THE GREEN DESERT OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Introduction

This safari is specifically designed to enjoy the Kalahari Desert at its most productive season, when it receives low sporadic rains. The little water creates an incredibly prolific wildlife viewing period with concentrations of desert species and their young in the fertile, ancient river valleys of Deception Valley and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The route takes the time to explore the contrasts of three major ecosystems: the Makgadikgadi "moonscape" saltpans, Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and ending in the fertile green islands of the Okavango Delta and its crystal clear waterways. To maximise guests' travel time, a variety of transport modes that bring out the best of each area is used: flying in private charters, overland transfers and exclusive combination mokoro-boat-land transfers provide both a bird's-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Botswana.

Itinerary

DAY 1 & 2 - Njuca Hills, Makgadikgadi Pans
We depart early this morning for Njuca Hills, on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, part of a super-lake fossilised aeons ago. The Adventurer campsite is beautifully positioned under shady trees on rare hills with a superb view of the surrounding plains

Surprisingly for such a harsh, lunar-like environment, life abounds, and brown hyaena, oryx and springbok are just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen. Activities include game drives, concentrating on the opportunistic birthings of desert animals and the diverse array of birds, including flamingos. In addition, the seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements provide great sightings at this time. Experience the phenomenal geology and simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed and surrounding grassy plains.

DAY 3, 4 & 5 - Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our pre-erected private Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

This ancient riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains, as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over this enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing.

On Day 4 we enjoy a full day game viewing activity (with picnic lunch) to the wildlife productive Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari.

DAY 6 & 7 - Xigera Mokoro Trails, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast we depart overland to Maun, flying by light aircraft in the afternoon to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate Delta experience, with serene waters flowing through innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal life.

There is no better way to experience the Okavango than to travel through it by mokoro, walking and camping out on some of its green islands - all essential elements of the Xigera Mokoro Trails experience.

Activities include mokoro and walking safaris, which enable up-close encounters with the excellent diversity of birdlife (including Pel's Fishing Owl), frogs and a myriad wildlife species, some specially adapted to water, such as the rare sitatunga and the familiar red lechwe.

DAY 8 - Charter flight to Maun
After an early game activity and breakfast, we fly to Maun, where the safari ends.

Fully Serviced Camping

The style and essence of the safari takes you back to the bygone days of Africa's exploration - the ultimate safari. Our newly designed, spacious walk-in Pioneer tents allow you to feel more connected and open to the Earth and nature, accentuating the feeling of the wild and untamed. Pure cotton linen bedrolls (with down duvets) on GI stretchers, teak bedside table with silver lantern and teak mini luggage benches add to the atmosphere. Shared separate toilet and shower 'bathrooms' with old-style tin bucket showers and basins and all amenities create simple serviced comfort.

Guides

The entire safari is guided and hosted by professional guides, who share their in-depth knowledge to present a seamless safari experience.

Exclusive experience

To ensure total privacy and exclusivity, most areas in which we travel are private concessions in pristine, prime game locations. All camps are private and for the use of guests only.

Departure dates

Please contact us for the departure dates.

Notes and Inclusions and Exclusions

- We gladly arrange flexible tailor-made departures, subject to availability of space.

- Each departure is guaranteed from a minimum of 2 confirmed guests, with a maximum of 8 guests per safari.

- Included is accommodation on a sharing basis, all meals and drinks (except premium brands), national park fees, laundry (except Sussi Lodge), activities and all internal charters as specified in the detailed itinerary.

- Excluded are flights (other than specified in the safari itinerary), visas, compulsory insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes, all personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.), gratuities, optional extra activities, pre and post safari tours and meals or accommodation before or after the safari.

- Age Limits - Children from the age of 12 are welcome on all scheduled departures. For groups with children under 12, we will create a private tailor-made safari, on request. For guests over the age of 75, a certified medical certificate of full health must be provided.

- We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality. This will be advised timeously.

Please contact us for current rates: