14-Day
Botswana Overland Camping Safari
Botswana "Wildside" Code: BT14 2006
14 day small group participation camping safari Group size max 12 people
2008 Price: € 1 245 pps + local payment US$ 300pp
Departs Johannesburg on Sunday at 06:30am
Ends Livingstone on Saturday at +/-08:00am
g* denotes trips run in German
Departure dates and availability right at the bottom of the page
Highlights
* Khama Rhino Sanctuary
* Okavango Delta – mokoro excursion
* Moremi Game Reserve – game drives
* Savuti – game drives
* Chobe National Park – game drive and river cruise
* Victoria Falls –
adventure activitiesIncludes
* 13 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
& Moremi 4WD excursionSafari through the wilderness of Botswana. Experience the vast Magadikgadi pans, the Okavango Delta by traditional dug-outs and the abundant wildlife of Moremi game reserve and Savuti. Explore Chobe NP by boat and enjoy wonderful views of Victoria Falls!
ITINERARY
Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY [camping -LD]
Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north into Botswana and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This reserve situated on the Kalahari sandveld, has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community based wildlife project established in 1992 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.
Day 2 MAUN [camping BL-]
We drive through the central Kalahari to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River, Maun is a bustling frontier town where we prepare for the delta excursion. After setting up camp we have a relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool.
Day 3, 4, 5 OKAVANGO DELTA [camping Bx3, Lx3, Dx2]
Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on Mokoros (dugout canoes). The delta is home to a diverse range of wildlife such as red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, lion as well as the other more common mammals and abundant bird life. We will camp wild on remote islands in this excellent wildlife area & enjoy game walks, bird watching, learning more about local culture and swimming in beautiful clear water. We return to Maun in the late afternoon of day 5 and have time for an optional (own expense) game flight over the Okavango, which will reveal a different aspect of the delta.
Day 6 – 7 MOREMI [camping BLD]
Moremi Game Reserve rates as one of the leading wildlife areas of the world and we take our open 4WD vehicle into Moremi for fantastic game viewing! Grasslands, floodplains, forests, lily lagoons and winding water channels combine to form a variety of game viewing habitats. We spend 2 days on game drives watching the plentiful wildlife including wild dog, elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other game.
Day 8 – 9 SAVUTI [camping BLD]
Moving north over the sand ridge and into the Mababe depression we arrive at the Savuti Marsh. This open grassland area attracts herds of zebra and wildebeest, which in turn draw the large lion prides that Savuti is famous for. We camp in the area for 2 nights with time to explore the various habitats. The waterhole near camp is also a favorite drinking point for many elephant and the sunsets here are fantastic.
Day 10 – 11 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
The Chobe River flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. In the early morning we search for game and return to camp for brunch. The late afternoon game viewing "sundowner" cruise is a highlight as we see the mighty elephant return to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. We camp at Kasane on the Chobe River for night 11.
Day 12 – 13 VICTORIA FALLS / LIVINGSTONE [camping Bx2 - -]
We camp for 2 nights in Zambia near Livingstone town on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy a spectacular walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of the "Mosi oa Tunya" or "the smoke that thunders" - Victoria Falls. Opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, Bungi Jump, or take a "flight of angels" (own expense).
Day 14 LIVINGSTONE – TOUR ENDS [- B - -]
Tour ends at 08:00 after breakfast. Transfers to local airports are available.
Flights are available from Livingstone to Johannesburg or you can take a free transit return to Johannesburg with the tour vehicle (all meals and accommodation for own expense). 2 days, arrives Johannesburg at +/- 18:00 on Friday. Subject to availability.
VN: The "Botswana Wildside" can be combined with the "Victoria Falls to Nairobi Discovery" departures to create a Johannesburg to Kenya safari
2008 Departure dates
02-Mar-08 15-Mar-08 LM ZB
16-Mar-08 29-Mar-08
30-Mar-08 12-Apr-08 German LM
13-Apr-08 26-Apr-08 ZB
27-Apr-08 10-May-08 LM
11-May-08 24-May-08 ZB
25-May-08 07-Jun-08 LM
08-Jun-08 21-Jun-08
15-Jun-08 28-Jun-08
29-Jun-08 12-Jul-08 German ZB
06-Jul-08 19-Jul-08 LM
20-Jul-08 02-Aug-08 German
27-Jul-08 09-Aug-08 ZB
03-Aug-08 16-Aug-08 LM
10-Aug-08 23-Aug-08 German
17-Aug-08 30-Aug-08 ZB
31-Aug-08 13-Sep-08 LM
07-Sep-08 20-Sep-08 ZB14-Sep-08 27-Sep-08 German
28-Sep-08 11-Oct-08 LM
05-Oct-08 18-Oct-08 ZB
12-Oct-08 25-Oct-08
26-Oct-08 08-Nov-08 LM
02-Nov-08 15-Nov-08 ZB
09-Nov-08 22-Nov-08 German
23-Nov-08 06-Dec-08 LM
30-Nov-08 13-Dec-08 ZB
07-Dec-08 20-Dec-08
21-Dec-08 03-Jan-09 German
28-Dec-08 10-Jan-09
* German: These tours are lead by a German speaking tour leader.
* ZB: These tours can be combined with the Zambia & Botswana Untamed Rivers safari for the best of Botswana and Zambia’s wildlife.
* LM: These tours can be combined with the Livingstone – Johannesburg Trade Routes tours to great an ultimate Southern African experience
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY PRICES - a list of approximate prices, in US$, for the optional activities available on this tour:
Pre / post-tour airport transfers cost € 20 per person per transfer. Please book these with your tour.
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION / DEPARTURE POINTS
JOHANNESBURG LIVINGSTONE / VICTORIA FALLS
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 ppsAt 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.
DETAILED TOUR INFO In a nutshell
- A true African experience - wild and free!
- All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
- Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti & Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Kalahari desert and Makgadikgadi Pans.
Why travellers like this trip
- 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, Savuti 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 vehicles.
Accommodation
- Camping - for 6 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets!
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 meters 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.
- Wild camping - for 7 nights while in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti and Chobe 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 and a simple bucket bush shower will be provided.
Transport
- 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, Savuti and Chobe National Parks we use an open game viewing 4WD vehicle with trailer. The vehicle has canvas roof and sides, which are rolled up when ever possible, to allow for the best possible game viewing experience. (remember to bring a warm jacket for the chilly early morning game drives!) The transfer into the delta is also with an open 4WD 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, Johannesburg to Maun, 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".
Local Payment
- A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the 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.
Participation
- An essential part of your safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and 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!
Shopping
- Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing is best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings but these are available mostly at curio shops as there are hardly any craft markets in Botswana.
Food
- 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 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 do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
- 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.
Difficulty
- 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. The road conditions through the wilderness areas a very poor and our progress can at times be slow and dusty. Remember to hold on at all times and enjoy the ride!
- 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.
Things you should know
- Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
- As this tour spends most of the time in wilderness areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules.
- 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 Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswna Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Traveller’s cheques can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travellers cheque attract a very high commission). See the tour dossier for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
Common questions about this trip
- 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
