Spend 3 weeks exploring Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe with us on our Great Trans-African Lodge Safari guided group tour, experiencing the wildlife, culture, and scenery only Africa can deliver. Marveling at the Victoria Falls, encountering multitudes of wildlife, and capturing the magnitude of Namibia’s dunes – this tour combines all the comforts of lodge accommodation with an unforgettable safari experience. This once-in-a-lifetime safari spans 21 days, guiding you through Africa’s most popular landscapes. The Great Trans-African Tour is a guided lodge safari throughout Africa, taking you to Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe with a small group. This itinerary begins in Windhoek and ends in Victoria Falls.
Highlights of the Great Trans-African Lodge Safari Tour
Windhoek
This is the cultural, social, political and economic capital city of Namibia. Windhoek was founded almost right in the center of the country making it a perfect entry point for visitors with a well-serviced international airport. The city is impressively clean and calm for a capital and it’s a good place to get your bearings before venturing further into Namibia on your safari. Beer lovers are in for a treat as there are many good breweries and German style pubs.
Sossusvlei
Home to towering red sand dunes that are the highest in the world, Sossusvlei is always a highlight of any vacation to Namibia. The area of the Namib Desert is fed by the Tsauchab River – and the towering dunes actually block the entire pathway of this river. It only flows through Sossusvlei every 5 to 10 years, making it a rare sight to see. The Sossusvlei dunes are about 60km from the Sesriem gate which takes you into the Namib Naukluft National Park. At just under 50,000 sq km – this is the largest park in Africa!
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia with a very strong German heritage and wide sandy beaches that face the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund lighthouse and the Mole (an old sea wall). This city is the adventure center of Namibia with many operators offering a wide range of activities from sandboarding to quad bike rides and so much more!
Etosha National Park
Etosha means ‘huge white area’ or ‘place of dry water’, and the National Park certainly lives up to this description – this massive salt pan can be seen from outer space. Etosha National Park is the sixth largest national park in all of Africa, and is home to large herds of elephants. We will do a number of game drives and safaris while visiting Etosha.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
This is the third largest national park in the continent of Africa! On our Namibia Trans-African Lodge safari, you’ll be able to journey deep into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the land of bright gold and magical red sand dunes.
Okavango Delta
The unique system of lush waterways which is known as the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a large wetland area surrounded by the Kalahari desert. Thousands of years ago tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form this unique ecosystem of waterways and countless islands.
Makgadikgadi Pans
This has become a special Botswana safari stop, and one of the top ten flattest places on earth! The Makgadikgadi Pans is an area visited more for its solitude than big Africa game. But as the rains arrive, herds of zebra, wildebeest and other antelope make their way northwards to the Nxai Pan.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is one of the best known parks in Africa and famous for its massive elephant herds. We go on safari in this pristine wilderness by boat and by vehicle. Some of the best game viewing in Africa can be enjoyed in Chobe.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park boasts Africa’s big five and many other species of wildlife can be found in the park. There are literally thousands of buffalos and elephant to see. Lion sightings are common and you may be lucky enough to spot an elusive leopard on a night drive in Hwange.
Victoria Falls
More than five million cubic meters of water plunges into the gorge below the Victoria Falls. At almost 2 kilometers wide and 100 meters high, this is a spectacle to witness and is a once in a lifetime destination. Your hotel is situated within walking distance of the falls, and you will enjoy panoramic views from the various vantage points along the way.
Availability
Departure guaranteed
Departure not guaranteed
Limited seats
Full
2025 Tour Departure Dates
Great Trans-African Lodge Safari 2025
Accommodation
We make use of mid-range, en-suite accommodation on the Great Trans-African Lodge Safari.
Day 1
AVANI Windhoek Hotel (or similar)
Windhoek, Namibia
Day 2 & 3
Agama River Camp (or similar)
Naukluft Mountains, Namibia
Day 4 & 5
Swakopmund Sands Hotel (or similar)
Swakopmund, Namibia
Day 6
Toshari Lodge (or similar)
South Etosha National Park, Namibia
Day 7 & 8
Namutoni Resort (or similar)
Etosha National Park East, Namibia
Day 9
Kaisosi River Lodge (or similar)
Rundu, Namibia
Day 10 & 11
Nunda River Lodge (or similar)
Divundu, Namibia
Day 12
Thamalakane River Lodge (or similar)
Maun, Botswana
Day 13 & 14
Mankwe Tented Retreat (or similar)
Botswana
Day 15
Nata Lodge (or similar)
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
Day 16 & 17
Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar)
Kasane, Botswana
Day 18 & 19
Hideaways Nantwich Lodge (or similar)
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Day 20
Ilala Lodge (or similar)
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Departure
The Great Trans-African Lodge Safari departs from Terra Africa Guest House, Windhoek. Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day. On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above-mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.
Transport
JENMAN African Safaris uses fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, Sprinters, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavour to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.
Travelling Time & Distances
All travelling times in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.
Meals included on this Tour
Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
Visas
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe prior to departure. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.
Travel Insurance
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with JENMAN African Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.
