Kaoko-Damara, a guided Safari
Kaoko-Damara, a guided Safari in Namibia, exploring the untamed beauty of Kaokoland and Damaraland, venturing into the Erongo region, and discovering game-rich protected areas.
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Wildlife B5 – Animals & Photography – October 2027
14. - 30. October 2027
Guided nature safari with intensive opportunities for animal observation in the wildlife-rich areas of Namibia
You are here:
Highlights:
Hand-picked locations:
Every lodge sits where the animals are – at the park gate, on the riverbank, opposite Sedudu Island.
Mount Etjo & Okonjati:
Elephant, lion and rhino in a 36,000-hectare private reserve.
Desert elephants in Damaraland:
Tracking through the deep sand of the Awa-Huab and Huab dry rivers.
Twyfelfontein:
Rock engravings 4,000 to 6,000 years old, plus the Burnt Mountain and the basalt Organ Pipes.
Etosha from two sides:
Contact springs in the south, a quiet private reserve in the east – two completely different parks.
Both rhino species:
Black and white rhino, alongside lion, leopard and cheetah.
Rare antelope on the Okavango:
Tsessebe, sable and roan, plus red lechwe and reedbuck.
Wild dogs on the Kwando:
We drive straight into the area where the painted dogs hunt.
Boat cruises on the Chobe:
Three times on the water: elephants sometimes swimming, crocodiles wide-angle close.
October, the driest month:
Game concentrates at the waterholes – in Etosha as much as on the Kwando and the Chobe.
Description:
Seeing the animals is one thing. Understanding why they are there is another.
This journey does not take you through one landscape but through a chain of habitats – and shows you how the same species changes across them. The elephant in the semi-desert of Damaraland is a different creature from the one wading through the Chobe. That contrast is what these seventeen days are about.
By the end you will not simply know “the zebra”, but Hartmann’s mountain zebra and Chapman’s zebra – and why each lives where it does. The same goes for antelope, rhino and birdlife. Our naturalist guide explains connections rather than reciting names.
That takes time. Two to three nights in each place, hardly any repacking, long hours at the waterhole. Anyone who photographs knows what that is worth: patience and good light, instead of a new place every morning.
October is the driest month of the year. The game concentrates at the waterholes – in Etosha as much as on the Kwando and the Chobe. If you want density, this is when to travel.
Seven guests at most travel in a Land Cruiser converted specially for game viewing – a window seat for everyone, a roof hatch at the waterhole. The lodges are carefully chosen: upper segment, tested by us, clean, en-suite – and above all perfectly placed.
Accommodation:
The carefully chosen accommodations for this journey all fall within the upscale category, strategically positioned to optimise access to key attractions. Each lodging boasts positive reviews, prioritises safety and cleanliness, undergoes thorough testing, and features private bathrooms.
Map
Overview
Detailed itinerary
Accommodation pre-checked:
The carefully chosen accommodations for this journey all fall within the upscale category, strategically positioned to optimise access to key attractions. Each lodging boasts positive reviews, prioritises safety and cleanliness, undergoes thorough testing, and features private bathrooms.
Days 1 & 2
14 & 15.10.2027
- “Give more back to nature than you take.” This is the guiding principle and lifelong mission of Jan Oelofse, a world-renowned conservationist who founded the Okonjati Wildlife Reserve in 1975. 2 nights at the renowned:
- Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 game drives in open safari vehicle
Wildlife Encounters in the Okonjati Reserve at Mount Etjo
Today we travel north into the heart of Namibia’s central highlands, where the striking red hills and rocky outcrops of Mount Etjo rise from the surrounding acacia savannah. This region forms part of the Okonjati Wildlife Reserve, founded in 1975 by renowned conservationist Jan Oelofse. Over the course of more than 30 years, he expanded the reserve to 36,000 hectares – now home to around 10,000 mammals and over 600 species of birds. Despite its name, meaning “Place of the Buffalo”, no buffalo roam here, but surely many other interesting species.
The area offers a rich and diverse wildlife experience. You’ll encounter greater kudus, warthogs, and towering fungus termite mounds , of Termitomyces schimperi, reaching up to five metres in height. A thrilling game drive in an open safari vehicle, led by experienced guides, gives you the chance to spot elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and many other species in their natural habitat.
