Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia
Animals and Astrophotography
This is the Africa experience that you won’t find anywhere else, incorporating outdoor adventure and the comforts of luxury safari lodges without the astronomical price tag.
We’ll be journeying to Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls (Zambia), a natural wonder of the world, for two weeks on two very different, but complementary, trips. The first takes you 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 will take us through Botswana where we will fly over the Okavango Delta to spot elephants, cruise the Chobe River along with hippos and crocodiles, and finish in Zambia at the world famous Victoria Falls. Join me for periodic photography workshops, as we photograph the night sky, amazing African animals, and the stunning landscape.
Join my pal Pete, who starred in MTV’s Made as an expert adventure guide, and me as we explore some of Africa’s most beautiful and safest places. 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.
Our groups are kept small and are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. This allows us to all get to know each other and for you to feel less like a number and more like an integral part of the experience, all while giving us access to smaller, local, more authentic, and ecological local operators.
Below you’ll find itineraries for both weeks of adventure in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia.
Botswana Bliss and Wildlife Photography
Elephants, Hippos, and Victoria Falls
September 18, Day 1: Windhoek
This Botswana trip gives us the opportunity to get the closest to the wildlife, by boat, hanging around the watering hole at elephant sands, and an aerial view of the Okavango Delta. We'll also have the opportunity to combine astrophotography and elephants!
Fly into Windhoek and meet up with the group from week one. If your flight gets in early, we’ll have some time to explore Windhoek before we head out to incredible Botswana.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 19, Day 2: Ghanzi
Today we’ll journey across the border into the Botswana side of the Kalahari Desert – a large semi-arid sandy savanna that is home to nomadic tribes who have historically lived off of the land in this harsh environment.
We'll visit the Gantsi Craft Trust, which is a non-profit organization that works to empower women in San communities through craft production. We will have an opportunity to check out their wares and learn more about the San people.
Lodge: Kalahari Arms or similar
September 20, Day 3: Okavango Delta
Today we’ll journey to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vast inland river delta that floods seasonally and is known for its lush animal habitats. This is the perfect place to see elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, and so much more. The delta also includes over 400 species of birds!
We'll do an afternoon bird walk and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Lodge: Island Safari Lodge or similar
September 21, Day 4: Okavango Delta
This morning we’ll take a traditional mokoro ride in a canoe-like boat for another point of view of the Okavango Delta. This is the perfect opportunity to see both the smaller animals and get up close with the plants in the delta in the traditional way of the locals, who have been traveling through the delta for centuries, and the big guys, like giraffe, elephant, and hippos.
Special photo tips with Kristin along the walk for those who are interested.
This combined with our scenic flight the next morning gives us a bird’s eye view and an up close encounter with this world-famous spot in Africa.
Practice astrophotography with Kristin for those who are interested, gearing up for our big photo shoot at Elephant Sands!
Lodge: Island Safari Lodge or similar
September 22, Day 5: Elephant Sands
In the morning, we’ll take in the magnificence of the Okavango Delta with a scenic flight, perfect for getting a glimpse of elephants and hippos from up above.
Next we’ll head 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 from both times I stayed there 5 and 3 years ago.
Evening photoshoot at the pool and watering hole with Kristin for those who are interested.
Astrophotography at night with the elephants, combining both wildlife and stars!
Lodge: Elephant Sands or similar
September 23, Day 6: Chobe National Park
Today 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 Pinotage wine, a grape varietal that was developed in South Africa. It feels a bit like leaving real life and teleporting into the Lion King.
We'll spend the night in luxury at Chobe Bush Lodge or similar.
September 24, Day 7: Chobe National Park / Livingstone
Today we’ll do an early morning safari in Chobe National Park where there's a chance to see wild dogs, warthogs, lions, and hippos before crossing into Zambia where we’ll have a chance to marvel at Victoria Falls, 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.
We'll spend the night in luxury along the mighty Zambezi river, the fourth-longest in Africa, that feeds the falls.
Lodge: Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel or similar
Septmber 25, Day 8: Livingstone
Explore Livingstone before heading out on your flight back home!
The trip is open to 16 adventurous women who are ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Price: $3450
Namibian Highlights and Astrophotography (sold out)
Adventures in Comfort - Enjoy Adrenaline During the Day and a Warm Bed Each Night.
