The Complete Wilderness Explorer

Central Kalahari, the Delta, Chobe, Victoria Falls, Khaudum, Waterberg and Damaraland in one sweep.

Request this journey

Journeys Multi-country · 19 days

An elephant bull in the green bush
1 / 4

Overview

Nineteen days across Botswana and Namibia: the silence of the Central Kalahari, the Delta’s bridges and lagoons, Savuti and Chobe, a day at Victoria Falls, the Caprivi rivers, Khaudum, rhino tracking at Waterberg and the dry valleys of Damaraland. Camping most nights, with lodge stops where it matters.

Duration
19 days18 active travel days
Countries
BotswanaNamibia
Style
Guided expedition
Difficulty
Moderate to demanding
Nights
16 nights camping3 nights in rooms
Group size
2 to 12 people
Vehicles
Fully equipped 4x4s
Start & finish
Windhoek
Golden grass hills in the evening light
Land Cruisers beneath an ancient baobab

Vehicles & style

Fully equipped 4x4s.

Our own fleet: three Land Rover Defender 110 (3.5 V8, 1989) and three Toyota Land Cruiser 80 (4.5, 1993) — fully equipped for off-grid travel with roof tents, fridges, recovery gear and long-range fuel. Trips run on a camping basis, with the occasional lodge or B&B where one exists at all out here.

Highlights

What you will remember

A young giraffe standing in dry grassland
A pole bridge leading through tall green grass
  1. 01A night inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  2. 02First, Second and Third Bridge into Xakanaxa
  3. 03Savuti, Chobe and a day at Victoria Falls
  4. 04Khaudum from north to south, with a glamping night
  5. 05Guided rhino tracking on foot at the Waterberg Plateau
Two Land Cruisers side by side in the desert

Theroute

Day by day

19 days · 18 active travel days · Start & finish: Windhoek

Scroll through the days and the route follows. Tap a place on the map to jump to its day.

19 daysWindhoek

  1. Day 01Windhoek to Palm Afrique LodgeRooms · Ghanzi

    After your arrival in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, we will meet you at the airport and warmly welcome you to our shared adventure. After a short briefing, the first stage begins. We drive east, passing open savannahs, small villages, and the red shimmering plains of the Kalahari. At the border to Botswana, we complete the entry formalities together and continue our journey to Ghanzi. Upon arrival at Palm Afrique Lodge, comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and your first evening in the bush await you. As the campfire burns and crickets chirp, we enjoy the start of our safari under a sparkling night sky.

    Lodge pool with white lattice chairs among palm trees
  2. Day 02Palm Afrique Lodge to Central Kalahari Game ReserveCamping · Central Kalahari

    We leave Palm Afrique Lodge in Ghanzi and drive south into the heart of the Kalahari. The tar road gradually turns into sandy tracks as we approach the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest and most remote protected areas in Africa. After completing the park formalities at the entrance, we continue into a vast landscape of open grasslands, fossil river valleys, and endless horizons. This region offers a deep sense of calm, space, and a unique wilderness atmosphere. During the afternoon, we select a suitable campsite within the reserve and set up camp. Facilities are basic and enhance the authentic wilderness experience. In the evening, we sit around the campfire and enjoy the remarkable silence of the Central Kalahari.

    A young giraffe standing in dry grassland
  3. Day 03Central Kalahari Game Reserve to Camelthorn FarmsteadCamping · Xhumaga / Boteti

    Today our route takes us out of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve towards Xhumaga. Once more, we cross the wide plains and sandy tracks of the Kalahari before leaving the protected area behind. The landscape gradually changes, and as we get closer to the Boteti River, the vegetation becomes denser along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, we arrive at Camelthorn Farmstead near Xhumaga, located on the banks of the Boteti River. Here we stay at the campsite in a peaceful riverside setting and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

    A gemsbok with a calf in dry grassland
  4. Day 04Camelthorn Farmstead to Audi CampCamping · Maun

    From Camelthorn Farmstead, we continue our journey at a relaxed pace towards Maun. The route passes through open farmland and wide plains, as the landscape gradually becomes flatter and more accessible. As we approach Maun, there is a noticeable increase in activity before we reach the town and continue to our accommodation. In the afternoon, we arrive at Audi Camp, beautifully situated along the Thamalakane River. Here we set up camp and enjoy a relaxed evening by the water, a pleasant transition between wilderness and civilisation.

