BOTSWANA ACCOMMODATED TOUR, 16 days

BOTSWANA ACCOMMODATED TOUR, 16 days

BOTSWANA ACCOMMODATED TOUR, 16 days

 

16 DAY WILDLIFE SAFARI

Johannesburg – Victoria Falls or Johannesburg

11 Nights Lodge / Cabin / Canvas

4 Nights Serviced Camping

 

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Kalahari – Bushmen walk
  • Okavango Delta private island lodge
  • Okavango boat trip and mokoro excursions
  • Game walks
  • National Parks (Moremi/Savuti – 5 days)
  • Extensive open-vehicle game drives in national parks
  • Wild remote serviced camping in national parks
  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
  • Chobe River Boat Cruise
  • Chobe National Park
  • Victoria Falls National Park and entry fee

 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

  • White water rafting
  • Bungee jumping
  • Game flight – Okavango Delta
  • Zambezi River sunset cruise

The casual visitor to Botswana could be excused for seeing the country as kilometre upon kilometre of flat, desolate scrubland with little or no surface water but on closer inspection, coupled with local knowledge , a whole brand new world will manifest itself, and then you will experience what is arguably Africa’s finest wildlife destination. It is a country the size of France, and over a quarter of Botswana’s land is set aside exclusively for nature conservation. That is the world you will be walking into.

 

Our tour will take us through the vast Makgadikgadi plains and we meet with the local Bushmen, the oldest people of Africa. Then  venture further north – into the magnificent Okavango Delta where the waters originate far up in the north, flow downwards, creating a living paradise on Earth, only to disappear into the vast sands of the desert. We will travel by boat and dugout canoe (mokoro) with local Bayei tribes-people to our private camp in the heart of this unique natural wonderland – home also to a multitude of Africa’s famed fauna and flora. We explore the renowned national parks in fully equipped open 4×4 vehicles – and, depending on the season, our route will follow the age old game migration tracks. We enjoy a game viewing boat cruise in the mighty Chobe River, and finally will visit “The Smoke that Thunders” – Victoria Falls. 

 

After that, Clients may opt to fly out from Victoria Falls or enjoy the journey back to Johannesburg travelling southwards overland.

 

This tour offers the adventure traveller, the photographer, the birdwatcher and the naturalist the ultimate natural paradise.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – KALAHARI

Our adventure starts on departure from the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG at 06h30. Making our way through the North West of South Africa with scattered mountains all around, we aim to cross the Botswana border near Lobatse. On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we cross into Botswana and the vast Kalahari Plains that stretch as far as the eye can see.

 

We will cover quite some distance today before arriving at our accommodation near the village of Kang. Once we have checked into our accommodation, we will enjoy a short walk out into the bush. Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains what to expect in the days to come.

 

Meals:  Lunch and Dinner Own Expense

Distance: 720 Km

Accommodation: Kalahari Rest Lodge

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Scenic drive through North West South Africa , border crossing into Botswana then leaving the last of the hills behind at Kanye, and then.. The Kalahari Desert

– Jwaneng – the richest diamond mine in the world

– Short walk into the Kalahari

 

 

DAY 2: KALAHARI BUSHMEN

Waking up to a spectacular Kalahari sunrise, we enjoy our first cup of coffee and a sumptuous breakfast before continuing to the frontier town of Ghanzi. Ghanzi is home to some of the last traditional Bushmen that make a living in this harsh desert environment. It is here that we enjoy learning about the wilderness from these fascinating people.
Our experience will include an educational bush walk led by true Bushmen to give us insight into their daily lives and teach us how they survive in these arid conditions. We overnight in comfortable accommodation on a vast tract of land owned and managed by the local people.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 250 km

Accommodation: Dqae Qare San Lodge

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Guided bush walk led by true bushmen/san

 

 

DAY 3 – 5: OKAVANGO DELTA

The Okavango, a massive river emanating from far North, flowing Southwards, creating one of the world’s only true inland delta’s and a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a nervous Lechwe (a type of water buck) pounding across a flooded plain, the Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle – all combine to create a canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces, and then the river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, and it’s all gone – just as if you had walked out the other side of an Alice in wonderland book.

 

We begin our journey into the Delta near the panhandle, gliding through papyrus lined channels by motorboat.   It is in this area, where at a time now long past, in Mamba alley, the well-known Bobby Wilmot was bitten by a green mamba. He called his assistant and, knowing that he had no chance of survival, told him verbally how he wanted his estate split up. The Court accepted the man’s word as a will. On to our exclusive wild island. We spend three nights here in the true wilderness, deep in the wilds, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe). There will also be time to simply relax and to absorb the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will not only learn more about the animals and plants from the local guides, but will also interact and have the opportunity to learn more about the people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness area.

 

Meals: B L D; B L D; B L D

Distance: 390 km on Day 3 

Accommodation: Twin-bedded tented units on Private Island

Optional Activities:

– Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Motorboat transfer into the Okavango Delta

– Private Island

– Guided Game walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides

– Mokoro trips in Delta

– Sunset Hippo Cruise

 

 

DAY 6: OKAVANGO – MAUN

Starting early, we begin our journey back to relative civilisation. Using motorboats, we wind our way through the channels where we are reunited with our vehicle. This afternoon we arrive in the ‘tourism capital of Botswana’ – Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies before we travel the short distance out to the DRIFTERS MAUN LODGE to freshen up and enjoy a catered meal.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river changes its flow directions, depending upon the season and rain patterns. The Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 354 km

Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge – Twin-bedded tented units

Optional Activities:

– Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Motorboat transfer out of the Okavango Delta

– Boteti River Sunset

 

 

DAY 7 – 10: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE (5 Days in National Parks)

We enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the Lodge while preparing for the game viewing part of the trip which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. Traveling in our well-equipped 4×4 vehicle we head into true wilderness, passing remote villages along the way. We spend five days in the national parks following seasonal game migrations on extensive morning and afternoon game drives, also with relaxing down time to appreciate this rare jewel of a place and its deep tranquillity.

 

Lourens van der Post, a well-known writer and poet of South Africa once said “Every time I go into the Kalahari, it keeps a piece of my soul”.  You will feel what it means when you get home. Part of you will still be there.

 

An example of our route could be: starting with Moremi, we spend first night near the well-known Third Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion, and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We then head on north via Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. This area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas.
Then on up to Savuti, the area offers a multitude of game drive options and a very active game area (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving elephant, the meat from the prowling hyenas, and everything from the monkeys). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub, and hence all the fauna and flora changes accordingly.

 

Depending on the conditions in the national parks we might also venture into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. During this part of the journey we camp in pristine, remote, private sites where there is no sign of man’s existence – we leave each site in the same condition, nothing but footprints in the sand are left for the quiet winds to deal with.

 

Meals: B L D; B L D; B L D; B L D;

Distance: +- 125 km Day 7

Accommodation: Fully-Serviced Camping (Camp bed, Linen, Pillow and Sleeping Bag Provided)

Included Highlights/Activity:

– 4×4 open vehicle game drives on all five days

– Private non-fenced campsites

– Extensive first-hand game viewing experience

– Explore the heart of National Geographic’s photography region

 

 

DAY 11 – MAUN

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We will have some time to explore town and enjoy an own-expense lunch before heading out to the comfort of the DRIFTERS MAUN LODGE. This afternoon we will relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night.

 

Meals: B; D; (Lunch on this day is own expense in town)

Distance: +- 225 km

Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge – Twin-bedded tented units

Optional Activities:

– Scenic Flights over the delta

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Game Drive on the way out of the park

– Visit to Maun

 

 

DAY 12: MAKGADIKGADI PANS

We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area or lounging at the swimming pool.  After an early lunch, we continue and venture eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Besides the stark scenery, the pans are known for their prolific birdlife and the other desert-adapted animals.  Without disturbing the surface, we take in the isolation and serenity of this expanse.

