Botswana Kalahari and Delta Safari

A true exploration of Botswana. We visit the awe inspiring Central Kalahari, the famous Okavango Delta, the game rich Nxai Pan, the vastness of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the elephant herds of Chobe, and finish off with a natural wonder of the world – Victoria Falls! A true African adventure.

Price: (Valid: Jan 2010 – Dec 2010)
€1,295 pps + local payment of US$ 300 pp
15 Days Safari

Highlights * Khama Rhino Sanctuary * Central Kalahari Game reserve * Game drives * Okavango Delta * Mokoro excursion * Nxai Pan – game drives * Makgadikgadi Pans * Wild camping * Chobe National Park * Game drive and river cruise * Victoria Falls * Adventure activities

Departs from: Cape Town - Ends: Livingstone

Includes
* 14 nights camping
* Entrance fees
* Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
* Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
* Meals as per itinerary
* Professional guide
* Okavango Delta excursion
* Kalahari, Nxai Pan & Chobe excursion

Botswana Kalahari and Dela Safari Itinerary

Meal codes [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY [Camping BL]
An early start as we depart Johannesburg at 06:30am and head north across the border into Botswana at Martins Drift. The Kharma Rhino Sanctuary is a 4300 hectare community based wildlife reserve and is an integral part of the conservation and re-introduction of the white rhino to Botswana. We arrive in the late afternoon, set up camp and enjoy a game drive in search of rhino, zebra and wildebeest. Our evening is enjoyed around a campfire and we fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Includes: Entrance to Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers.
Distance/time: 630km, ± 7½ hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch

Day 2-4 CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE [Camping BLD]
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is one of the largest game reserves in the world (52,800 square kilometre). Made famous by Mark and Delia Owen in the book Cry of the Kalahari, its remoteness, unforgiving climate and harsh terrain have kept it pristine and untamed. This reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. During the summer months, when the rains fall, the Kalahari grasslands turn green and lush andbthe good grazing attracts large herds of zebra, wildebeest springbok and gemsbok (oryx). Following the herds webhope to find the Kalahari lions. We use 4WD vehicles to visit the northern portion of the reserve and camp wild for 3 nights.
Includes: Entrance fees to Central Kalahari, and morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle
Overnight: Wild camping – basic ablutions, bucket shower
Distance/time: 420km, ± 6 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing + game drives

Day 5 MAUN [Camping BL]
Our next stop is Maun the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here we restock on provisions and enjoy a swim in the pool, a cool drink in the bar and a restaurant meal (own expense). Opportunity to take a light aircraft flight over the channels Okavango in the late afternoon (own expense).
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool restaurant & bar
Distance/time: 300kms, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta

Day 6 -7 OKAVANGO DELTA [Camping BLD]
We venture by 4WD into the vast wilderness of the Okavango Delta where we meet our local community guides. Relax as your poler expertly guides your mokoro (dugout) through the winding channels of the delta. Camp is set up on the islands under a towering canopy of trees. We set out on foot for morning and evening game walks with local guides. During the heat of the day, time is spent relaxing in camp or swimming in the clear delta waters. Birdlife in the Okavango during the summer months is spectacular with all of the summer migrants returning to this water wonderland. The sound of birds are sure to wake you at dawn each morning!
Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, mokoro excursion, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides
Overnight: Wild camping – basic facilities with bucket shower
Distance/time: 2 hour 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way

Day 8 - 9 NXAI PAN [Camping Bx2 Lx1 Dx2]
We return to the “poling station” and continue with our 4WD to the vast fossil lake beds which form the unique and beautiful Nxai Pan national park. These pans surrounded by baobab and umbrella thorn trees are covered with short
nutritious grass that attracts the wildlife. One of few parks that is best in rainy season, we spend the next two days on a game drives hoping to spot large herds of springbok and gemsbok and zebra. The seven giant trees that form the famous Baines Baobabs are a highlight of the visit.
Includes: Entrance fees to Nxai Pan National Park, game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicles
Overnight: Wild camping – basic facilities with bucket shower
Distance/time: 300kms, ± 5½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing, shopping & lunch

Day 10 MAKGADIKGADI PANS [Camping BLD]
Camping wild on the flat Makgadikgadi pans is an experience you’ll never forget. After watching the sunset over the pans, the evening is spent enjoying wide open spaces and the canopy of stars.
Includes: Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans
Overnight: Wild camping – basic facilities with bucket shower
Distance/time: 250kms, ± 5 hours excluding stops for sightseeing

Day 11 - 12 CHOBE [Camping BLD]
Chobe National Park is famous for large herds of elephants. We set up camp in Chobe and enjoy afternoon and morning game drives. The afternoon of day 12 we embark on a cruise on the Chobe River, a brilliant wildlife experience where we get close to the hippopotamus, crocodiles and elephants. Keep an eye out for the endemic Chobe puku.
Includes: Entrance to Chobe National Park, morning & afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle, sunset cruise on the Chobe River
Overnight: Wild camping – basic facilities with bucket shower.
Distance/time: 450km, ± 5½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch

Day 13 - 14 ZAMBIA / VICTORIA FALLS [Camping Bx2]
We cross the border into Zambia at the Kazangula Ferry. Our afternoon is spent exploring the Mosi au Tunya NP and enjoying the views as the mighty Zambezi plunges 100m over the Victoria Falls. The following day is free to enjoy the
range of adventure activities including river rafting, bungee jumping and the Flight of Angels over the falls (own expense). We sample the local cuisine at a variety of restaurants in the evening (own expense).
Includes: Entrance Fees to see the Victoria Falls
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, bar & restaurant
Distance/time:85kms – 1 hour, excluding border formalities (which can take 2 to 4+ hours)
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more

Day 13 WINDHOEK [Guest House BL-]
This pretty town, beautifully situated in a valley, combines the architecture of a modern city with numerous buildings in the style of the German colonial era. The charm of the City of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guesthouse – twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar
Distance/time: 500kms, ± 7 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch

Day 14 KALAHARI [San bushmen Huts BLD]
guided walk includedCrossing into Botswana we overnight in rustic, grass huts in the heart of the Kalahari. The sand masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The wind shaped the sand ridges, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills.
Includes: Nature walk with local San bushman
Overnight: Grass huts – very simple twin huts, with shared ablutions, swimming in old quarry
Distance/time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch

Day 15 TOUR ENDS [ B]
Tour ends at 08:00 after breakfast. Transfers to local airports available.

Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
Due to the early departure time of this safari we recommend that you stay in Johannesburg the night before safari. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations in the vacation planner when prompted.