Safari trips to Africa are influenced by a wide range of variables, but more so by the length of the tour.
Typical three weeks African safaris, for example, will cover almost everything in the country or combination of countries of your choice.
Also on a 21 day safari you might want to check on the season. Off peak prices are generally low and while you may get a bit of rain, this is the time when the parks are at their scenic best.
For a three week safari which begins in Livingstone City in Zambia, consider seeing the highlights of Botswana and Namibia together, before completing the Southern Circle back in Livingstone City.
Day one and two-Livingstone
Transfer to your hotel/lodge where you will be spending your first two nights of your epic African Safari. The two days will be spent in exploring the area including a trip to Victoria Falls,one of the natural wonders of the world. Adrenaline seekers can go bungee jumping or rafting on the mighty Zambezi at extra cost.
Day three and four-Caprivi
From Zambia, cross over to Namibia to visit the Caprivi strip. Your two days in this region of abundant game will include a boat ride on the Kwando river and enjoying a game drive in the Mahango Game Reserve. Expect to see lion, hippo, elephant and giraffe among others.
Day five-Rundu
This is an exceptionally rich birding region, especially around the camps where the visitors stay. To reach Rundu, you will follow the road along the Kwando river before you will arrive at riverside lodge to enjoy the stunning sunset.
Days 6-8-Etosha National Park
You will be spending three memorable nights in the world famous Etosha National Park, deep inside Namibia. Your time here will primarily be spent on morning and evening game drives to see the rich wildlife of the park. While sightings of large elephant herds are common,one can come across lion and antelope which frequent the waterholes surrounding the pans.
Day nine-Brandberg Mountain
On the ninth morning your safari will wind its way south across some spectacular desert scenery before arriving in the Brandenburg Mountain. The lodge here is located on the dry bed of the Ligab River, home to the extremely endangered desert elephants. Walk with a local guide past the petrified forest to witness the ancient White Lady rock paintings, the region is known for. Wildlife includes, leopard, black rhino and lion.
Days ten and eleven-Swakopmund
Travel across the open plains to the coast and pay a visit to the Cape Cross seal colony. Go further to the coastal town of Swakopmund and spend two days exploring the town or partaking in outdoor activities like dining or kayaking on your own expense. The strong German influence in Swakopmund is reflected in the architecture and local food.
Days twelve and thirteen-Namib Desert
You will take a break for two days to enjoy the wide open spaces of the Namib desert and see the famous Sossusvlei Dunes, including the iconic Big Daddy and Dune 45 among others. The landscape may seem unforgiving, but a number of animals have adapted themselves, such as the mountain zebra, gemsbok, karoo bustard and Grant’s golden mile.
Day fourteen-Windhoek
Windhoek,the National Capital of Namibia is a two and half hours drive from Namib desert,and lies roughly in the centre of the country,north of the Orange River.You will spend a free day here to explore the various sights of the city. For adventure seekers,the Orange River has a special appeal for canoe trips,with the persistent calls of the African Fish Eagle in the background.The stunning beauty of the river which forms a natural border with South Africa will leave the onlooker breathless.
Day fifteen-Kalahari
The Kalahari leg of the tour will take you to the barren but most beautiful part of Namibia. The desert stretches across seven countries, with the Namibia section receiving the most rainfall, resulting in luxurious grass. Velvet monkey, honey badger, yellow mongoose, cheetah and bushbaby all thrive in the Kalahari, as do raptors, which makes this desert a prime mammal and birding destination.
Days 16-18-Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a major wetland located in the heart of the Kalahari basin. You will catch a flight to Maun International Airport, from where the Okavango Delta is a mere 65 km away. Once you arrive at your destination, walk around and relax till lunchtime.
After lunch, take a ride in a dugout canoe(mokoro) and enjoy views of the wild animals and birds on the banks of the river. The boat will take you to one of the many islands,which will be your home for the next three nights.
Expect to encounter a large variety of game such as elephants, hippos, giraffes and zebras. Head back to the camp for a hot bath and a hearty dinner by the campfire.
Day two you will be off after a hearty breakfast for a morning safari on foot in search of big game in this world famous biodiversity region. Apart from animals, the walk gives excellent opportunities to take photographs of the Okavango Delta. After lunch,you again explore the delta in a boat or by foot.
On the third morning you take another mokoro ride before returning to camp for breakfast and departure to Maun.
Day nineteen-Makgadikgadi Pans
This 3900 square kilometres salt pan situated in northern Botswana is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park has nutritious grasslands which attract thousand of animals, including waterbuck, hippos and bushbuck. The main highlight of visiting the park, apart from the wildlife, is to enjoy the ultimate remoteness and true isolation experience.
Day twenty-Chobe National Park
Today you leave the Makgadikgadi Pans and travel to Chobe National Park to grab an opportunity to see some spectacular game including some of the largest elephant herds seen anywhere in Africa.
Your day here will be spent on a guided game drive followed by a river cruise on the Chobe River to see pods of hippos wallowing in the river bed.Make use of the splendid photo opportunities while on the boat.In the evening,witness the magic of a majestic African sunset.
Day twenty one-Depart for Livingstone
On your final morning, you will be transferred to Kasane Airport, after breakfast, for your final destination, Livingstone, from where you will continue as per your own schedule.
