10-Day Etosha and Okavango Self-Drive

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Today's drive is 435 kilometres so it is advisable to make a fairly early start to have some time to explore Etosha National Park before sunset, which is teeming with wildlife. You will be spending three nights in this area, the first two within the park itself and the last night at a private lodge on the eastern edge of the park. Okaukuejo's waterhole is well-known for its extensive game. The safaris are generally conducted in your own vehicle but guided tours can be arranged.

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There is a network of roads that link the numerous waterholes around Etosha pan and you can explore these at your own leisure throughout the day. Etosha National Park is one of Namibia's most impressive parks with vibrant wildlife and open plains to see as much activity as possible. If you did not see enough game while out driving during the day, then extra time can be spent at the spotlit waterhole in the evening.

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Today is another day of game viewing. From Okaukuejo, it takes at least a couple of hours to get to your accommodation on the eastern side of the park, particularly if you spot anything interesting along the way. You can either decide to continue driving yourselves around for the day and use the lodge as just an overnight stop or arrange an afternoon guided game drive with the lodge.

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Today you have a six-hour drive to the Caprivi Strip, en route to the Okavango. On your way through Grootfontein to Rundu and the Kavango region, you will notice that the landscape changes and suddenly there are small, traditionally built huts along the side of the road. The resort you are staying in this evening is located on the Okavango river banks, next to the Popa Falls. The Mahango National Game Park is a 10-minute drive away and is part of the strip.

Today can be taken at a leisurely pace as it's only around 100 kilometres to your next stop, Guma Lagoon Camp. Having said this, when the water level drops, it can take quite a long time to negotiate the last section between Etosha 13 and the camp, so allow at least 30-45 minutes for this part. The camp is set on the edge of Guma Lagoon and surrounded by a thick canopy of trees. There is a lovely wooden deck that has views over the water, perfect for spotting wildlife.

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Today is set aside for a mokoro traditional canoe trip. This is one of the best ways for really appreciating the beauty of this area. You'll be gently being poled amongst water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands, rich with birdlife including kingfishers, herons, storks and other waterfowl, with the possibility of also seeing hippos, crocodiles and otters. You'll also have the choice to explore the Okavango during sunset, one of the most magical times on the delta.

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After breakfast, you'll head south to Ghanzi, some 350 kilometres away. Thakadu Camp's comfortable Meru-style tents are built on wooden decks and are set amongst ancient leadwood trees, providing much-needed shade in the hotter months. The main area overlooks a concrete pan and floodlit waterhole which attracts game such as eland, kudu, impala, wildebeest and other animals suited to this area of the Kalahari.

It is around 550 kilometres back to Windhoek and therefore one of the longest drives you will have to undertake. However, the road along this stretch is normally in good condition and after leaving Botswana, livestock wandering the roads should no longer be an issue. There is not much to see along this route and few places to stop for lunch - Gobabis is the only real option. Taking snacks is strongly advised.