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- Mit Leaflove Safari kommen alle Gäste komfortabel unter, ohne Zweifel!
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- In der Etjo Sandsteinformation sind Termitenhügel der Art Termitomyces schimperi am Wegesrand zu finden
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- Elefanten scheuern sich an Termitenhügeln und haben oft die gleiche Farbe wie der Sand.
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- Young Giraffe Bulls play-fighting
Days 3 & 4
16 & 17.10.2027
- 2 nights amidst intricately massive granite formations at a specially selected and beautifully located tented lodge.
- Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp – Premium Tent
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- Guided tour to the petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein
- off-road safari in the dry riverbeds of Awa-Huab and Huab to search for desert elephants.
Twyfelfontein
The dry riverbed Huab and its tributary Awa-Huab carve their way through this geologically striking desert region in the visually stunning Damaraland.
Towering Ana trees, also known as “Winter Thorn Acacias,” line the banks, producing red pods favoured by desert-dwelling elephants. Engaging the 4×4, we navigate through the thick sand, tracing the footsteps of these magnificent creatures. Along the way, we admire herds of ostriches and springboks, inspect fascinating succulents, and eventually encounter the sought-after desert elephants. Coming across such nature in this semi-desert landscape leaves an unforgettable impression!
“Roadside” highlights:
Noteworthy attractions include the 4,000 to 6,000-year-old petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein, the “burnt mountain,” and the basaltic “organ pipes.” Approximately 200 million years ago, enormous prehistoric “Cordaites” trees were washed in large mud floods from Central Africa and covered with muddy masses. With the absence of oxygen, petrification occurred, and these „fossilised trees” are now admired as remarkably peculiar geological formations.
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- Zeltchalets sind äusserst komfortabel und romantisch
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- Die Lodges in Namibia sind oft mit viel Liebe zum Detail gestaltet
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- Felsgravuren bei Twyfelfontein, ein WElt-Kulturerbe
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- Im Damaraland leben in den Trockenflüssen Aba-Huab, Huab und Hoanib Wüstenelefanten
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- Im Trockenfluss Awa Huab und Huab sind einige Wüstenelefanten unterwegs
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- Elefanten in phantastisch schöner Halbwüstenlandschaft
Days 5 & 6
18 & 19.10.2027
- 2 nights at a good lodge right at the park entrance – twenty chalets in a quiet setting south of Andersson Gate, ideal for being in the park early in the morning.
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Days 7 & 8
20 & 21.10.2027
2 nights at a well-located and beautiful lodge in the eastern area, directly adjacent to the park.
- Onguma Forest Camp – Explorer Bungalow
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Etosha National Park – Central
“The “Great White Place,” Etosha National Park, covers over 22,000 km² and is one of the wildlife-rich parks in Africa.
Spotting a lion by the roadside or encountering a herd of elephants is exciting, but one should be aware that this area presents a very arid landscape, where the wildlife must endure very harsh conditions.
The vast 4000 km² salt pan generates artesian springs on the southern shore, known as “contact springs.” Especially in slightly drier and warmer seasons, a plethora of diverse wildlife gathers here in abundance.”
Etosha National Park – East
The Etosha agama and the paradise crane pique our interest, as well as the impressive Makalani palms and very small Damara Dik-Dik antelopes. The diverse flora brings extensive biodiversity… So, you not only see many animals but also a variety of different ones!
The wildlife has lost its fear of vehicles, providing excellent opportunities for animal observation and photography. Along the way, you can find several antelope species such as springboks, black-faced impalas, wildebeests, klipspringers, steenbok, and rare black-nosed impalas. Predators like lions are often spotted, while leopards and cheetahs are a bit rarer. Pachyderms, including the rare black rhinoceros, the white rhinoceros, and elephants, also call this place home.
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- Komfortable Bungalows an der Ostseite des Etosha-Nationalparks
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- Geparden gehen durch hohes Gras im Etoshapark
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- Schabrackenschakale… immer am planen
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- Dieser Mähnenlöwe bewachte seinen Elefantenkadaver mehrere Tage lang.
