Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)
Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)
Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)
15 Days
Visiting: Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, Rundu, Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
Tour operator:
Tour code:
671
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
On this 15-day family adventure through Namibia, Botswana and finishing in Zimbabwe, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, we start by heading to the Skeleton Coast, before heading east all the way to Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe.
Your starting point on the Namibia leg of this trip is the capital city of Windhoek and from here we'll head to Sessrium National Park and to Sossusvlei to where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45. Our next highlight is Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia where thrilling activities, such as skydiving, sandboarding and scenic flights above the stark landscape of the mountainous dunes are available. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast we'll visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Ozohere Himba Village before heading inland, to one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, Etosha National Park. After meeting local tribes, exploring Namibia's capital, Windhoek, and getting to see wild elephants, zebras, and hippos, our final stop before the Okavango will be Rundu, perched on the Angolan border.
The Okavango is teaming with plant, bird and animal life and is the largest inland delta on the entire planet. Its unique positioning makes it ideal for supporting hundreds of species of wild birds and impressive land mammals such as lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. The Delta splits into thousands of smaller waterways, forming swamps, lagoons and small islands that we give you a chance to explore on and off the water. There are several optional safaris from our camp into the Delta both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles.
Coming to the end of our trip, we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population, before finishing at the stunning Victoria Falls.
This overland family adventure safari holiday allows you to experience the diversity and uniqueness of the different regional cultures, discover the abundance of wildlife, and get your adrenaline flowing with exciting optional activities. Accommodation is a mix of hotels/lodges, permanent camps, and in simple tents next to our truck. Travel is on a specialist expedition vehicle with an experienced tour leader and driver on board.
Discounted prices are available for children aged from 6 to 15.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Windhoek. Transfer To Hotel
Location: Windhoek
When you arrive, our staff will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to kick off your trip. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and get settled in. Later, at 6 PM, we’ll hold a pre-trip meeting where you’ll meet our crew and get acquainted with the overland expedition vehicle that will be your home for the next two weeks.
No meals included today
Day 2: Travel To Sesriem And The Namib Naukluft National Park
Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park
After breakfast, we’ll head south to Namib-Naukluft National Park. The drive will take us through breathtaking desert and mountain scenery, making it hard to focus on the road! That evening, we’ll camp in a beautiful spot near the Sossusvlei dunes, inside the park, which is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the planet’s largest salt pans.
Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch and dinner eaten at the truck.
Day 3: Dune 45: 4X4 To Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Location: Sossusvlei
This morning, we’ll have the chance to climb the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei, one of Namibia’s top attractions and a highlight on many tourist posters. Kids can compete with their parents to reach the summit, where breathtaking views of an endless ‘world of sand’ await, extending all the way to the Atlantic, 50 miles away. The kids can then enjoy a thrilling slide back down, a favorite activity, especially since breakfast awaits them at the bottom.
Breakfast and lunch eaten at the truck. Group meal included this evening.
Day 4: Namib Nakluft Desert Walk: To Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
This morning, accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll explore the Namib Desert and gain fascinating insights into its wildlife. It’s not just about the Big 5; there are also the Little 5 to discover! We’ll encounter some of the smaller inhabitants of this unique ecosystem and learn how they’ve adapted to thrive in the desert. Who knows, we might even spot the beetle that performs a headstand each morning to collect fog on its back, which then trickles down to its mouth!
Later we drive north-west to the Atlantic coast and the town of Swakopmund where we will settle into our accommodation and then enjoy a group meal out in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck, group dinner
Day 5: Swakopmund: Free Time
Location: Swakopmund
Swakopmund is Namibia's favourite holiday destination and its adventure capital. With a wide range of family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping activities, along with beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. This coastal resort offers a refreshing change from the land-based wildlife experiences you’ll have in Namibia. Families can enjoy a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, flamingos, and even whales near Walvis Bay, or kayak alongside playful seals at Pelican Point. Older kids will love sandboarding, fat biking, or embarking on 4x4 and quad biking adventures in the nearby dunes. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the town is filled with cafes, art galleries, and museums to explore. You’ll have plenty of free time to choose from a variety of optional activities.
Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner and activities at your expense
Day 6: Swakopmund: Free Time
Location: Swakopmund
You have the whole day free here to participate in optional activities of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner & activities at your own expense.
Day 7: Skeleton Coast Shipwrecks & Cape Cross Seal Colony
Location: Skeleton Coast
As we leave Swakopmund, our adventure takes us north along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, a nature reserve famous for hosting one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. This site also marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot in Namibia in 1486. Kids can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, observing the fascinating interactions of the seals from a wide walkway, safely separated from them by a low wall. As they stroll through the colony, they’ll have the chance to discover intriguing facts about seal life at various information points, and even look up at a modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.
Continuing inland, we’ll head to our overnight camp, a small family-run site in the heart of the Namibian desert. This camp supports the local Himba community and helps provide schooling for their children. While we’re there, there is an optional tour to meet some local tribe members and learn more about their culture, traditions, and way of life in the bush.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck.
Day 8: Drive To Etosha Np. Evening Game Drive
Location: Etosha National Park
If you’ve loved the desert scenery and wildlife so far, it’s time for a classic safari as we head north to the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, renowned for its exceptional game-watching opportunities in Africa. We’ll arrive in Etosha by the afternoon, and that evening, we’ll embark on our first game drive. Later, we’ll have the chance to observe wildlife visiting a nearby floodlit waterhole.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Day 9: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Many safari enthusiasts regard Etosha as one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Covering 8,600 square miles, it features a vast salt pan that is four times the size of Los Angeles and is even visible from the moon! The park is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ (elephants, rhinos, lions, and leopards). As Namibia’s top wildlife attraction, there’s no better way to experience it than from the comfort of a truck, stopping as needed at various watering holes. Kids will love playing the role of David Attenborough, spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants wandering nearby, or even lions lounging by the roadside. With 114 different animal species and over 300 bird species, there will be plenty to keep the kids engaged as animal spotters. We’ll turn off the engine when needed to soak in the sight of herds of zebras, impalas, and more gathered around the watering holes. During the dry season (May to October), these areas host an incredible number of animals, making August the ideal time for a family safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Day 10: Head To Rundu: Views Of Angolan Flood Plains And Boat Trip
Location: Rundu
After spending a couple of days in Etosha, we’ll set off north again after breakfast, heading toward the remote northwest of Namibia to the southern banks of the Okavango River, which borders Angola. Rundu, the administrative capital, is a vibrant town that offers a fascinating glimpse into a thriving African community, where we can stock up on supplies. Once we’ve settled into our overnight camp, we’ll embark on a cruise along the Kavango floodplain, where we can enjoy a stunning sunset while observing the local birdlife and wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Day 11: Mbunza Living Museum. Travel To Ngepi On The Okavango
Location: Caprivi Strip
An optional visit is available this morning to the Mbunza Living Museum. As a community initiative for the local people of the Kavango, this sustainable project allows them to preserve their traditional culture while generating additional income. A key component of the interactive program at the Living Museum is the demonstration and preservation of the fishing and agricultural practices of the Mbunza people. The traditional presentations cover various aspects of daily life, including cooking, fire-making, basket and mat weaving, as well as bushwalks and fishing. They also delve into specialized skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, and drum-making. Like all Living Museums in Namibia, the Mbunza Living Museum aims to provide visitors with an authentic and in-depth look at traditional, pre-colonial culture, which particularly appeals to younger travelers.
From there, we’ll head to the Caprivi Strip, often referred to as Namibia’s answer to the Okavango Delta. This region offers an incredible water-based safari experience. Nestled between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, near the tip of Zimbabwe, it is surrounded by five perennial rivers—Chobe, Kwando, Linvanti, Okavango, and Zambezi—making it a sanctuary for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo. Birdwatching here is exceptional, with an impressive 660 different species recorded. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, including game viewing by boat, sunset cruises, and canoeing adventures, all of which provide a wonderful way to relax and reconnect. The Caprivi Strip serves as a gateway to our next adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today
Day 12: Free Day On The Okavango (Optional Activities)
Location: Okavango Delta
You have a free day today on the Okavango River, with a wide variety of optional activities to choose from.