September 10, Day 1: Windhoek
Fly into Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and meet your adventure guides and other members of the tour.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and get to bed early.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 11, Day 2: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll journey to Etosha National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, to see some incredible animals. It's common to see zebra, lion, giraffe, ostrich, kudu, oryx, elephants, and sometimes, endangered rhino, among many other birds, reptiles, and mammals.
We’ll stay at Emanya Lodge, a luxury lodge on the edge of the park. The highlight at Emanya will be watching the watering hole at night, where the animals will come to us! Also, everyone gets a complimentary foot massage!
Lodge: Emanya Lodge or similar
September 12, Day 3: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll drive through Etosha, 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.
We'll overnight in the park, staying at a camp with access to a watering hole. After sunset, floodlights illuminate the watering hole. This is the best time and place to see endangered black rhino. This rare animal can often be seen drinking alongside lion and elephant. The number and interaction of the animals is the major drawcard of Okaukuejo Rest Camp in Namibia, and we'll be staying in chalets right at the watering hole's edge. This premier lodging option gives you up close views of the watering hole without having to leave your chalet, unlike other rooms that are located at the center of camp.
Lodge: Okaukuejo in the park or similar
September 13, Day 4: Swakopmund
Today we'll say goodbye to Etosha with another quick jaunt to the park, and onwards to Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks and inselbergs that are over 120 million years old. Marvel at the warm orange rock formations and ancient cave drawings.
Next we’ll journey to Namibia’s adventure capital - Swakopmund.
Watch as the sun sets over the coast, in layers of color that often seem surreal, in this little German-influenced Namibian town. In the evening we’ll enjoy some game meat (with veggie options available) for those who are curious what ostrich, springbok, and kudu taste like.
Lodge: Hotel Eberwein or similar
September 14, Day 5: Swakopmund
Today you get to choose your own adventure! There are several optional activities: Go kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, or strap on boards and glide down the amazing 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.
For those who want a little more adrenaline, skydive over some of the most beautiful scenery on planet Earth. Give something new a try, and take in the stunning surroundings from way up above while you float back down to the desert below – a truly unforgettable experience.
If desired, it's possible to do skydiving and sandboarding on the same day.
Lodge: Hotel Eberwein or similar
September 15, 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.
Enjoy the afternoon poolside at the beautiful, luxurious Dead Valley Lodge, a world famous lodge with its own entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park and 20 luxury tented chalets. Roast marshmallows under the starry Namibian sky.
I'll be leading an astrophotography workshop this evening in one of the best and darkest places in the world for stars.
The lodge is inside the gate, so we can go up the dunes at sunrise. Almost everyone else will have to line up outside the gate and wait until sunrise to get in!
Lodge: Dead Valley Lodge or similar
September 16, Day 7: Dune 45 and Deadvlei
Today we’ll rise early to hike up the famous Dune 45 for one of the world’s most famous sunrises. Sit atop the sand dune as the sun rises to illuminate 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.
Next, we’ll jump into safari vehicles and make our way through the sand to Deadvlei to see the famous, picture-perfect acacia trees that have been blackened by the desert heat. 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.
Lodge: Dead Valley Lodge or similar
September 17, Day 8: Windhoek
We’ll make our way through the desert landscape back to Windhoek for the night.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 18, Day 9: Windhoek
Today, we will meet the members of the tour who are joining for week two in Botswana and Zambia, or for those who are heading home, catch your onward flights.
If you are doing both weeks 1 and 2, take the day to relax by the pool!
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
The trip is open to 16 adventurous women who are ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Price: $3550
Join both weeks for $6500! Continue reading to see Botswana Bliss!
Botswana Bliss and Wildlife/Star Photography
Elephants, Hippos, and Victoria Falls
September 18, Day 1: Windhoek
This Botswana trip gives us the opportunity to get the closest to the wildlife, by boat, hanging around the watering hole at elephant sands, and an aerial view of the Okavango Delta. We'll also have the opportunity to combine astrophotography and elephants!
Fly into Windhoek and meet up with the group from week one. If your flight gets in early, you’ll have some time to explore Windhoek before we head out to incredible Botswana.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 19, Day 2: Ghanzi
Today we’ll journey across the border into the Botswana side of the Kalahari Desert – a large semi-arid sandy savanna that is home to nomadic tribes who have historically lived off of the land in this harsh environment.
