A Southern African Odyssey with Desert and Dunes Pre Extension

12 Day Escorted Tour With 6 Day Extension

Namibia, Africa
30 Meals Included
11 Excursions
2 2

Embarking on a safari adventure across Namibia and Botswana is a journey into the heart of untamed beauty. In Namibia, the vast landscapes of Etosha National Park unfold, revealing herds of elephants, giraffes, and lions against the backdrop of its iconic salt pan. Botswana's Okavango Panhandle region offers a unique water-based safari, navigating through winding channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles. This life-changing tour culminates with a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Begin your journey with an exploration of the vast, majestic Namibian desert. From here you’ll be embarking on a safari adventure across Namibia and Botswana; a journey into the heart of untamed beauty.

Highlights

  • Seek out the “Big 5” as you explore the wildlife-rich regions of Namibia and Botswana
  • Witness thundering cascades, misty rainbows, and lush surroundings as you spend the day at the mighty Victoria Falls
  • Spend 2 full days on game drives within the Etosha National Park, a mesmerising haven, renowned for its expansive salt pan and diverse ecosystems
  • Adventure through the Okavango Panhandle’s narrow waterways on a sunset boat cruise
  • Explore the Tsodilo Hills and its ancient rock art in this breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Experience the vast vistas and immersive silence of the Namib desert
  • Enjoy a Dolphin and Seal Cruise in Swakopmund; fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Windhoek

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Windhoek.

Day 2
Windhoek

Arrival into Windhoek, where you’ll meet your local representative and be transferred to your hotel where you’ll be spending the afternoon and evening at leisure – relaxing after your flight.

Day 3
Windhoek to Sesriem

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel you’ll be travelling to the majestic Namib Desert to begin your African adventures. On arrival the afternoon will be at leisure.

Day 4
Sesriem

Breakfast & Dinner

Today you’ll be taken on an excursion across the Namib Desert where you’ll experience Sossusvlei's mesmerizing red dunes, the eerie beauty of Dead Vlei's white clay pan, and the rugged beauty of Sesriem Canyon.

Day 5
Sesriem to Swakopmund

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you’ll continue your journey to the settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. The afternoon is set aside for leisure to explore Swakopmund and its palm-lined streets, seaside promenades and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6
Swakopmund

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast you’ll be taken on a morning cruise to spot dolphins and seals and the rest of the day will be at leisure where you can enjoy Swakopmund’s delightful blend of coastal charm and adventure – from exploring rolling dunes to savouring seaside cuisine.

Day 7
Swakopmund to Etosha National Park

Breakfast

This day is the end of your pre-extension. Travel from Swakopmund to Etosha National Park where you will mean your tour group. Etosha National Park is famous for its vast amount of wildlife and stunning landscapes. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8
Etosha National Park

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you’ll be meeting your local guide to begin your safari experience on a full day’s safari. Watch out for majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, powerful lions, and an array of other wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. This park's unique landscapes make every moment an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure.

Day 9
Etosha South to Etosha North

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, embark on another full day’s safari to capture some more unforgettable moments in close-proximity to some of the world’s most respected and revered animals . You’ll travel through the entire park on the drive, and finish the day with dinner at a second lodge located at the North of Etosha.

Day 10
Etosha to Divundu

Breakfast & Dinner

Today you’ll be travelling via the rural Ovamboland and traditional villages to Divindu, located on the edge of the Mahango National Park. Here, there’ll be an optional afternoon boat cruise on the Okavango River, or you could choose to walk around the local village instead.

Day 11
Divundu to Okavango Panhandle

Breakfast & Dinner

Experience the beauty of Mahango National Park today – a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting diverse fauna and picturesque landscapes. Later in the day you’ll be leaving Namibia and entering Botswana into the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta.

Day 12
Okavango Panhandle

Breakfast & Dinner

Your first morning in Botswana will be spent on a ‘Mokoro’ Trip along the river delta. The silence of travelling in a mokoro means that birds and animals are less likely to be disturbed, allowing you the opportunity to become fully immersed in the environment. In the afternoon you’ll have the option to undertake another boat cruise.

