Great Trans - African Lodge Safari - 21 days

SMALL GUIDED GROUP TOURS

The JENMAN African Safaris small guided group tours are expertly designed for travellers who want to see the highlights of Africa with like-minded people. 
 
With set departure dates, these safari tours are designed to make the most of the best game-viewing seasons and are often much more affordable than a tailor-made Africa tour. Skilled and well qualified guides provide valuable insights along the way and enable guests to experience the true beauty and allure of the African continent.
 
There are so many benefits for travellers going on a Guided Group Tour because they get to see Africa with a knowledgeable guide who will show them the very best there is to see at every destination.  Generally, travellers also get to see more wildlife with the guidance of experienced trackers who know how to find the best spots!

BOTSWANA + NAMIBIA + ZIMBABWE

Spend 3 weeks exploring Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, experiencing the wildlife, culture and scenery only Africa can deliver. From marvelling at the Victoria Falls to the breathtaking magnitude of Namibia’s dunes and big game encounters – this tour combines all the comforts of lodge accommodation with an unforgettable safari experience.

This is a small-group guided trans-African lodge safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.  The tour starts in Windhoek and ends in Victoria Falls. 21 days of great game viewing and culture with an Okavango Delta safari. Park fees and all accommodation included.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SAFARI
WINDHOEK
This is the cultural, social, political and economic capital city of Namibia. Windhoek was found almost right in the centre of the country making it a perfect entry point for visitors with a well-serviced international airport. The city is impressively clean and calm for a capital and it’s a good place to get your bearings before venturing further into Namibia on your safari. Beer lovers are in for a treat as there are many good breweries and German style pubs.

SOSSUSVLEI
Home to towering red sand dunes that are the highest in the world Sossusvlei is always a highlight of any vacation to Namibia. Deep in the heart of the Namib Desert the area is fed by a river called the Tsuachab River – and the towering dunes actually prevent the entire pathway of this river. It only flows through Sossusvlei every 5 to 10 years, making it a rare sight to see. The Sossusvlei dunes are about 60km from the Sesriem gate which takes you into the Namib Nauklut National Park. At just under 50 000 sq km – this is the largest park in Africa!

SWAKOPMUND
Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia with a very strong German heritage, it’s sandy beaches face the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund lighthouse and the Mole (an old sea wall). It is the adventure center of Namibia with many operators offering a wide range of activities from sandboarding to quad bike rides.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha means ‘huge white area’ or ‘place of dry water’, and the National Park certainly lives up to this description! The massive salt pan can be seen from space. Its a big park with big elephants – the biggest in Africa. We will do a number of game drives and safaris whilst in Etosha.

NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK
The largest national park in Africa! On our Namibia Trans-African Lodge safari, you’ll be able to journey deep into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the land of bright gold and magical red sand dunes. The Namib Desert which makes up a large part of the park is a truly fascinating place to visit on your safari in Namibia.

OKAVANGO DELTA
The unique system of waterways which is known as the Okavango Delta in the Republic of Botswana is a large wetland area surrounded by the Kalahari desert. Thousands of years ago tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form this unique ecosystem of waterways and countless islands. Its a haven for wildlife and you will explore this wonderland by mokoro dugout canoes.

MAKGADIKGADI PANS
It has become a special Botswana safari stop, and one of the flattest places on earth! The Makgadikgadi Pans is an area visited more for its solitude than big Africa game. But as the rain arrives, herds of zebra, wildebeest and other antelope make their way northwards to the Nxai Pan. Its the second largest migration in Africa after Tanzania and as the herds move they are followed closely by the migration of predators, such as lion, cheetah and hyena.

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Chobe National Park is one of the best known parks in Africa and famous for its massive elephant herds. We go on safari in this pristine wilderness by boat and by vehicle. There’s some of the best game viewing in Africa to enjoy at Chobe. The park is the most biologically diverse in Botswana and is also well known for its elephant-eating lions. They hunt and kill elephant calves and sometimes even sub adults!

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Hwange boasts Africa’s big five and there are plenty of them in the park. There are literally thousands of buffalos and elephant to see. Lion sightings are common and you may be lucky enough to spot an elusive leopard on a night drive in Hwange.  There are a number of flat pans scattered throughout the park and these assist dry season game viewing immensely. Just two hours from Vic Falls makes the park easily accessible on your Zimbabwe safari.

VICTORIA FALLS
More than five million cubic meters of water plunges into the gorge below the Victoria Falls. At almost 2 kilometers wide and 100 meters high this is a spectacle to witness and is a once in a lifetime destination.  You will enjoy panoramic views from the various vantage points and your hotel is situated within walking distance of the falls. The perfect end to your Namibia and Botswana safari at Vic Falls.

• ITINERARY

On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation – at the AVANI Windhoek Hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure in Windhoek. There is a great museum and a number of colorful local markets to discover.  This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting and the start of your safari.

ITINERARY

Moving south we make our way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park and our accommodation for the next two nights, Agama River Camp. The park contains what is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. The next morning we  wake up early to see the sun rise over the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.

ITINERARY

The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on our way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. Sightings of the unique fauna and flora are a must on a Namibian safari. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. En-route we make a stop in the small town of Walvis Bay where you may spot a variety of birds including flamingo’s in the lagoon. We arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund in the late afternoon, where you will have the opportunity soak up the atmosphere of this quaint, little German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. You will have the opportunity to visit a local urban sustainability centre and explore the ways in which they preserve energy, water, waste and biodiversity, on a semi guided tour. On day 5 partake in optional activities or alternatively just relax in the historic town of Swakopmund.