We'll visit the Gantsi Craft Trust, which is a non-profit organization that works to empower women in San communities through craft production. We will have an opportunity to check out their wares and learn more about the San people.
Lodge: Kalahari Arms or similar
September 20, Day 3: Okavango Delta
Next we'll journey to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vast inland river delta that floods seasonally and is known for its lush animal habitats. This is the perfect place to see elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, and so much more. The delta also includes over 400 species of birds!
We'll do an afternoon bird walk and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Lodge: Island Safari Lodge or similar
September 21, Day 4: Okavango Delta
This morning we’ll take a traditional mokoro ride in a canoe-like boat for another point of view of the Okavango Delta. This is the perfect opportunity to see both the smaller animals and get up close with the plants in the delta in the traditional way of the locals, who have been traveling through the delta for centuries, and the big guys, like giraffe, elephant, and hippos.
Special photo tips with Kristin along the walk for those who are interested.
This combined with our scenic flight the next morning gives us a bird’s eye view and an up close encounter with this world-famous spot in Africa.
Practice astrophotography with Kristin for those who are interested, gearing up for our big photo shoot at Elephant Sands!
Lodge: Island Safari Lodge or similar
September 22, Day 5: Elephant Sands
In the morning, we’ll take in the magnificence of the Okavango Delta with a scenic flight, perfect for getting a glimpse of elephants and hippos from up above.
Next we’ll head 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 from both times I stayed there 5 and 3 years ago.
Evening photoshoot at the pool and watering hole with Kristin for those who are interested.
Astrophotography with the elephants, combining both wildlife and stars!
Lodge: Elephant Sands or similar
September 23, Day 6: Chobe National Park
Today 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 Pinotage wine, a grape varietal that was developed in South Africa. It feels a bit like leaving real life and teleporting into the Lion King.
We'll spend the night in luxury at Chobe Bush Lodge.
Lodge: Chobe Bush Lodge or similar
September 24, Day 7: Chobe National Park / Livingstone
Today we’ll do an early morning safari in Chobe National Park where there's a chance to see wild dogs, warthogs, lions, and hippos before crossing into Zambia where we’ll have a chance to marvel at Victoria Falls, 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.
We'll spend the night in luxury along the mighty Zambezi river, the fourth-longest in Africa, that feeds the falls.
Lodge: Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel or similar
September 25, Day 8: Livingstone
Explore Livingstone before heading out on your flight back home!
The trip is open to 16 adventurous women who are ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Price: $3450
Namibian Highlights and Astrophotography (sold out)
Adventures in Comfort - Enjoy Adrenaline During the Day and a Warm Bed Each Night.
September 10, Day 1: Windhoek
Fly into Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and meet your adventure guides and other members of the tour.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and get to bed early.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 11 Day 2: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll journey to Etosha National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, to see some incredible animals. It's common to see zebra, lion, giraffe, ostrich, kudu, oryx, elephants, and sometimes, endangered rhino, among many other birds, reptiles, and mammals.
We’ll stay at Emanya Lodge, a luxury lodge on the edge of the park. The highlight at Emanya will be watching the watering hole at night, where the animals will come to us! Also, everyone gets a complimentary foot massage!
Lodge: Emanya Lodge or similar
September 12, Day 3: Etosha National Park
Today we’ll drive through Etosha, 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.
We'll overnight in the park, staying at a camp with access to a watering hole. After sunset, floodlights illuminate the watering hole. This is the best time and place to see endangered black rhino. This rare animal can often be seen drinking alongside lion and elephant. The number and interaction of the animals is the major drawcard of Okaukuejo Rest Camp in Namibia, and we'll be staying in chalets right at the watering hole's edge. This premier lodging option gives you up close views of the watering hole without having to leave your chalet, unlike other rooms that are located at the center of camp.
Lodge: Okaukuejo in the park or similar
September 13, Day 4: Swakopmund
Today we'll say goodbye to Etosha with another quick jaunt to the park, and onwards to Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks and inselbergs that are over 120 million years old. Marvel at the warm orange rock formations and ancient cave drawings.
Next we’ll journey to Namibia’s adventure capital - Swakopmund.
Watch as the sun sets over the coast, in layers of color that often seem surreal, in this little German-influenced Namibian town. In the evening we’ll enjoy some game meat (with veggie options available) for those who are curious what ostrich, springbok, and kudu taste like.
