Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure
Destination
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Travel Period
April – November
Duration
15 days | 14 nights
Windhoek, translated from the Afrikaans language to “Wind Corner,” is Namibia’s capital and largest city. Hosea Kutako International and Eros Airports service the city and, together with Namibia’s excellent road network, provide easy access to most of the country, although distances can be vast. Positioned centrally, Windhoek links important coastal towns to the country’s hub and is connected by well maintained national roads to South Africa and Botswana.
Although mostly a starting point for a trip elsewhere, local attractions include Christuskirche, the oldest church in the country, the Independence Memorial Museum, the National Botanic Garden of Namibia, the Tintenpalast (seat of the government), and the old fort, “Alte Feste.” The influence of the German colonial period can still be seen today in architecture, street names, German beer, bread and sausages. The German carnival is celebrated every year.
Located in Windhoek and named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, Galton House has a relaxed but efficient style which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. Impressive wildlife photography adorns the walls whilst the rest of the interior is a combination of modern minimalistic and understated chic. Guests here are assured of a suitably relaxing stay with friendly and caring service. The communal areas consist of a large lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a swimming pool, an early arrival/late departure day room (including toilet, shower, changing and re-packing facility) as well as understated garden areas. There is also a delightful ‘al fresco’ dining area by the pool where freshly prepared and very tasty meals can be served (including lunch and dinner).
Standard Room
All the en-suite Standard Rooms have either double or twin-size beds and one room can be converted into a triple room.
Poolside Suite
The en-suite Poolside Suite is, as its name suggests, very close to the swimming pool. The Suite is equipped with one double and two twin beds and can comfortably accommodate up to four guests.
Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, is nestled amongst rolling hills, bounded by the Eros Mountains to the east, the Auas Mountains to the south, and the Khomas Hochland to the west. In the capital’s main street, well-preserved, German colonial buildings are in sharp contrast to the modern architectural styles. Take an art tour of the city as seen through the eyes of artists, highlighting a different aspect of life in Namibia and showcasing quality Namibian art and artists. Explore the hills surrounding the city by mountain bike, enjoying some culinary treats en route. Centrally located within Namibia, Windhoek is an excellent starting point for an adventurous holiday for many visitors and an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country.
Sossusvlei is a photographer’s dream. In fact it is so unique and beautiful that it is hard to take a bad picture. Only a five hour drive from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, it is one of the most sought after and unique destinations in the country. The stark yet ethereal beauty of Namibia is on full display here with the skeletal remains of old camel thorns strewn amongst salt pans, surrounded by some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the world. This endless expanse of wilderness is home to desert adapted species such as the Gemsbok (Oryx).
One of the most mysterious natural phenomena of the surrounding Namib Desert are the weird and wonderful fairy circles that give the desertscape an eerie lunar appearance. These are perfectly circular patches of grass that are inexplicably spaced evenly apart and never overlap. The area is extremely dry but every so often when it does rain it can transform the pans into a paradise for thousands of waterbirds, with the appearance of a sea of stunning wildflowers.
Camp Sossus is located in the Namib Tsaris Conservancy, nestled between the Nubib and Zaris Mountains, just a 30-minute drive from the gateway to Sossusvlei and the Great Namib Sand Sea, which was recently declared a World Heritage Site. Built within a naturally formed amphitheater of a south-facing granite outcrop, Camp Sossus is within striking distance of Sossusvlei and is ideally positioned to provide shade from the harsh desert sun.
The severe desert climate was a primary consideration in the camp’s design, and tents are protected from the stormy east winds by natural stone walls and shaded by roofs built from almost 500 recycled oil drums. It is also equipped with furniture built in part from recycled metals, Oregon pine floorboards, and wooden pallets. As a result of this design, the camp is virtually invisible from any distance and it carries one of the lowest environmental footprints of any camp in Namibia.
Luxury Tent
Six shaded luxury tents are furnished with twin beds, and have semi open-air en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and bucket showers (with hot water, on request). The tents are run on solar power and feature a shaded day-bed/sala and an open star bed on deck above the tent.
Experiences and activities include a visit to Sossusvlei, nature drives and nature walks, mountain biking, trail treats, sundowners, and a unique activity like hot air ballooning over the Namib desert is optional at additional cost.
The Okavango Delta is the largest intact inland delta in the world, and is exceptionally rich in wildlife. Situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, the Delta is characterized by meandering deep water channels lined with papyrus reeds that open up into larger lagoons and islands; these in turn give way to seasonal floodplains and eventually large tracts of dry land where animals congregate. Fed by the Okavango River and rains from the highlands of Angola, the Delta can vary in size from 15,000 sq km (5,800 sq mi) during drier periods to a staggering 22,000 sq kms (8,500 sq mi) during wetter periods.
The game viewing depends on season, floodwaters and food availability but it is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. In addition to big game viewing, visitors come to experience the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. It consistently produces very good predator action with considerable herds of ungulates and elephants.
Located within the Kaza Transfrontier Park, an expansive region with diverse seasonal floodplains and ecosystems, Maxa offers an ideal setting for exploration and immersion in nature. The camp embodies a philosophy of learning and freedom, reflected in its unique design, featuring a freeform lounge and dining area under canvas roofs. Traditional clay walls partially enclose the space, while handmade local furniture adds creativity to the decor and lighting scheme.
