MIGRATION ROUTES OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Introduction

Migration Routes takes the time to explore the contrasts, extremes and continually moving game of northern Botswana: from camping on islands in the jewel of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta, and its crystal-clear waterways, to the game rich plains of the dry Savuti marsh and the seasonal elephant herds at our Linyanti concession. This safari also takes in the amazing annual zebra migration along the Linyanti River from its source, documented by Dereck and Beverly Joubert in their famous documentary, "Stolen River." We move with the changing seasons so as to provide the best in wildlife viewing on an annual basis. Therefore, between 1 December and 31 May, to capitalise on the experience of the zebra migration, the safari switches a night from Linyanti Trails Camp to Savuti Marsh, in Chobe National Park. 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 birds-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Botswana.

Itinerary

DAY 1 & 2 - Xigera Mokoro Trails, Okavango Delta
After arrival in Maun, we fly by light aircraft 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 plants and animals.

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 game species, some specially adapted to water, such as the rare sitatunga and the familiar red lechwe.

DAY 3 & 4 - Lechwe Island Camp, Kwai region - Okavango Delta
Fly by light aircraft charter from Xigera Mokoro Trails directly to the Kwai region in the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta, to our pre-erected Adventurer camp.

Here, in a completely private concession area on the Kwai Channel, we explore this seasonally wildlife-rich flooded region on game drives, game walks and night drives.

DAY 5 - Savuti - Chobe National Park
After an early morning drive and departure from camp, we travel directly north through the private concession, stopping en route at a private game viewing hide overlooking a waterhole for lunch. We arrive at our pre-erected Adventurer campsite in the mid-afternoon, in time for a sunset game drive.

DAY 6 & 7 - Linyanti Trails Camp - Linyanti Concession
We depart early this morning for the Linyanti region. This is an all-day game drive, with lunch at a private game viewing hide in the Savuti Channel.

En route, we are treated to a close-up detailed view of the "Stolen River," to ensure the best zebra migration and reliable game viewing possible throughout the year. Game species and predators gravitate back and forth according to season between Linyanti and the Savuti marsh.

On our second day in the Linyanti concession, we depart on an early morning activity in the north-eastern corner of the Linyanti, taking in the changing landscapes, from riverine to savannah habitats. Lunch takes place on a shaded deck, with a spectacular sweeping view of the Linyanti waterways. After a siesta in hammocks, we enjoy a leisurely canoe trip before returning to camp in the early evening.

DAYS 8 - Chobe River boat cruise and Natural Mystic Lodge, Zambia
After a short morning drive and breakfast, we depart by light aircraft to the northern Chobe region of Chobe National Park. This area is famous for its vast herds of elephants and unique species such as the elusive puku and Chobe bushbuck that move to the river in the hottest hours of the day. Enjoy a lunch served during the boat cruise on the catamaran-style shaded boat.

Leave Botswana and enter Zambia by way of the Kazangula border, a point where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe meet, to stay at the Natural Mystic Lodge in Livingstone.

DAY 9 - Transfer to Livingstone Airport
Enjoy a morning guided tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1708 metres wide, it is the largest curtain of water in the world and drops more than 100 metres into the sheer Zambezi Gorge.

Transfer to Livingstone Airport and bid farewell to the adventure.

Seasonality: We move with the changing seasons so as to provide the best in wildlife viewing on an annual basis. Therefore, between 01 December and 31 May, to capitalise on the experience of the zebra migration, the safari switches a night from Linyanti Trails Camp to Savuti Marsh, in Chobe National Park.

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 2009-2010

Winter itinerary - 01 June to 30 November

PLEASE NOTE:
The Summer itinerary - 01 December to 31 May has a one night switch from Linyanti Trails Camp to Savuti Marsh - Chobe National Park.

NOTE: This safari is also available on flexible dates and intinerary's for tailor-made trips for small groups. Please contact us for more information.

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: