Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana
Animals and Astrophotography
Travel Muse Adventures Women’s Africa Expedition April/May 2025
This is the Africa experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our women’s adventures incorporate outdoor adventure and the comforts of safari lodges without the astronomical price tag.
We’ll be journeying to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia for two weeks on two very different, but complementary, trips. The first week takes us through Namibia, a desert country in Southern Africa known for gorgeous sand dunes, starry skies, wide open spaces, and lots of amazing animals including lions, flamingoes, and possibly even rhinos!
Week two begins at a Natural Wonder of the World- Victoria Falls- where we’ll have an exhilarating view over the edge from angel’s Pool. We will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Okavango Delta, rich with some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife.
We experience it from water and the air with a doors-off helicopter experience before cruising the Chobe River along with hippos and crocodiles.
Groups are limited to 16 adventurers. Meet like-minded female BMTM readers who also want this kind of incredible, immersive experience, get to know new places, and indulge in a trip that will show you what adventurous travel is all about in a safe, attainable, and fun way.
Below you’ll find itineraries for both weeks of adventure, plus an optional meerkat and giraffe tea add-on that begins prior to the trip!
Namibian Highlights and Astrophotography –
Adventures in Comfort – Enjoy Remote Landscapes During the Day and a Warm Bed Each Night.
April 26, Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
*Note that our optional Meerkat and Giraffe Lodge extension begins prior to the trip, and is detailed at the bottom of this itinerary.
Fly into Windhoek and meet your adventure guides and other members of the tour. Take the day to relax by the pool high above the noise of the city, or try to spot one of the 19 species of game on the private reserve where we will be staying. Option to add horseback riding for those who arrive early.
Lodge: River Crossing or similar
April 27, Day 2: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll make our way to Etosha National Park, one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. The park is home to wild lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebra, springbok, honey badgers, and hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, many of which are endangered.
Thanks to the dry nature of Namibia, wildlife viewing in Etosha is made easy by heading to the watering holes and scanning the salt pan, which is the largest on Earth, for animals.
Enjoy a foot massage at the lodge and hang by the watering hole at night at the luxurious Emanya lodge, located on the edge of the national park with gorgeous sunset views, multiple pools, lovely rooms…
And a lookout tower for wildlife. Enjoy sundowners on the deck before a delicious multi-course dinner.
Lodge: Emanya or similar
April 28, Day 3: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll journey into Etosha National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, to see some incredible animals. During our full day game drive, we will witness how the desert landscape provides unique opportunities to see many rare animal interactions around water sources.
We are lucky to stay in the national park at Okakuejo Lodge, which is one of the best locations in the world to see the endangered black rhino. The highlight will be watching the watering hole at night, where the animals will come to us!
Lodge: Okakuejo or similar
April 29, Day 4: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
Today we’ll say goodbye to Etosha (with one last morning game drive), and move onwards to Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks that are over 120 million years old. Marvel at the warm orange rock formations and ancient cave drawings.
Then we’ll journey to Namibia’s adventure capital – Swakopmund, where we will be staying right on the beach.
Watch as the sun sets over the coast, in layers of color that often seem surreal, in this little German-influenced Namibian beachside town.
We’ll spend two nights at the gorgeous Beach Lodge, located directly on the beach and perfectly situated for sunset. Rooms open up right to the sand for those on the first floor, and have balconies with water views on the second.
Lodge: Beach Lodge or similar
April 30, Day 5: Swakopmund
Today you get to choose your own adventure! There are several optional activities: Go kayaking, four-wheeling, or strap on boards and glide down the towering dunes we’ve been admiring so far on the trip. Even if you don’t have snowboarding experience, sandboarding can be tons of fun, thanks to the soft sand. Or take a jeep tour through the dunes to Sandwich Harbor, one of the only places on earth where dunes meet the sea. A gorgeous adventure finished with champagne.
For those who want a little more adrenaline, skydive and take in the stunning surroundings from way up above while you float back down to the desert below – a truly unforgettable experience. And for those that want a little more relaxation, today is a great day to read on the beach.
Lodge: Beach Lodge or similar
May 1, Day 6: Sossusvlei
Today we’ll hit the road, stopping to say hi to the flamingoes of Walvis Bay on our way. We’ll be driving through the breathtaking Namib Desert down to two of the most famous sights in the country, Dune 45 and Deadvlei.
We will take a walk in Sesirem Canyon in the afternoon.
Enjoy the evening poolside at the beautiful Desert Quiver Lodge, watching Oryx stroll by with a drink in hand. This unique and remote lodge has some of the best sweeping desert views in Namibia
Kristin will be leading an astrophotography workshop this evening in one of the best and darkest places in the world for stars.