  5. Day 05Audi Camp to Moremi South GateCamping · Moremi South Gate

    From Maun, we set off towards the Moremi Game Reserve. The route begins on tar road before we switch to sandy tracks as we gradually approach the reserve. At South Gate, we complete the park formalities and then continue into the reserve. With every kilometre, the feeling of civilisation fades and the wilderness takes over. In the afternoon, we arrive at Moremi South Gate and set up our camp. Facilities are simple and practical, in line with a true wilderness experience. In the evening, we gather around the campfire and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

    A herd of buffalo crossing the sandy track ahead of a 4x4
  6. Day 06Moremi South Gate to XakanaxaCamping · Xakanaxa

    From South Gate, our route takes us deeper into the Moremi Game Reserve. The drive follows the well-known sections of First Bridge, Second Bridge, and Third Bridge, sandy tracks and wooden bridges that lead through varied landscapes of Mopane forests, lagoons, and open plains. Along the way, we take time for short stops and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this region. The drive itself is part of the experience and gives a true sense of safari. In the late afternoon, we reach Xakanaxa Camp, beautifully located near waterways and lagoons. Here we set up camp and spend the evening surrounded by the calm and natural beauty of the Okavango Delta.

    A Defender with an open roof tent beside a dome tent under trees
  7. Day 07Xakanaxa to Magotho CampCamping · Khwai

    After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Khwai. The landscape begins to change. Wet floodplains give way to dry savannahs, where giraffes and zebras graze. Our destination is Magotho Camp, beautifully set along the Khwai River. Here we set up camp under shady acacia trees. With a bit of luck, elephants may pass along the riverbanks as we enjoy the sunset. A place where you truly feel the wilderness in its purest form.

    A pole bridge leading through tall green grass
  8. Day 08Magotho to SavutiCamping · Savuti

    We continue to Savuti, one of Botswana’s most famous wildlife areas. The drive itself feels like a game drive, as we cross animal paths, waterholes, and open plains where herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and prides of lions roam. Every turn can bring a new encounter, perhaps a hyena moving between the acacia trees or an eagle circling above the Savuti Marsh. The camp is set in the heart of the Savuti plains, a place where the wilderness feels close and the sounds of the night are clear. An unforgettable experience for true adventurers.

    Low sun, pink clouds and a dead tree mirrored in a waterhole
  9. Day 09Savuti to Chobe Safari LodgeRooms · Kasane

    Today’s stage takes us from Savuti further north towards Kasane. We leave the open plains and sandy tracks of the Savuti area and travel through the varied landscapes of Chobe National Park. As we get closer to the Chobe River, the surroundings begin to change, with denser vegetation and a clear sense of entering a water-rich region. In the afternoon, we arrive at Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane. Here we stay in comfortable rooms near the river. After several days of camping, this is a good opportunity to relax, take a shower, and enjoy the lodge facilities.

    Visitors on a safari boat watching an elephant wade in the river
  10. Day 10Day Trip to Victoria FallsCamping · Victoria Falls

    Today features a special highlight, a trip to the Victoria Falls, known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the smoke that thunders. We cross the border into Zimbabwe and experience this powerful natural wonder up close. The roar of the water, the fine mist, and the rainbows above the gorge make this day unforgettable. In the late afternoon, we return to Kasane and enjoy a relaxed evening.

    Two visitors on a wet path in the spray of Victoria Falls
  11. Day 11Chobe Safari Lodge to Nambwa CampCamping · Nambwa

    From Kasane, the journey takes us back into Namibia and into the Zambezi Region. After completing the border formalities, we continue along the Caprivi Strip, passing villages, forests, and wide river landscapes. The route leads us into a green and water-rich region that contrasts strongly with the drier areas of Botswana. The presence of rivers shapes the scenery and creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere along the way. In the afternoon, we arrive at Nambwa Camp. Here we set up camp and spend the night at the campsite, surrounded by the nature of the Zambezi Region. We end the day in a peaceful setting.

    A fire pit with curved benches overlooking golden grassland
  12. Day 12Nambwa to Rainbow River LodgeCamping · Divundu

    Today’s stage takes us from Nambwa further west through the Zambezi Region towards Divundu. The route passes through varied woodland landscapes and follows the Okavango River, passing small settlements and wide riverbanks that define this region. The scenery feels both calm and alive, shaped by the water and daily life along the river. In the afternoon, we arrive at Rainbow River Lodge. Here we set up camp, surrounded by nature right by the river. In the evening, we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere along the Okavango and end the day relaxed around the campfire.

    A hippo gaping wide amid its pod in the river
  13. Day 13Rainbow River Lodge to Khaudum NorthCamping · Khaudum North

    From Divundu, our route leads us into one of Namibia’s most remote regions, the Khaudum National Park. The track becomes increasingly sandy and demanding, and we gradually enter a raw and untouched wilderness. The drive requires focus and teamwork, as deep sand and narrow tracks set the pace. Along the way, we enjoy the isolation and vastness of this rarely visited area. In the afternoon, we arrive at Khaudum North and set up camp. Facilities are very basic, which adds to the true wilderness experience. In the evening, we gather around the campfire and experience the unique silence of this remote national park.

