PANS SANDS AND RIVERS OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Botswana Safari

This safari takes the time to explore the contrasts, extremes and continually moving wildlife of northern Botswana: from the waterless moonscape of the Makgadikgadi saltpans to the broad vistas of the savannahs of the Nxai Pans, 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 birds-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Botswana.

Itinerary

DAY 1 & 2 - San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans
After arrival in Maun, we fly by light aircraft to San Camp, situated in a private concession 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.

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 up-close encounters with suricates (meerkats), one of the most endearing animals in the world. Experience phenomenal geology, quad biking, authentic San (bushman) cultural walks and fascinating Stone Age archaeological artefacts - or simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed.

DAY 3 & 4 - Nxai Pan, Nxai Pan National Park
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our pre-erected private Adventurer campsite in the Nxai Pan National park, stopping for lunch en-route at the famous Baines Baobabs, which Thomas Baines painted on his exploratory expedition in the late 1800s.

These pans are fossilised, covered with short nutritious grasses and acacia trees, creating wildlife-rich areas surrounded by vegetated dune savannahs. Extensive game drives explore the surrounding pans, with an excellent chance of seeing spectacular dry season predator and prey action at the waterholes!

DAY 5 & 6 - 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 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 game species, some specially adapted to water, such as the rare sitatunga and the familiar red lechwe.

DAY 7 - 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 2005-2006

Departures are from March to November. Please contact us for more information.

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: