
Desert Delights & Wildlife Wonders: Namibia, Vic Falls and Mana Pools.
Description
Embark on an extraordinary journey through two of Africa’s most breathtaking and remote regions—beginning in the Namib Desert, followed by Victoria Falls and ending in the iconic Mana Pools of Zimbabwe. This unique itinerary takes you from the surreal colors and silence of Namibia’s desert landscapes—Wolwedans, Dead Vlei, and the towering Big Daddy dune—to the dramatic wildlife encounters of Damaraland, where you’ll track the planet’s only free-roaming black rhinos and desert-adapted elephants along ancient dry riverbeds. From there, fly into Victoria Falls and onwards to the heart of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, one of the most legendary wildlife areas in Africa, where predator-prey drama unfolds daily. Timed during the new moon for optimal stargazing and during the best season for wildlife gatherings and minimal crowds, this trip is designed for lovers of wild beauty, exclusivity, and exceptional hospitality. With luxury lodges, private guiding, curated culinary moments, and a sommelier-curated wine selection, this experience is the result of years of scouting, trusted local partnerships, and a deep passion for adventure. It promises to be the most unforgettable trip of your life.

Inclusions:
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All accommodations in premium lodges and camps as listed in the itinerary
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6 nights in Namibia, 1 night in Victoria Falls, 6 nights in Mana Pools (two different lodges)
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Private charter plane and pilot in Namibia, all flights inside Namibia included (4 flights).
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All flights inside Zimbabwe (2 flights, from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools and from Mana Pools to Harare)
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All meals and beverages (local wine, beer, and spirits)
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Guided activities including game drives, walking safaris, dune climbs, scenic flights, rhino tracking, stargazing, E-bikes, picnics, village visits, horseback riding, devils pool visit.
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Premium wine and liquor selections curated by sommelier during key moments of the journey
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Devil's Pool in Victoria Falls
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All park fees, conservation contributions, and logistical support
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Airport transfers in Windhoek, Damaraland, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools.
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24/7 on-ground support and guidance from expert local guide
Exclusions:
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International flights to/from Africa:
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Arrival into Windhoek (WDH) on September 21, 2025
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Departure from Harare (HRE) on October 4, 2025
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Internal flight to book separately:
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Windhoek (WDH) to Victoria Falls (VFA) on September 27
(See detailed itinerary for recommended flight times and carriers) -
Dinner on arrival nights in Windhoek and Victoria Falls
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Travel insurance
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Premium alcoholic beverages not listed or requested à la carte
Payment Terms:
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A $5,000 USD per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space
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Remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure (by July 22, 2026)
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Payments can be made via zelle, wire transfer, ACH, or credit card (3.2% cc fees apply)
Itinerary
Day 1 - September 21, 2025
Arrive in Windhoek (WDH), Namibia
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), where a private airport pickup has been arranged. You will be transferred to The Weinberg Hotel, a stylish and serene property ideal for relaxing after your international flight.
Take the rest of the day to unwind, recover from jet lag, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the hotel.
Dinner tonight will be a in surprise setting.
Overnight: The Weinberg Hotel
Inclusions: Bed and breakfast, airport transfer, dinner.
Day 2 - September 22, 2025
Fly to Wolwedans, NamibRand Nature Reserve
After breakfast, board a chartered flight to Wolwedans headquarters, located in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. The flight is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes and offers breathtaking aerial views of the vast Namib Desert. You will have a privately chartered plane and dedicated pilot for the remainder of your journey through Namibia, providing maximum flexibility and ensuring no time is wasted between destinations.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the largest private game reserves in Southern Africa. Its diverse terrain—dunes, mountains, sandy flats, rocky outcrops, and gravel plains—supports a rich variety of wildlife including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelope, and wild cats. This protected landscape is also Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, and your visit is perfectly timed with the new moon week to experience world-class stargazing in one of the least light-polluted areas on earth.
From Wolwedans Desert Lodge, you'll have the opportunity to explore the dramatic southern reaches of the reserve through guided scenic drives, nature walks, and optional horseback safaris. Expect serenity, raw beauty, and unforgettable sunsets.
Overnight: Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Inclusions: Private charter flight, accommodation, all meals, house drinks, guided activities
Day 3 - September 23, 2025
Full Day Exploration at Wolwedans, NamibRand Nature Reserve
Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty and vast open spaces of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Choose from a range of curated experiences:
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E-bike rides through the dunes
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Guided game drives in open Land Cruisers
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bush dinner under the stars
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Horseback safaris
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Village visits
Overnight: Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Inclusions: All meals, house drinks, and guided activities
Day 4 - September 24, 2025
Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Day 4 – Transfer to Sossusvlei & Exclusive Dune Experience
Ffly from Wolwedans to Sossusvlei. Upon arrival, head straight to Big Daddy Dune, the tallest in the area. Its towering height and panoramic views make it one of the most iconic dunes in the Namib Desert. From the summit, descend into the surreal Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by 900 year old camelthorn trees and framed by rust-red dunes—an otherworldly landscape.
Thanks to our stay at Dead Valley Lodge—the only private lodge inside the park—we can remain one hour past sunset, long after most tourists must leave. This gives us near-exclusive access to the dunes in perfect light and quiet solitude.
Check in and prepare for a private bush dinner under the stars, set in a remote part of the reserve.
Activities: Nature drive, climb Big Daddy, visit Deadvlei, sunset drive, bush dinner
Overnight: Dead Valley Lodge
Included: Dinner and breakfast
Day 5 - September 25, 2025
Sunrise climb of Dune 45, followed by a charter flight to Damaraland.
Early morning departure to catch the sunrise from the top of Dune 45—one of the most iconic viewpoints in Namibia. The shifting tones and colors of the desert at dawn are truly unforgettable.
After descending the dune, enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airstrip for a scenic charter flight along the Skeleton Coast, landing in Damaraland. This remote region, named after the Damara people, is a striking landscape of rugged mountains, ancient rock formations, and vast desert plains.
Damaraland is unique for its rich geological history and as the only place in the world where desert-adapted elephants, free-roaming black rhinos, and lions coexist in the wild.
In the afternoon, we’ll follow the Huab River bed on a guided expedition to track desert-adapted elephants in one of Namibia’s most surreal and beautiful settings.
Check-in: Damaraland Camp (2 nights)
Inclusions: All meals, drinks, and activities included.
Day 6 - September 26, 2025
Full day desert safari to track Black Rhino
Today is a full day of adventure as we follow the riverbeds in search of desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, embark on a special tracking experience for free-roaming black rhinos, guided by expert local trackers.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Namibian braai (BBQ) under a canopy of stars—a spectacular way to end a day of exploration.
Overnight: Damaraland Camp – All-inclusive
Day 7 - September 27, 2025
Chartered flight from Damaraland to Windhoek Airport (WDH)
Fly from the lodge's airstrip directly to Windhoek International Airport (WDH), where you will connect to Victoria Falls (VFA).
Flight (not included):
WDH → VFA | Airlink 8135 operated by Fly Namibia
Departure: 10:15 AM | Arrival: 11:40 AM
Upon arrival in VFA check in at the Shongwe Lookout Lodge, bed and breakfast.
In the afternoon we will cross into Zambia to visit the Devils Pool, which is a natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls accessed by boat and a small hike, one of the most exhilarating experiences in Africa.
From Namibia’s dramatic landscapes to Zimbabwe’s untamed savannahs, your journey now transitions to six thrilling days of safari in Mana Pools, one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas.
Day 8 - September 28, 2025
Fly to Harare, Zimbabwe
Safari Adventure Begins – Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Today marks the beginning of your safari adventure as you fly from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools on a charter flight (included).
Mana Pools is one of the world’s most celebrated natural attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its untouched wilderness and stunning diversity of wildlife. Situated along the mighty Zambezi River, it offers a rare combination of breathtaking landscapes, walking safaris, and intimate wildlife encounters. It is considered one of Africa’s best destinations for both game viewing and tranquil, off-the-grid experiences.
After a short 2 hr flight into Mana Pools, you’ll enjoy a scenic game drive en route to Kanga Expeditions, where sundowner drinks by the camp’s active waterhole await.
Overnight: Kanga Expeditions Camp, Mana Pools x 3 nights
Inclusions: All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), guided safaris and activities
Day 9 - September 29, 2025
Kanga Expeditions, Mana Pools
Rise early today for a full day of safari adventures, combining both game drives and one of Mana Pools’ most iconic experiences — walking safaris. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll track animals, learn to read the land, and feel the pulse of the wilderness in true explorer style.
Kanga Camp is uniquely positioned in a remote, private concession deep within Mana Pools. What makes Kanga so special is its Kanga Pan, a permanent water source that draws wildlife year-round. From the comfort of the camp’s deck, you may observe elephants, wild dogs, antelope, and even big cats coming in to drink. Often referred to as “armchair safari,” it’s one of the few places where the wildlife truly comes to you.
Delicious meals and sundowners are served under the stars, with locally inspired cuisine and excellent drinks completing your immersive safari day.
