UNTAMED LANDS OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Botswana Safari

The route takes the time to roam and explore the contrasts, extremes and continually moving wildlife of northern Botswana: from camping on islands in the lush Okavango Delta and its crystal clear waterways, to the wildlife-rich plains of the dry Savuti marsh and the seasonal elephant masses at our Linyanti concession. This safari also takes in the amazing annual zebra migration in the Savuti Channel from its source, documented by Dereck and Beverly Joubert in their famous documentary video, "Stolen River." We adapt 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 maximise the experience of the zebra migration, the safari switches a night from Linyanti Trails Camp to Savuti, 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 - 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 fossilised super-lake that flourished 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 fascinating and endearing animals in the world. Experience phenomenal geology, quad biking, authentic San (bushman) cultural walks and simply enjoying 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.

The pans here are covered with short nutritious grasses and acacia trees, creating game-rich areas surrounded by vegetated dune savannah. Extensive game drives explore the surrounding pans. Spectacular dry season predator and wildlife action can be seen at the waterholes!

DAY 5 & 6 - Xigera Mokoro Trails, Okavango Delta
We depart early after breakfast and drive to Maun, then fly by light aircraft to our water-land paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve.

There is no better way to experience the Okavango than to travel through it in mokoro, walk and camp out on remote islands - all essential elements of the Xigera Mokoro Trails experience.

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

DAY 7 & 8 - Lechwe Island Camp, Kwai region - Okavango Delta
We fly by light aircraft charter from Xigera Mokoro Trails directly to the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta, Kwai region.

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

DAY 9- Savuti Marsh, 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 for lunch. We arrive at our pre-erected Adventurer campsite in the mid-afternoon, in time for a sunset game drive.

DAY 10 & 11 - Linyanti Trails Camp - Linyanti Concession
We leave early, heading towards the Linyanti region. This is an all day game drive, with lunch en route at a private game viewing hide in the Savuti Channel.

In addition, this game drive is specifically created to provide the guest with an intimate detailed view of the "Stolen River" to ensure the best zebra migration and most reliable wildlife viewing possible throughout the year.

On our second day, we depart on an early morning activity in the north-eastern corner of the Linyanti, enjoying a myriad of changing landscapes, from riverine to savannah habitat with sweeping views. Lunch is at a spectacular serviced lunch deck, with a sweeping view of the Linyanti waterways. After a siesta in hammocks, we enjoy a leisurely canoe trip, before returning to camp at dusk.

DAY 12 - 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 other unique species such as the elusive puku and Chobe bushbuck that move to the river in the hottest hours of the day. Enjoy a boat cruise in a skimmer-style shaded boat, including a delicious lunch.

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

DAY 13

Victoria Falls; transfer to Livingstone Airport
Enjoy a 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 adapt 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 maximise the experience of the zebra migration, the safari switches a night from Linyanti Trails Camp to Savuti, 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 2005-2006

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: