Mind’s Eye Travel
Enriching the lives of people who are visually impaired or blind
African Safari II
13 Magical days in Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
May 20th - June 1st, 2025
Introduction
Mind’s Eye Travel’s second safari begins in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. From there we drive north in comfortable long-wheelbase Toyota Land Cruisers to Bushman Land. Along the way we’ll stop at native markets and wildlife reserves en route to fabulous Etosha National Park. Then we turn east along the Okavango River to Botswana’s Chobe National Park and finally we end at Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
As in 2023, we will be guided by the wonderful staff of Bushtrails Tours. This time, however, our itinerary goes in the other direction—from Windhoek to Victoria falls—and our pace will be a bit more leisurely, to truly take in the natural and
cultural wonders of this region.
Pricing starts at $12990 for double occupancy with a trip provided guide.
Please Call 207-542-4438 to check availability for this trip.
Itinerary
DAY 1, May 20
The Windhoek Hilton
Upon arrival at the international airport in Windhoek, we’ll be met by our guides, who will drive us to the Windhoek Hilton and assist us as we check in. After we’ve had a chance to unwind, off we’ll go to explore clean, cheerful, bustling Windhoek, including the craft center, historic sites and other points of interest. Tonight we’ll have dinner at Joe’s famous Beer House.
DAY 2, May 21
The Windhoek Hilton
After breakfast at the Hilton, we visit an outstanding taxidermy studio where, with the help of our guides, we can get a hands-on appreciation for some of the African wildlife we expect to encounter on safari. After lunch we will visit the unique Nomad Spa for an optional treatment or a massage (treatments aren’t included in the price). The Nomad Spa trains and employs visually impaired people, to provide them a means of supporting themselves and their families.
Day 3, May 22
Okonjima Plains Camp
We depart Windhoek and travel north to Okonjima, stopping along the way to visit the famous Okahandja woodcarvers’ market, where we can browse and barter for special souvenirs of our African adventure. At Okonjima we’ll have lunch and then visit the Afri-Cat Foundation, where we’ll track leopards on this 75,000-acre game reserve—and get closer to these cats than you ever thought possible.
Day 4, May 23
Okaukuejo Waterhole Chalets
This morning we will be hosted at the Carnivore Center for a more in-depth look at the important work Afri-Cat is doing to conserve Africa’s great feline predators—and we’ll visit with Namibia’s cheetah ambassadors! Then it’ll be onward to one of Africa’s largest and most famous wildlife areas, legendary Etosha National Park. On our afternoon game drive we’re likely to encounter elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and other plains game. Tonight we’ll stay at Okaukuejo Chalets, where the floodlit waterhole will enthrall us for the evening.
day 5, May 24
Onguma Bush Camp
This will be a full day’s game drive in Etosha, traveling from waterhole to waterhole in the park to take in as many wildlife encounters as possible. Imagine the National Geographic Channel come to life, where even guests with very limited vision will be able to experience an elephant when it’s standing next to our vehicles. Our lodging tonight will be Onguma Bush Camp, on the eastern border of Etosha Park.
day 6, May 25
Hakusembe River Lodge
Today will be an ethno-cultural day, with visits to living cultural museums of the native Kavango People and the San, the Bushmen. In a Bushmen village we’ll learn more about their culture and legendary bush survival skills. Finally we’ll continue on to tonight’s lodging on the banks of the Okavango River.
day 7, May 26
Hakusembe River Lodge
A day off from traveling, to relax and catch our breath. We can unwind by the pool or (these are extra-cost options) soak up a message or enjoy a sunset wildlife cruise on the Okavango River. We’re now just past the halfway point of our safari.
day 8, May 27
Shametu River Lodge
Our next day’s drive takes us along the Okavango River and through Mahango Game Reserve, where we are virtually guaranteed to encounter elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo, sable antelope, zebra, impala, perhaps crocodiles and other wildlife. Tonight’s comfortable lodge is on the banks of the Okavango. This evening we can enjoy a river cruise or just relax by the pool. The more adventurous may wish to try angling for tigerfish.
day 9, May 28
Namushasha River Lodge
We push on, traveling eastward along Namibia’s Caprivi Strip to reach our next overnight stop in time for lunch. Then we’ll explore the Kwando Core Area of Bwabwata National Park and end the day with sundowner drinks at the Horseshoe, a favorite spot on the Kwando River where large herds of elephants often congregate.
day 10, May 29
Chobe Safari Lodge
We cross into Botswana at the Ngoma Border Post and follow the road through Chobe Game Reserve to the town of Kasane. At this famous lodge we’ll enjoy lunch on the veranda overlooking the Chobe River. This afternoon we’ll set sail on a game-viewing river cruise. Sightings usually include elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and various plains game species and we may even find lion and leopard. The day will end with a spectacular sunset over the river.
day 11, May 30
Shearwater Explorers Village
Today we enter Zimbabwe and arrive at Victoria Falls for lunch at the Three Monkeys restaurant before we check in at Shearwater. We’ll be here for two nights so we have time to explore the lovely town of Victoria Falls. The long list of optional activities here includes an elephant encounter, canoe trips, bungee jumping, gorge swings, helicopter flips and more. At mid-day we’ll visit awesome Victoria Falls, “the smoke that thunders,” and have lunch at the Look Out Café on the edge of the vast gorge. Dinner this evening, at the Jungle Junction, will include an African show.
day 12, May 31
shearwater Explorers Village
Today you should be able to experience whatever you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday. Or simply relax, enjoy the ambiance and maybe begin to pack your bags and think about the journey home. The drumming band at tonight’s farewell dinner, at the Boma Restaurant, will definitely get your African rhythm going!
day 13, June 1
Departure
Our wonderful guides will see to it that we all make it to Vic Falls airport in plenty of time for the first leg of our flights home.
Cape Town Add-On Trip
For those who book onto the African Safari 2025, we are offering an additional trip to Cape Town for five days before the safari begins. The details for this add on trip can be found at the page linked on the button below. This add-on can be booked at the same time as the main Safari Trip using our booking form, or booked afterwards by contacting us at info@mindseyetravel.com.
African Safari Pricing
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$14,990 per person single occupancy
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$12,990 per person double occupancy
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$9990 per person double occupancy without a guide
The Details
Pricing includes:
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Two comfortable vehicles with no more than eight persons (clients and sighted guides) per vehicle.
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All lodging, all meals.
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Airport transfers, transportation, park fees.
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Activities as listed, and Namibia’s 15% Value Added Tax.
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Baggage handling at lodges.
Please Note
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First $1500 downpayment required to hold your space upon booking.
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Second $1500 payment due by October 1st, 2024.
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Final payment for remaining balance must be made before March 1st, 2025.
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The price does not include alcoholic beverages, personal shopping or guide gratuities.
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As noted above, additional excursion or activity fees may apply.
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Accommodations in the Itinerary may unavoidably have to change due to availability.
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Mind’s Eye Travel recommends trip insurance.
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Our trips are non-smoking and not combinable with any other offer.