At Maxa camp, nestled between the lounge and dining areas, a sandy courtyard hosts picnic-style tables for al fresco dining under starlit skies. The main area features a unique termite mound centerpiece, where guests savor the aroma of freshly baked bread and muffins from a wood-fired oven. Adjacent to the riverine forest overlooking the lagoon, clusters of Ebony trees enclose a sala with a day bed and an elevated deck featuring a hammock bed adorned with cushions.
Tent
Every day at Maxa is curated as a day of exploration. Camp excursions include mokoro rides, guided walking safaris, and nature drives, both by day and night. Activities also incorporate local cultural insights with the exploration of the natural heritage of this immensely diverse region.
Every day at Maxa is curated as a day of exploration. Camp excursions include mokoro rides, guided walking safaris, and nature drives, both by day and night. Activities also incorporate local cultural insights with the exploration of the natural heritage of this immensely diverse region.
The town of Victoria Falls lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western edge of the falls that it is named after. After David Livingstone set his eyes on the “smoke that thunders” in 1855, the settlement was later developed in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was explored, and expanded when the railway from Bulawayo reached the town shortly before the Victoria Falls Bridge was opened in April 1905, connecting Southern Rhodesia (later Rhodesia; now Zimbabwe) to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia).
Vic Falls, as it is affectionately abbreviated to, is known as the adventure capital of Africa, with any number of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from. As well as world-class white water rafting, there is one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, skydiving, swing slides, helicopter rides and more.
Although the town is small, it has a vibrant feel to it with lots of craft shops, pop up craft breweries and cafes, and relies heavily on tourism.
Day 10 – Victoria Falls National Park: Victoria Falls National Park is a tiny piece of protected land surrounding Victoria Falls, one of the world’s three great waterfalls. Situated in western Zimbabwe in the town of Victoria Falls, the views are incredible and you can follow a path right along the edge of the gorge. The mighty Zambezi creates a roar and a huge spray of mist that can be seen from many miles away. The falls are also known as Mosi-oa- Tunya, an incredibly descriptive name that captures the essence of this very special place so well – translating to the “Smoke that Thunders.”
As a result of the spray from the falls, a mini rainforest exists in the surrounding area, creating a wildlife hotspot. Species such as lion and leopard occasionally come through while sightings of elephants are more common. Above the falls, hippo and crocodiles abound, amongst a large array of wildlife – an added bonus to a visit to this World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Mbano Manor Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Victoria Falls, comprising 18 luxury suites and one private forest villa. Nestled in an ancient teak forest, the tranquil hotel offers a unique blend of rich cultural history and world-class hospitality.
Luxury Suite
Offering a tranquil space in which to unwind, the Luxury Suite consists of a lounge area, a spacious king-size bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with a classic claw bath, a private his and hers dressing room, and a private outdoor courtyard.
Mutota Forest Villa
The Mutota Forest Villa offers the ultimate in understated yet intimate luxury. Located in a private corner of the estate, this exclusive suite boasts its own gardens, a plunge pool, a large courtyard with two outdoor showers, private parking, and a separate entrance gate. Inside, there’s a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a large lounge area, a dining area, a fully stocked refreshment area, and a spacious bathroom suite with a clawfoot bath and two indoor showers. In addition, guests have the option of a dedicated chef and butler service.
Mbano Manor Hotel is conveniently located near Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In addition to the waterfall, Victoria Falls offers an abundance of leisure pursuits and adventure tourism activities, with options including river safaris, helicopter excursions, game drives, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and more.
Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 km2 (1,580 mi2), with game concentrated on the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the park’s resident wildlife, and enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. The riverine woodland includes ebony, fig, and Albida trees, whose seed pods are a huge attraction to the elephants and browsing animals. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with Mopane forest interspersed with winter thorns and huge Acacias.
The hills which form the backdrop to the park are covered in broadleaf woodland and on the opposite bank of the river lies Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. Animals can be seen crossing from one side to the other.
Potato Bush Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park offers an intimate and high-value safari experience, combining comfort with a strong sense of wilderness. The camp features just three luxury safari tents and one spacious family house, all connected by raised walkways, making it ideal for exclusive use. Each accommodation is light and airy, with a private plunge pool and outdoor lounge area overlooking the Zambezi River.
Guests benefit from private land and water guiding, a variety of safari activities, and attentive service from a highly trained team. Set within over 4,000 km² of protected wilderness, the camp provides access to a rich, uncrowded environment where wildlife moves freely, and the river shapes an immersive safari experience.
Luxury Safari Tent
Potato Bush’s Safari Tents offer a comfortable and spacious retreat with a classic safari feel. Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with twin showers, twin basins, and a full-sized clawfoot bathtub. Large folding doors open onto a private balcony equipped with a hammock and a plunge pool, both overlooking the Zambezi River. Two of the tents are furnished with king-size beds, while the third is configured as a twin room, and all beds are set within large four-poster mosquito nets and include a fan for added comfort.
Family House
The two-bedroom Family House is a spacious retreat designed to maximize views of the Zambezi River, making it well-suited for families or groups of up to four adults. A large central living area connects the two bedrooms, creating a comfortable shared space for relaxation and dining. Each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with twin showers, twin basins, and a clawfoot bathtub, and can accommodate additional beds if needed. The central area includes a dining table, a fully stocked bar and fridge, and a lounge, while the outdoor balcony features a large private plunge pool.
Potato Bush Camp offers a range of personalized safari activities, with private guiding guaranteed for every guest in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Its riverside location provides access to diverse experiences, including game drives, canoe safaris, and fishing for tiger fish. Guests can also enjoy more relaxed moments, such as dining by the river’s edge. Led by experienced guides, each activity is thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive and tailored exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
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