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18-DAY SAFARI
DESERT TRACKS EXCLUSIVE

18-Day Safari
Houseboat & the Bushmen

A bespoke self-drive journey through iconic landscapes

Overview

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure. This route is part of our Namibia safari packages, a 18-day journey that begins in the capital, Windhoek, then heads to the towering granite domes of Spitzkoppe and the ancient rock art of Twyfelfontein, before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha from both Ongava and its quieter eastern side. From there it traces the lush channels of the Okavango Panhandle aboard a private houseboat, continues through the wildlife corridors of the Caprivi's Bwabwata National Park, and finishes at the thundering Victoria Falls. Crafted for the independent traveller, it blends desert landscapes, big-game wilderness, river journeys, and one of the natural wonders of the world.

Interactive Route Map

Arriving at

Windhoek

Olive Grove Guesthouse

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Where Will Your
Journey Take You?

Explore destinations, experiences, and routes to begin shaping your perfect safari.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Windhoek
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Windhoek

Day 1 - 2

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language.

Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Your home for these nights is Olive Grove Guesthouse.

Accommodation Profile

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Spitzkoppe
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Spitzkoppe

Day 2 - 4

Situated in Namibia’s desolate, awe-inspiring Namib Desert, between Usakos and Swakopmund and about two hours’ drive from Swakopmund, the Spitzkoppe are a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks. These enormous towering domes are a mecca for hikers and mountaineers, from beginners interested in guided historic walks to professional climbers seeking an adrenaline boost.

Numerous ancient rock paintings can be visited as part of a guided walking tour. The extreme, barren landscapes and striking rock formations create an excellent setting for photography.

You'll be based at Spitzkoppe Rest Camp while you explore the area.

Accommodation Profile

Spitzkoppe Rest Camp

Twyfelfontein
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Twyfelfontein

Day 4 - 6

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain.

It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced.

For this part of the journey, you stay at Mowani Campsite.

Accommodation Profile

Mowani Campsite

Ongava Reserve
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Ongava Reserve

Day 6 - 7

Ongava Game Reserve shares its southern boundary with Etosha National Park and is widely regarded as one of Namibia’s premier private wildlife reserves. Spanning approximately 30,000 hectares, it is internationally recognised for its conservation efforts, ecological research and immersive safari experiences. The landscape is defined by open savannah plains, scattered salt pans and a rich diversity of wildlife.

Its location allows easy access into Etosha through Andersson’s Gate, making it an ideal base for combined safari experiences. Ongava is also known for its luxury lodges, thoughtfully designed using natural materials to blend into the surrounding environment.

Your base in the region is Anderssons At Ongava.

Accommodation Profile

Anderssons At Ongava

Etosha East
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Etosha East

Day 7 - 9

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps.

An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

Settle in at Mushara Outpost for your time here.

Accommodation Profile

Mushara Outpost

To Be Confirmed
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To Be Confirmed

Day 9 - 11

Accommodation for this stay is being finalised and will be confirmed shortly. Your two nights here continue the journey between the wildlife plains of Etosha and the tranquil waterways of the Okavango.

Accommodation Profile

Lodge name to be provided

Okavango Panhandle
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Okavango Panhandle

Day 11 - 14

The KUBU QUEEN HOUSEBOAT is a privately owned houseboat operating exclusive river safaris on the Okavango River in the Pan-Handle section of the Okavango Delta a World Heritage Site. She is moored at her private base camp at the small village of Shakawe, North Western Botswana. The Kubu Queen has a rich heritage in the Okavango, built on the water some 30 years ago she is well-known throughout the Delta.

Specialist River Guide Greg Thompson restored the boat and together with his crew have been operating exclusive river safaris with her ever since. The Kubu Queen is a double decked river boat and cruises the upper reaches of the Okavango with 2 x aliboats in tow which are used for exploring the waterways.

Overnight, you stay at Kubu Queen Houseboat.

Accommodation Profile

Kubu Queen Houseboat

Bwabwata National Park
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Bwabwata National Park

Day 14 - 16

Stretching over 6200 square kilometres in northeast Namibia, the Bwabwata National Park includes the Caprivi Game Park and the Mahango Game Reserve which extends along the narrow Caprivi strip. The park functions as a wildlife sanctuary and practices community-engaged conservation, which visitors can take part in. It has been dubbed the 'People's Park', as the local Caprivian people live in harmony with the land and the animals.

With an ever-growing wildlife population, the park is home to many animals including elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, wildebeest, crocodile, and red lechwe. Avid birdwatchers will be thrilled to find over 330 bird species in the area.

Your home for these nights is Nambwa Tented Lodge.

Accommodation Profile

Nambwa Tented Lodge

Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls

Day 16 - 18

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural landmarks. Straddling the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it forms a vast curtain of water that fills the air with mist and sound. The Zimbabwean side grants the most dramatic views, where mist rises like ghostly curtains and rainbows arc through the spray.

Measuring about 1,708 metres across, it is regarded as the largest single continuous sheet of falling water on Earth. The adjacent town of Victoria Falls provides a convenient base for exploring the region, with a wide range of activities from scenic flights and microlight trips to white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and safaris into Chobe National Park.

You'll be based at Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel while you explore the area.

Accommodation Profile

Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel

Departure
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Departure

Day 18

After a final morning at Victoria Falls, your safari comes to an end as you make your way to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of granite peaks and ancient rock art, wildlife-rich Etosha plains, tranquil days afloat on the Okavango, and the thundering spray of one of the natural wonders of the world.

Includes / Excludes

Fully Inclusive

  • Premium 4x4 Vehicle Rental
  • Luxury Accommodation exactly as indicated
  • Meals & Beverages as per itinerary specifications
  • VIP Airport Meet & Greet and Private Transfers
  • 24/7 Dedicated In-Country Support Concierge
  • Comprehensive Custom Digital Tour File & App

Excluded

  • International Flights
  • Personal Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
  • Visas & Visa Applications
  • Optional Excursions not listed in the plan
  • Vehicle Fuel (Self-Drive segment)
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Start Your Journey

Enquire About This Safari

Our team will tailor this journey to your travel dates, preferences, and pace — ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Namibian experience.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Every journey leaves a story behind.

Discover the raw, unfiltered voices of our guests as they share their Desert Tracks adventures across Namibia and Botswana. Their words capture the magic better than we ever could.

Wildlife Highlights

A Legacy In The Wild

Experience the untamed beauty of Africa through the lens of pure luxury. Witness nature's most intimate moments unfold right before your eyes.

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