Wild Botswana

Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north into Botswana and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. This reserve situated on the Kalahari sandveld, has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest. Overnight basic chalet with shared bathroom. Approx. distance/time: 620 kms, ±7.5 hrs, not including stops for border crossing & lunch. NB: Breakfast is not included; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals:  L,D

We drive through the Kalahari to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Since Maun’s founding in 1915 as the capital of the Batawana people, it has had a reputation as a hard living Wild West town helping the local cattle ranching and safari operations. The name Maun is derived from the San word ‘maung’, which translates ‘the place of short reeds’. Overnight lodge. Approx. distance/time: 550 kms, ±6.5 hrs, excluding stop for lunch & shopping for supplies. NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals:  B,L

We drive into the Okavango Delta to the launch station where we board our mokoro and pole to our tented camp in the heart of the largest inland delta in the world. This amazing environment has large numbers of red lechwe, buffalo, elephant and birds, particularly kingfishers! One of the best experiences in the Okavango Delta is to be poled along reed-lined channels in a mokoro (dug-out canoe). Sit back and relax as the water gurgles gently under the mokoro while your skilled poler points out the fauna and flora. Overnight for 2 nights in basic tented camp in the Okavango with twin camp beds and linen, ensuite chemical toilet, and shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire. Approx. distance/time: 50 kms, ±2 hrs 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way. Day 3: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group. Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals:  B,L,D

We take an open 4WD into Moremi Game Reserve for fantastic game viewing. Chief’s Island is the largest landmass within Moremi and was the Batswana tribe’s richest hunting ground, before being declared a game reserve by the tribe. We spend 4 days on game drives watching the abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other game, both in Moremi Game Reserve and in private concession reserves surrounding the park. We return to Maun midday on day 8 for an evening restaurant meal (at your own expense). Overnight permanent tented camp (3 nights) and lodge (1 night). Approx. distance/time: 120 kms, ±4 hrs, excluding stops for game viewing enroute and lunch. Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the tented camp. Days 6 & 7: Breakfast will be provided by the tented camp; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the tented camp. Day 8: Breakfast will be provided by the tented camp; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant in Maun).

Meals:  B,L,D

We have time for an optional game flight over the Okavango before we head to Nata (at your own expense). The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi appear as a glaring white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate to the sweet nutritious grasslands and clouds of flamingo feed in its algae rich waters. It is an area of low rainfall, so this spectacle only lasts a short while. (Please note due to high rainfall in the area over the last few years that there is water in the section of the pans we visit). Overnight tented lodge or chalets. Approx. distance/time: 350 kms, ±5 hrs, excluding stops for lunch. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at the lodge).

Meals:  B,L

The Chobe River is a stunning feature of Botswana and will be the focus of our lodge stay. The Chobe River flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. An early morning 4WD game drive in the Chobe National Park and an afternoon game viewing sundowner cruise to see the mighty elephant herds return to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. Overnight lodge. Approx. distance/time: 315 kms, ±4 hrs. Day 10: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at the lodge). Day 11: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at the lodge).

Meals:  B,L

We visit “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders” - Victoria Falls. These magnificent falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A rich and fertile rain forest, fed by the spray or “smoke”, surrounds the falls attracting colourful birdlife. There are opportunities to participate in various optional activities (at own expense and risk). Overnight hotel. Approx. distance/time: 80 kms, ±2 hrs, excluding border crossing. Day 12: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant). Day 13: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals:  B

Your tour ends after breakfast at 08:00am. Transfers to the airport are available on request (please ask your consultant for cost). NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel.

Meals:  B