Day 1
Kasane to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
**Please note this trip is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those travelling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.
-
Accommodation
Gweta Lodge (or similar)
-
Meals
Dinner
Everyday Price From
$5,412
$6,765
11 days
This safari extravaganza takes you into the heart of Botswana and Namibia, cruising in open top jeeps from meerkat colonies to petrified valleys and waterways teeming with wildlife - all while travelling with a legendary bunch of 35-45s. With a huge amount of included game drives where you can spot roaming elephants, buffalo and lions - on this trip you'll also quad bike over dunes and experience a show performed by an indigenous tribes. The accommodation is either luxe glamping in safari parks or comfy lodges where you can kick back and take a dip in the pool when you're feeling the heat.
Locations Visited
Kasane, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Maun, Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park
Countries Visited
Botswana, Namibia
Accommodations
10 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
Accommodation
Gweta Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Accommodation
Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
A night in Africa’s Eden? Yep. This is your true African escape, away from technology. It's gonna be just you, nature and the incredible sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness. Our campsite is located right next to the Khwai river where all forms of wildlife (great and small) come down to drink. So, keep your camera with you! Camp staff will set up your tents as well as cook all your meals on open fires. Your tents come with stretchers, mattresses, linen and towels. And the campsite also has a chill tent during the day for relaxing between Game Drives.
Our first taste of the Okavango Delta, as we head to our Contiki Safari Camp. Hopefully spotting some of the ‘Big Five’ on our way.
Day 3
Accommodation
Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Get up with the sun in search of the amazing wildlife in this garden of Eden.
Enjoy another taste of wildlife spotting this afternoon.
Enjoy a sunset trip along the waterways of the Khwai River, looking out for the incredible animals that live here.
Day 4
Another morning at the Delta (the struggle is real.) After coffee and breakfast at sunrise, it's time for another morning game drive – eyes peeled for elephants – as we make our way out of this wildlife paradise.
Check into the lodge, chill by the pool and then take to the skies in an optional Okavango Delta helicopter flight. Hover just meters above the waterways or fly high for stunning views of this unique inland delta and of course, don’t forget your binocs for some wildlife spotting from the air. If you've got a head for heights, you won't find views more spectacular than this anywhere in the world. Tonight, you’ll polish off your last night in Botswana with a night in the town. The Okavango Delta Brewery calls, offering a tour, tasting and dinner for you to enjoy.
Accommodation
Island Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
It’s our last drive in the Delta! And our last chance to see any wildlife that eluded us on previous jaunts.
Day 5
Accommodation
Town Lodge, Windhoek (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 6
After breakfast, we'll hit the road together to admire the beautiful countryside. Namibia's main attractions are spaced far apart so expect some long drives with jaw-dropping views along the way. Beautiful desert scenery, as well as historical and cultural stops on the route - we promise the drives won't be a bore. Our first stop will be for lunch near the Nauklauft Mountain Range on a vineyard, in the middle of the desert. Wine tasting anyone?
This evening, we arrive at our accommodation near one of Namibia's most iconic attractions: Sossusvlei, a huge salt and clay pan framed by enormous dunes (some of the highest in the world). We'll check in to our lodge and then get ready for a morning’s exploration with a big ol’ buffet dinner.
Accommodation
Soft Adventure Camp (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 7
We're up early today – let’s get exploring the desert before it’s too hot! We start out at the Namib-Naukluft National Park, keeping our eyes open for Oryx and other desert-dwelling wildlife. Soon we'll jump off the vehicles and take a mesmerising walk into the sand dunes (barefoot of course) with cameras ready for 360 degrees views. Wandering along Big Daddy sand dune and down into Deadvlei, admiring the views, you’ll finally realise where your desktop background images come from.
We'll hit the long road again, admiring more scenery on our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. After checking into our hotel take yourself for a sunset stroll and enjoy some of the local delicacies here.
Accommodation
Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Explore Sossusvlei, snap shots of Deadvlei and wander around Big Daddy sand dune
Day 8
Welcome to Swakopmund, AKA adventurer's paradise as we explore the ocean and the surrounding desert. Wanna catch glimpses of dolphins, whales and seals (and other fascinating marine life)? Then join us for a morning seal kayaking experience at Pelican point. This afternoon, you have free time to explore this quaint German Town as you please. So, go for a beer in a Brauhaus, grab lunch on the pier, or even better - head to the dunes for a dose of adventure. And if you're more about those chill vibes, you'll love the tour of Mondesa Township this evening, where you'll meet the locals and feast on a home-made dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Accommodation
Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9
Today we head back inland for our Namibian safari destination of choice – Etosha. Before we arrive, we’ll stop off in the Erongo Mountains to visit the San Bushmen of Omandumba. Here, we’ll learn some of their language and be wowed at their skills and crafts as they educate us on how to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions.
Then we're headed to our accommodation near Etosha (a pan so large it can be seen from space!). But it's the natural waterholes lining the edge that interests the wildlife, and that's why it interests us. Enjoy sundowners at the lodge while the excitement builds for tomorrow's game drive.
Accommodation
Ijaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Experience life in an African bushman village, as the local people give you a snapshot of their desert lifestyle.
Day 10
We're up early for our first Namibian game drive in Etosha! From big cats to desert-savvy antelope, the wildlife viewing experience here is like nowhere else on Earth. At midday we'll head back to the lodge for lunch and siesta by the pool. Tonight, on our last night together, we’ll treat ourselves to one last buffet dinner.
Accommodation
Ijaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 11
After breakfast, we drive back down to Windhoek to catch the afternoon flights back home, saying goodbye to new friends but cherishing our lifelong memories.
Please Note: Do not book flights that depart before 14:30pm on the last day of the trip.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
As the name suggests, a Special Stay ain't your ordinary accommodation - it's much more than that. Think of it as an experience in its own right. On this trip, you'll be able to camp under the stars (all while being surrounded by wildlife) at your Special Stay.
Nope, you're all good! All equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc) will be provided for you.
You don't have to. Your road crew will set up camp, cook meals, and clean up afterwards - but you're always welcome to help!
You'll have access to proper bathrooms with real toilets, hot showers and everything you need - just shared with the crew.
Trip Notes:
Terms & Conditions: