Overview
- Untamed Lands
The route takes the time
to roam and explore the contrasts, extremes and continually moving
wildlife of northern Botswana: from camping on islands in the lush
Okavango Delta and its crystal clear waterways, to the wildlife-rich
plains of the dry Savuti marsh and the seasonal elephant masses at our
Linyanti concession. This safari also takes in the amazing annual zebra
migration in the Savuti Channel from its source, documented by Dereck
and Beverly Joubert in their famous documentary video, Stolen
River.
We adapt with the
changing seasons so
as to provide the best in wildlife viewing on an annual basis.
Therefore, between 1 December and 31 May, to maximize the experience of
the zebra migration, the safari switches a night from Linyanti Trails
Camp to Savuti, Chobe National Park.
Transfers: To
maximize guests travel time, a
variety of transport modes
that bring out the best of each area is used: flying in private
charters, overland transfers and exclusive combination mokoro-boat-land
transfers provide both a birds-eye view and an in-depth experience of
the contrasting landscapes of Botswana.
Itinerary
DAYS 1 & 2 - San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans
After arrival in Maun, we fly by light aircraft to San Camp, situated in
a private concession on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the
Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, part
of a fossilized super-lake that flourished eons ago.
Surprisingly for such a
harsh, lunar-like environment, life abounds, and brown hyaena, oryx and
springbok are just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen.
Activities include up-close encounters with suricates (meerkats), one of
the most fascinating and endearing animals in the world. Experience
phenomenal geology, quad biking, authentic San (bushman) cultural walks
and simply enjoying the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed.
DAYS 3
& 4 Nxai Pan,
Nxai Pan National Park
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our pre-erected private
Adventurer campsite in the Nxai Pan National park, stopping for lunch en
route at the famous Baine's Baobabs.
The pans here are
covered with short nutritious grasses and acacia trees, creating
game-rich areas surrounded by vegetated dune savannah. Extensive game
drives explore the surrounding pans. Spectacular dry season predator and
wildlife action can be seen at the waterholes!
DAYS 5
& 6 Xigera Mokoro
Trails, Okavango Delta
We depart early after breakfast and drive to Maun, then fly by light
aircraft to our water-land paradise of the private Xigera area, within
the Moremi Game Reserve.
There is no better way
to experience the Okavango than to travel through it in mokoro, walk and
camp out on remote islands all essential elements of the Xigera
Mokoro Trails experience..
Activities include
serene mokoro and walking safaris, enabling up-close encounters with the
excellent diversity of bird life (including Pels Fishing Owl), frogs and
myriad of wildlife species adapted to water (such as sitatunga and red
lechwe).
DAYS 7
& 8 Lechwe Island
Camp, Khwai region - Okavango Delta
We fly by light aircraft charter from Xigera Mokoro Trails directly to
the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta, Khwai region.
Here, in a completely
private concession area on the Khwai Channel, we can explore this
seasonally game-rich flooded region on game drives, game walks and night
drives.
DAY 9-
Savuti Marsh, Chobe National Park
After an early morning drive and departure from camp, we travel directly
north through the private concession, stopping en route at a private
game viewing hide for lunch. We arrive at our pre-erected Adventurer
campsite in the mid-afternoon, in time for a sunset game drive.
DAYS 10
& 11 Linyanti
Trails Camp - Linyanti Concession
We leave early, heading towards the Linyanti region. This is an all day
game drive, with lunch en route at a private game viewing hide in the
Savuti Channel.
In addition, this game
drive is specifically created to provide the guest with an intimate
detailed view of the Stolen River to ensure the best zebra
migration and most reliable wildlife viewing possible throughout the
year.
On our second day, we
depart on an early morning activity in the north-eastern corner of the
Linyanti, enjoying a myriad of changing landscapes, from river to
savannah habitat with sweeping views. Lunch is at a spectacular serviced
lunch deck, with a sweeping view of the Linyanti waterways. After a
siesta in hammocks, we enjoy a leisurely canoe trip, before returning to
camp at dusk.
DAY 12
Chobe River boat cruise and Natural Mystic Lodge, Zambia
After a short morning drive and breakfast, we depart by light aircraft
to the northern Chobe region of Chobe National Park. This area is famous
for its vast herds of elephants and other unique species such as the
elusive puku and Chobe bushbuck that move to the river in the hottest
hours of the day. Enjoy a boat cruise in a skimmer-style shaded boat,
including a delicious lunch.
Leave Botswana and
enter Zambia by way of the Kazangula border, a point where the four
countries of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia meet, to stay at the
Natural Mystic Lodge in Livingstone.
DAY 13
Victoria Falls; transfer to Livingstone Airport
Enjoy a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural
Wonders of the World. At 1708 meters wide, it is the largest curtain of
water in the world and drops more than 100 meters into the sheer Zambezi
Gorge.
Transfer to Livingstone Airport and bid farewell to the adventure.
NOTE: THIS ITINERARY IS AVAILABLE ON FLEXIBLE DATES AND ITINERARIES, FOR
TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS FOR SMALL GROUPS UP TO EIGHT GUESTS.
Included:
All soft drinks, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and wine. Local
liquors are also provided.
All meals while on safari, including the Lodge/ hotel in Livingstone
Town
All activities while on the safari departure
All internal charters as specified in the itinerary
All accommodation
All National park fees
Excluded:
Visas
All relevant entry and departure government stipulated fees/ taxes
All personal purchases, including curios, premium brand liquors,
telephone calls etc.
Gratuities
Optional extra activities
All flights (other than specified in the safari itinerary), pre and
post tours before arrival at the starting point of the safari
Torches
