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Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari

Namibia, Zambia
1 review
Available Departures: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

15 days from

US$2,630

without flights
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Wildlife
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

A Namibian overland safari including the wildlife haven of Etosha, Caprivi and the stunning Namibia Desert

Trip Code: NCC
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari

Highlights
  • See the African wildlife on this splendid safari journey, including Etosha National Park
  • See the sunrise at the dunes of Sossusvlei, hike up Dune 45 and camp at Spitzkoppe in Namibia
  • Witness the incredible Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls
  • Seek out migrating elephants of Caprivi and black rhinos in Etosha
At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 12
  • 15 days sightseeing with safari game drives and short walks and over 3000km of overlanding in between
  • Join In Livingstone, End in Windhoek
Accommodation & Meals
  • 14 Breakfasts
  • 11 Lunches
  • 9 Dinners
  • 11 nights Camping
  • 3 nights Guesthouse
Overview

We start our amazing Southern African overland adventure holiday at one of the world’s largest and most majestic of all waterfalls - Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. From this thunderous beginning we travel west into the wilderness of Namibia's Caprivi Strip, cutting through Angola and Botswana, famous for its migrating elephants and habitat for the Wild Africa Dog. Our next stop is the vast, wildlife rich pans of Etosha National Park. Where the waterholes bustle with African big game we are sure to get our first glimpse of big cats, dusty elephants and plain game such as antelope and giraffe. Moving deeper into Namibia we visit Swakopmund, the stunning sand dunes at Sossusvlei and desert camping under the incredible African skies.We then have two nights in the Namib Desert to appreciate its beauty before we continue to our final stop in the chilled out capital city of Windhoek. Our tour ends having possibly seen the big five and covered over 2800km of overlanding through some of the best of these incredibly wondrous and diverse countries.

If camping isn't your thing, have a look at our sister lodge itinerary: Namibia Desert, Etosha and Caprivi Lodge Safari

This itinerary is the first section of the longer Great Southern African Camping Safari which is 21 days and continues on through Botswana and back to Livingstone.

We also offer a lodge version of this too: Great Southern African Lodge Safari

If you would like further information on when to go to Southern Africa on safari and which trip suits you the best please refer to our detailed guide: Which safari is right for you?

Is this holiday for you?

Everything in Africa is on a big scale, and to cover the ground necessary, your journey across Southern Africa includes several long drives accompanied by Africa's spectacular scenery. Such drives, including your game drives, can often be on dirt tracks, graded roads and also tar highways. The driving times are indicated on each day. These times do not include stops along the way. We ensure tha …

Everything in Africa is on a big scale, and to cover the ground necessary, your journey across Southern Africa includes several long drives accompanied by Africa's spectacular scenery. Such drives, including your game drives, can often be on dirt tracks, graded roads and also tar highways. The driving times are indicated on each day. These times do not include stops along the way. We ensure that regular comfort breaks are taken, and stops try to be scheduled to visit interesting towns or sights.


Included in the itinerary are a variety of walks. These walks can be on paved surfaces, uneven sandy dunes or rocky terrain and are always accompanied by your experienced guide. Each walk is paced with time for your guide to interpret the environment around you. On some walks, it is vital to keep within the group in case of an animal encounter.


The majority of nights you will be camping. Designated campsites have showers and some have a bar or swimming pool. You will need to put your tent up, and help pack up the truck in the mornings. Most of the meals are prepared by the guides and it is good group etiquette to help with preparation and washing up on these days and this is usually done on rotation - it's all part of the adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip runs smoothly. This journey is suitable for the adventure traveller looking to experience some of Africa's most special safari experiences.

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Why KE?

Deserts, Damaraland and the smoke that thunders...! This safari spends the majority of its time in Namibia, and being the camping version is the best value for money.

 

ARRIVAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED

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Itinerary

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Your holiday starts at the group accommodation in Livingstone. Airport transfers are provided. In the early afternoon we meet our fellow travellers and guide for a briefing. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the town or relax at the campsite.

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Today is yours to spend at leisure around Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. Close to the falls are several handicraft markets which are great for some souvenir shopping. If you are feeling a little more adventurous or wish to see the falls from a different angle, you may wish to consider one of the extra activities that are available to book and payable locally. These include white water rafting or a half-day canoeing the Zambezi. Whatever you chose you'll have a fabulous first full day on this incredible journey through Southern Africa. Depending on season, water levels of the falls will vary (late November to early April is the wet season, with the remainder of the year being dry).

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After breakfast, we leave Zambia for the natural wonderland of Namibia. We travel via Kazungula and Ngoma, crossing briefly through Botswana (the most efficient route). Wedged between the borders of Botswana and Angola, the Caprivi Strip provides a significant habitat for the endangered African Wild Dog and is also a vital corridor for elephants moving between Namibia, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. In the late afternoon we take to the water for a boat safari cruise on the Kavango River in this remote and beautiful region. Approximate drive time: 5hrs 30. With border crossings and lunch a travel day of approximately 7hrs 30mins.

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Enjoying breakfast with the chorus of African river-life our exploration of Caprivi leads us further into the area. The area sees many rivers and permanent waters, attracting big herds of elephants in the dry season. Lion, leopard and hyena are present, as well as the majestic giraffe munching on tall trees. Hippos, buffalo and zebra can be seen - a true feast of the eyes and binoculars in the early stages of this marvellous safari holiday. Approximate actual drive time: 3hrs. With stops a travel day of approximately 4hrs.

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This morning we have time to appreciate the river and we hope to spot many of the resident bird species such as the Lesser Jacana, Racket-Tailor Roller and Coppery Tailed Coucal. Although a rare spot, Pel's fishing owls are also resident in this region. Moving on from the Caprivi Strip, we continue our journey west skirting the border of Angola along the River Kavango and onto our campsite near the Namibian town of Rundu. Luck being with us we can enjoy a spectacular sunset whilst sipping our sundowner. Approximate actual drive time: 3hrs. With stops a travel day of approximately 4hrs.

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We set off this morning with our goal of the Etosha National Park. This is Big Game country. Four of the Big 5 are found here: lion, elephant, leopard and a healthy population of black rhino. Just the buffalo are missing. The central feature of the Park is the Etosha Pan, a 6000 square kilometre salt-flat, which can manifest itself either as a parched white desert or as a lush green land of plenty according to the season. Many of the rare animal species manage to survive here, such as the black rhino, the roan antelope and black-faced impala, which we may be fortunate to see on our afternoon game drive into the park. Etosha is, without doubt, Africa's most distinct National Park. Approximate actual drive time: 8hrs. With stops a travel day of approximately 9hrs 30mins.

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During infrequent flooding, the pan attracts thousands of flamingos and other wading birds, although the water is so mineral-rich that it is undrinkable. The key to life here is the occurrence of underground springs which form waterholes on the edge of the pan. Together with the savannah grassland that they nourish, these springs enable more than 110 species of mammals to exist in an otherwise hostile environment. One of the highlights in dry season will be the chance to view big cats and game such as giraffe, zebra and several antelope species, gathering at one of the many waterholes. The rainy season at Etosha extends from November into March and April. This is a season of plenty, when grazing animals and their predators are widespread across the park as they seek out better grazing. Regardless of the season, your experienced leader, will endeavour to seek out the best of Etosha's wildlife during your game drives. In the evening we return to our campsite for the evening African chorus and a traditional sundowner. Full day game drive.

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Today we cross Namibia's desert landscapes getting a real taste of a prehistorical land in the area which has ruggedly beautiful, untamed, stark plains, petrified forests as well as the peaks of the Brandberg Massif. We have a short walk to see the Petrified Forest. The name Brandberg means 'fire mountain' which refers to the glowing red colour of the rocks, seen at sunset. With a dense concentration of San Bush art, dating back several thousand years, we walk with a local guide see the famous 'White Lady' rock painting. This evening our campsite is situated at the dry Ugab River, home to the rare desert elephants. Slightly smaller in size, with wider feet to adapt to desert conditions, desert elephants are often seen with broken or worn tusks as they are used to dig through hard dry ground in search of water. Approximate actual drive time: 7hrs 30mins. With stops for lunch and sightseeing a travel day of approximately 9hrs.

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Our adventure continues as we drive to the enchanting lunar looking site of Spitzkoppe. The granite dome peak of 1784m, is impressive with its majestic wild beauty rising from the surrounding flat terrain demonstrating some very old volcanic activity. The light is stunning during sun rise and sun set illuminating the plains and rock into pinks, reds and warm ochre colours. Speak to any guide who knows this region and camping in Spitzkoppe is always the highlight. The silence and wide open spaces add to the mystery and we have a lovely walk in the afternoon to the top of some domes for some splendid views. Camping here, away from the light pollution, allows us to star gaze until we have seen countless shooting stars and pointed out many constellations of the southern hemisphere. Approximate actual drive time: 6hrs. With stops for lunch and sightseeing a travel day of approximately 10hrs.

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Emerging from our tents in the pleasant cool of the morning we make ready for the day. Whilst our breakfast is cooking around camp, in the trees, you might see some rosy faced lovebirds, or a hornbill ready for a tasty insect for their breakfast. Crossing the incredible plains our destination today is the breezy Atlantic town of Swakopmund. We meet the Atlantic coast just south of the famous Skeleton Coast of Namibia where we stop at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the world's largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals. A short drive from here is our destination. Cool breezes, palm-lined streets and an ambiance reminiscent of a small German village, Swakopmund offers a distinct and refreshing Namibian experience. Here we have a couple of nights away from the canvas and stay in a guesthouse. Approximate actual drive time: 3hrs 30mins. With a morning walk and a visit to Cape Cross travel day of approximately 6hrs 30mins.

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Arguably Namibia's premier holiday resort, the town of Swakopmund was founded in the last decade of the nineteenth century, as the principal deepwater port of German South West Africa. Today it is a rather unusual place, with a quaint and atmospheric feel, sandwiched as it is between the Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean. It is as if a piece of 1950's Bavaria has somehow been cast ashore on the harsh Skeleton Coast. Amongst the distinctly Germanic architecture, an eclectic community have made Swakopmund their own, from artists to world travellers and big-game fishermen to stately African tribesmen, all contribute to the distinct character. We spend the day at leisure in this wild and whacky port-town. There are lots of activities that can be arranged locally, such as boat trips in search of dolphins, or to visit a nearby seal colony, ocean canoe safari, dune-boarding and even scenic flights over the Namib and along the Skeleton Coast - these are entirely optional and payable directly. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy, visit the Crystal Galley, do a township tour or stroll along the beach.

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Moving through the ever changing landscapes we make our way to the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the second largest game park in Africa (after the Central Kalahari), with a total area of just under 50000 km2. Here we find the iconic sharp-ridged Sossusvlei Dunes of the Namib Desert. Argued to be the highest dunes in the world, their ever changing colours make for wonderful photographic opportunities from sunrise to sunset! On arrival we walk for around 3-4km to Dead Vlei (the place of the iconic Namibia photo). Time permitting we might be able to ascend the highest sand dune of the area - Big Daddy (325m). For those who do not want to walk, there are optional 4WD vehicles (operated on a shuttle service by the park and payable locally) that can drive you in to the bottom of the dunes. Walking in these dunes is a true experience and provides us with superb views up and down the Sesriem Canyon of the Tsauchab River. If we are lucky we may spot an ostrich or even a jackal. Later, at our beautiful campsite, we discover the true meaning of being 'star-struck' under African desert skies. Approximate actual drive time: 5hrs. The desert scenery is varied but the road is rough gravel so with a few stops it's a travel day of approximately 7hrs 30mins.

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First thing this morning we have the opportunity to walk up Dune 45, it is absolutely stunning. Going down is a lot quicker and easier than going up! It also gives us a sense of scale and enormity as these dunes reach almost unbroken, from here to the Atlantic coast. This afternoon we can visit the Sesriem Canyon, and it is a place of arid beauty. The dreamscape stretches from towering lunar rock formations through to a natural sphinx formation close to the canyon mouth. With ample time to catch the ever-changing colours of a Namib Desert sunset, we return to our camp site for a second night of desert skies.

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Located in a basin between the Khomas Highlands and Eros Mountains, Windhoek's charm is its fusion of African and European cultures. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, we drive from African bush into the heart of a Germanic colonial era. More of a town than a bustling capital city, Windhoek's friendly centre, makes for easy exploration. On arrival we have the opportunity to spend some time seeking out souvenirs, or to simply admire the city's Neo-Baroque cathedral spires and colonial architecture. Windhoek is a wonderful city break within this safari adventure. Approximate actual drive time: 5hrs. Starting the day on rough gravel road we climb the escarpment for a travel day of approximately 6hrs.

