Three weeks African safari itinerary for wildlife lovers
There is plenty to see and much to do on a three weeks safari tour to Africa. While safaris can be customized to suit a person’s needs,rest assured you will see the Big 5 of elephant,rhino,lion, buffalo and leopard and some spectacular bird life as a bonus.
This especially crafted 21 day Southern Circle African safaris itinerary will cover the highlights from the famous Sassusviei dunes of Namibia to the epic game reserves of Botswana,
After soaking up at the Victoria Falls,crossing to Etosha National Park,take dug-out canoe rides deep in the Okavango Delta before winding off at the Chobe National Park.
Days 1&2-Livingstone, Zambia
On arrival, you will be taken straight to your lodge where you will be spending the first two nights of your dream African itinerary. Livingstone happens to be the gateway to the Victoria Falls,one of the seven wonders of the natural world and a sight to behold.
You will spend two days here exploring the area and take part in optional adventure activities like white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi,sunset cruises,or bungee jumping, albeit at your own expense.
Days 3&4-Caprivi
On day three cross over to Caprivi,a narrow strip of land bordering Botswana. You will spend two days in this off the beaten path game rich area where you will come across animals not seen elsewhere in Africa.
There are three lesser known national parks here namely Nkasa Rupara,Bwabwata and Mudumu where wildlife roams in abundance freely.Expect to see the endemic red lechwe,sitatunga and reedbuck apart from lion, elephant, buffalo and hippo.
Day 5: Rundu
Enjoy some good birding around the lodge in Caprivi before heading for Rundu,a small town in Namibia.Your scenic drive will take you past the Kavango river and past local villages.
Stop enroute to shop for wooden craft souvenirs and carvings,a common sight on the road to Rundu.You will spend the night at an eco-friendly resort in Rundu.
Days 6,7&8: Etosha National Park
Next day head deeper into Namibia to the Etosha National Park where you will spend the next three days in a place characterized by its vast saline pans.
Wildlife viewing, especially during the drier months of May to October,is nothing less than stupendous. The waterholes around the salt pans act as a magnet for wild animals to quench their thirst.
While four of the Big 5, except the rhino,are easily spotted here,Etosha is known for its massive herds of elephants,blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra and gemsbok that congregate around the drinking spots.
Your location lodge is located on the boundary of the park and you will enjoy two game drives per day in the morning and evening for the entire duration of your stay. Etosha tops the list of best places in Namibia so is a great addition to your itinerary.
Day 9: Brandenburg Mountain
Move south from Etosha towards Brandenburg Mountain crossing some of the most stunning desert landscapes in Africa. Animals are easier to see here as the area is without the teeming hordes found elsewhere.
A nice lodge on the banks of the Ugad river will be your base for the night. Animals seen here include elephants,lions, giraffes, leopards,black rhino and zebra.
A key attraction here is a walk with a guide through the petrified forest to view the rock paintings of the famous White Lady.
Days 10&11: Swakopmund
Your next stop is further south to the coastal town of Swakopmund,your home for the next two nights. On the way across the flat open plains,make sure to pay a visit to the Cape Cross seal colony.
Once you reach Swakopmund,the rest of the day is free to explore for you.You will note the German influence in the town’s architecture and the menu in the restaurants.Kayaking and dune boarding are the two optional activities available for visitors here.
Days 12&13: Namib Desert
Admire the lunar landscapes as you leave the town of Swakopmund and drive to the Namib Desert,known the world over for its massive red sand dunes.Your two nights stay will be at a desert camp located just on the periphery of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
On the second day,walk to the Sossusvlei to explore the Sesriem Canyon in length and then enjoy the dramatic sunset over the desert from the comfort of your lodge on return.
Day 14:Windhoek
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and one of the largest cities in the country.Since you will reach late in the day,l spend some time here interacting with the friendly locals.
Windhoek is a blend of German and colonial era influenced architecture and a great way to experience the same is by enjoying a meal in a local restaurant.
Day 15: Kalahari
Next day,cross over to Botswana and soon you will be in the heart of the Kalahari. Your accommodation here is run by the local bushmen community,which allows you to gain an insight on their fascinating bush life.
Walk with the local San Bushmen and learn about their bush survival skills and how they have adapted themselves to the harsh desert environment.
Days 16,17&18: Okavango Delta
On arrival,you will spend the first night at the interpretation camp at Maun before preparing to drive deep in the Delta for the next two days.The flood waters which create these reed like channels are a magnet for wildlife and viewing them in a traditional mokoro,or a dugout canoe,is an experience of a lifetime.
Your nights here will be in a tented camp in a remote island of the delta where you will enjoy game walks, swimming, birdwatching and abundance of game in the pristine wilderness.
Day 19: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
After leaving the delta behind,head to Nata,the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. When the pans get filled with water after a rain shower,the pans teem with wild animals coming for a drink.
Enjoy the vastness under the night sky and look out for thousands of water birds and herds of springbok,zebra and wildebeest.
Day 20: Chobe National Park
Turn north towards Kasane and the Chobe National Park where you will arrive at your picturesque lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.
Spend the afternoon on an exciting boat cruise and expect to see large herds of elephants and buffalo.
Day 21: Livingstone, Zambia
On your last morning,travel across the Zambezi river for transfer to Kazungula,From here you will be taken to Livingstone where your tour will end.
You may choose to spend an additional day in Livingstone at your own cost or arrange for a transfer back to the airport.