Lodge: Hotel Eberwein or similar
September 14, Day 5: Swakopmund
Today you get to choose your own adventure! There are several optional activities: Go kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, or strap on boards and glide down the amazing 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.
For those who want a little more adrenaline, skydive over some of the most beautiful scenery on planet Earth. Give something new a try, and take in the stunning surroundings from way up above while you float back down to the desert below – a truly unforgettable experience.
If desired, it's possible to do skydiving and sandboarding on the same day.
Lodge: Hotel Eberwein or similar
September 15, 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.
Enjoy the afternoon poolside at the beautiful, luxurious Dead Valley Lodge, a world famous lodge with its own entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park and 20 luxury tented chalets. Roast marshmallows under the starry Namibian sky.
I'll be leading an astrophotography workshop this evening in one of the best and darkest places in the world for stars.
The lodge is inside the gate, so we can go up the dunes at sunrise. Almost everyone else will have to line up outside the gate and wait until sunrise to get in!
Lodge: Dead Valley Lodge or similar
September 16, Day 7: Dune 45 and Deadvlei
Today we’ll rise early to hike up the famous Dune 45 for one of the world’s most famous sunrises. Sit atop the sand dune as the sun rises to illuminate 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.
Next, we’ll jump into safari vehicles and make our way through the sand to Deadvlei to see the famous, picture-perfect acacia trees that have been blackened by the desert heat. 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.
Lodge: Dead Valley Lodge or similar
September 17, Day 8: Windhoek
We’ll make our way through the desert landscape back to Windhoek for the night.
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
September 18, Day 9: Windhoek
Today, we will meet the members of the tour who are joining for week two in Botswana and Zambia, or for those who are heading home, catch your onward flights.
If you are doing both weeks 1 and 2, take the day to relax by the pool!
Lodge: Roof of Africa or similar
The trip is open to 16 adventurous women who are ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Price: $3450
Empowered by other like minded women along the way.
I have now done two tours with BMTM adventures and I would do it again. Kristin and Pete have every detail planned out and organized to create a stress free vacation for any adventure goer with an open mind. Whether you are surfing in the Galapagos or going on safari in Africa, you are going to have an amazing time and be empowered by other like minded women along the way. I don’t even have to see what the itinerary is anymore. I just see it’s a destination I want to go to and know I am all in! - SAMANTHA
Everything I was hoping for and so much more!
These tours have been everything I was hoping for and so much more! We’ve traveled to amazing places, and each day is always packed with fun, active adventures. I love that the emphasis is on doing awesome things, rather than ticking off a checklist of sights that I’ll forget before I’ve finished editing the photos (because I’m not on top of that shit at all). I have so much confidence now in these tours that I barely need to read the itinerary – I know when we go someplace new that each day will be fun and different, and I just have to be open to it! Pete is an amazing guide, a rare combination of totally competent and organized and completely laid back and funny. Together, Kristin and Pete set a fun and friendly atmosphere. - JENN
We're your Guides!
Pete Kornmeier
Chief Adventure Architect
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. He wants me to tell you that his strongest attribute is ability to pack snacks for a trip, but I think it's his inventive 'would you rather' jokes.
Kristin Addis
Ambassador of Exploration
Kristin is the founder and main author and photographer of bemytravelmuse.com. She has traveled to over fifty five countries on nearly every continent, hiking, hitchhiking, and solo traveling each time. She's always looking to discover new and exciting things, and to gain a new perspective on old favorites by connecting with locals and finding amazing photo ops. She is passionate about female empowerment and encouraging people to put their fears aside and see the world!
I always felt included, never once felt unsafe.
A tour is only as good as its guide, so you have nothing to worry about!
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
What to Expect from Our Women's Adventure Trips
All the juicy details
Thanks to Pete’s years as a guide, including several trips to Africa and my experience encompassing six months on the continent, we’ve put together a trip that we’re both excited about and dying to go on ourselves, and we know that you’ll love it, too. 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 3 are ranked as safer than the US by the Institute for Economics and Peace). Here’s what you get:
• All permits, park fees, and local guides.
• All meals.
• Accommodation in comfortable lodges – double occupancy everywhere.
• Ground transport, including to and from the airport.
• All listed activities and associated entry fees except for adventure options in Swakopmund.
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.