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Your holiday ends after breakfast on Windoek.

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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Two professional and qualified guides
  • Airport transfer Day 1 the Land Only itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • National Park entrance fees
  • All activities/excursions mentioned except where specified as 'optional'

  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Airport transfers on Day 15
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional
  • Tips for local staff
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the accommodation in Livingstone.

Arrival transfers from Victoria Falls Airport or Livingstone Airport are provided for all clients to the group accommodation. On Day 1 at 1400 at the accommodation in Livingstone, you will meet your guide for an introduction and briefing.

On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, airport transfers to Windhoek Airport are not included.
We can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Taxis are also available and are often cheaper.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners are included. Non-included meals are in the towns of Livingston, Swakopmund and Windhoek where we try out local restaurants. We recommend you budget £10 - 15 for each non-included meals.

Water from the taps may not be drinkable in all locations on this trip - please check with your guide. We recommend taking water purification tablets and a reusable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go, which can both be used to help make safe other water sources. Please note that we do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

The majority of the meals are provided. Breakfast will be cereals and yoghurt, with coffee, tea, toast and the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch will typically be picnic style - cold meats, cheese, salads, bread, rolls and fruit. Dinner will be potjies (traditional stews), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta dishes, curries etc. Very often cooking will be on an open fire. Fresh produce will be used wherever possible and fruit squash, tea and coffee will be served with breakfast and dinner. Many of the meals are prepared by the guides and it is good group etiquette to help with preparation and washing up on these days and this is usually done on rotation. Some meals are taken at the accommodation or in local restaurants. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian or allergies) can usually be catered for, but it is essential that this information is received on booking. There is one cool box available for the group to put your own drinks in. Stops at supermarkets are regular to pick up supplies such as alcohol and soft drinks.

Camping - for 11 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites, in or bordering national parks and towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants and washing facilities available at most of the campsites. A few of the campsites have swimming pools as well. We supply all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.

You will need to put your tent up, and help pack up the truck in the mornings. Most of the meals are prepared by the guides and it is good group etiquette to help with preparation and washing up on these days and this is usually done on rotation - it's all part of the adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip runs smoothly.

We have 2 nights in Swakopmund and 1 night in Windhoek in a guesthouse with en suite twin bedrooms. All accommodation is subject to change without prior warning.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single tents and rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group accommodation are available on request.

SAFARI TRUCKS
Years of safari experience into the design of the trucks. The trucks are built to comply with the latest South African transport and safety regulations. Your comfort is catered for with individual seats (with safety belts), ample legroom and large vertical sliding windows for unobstructed viewing and photography.

There are roof hatches for excellent "open" views and an integral cab and passenger compartment so contact with the driver is easy. Each truck also has large packing compartments, a built in kitchen, freezer, drinking water tank, interior lights and a gas stove (to minimise use of wood and destruction of forest areas). There is also a pullout set of steps into the passenger compartment, making access for clients easier. There is usually a bank of plug sockets in the vehicles. These plugs are the South African 3 round pin or 2 round pin with a hexagonal base. We also use minibuses for some small group safaris. All of our vehicles are bought new and serviced by Mercedes and Toyota agents, thus ensuring trouble free touring with backup support in practically every town in Southern Africa.

Where road conditions allow, such as South Africa and Namibia we may also use minibuses. On 5% of tours we may use minibuses with 12 seats and air conditioning (with trailer for equipment and baggage). The safaris often have several long days of travel providing for a beautiful journey on the way to exciting and varied destinations.

Group leaders are the key to any successful safari. On this adventure safari, you will travel with two, qualified and experienced, registered field guides (FGASA). Two guides as crew, not a guide and a driver, adds up to an informative and interesting small group holiday. Our guides have a passion for Africa, her people and wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with you.

We estimate that a total of around £300-375 per person (or equivalent in euros/dollars) should be allowed for personal spending. This amount should be sufficient to cover non-included meals and miscellaneous expenses, including tips to local staff. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, considerable quantities of soft drinks / beer or undertake additional activities or excursions, you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect). You can choose to take your money in pounds sterling, dollars or euros. There will be the opportunity to change money into local currency on arrival at the airport (which we advise you to do) and your local leader will advise further places to change money en-route and at borders. Additionally, you will be able to get currency from bank ATMs in many of the towns that we will visit.

