The Best of Botswana

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1 | Livingstone to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | Camping

Your adventure begins in Livingstone, Zambia with an early departure from your hotel (you’ll need to arrive in Livingstone the day before departure).  Your road transfer will take across the Zambezi River and into Botswana at Kazungula.  After customs and immigration formalities, you will meet your guide before driving south to the village of Nata, situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where we will camp for the night.  (Day 1: Lunch, Dinner)

Days 2-3  | Nxai Pan National Park | Camping

We leave Makgadikgadi Salt Pans quite early, after a light breakfast. Our journey takes us westwards to Nxai Pan National Park.  The area is known for large herds of springbok and gemsbok, species that are not water dependent and not seen in the parks further north.  Nxai Pan is an ancient lake-bed scattered with islands of Acacia trees.  The Pans have changed little in thousands of years and offer a place to totally lose oneself in limitless wilderness.  Camping for the next two nights is in Nxai Pan National Park, with afternoon and morning game-drives (Days 2-3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 | Maun | Comfortable Lodge

Today we take a game drive out of Nxai Pan National Park and journey on further west into the frontier town of Maun, to our hotel which has a pleasant eating area with a welcome swimming pool.  The afternoon is at leisure at the Hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River.  Lunch and Dinner are at guests own expense. 

Days 5-6 | Xakanaxa & The Okavango Delta | Moremi Game Reserve | Camping

We travel by road to Xakanaxa (pronounced ka-ka-na-ka), which is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta.  The area is within the Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa. The Moremi Reserve has areas of dry land rising between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the edges of mopane and Kalahari Apple-leaf woodlands.  Species such as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest are but a few that occur here, along with an astonishing variety of birds.  Moremi is one of the best places in Africa to see the rare African wild dog.  (Days 5-6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Days 7-8 | Khwai Community Area | Camping

The camp staff breaks camp and we take a leisurely drive to our private campsite in the Khwai River area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.  We’ll spend two days exploring the varied habitat searching for the area’s abundant game on early morning and afternoon game drives.  Your guide will generally spend maximum time on game-drives, depending on what is seen, trying to cover as much area as possible.  The result of this is guests are given the best chances of seeing a variety of wildlife-although there is of course, that obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day!  We’ll camp at a private site in Khwai.  (Days 7-8: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Days 9-10 | Savute | Chobe National Park | Camping

We leave the Moremi area, crossing the Khwai Bridge to the northern bank of the Khwai River. There is a quick opportunity to buy more drinks in the small village, before making our way to Chobe National Park. Since none of Botswana’s wildlife areas are fenced, game can move freely between these two wilderness areas.  Hippo, elephant and sometimes lion are often found along this route.  Large numbers of game can be found on the plains of Savute, including lions, leopard, and many types of antelope.  (Days 9-10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Days 11-12 | Chobe River | Chobe National Park | Camping

We journey north toward the Chobe River, the second biggest river in southern Africa (the Zambezi in the largest).  The Chobe River is home the world’s largest elephant herds; large numbers of big game such as buffalo, hippo and lion can be seen here.  Our private campsite is on a teak forested dune that overlooks this beautiful river.  Game drives are taken in the afternoons and mornings to find the remarkable variety of species that are drawn to this permanent water source.  On our early morning game drives, we’ll slowly meander along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where we can find Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope.  The sheer variety of animals, in abundance, makes this region a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.  (Days 11-12: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Days 13-14 | Victoria Falls | Livingstone | Comfortable Lodge

We have a leisurely start this last camping morning and say fond farewells to our efficient back-up and camp crew after breakfast.  We head eastwards on a last game drive to the exit gate at Sedudu Valley. From there it is a short drive to Kazungula Border Post, where your Safari Guide will ensure that your transfer back to Livingstone is seamless, before leaving to lead another safari.  This afternoon can be spent exploring one of the truly magnificent sights on earth-the wonderfully beautiful Victoria Falls.  Optional activities and Victoria Falls entrance at guests own expense.  Your safari officially ends after breakfast on Day 14.  (Days 13-14: Breakfast)

Tents are 3m x 3m bow tents manufactured from durable rip stop canvas. All tents have sown in ground sheets as well as mosquito proofing. They have roof ventilation and large windows, which allow for maximum air movement.  A private bucket shower and toilet are attached to each tent.  Tents contain a camp cot, mattress, towel, fitted sheet, duvet, blanket, pillow and pillowcase.

Vehicles used on safari are time tested, specialized Land Cruisers.  The Land Cruiser has both height and comfort and allows for a vehicle with maximum game viewing potential. Each vehicle carries a maximum of nine (9) passengers in individual bucket seats. The passenger and driver compartments are connected, which allows for communication between the guide and his guests.  Charging stations for camera batteries are available.

INCLUDED:  Comfortable 3x3 meter dome style tents including sturdy beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillow, pillowcases and duvet.  En-suite facilities while using private campsites; Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants, complete with a supply vehicle; Open vehicle game drives and local transfers in customized safari vehicles; Exclusive camping in private campsites within the national parks and reserves;  Lodge accommodation in Maun (Day 4) and Livingstone (Day 13); All entrance fees and camping fees within the national parks and reserves; All meals specified in itinerary; Local beers, wine & soft drinks while camping; All activities as specified in the itinerary.

EXCLUDED:  All international flights and departure taxes; Entry visas; Travel insurance (required); Optional safari extensions or activities in Maun or Livingstone; Chobe River boat cruise; Victoria Falls entry fee; Staff gratuities, Pre- and post-safari accommodation;  Any drinks at lodges or accommodation other than in mobile camps; Items of personal nature and toiletries.

PAYMENT: A non-refundable, 25% deposit is required to confirm booking.  Balance is due 7 weeks before departure.

Other terms & conditions apply.