Okovango Delta Extension
Please note it is possible
to add a 4 day excursion into the Okavango before the start of the “Classic Botswana”.
This creates a 13 day Okavango, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe, Victoria Falls tour.
Extension Day 1 MAUN [camping - - -]
Group will meet @18:00 at Audi Camp in 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.
Extension Day 2 - 3 OKAVANGO DELTA [camping B L D]
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.
Extension Day 4 MAUN [- B L -]
We return to Maun in the afternoon (approximately 12:30) of day 4 and have
time for an optional (own expense) game flight over the Okavango, which will
reveal a different aspect of the delta. (Please note that today we join the
BP10 group departure @14:00)
ITINERARY
Day 1 MAUN [camping - - -]
Our adventure begins in Maun (@14:00), a small town located on the South
Eastern edge of the Okavango Delta and our access point to the wilderness
of Botswana. The first day will be spent settling into camp and preparing
for the trip. For the more adventurous of heart there is a scenic flight
over the Okavango Delta, which is a great opportunity for game spotting
(own expense). The day ends with a relaxing sundowner drink at the pool,
and a meal in the lodge restaurant, (own expense) celebrating the start
of the journey.
Day 2 – 3 MOREMI [camping BLD]
After an early start we head north out of Maun, to the Moremi Game Reserve,
in our open 4WD vehicle. This unique area is named after the Chief of the
Batawana tribe, who founded the reserve in 1963, making it one of the first
reserves in Africa proclaimed by the local community. The reserve protects
a large part of the greater Okavango Delta. The grasslands, floodplains,
forests and winding water channels combine to form a variety of game viewing
habitats attracting amongst others; elephant, lion, hippo, leopard and
wild dog. We explore the reserve on morning and afternoon game drives,
relax during the heat of the day and spend two nights wild camping in the
reserve.
Day 4 – 5 SAVUTI [camping BLD]
The dry Savuti channel runs from the west into the sandy Mababe depression,
but it seldom flows, so the seasonal rains and waterholes in the
park ensure a perennial source of life for the game in the area. Wildlife
gathers on the open plains of the Savuti marsh and the surrounding dry camel
thorn trees make this place a wildlife photographer’s dream. Famous for
its big game and particularly its predators – the lions and
the hyenas of Savuti fight a constant battle for survival. We spend
2 nights camping in this area, near a waterhole which is a constant
source of activity.
Day 6 – 7 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [camping Bx2 Lx2
Dx1]
Chobe National Park offers an exceptional wildlife experience. The meandering
river feeds the flood plains, which provides essential grazing to the herbivores
throughout the year. And although it boasts some of the largest concentration
of plains game, Chobe is most famous for massive herds of elephants. One
is more than likely to spot them during the dry season, in the late afternoon,
when herd after herd of elephants emerge from the Mopane woodland to quench
their thirst.
Our experience in Chobe is rounded off with a spectacular afternoon cruise
on the river. This is one of the best ways to view the elephants and to
get closer to the hippos and crocodiles - an experience of a lifetime.
One night is spent camping in the Chobe National Park and one night on
the border of the park, in Kasane. Evening meals can be enjoyed in the
local restaurant.
Day 8 – 9 VICTORIA FALLS / LIVINGSTONE [camping
B - -]
Crossing the Zambezi River on the Kazungula ferry we enter Zambia and
make our way to Livingstone for our final 2 nights. The Zambezi river plummets
110 meters over the Victoria Falls and it is a breathtaking sight. We spend
half a day touring the falls before setting up camp. The following day
is at leisure to enjoy some of the wonderful activities available in the
adventure capital of Southern Africa. The Flight of Angels over the falls
in a micro light is highly recommended, as is a day of rafting on the white
waters of the mighty Zambezi River. Alternatively an elephant back safari
is an experience never to be forgotten. Our evening meals are in colourful
local restaurants.
Day 10 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 Sunway 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.