ITINERARY

Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind us, we continue our journey towards Namibia’s best-known highlight of the north – Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at our lodge neighbouring the park, situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks and overlooking a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens. Optional game drives are also available

ITINERARY

After breakfast we enter the Etosha National Park via the Andersson gate, named after Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to come across the Etosha pan, which means “Great White Place” in the Ndonga dialect of the Ovambo tribe. We fill the next two days with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous types of antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood-lit waterholes or viewpoints encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals that come to drink. Etosha was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.

ITINERARY

Departing from Etosha we drive further north to the town of Rundu. Here we visit the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people who make a living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating crops. After this cultural interaction, we make our way Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. We will arrive in the late afternoon to relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.

ITINERARY

This morning we travel eastwards onto our camp in the western Caprivi region, Nunda River Lodge. Before departure however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge. Continue to your lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon you will enjoy a sunset cruise to Popa Falls.

ITINERARY

In the morning we drive to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people’, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. In the afternoon return to your lodge and spent the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This will be the last night on Safari in Namibia.

ITINERARY

We leave the Caprivi and travel south to Maun, known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”.  You have a free afternoon to enjoy the lodges pool at your leisure. There’s also a chance to book some optional activities like a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta by light aircraft.

ITINERARY

After breakfast we will be picked up by our local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. Its time for the start of your delta safari in Botswana. From here, you will be poled in these traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas the Okavango River flows inland into the Kalahari Desert and without ever reaching the coast creates an inland delta. After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to our safari camp, which is situated in the Greater Moremi region. Once settled into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and go out on a night drive to spot nocturnal animals in this private concession.

ITINERARY

Today we will  explore the Moremi Game Reserve in open four wheel drive game vehicles and spot a variety of game in the bush. There is a high concentration of mammals and especially some good sightings of plains game. Within the boundaries of the reserve all of the big five can be found. Game viewing is seasonal but top local Botswana guides will do their utmost to find good game on your safari drives in Moremi.

ITINERARY

We leave the Botswana bush behind and travel eastwards towards one of the flattest places on earth. The Makgadikgadi Pans were once a large river fed lake but have now dried up and are empty for most of the year. The area oozes solitude and the vast open spaces are something to marvel at. In the afternoon we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, which is a community managed project. Enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. With over 165 bird species found in the area it is a bird lovers paradise. Around two hundred and fifty thousand flamingos visit the Sowa Pan each year to breed. It is a sight to behold with these massive flocks stretching across the horizon.

ITINERARY

Today we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto Hwange National Park where we spend the next two nights on safari. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. A full day game drive is included on the park on the second day.

ITINERARY

Continuing our trip, we turn northwards to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. In the afternoon, relax on a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many optional activities on offer (at own expense).

ITINERARY

Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.

ACCOMMODATION

We make use of mid-range, en-suite accommodation on the Great Trans-African Lodge Safari.

Day 1: AVANI Windhoek Hotel, Windhoek or similar
Day 2 & 3: Agama River Camp, Naukluft Mountains or similar
Day 4 & 5: Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Swakopmund or similar
Day 6: Toshari Lodge, Etosha South or similar
Day 7 & 8: Namutoni Camp, Etosha East or similar
Day 9: Kaisosi River Lodge, Rundu or similar
Day 10 & 11: Nunda River Lodge, Divundu or similar
Day 12: Thamalakane River Lodge, Maun or similar
Day 13 & 14: Bedouin Bush Camp, Moremi Game Reserve or similar
Day 15: Nata Lodge, Nata or similar
Day 16 & 17: Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane or similar
Day 18 & 19: Sable Sands, Hwange National Park or similar
Day 20: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls or similar
Day 21: Tour ends

THE GREAT TRANS-AFRICAN LODGE SAFARI

INCLUDED

• Accommodation in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia as per the itinerary
• Breakfast daily plus lunches on 16 days and dinners on 15 evenings. See the full itinerary for more information.
• All transport in Jenman safari vehicle
• Game drives and activities as mentioned in the full itinerary
• Experienced local guide

EXCLUDED

• Flights
• Pre and post tour accommodation
• Optional activities
• All drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios and tips
• Travel insurance and visas
• Park Fees (quoted separately)

PARK FEES & ACTIVITIES

This fee will be payable prior to travel together with the main tour fee. The fee is used to pay for some of the day-to-day operational costs that are incurred while groups are on the road. Examples include fees at most of the national parks, entrance fees to some attractions, local guides and any food markets we visit to stock up on fresh produce during the tour.

Park and Activities Fee: US$ 350 / € 320

DEPARTURE

The Great Trans-African Lodge Safari departs from Terra Africa Guest House, Windhoek. Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day. On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above-mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

TRANSPORT

Jenman African Safaris uses fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, Sprinters, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavor to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.

TRAVELLING TIME & DISTANCES

All travelling times in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE SAFARI

Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

VISAS

The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe prior to departure. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman African Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.

TOUR MAP

TAILOR-MADE TOURS

Our experienced travel consultants will design bespoke, private itineraries according to your needs and your budget.

Get in touch with one of our safari specialists with your questions about upgrades, availability, rates and transport option

All our group tours are offered on a private basis, and can be customized.

Cell #   +260770995849     Kelvin 

VIEW TOUR ITINERARY BELOW

View the full itinerary here.

Rates 2023

From: US$  5619 Per Person