Namibia & Botswana Private Guided Birding Safari 16 days
Namibia & Botswana Private Guided Birding Safari 16 days
This is the ultimate Namibia birding adventure, which continues into Botswana to experience the amazing wildlife of the Okavango. On the way you will visit Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay, the Erongo Mountains and Etosha National Park with its unique and varied birdlife, all in the company of your private guide and expert spotters.

Toni Hart
Namibia Birding and Photography Guide
An accomplished and experienced Namibia birding and photographic guide, Toni holds a Namibia Academy for Tourism and Hospitality Level 3 qualification (the highest level attainable in Namibia) and is widely renowned for her extensive knowledge of the cultures, ornithology, flora, astronomy and wildlife of the country. Read more >
Andy Pollard
Wildlife Guide & Photographer
Andy is a 6th generation Falkland Islander, with a passion for wildlife, plants and photography. Raised in the Falkland Islands, Andy developed a close affinity with the Islands natural environment at a young age. School holidays where spent in the ‘camp’ or countryside with friends and family. For more than 10 years, Andy had the privilege of spending a time on Sea Lion Island, visiting his mother who managed one of the Islands premier tourist destinations. Read more >
Chris Coe
Photographer and founder of the Travel Photographer Of The Year awards
A fascination with natural light and a passion with nature, landscape and travel underpin Chris Coe's photography. His images often have a striking simplicity and graphic quality. More recent work has introduced a subtlety with experimentation with both movement and light.Read more >
Jenny Luxton
Falklands Expert & Guide
Born in Chartres in the West Falklands, Jenny grew up on the family farm where her love for animals was nurtured by the25,000 sheep, horses and cows that lived alongside her. Forever a nature, conservation and wildlife enthusiast Jenny has travelled extensively throughout the Falkland Islands, visiting each and every wildlife island at least once, and even travelling around some by yacht. Read more >
Doug Allan
Special Guest Lecturer
Exclusive to this voyage, Doug Allan, a multi award winning polar photographer and cameraman, will be your special guest lecturer. Doug has been on over 20 expeditions to Svalbard to film its wildlife, and knows the wonders of this area more than most. Read more >Highlights
- Travel with one of Namibia’s top birding specialists.
- Watch the sun rise over the world’s largest sand dunes with private access to Sossusvlei
- Spot the big five and other amazing wildlife at Etosha National Park
What's Included
- 15 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All transfers and transportation
- Services of an experienced English-speaking birding safari guide
- Entrance fees and excursions as per the itinerary
Local drinks

Botswana, Namibia Specialist
Speak to someone who’s been to Botswana, Namibia. Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our friendly destination specialists on 0800 195 3385 or 44 1625 581143 for outside the UK.
ITINERARY
15 Nights 16 DaysItinerary Summary
- Day 1 | Windhoek
- Days 2-3 | Sossusvlei
- Days 4-5 | Walvis Bay
- Days 6-7 | Wilderness Lodge, Erongo Mountains
- Days 8-9 | Etosha National Park
- Days 10-11 | Caprivi Strip and northern Namibia
- Days 12-15 | Okavango Panhandle
- Day 16 | Maun
Windhoek
Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
Walvis Bay
Swakopmund
Erongo Mountains
Search for the elusive Hartlaub’s francolin
Etosha National Park
Drive through Okaukuelo to Halali Resort
Caprivi Strip and Northern Namibia
Hakusembe
Okavango River
Kavango area & Mahango Game Reserve
Xaro Lodge, Okavango Panhandle
The Wetlands
Maun
Your Itinerary Accommodation
Ongava Lodge
Perched upon a small hill in the Ongava Game Reserve this beautiful wildlife lodge offers stunning views over the plains and the abundant wildlife which resides in the area.
Situated on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park this wildlife camps consists of 14 luxurious private en-suite chalets built from brick, rock and thatch. Each chalet has been exquisitely decorated and furnished and all have large and comfortable beds, seating areas, air-conditioning and private verandas on which guests can enjoy the impressive views of the surrounding plains and the waterhole below where a host of wildlife species can be found.
The main areas of this beautiful wildlife lodge consist of a large main lounge and bar area and a beautiful swimming pool area in which to relax in the warm midday sun. Meals are served either in the thatched dining room or on the dining deck under the stars of the famous crystal clear night sky.
