Allow us to share an extraordinary eight night itinerary through three incredible countries – Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This itinerary takes guests from the lush wetlands of Namibia to the world-famous Chobe National Park in Botswana before culminating at the majestic Victoria Falls. Marvel at the wildlife ranging from majestic elephants, buffalo and predators through to the stunning birds.
The adventure begins with a flight into Katima Mulilo, Namibia, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to Nkasa Rupara National Park – a hidden gem in Namibia’s Zambezi Region. As the country’s largest formally protected wetland, this 337-square-kilometre sanctuary is a haven for birdlife and wildlife, its landscapes shifting with the ebb and flow of the delta.
Exploring Namibia’s wetlands
Arriving at Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, situated along the tranquil channels of the Kwando-Linyanti river system, guests step into a setting where wilderness and comfort exist in perfect harmony. This eco-friendly retreat serves as a gateway to exploring the park’s rich biodiversity.
Nkasa Rupara’s wetlands, bordered by the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers and neighbouring three community conservancies – Balyerwa, Wuparo, and Dzoti – offer an unparalleled encounter with nature’s rhythms. In the afternoon, a guided game drive reveals a mosaic of floodplains and woodlands, each teeming with life.
For birding enthusiasts, this is paradise. The park is home to ground dwellers like Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami), Black-bellied Korhaan (Lissotis melanogaster), Swainson’s Spurfowl (Pternistis swainsonii), and Burchell’s Sandgrouse (Pterocles burchelli), while overhead, the skies come alive with the striking Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus), the iconic African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), and key scavengers like the White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) and White-headed Vulture (Aegypius occipitalis). These avian wonders, alongside countless other species, paint a vivid picture of an ever-changing ecosystem.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge and reflect on the day’s adventures, serenaded by the calls of the delta – a fitting finale to a day in one of Kavango Zambezi’s most enchanting landscapes.
Day Two
Morning activities and breakfast before heading northwest towards Kongola and the Bwabwata National Park.
Kazile Island Lodge sits on a secluded island along the banks of the Kwando River, at the heart of the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area. Alongside its sister lodge, Nambwa, it is uniquely situated within Bwabwata National Park, offering an exclusive wilderness experience. The lodge offers 13 Meru-style tents, nestled within a mangosteen forest, each overlooking the Kwando River and the vast floodplains stretching towards the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
Day Three
Guests’ time here includes a variety of activities – early morning and afternoon game drives, serene boat trips along the river, guided nature walks and immersive bush dining. A highlight of any guest’s stay is a visit to The Sijwa Project, an inspiring community upliftment initiative that showcases sustainable craftsmanship, conservation education and local enterprise in action.
Day Four and Five
Exploring the iconic Chobe
After breakfast, embark on a three-hour transfer to Kasane, crossing into Botswana at the Ngoma border.
Nestled in the heart of the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area, Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park, a wildlife sanctuary famed for its diverse ecosystems. Here, nature unfolds in spectacular fashion – best experienced through a river safari along the Chobe River. This waterway is a lifeline for wildlife, drawing immense herds of elephants and an astonishing variety of birdlife to its shores. For birding safari enthusiasts there are a number of companies offering river safaris with inbuilt photographic equipment enabling them to try to spot Slaty Egret, Long-toed Lapwing, African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Black-winged Pratincole and Rock Pratincole to name but a few!
For those seeking adventure, game drives through Chobe National Park offer thrilling encounters with lions, buffalo, and hippos and other iconic species. A boat cruise at sunset provides a front-row seat to nature’s evening spectacle, while a visit to a local village offers insight into the traditions of indigenous communities.
With its rich blend of nature and culture, Kasane and neighbouring villages Kazungula, Mababe; Mababe make this a destination worth lingering in – ideally for at least two nights. Accommodation here is varied, ranging from large resort-style hotels to intimate boutique lodges, ensuring a perfect fit for every traveller.
Day Six and Day Seven
Discovering Victoria Falls
Today, cross the border into Zimbabwe and arrive in the vibrant town of Victoria Falls, perched on the southern bank of the mighty Zambezi River. Here, the river thunders over the legendary Victoria Falls, carves its way through the dramatic Batoka Gorge, and flows beneath the historic railway bridge that links Zimbabwe and Zambia. This iconic destination offers endless opportunities for adventure. For those seeking tranquillity, a sunset river cruise or canoe safari provides a peaceful way to experience the Zambezi’s beauty. Thrill-seekers can take on the rapids with white-water rafting, dive into the abyss with a bungee jump, or soar above the falls on a scenic helicopter flight.
Victoria Falls offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller, from luxury lodges along the river to boutique stays in town or immersive retreats within the surrounding national parks.
Affectionately known as “Vic Falls”, this unique urban centre is a place where wildlife and people share the landscape in remarkable harmony.
Home to approximately 35,000 residents, this riverside ‘city’ is designed with dedicated wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move freely. It’s not uncommon to see elephants crossing the streets, warthogs trotting along pavements, or baboons foraging in unexpected places – a daily reminder of the deep connection between the town and the wild.
Beyond the lodges and bustling entertainment hubs lie vibrant communities that are integral to Victoria Falls’ identity. Townships like Chinotimba are home to many of the area’s tourism workers, artists, and entrepreneurs. A visit to Dusty Road, a lively café serving traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, offers an authentic taste of local life and a warm welcome into the heart of the community.
Victoria Falls is surrounded by two breathtaking national parks: Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park. These protected areas are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo, crocodiles, lions, and the endangered wild dog. For birding enthusiasts, the lush riverbanks and forests create ideal habitats for waterfowl and woodland species, making this a prime spot for avian encounters.
With its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm, welcoming community, Victoria Falls is a place where adventure and culture intertwine. Whether you’re exploring wildlife corridors, seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills, or immersing yourself in local traditions, this vibrant destination offers an unforgettable blend of nature and connection.
Day Eight
As the tour comes to an end, the adventure doesn’t have to. Victoria Falls serves as both a gateway home – offering numerous international flight connections – and a springboard to further exploration within the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area. Whether continuing deeper into the wild or carrying home the stories of the rivers of life, this journey is just the beginning.