After exploring the pans we continue to our accommodation for the night and enjoy a relaxed evening in comfort.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 300 km

Accommodation: Elephant Sands lodge

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Relaxed morning

– Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

 

 

DAY 13: CHOBE RIVER – VICTORIA FALLS

Venturing north today, we leave the desolation of the pans behind and make our way up to the mighty Chobe River. The Chobe area is known for the huge herds of elephants and other animals that are attracted to drink from the river. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise within Chobe National Park, gliding close to the banks we hope to approach these animals from the river for close up viewing.  Our cruise will explore the Chobe River front and a section of the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Back on land we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE VICTORIA FALLS. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 320 km

Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Chobe National Park

– Extensive Boat Cruise on the Chobe River

 

 

DAY 14: VICTORIA FALLS

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls. „Mosi o Tunya „, meaning “The smoke that Thunders”. This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the “Big Snake” or “Nyami Nyami” is in hiding. It will only be seen again once all the white people have left Africa. On this day we include your entry and leave you to admire this wonder of the world. Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed including, the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the crocodile farm. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense.

 

We spend two nights here, thus allowing clients some time to explore the town and all it has to offer by themselves. Tonight we will eat out in a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure.

 

Meals: B (Lunch and dinner is own expense in town)

Distance: (Free day to explore town or do some activities)

Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls

Optional Activities:

– Scenic Helicopter Flight

– White water rafting

– Bungee jump

– Gorge swing

– Many more available

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Victoria Falls National Park

– Entry Fee for viewing the Falls

 

 

DAY 15: VICTORIA FALLS – FRANCISTOWN

The guests flying out on the 15-day tour will do so today, the rest will set off to cross back into Botswana and to continue south toward Francistown, home of the national football team. Tonight we stay in comfortable accommodation, enjoying the African night and celebrating our adventure with our last tour meal.

 

Meals: B L D

Distance: 568 km

Accommodation: Woodlands Lodge

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Last opportunity to view game on route to Francistown

– Scenic drive from Zimbabwe to Botswana

 

 

DAY 16: FRANCISTOWN – JOHANNESBURG

Crossing the Limpopo River, we return to South Africa and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG, we arrive in the early evening.  Post-tour accommodation and airport transfers can be booked through DRIFTERS.

 

Meals: B (Lunch and Dinner own expense)

Distance: 700km

Included Highlights/Activity:

– Border Crossing back into South Africa

 

 

 

DEPARTURES

This tour departs from Johannesburg on selected Mondays. Please note – during peak season we may run two departures. At this time clients may be required to travel in the reverse direction.

The tour can be reduced to 15 days by flying out of Victoria Falls.  

 

 

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity of the published itinerary conditions will change, roads are improved or deteriorate often opening up new routes, contracted camps and accommodation facilities change standards, optional activities become available or are discontinued, new border posts open and old ones become congested, etc.  Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that make up a successful tour and as such will make amendments to the published itineraries if circumstances demand or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This trip is an accommodated tour and linen/towels will be supplied on all nights. PLEASE NOTE: During our time in the National Parks ( Days 7, 8, 9, 10 )  Drifters staff will set up mobile camps at un-fenced sites, using dome tents, camp beds, full linen, mobile showers, mobile toilets, etc.  Our meals will be prepared by staff on the open campfire.  This will allow us to experience the premium areas of the Parks and to enjoy a pure wilderness experience in relative comfort.
Accommodation may vary from tour to tour depending on availability but clients will enjoy the same standard of accommodation on all tours.

 

A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is the client’s responsibility to insure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip to all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they cannot be obtained at the border.

 

Seasonal malaria precautions are necessary and are locally obtainable. A barrel bag or backpack is best suited for this trip (suitcases do not fit into the space provided). An extra day bag or camera bag is advised. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips, curios, airport transfers, and any other optional excursions. (Zimbabwe airport tax US$30-00 for those flying out on day 15 – subject to change.) 

Remember, help us by keeping an open mind and flexible mentality. Our price includes all food as specified, coffee, tea, juice at breakfast, transport, professional guides, mokoro hire, accommodation, group equipment, permits and park entrance fees.

Our price does not include restaurant meals where stipulated, visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, airport tax, airport transfers and airfares.

Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information as defined on our website and in our brochure. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.

 

 

 

 

Diese Informationen wurde nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen zusammengestellt von

TOUCAN Reisen GmbH

Grillparzerstr. 47 · 22085 Hamburg
Deutschland

Tel. +49 (40) 2274 8184

web: http://toucan.reisen

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