Jackalberry 10 Day Self-Drive

10 Days

This 10 day self-drive trip incorporates a rich diversity of both landscapes and game-viewing. Travelling from the central highlands of Namibia to the arid savannah and scrub of Etosha National Park, to the lush and verdant waterways of the Okavango Panhandle,and finally through the Kalahari Desert to loop back to Windhoek. It is designed for people who do not have a great deal of time and are mainly focusing on animals and birdwatching. Etosha is one of Namibia's premier game reserves and offers a good selection of plains animals such as zebra, wildebeest and numerous antelope species, as well as elephant, giraffe, rhino and lion. The Okavango Panhandle, on the other hand, is based around the waterways of the Okavango River before it spreads out into the Delta and has abundant birdlife as well as semi-aquatic animals such as hippo and crocodile.

After recovering from your travels to Namibia, you head for Etosha National Park which during the drier months is teaming with wildlife. You will be spending 3 nights in this area, the first two nights at Etosha Safari Camp. Etosha Safari Camp is just 28kms from Okaukuejo and the last night will be at at King Nehale Lodge, which is located 43km from the Namutoni Gate in the northern area of the park. Game-viewing is generally conducted in your own vehicle, but guided tours can also be arranged.

Roys' Camp, situated north of Grootfontein, is a quirky establishment that provides travellers with a perfect stop-over between Etosha and the Kavango region.

Your next day sees you travelling north-east and to the banks of the Kavango River. Hakusembe River Lodge is a refreshing image of green lawn, large trees, a collection of thatched chalets and a strip of sparkling river that is situated close to the town of Rundu the Okavango panhandle contrasts greatly to the arid terrain you have previously encountered on this trip, characterised by open flood plains, swampy backwaters, lush vegetation and riverine forest.

On day 7 you drive into Botswana and south to the small village of Etsha 13. Although this region is well known for its excellent tiger fishing, the meandering waterways that feed the Okavango Delta, fringed with papyrus, reeds, palms and forest, also provide the perfect home for an array of birdlife (350 of 500 species found in Botswana can be seen here). A full day excursion in a tradition dugout canoe, locally known as a mokoro, makes you appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of these surroundings.

In contrast to the lush and verdant landscape typified by the Okavango Panhandle, the final part of your journey is once again to a more arid environment, that of the Central Kalahari. Thakadu is situated just south of Ghanzi amongst shady trees and looking on to a waterhole that attracts a surprising amount of game.

The final day of your trip is heading back to Windhoek where you can either catch an evening flight or stay once again in Namibia's capital city, a chance to pick up a few last souvenirs before heading home.