Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY [chalets - LD]
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 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. This reserve situated on the Kalahari sandveld, has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest.
Day 2 MAUN [Lodge BLD]
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 Batawana 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.
Day 3, 4, 5 OKAVANGO DELTA [tented camp x2, lodge x1 Bx3 Lx3 Dx2]
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 will take us deep into the Okavango Delta on Mokoros (dugout canoes). We will overnight on remote islands, enjoy game walks and swimming in beautiful clear water. We return to Maun late in the afternoon on day 5 an evening at the lodge and a restaurant meal.
For the two nights spent in the Okavango Delta you stay in a pre-erected tented camp. The facilities are very basic but you will be provided with a simple bucket shower and a toilet (of the “sand and bury” variety). All water, equipment and provisions need to be taken with us and all rubbish taken out again. All camping equipment is supplied including a sleeping bag and pillow. The tents used are dome tents with built-in insect nets. Mattresses are supplied and are about 5cm thick.
Please note: Our local guides are wildlife experts and it is important to pay close attention to their requests in terms of safety. The delta is an exciting place to explore, but it needs to be understood and respected, and following their advice is paramount.
The ultimate Okavango wilderness experience. On certain departure dates we fly into the Okavango Delta to an area of permanent water for a two night stay at a rustic lodge. Flying over the Okavango gives you a different perspective of the Delta.
Light aircraft flights from Maun to the lodge and back are included. Please see the departure dates to see when this option is available.
Day 6 - 8 MOREMI [lodge Bx3 Lx3 Dx2]
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, both in Moremi Game Reserve and in private concession reserves surrounding the park. We return to Maun on the final night for an evening at the lodge.
Day 9 MAKGADIKGADI PANS [tented lodge or chalets BLD]
We have time for an optional game flight over the Okavango before we head towards Nata to watch a magnificent sunset over the Magadikgadi Pans. The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi appear 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. It is an area of low rainfall so this spectacle only lasts a short while.
Day 10 – 11 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [lodge BL]
The Chobe River is a stunning feature of Botswana and will be the focus of our lodge stay. The Chobe River flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. Early morning 4WD game drive in the Chobe National Park and an afternoon game viewing “sundowner” cruise to see the mighty elephant herds return to the Chobe River to quench their thirst.
Day 12 – 13 VICTORIA FALLS/LIVINGSTONE [chalets Bx2]
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. The Victoria Falls Bridge was commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, and was completed by 1905, although Rhodes never lived to see it. It spans the impressive gorge and the famous adrenalin pumping Victoria Falls bungi jump is done from this bridge, with a terrifying drop of 360ft (111m). 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 after breakfast.
Please Note: Due to the early departure time of this safari we recommend that you stay in Johannesburg the night before safari. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations in the vacation planner when prompted.