Many small traders will accept US$, Euro or GBP. Your notes should be clean and undamaged. And please avoid USD$100 and old issue ‘small head’ US$ notes as they might not be accepted.

Your tour leader also works extremely hard to ensure that your holiday runs smoothly and that you are happy. We suggest that a tip of £2–5 per client per day for your tour leader is reasonable. When it comes to tipping the guides that we sometimes use for various activities (e.g. game walks etc) we suggest that a tip of £1-3 per client per ½ day activity, or the local currency equivalent, is acceptable. As in all cases with tipping, the final decision of the amount tipped is up to the individual. It is up to you to decide if you thought the service was poor, or exceptional, and the amount tipped should reflect that. The amounts quoted above are guidelines for you to get an idea of what to tip.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will travel in the gear compartment of the truck with the group, and there is a finite amount of space. Please keep the weight of your main luggage to 12kg. You should bring a soft bag as these are more suitable to pack in the vehicle.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

We sell this holiday in conjunction with our local operator in Southern Africa. This enables us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get the holiday up and running quickly. For this holiday the minimum age is 12 yrs, however it is unusual to have people under 16yrs.

As a member of the South African Tourism Service Association, our ground agent in South Africa may require you to complete an indemnity form at the start of your holiday, which you will need your insurance details for. As a client of KE Adventure Travel, your rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations (2018) are unaffected and KE Adventure Travel will remain liable for the actions of our suppliers.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Zambia

British passport holders do not need a visa in advance and can obtain a visa on arrival. The Government of Zambia recently announced the removal of all visa fees for British passport holders. However implementation of the policy has not yet been confirmed and British nationals may still be charged $25 on arrival.

Other nationals should check details online to see if they need an e-visa. 

Important Note for Victoria Falls: Please check your itinerary and your arrival/departure flights. If your accommodation and flights are from a different side of the falls you may need both a Zambian and a Zimbabwe visa. The town of Victoria Falls is in Zimbabwe, and the town of Livingstone is in Zambia. 

Additionally If you visit the falls (on the border) and wish to cross the bridge to the other side you will require a visa for both countries.

A KAZA UNIVISA for Zimbabwe and Zambia is cheaper than purchasing the two visas for Zambia and Zimbabwe separately. The visa is valid for 30 days as long as you remain within Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is also valid for day trips to Botswana crossing over the Kazangula borders. It will not be valid if you overnight in Botswana.

It’s available at the international airports in Lusaka and Livingstone and at the land borders at Livingstone (Zimbabwe border) and Kazungula (Botswana border). You can also apply online. It costs US$50 and it is valid for 30 days.

Please note: The Government of Zambia recently announced the removal of all visa fees for British passport holders. However implementation of the policy has not yet been confirmed and British nationals may still be charged $25 on arrival. This may affect your decision to purchase a Kaza Univisa.

Visa Zimbabwe

A visa is required. This is obtained on arrival and is $55 single entry and $70 for double. Payment must be in cash and you should take small denomination notes for this.

Important Note: Please check your itinerary and your arrival/departure flights. If your accommodation and flights are from a different side of the falls you may need both a Zambian and a Zimbabwe visa. The town of Victoria Falls is in Zimbabwe, and the town of Livingstone is in Zambia. 

Additionally If you visit the falls (on the border) and wish to cross the bridge to the other side you will require a visa for both countries.

Visa Namibia

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times when in Namibia for identification.

Travelling with children under 18yrs - Namibia

Parents travelling with children under 18 years will be asked to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. If the child is travelling with one parent, with another adult or unaccompanied, the parent or parents who aren't present will need to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. Please note that they are very strict and they do not accept photocopies of birth certificates or short versions. This is also applicable if you are transiting through Namibia. For further details please see FCDO website.

Transit via South Africa

Rules on travelling with children under 18 years have been relaxed. Visa exempt children entering South Africa only need passports, and not birth certificates as previously required. This applies if the child is travelling with both parents, one parent or an adult who is not a biological parent, and school groups. There are some different requirements for unaccompanied children, and children who do not have UK passports or visa exempt passports. For full details please see the FCDO website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis are required. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

If your holiday starts in Livingstone, Zambia and you are travelling into Namibia and Botswana you do not require a yellow fever certificate. This rule also applies to South Africa, for example, if you are transiting via South Africa. This is applicable to trip codes: NAB, NAC, NBC and NCC.