Ongava Lodge features almost all of the characteristic wildlife of the area, with plains game such as springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and endemic black-faced impala seen, while Etosha itself has elephant to add to the list. In Etosha, large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season, making for exciting wildlife viewing. Lion move between the Park and the Reserve and both black and white rhino can be seen. Ten of Namibia’s 14 endemic bird species have been recorded in the 340 species seen on Ongava.
At Ongava Lodge there are numerous activities available - for example you can enjoy game drives through the Ongava Game Reserve at all times of the day, join a guided nature walk or take an excursion into Etosha National Park.
Galton House, Windhoek
This beautifully stylish newly-opened boutique hotel is perched on the edge of Windhoek's northernmost affluent suburb of Eros and offers peace and tranquillity just 10 minutes drive from the city centre.
Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, Galton House has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and has been designed with a combination of modern minimalistic design and understated chic to provide a luxurious setting for guests wishing to relax before or after their African safari adventure.
The hotel has 8 beautiful and spacious bedrooms each of which has a luxury en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, satellite TV and large comfortable beds.
There are 4 double rooms, 1 triple room and 1 family room.
The hotel itself features a large welcoming lounge, luxurious swimming pool and a lovely indoor dining area. There is also a delightful 'al fresco' dining area by the pool where freshly prepared meals are served (including lunch and dinner).
A number of shops, restaurants and supermarkets are within a short distance from the hotel making this a perfect place for a luxury stop over.
Sossus Dune Lodge
Being the first and only lodge inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this upmarket base offers guests the exclusive experience of being able to witness the famous dunes at Sossusvlei before sunrise and after sunset.
Being set within the park this beautiful lodge offers the very best chance to witness the tranquillity and splendour of the Namibian Desert and coupled with comfortable and stylish accommodation provides a unique opportunity for a true desert experience.
The lodge has been designed and built in an environmentally sensitive manner and features 25 eco-friendly Afro-style chalets which all have en-suite bathrooms, lovely furnishings and fittings, mosquito nets and large comfortable beds.
All chalets also have a large verandah overlooking the stunning desert landscape, with 13 chalets offering views of the dunes and 12 chalets having a view of the mountains and the Sesriem Canyon.
The large main area of the lodge features a luxurious swimming pool, large restaurant and a welcoming lounge and bar area.
Unsurprisingly activities here are focused around trips to the Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon and guests can enjoy the unique opportunity to visit these areas before the crowds arrive. Sossusvlei sunset drives and guided after dinner strolls and stargazing trips are very popular with guests at the Sossus Dune Lodge and of course there are exceptional photography and wildlife opportunities.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
Encircled by the Erongo Mountains,where the desert, mountain, and bushveld ecosystems combine you will find the Erongo Wilderness Lodge, a secluded and tranquil wildlife paradise.
This friendly and relaxed lodge caters to guests wishing to witness beautiful scenery and remarkable birdlife and wildlife in the heart of the wilderness without sacrificing on comfort.
Hidden in a secluded valley surrounded by granite boulders and breathtaking views are 10 luxurious tented chalets which have been designed and decorated to the highest of standards and where guests can expect a good night's sleep and access to some of Namibia's most impressive views.
Each tented chalet has been raised upon stilts so as to emphasise the views and offers comfortable and stylish accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, sumptuous beds and private sundecks.
Walking across raised wooden platforms you will find the main lodge area sitting atop a hill waiting to welcome guests with open arms. Here there is a large restaurant and lounge, a dining area and a traditionally decorated 'mokoro' bar overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
There is also a fabulous sundowner deck and a small swimming pool for guests to relax in comfort after a long day of exploring this remarkable area.
One of the many reasons this area is so popular is due to the many rare, endemic, and special species of animal, bird, and plant life which thrive here, making this one of Namibia’s most diverse and wildlife-rich areas. This wealth of natural and cultural history can be enjoyed by joining a guided nature drive, visiting one of the Bushman rock art sites, or walking among the mountains with one of the lodge's experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Hakusembe River Lodge, Kavango
This beautiful and tranquil lodge is set along the lush banks of the Kavango River and offers a peaceful and relaxing stay for guests looking for a river oasis retreat on their Namibian adventure.
A bird-watchers paradise, this delightful lodge has been designed to ensure the ultimate in relaxation, but should you wish for a more adventurous experience there are plenty of options including champagne sunset cruises, visits to a local village, cultural dancing, and fishing and bird watching boat trips.
