Our very first Dunes to Falls tour has just wrapped up and what an incredible journey it has been.

This itinerary showcases the highlights of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, starting in Windhoek where we explored the country’s history before heading deep into the Namib Desert. Climbing the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, including the famous Dune 45, often called the “star dune” and one of the most photographed in the world, was a true highlight. We also explored the dramatic Sesriem Canyon.

From there, the journey continued to the Skeleton Coast, with time in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, including a visit to the lagoon, a key breeding area for flamingos.

Game viewing in Etosha National Park delivered great sightings, including two of the Big Five, while Rundu surprised us with excellent birdlife that quickly became a group favourite. Mahango National Park did not disappoint either, with abundant wildlife including elephants, impala, and warthogs.

Crossing into Botswana, the Okavango Delta offered a memorable mokoro experience, plenty of hippos, and a peaceful campsite filled with birdsong. A guided walk delivered an unforgettable moment with a lion sighting, a first for some in the Delta.

In Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park stood out with rhino tracking, ancient rock art, and a visit to the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. Hwange National Park was quieter due to the rains, with wildlife dispersed as natural water sources were plentiful.

The journey ended at Victoria Falls in full flow, an unforgettable finale with powerful spray and incredible views.

A fantastic first departure of this new route, and a strong start for what promises to be a standout tour in the Sunway portfolio.

Thank you to ou guides Shandle and Brian for guiding this tour for the first time and sharing their experience.

Dunes to Falls Safari Highlights Explained

Sossusvlei and Dune 45
Located in the heart of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is famous for its towering red sand dunes, some of the highest in the world. Dune 45 is one of the most photographed dunes due to its accessibility and perfect shape, especially at sunrise when the colours are at their most intense.

Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon is a natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. It provides a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape and offers shaded walking areas, making it a popular stop in the Namib Naukluft region.

Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay Lagoon
The Skeleton Coast is known for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, shipwrecks, and desert meeting ocean scenery. Nearby, Swakopmund offers a blend of adventure and colonial charm, while Walvis Bay is home to the lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s most important wetland areas and a major breeding ground for flamingos.

Etosha National Park Wildlife Viewing
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, centred around a vast salt pan. It is well known for excellent game viewing, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and large antelope populations, particularly around waterholes.

Mahango Game Reserve and the Kavango Region
Mahango Game Reserve lies within Bwabwata National Park and is one of Namibia’s most wildlife rich areas. The Kavango River supports high densities of elephants, buffalo, and diverse birdlife, making it a key transition between desert and delta ecosystems.

Okavango Delta Mokoro Experience
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Traditional mokoro excursions offer a quiet, water level perspective of this ecosystem, with frequent sightings of hippos, birds, and smaller wildlife.

Matobo National Park and Rhino Tracking
Matobo National Park is renowned for its granite kopjes, cultural heritage, and rhino populations. Guided walks provide opportunities to track both black and white rhino, while the area also contains ancient San rock art and historical sites such as the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.

Hwange National Park Seasonal Wildlife Patterns
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. During the rainy season, wildlife disperses due to widespread water availability, which can result in quieter sightings compared to the dry season when animals concentrate around waterholes.

Victoria Falls in High Water Season
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. During high water months, the falls are at their most powerful, creating dramatic spray and rainbows, often referred to locally as “The Smoke That Thunders.”

Frequently Asked Questions