Unique experiences in Namibia and Botswana

Namibia and Botswana are brimming with unforgettable adventures that immerse you in their unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. From gliding through serene waterways to exploring eerie desert ghost towns, these countries are perfect for travellers looking to go beyond the usual tourist trails and have extraordinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 

Swakopmund, the ‘adventure capital’ of Namibia, offers a whole range of outdoor activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving and many other water-based activities, to throw yourself into. During your stay get up close to nature on a kayaking trip to see thousands of playful fur seals off Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. As you paddle through the calm waters, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins in the surf and a variety of seabirds too.

For an unforgettable safari experience, head to Damaraland, where you can trek alongside the desert-adapted elephants that live here. Guided by local trackers, you’ll learn about how these gentle giants survive in the harsh desert environment, and explore the bush on foot with the rangers so you can observe the elephants in their natural environment without disturbing them. A unique opportunity to witness wildlife conservation in action.

Step into Namibia’s fascinating past at Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining town now reclaimed by the desert. The discovery of diamonds in the area in 1908 led to the rapid development of this town but after the diamond resources dwindled the town was abandoned in the 1950s. Wandering through sand-filled buildings is like walking through a post-apocalyptic movie set – eerie, beautiful, and completely surreal.

Get a true taste of Namibian life by visiting Ondangwa in the north of the country. Spend time with the locals to learn traditional skills like basket weaving or cooking, and hear personal stories about their everyday life. This immersive experience is perfect for those looking to connect with the heart of Namibia and connect with the communities that call it home.

The Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana are vast, otherworldly, and one of the best spots for stargazing on Earth. Zip across the shimmering expanse on a quad bike by day and sleep under a sky bursting with stars at night among the towering baobab trees in a traditional Bakalanga hut. During the wet season, the pans transform into a shallow lake, attracting animals and birds such as zebras and flamingos.

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s crown jewels, and there’s no better way to explore its labyrinth of waterways than by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe that has been used as a means of transport for centuries in this area. As you silently glide through the tranquil waters, keep a look out for hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birds along the way.

Simply choose your favourite bite-sized trips or ready-made itineraries, add them to your Travel Plan and request a quote. Our Travel Specialists will then put together a holiday that’s right for you. Plus you’ll have the same team for the life of your booking & support from our local partners on the ground 24/7.