more scared and alive than on our first night at Ihaha.

CHOBE MARINA LODGE (KASANE)

Distance – 49 km away from Ihaha camp (1 hr approximately)

After two nights of camping in the wild, we were ready to relax at Chobe Marina Lodge. Floating at their swimming pool while looking out at the Chobe river felt like heaven. The lodge resembled a beautiful tree house that blended effortlessly into its natural environment.

PLANET BAOBAB (MAKGADIKGADI PANS)

Distance – 410 km away from Kasane (5 hrs approximately)

While the road to Planet Baobab was difficult, often marked with signs warning of “severe potholes”, the place itself turned out to be one quirky and fun desert getaway. Some of the baobab trees growing at Planet Baobab were thousands years old, one fascinating discovery. We also loved following their meerkat colony on foot and having our breakfast set up at a salt pan. Their lounge area with a huge swimming pool made for a perfect escape during hot afternoons. Finally, we absolutely loved their local artist playing guitar and singing for us by the camp fire in the evening.

SOUTH GATE CAMPSITE (MOREMI GAME RESERVE)

Distance – 92 km away from Maun (2 hrs approximately)

South Gate Camp is conveniently located right at the entrance to Moremi Reserve. After a long drive from Maun, it was perfect to check in quickly and still have enough time for a drive around the park. In the morning, we witnessed a tall tree getting toppled by a hungry elephant, and as we prepared breakfast, we had monkeys and birds trying to get to our food. South Gate camp felt wild and exciting.

XWABAXWA CAMPSITE (KHWAI)

Distance – 37 km away from South Gate campsite (1 hr approximately)

If you’re ready for camping in the bush, away from other campers, then Xwabaxwa is a perfect camp for you in Khwai. Since our initial plan to book North Gate camp fell through due to all campsites being reserved, we ended up looking for camps in Khwai and stumbled upon Xwabaxwa. In its Google reviews, everyone mentioned how the camp felt very rustic and natural. When we saw it with our own eyes, we realized that we were in for a proper camping in the wild experience. One of the staff members let us know about a dead elephant by a river nearby, and for the next two nights of camping at Xwabaxwa, we would hear packs of hyenas howling, probably feasting on the remains of that elephant. Having survived our camping experience at Xwabaxwa, we felt like our camping status went up a notch!