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- Strausse, Struthio camelus, sind die größten Vögel der Erde
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- In den heissen und sehr trockenen Monaten September, Oktober und tweilweise November ist an der Wasserstellen des westlichen Etoshaparks sehr viel Leben.
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- schon früh am Vormittag stillt das Nashorn seinen Durst. Beobachtung ab Juli möglich.
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- Falco Chicquera horsbrughi, = from the Hindi language shikari, which means hunter
Days 9, 10 & 11
22, 23 & 24.10.2027
3 nights at the panhandle of the Okavango Delta in a lodge near the Mahango and Buffalo Core area of Bwabwata Nature National Park, situated directly on the banks of the Okavango River.
- Mahangu Lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- Boat trip on the Okavango.
(O)Kavango
With our journey into the enchanting northeast, a chapter of ‘storybook Africa’ unfolds. Traditional huts of the Nyemba come into view, carrying the aromatic scent of !Girigu campfires. Chickens and cattle casually traverse the road, and the landscape gradually thickens with lush vegetation. The Kavango River, later to become the Okavango, stretches out before us.
Despite the modest size of Mahango Park, it hosts elusive antelopes like the roan, sable, and tsessebe, alongside the graceful presence of giraffes and the frequent passage of elephants. Lechwe, waterbuck, and reedbuck grace the shores of the Okavango.
The melodious call and majestic appearance of the fish eagle leave a lasting impression. Navigating the sandy trails of Mahango West, we encounter the distinctive Chapman’s zebra and occasionally chance upon small herds of buffalo. Our reliable vehicle grants us access to explore the eastern bank of the Okavango, specifically the Buffalo Core Area. Here, colossal gatherings of buffalo and elephants are a common sight, while our aspirations extend to spotting the splendid wattled cranes and, perhaps, African snipes in the southern marshy expanses of this region.
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- Equus quagga burchelli
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- Tragelaphus sylvaticus / scriptus ssp. ornatus, und darum auch Chobe Buchbuck genannt.
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- Rappenantilopen sind selten… wir finden sie gern im Bwabwatapark
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- Panthera leo im Bwabwata Park, Buffalo Core Area
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- Der Riesenfischer bleibt eine besondere Beobachtung an verschiedenen Gewässern Namibias, ist jedoch gar nicht häufig zu sehen.
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- Poicephalus meyeri, nach entweder dem deutschen Ornithologen Bernhard Meyer, oder George FW Meyer, welcher das Catalogus Avium publizerte.
Days 12 & 13
25 & 26.10.2027
- 2 nights directly on the Kwando River. The Bwabwata National Park on the west bank with the legendary Horseshoe Bend is home to numerous species of animals and offers a true wilderness experience.
- Namushasha River Lodge – Tented Chalet
inclusive:
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- 1x Boat trip on the Kwando River
- 1x game drive to Horseshoe Bend in the Kwando Core Area of Bwabwata National Park
Exploration of Kwando in Caprivi Central, encompassing Bwabwata and Mudumo National Parks
The Kwando/Linyanti/Liambezi floodplain is a captivating landscape featuring broad stretches of reed and papyrus belts, interspersed with numerous lagoons and extensive floodplains along the river. This unique environment acts as a natural congregation point for a diverse array of wildlife. The waters are teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and Nile monitors.
A thriving population of various antelope species, the striking Chapman’s zebra, herds of buffalo, and numerous elephants can be spotted quenching their thirst along the Kwando’s banks. The wilderness offers enchanting experiences, from regular sightings of pythons to an increasing number of encounters with elusive leopards.
This untamed realm is also home to rare and beautiful species like the racket-tailed rollers and other great birds.
Known as ‘Painted Dogs’ by the English, we embark on independent excursions into this area, specifically seeking out the African wild dogs.
In Mudumo Park, our quest leads us to explore the Nakatwa Island region, offering a glimpse into a piece of the last untouched Africa.
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- Der Karminspint, Merops nubicoides, kommt ab August in größeren Brutschwärmen am Ufer der Gewässer des Caprivi vor.
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- Equus quagga chapmani
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- Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus
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- Im Mudumo Nationalpark kreuzen hunderte Elefanten den Weg.
