Itinerary
Embark on an indelible journey with us on a 16 night camping safari adventure that delves into the pristine corners of nature. This safari provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, blending the excitement of outdoor adventure with the splendour of diverse ecosystems and the depth of cultural encounters. Culminating in the magnificence of Victoria Falls, this expedition ensures an unforgettable odyssey for nature and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Included:
- Professional Guide
- Comfortable 10-seater Safari vehicle
- 14 Nights Camping and 2 Nights Accommodated
- Bow tents and mattress
- All Transfers and Activities as per Itinerary
- Park Fees in Botswana
- Meals as per Itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D- Dinner)
Excluded:
- Restaurant Meals as indicated
- Visa’s, Airport Transfers, Curios and Tips
- Sleeping Bags
- Optional Excursions as indicated
- Beverages
- Vic Falls entrance fees
Highlights:
- 2 nights Deception Valley Private Reserve, San cultural experience
- 3 nights Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- 1 night Makgadikgadi National Park surrounds
- 3 nights Okavango Delta, mokoro excursions, optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta
- 3 nights Moremi Game Reserve
- 3 nights Chobe National Park
- 1 night at a comfortable lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, optional visit to the Falls
Important Note: Given that the safari commences at 07:30 on Day 1, it is advisable to arrange accommodation in Maun for the preceding night and purchase drinks for your safari the day before it begins. Sandy Tracks is available to assist with pre-safari arrangements, including accommodation and transfers.
Day 1: Maun – Deception Valley (Camping) (L, D) (160km)
The safari commences in Maun, with your guide scheduled to meet you at your lodge at 07:30. A 160km journey awaits, leading to a private reserve situated on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll set up camp and partake in a safari briefing.
Day 2: Deception Valley (Camping) (B, L, D)
Your exploration unfolds, engaging in game drives and joining a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will impart intricate bush knowledge, offering insights into their distinctive and captivating culture. Game drives will enable you to discover the region, housing a captivating array of desert-adapted wildlife, including oryx, springbok, eland, and predators such as lions, brown hyenas, and cheetahs. Immerse yourself in the boundless open spaces, crystal-clear night skies, and uninterrupted beauty of the area. This adventure camping experience is in its purest form.
Day 3-5: Deception Valley – Central Kalahari (Camping) (B, L, D) (80km)
As the sun rises, you'll awaken and venture into the untouched wilderness of Botswana's largest game reserve. The ensuing three days will be dedicated to exploring the pristine expanses of the northern region of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Camping will be set up in a private designated campsite with bush ablutions.
Day 6: Central Kalahari – Boteti River Camp (Lodge Accommodation) (B, L, D) (180km)
On your final morning in the Kalahari, following the breakdown of the camp, you'll embark on a leisurely drive to the Makgadikgadi area. The night will be spent at a camp located on the periphery of the Makgadikgadi National Park, offering scenic views of the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Take pleasure in an afternoon game drive into the Makgadikgadi National Park
Day 7-9: Boteti River Camp – Okavango Delta (Camping) (B, L, D) (210km)
Following an early morning breakfast, your journey will take you through Maun for a crucial drinks shopping stop, ensuring essentials for the rest of your safari. Upon reaching the edge of the Okavango Delta along the Gomoti River, you'll encounter local community polers with their mokoro (dugout canoes). Serenely cruising along river channels and floodplains, you'll immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape of this unique region, venturing deep into the heart of the Delta.
Over the next three days, you'll explore this enchanting area through mokoro excursions and guided nature walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango. Camping in the wild with bush ablutions, you'll spend two nights on a small island and one night on the edge of a lagoon.
On the third day's afternoon, you'll have the option of taking a 30-minute helicopter flight with doors removed, providing magnificent aerial views. The rate will be advised by your guide/agent, and this experience must be booked during the safari, with payment made in USD cash only. The flight over the Okavango offers an eagle's eye perspective, and you may even spot large game animals such as elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
NOTE: Your primary luggage will be left in the trailer, and it's essential to pack a smaller bag (such as a small backpack or hand luggage) with necessary items for the two nights on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island, where you'll be staying, will be conducted using dugout canoes (mokoro), which are unable to accommodate large bags. Your main luggage will be securely stored in the vehicle, parked in a designated secured area while you're on the island.
Day 10-12: Okavango Delta – Moremi/Xakanaka/3rd Bridge and Khwai (Camping) (B, L, D) (90km)
Following an early breakfast, your journey will lead you to Moremi Game Reserve, recognized as one of Botswana's premier wilderness areas, encompassing both floodplain and woodland habitats. The ensuing three days will be dedicated to discovering the diverse wildlife and birds that make this area renowned, all while revelling in the natural beauty it offers. You'll spend three nights exploring this magnificent Game Reserve, residing at two distinct campsites. Expect routine game drives in the early morning and late afternoon as the sun sets. Camping will take place in private designated campsites with bush ablutions.
Day 13: Moremi – Southern Chobe/Savuti/Zwei Zwei (Camping) (B, L, D) (120km)
Your next destination is Chobe National Park, a place characterized by diverse and captivating landscapes. Continuing your quest for wildlife, you will journey through the arid Savute region, where plains are punctuated by bull elephants. Savute is renowned for its ever-changing ecosystem, marked by the dynamic interplay of waterholes, dry river channels, and marshes. This variation attracts a diverse array of animals, rendering each game drive a thrilling and unpredictable adventure. Camping during this leg of the journey will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions.
Day 14: Savuti – Chobe River (Camping) (B, L, D) (170km)
You will then head northwards to the Chobe River where your game drives will meander along the banks of the river, following the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle. Enjoy a wide variety of animals including Puku and Chobe bushbuck, as well as stunning birdlife in this unique river environment. Transfer / game drive from Southern Chobe National Park to the Chobe River floodplain. Game drives to explore Northern Chobe National Park.
Day 15: Northern Chobe National Park: (Camping) (B, L, D)
Venture on exhilarating game drives to delve into the rich landscapes of Northern Chobe and its expansive floodplain. Traverse the diverse terrain, from lush floodplains to savannas, as you seek out the abundant wildlife that calls this region home. Keep an eye out for iconic species like elephants, buffaloes, and an array of birdlife. The game drives offer a detailed exploration, allowing you to witness the dynamic ecosystems and captivating beauty of Northern Chobe
Day 16: Chobe – Vic Falls (Lodge Accommodation) (B) (100km- Border Crossing)
Following a brief morning game drive, your guide will accompany you to the Kazungula border, where you'll connect with the transfer vehicle destined for your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Visa required). Enjoy a night of relaxation at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls and peruse local curios during your leisure time. Please note that lunch and dinner expenses are at your discretion
Day 17: Vic Falls (Departure) (B)
The safari concludes officially after breakfast on Day 17, at the lodge. Sandy Tracks is pleased to assist with post-tour arrangements, including accommodation, activities, and transfers to Victoria Falls airport, lodges, or Kasane, Botswana, at an additional cost. Notable activities in Victoria Falls comprise White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi, and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls. For more information, kindly inquire at the lodge reception.
*Sandy Tracks reserves the right to amend the published accommodation in the itinerary at any time due to availability at the time of booking
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