Botswana & Namibia: Delta & Dunes

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore Botswana and Namibia, two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa. Our journey takes us into the wilderness: voyage by dugout canoe on the hippo-populated waters of the Okavango Delta, search for lions, elephants and giraffes in Etosha National Park, and spend nights by waterholes where animals congregate. The adventure continues beyond the fauna: ...
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$7,290
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • Embark on an immersive safari adventure, visiting the wildlife hotspots of Botswana and Namibia
    • Drift down the animal-rich Okavango Delta in traditional dugout canoes
    • Safari in Etosha National Park, searching for elephants, lions and more
    • See the world’s highest dunes at sunrise – the most beautiful time to visit
    • Step back 2,000 years and see the White Lady rock painting made by San hunter-gatherers
    • Wild camp under the starry African sky, serenaded by the late-night calls of the wildlife

What's this trip about?

    Explore Botswana and Namibia, two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa. Our journey takes us into the wilderness: voyage by dugout canoe on the hippo-populated waters of the Okavango Delta, search for lions, elephants and giraffes in Etosha National Park, and spend nights by waterholes where animals congregate. The adventure continues beyond the fauna: we also climb the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and stargaze at our remote camp in Damaraland. This is Africa at its most wild. Want to travel soon? See our 2024 itinerary here, which begins in Namibia.See Africa in full bloom: wildlife in the Okavango Delta and Etosha, giant dunes in Sossusvlei and star-blanketed skies

Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Botswana
  • Namibia

Attractions

  • Okavango Delta

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

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

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Maun, Botswana

The adventure starts in Maun, Botswana, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or relaxing, with a chance to change money and pick up any supplies you may need (such as snacks and drinks). The tour leader meets you this evening at th...

Day 2 To the Okavango Delta

Relax at the hotel this morning or head into town to pick up any last-minute supplies. After lunch, we journey to the Okavango Delta, where we board mokoros (traditional dugout canoes helmed by an expert local poler) and head to our Delta camp (depending on water leve...

Day 3 Full day exploring the Okavango Delta by foot and dugout canoe

Day 4 Mokoro safari; return to Maun

Rising early, we enjoy one final exploration of the Delta before returning to our collection point by mokoro. Return to Maun after lunch, 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 5 Transfer to Guma Lagoon; optional boat ride

Relax this morning before our transfer to the northern part of the Okavango Delta, enjoying views of the Botswana bush as we go. Reaching a landscape of thick sand that’s inaccessible to our vehicle, we are collected by a 4x4 vehicle and transferred to our lodge on th...

Day 6 Cross border into Namibia; to Rundu

After breakfast, continue the journey north and cross into Namibia through the Mohembo border post. From here, we travel through Mahango Game Park, where we hope to see elephants and other animals. We then drive along the Caprivi Strip (a thin protrusion of Namibia bo...

Day 7 To Etosha National Park

Today we travel to Etosha National Park, the premier safari sanctuary in Namibia. In contrast to the Okavango Delta, Etosha is a relatively arid wilderness of mixed forest and grassland around a large saltpan. It is scattered with waterholes where a great variety of a...

Day 8 Game drive in Etosha

Today we embark on an essential Namibian experience: a three-hour game drive in Etosha National Park. Zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants and lions are all present, while the park is also home to several black rhinos. Additionally, Etosha is a good place for birds, ...

Day 9 Drive to Brandberg

Leaving Etosha, we head to the Damaraland region, driving past Damara huts, Herero houses and cattle. We stop en route in Outjo, a small town with a nice German bakery for coffee, cake or an early lunch. Our destination is a remote lodge at the foot of Brandberg, the...

Day 10 Visit the White Lady rock painting; transfer to Swakopmund

Begin the day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we walk (1hr 30min) through a valley seeing beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the White Lady rock painting which, along with a number of other small paintings and engrav...

Day 11 Free day for optional activities

Today is free 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. Alternatively, spend the day...

Day 12 Morning stop at Walvis Bay; drive through Namib Desert to Sesriem

Visit nearby Walvis Bay after breakfast, 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 oppo...

Day 13 Explore the Sossusvlei dunes; optional excursion to Deadvlei

Rise early to see the Sossusvlei dunes, the tallest in the world, in the gorgeous morning light. We can also climb one of the dunes for fantastic views of the area. We then witness an eerie desert landscape strewn with dead 900-year-old camelthorn trees, either takin...

Day 14 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), six hours Please not...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,400
Price per day$386
Last Updated: 11/6/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

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 wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

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

Accommodation

For our time in Botswana and Namibia, we spend 11 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. Okavango Delta: Wild camping (nights 2-3) 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. Etosha National Park: Lodges (nights 7-8) In Etosha, we stay within the national park itself – a huge plus for any animal lover. The resorts we use are either Halali or Namutoni. Both have a restaurant, swimming pool and bar but the highlights are the flood-lit waterholes where wildlife regularly stops to drink and bathe. Brandberg: Brandberg White Lady Lodge (night 9) 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. Worth knowing Wifi is available in several properties but not everywhere, notably not in Sesriem or Etosha. 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
13 breakfasts, two lunches and seven 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, 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
  • 11 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-AZB9

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