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- Bootsfahrt auf dem Kwando… Vögel schauen und die Welt geniessen
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- Die Lodge am Ufer des Kwando liegt im Paradies
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- Sarkidiornis melanotos, = black-headed
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- Die Spatelracke, Coracias spatulatus, wurde anhand des löffelförmigen Schwanzes just nach diesem benannt. Man findet diesen seltenen Vogel im Bwabwata nationalpark nur mit Führung der Guides von Leaflove Safari.
Days 14 & 15
27 & 28.10.2027
- 2 nights in an exceptionally well-situated lodge on the Kasika Floodplain, directly opposite the Sedudu Island, frequented by a large herd of buffalo. The lodge’s familial atmosphere enhances the stay, creating a particularly enjoyable experience.
- Zovu Elephant Lodge
inclusive:
- Full board
- 3 x boat trips. The flat aluminum boats are very comfortable (with plenty of space) and provide a stable and calm ride, making them ideal for wildlife observation and photography.
Chobe NP, Kasika Floodplain & teeming Sedudu Island
Today, we navigate the Chobe River, located at the intersection of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, boasting the densest wildlife population in Africa. Each year, the Chobe River floods numerous shallow islands for many kilometres. Life here flourishes, as there is an abundance of food for all.
The riverbanks are lined with numerous elephants, and you may even witness them swimming—an exquisite opportunity for photographers. The flat islands are grazed by buffaloes, impalas, the rare grass antelope ‘Puku,’ and waterbucks. Along the shore, Nile crocodiles lie in close proximity, creating wide-angle photo opportunities.
As you embark on a boat safari, flocks of various bird species, including African skimmers, whistling ducks, spur-winged geese, and many different bee-eaters, soar overhead. On the riverbanks, you’ll encounter squacco herons, and the black heron showcases its remarkable fishing technique by forming its wings into a bell shape. The guarantee of capturing kingfishers in action adds to the photographic allure!
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- Der Rotschnabel-madenhacker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus, hat mit seinem Schnabel eine Schnittwirkung, weniger Zupfwirkung, und ist daher von Büffeln geduldet.
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- Bärenpaviane, Papius ursinus, sind in touristisch stark besuchten Nationalparks schon fast eine Plage, dennoch immer sehr amüsant zu beobachten.
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- Elephanten am Chobe Fluss und Nationalpark
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- Wir schaffen es fast immer… zur rechten Zeit am richtigen Ort
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- Haliaeetus vocifer, also lautstark
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- Numida meleagris, nach dem griechischem Helden meleager
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- Tennager im Schlamm… auch nicht schlecht
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- Bucorvus leadbeateri, after Benjamin Leadbeater, a leading natural history dealer in London.
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- Haliaeetus vocifer, also lautstark
Day 16
29.10.2027
- 1 night near Victoria Falls at a lovely small guest lodge.
- Drift Inn
inclusive:
- Bed & Breakfast (Dinner à la carte at the restaurant not included)
- Transfer to Victoria Falls / Hotel & to the airport
exclusive
- US$ 50.- for Visa and US$ 50.- Entrance to the Falls (bring enough cash please)
The Victoria Falls and its unique Spray-rainforest ecosystem
David Livingstone bestowed the name Victoria Falls upon this natural wonder, describing it as ‘a sight Angels must have gazed upon,’ capturing its breathtaking beauty. While not the tallest or widest, the falls’ combination of width and grandeur is truly remarkable.
Perpetual mist and rain create an ethereal atmosphere around Victoria Falls. A lush forest of fig trees, ferns, waterberries, and majestic baobab trees adorns the impressive riverbank. As you admire the fruits of Ficus sur, above you, the trumpeter hornbill indulges in the bountiful figs, and the Schalow’s turaco, with its striking red wings, calls out enthusiastically.
During a leisurely stroll, you’ll encounter various viewpoints, each offering a different perspective of the 108-meter-deep falls.
Zimbabwe is home to a vibrant artistic community, promising encounters with unique artworks and interesting individuals in this lively town.
