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A safari in Botswana is unlike any other: from the exquisite savannahs, floodplains and bushveld, to the pristine water landscapes, all teeming with wildlife; Botswana truly is one of the finest safari destinations that our planet has to offer
AUGUST 2020
This trip is a comfortable, hosted, mobile camping safari [with ensuite toilets and showers], staying at private campsites, that takes in all that the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti and Chobe National Park offers. The idea is to be 'close to the ground' in private campsites that get us into the best and wildest places in Botswana. Starting from Maun with a magical flight into Moremi Game Reserve - to the remarkable game viewing around the enigmatic SavutiChannel, with the last few days spent alongside two of Africa’s most beautiful rivers and onwards to the safari’s end at the magnificent Victoria Falls, staying a comfortable lodge.
Trip highlights;
Aerial flight over Okavango into Moremi | Khwai area's predators | Savuti's great waterholes | Chobe's elephants and boat trip | Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe side
Trip Overview:
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Day 1/2/3: Xakanaka lagoon area of Moremi NP with boat trip into the Okavango Delta
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Day 4/5: Khwai River, Moremi NP
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Day 6/7: Savuti Marsh region of Chobe NP
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Day 8/9: Chobe NP riverfront with an afternoon boat trip
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Day 10: Victoria Falls - afternoon visit
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Day 11: Transfer to airport and depart or onward plans
Price:
RXXXXX.00 per person [USD]
Single supplement: USD250.00
25% deposit to secure your place
Detailed itinerary
Day 1, 2, 3 - Xakanaka area of Moremi NP, Okavango Delta
DATE
Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met by your host, Jamie Thom and shown through to the air charter company who will assist in the transfer to a shared light aircraft for an exciting flight to Xakanaxa (pronounced ka-ka-ni-ka) , a thirty-minute flight. Our Safari Guide will meet us at the airstrip on arrival. Xakanaxa is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta. The area is encompassed by Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa. The Game-Reserve has areas of dry lands rising between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the edges of Mopane and Apple-Leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes place alongside waterways and floodplains. Species such as Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest are but a few that occur here, along with an astonishing variety of birds.
On one of the days, we make our way to the banks of the Okavango River along game-drive routes in the early morning. Today we explore the clear channels, lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by motor boat , going upstream through a myriad of crystal clear waterways lined with African Mangosteen and Water Berry Trees, as well as swaying seas of papyrus. We follow the Okavango River through the Lagoons of Xaxanaxa and Gadikwe, deep into the permanent waters of this unique inland delta. Birdlife is prolific-Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Ducks and beautiful Pygmy Geese being regularly seen. After a picnic lunch, we make our way back downstream to the mainland for the short evening drive and dinner.
Comfortable Mobile Camping
(Exclusive camping sites and en-suite bathroom)
All meals included as well locally supplied drinks, wine and beer
Day 4/5 - Khwai River area of Moremi NP
DATE
The camp team breaks up camp and we take a lengthy game drive for the day and on to our next private campsite in the Khwai River area of Moremi Game Reserve. This region’s diversity of animals is truly astounding. Moremi was proclaimed a conservation area in 1964-the result of this foresight is that Moremi is quite rightly been rated as one of the best game-viewing areas in the world.
We typically spend maximum time on game-drives, depending on what is seen, trying to cover as much of the area as possible, giving oursleves the best chances of viewing wildlife-although there is of course, that obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day!
Comfortable Mobile Camping
(Exclusive camping sites and en-suite bathroom)
All meals included as well locally supplied drinks, wine and beer
Day 6/7 - Savute Marsh and Channel area of Chobe NP
DATE
We leave Moremi, crossing the Khwai Bridge to the northern bank of Khwai River, on our way to Chobe National Park. Due to the fact that none of Botswana’s wildlife areas are fenced, animals move freely between these two wilderness areas. Hippo, Elephant and sometimes Lion are often found on the way. Moving through the Mababe depression, we relocate to Savuti where we camp in the region of the Savuti Channel. Game viewing this afternoon takes place along the fringes of the marsh and surrounding water holes. The area is best known for large populations of Bull Elephants-and Prides of Lion that patrol the banks of this enigmatic channel.
We have an opportunity to climb one of the few hills in the entire region, to see San Bushman paintings, an indication that this area has always drawn those who have an affinity to the wilderness. Savuti is unique and the special opportunity of exploring this area always remains with our guests for a long time.
Comfortable Mobile Camping
(Exclusive camping sites and en-suite bathroom)
All meals included as well locally supplied drinks, wine and beer
Day 8/9 - Chobe NP riverfront
DATE
Our journey continues north toward the Chobe River, the second biggest river in Southern Africa (Zambezi in the largest). The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest Elephant herds; and large gatherings of Buffalo and Hippo are common, while Lion are drawn to the region to hunt the seasonal feast. Gamedrives are taken in the afternoons and mornings to find the remarkable variety of species that are drawn to this permanent water source.
