Big Cats and Calving Safari

12 days—Track big cats and witness the calving season across Namibia’s wild landscapes—dramatic predator action, and unforgettable wildlife encounters

From

$5400 USD

pp

Safari summary

Embark on a 12-day Namibian safari that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife and the dramatic spectacle of the antelope calving season. The journey begins in Windhoek, where a warm welcome and a short city introduction set the stage for the adventure ahead. From here, travel north to the Waterberg Plateau region, where the green season transforms the plains and woodlands into a dynamic wildlife arena. Guided game drives focus on antelope calving, drawing predators like Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, while the diverse herbivore populations include Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Roan and Sable Antelope, Eland, Kudu, Oryx, Tsessebe, and Plains Zebra. Scenic walking trails and elevated viewpoints offer additional perspectives of this iconic landscape, and an optional visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund provides insight into conservation efforts and close encounters with these iconic cats.

The safari then moves to northeastern Namibia, exploring Bwabwata National Park and Mahango Game Reserve along the Okavango River. Here, floodplains, woodlands, and riverine habitats teem with life during the green season. Antelope calving attracts big cats and creates exceptional predator-prey interactions, while boat cruises along the Okavango River reveal Hippos, Crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Accommodation blends seamlessly with the environment, offering river views and elevated decks for wildlife spotting.

Next, the safari heads west to Etosha National Park, where eastern and southern regions offer contrasting experiences. The eastern section’s waterholes and verdant plains provide excellent opportunities to observe Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, and other predators drawn to newborn antelope. The southern edge features expansive plains, seasonal water sources, and abundant wildlife, with game drives highlighting the lush green season, grazing herds, and predator activity. Species encountered include Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Eland, Hartebeest, Damara Dik-dik, Black and White Rhinoceros, and a variety of smaller mammals.

A stop at Otjiwa Game Reserve near Windhoek concludes the safari, offering private bushveld experiences amid rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and scenic waterholes. Guests enjoy guided drives, optional Himba village visits, and immersive wildlife encounters with species such as Sable and Roan Antelope, Plains Game, Zebra, Giraffe, and White Rhinoceros. Optional activities include rhino tracking or horse riding, providing intimate connections with Namibia’s wildlife and landscapes.

The safari concludes back in Windhoek with transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport, leaving guests with unforgettable memories of Namibia’s wildlife, dramatic predator action, and the vibrancy of the green season. This journey highlights Namibia at its most abundant, offering a rare opportunity to witness big cats in action against a backdrop of newborn antelope, verdant plains, and striking African scenery.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Game drives
Activity level Easy activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • All drinks
  • Hot air balloons
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Windhoek

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport and transfer to Windhoek, enjoying views of Namibia’s open landscapes and mountains. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner, introducing local flavors before the safari adventure begins.

Villa Vista Guesthouse

Waterberg Plateau Park

Depart Windhoek after breakfast and travel north to the private reserve near Waterberg Plateau. Settle into riverside accommodation and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting antelope, Zebra, Giraffe, and predators drawn by the calving season. Scenic trails and elevated viewpoints reveal the dramatic escarpment and abundant wildlife.

Waterberg Guest Farm

Waterberg Plateau Park

Spend a full day exploring the reserve with guided drives and optional walking trails. Look for Leopard, Cheetah, and Hyena among herds of Buffalo, Sable and Roan Antelope, while enjoying the green-season vibrancy of plains and woodland. Optional visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund offers close encounters and conservation insights.

Waterberg Guest Farm

Bwabwata National Park

Arrive at Bwabwata National Park and settle into riverbank accommodation. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through lush floodplains and woodlands, spotting Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, and antelope, with predators like Lion and Leopard drawn by the calving season.

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Mahango Game Reserve

Explore Mahango Game Reserve with guided drives, watching wildlife along the Okavango River. Spot Hippos, Crocodiles, and a variety of herbivores, while elevated riverbank views reveal the park’s vibrant green-season landscapes.

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Okavango River

Take a morning game drive or optional birding excursion before enjoying a scenic boat cruise on the Okavango River. Observe wildlife gathering at the water’s edge, capturing Hippo, Crocodile, antelope, and the lush riverine scenery in the afternoon light.

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Etosha National Park (East)

Etosha

Arrive at eastern Etosha and settle into a classic tented camp. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, spotting Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, and antelope, while Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards are drawn to the calving herds along waterholes and floodplains.

Mushara Bush Camp

Etosha National Park (East)

Etosha

Explore eastern Etosha on morning and afternoon drives, watching newborn antelope with their mothers and tracking predators. The green-season plains and water-rich pans offer abundant wildlife and excellent photography opportunities.

Mushara Bush Camp

Etosha National Park (South)

Etosha

Arrive at southern Etosha near Andersson Gate and settle into lodge accommodation. Spend the afternoon on a game drive across mopane woodlands and open plains, spotting Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, and antelope, while predators track the calving herds.

Toshari Lodge

Etosha National Park (South)

Etosha

Enjoy full-day drives through Etosha’s southern landscapes, visiting waterholes and seasonal floodplains. Observe grazing herds, young antelope with mothers, and Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs in the lush green-season bush.

Toshari Lodge

Otjiwa Game Reserve

Arrive at Otjiwa Game Reserve for a private bush experience amid rolling plains and acacia-studded savanna. Enjoy guided drives, spot Sable and Roan Antelope, Zebra, Giraffe, and White Rhinoceros, and optional visits to a Himba village, while relaxing at the lodge surrounded by scenic waterholes and abundant birdlife.

The Otjiwa Collection - Eagle's Rest Lodge

Departure

Enjoy a final morning at Otjiwa with optional game drives, rhino tracking, or horse riding before transferring to Windhoek and Hosea Kutako Airport, concluding an unforgettable Namibia safari.

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