Accommodated Safari - Botswana Overland

* 11 nights lodges, tented lodge or chalets and 2 nights tented camp in national parks
* Entrance fees
* Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
* Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
* Meals as per itinerary
* Professional guide
* Okavango Delta excursion & Moremi 4WD excursion
* Chobe River cruise open 4WD game drive in Chobe NP

Below is a list of approximate prices, in US$, for the optional activities available on the various tours:

Pre / post-tour airport transfers cost € 20 per person per transfer. Please book these with your tour.

Road Lodge Rivonia                                            Zambezi Waterfront Lodge
Cnr Rivonia Rd & 10th Ave, Rivonia, Sandton     Mosi oa Tunya Rd, Livingstone
sgl room only € 50                                               sgl room only € 60
dbl room only € 25 pps                                       dbl room only € 48 PPS

At departure there will be short meeting to discuss final arrangements of tour & inform you about the days activities. Please bring your travel voucher & insurance policy.

An accommodated safari through Botswana. Experience the vast Magadikgadi pans, the Okavango Delta by traditional dug-outs and the abundant wildlife of Moremi game reserve. Explore Chobe NP by boat and enjoy wonderful views of Victoria Falls!

Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north into Botswana and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community based wildlife project established to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. This reserve has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest.

We drive through the central Kalahari to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Since Maun's founding in 1915 as the tribal capital of the Batswana people, it has had a reputation as a hard-living 'Wild West' town helping the local cattle ranching and safari operations. The name Maun is derived from the San word 'maung', which translates 'the place of short reeds'. After preparing for the delta excursion, we have a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and an experience not to be missed. The delta environment has large numbers of rare animal populations such as red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo and wattled crane. Our local guides pole us deep into the Okavango Delta on Mokoros (dugout canoes). A special adventure as we camp wild on remote islands, enjoy game walks and swimming in beautiful clear water. We return to Maun late in the afternoon on day 5 for a shower and restaurant meal and the comfort of our lodge.

After a relaxing evening we take open 4WD Land Rovers into Moremi Game Reserve for fantastic game viewing! Chief's Island is the largest landmass within Moremi and was the Batswana tribe's richest hunting grounds, before being declared a game reserve by the tribe. We spend 3 days on game drives watching the abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other game. We return to Maun on the final night for an evening at the lodge, a hot shower and a restaurant meal (own expense).

We have time for an optional game flight over the Okavango before we head towards Magadikgadi Pans. The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikadi as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as thousands of Wildebeest and Zebra migrate to the sweet nutritious grasslands and clouds of Flamingo feed in its algae rich waters. We drive out to the pans to watch a magnificent sunset.

The Chobe River is a stunning feature of Botswana and will be the focus of our lodge stay. The Chobe River winds along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. Up early in the morning for a 4WD game drive in the National Park and an afternoon game viewing "sundowner" cruise to see the mighty elephant return to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. This is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa.

Staying at the Zambezi Waterfront Lodge we visit "Mosi OA Tunya" or "the smoke that thunders" - Victoria Falls. These magnificent falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We spend an afternoon exploring falls from various viewpoints where photographic opportunities abound. The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the impressive gorge and the famous adrenalin pumping Victoria Falls bungy jump is done from this bridge, with a electrifying drop of 360ft (111m). Opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, Bungi Jump, or take a "flight of angels" (own expense).

PLEASE NOTE: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.

2007: € 1745 pps + local payment US$ 300 pp + single supp. € 620
2008: € 1745 pps + local payment US$ 300 pp + single supp. € 620
Fly in - 2008: € 2095 pps + local payment US$ 300 pp + single supp. € 620

2008 DEPARTURE DATES

13-Jan-08          26-Jan-08
03-Feb-08         16-Feb-08
24-Feb-08         08-Mar-08
16-Mar-08         29-Mar-08
06-Apr-08          19-Apr-08 Fly In Delta itinerary
27-Apr-08          10-May-08
18-May-08         31-May-08
08-Jun-08          21-Jun-08
29-Jun-08          12-Jul-08 Fly In Delta itinerary
13-Jul-08           26-Jul-08
20-Jul-08           02-Aug-08 Fly In Delta itinerary
03-Aug-08         16-Aug-08
10-Aug-08         23-Aug-08 Fly In Delta itinerary
24-Aug-08         06-Sep-08
31-Aug-08         13-Sep-08
14-Sep-08         27-Sep-08
21-Sep-08         04-Oct-08 Fly In Delta itinerary
05-Oct-08          18-Oct-08
12-Oct-08          25-Oct-08
26-Oct-08          08-Nov-08
16-Nov-08         29-Nov-08
07-Dec-08         20-Dec-08
28-Dec-08         10-Jan-09

A participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price, accommodated in chalets, and cabins with a couple of nights wild camping to get us close to the wildlife.
Some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa from open 4WDs and on game walks
All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Kalahari desert and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Accommodation – an accommodated safari of Botswana (with 2 nights wild participation camping in Moremi and the 2 nights wild participation camping on the Okvango).

Variety - a tour that provides amazing African experiences; from the wildlife areas of Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to amazing spectacles of Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, to the wild Okavango Delta!

National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, the wild Okavango Delta and the wilderness of Magadikgadi Pans as well as other lesser known wildlife area of Khama Rhino sanctuary. This trip encompasses the essence of African wildlife.

Culture and history - for example we spend several days with our local Okavango guides where we have the opportunity to experience a living contact with local people.

Small group - travelling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.

Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Makgadikgadi Pans, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.

Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!

Mokoro Trail - the tour includes a 3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mokoro (dugouts). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!

Open 4WD game drives – our trips have the best wildlife viewing opportunities by visiting the game reserves and national parks in open 4WD game drive vehciles.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Khama Rhino Sanctuary, 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.

Maun – Island Safari Lodge, 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.

Kasane – Chobe Safari Lodge, 3 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 3 rooms.

Livingstone – SAFPAR Waterfront Lodge, twin share chalet with en suite facilities.

Wild camping - for 2 nights while in the Okavango Delta and 2 nights while in the Moremi Game Reserve; we camp wild. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety. Your operator supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.

On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour – Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.

Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoro (dugout canoes), "poled" by our local guides, 2 people and their kit per mokoro.

Open Game drives - for game viewing activities in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Parks we use open game viewing 4WD vehicles. The transfer into the delta is also with an open vehicle. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!

Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".

A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by ther tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.

An essential part of your safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!

Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing are best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings.

We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 5 dinners and 2 lunches in Victoria Falls and Maun where we try out local restaurants.

The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning and meal preparation for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.

We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.

Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. Simple campsites and basic wild camps are enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!

Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days but also plenty of outdoor activity with some relaxing time.

Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.

Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
Your client will need a sleeping bag for the camping section of the tour.
Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zambia, and Botswana and re-entering South Africa.
There is a visa waiver service available through your operator for Zambia – please enquire at the time of booking.
Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring daypack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.

We recommend that you bring US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip. Traveller’s cheques can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travellers cheque attract a very high commission).

What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a water bottle and a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!

Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip!

Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.

Can I buy camera film? Film and other accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots.

Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way in Victoria Falls and Maun.