The unit of currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha.

The unit of currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). There is currently a shortage of available cash at the banks and ATM’s in Zimbabwe. US Dollars are still widely used, so exchange your currency in advance, or use credit cards where possible, as these are widely accepted also.

The unit of currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The Namibian and the the Southern African Rand have the same value, and the Rand  is accepted everywhere in Namibia.

Botswana & Zambia: This Central region of Southern Africa is subtropical and generally warm and mild / humid. October and November are hot, day and night. November to April is the hottest time of the year with chances of showers to heavy rains later in the season. May to September is cool and dry.

Namibia is largely a desert environment with hot clear days from September to April. May to August can be very cold at night but pleasant and sunny during the day. Rains are infrequent but most likely in January to March. The coast is subject to heavy morning fogs throughout the year and cooler weather in the winter months.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Sands of Silence by Peter H Capstick (Tales of travels and the Bushmen's culture and their political persecution)
  • Skeleton Coast by John H Marsh (Wreck of the Dunedin Star and its survivors)
  • The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith (Fictional family feud set in Namibia)
  • The Skeleton Coast by Benedict Allen (A journey through the Namib Desert)
  • The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr (Story of boy in Cape Town and then army on Caprivi)
  • Etosha by Daryl and Sharna Balfour (A coffee table book of photography)
  • Newman's Birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman Sasol
  • Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, and W.R. Tarboton
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates by Richard D. Estes and Daniel Otte
  • Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa (Field Guides) by Braam Van Wyk, Keith Coates Palgrav, and Piet Van Wyk

African Southern, 1:3500000

The southern half of Africa on a double-sided road map at 1:3,500,000 from the South African publishers Map Studio, with GPS waypoints for numerous locations and important road junctions. National parks and game reserves are prominently highlighted.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You should bring the following items:

  • Lightweight walking shoes or trainers
  • Sandals
  • Socks and underwear
  • Long lightweight trousers
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket & trousers
  • T-shirts
  • Casual shirts with sleeves
  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  • Sunhat with wide brim
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff/scarf for dusty days
  • Small towel/Travel towel
  • Daypack 20-25 litres
  • Sleeping bag*. Comfort rating 0 degrees C (Jun-Sep) and thinner sleeping can be used during the rest of the year.
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
  • Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Washbag and toiletries (biodegradable soap is preferred)
  • Antibacterial handwash
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, re-hydration salts (Dioralite), anti-nausea tablets and antihistamine cream/tablets.

The following items are optional:

  • Light cotton dress or sarong
  • Swimwear
  • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
  • A selection of dry bags for daypack/kit bag
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (highly recommended)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:

Please be aware than in the Southern African the winter months, June-September, the nights can be cold with an average of between 0-5 degrees Celsius in some places, and the days can be warm between 20-30 degrees Celsius.

Bright bold colours and white are not suitable for game viewing or bush wear as they attract insects and the attention of animals. Please do not bring camouflage or military style clothes as they can cause problems with local authorities.

Please dress appropriately for border crossings, village and market visits – ie: no bare feet, no bare chests, no bikinis and no hats. A few restaurants are also not keen on T-shirts and jeans either.

Tents have mosquito netting on the windows and doors. Sleeping mattresses of 5cm thick are provided.

*It is possible to hire a sleeping bag for this holiday.

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 1 review

Namibia - well worth waiting for ★★★★★

A great trip from start to finish. Highlights were 1) visiting Victoria Falls; 2) the wildlife viewing, both incidentally when transferring from one place to another (e.g. coming across a breeding herd of over 20 elephants while driving along a main road in Caprivi), and on dedicated game drives/cruises, as well as at the waterholes which you can visit for as long as you like at night at both campsites in Etosha (was mesmerised by 4 elephants and then 5 rhinos and some giraffes at the Okaukuejo waterhole, and only dragged myself to my tent as I was so tired); and 3) the landscapes at Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, and Sesriem/Sossusvlei. It’s worth pointing out that this trip is operated by a reputable South African safari company, and people book onto it through other companies, such as KE. There were 6 others in my group, all from Italy, who had booked through two different Italian companies, so quite a different mix from the trips I’ve done previously with KE which had a majority of British people in the group. If you get the KAZA visa on arrival - not just a visa for Zambia (if you arrive at Livingstone airport), or one for Zimbabwe (arriving at Victoria Falls airport), you can then pass freely between the two countries to see both sides of Victoria Falls. There are different queues in the airport, so get in the KAZA visa queue (this visa cost US$50 in July 2022). There were a few differences between the itinerary provided by KE and what we actually did - perhaps something for KE to check up on, but nothing which I felt detracted from the trip. To be complete (or pedantic?) about this: Day 1: We were taken to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls in the late afternoon, with transport and entry fee provided, and one of our two guides (Chris and Steve, both from Zimbabwe), accompanying us. Day 2: A free day, as described. Just to say that if you’ve not been to the falls before, I think you’d be crazy not to visit the Zimbabwean side on this day, as most of the viewpoints are on the Zimbabwean side, and you’d miss out if you only saw the Zambian side. Our guides didn’t assume we wanted to do this, as there are other activities on offer, but arranged a taxi to the border for us, which waited for our return and just cost US$6 each. Can also recommend the 4pm Zambezi river cruise from the campsite as an optional activity - a beautiful setting, and we saw hippos, crocodiles and a couple of elephants. It cost US$70, but included snacks, a meal, and a free bar. Day 8: There was no walk to the Petrified Forest, but after a long bus journey and the very hot walk to see the White Lady rock art, I don’t think this would have been practical. Day 9: No guided afternoon walk at Spitzkoppe, but you can easily do it yourself. Day 12: This was just a transfer day from Swakopmund to Sesriem, albeit with several stops of interest (Walvis Bay lagoon, Kuisep canyon, the Tropic of Capricorn sign, and Solitaire, a historic ‘service station’). I don’t think also visiting Sossusvlei is physically possible on this day. Day 13: We visited Dune 45, Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei, and Sesriem Canyon, which took about 8 hours altogether. Walking the 4km each way between the car park and Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei is not really practical unless the whole group want to do this, meaning a 4x4 transfer (N$180 or £9 each) is pretty much compulsory. There’s a fair bit of walking to do at Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei, and it gets very hot, so the additional 8km walk is impractical. This was my first KE trip as a vegetarian, and the food was a little bit ‘variations on a theme’, but the meals contained plenty of fresh veg, and only the braai (barbecue), with nothing to eat instead of the meat, was disappointing. If you are used to wild camping, the campsites are quite luxurious - running water and flush toilets in all but one, and most have electric charging facilities (free) and WiFi (sometimes free, sometimes payable). On the other hand, if you are used to wild camping, and are not used to sharing your ‘middle of nowhere’ experience, you might find the campsites rather busy. Not all the campsites had recycling facilities, and we were not encouraged to transport our recyclables to the next place. The advice about not wearing bright colours when game viewing seems odd when the bus you are in is bright red and yellow! Our guides, Chris and Steve, were experienced and professional, and worked hard to provide us with a great experience, and to share their passion about Southern Africa. I have written such a long review as the last time I looked there were no reviews at all for this trip.
By Timothy from Bradford-on-Avon | 16 August 2022
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Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 1 review
Leave a Review
Namibia - well worth waiting for
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great trip from start to finish. Highlights were 1) visiting Victoria Falls; 2) the wildlife viewing, both incidentally when transferring from one place to another (e.g. coming across a breeding herd of over 20 elephants while driving along a main road in Caprivi), and on dedicated game drives/cruises, as well as at the waterholes which you can visit for as long as you like at night at both campsites in Etosha (was mesmerised by 4 elephants and then 5 rhinos and some giraffes at the Okaukuejo waterhole, and only dragged myself to my tent as I was so tired); and 3) the landscapes at Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, and Sesriem/Sossusvlei. It’s worth pointing out that this trip is operated by a reputable South African safari company, and people book onto it through other companies, such as KE. There were 6 others in my group, all from Italy, who had booked through two different Italian companies, so quite a different mix from the trips I’ve done previously with KE which had a majority of British people in the group. If you get the KAZA visa on arrival - not just a visa for Zambia (if you arrive at Livingstone airport), or one for Zimbabwe (arriving at Victoria Falls airport), you can then pass freely between the two countries to see both sides of Victoria Falls. There are different queues in the airport, so get in the KAZA visa queue (this visa cost US$50 in July 2022). There were a few differences between the itinerary provided by KE and what we actually did - perhaps something for KE to check up on, but nothing which I felt detracted from the trip. To be complete (or pedantic?) about this: Day 1: We were taken to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls in the late afternoon, with transport and entry fee provided, and one of our two guides (Chris and Steve, both from Zimbabwe), accompanying us. Day 2: A free day, as described. Just to say that if you’ve not been to the falls before, I think you’d be crazy not to visit the Zimbabwean side on this day, as most of the viewpoints are on the Zimbabwean side, and you’d miss out if you only saw the Zambian side. Our guides didn’t assume we wanted to do this, as there are other activities on offer, but arranged a taxi to the border for us, which waited for our return and just cost US$6 each. Can also recommend the 4pm Zambezi river cruise from the campsite as an optional activity - a beautiful setting, and we saw hippos, crocodiles and a couple of elephants. It cost US$70, but included snacks, a meal, and a free bar. Day 8: There was no walk to the Petrified Forest, but after a long bus journey and the very hot walk to see the White Lady rock art, I don’t think this would have been practical. Day 9: No guided afternoon walk at Spitzkoppe, but you can easily do it yourself. Day 12: This was just a transfer day from Swakopmund to Sesriem, albeit with several stops of interest (Walvis Bay lagoon, Kuisep canyon, the Tropic of Capricorn sign, and Solitaire, a historic ‘service station’). I don’t think also visiting Sossusvlei is physically possible on this day. Day 13: We visited Dune 45, Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei, and Sesriem Canyon, which took about 8 hours altogether. Walking the 4km each way between the car park and Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei is not really practical unless the whole group want to do this, meaning a 4x4 transfer (N$180 or £9 each) is pretty much compulsory. There’s a fair bit of walking to do at Dead Vlei/Sossusvlei, and it gets very hot, so the additional 8km walk is impractical. This was my first KE trip as a vegetarian, and the food was a little bit ‘variations on a theme’, but the meals contained plenty of fresh veg, and only the braai (barbecue), with nothing to eat instead of the meat, was disappointing. If you are used to wild camping, the campsites are quite luxurious - running water and flush toilets in all but one, and most have electric charging facilities (free) and WiFi (sometimes free, sometimes payable). On the other hand, if you are used to wild camping, and are not used to sharing your ‘middle of nowhere’ experience, you might find the campsites rather busy. Not all the campsites had recycling facilities, and we were not encouraged to transport our recyclables to the next place. The advice about not wearing bright colours when game viewing seems odd when the bus you are in is bright red and yellow! Our guides, Chris and Steve, were experienced and professional, and worked hard to provide us with a great experience, and to share their passion about Southern Africa. I have written such a long review as the last time I looked there were no reviews at all for this trip.
By Timothy from Bradford-on-Avon | 16 August 2022
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2024