On the second day, after an early start, we take a slow drive along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where we can find Chobe Bushbuck and Puku Antelope. The sheer variety of animals, in abundance, make this region a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. In the afternoon, we take an afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River-perhaps the last river where one has a fair chance to see Lion and Elephant, Leopard or Wild Dog from the unique viewpoint of a boat.
Comfortable Mobile Camping
(Exclusive camping sites and en-suite bathroom)
All meals included as well locally supplied drinks, wine and beer
Day 10 - Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
DATE
We have a leisurely start this last camping morning and say fond farewells to our efficient camp crew. We head eastwards on a last gamedrive to the exit-gate at Sedudu Valley. From there it is a short drive to Kazungula Border Post, from where our Safari Guide departs before we continue on to Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. This afternoon can be spent exploring one of the truly magnificent sights on earth-the wonderfully beautiful Victoria Falls; 300 feet high and over a mile wide! Witness the power of nature as an average of 550000 tons of Water thunders into the Zambezi Gorge every minute. Optional activities and Victoria Falls Entrance at guests own expense.
Phezulu Guest Lodge
(Standard rooms with en-suite bathroom)
Only breakfast the following morning is included
Drinks for own account.
Day 11 - Depart
DATE
Today our safari ends after breakfast, or any final activities, with a road transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport - where we say fond farewells!
What to expect on a COMFORTABLE Mobile Safari:
We use only private campsites, so you will not be camping anywhere near noisy groups and lots of other people. In some cases, the nearest “other people” might be as much as 20-25km away. These campsites are unfenced and are in the middle of wilderness areas-so our game drives literally start at the sites. Our tents are 3 x 3 meter dome-type-with En-Suite Facilities. They are big enough so that someone can stand inside. These tents are made from durable rip-stop canvas and have sewn-in groundsheets. They come equipped with sturdy camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillow, pillowcases and duvets.
Other equipment used on safari to enhance our guests comfort are camping basins, washstands, hot water bucket showers and water-based toilets. Safari style fold-up chairs and large tables are provided (all meals are eaten from the table). Our great back-up staff does all the cooking, cleaning and setting-up and breaking camp, so the difficult aspect of camping is taken away! This setup allows our guests to get as close to nature, wilderness, plants and animals as possible. The essence of what we do is not to insulate guests from the very things they have come to see. In many cases, the camping aspect of our safaris are what guests remember most, due to the use of our private sites which allow our guests closeness to the wild.
TENTS & EQUIPMENT:
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Our style of camping is comfortable, with en-suite showers and toilets.
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Comfortable mattresses and linen
This is an authentic outdoor experience, hosted by one of our team as well as an expert local guide. If you are looking to be pampered for 11 days, then this may not be the trip for you - if however, you are looking for a life-changing and wonderful experience in nature, then this may be right for you!
FOOD & DRINKS
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3 delicious wholesome meals each day when camping, with dinner served ‘Al fresco’ under the stars or under our 'mess tent' – bush cuisine at its best!
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Drinking water included
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Tea and coffee available in camp.
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Locally supplied cooldrinks, beer and wine are included
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Excludes lunch & dinner in Victoria Falls
VEHICLES:
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All vehicles have an open roof and sides (with roll-down weatherproof canvas, or in some cases, windows that fold down) and thus offer the best game-viewing opportunities. They also come equipped with first aid kits, a fire extinguisher, individual bucket seats with seat belts and a cooler box for beverages.
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Our guides are in 24-hour radio, cellphone or satellite phone contact with our operations bases in Maun or Johannesburg.
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We carry out twice-yearly risk management assessment of our procedures and operations to ensure maximum client safety and due care.
STAFF:
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Guide, Camp Manager, chef, camp assistant/s.
WHAT TO BRING:
Soft luggage is recommended along with a daypack. Clothing should be lightweight, dull, khaki or green coloured and comfortable. Easily washable fabric is advised as laundry is done by hand, yourself during midday hours. A warm jacket is essential throughout the year (for morning game drives). Comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Sturdy sandals will also be useful. Take a swimming costume and towel. For sun protection bring long-sleeve light shirts, a hat, high-factor sun cream and sunglasses. A quality torch with spare batteries is essential. Take your own toiletries as none are provided locally. High quality binoculars are essential for effective game viewing. Take a camera with zoom lens for photography. If you bring a video or digital camera, please remember to bring a 12 volt charger for connection to our vehicle. There is a maximum weight restriction on our vehicles of 12kg luggage per person.
INTERESTED?
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