Highlights of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana & South Africa - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek (Namibia), Explore at Your Own Pace

Welcome to Namibia's bustling capital, Windhoek! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in the city, where a tour representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary for the next three weeks. Following the one-hour briefing, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. If you want to explore the area, the National Museum of Namibia is a good place to start to learn about the country's past from prehistoric times to the present day. Browse the archaeology, ethnography, and natural history exhibits before continuing to the Namibia Craft Centre. 

As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a treasure trove of handcrafted goods, ranging from intricately carved wooden sculptures to colorful textiles, beaded jewelry, and delicate pottery. Beyond shopping, you can also watch local artisans at work to gain a deeper appreciation for their handmade crafts. In the evening, make your way to Independence Avenue to choose from an array of cafés, restaurants, and eateries serving local and international cuisine. For dinner, try local delights like potjiekos, a hearty stew of meat and vegetables cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open flame.

Day 2: Transfer to Sossusvlei, Explore the Namib Desert

After a restful night in Windhoek, return to the airport for a one-hour flight to Sossusvlei, an otherworldly desert landscape within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. When you arrive, transfer to a luxurious lodge in the center of the Namib Desert. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the pool overlooking Elim Dune, or choose from three excursions to explore the park. The first is a five-hour scenic sunset drive to discover the towering red sand dunes and watch them transform under the warm glow of the setting sun. 

Another option is a 1-3 hour walk around the nearby Elim Dune, which you can climb for panoramic views of the desert. The last excursion is a 1-3 hour tour of Sesriem Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. Venture into the depths of the canyon, where you'll be greeted by towering rock formations adorned with intricate patterns etched into the stone by the passage of time and water. No matter which excursion you choose, you'll end the night back at the lodge, enjoying a delicious Namibian dinner. 

Day 3: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Tour the National Park

Today's early morning wake-up call will be well worth it as you rise above the desert in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. As the first light of dawn begins to creep above the horizon, gently ascend into the sky, looking out at the rust-red dunes. After an hour in the air, touch down and enjoy a Champagne breakfast in the middle of the desert. The adventure doesn't stop there, though, as you set off on a tour of the national park, stopping at some of the most iconic dunes, including Dune 45 and the 1,000-foot-tall (300 m) Big Daddy.

You'll also explore Deadvlei, a clay pan dotted with dozens of skeletal camel thorn trees. As you wander across the white clay, get an up-close look at the bleached-white branches and twisted trunks. If you didn't see Sesriem Canyon yesterday, don't worry; it's your final stop. Early settlers used to use ses (six) riem (leather rope straps) to lower a bucket into the 100-foot (30 m) deep canyon to collect water, hence the name. Descend into the canyon and follow the winding pathways past sculpted rocks and natural pools before returning to the hotel to rest after your early start. 

Day 4: Fly to Etosha, Transfer to Ongava 

Say goodbye to Sossusvlei as you return to the airport this morning for a 1.5-hour flight to Etosha. From there, transfer one hour to your lodge located just outside the Ongava Private Game Reserve, one of the largest reserves in the country. Relax in your luxurious chalet or go for a refreshing swim in the pool before this afternoon's game drive across Ongava and the neighboring Etosha National Park.

When it's time, jump in the safari vehicle and set off across the rugged terrain in search of an array of antelope species, like the rare black-faced impala or rhinos grazing amid the acacia trees. As the light of day starts to fade, you'll see predators, including lions and leopards, begin to come out in search of prey. When darkness falls, return to the lodge for dinner overlooking a floodlit waterhole frequented by rhinos and other game animals.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Etosha National Park

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge, then set off on a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Along the way, your safari guide will point out some of the park's diverse wildlife, which encompasses over 114 species of mammals and 350 bird species. You'll likely spot everything from Burchell's zebras and kudus to oryx and giraffes. You'll also learn about Etosha's distinctive landscape, which features over 20 types of vegetation.

Drive toward Halali Camp for a leisurely lunch, stopping at several waterholes to spot animals quenching their thirst. Take a break from the safari to swim in Halali Camp's pool or have a drink at the bar. Your next stop is Okaukuejo's teeming waterhole, which has earned a reputation as one of the best game-viewing destinations in southern Africa. After an action-packed day in the national park, return to your lodge in time for dinner. 

Day 6: Morning Game Drive, Fly to Windhoek

Go on one last game drive in the national park this morning before it gets too hot for the animals. Pass through acacia woodlands, expansive grasslands, and shimmering salt pans in search of the Big Five, which includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Don't forget to look up; there are plenty of birds to see, including the swooping martial eagle, one of Africa's largest and most powerful raptors. After the game drive, return to the lodge to grab your bags, then head to the airport in Etosha for a one-hour flight back to Windhoek. 

Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool. Those who want to explore the capital a bit more could go on a city tour to discover landmarks like Christuskirche, a striking church built during the German colonial era in the early 20th century. Admire the blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau-style architecture, then step inside to see the ornate wooden pews, intricate altar, and historic pipe organs. Then, spend your last night in Namibia, experiencing the city's nightlife at one of the many bars, pubs, or clubs. 

Day 7: Fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Zambezi River Cruise

Bid farewell to Namibia this morning as you head to the airport to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Victoria Falls, a charming town in western Zimbabwe that serves as a gateway to the iconic waterfall of the same name. Transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until this evening's sunset cruise. When it's time, head to the jetty and jump on a boat to cruise along the Zambezi River, the fourth-longest river in Africa. Relax with local wines, beers, soft drinks, and snacks while you watch the sun slowly set around you. Before it gets too dark, try to spot wildlife along the shores, like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Day 8: Tour Victoria Falls, Scenic Helicopter Ride, Dinner & Drum Show

Get ready for an early wake-up call so you can go on a guided tour of Victoria Falls before it gets too busy. Before you reach the cascades, stop at the Big Tree, a towering baobab tree believed to be over a thousand years old with a circumference of 72 feet (22 m). Continue to the David Livingstone Statue, dedicated to the Scottish explorer and missionary, who gave the falls their English name after Queen Victoria. Finally, the tour takes you to the astonishing waterfall, where you can go on a 1.8-mile (3 km) walk through the rainforest, stopping for spectacular views of the cascades.

At the end of the trail, Danger Point awaits, a vantage point offering unobstructed views of the Zambezi River plunging over the edge, forming the world's largest curtain of falling water. After an up-close look at the falls, you'll get a bird's-eye view in a 12-minute helicopter ride. Rise above the river and watch as the cascading water plummets into the deep gorge below. In the evening, head to Lokuthula for a Dinner & Drum Show at The Boma for a four-course Zimbabwean meal paired with vibrant performances showcasing traditional song and dance. 

Days 9-11: Transfer to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Trade the powerful waterfall for Botswana's wilderness this morning as you set off on a two-hour transfer to your next accommodation—an eco-friendly lodge perched on a rocky ridge overlooking Chobe River in Chobe National Park. You'll spend the next three days here, partaking in various activities, including game drives, cultural experiences, and farm tours. You could start the day with coffee and biscuits before venturing out on a sunrise game drive to traverse the park's diverse landscapes in search of the wildlife that calls the region home, such as lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and an array of antelope.

After four hours, return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy some free time by the pool. In the afternoon, sit down for lunch or high tea, then set off on another game drive. You could also start your morning with a visit to a nearby village, where you can learn about the locals' way of life, customs, and rituals. Meet the chief, then tour the village to see its primary school, clinic, farm, and colonial-era ruins from the 1800s. Immerse yourself in the experience by milking cows and watching the sorghum plant be transformed into mabele meal—a staple ingredient in Batswana cooking.

End the night with a traditional dinner in the village, starting with a change into traditional wear. Adorned in colorful clothing, sit down for a homemade beer and enjoy the meal prepared with fresh ingredients straight from the farm. While you eat, watch the youth dance group perform and learn about the history and importance of each dance. The lodge's final activity is a tour of the farmlands surrounding Pandamatenga, where commercial and communal farming takes place. Learn about the different farming techniques and crops produced, then end with a cheese and wine sundowner.

Day 12: Transfer to the Okavango Delta, Afternoon Game Drive

After three days in the national park, it's time for a 45-minute transfer to Kasane International Airport, where you'll catch a 40-minute flight to the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta in the Moremi Game Reserve. When you arrive, check into your luxury camp for the next three nights, overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon.

After some downtime and a refresh, venture out on a game drive across the reserve to discover the wildlife the delta's varied habitats support, including elephants, leopards, buffalo, and an abundance of birdlife. Watch the sun set slowly over the dense woodlands and winding channels as you try to spot nocturnal creatures like the armored pangolin as they search for food. After the game drive, return to the lodge in time for dinner.

Days 13-14: Various Activities in the Moremi Game Reserve

Spend the next two days exploring the Okavango Delta, starting with a 5:30 am wake-up call for coffee and biscuits before you set off on sunrise game drives through the reserve. Traverse the acacia-dotted plains and dense woodlands in search of wildlife, like lions, leopards, and cheetahs returning from their nightly hunt. After three hours in the reserve, return to the lodge for breakfast, then relax and unwind by the pool or join another activity, like bird-watching, walking safaris, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, or motorboat safaris.