The lodge is located just 15km from Rundu at the gateway to the Caprivi Strip and is therefore an ideal base for exploring this area. It is also perfect as a welcome break on journeys from Windhoek and Etosha to the Zambezi and Victoria Falls.
Accommodation at the Hakusembe River Lodge is provided in 21 beautiful en-suite chalets, a 2-storey family room and a delightful floating chalet. There is also a small but well equipped campsite which offers 8 pitches.
The most important element at Hakusembe River Lodge is the beautiful lush surroundings including manicured lawns and colourful flowers in abundance. This bright and peaceful environment is echoed in the accommodation, in particular with the floating chalet which offers tremendous views over the river from its private deck built upon a pontoon.
The 21 en-suite chalets all over simple yet elegant furnishings, air-conditioning and comfortable beds.
The main area of the lodge consists of a lovely restaurant where delicious home-cooked meals are served either inside or outdoors on the beautiful terrace around an open firepit. There is also thatched reception and bar area, a curio shop and a delightful swimming pool where guests can lounge and relax while listening to the sounds of the birds calling and the river flowing.
River Dance Lodge, Kavango
Located on the banks of the Kavango River in north-east Namibia with views across into neighbouring Angola, River Dance is a high quality safari lodge and campsite which offers a range of wildlife activities, with an emphasis on birding.
Lying about 15km west of the town of Rundu at the gateway to the Caprivi Strip, River Dance Lodge is set amongst beautiful gardens which provide a peaceful and tranquil setting in which to relax after a long day of adventures.
Luxurious guestrooms nestled amongst the trees, delicious traditional Namibian cuisine, a welcoming swimming pool and an excellent wildlife location make this excellent lodge a perfect base from which to truly enjoy the best of the Kavango area.
Accommodation is provided in private, well appointed, waterfront chalets with private bathrooms and wooden decks. Much of the food is locally sourced from the lodge orchard as well as wild fruits, fresh fish, eggs and honey.
Activities include sunrise and sunset river cruises, fishing (71 species in the river), birdwatching, wildlife and plant tours and night-time stargazing.
Oysterbox Guesthouse, Swakopmund
Located right on the waterfront of the Walvis Bay lagoon and just five minute's drive from the town, this excellent guest house is an ideal base for exploring the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund area. The lagoon itself is one of the most important coastal wetland sites in Southern Africa and attracts thousands of migrating species as well as its many residents, including Flamingos.
Beautifully designed, the guesthouse offers a very high standard of comfort for visitors to this wonderful area. A hearty breakfast will set you up for a day of exploring or you can simply relax on the deck overlooking the beautiful lagoon and soak up the sunshine. In the evening enjoy customary "sundowners" and regale tales of your adventures so far before enjoying a great night's sleep in your elegant private guestroom.
The guesthouse has 12 elegantly decorated and furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air conditioning and wifi. A filling breakfast is served each morning and dinner is available at one of three restaurants within walking distance. There is also a lounge and bar with snack service overlooking the lagoon.
A whole range of activities are bookable from the guesthouse including fishing, boat cruises, quad biking, scenic flights, watersports, desert tours and much more.
Halali Resort
This comfortable safari camp is situated amongst the shade of mopani trees half way between Okaukuejo and Namutoni in the Etosha Park and is close to several waterholes (one of which is floodlit) which provide superb wildlife viewing opportunities.
Due to its excellent location and comfortable facilities Halali Camp is a perfect place to rest after a long day of exciting game drives and walking excursions, and guests can enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere here as they relax by the pool, enjoy hearty meals in the restaurant or sit with a drink and look out over the floodlit waterhole to watch the spectacle of the natural world surrounding them.
Accommodation is in self-catering family chalets with two or four beds, en-suite bathrooms, patios and braai (BBQ). Luxury/honeymoon suites also have an outdoor jacuzzi. There is a communal restaurant and bar, plus swimming pool.
Game viewing excursions are available plus extensive walking trails.
!Uris Safari Lodge, Etosha
Surrounded by Etosha National Park and Lake Otjikoto !Uris Lodge is located 20km from the town of Tsumeb in an area rich with wildlife and historical fascination. As well as being an important area for viewing breeding herds of Eland and other antelope, the region is also rich in historical gemstone mines and local bush culture.
Amongst these unspoiled and beautiful surroundings lies eight houses which originally accommodated the mineworkers of days gone by and which have now been revamped to provide very comfortable guest accommodation for visitors to this fascinating area.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities in search of a variety of wildlife before returning to the comfort of the lodge for a delicious dinner and a great night's sleep.