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- viel sehen und gut ruhen…
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- Phezulu Guest Lodge Victoria Falls
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- Phezulu Guest Lodge Victoria Falls
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- Phezulu Guest Lodge Victoria Falls
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- Glareola nuchalis, = nape, referring to the nuchal collar
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- Glareola pratincola, = meadow dweller
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- Die Victoria Falls am mächtigen Zambezi
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- Die Victoria Falls am mächtigen Zambezi
Day 17
30.10.2027
- Transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport
Flight Logistics in Africa
From Victoria Falls Airport, several international flights operate daily with excellent connections via Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Windhoek to Europe and beyond.
For a smooth and direct journey, we recommend Wednesday as the departure day, as Lufthansa Discover offers a nonstop flight from Windhoek to Frankfurt on this day.
Indicative prices for 2027
| Participants | per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Participant | 19.993 USD |
| 2 Participants | 12.340 USD |
| 3 Participants | 9.789 USD |
| 4 Participants | 8.514 USD |
| 5 Participants | 7.749 USD |
| 6 Participants | 7.239 USD |
| 7 Participants | 6.874 USD |
| Single supplement | 1.084 USD |
Services included
- Transport in travel- and safari-friendly four-wheel drive Toyota Landcruiser
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Window seat / individual seat for each participant
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Activities as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the national parks and sights in the itinerary, including local fees and ranger fees.
- Experienced and knowledgeable tourguide
- Drinking water
Services not included
- personal expenses (laundry, etc.)
- Drinks and tips
- International flights
- Visa to Namibia
- Visa to Zimbabwe
- Travel Insurance
Which accommodations do we stop at?
Namibia offers a wide range of accommodation – from very simple to truly luxurious. On this journey, we use carefully selected comfortable mid-range lodges, ideally located for excellent wildlife viewing. Each stay is positioned so that we are in the right place at the right time to enjoy the very best animal encounters. The value for money is outstanding, based on our own many years of experience.
At what time of year is this trip suitable?
These journeys are deliberately scheduled for August, September and October, when wildlife viewing is at its absolute best. During this dry season, animals gather in larger numbers at waterholes and are especially easy to spot. At the same time, Namibia’s spring begins in late August, bringing clear skies, mild temperatures and generally calm conditions – ideal for nature and wildlife experiences.
How high is the risk of malaria?
The risk of mosquito bites is significantly higher during the months of January to April and May. It’s essential to take precautions and protect yourself against mosquito bites during this period. From May to November, the risk decreases, but it’s still advisable to take preventive measures against mosquito bites and consider prophylaxis for added assurance.
Can we get across the borders to and from Botswana and Zimbabwe without any problems
Yes, please only check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return and that there are at least 4 free pages available.
Why Booking Flights Through a Travel Agent Still Makes Sense in the Digital Age
In a time when flight bookings are just a few clicks away, it may seem old-fashioned to involve a travel agent. But when it comes to navigating the ever-changing world of air travel—delays, reroutes, strikes, cancellations, and the charming surprise of “you no longer have a seat”—working with a real human still has very real advantages when unexpected challenges arise, such as:
Delays and last-minute flight changes
Strikes or changes made by the airline
Seat changes without prior notification
The need to rebook during your trip
Especially in those moments—just imagine being on safari while these changes occur—it is incredibly helpful to have a reliable contact person who handles everything quickly and professionally.
Our Recommendation:
Even if booking flights through a travel agency may seem slightly more expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment. The service, support, and peace of mind it provides, particularly in problematic situations, are priceless.
We’ve had consistently excellent experiences with the following agencies – they are professional, fast, and reliable.
Important:
Please make sure to always mention that you are booking through Leaflove Safari / Albert Voigts.
This is the only way we can ensure that all flight times are accurately recorded and that we can coordinate with the agents to perfectly align the itinerary with your travel plans – e.g. for organizing transfers, airport greetings, or handling last-minute changes.
Namibia:
Anja Badenhorst – Tokkies Travel
📱 +264 81 249 8760
✉️ ticketing@tokkiestravel.com
➡️ Anja has already assisted many of our guests – reliable, fast, and solution-oriented.
Sonja Etzold – Molo Africa Travel
📱 +264 81 202 6002
✉️ sonja@moloafricatravel.com.na
➡️ Sonja is also highly experienced and particularly helpful when it comes to last-minute rebookings.
An offer especially for you! Just let us know your change requests on the last page of the form.
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This Safari was last updated on 6. September 2026 @ 9:49.
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