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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /16/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 15 Dec and ends on Sun 29 Dec
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  • Single Supplement Price: US$200 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 19 Jan and ends on Sun 2 Feb
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 16 Mar and ends on Sun 30 Mar
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 13 Apr and ends on Sun 27 Apr
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /06/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 8 Jun and ends on Sun 22 Jun
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  • This trip begins on Sun 29 Jun and ends on Sun 13 Jul
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /08/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 13 Jul and ends on Sun 27 Jul
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  • This trip begins on Sun 27 Jul and ends on Sun 10 Aug
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  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /10/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 10 Aug and ends on Sun 24 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /11/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 24 Aug and ends on Sun 7 Sep
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /12/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 7 Sep and ends on Sun 21 Sep
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /13/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 21 Sep and ends on Sun 5 Oct
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
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  • Zambia & Namibia Camping Safari
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /14/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 5 Oct and ends on Sun 19 Oct
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$700
  • Single Supplement Price: US$225 - Single supplement includes all nights, camping and guesthouse. There are a limited number of singles available.
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  • Departure Reference: NCC /15/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 16 Nov and ends on Sun 30 Nov
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Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Livingstone. Arrival airport transfers are provided from Livingstone Airport or Victoria Falls Airport. This itinerary ends in Windhoek.

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BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

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