Getting out on the delta's labyrinth of channels gives you a chance to get an up-close look at elephants on the shores or aquatic and semiaquatic animals like Nile crocodiles, hippos, and sitatungas (an antelope species). In the afternoons, return to the lodge for lunch or high tea before setting off on another game drive. You can also break up your time in the reserve with a tour of nearby villages to gain insight into local customs, crafts, and daily activities. In the evenings, return to the lodge in time for dinner under the stars.

Days 15-16: Fly to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Explore the Park

Prepare for a morning of travel as you transfer to a nearby airstrip for a 35-minute flight to Maun International Airport. From there, you'll catch another 35-minute flight to Leroo La Tau Airstrip. Your last leg of the trip is a 30-minute transfer to your luxury lodge overlooking the Boteti River in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. After checking in, spend the next two days partaking in various activities, including game drives, a tour of Xhumaga, or a cruise along the river if water levels permit. 

You may spot animals like zebras, wildebeests, spotted hyenas, giraffes, or lions, depending on the time of year you visit, before stopping for a picnic. When it's time to explore the park from the water, jump on a boat and cruise down the river, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants bathing in the shallows, hippos basking in the sun, or crocodiles lurking in the shallows. The last activity starts with a 30-minute transfer to a nearby village, Xhumaga, where you can learn about the local Tswana people, their customs, and traditions as you wander through the village.

Day 17: Fly to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Fly back to Maun International Airport this morning to catch a one-hour flight to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Check into your luxury lodge, where you can relax by the pool or look out at the nearby water hole to spot wildlife like elephants and zebras stopping for a drink.

In the evening, meet the local Basarwa people who have adapted to the harsh environment of the Kalahari Desert, to learn about their culture through song and dance. Watch the performers, adorned in colorful clothing and intricate beadwork, move with grace and precision. Each dance tells a story about the Basarwa people's ancient traditions, cultural heritage, and bond with nature. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner.

Days 18-19: Explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Over the next two days, you'll explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve on game drives, bird-watching tours, and guided bush walks. Start your days with an early morning wake-up call for sunrise game drives across the rugged terrain. You may spot antelopes grazing in the soft morning light, lions returning from their night of hunting, or elusive leopards disappearing into the shadows to rest. Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure, or join a bird-watching tour to spot the reserve's avian residents, such as secretary birds, bateleur eagles, or kori bustards.

In the afternoons or evenings, set off on another game drive to look for nocturnal animals, like aardvarks, African wildcats, or bat-eared foxes. Whenever you want to stretch your legs, schedule a bush walk with a local guide. Learn more about their rich culture as they share their deep connection to the land, pointing out medicinal plants, tracking animal spoor, and demonstrating age-old techniques for hunting and gathering. In the evenings, enjoy dinner at the lodge or request a bush dinner to sit down for a meal under the myriad stars uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 20: Fly to Johannesburg (South Africa), Explore at Leisure

Your penultimate day in Africa takes you to your final destination, Johannesburg, South Africa's biggest city. After the 1.5-hour flight, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to refresh. When you're ready, venture out to explore the city on your own. An excellent place to start is the Apartheid Museum to learn about the country's turbulent history of racial segregation. Browse the multimedia displays, artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts to gain insight into the apartheid era and its lasting impact on locals. 

If you want to get out of the city, make your way to the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind, located 50 minutes outside the city. Explore the archaeological site, where the remains of ancient hominids and other prehistoric creatures have been unearthed. Join a guided tour of the underground cave system and stop at the Maropeng Visitors Centre to see some of the archaeological artifacts found here. In the evening, return to the city and head to the Maboneng Precinct, a trendy neighborhood known for its hip cafés, restaurants, and bars, for dinner and a drink.

Day 21: Guided Tour of Soweto, Depart 

Start your final day in Africa on a guided tour of Soweto, once a segregated neighborhood for the city's Black population, where now over a million residents freely reside. Explore the neighborhood by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or foot to learn about its contentious history and the daily lives of current residents. Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to a 13-year-old boy who was killed during the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

Continue to Vilakazi Street to see the former houses of Nobel Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Then, sit down for lunch at an outdoor restaurant in a park, where you can enjoy authentic South African food. After spending the morning learning about South Africa's turbulent history, return to the hotel to grab your bags and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Botswana? Check out these other Botswana itineraries or explore different ways to spend three weeks in southern Africa.