    A deep sand track winding through dry woodland
  14. Day 14Khaudum North to Khaudum SouthGlamping · Khaudum South

    Today we cross the park from north to south, a true off-road stage with exciting wildlife sightings along the way. We drive slowly through the savannah and keep an eye out for herds of elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even lions moving through the tall grass. In the afternoon, we reach our comfortable tented camp in the southern part of the park. After a warm shower and a delicious dinner, we enjoy the evening around the campfire. Above us, a sky full of stars shines clearly, untouched by the presence of civilisation.

    Collage: a backlit elephant herd and a safari tent on a wooden deck
  15. Day 15Khaudum South to Waterberg PlateauCamping · Waterberg

    After an early breakfast, we set off and leave Khaudum heading west. The drive takes us through wide bush landscapes and small villages until the impressive Waterberg Plateau appears on the horizon. In the afternoon, we join a guided rhino tracking walk with experienced rangers. Moving quietly through the bush, we experience these animals up close, a powerful moment and a true highlight of any Namibia journey. In the evening, we enjoy the view over the plains and the peaceful atmosphere at the foot of the plateau.

  16. Day 16Waterberg to Huab Desolation ValleyCamping · Desolation Valley

    From the Waterberg Plateau, our route continues northwest into increasingly dry and rugged landscapes. The striking red cliffs of the Waterberg fade behind us as wide plains and open savannahs take over. As we approach Damaraland, the surroundings feel more raw and untouched. Gravel roads, vast horizons, and scattered farms define the journey. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Huab Desolation Valley. Here we set up camp in the middle of this dramatic and barren landscape. The silence, the open space, and the unique atmosphere of this remote valley make the evening a memorable experience under the open sky.

    Eroded sandstone formations and roof-tent 4x4s against the low sun
  17. Day 17Huab Wild Camp to BrandbergCamping · Brandberg

    After a night beneath a sky full of stars, we set off towards Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. The drive takes us through vast open spaces, dry riverbeds, and gently rising slopes until the striking silhouette of Brandberg appears in the distance. In the afternoon, we arrive at White Lady Lodge. The sunset casts the mountain in warm red and golden light, a sight that stays with you.

    Desert-adapted elephants in a dry riverbed below rugged mountains
  18. Day 18Brandberg to WindhoekRooms · Windhoek

    From Brandberg, we begin our return journey towards Windhoek. The drive takes us through the wide landscapes of Damaraland, past open plains and striking rock formations, before we rejoin well-developed roads. With every kilometre, the capital comes closer and the scenery changes again, from rugged wilderness to farmed areas and gentle hills. In the afternoon, we arrive in Windhoek and check in at Ti Melen. In the evening, we meet for a shared farewell dinner in a relaxed setting. We look back on the journey, share special moments and memories, and enjoy our final evening together before departure the next day.

    A pool and a hanging wicker chair on a shady terrace
  19. Day 19Windhoek City Tour & DepartureCamping · Windhoek

    On the final day, there is an optional city tour through Windhoek. You visit the Christ Church, the Alte Feste, the Craft Market, and Katutura. Afterwards, you are transferred to the airport. With many memories, new friendships, and a piece of Africa in your heart, we say goodbye.

    Christ Church and Windhoek’s city centre from above

What’s included

One price, everything in

Included

  • Vehicle
  • Guide
  • Fuel
  • Third-party liability insurance
  • Camping equipment
  • Park fees in Botswana
  • Camping fees in Botswana
  • Accommodation in Botswana
  • Camping fees in Namibia
  • Park fees in Namibia
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Border crossing fees
  • Day trip to Victoria Falls
  • Meals and drinks (camping standard)

Not included

  • Visa for Victoria Falls
  • Entrance fee Victoria Falls
  • Activities and boat cruises
  • Dinner in Windhoek
  • Rhino tracking at Waterberg

Price & dates

Price & dates

Guide price · per person

from approx. €3,000

Base rate for a 12-day journey: approx. €6,500 solo · approx. €4,000 each for two · approx. €3,000 each for three or more. This 19 days expedition is priced on request. All-inclusive: guide, vehicles, fuel, camping and park fees, equipment, food and drinks. Activities excluded.

Dates on request — most expeditions are booked about a year ahead.

Base rates · per person · 12-day journey

1 person
approx. €6,500
per person · 12-day base
2 people
approx. €4,000
per person · 12-day base
3 or more
approx. €3,000
per person · 12-day base

All prices approx. — depending on route, entrance fees, distances etc.

More journeys

Journeys for true explorers

Every route can be tailored — tell us what you have in mind.

View all journeys
Golden grass hills in the evening light

Request

Request “The Complete Wilderness Explorer”

No booking yet — just a first conversation. Tell us roughly what you have in mind; we reply within two working days with an honest assessment and a first route.

Request this journey