The Nam-Bots Round, 20-day Self-Drive tour, is a circular route starting and ending in Windhoek, and is a combination of the focal highlights of Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and central and northern Namibia. The tour allows you to travel through three countries, but at the same time picking-up and dropping-off the vehicle in the same location. With a combination of vast variety of landscapes, a wide variety of wildlife, birding and cultures, this tour has a lot to offer.
| Destination | Nights |
| Windhoek | 1 |
| Gobabis | 1 |
| Ghanzi | 1 |
| Maun | 2 |
| Nata | 1 |
| Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | 2 |
| Chobe, Botswana | 2 |
| Zambezi Region | 2 |
| Kavango | 1 |
| Otavi Mountain Region | 1 |
| Etosha National Park - East | 2 |
| Etosha National Park - South | 1 |
| Waterberg | 1 |
| Windhoek | 1 |
Windhoek
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek functions as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Day Itinerary
Welcome to Namibia. Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will find your driver from Melbic Car Rentals there to pick you up and transfer you to the rental office in the Windhoek city. There you will pick up your vehicle as well as all the necessary travel documents that you will need on your tour.
Central Namibia
Central Namibia features an array of towns, deserts and wildlife reserves. The landscape of this region is characterised by a plateau scattered with clusters of acacia and grasslands sandwiched between the arid Namib Desert to the west and the lush Kalahari to the east. Visitors can soak in the steaming waters of the Cross Barmen Hot Springs, viewing a wide variety of wildlife at the spectacularly scenic.
Day Itinerary
For your first morning in Namibia, enjoy a relaxed morning in Windhoek. Today you will travel to a destination of pure nature, take in this very tranquil and relaxing place. Animals that live in the region include common warthogs, jackals, chacma baboons, and several species of antelope (including the eland, gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, steenbok and kudu), and many species of birds and reptiles.
Ghanzi
Situated 300 kilometres southwest of Maun and just north of the Trans-Kalahari highway, which runs from Lobatse in Botswana to Walvis Bay in Namibia, the small town of Ghanzi is sometimes referred to as the 'Capital of the Kalahari'. It serves as the administrative centre of the Ghanzi district which covers a vast area of cattle ranches and farmland in the west of Botswana. The Ghanzi area ha a number of lodges which focus on cultural tourism as well as wildlife viewing - here you can experience the fascinating world of the San Bushmen as they explain to you how they forage, hunt and find water in this harsh environment.
Day Itinerary
From Gobabis area, you will drive through the Namibian Buitepos border into Botswana. Today, your destination is situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, home to the Bushman of the Kalahari.
Maun
Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Maun is the starting point for most expeditions into the Kavango Delta and as a result, has developed into a bustling metropolis that is considered Botswana’s tourism capital. Area attractions include a renowned riverboat that offers cruises up and down the Thamalakane River; the forest groves of the Maun Game Reserve; and Moremi Game Reserve, home to hippos, lions and rhinos. Maun also serves as the jumping off point for many safaris and air charters as well as offers 4x4 rentals. Don’t miss the Nhabe Museum exhibiting the local history, art and culture of the Ngamiland region.
Day Itinerary
You will make your way further east into Botswana towards Maun, the "tourism capital" of Botswana. You will be staying at the gateway to the Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Enjoy optional activities such as Mokoro trips, horse trails, sunset cruises, bird watches and scenic flights.
Nata
Situated 180 kilometres north of Francistown, the small village of Nata is a popular stopover between Maun and Kasane along a road known as the ‘game drive route’ as there is often a chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way. The unique landscape that surrounds the area around Nata features white sand, tall termite mounds and the Mokolwane palm trees. Nata is a convenient stop for tourists to fill up at numerous filling stations. Nata serves as an excellent base from which to explore the eastern section of the spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans. The Nata Sanctuary is a popular stop and a highlight for avid bird watchers, where lucky visitors can be rewarded with large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans, which breed here each year.
Day Itinerary
After check-out, you will further east of Botswana towards the village of Nata, which lies along the Nata River. The area is well known for its proximity to the Makgadikgadi Pans making for great Four-wheel drives into the pans. Also take time to visit the community project of the Nata Bird Sanctuary, which is a must -visit.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Day Itinerary
From Nata, you will head north, cross the border from Botswana into one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Enjoy the views of the largest sheet of falling water in the world! And take part in the guided tours of the falls, elephant back rides, bird watching and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
Chobe River Front
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them. A visit to this area guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to some exciting activities such as: driving along the game-dotted river banks in a 4WD; cruising along the river in a motorboat, spotting rare birdlife and for a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.
Day Itinerary
Depart from the Victoria Falls and head west towards Kasane; here you will again cross the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana, Kasane.
Bwabwata National Park
Stretching over 6200 square kilometres in northeast Namibia, the Bwabwata National Park includes the Caprivi Game Park and the Mahango Game Reserve which extends along the narrow Caprivi Strip. The park functions as a wildlife sanctuary and practices community-engaged conservation. Dubbed the 'People's Park', the local Caprivian people live in harmony with the land and the animals. With an ever-growing wildlife population, the park is home to many animals including, elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, wildebeest, crocodile, as well as red lechwe. Avid birdwatchers will be thrilled to find over 330 bird species in the area. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing, boat safaris, nature walks and camping under the Namibian night sky.
Day Itinerary
Early this morning, you will drive through the border from Botswana and once again into Namibia, the Caprivi strip. Home to a number of national parks and tribes, the strip is well known for its wide abundance of wildlife, cultures, rivers and bush.
Kavango River
The Kavango River is the fourth-largest river system in southern Africa. Starting in Angola, it runs south-eastward into Namibia and forms part of the Angolan/Namibian border. Visitors can soak up the magnificent views of the cascading Popa Falls a popular tourist attraction, just before the river crosses over into Botswana creating the renowned Kavango Delta. The area surrounding the river is known for its lush vegetation, spectacular natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. It is home to 150 species of fish and supports over 400 species of bird, making it a popular fishing and birding destination. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of adventure opportunities in and around the river, jump on a scenic boat cruise, visit the many reserves which dot the region, and explore the riverside town of Rundu, set on the banks of the Kavango River, it is the rural capital of the Kavango Region.
Day Itinerary
This morning, make a turn at the Mashi Crafts shop before you head towards Rundu. Along the way you will cross parts of national parks.
Otavi Mountain Region
Situated in the Otjozondjupa Province, in the centre of what is known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, the towering Otavi Mountains are surrounded by the Northern Namibian towns of Otavi, Tsumeb, and Grootfontein, which are roughly 60 kilometres equidistant from each other. The landscape features golden maize plantations, spectacular dolomite mountains, and underground lakes. Visitors to this spectacular region can look forward to a variety of activities including: visiting the Hoba Meteorite, the largest ‘space object’ on earth and a national monument; explore Dragon’s Breath Cave which holds world’s largest underground lake; or viewing the bottomless ‘sinkhole’ Lake Otkikoto, boasting emerald green water is one of two permanent lakes in Namibia. Other interesting activities include: hiking, biking, fishing, off-roading, and game viewing safaris. Don’t miss the impressive Gaub Cave, filled with sensational stalactites and stalagmites.
Day Itinerary
Take advantage of a sunrise cruise or a game drive before embarking further on your tour to the Otavi Mountain region.
Etosha East
Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
Day Itinerary
From the Otavi Mountains, head to the greatest wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, Etosha National Park, The eastern side has a reputation of having the best views of wildlife. You can enjoy guided game drives or alternatively, you are welcome to do your own self-drive around the park at your own pace and viewing pleasure. Best times to view animals are early mornings and later afternoons when the heat is not too intense for you and the animals.
Etosha South
Etosha South makes up the southern region of the Etosha National Park paradise. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can visit a variety of waterholes and catch a glimpse of a wide range of wildlife such as: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a gathering of plains game. Popular activities include: guided / self-drive game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.
Day Itinerary
Enjoy some breakfast, after which you will drive from the central part of the park towards the eastern side of the national park. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery and wildlife sightings.
Please note: The national park has a speed limit of 60km/hour.
Waterberg Region
The Waterberg Region incorporates the Waterberg Plateau National Park and the farming districts from Outjo and Otjiwarongo in the west to Grootfontein and Tsumeb in the west.
Day Itinerary
After your last morning in Etosha National park, you will then drive towards your next destination in central Namibia.
Windhoek
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Day Itinerary
You can have a relaxed morning after which you will make your way back to the capital city, Windhoek, where you will spend your last night in Namibia.
Day Itinerary
Enjoy your last morning sunrise in Namibia. Today, you will drop the rental vehicle back to the Melbic Car Rental office. After the vehicle inspection, an agent will drive you back to the Windhoek International Airport where you will check in for your departure flight.