One option is a Mokoro cruise, where local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways in traditional dugout canoes. This offers a unique experience and a fantastic perspective of the surroundings from a hippo's eye view.
Additionally, there are various other optional safaris, including game walks and game drives with expert guides, providing the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, and hippos up close.
The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland waterways in the world, and its tranquil beauty will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck
Day 13: Chobe National Park: Evening Boat Safari
Location: Chobe National Park
As we leave Namibia, our journey takes us across the border into Botswana, heading to the Kasane region along the Chobe River. Chobe is renowned for its large populations of elephants and buffalo, which often gather in astonishing numbers. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, these gentle giants are constantly nearby. We’ll be there during the dry season, when thousands of them line the riverbanks and cross the water towards our campsite, offering the kids an unforgettable chance to see them up close and create lifelong memories. Our evening river cruise provides excellent photo opportunities and is sure to keep everyone captivated, making it a delightful way to watch the sun set over the horizon.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck today. Dinner at own expense
Day 14: Optional Safari: Head To Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
This morning, you have the option for a final game drive into Chobe National Park (not included). Today’s journey will take us across the border into Zimbabwe, leading us to our final destination: Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and statistically the largest waterfall on the planet. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders” in the local Tonga language, Victoria Falls boasts the largest single curtain of falling water in the world, with 70% of its breathtaking views visible from the Zimbabwe rainforest. The impressive roar of the falls can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. At its peak, about 150 million gallons of water cascade over the falls every minute—an unfathomable amount. To put this into perspective, a standard bathtub holds 40 gallons, so 1 million gallons would equal 25,000 bathtubs. This means that the staggering 150 million gallons equates to 3.75 million bathtubs worth of water thundering over the falls each minute. That’s an incredible volume!
The rainforest surrounding the falls experiences constant rain from the endless spray, creating a unique ecosystem that is a botanist’s dream and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some species found here are not found anywhere else, and families are encouraged to venture a little beyond the 2-kilometer path and various viewpoints to spot them. One of the remarkable aspects of the falls is that the area remains largely uncommercialized. In fact, when standing by the falls, your view would be quite similar to what David Livingstone saw when he first encountered them in 1855. After our visit to the falls, our journey comes to an end (for now, at least!)—a truly unforgettable experience to cap off the trip.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Day 15: Victoria Falls Free Time And Departure
Location: Victoria Falls
You have the entire day to explore this natural wonder at your own pace before your departure flight. A variety of optional adventure activities are available, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and evening horseback riding. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can visit the local craft markets and coffee shops. An airport transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport is included, and you can also add extra nights here if you wish.
Breakfast at the truck today
What's Included
What's Not Included
- International Flights (available on request)
- Visa fees if required
- Optional activities (see itinerary)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with all transport provided on our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck, including airport transfers upon arrival in Windhoek and departure from Victoria Falls. Enjoy the convenience of organized travel throughout your journey.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with approximately 50% of your stay in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and 50% in basic camping. Enjoy the unique opportunity to connect with nature while having access to essential amenities.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can we expect during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of accommodation types, with approximately 50% of the nights spent in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and the other 50% in basic camping setups.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 80% of meals are included in the tour package. Meals are typically provided at the truck, with some group meals included at certain locations.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a guided desert walk at Bushman's Camp, a jeep trip to Sossusvlei, a visit to Cape Cross Seal Colony, game drives in Etosha National Park, a boat trip on the Okavango River, and a boat cruise in Chobe National Park. Entry to Victoria Falls is also included.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, various adventure activities in Swakopmund such as sandboarding and quad biking, and a final game drive in Chobe National Park. At Victoria Falls, options include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging.
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Is there a pre-trip meeting before the tour starts?
Yes, there is a pre-trip meeting on the first day at 6 PM where you will meet the crew and get acquainted with the overland expedition vehicle.
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What wildlife can we expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many bird species in Etosha National Park. In Chobe National Park, large populations of elephants and buffalo are common.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Victoria Falls?
The highlight of the visit to Victoria Falls is experiencing the largest single curtain of falling water in the world, with breathtaking views and the impressive roar of the falls, which can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometers away.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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