BOTSWANA 16 DAY CAMPING SAFARI

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. However, to the north lies the magnificent Okavango waterway, with its green and fertile plains, flowing straight into the sea of sand, the Kalahari Desert, and creating a unique natural wonderland – home to a multitude of Africa’s Fauna and Flora. Almost a quarter of this country is devoted to wildlife sanctuaries and these remote and unspoilt wilderness areas are widely acknowledged as offering the finest game viewing in Africa. We offer two variations of safaris to this area, covering the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe and Victoria Falls. These tours offer the traveller, photographer, birdwatcher and naturalist the ultimate natural paradise.

DAY 1: JHB – NATA

Departing from JHB in the early morning, we set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities we head for Nata Lodge, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the impressive Sowa salt pan, here we camp the night. Familiarise yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal at the Lodge (own expense)

DAY 2: NATA – MAKGADIKGADI PANS

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the 4x4 vehicle for an initial excursion. We then return to Nata Lodge for a welcome swim and a bite to eat. Relax for a few hours during the heat of the day before breaking camp and packing up to head down the Maun road out to the Makgadikgadi Pans to view these spectacular depressions, known for their unique birdlife and the other desert species of animals they attract. Explore the area for Springbok, Gemsbok and other unique species. Camp wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night. B L D

DAY 3: MAUN (13-day fly-in passengers join here)

A leisurely start, after exploring a little more we leave the pans and then drive to the DRIFTERS MAUN CAMP. This camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River, near Maun, and offers us the opportunity to rid ourselves of the Makgadikgadi dust under a warm shower. In the afternoon we will conduct a walk to a local village for an insight as to how the local inhabitants cope in these harsh conditions. Any fly-in passengers will be collected in Maun this afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a traditional "braai" before camping the night. B L D

DAY 4-7: OKAVANGO DELTA

The Okavango, a massive river spilling its contents into the Kalahari sands, creating one of the world’s only true inland deltas and a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a nervous Lechwe 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 one of nature’s masterpieces. We travel either by light aircraft or on sandy tracks to the heart of the Delta then continue by Mekoro to our remote camp where we spend three nights in true wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mekoro - the traditional aquatic mode of transport. There will be time to simply appreciate the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will have the opportunity to do an own expense game flight over the Delta on either day 4 or 7. Late on day 7 we return to the DRIFTERS MAUN CAMP to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal. B L D

DAY 8-12: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE PROGRAMME (MOREMI/SAVUTI/CHOBE)

We pop back into Maun first thing in the morning for the group and guide to stock up with supplies for the onward journey. Now we prepare for the game viewing part of the trip. Perched high on our well-equipped vehicle we head north into the wilderness, passing remote villages along the way. We spend five days in these reserves, starting with Moremi, camping the first night near the well-known 3rd Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the 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 campsite (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving Elephant, and the meat from the prowling Hyenas). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub. Moving into Chobe, famous for its large herds of Elephant, which gather on the flood plains, we spend the morning exploring the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Here we hope to see the Puku, found exclusively on the Chobe flats. We then cross the border to spend the night in comfort at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN. B L D

DAY 13 – 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 ", “The smoke that Thunders”. After admiring this wonder of the world, various other places can be visited and activities enjoyed - 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, Bungi Jumping, or an Elephant Back Safari are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend three nights at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves. Two of the nights we will eat out in local restaurants (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. B

DAY 15: VICTORIA FALLS-NATA

The people flying out on the 13-day tour will do so here and overlanders will return to Botswana and complete the triangle back to Nata. Camp for the last time and share your experiences with the next tour just arriving (dinner own expense). B L

DAY 16: NATA – JHB

Transfer back to the bus to arrive in JHB in the early evening (all meals own expense).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

These trips require a valid passport and for certain nationalities, a visa for Zimbabwe and Botswana. malaria precautions are necessary and must be strictly adhered to. A barrel bag or internal frame backpack is best suited for this trip, (suitcases will not be permitted.) An extra tog bag or camera bag is also allowed. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, all drinks, visas, tips, curios, airport tax (US$20-00), and airport transfers, (for flying pax only, and any other optional excursions. All trips are accompanied by two professional guides for optimum efficiency, catering for a maximum of 14 people per vehicle. Remember, help us to help you by participating and keeping an open mind regarding flexibility.

Recommended guide of what to bring along.

Backpack/Barrelbag/Soft Suitcase
Sleeping Bag & Small Pillow
Water Bottle
Torch/Flashlight
Sport Shoes/Sneakers
Sandals
Toiletries
Sun Cream
Long Trousers/Tracksuit/Shorts
Waterproof Windbreaker
Insect Repellant
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Propholaxis
Jersey/Jumper
Refreshments
T-Shirts/ Shirts
Money ( Sundry expenses, gratuities)
Socks, Underwear
Camera, Binoculars (Film)
Swimming Costume
Books (Birds, Mammals etc.)
Towel
Pen
Hat
Passport/Visas (if applicable)
Luggage must be limited to a maximum of 15kg’s - hard suitcases are unsuitable !
Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals on the tour.

PRICE INCLUDES

We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved on each trip, and to avoid the situation of any surprise hidden costs. Our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots etc.) advice on equipment, hire costs (boats, polers, etc.), permits and entry fees, a competent professional guide and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded). The food is healthy and every endeavour is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol and soft drinks are for your own expense. We do not operate the food kitty system because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en-route to and from the area of the tour. As our programme must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client's expense.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory and we can arrange excellent travel/medical cover for you.

TRANSPORT

We use Mercedes trucks, Mercedes vans, Landcruisers, Samils and Unimogs, all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 20 clients depending on the application.

GROUP SIZE AND AGE

Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 20 persons. By traveling in small groups it means that we don't invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service for our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours make them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years. The minimum size of a group for a guaranteed departure must be 6 people, although we may run with less.

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

Clients must realize that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarize themselves before travelling.

PARTICIPATION

The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for any of our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the mere nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.

GUIDES

Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in their environment, their experience and their ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and Satour.

SLEEPING

Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilize Inns, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels, even under the stars, if desired. Thin sleeping mats are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag, (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aero planes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

EQUIPMENT HIRE

We hire out sleeping bags if required.

SPENDING MONEY

Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual's needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of traveling, curios, alcohol and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes and transfers and additional excursions not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.

Prices for - Botswana Safaris