Overnight: Kanga Camp, Mana Pools | All-Inclusive (meals, drinks, safaris)
Day 10 - September 30, 2025
Kanga Expeditions, Mana Pools
Today is filled with immersive experiences in the Kanga private concession. In addition to morning and afternoon game drives and guided walking safaris, guests can enjoy:
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Armchair Safaris: Relax on the deck and observe wildlife gathering at Kanga Pan throughout the day — elephants, wild dogs, antelope, and more come to drink from this life-giving waterhole.
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Birdwatching: With over 380 recorded species in Mana Pools, this is a paradise for bird lovers.
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Photography: Capture dramatic wildlife moments and the changing colors of the bush with expert guidance available from the team.
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Stargazing: The lack of light pollution offers crystal-clear views of the southern hemisphere’s night sky.
As we search for wildlife and connect deeply with the colors, textures, and stillness of nature, this day is about full immersion in one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas.
Tonight, we say goodbye to the Kanga team with a special farewell celebration around the boma fire — a traditional Zimbabwean gathering spot where stories, laughter, and toasts are shared under the stars.
Last night at Kanga Camp – all inclusive.
Day 11 - Oct 1, 2025
Nyamatusi Lodge, Zambezi River
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic game drive to your next destination: Nyamatusi Lodge, set along the wild and untouched banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools.
This luxury lodge is renowned for its dramatic setting, where the river meets the escarpment, offering breathtaking views, rich wildlife encounters, and a sense of deep immersion in nature. It’s one of the most exclusive camps in Zimbabwe, combining modern comfort with the raw beauty of the bush.
You will spend 3 nights here on an all-inclusive basis, with twice-daily safaris, gourmet meals, fine wines, and many curated surprises along the way.
Overnight: Nyamatusi Lodge, Mana Pools
Inclusions: All meals, drinks, twice-daily safaris, and exclusive experiences
Day 12 - Oct 2, 2025
Nyamatusi Lodge, Zambezi River
At Nyamatusi Lodge, each day offers a variety of exceptional activities designed to immerse you in the magic of Mana Pools. Enjoy expertly guided game drives and walking safaris, where you’ll track wildlife on foot in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. For a different perspective, set out on a peaceful canoeing adventure along the Zambezi River, gliding silently past hippos and crocodiles as elephants drink at the riverbanks.
Catch-and-release fishing is available for those looking to try their luck with tigerfish, while nature walks allow for a deeper appreciation of the flora and smaller fauna. The lodge is known for its warm hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service, making your stay not only adventurous but deeply comfortable.
Overnight: Nyamatusi Lodge, Mana Pools
Inclusions: All meals, drinks, twice-daily activities (canoeing, walking safaris, game drives, fishing), and luxury accommodations
Day 13 - Oct 3, 2025
Mana Pools and Zambezi River
Today is your final full day immersed in the wild beauty of Mana Pools. We’ll continue to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, guided by the rhythm of nature and the movements of the wildlife. Whether it’s a picnic lunch along the banks of the Zambezi River, a surprise encounter with elephants, or simply soaking in the golden hues of the African landscape, every moment will be unforgettable.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner, featuring a high-end wine pairing, shared stories, and perhaps a visit from some of the region’s most iconic wildlife right by the campfire.
Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp, Mana Pools
Inclusions: All meals, drinks, activities, and luxury accommodations
Day 14 - Oct 4, 2025
Fly out of Mana Pools to Harare
Departure Day – Mana Pools to Harare & Beyond
Today, we bid farewell to our extraordinary crew, the unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and the starlit skies surrounded by the sounds of the wild. After breakfast, you’ll take a chartered flight from Mana Pools to Harare (HRE), the capital of Zimbabwe.
Your next flight will depend on your onward travel plans:
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If returning home: Most international flights from Southern Africa connect through Johannesburg (JNB). We recommend Airlink Flight 105, departing Harare at 1:30 PM and arriving in Johannesburg at 3:15 PM.
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From Johannesburg, flights to Europe (LHR, AMS, FRA, CDG, ZRH) and the USA (ATL, EWR, IAD) typically depart late at night, allowing ample time to connect.
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If you have a long layover, we can recommend airport hotels for you to rest and freshen up.
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If continuing your journey elsewhere in Africa: Most regional routes also transit through Johannesburg. Let us know your next destination—we’re happy to assist with suggestions.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope this journey through the wild heart of Africa has been as inspiring as it was unforgettable.






