Day 13
Okavango Panhandle to Kongola

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart to the Tsodilo Hills near the Namibian Border. This is an area of massive quartzite rock formations that rise from ancient sand dunes to the east and a dry fossil lake bed to the west in the Kalahari Desert. These Hills have provided shelter to human populations for over 100,000 years, retaining a remarkable record in its archaeology, rock art, and the ancient traditions continued in the local villages to this day. *Packed lunch will be provided

Day 14
Kongola to Chobe National Park

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning takes us back into Botswana and the world-renowned Chobe National Park. The following two nights are spent in a special corner of the African wilderness, where two mighty rivers meet; a wetland paradise that is a haven for nature and wildlife – it has the largest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa.

Day 15
Chobe National Park

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast at the lodge you’ll be guided on an early morning safari across the Chobe National Park, enjoying captivating panoramas and the chance to see elephants and lions in their natural habitat. Spend the afternoon on a stunning sunset cruise along the Chobe River, offering a serene escape into Botswana's wilderness – offering a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife thriving along its banks.

Day 16
Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls

Breakfast

Today you’ll be driven across the Botswanan border into Zimbabwe. Once you’ve arrived at your hotel you’ll spend the afternoon at leisure, ready for your foray to the spectacular Victoria Falls in the morning.

Day 17
Victoria Falls

Breakfast & Dinner

Take part in an excursion to the famous Victoria Falls which will immerse you in the awe-inspiring grandeur of its cascading waters, misted rainbows, and the vibrant energy of this natural wonder. The afternoon will be spent at leisure and in the evening you’ll be treated to a traditional Boma dinner by way of a fond farewell for this unforgettable safari experience.

Day 18
Victoria Falls to UK

Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or to continue on to your chosen extension.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Avani Windhoek Hotel
1 nights
Windhoek, Namibia
More details
Taleni Etosha Village
2 nights
Etosha South, Namibia
More details
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Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.

Namibia visa requirements A visa is not required for your travel to Namibia. You can visit Namibia for up to 90 days without a visa. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Botswana visa requirements British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa to travel to Botswana.

Zimbabwe visa requirements British passport holders are required to obtain a visa to travel to Zimbabwe. You can apply for an e-visa online prior to travel or you can purchase one upon arrival. If purchasing a visa upon arrival, please ensure you have the correct amount of cash as change isn't always available. The cost of a single entry visa is approximately $55.

We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company, they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.

We strongly recommend that all members of your party are insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, or your General Practitioner.

All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of A Southern African Odyssey is rated Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you will have early mornings, and some long days driving on uneven terrain. You will be walking around the sights (some have long distances to reach them or stairs to climb) and getting on and off coaches and boats and walking on uneven terrain. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour that may have stairs or uneven walkways. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The South African Rand is also widely accepted. Cash machines will also be available throughout your stay in Namibia to withdraw money in the local currency.

The currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP) but US Dollars are also accepted in most hotels/lodges and big shops. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are available in most cities.

The Zimbabwean dollar is no longer valid currency, with all transactions are currently conducted in US dollars ($). We recommend having cash before you travel as credit card machines and ATM’s are available but unreliable.

We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. Some local banks will not change money back into Pound Sterling, so do not exchange too much. It is advisable to carry smaller note denominations as some outlets and vendors may not accept the larger notes.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. We recommend you bring along a minimum of £400-£500 per person to change to local currency. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

It is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide.

We would recommend tipping approximately $5 per person per day for the guide. $5 per person for the external rangers. This is a total of $90 per person to budget for tips on your trip.

Tips are accepted in the local currency.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 6, and the maximum will be 22. In the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will be joined by a local guide in Botswana during you activities, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. If your group consists of 6-9 people, you will have a Driver Guide accompany you. If your group consists of 10 or more people, then you will have a Driver and a Guide accompany you.

This is an escorted extension, meaning the you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels or lodges. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. Scheduled power outages, commonly referred to as load shedding, can be a common occurrence in South Africa. While most hotels and lodges are equipped to mitigate the effects of load shedding, ensuring that your comfort and convenience are maintained to the best of our ability, it's important to acknowledge that not all establishments may be fully functional during these times. As a result, you may experience temporary disruptions to certain amenities such as air-conditioning, television services, the operation of electric kettles, etc. The hotels/lodges and your guide however, will do their utmost to minimize any impact on your stay. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs

Western and international food will be served however some establishments will serve traditional meals giving you a chance to experience local flavours. Vegetarian and Vegan options available, please request prior to departure. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels/lodges.

On your arrival you will be met by a representative from our local agent, African Eagle, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/African Eagle representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.

Please find below the emergency contact details for Sense of Africa Namibia Telephone number 24 hr: +264 (0)81 127 0102. E-mail: etosha@tourvestdm.com