If you’re craving a wildlife adventure beneath blazing African sunsets or fat biking along the tallest sand dunes in the world, now is the time to do it. As we know, time is precious, so every moment counts. We haven’t wasted any time in curating these compact itineraries filled with adventures so you can experience Southern Africa in all its unabashed glory.
If you’re looking for a last-minute escape but don’t have time to research the country or seek out the best bits, we have just what you need. From cultural hot spots to staggering natural wonders, our African adventures will have you ticking off endless bucket-list experiences.
Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari
Brace yourself for a trip of a lifetime as you get under the skin of Southern Africa. Wild and beautiful, Zimbabwe and Botswana are up there in the world’s top safari destinations. Expect amazing wildlife encounters with elephants, wild dogs and leopards as you go on game drives through Chobe and Hwange national parks. You’ll also witness the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls. To feel the full force of the falls, visit between February and May when the water is at its most awesome.
Head to the sprawling oasis of the Kalahari and leave your creature comforts behind as we go in search of the African wildlife. Just imagine, by day you’re floating in a dugout canoe along the Okavango Delta and by night, wild camping in one of the world’s most biodiverse lagoons. Of course, it depends on what time of the year you visit as to what animals you’ll see. The green season from November to March isn’t as active with wildlife but you’ll see plenty of newborn antelopes, and you might even find some great out-of-season offers. If you want to witness the main event, the best time to go to Okavango Delta is from May to August when species like rhinos, elephants, wildebeests, lions and hippos come flocking in search of water.
Namibia & Botswana: Dunes & Delta
If you’ve ever fancied exploring the African wilderness, Namibia and Botswana are two of the world’s most incredible wildlife destinations. While Etosha National Park is arguably the magnum opus of Namibia, the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta is one of the best places to go on safari in Botswana.
So, what animals are on a Botswana safari at the Okavango? As you explore the delta in a dugout canoe, you could come face to face with buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and crocodiles. If you visit Okavango in the dry season, between March and September, you’re likely to see even more of the indigenous wildlife.
Heading into the wilderness, this one-of-a-kind adventure starts with an acultural experience that will leave you with a deep connection to Botswana. Trek into the desert with Kalahari bushmen and learn first-hand about the fascinating San culture.
As well as going on an unforgettable game drive in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, you’ll also explore the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the spectacular Namib-Naukluft Park Desert, and the valley of Brandberg. This is definitely a trip worthy of a special occasion.
If you’re looking for a bucket-list adventure where you can get back to nature, our camping tour of Namibia takes you through vast desert landscapes, on exciting game drives and to wild coastal scenery. This could be just the kind of anticipation you need for next year’s big trip. Imagine 13 days venturing deep into the Namibian national parks where you’re met with otherworldly landscapes and African wildlife.
With two full days in Etosha National Park, there’s plenty of time to put your photography skills to the test. Patience, a steady hand and an eagle eye is all you’ll need to capture some enviable shots. The dry season is between June and October, and this is when you’re most likely to spot the Big 5. Big in stature and big in presence, it’s every wildlife lover’s dream to see nature’s finest species as they congregate around the waterholes.
To complete this trip-of-a-lifetime, you’ll walk among the world’s highest sand dunes as the sun rises over Sossusvlei, before sleeping below star-studded skies.
Cycle over remote plains as you explore the great African wilderness on two wheels. One of the most fun ways to see the sand dunes around Swakopmund is on a fat bike, designed to cycle over diverse terrain. For more adrenalin-fuelled activities, you can choose to go sandboarding or quad biking. Because the desert gets extremely hot, as you can imagine, we advise booking this trip in the cooler months. September, or autumn in the UK, is a great time to cycle in Namibia as the temperatures start to cool, particularly along the coast.
But it’s not all cycling on this adventure, you’ll also enjoy a fabulous safari drive in Etosha National Park where some of the greatest creatures on earth hang out. Stare elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards in the eye, and don’t forget to take plenty of photos that you can share with family and friends back home.
Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana
Get in touch with your wild side and experience everything that makes this country so magical. It’s not surprising that Botswana is good for safaris, with its swampy Okavango Delta, the ethereal Makgadikgadi Pan and the stunning Victoria Falls. Everywhere you look there’s an abundance of wildlife and arresting sights.
We recommend taking an evening cruise on the Chobe River where there’s a good chance of seeing herds of elephants coming down to drink. You’ll also explore the Okavango in true Tswana style as you glide through the waterways in a traditional Mokoro canoe and wild camp on the riverbank.
Although every season has its own appeal, potentially the best month to visit Botswana is September. Being in the dry season, it can increase your chances of spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife at the Moremi Game Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for African bush elephants, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest and buffalo.
Whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in our exceptional range of Africa tours.