Lodge: Desert Quiver or similar
May 2, Day 7: Sossusvlei
Today we’ll rise early to visit the dead acacia trees framed with orange dunes that make the park famous. Sit atop the sand dune as the sun casts shadows on the orange desert around us. Watch for kudu and oryx running across the dunes, and take in the 360-degree view of bright orange dune after bright orange dune.
Walk amongst the most intriguing and fascinating dead forest in the world, tip toeing across the salt pan and walking across the tops of the dunes. This is truly an experience you can only have in Namibia!
In the evening, enjoy sundowners at the lodge and practice your astrophotography with Kristin if desired. This area has some of the best stargazing on earth.
Lodge: Desert Quiver or similar
May 3, Day 8: Windhoek
We’ll make our way through the desert landscape visiting Sesirem canyon on the way back to Windhoek for the night.
Lodge: River Crossing or similar
May 4, Day 9: Victoria Falls / Head Home
For those doing both weeks, an international flight is included to transport us to Victoria Falls from Windhoek to start the next part of our journey. This allows us to cut over ten hours of driving from our itinerary!
For those who are heading home, catch your onward flights out of Windhoek.
Priced at $3900 for one week, or $7500 for both
Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Elephants, and Hippos
May 4, Day 9: Victoria Falls
We’ll spend the afternoon marveling at Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The falls are a spectacular sight, straddling two countries with a combined width of 5,604 feet and height of 354 feet. It has been classified as the waterfall with the largest sheet of falling water in the world, and is a magnificent sight to behold.
Lodge: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
May 5, Day 10: Livingstone
Today we’ll make our way to Livingstone, crossing into Zambia and getting our passports stamped before moving on to the mighty Zambezi River.
In the afternoon, we’ll do the Angel’s Pool (water levels permitting) and see one of the most famous views in the area, hanging out on a pool at the edge of the waterfall. The views and experience are spectacular.
Lodge: Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge or similar
May 6, Day 11: Livingstone
In the morning we’ll go on a walk with rhinos. These endangered creatures are incredible to see in person, and this will be a chance to put the cherry on top of our animal sightings for the trip!
Next, choose your own adventure with the following optional activities: visit the elephant cafe, light-wing aircraft over the falls, bungee jump, and much more! We will end the evening with a visit to Zambia’s side of Victoria Falls for sunset.
Lodge: Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge or similar
May 7, Day 12: Chobe National Park
Next, we’ll journey to Chobe National Park, known for its herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, and for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa. We’re also likely to see lions, hippos, lots of birds, and crocodiles.
In order to see them up close, we’ll take a sunset cruise down the river to watch as the animals eat, bathe, and drink, culminating in a gorgeous sunset with sundowners available onboard. It feels a bit like leaving real life and teleporting into the Lion King.
We’ll spend the night in luxury at the gorgeous Chobe Safari Lodge that’s right on the Chobe River. Enjoy sundowners by the pool and partake in the delicious dinner while watching the world go by on the river.
Lodge: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
May 8, Day 13: Elephant Sands
Today we’ll jump into open air safari vehicles and do an early morning safari in Chobe National Park where we’ll have our greatest chance to see big cats like lions and leopards. There’s also chance to see wild dogs, warthogs, giraffes, and hippos. Finish the morning with a coffee in the park.
Next we’ll make our way across the border into Botswana and onward to Elephant Sands – a safari lodge with its own watering hole that is famous for attracting wild elephants. View these incredible creatures up close as they drink, bathe, and socialize right in front you while sipping a sundowner.
This is a unique opportunity to see wild elephants in an intimate setting without endangering them or ourselves. It’s truly a magical experience and still one of my top travel memories of all time.
Lodge: Elephant Sands or similar
May 9, Day 14: Maun
We will drive to Maun in the morning and check into Maun Lodge.
In the afternoon, take in the magnificence of the Okavango Delta with a scenic doors-off helicopter flight, perfect for getting a glimpse of elephants and hippos from up above. This is an absolute highlight of the entire BMTM Africa trip, with opportunities to get a bird’s eye view of some of Africa’s most famous wildlife.
Lodge: Maun Lodge or similar
May 10, Day 15: Maun
This is the perfect opportunity to see hippos, giraffes, and elephants in the delta in the traditional way of the locals, who have been traveling through the delta for centuries. We will spend the full day cruising the delta in mokoros and on foot for some thrilling wildlife encounters from this unique perspective.
Special photo tips with Kristin along the walk for those who are interested.
Lodge: Maun Lodge or similar
May 11, Day 16: Head home
Head home at any time out of Maun airport.
Priced at $3900 for one week, or $7500 for both
OPTIONAL ADD ON ADVENTURE: Meerkats and Giraffe Tea – SOLD OUT!
April 24: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
We’ll make our way to the stylish Naankuse Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary where a smaller group will remain after the tour for this exciting add-on!
Enjoy your day on this 3200 hectare nature reserve. In the afternoon, we will explore the area and watch the feeding of rescued lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and leopards. We will also learn about the conservation efforts ongoing at Naankuse Lodge.
Lodge: Naankuse Lodge
April 25: Wild Meerkats, Giraffe High Tea
In the morning, we’ll make our way out to see the wild Meerkats that call this part of Namibia home. Watch as these adorable creatures socialize in the early morning hours before we move to Voigtland for our incredible Giraffe high tea experience! Enjoy a delicious high tea at this adorable guesthouse that combines an atmosphere of old world charm with a unique modern style, all while sharing space with adorable giraffes.
Lodge: Voigtland
April 26: Join the rest of the BMTM Adventures crew!
Wake up to Giraffes roaming by while you have breakfast and prepare to join the BMTM Adventures to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Priced at $895. SPACE IS LIMITED to 10 guests
Empowered by other like minded women along the way.
Everything I was hoping for and so much more!
I always felt included, never once felt unsafe.
Kristin is awesome. She has a calming nature about her and a genuineness that is magnetic. Pete, her right hand man with BMTM Adventures, is a perfect complement—charismatic and completely unfazed by the conversations that occur when you put 16 women in a van. Together, the pair is unstoppable. I always felt included, never once felt unsafe, and when there were hiccups, Kristin & Pete handled them behind the scenes while the rest of us remained blissfully unaware. They’re professionals without all that corporate stiffness, as responsible as they are silly. – ASHLEY
We’re your Guides!
Kristin Addis
Chief Adventure Architect
Hi! My name is Kristin. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and have traveled to over 65 countries. I started BMTM Adventures nearly 8 years ago with the goal of sharing the world’s most special places and unique adventures with women from all over the world, and am thrilled to serve as photography guide on this journey with you! While I started out as a solo female traveler, these group experiences have introduced me to some of the most interesting, badass women I am privileged to know. I can’t wait to meet our new group!
Donovan Awarab
Ambassador of Exploration
My name is Donovan Awarab, I grew up in a small village in Damaraland where I grew up around elephants, lions, and rhinos. From a young age it was already my passion to share my beautiful home. After I completed high school I immediately went into wilderness safari guiding. After completing college in Windhoek, I obtained the highest level of guiding in Namibia and ever since that I’ve been doing what I love, guiding groups all throughout my beautiful home country of Namibia. I can’t wait to welcome you to my country!
Pete Kornmeier
Logistics Mastermind
Pete has traveled to over forty five countries and led trips on six continents. He was featured as a leader in Alaska on MTV Made: Extreme Survivalists. His favorite traveling experiences were volunteering for two months at the Tibetan Refugee Assistance Center in India and backpacking for fourteen days through remote areas of Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska. His strongest attribute is ability to keep the trip running smoothly without anyone ever knowing how much planning and logistics go into everything we do on this trip.
What to Expect from Our Women’s Adventure Trips
We worked tirelessly to find lodges that are unique and beautiful, and experiences that are safe, taking place in countries with a low crime rate (all 4 are ranked as safer than the US by the Institute for Economics and Peace).
Keep in mind that Africa travel is unlike anywhere else in the world. We drive an open air truck that is made for the landscape, but the roads can be rough and unforeseen delays are common. It’s all part of the adventure!
• All permits, park fees, and local guides.
• All meals.
• Accommodation in comfortable lodges – double occupancy everywhere (lodges are small and offer an intimate experience. For this reason we are unable to offer a single supplement option).
• Ground transport, including to and from the airport.
• All listed activities and associated entry fees except for optional activities in Swakopmund (Day 5) and in Livingstone (Afternoon Day 8).
What’s not included:
• Travel insurance (required).
• Tips and gratuities, at your discretion.
• Travel to and from Africa.
• Any additional snacks and alcohol.
• Visa fees, if applicable.
Immunizations and a visit to your doctor are important before embarking on this trip as well. In some areas, anti-malarials might be recommended.
16 spots are available to female travelers each week on a first-come, first serve basis. Have questions? Contact me!
*Please wait until the trip is confirmed to buy your flights.