There is a mixture of modern rooms and refurbished miners' cottages accommodating up to 42 guests, including seven family rooms with four beds, two of which are in a loft area. All rooms have en-suite facilities, mosquito nets, kettle, safe and telephone. There is a restaurant, bar and lounge and the lodge is known for its spa and wellness programmes.
Activities include game drives and walks, birdwatching and geological tours. Golf, shooting and skydiving can be arranged at Tsumeb, 20km away.
Xaro Lodge, Okavango Delta
Only accessible by boat transfer, Xaro Lodge is close to Shakawe on the western panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Offering spectacular bird-watching opportunities guests can expect to witness a plethora of birdlife including Pel's fishing owl, skimmers, carmine bee eaters, egrets, herons, kingfishers, boubous and much more.
This quiet and intimate camp offers guests the chance to truly relax and enjoy their beautiful surroundings with the bird sounds creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Awaken to the call of fish eagles, spend your days on scenic boat cruises on the Okavango and return to the luxury of your private meru-style tent where you will find all the comforts necessary for a truly relaxing stay.
Accommodation is provided in eight luxurious meru-style tents, each with en-suite facilities, glass doorway to emphasise the views and a covered deck overlooking the river.
The lodge also has a beautiful open-air dining area, a library and a welcoming lounge where guests can enjoy a drink as they look out over the river and watch the fishermen and the wildlife go by.
Key activities here are bird-watching and boat safaris.
What Our Customers
Say...
Botswana was everything we wanted it to be....spectacular wildlife everywhere and couldn’t believe how close we were! Thank you to your team for all your help in making it possible.
I just want to say a massive thank you for organising our trip to Botswana. From our very first conversation, I knew we were in safe hands, you were so knowledgeable and super-efficient that I had no doubt this was going to be the holiday of a lifetime and it was! Our two children loved every minute, especially the meerkats at Jack’s Camp so thanks for the recommendation and who can forget the bungee jump at Vic Falls!!!! We can’t wait to start planning our next family adventure with you, thank you so much.
There were so many highlights, where to start! Seeing Victoria Falls for the first time, the hot air balloon ride over the delta, watching wild dogs chase a leopard at Selinda, quad biking over the Salt Flats, the list goes on. This really was a trip that will stay close to our hearts for a very long time. The whole Wildfoot Team went the extra mile for us from beginning to end and we can’t thank you enough, we will happily recommend you to friends and family in the future.
The tented camps worked well and the bathrooms were more civilised than expected so feel we made the right choice after all. Really enjoyed the range of activities offered at each of the camps, the mokoro ride and walking safaris being particular good. Got lucky and saw a pride of lions take down a buffalo at Savuti and a wild dog kill at Mfuwe. No lucky with cheetah unfortunately, but now we have a reason to go back!
As expected, I have fallen in love with Botswana, without a doubt head and shoulders above any other safari experience. I was so lucky with wildlife with big cat sightings most days, several packs of wild dog and even a pangolin! There is nothing I would have wanted to change, a fantastic holiday from beginning to end, thank you so much for all your help and guidance thorough out.
It was a real privilege to have such an outstanding and knowledgeable guide - he was excellent company. The tents and camps were first-rate in terms of comfort, service and location.
We have recently returned from a holiday to Botswana that you organised for us and we just want to say thanks for all the work that you put into it. The holiday was fantastic - hotels/lodges were great, wildlife spectacular, people friendly, guides flexible and knowledgeable and the variety of locations perfect. The time of year was ideal for seeing the beginning of the change in the landscape at the start of the rainy season. All the arrangements ran like clockwork and there was even somebody there at Maun airport at the end of our trip to ensure all had gone well. We will certainly consider using Wildfoot again for our future travel plans.Thank you again.
Fabulous knowledge and customer service. Only back a week and already planning our next trip with them - surely that says it all
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WILDFOOT Wildlife & Adventure Specialist
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Simon Rowland
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0800 195 3385 877 7692466 +44 1625 58 11 4
+44 1625 58 11 43
Lines are open from 9am -5.30pm Monday - Friday

Botswana, Namibia Specialist
Speak to someone who’s been to Botswana, Namibia. Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our friendly destination specialists on 0800 195 3385 or 44 1625 581143 for outside the UK.