Great Adventure Trips

Botswana

Deluxe / Luxury Camping / Serviced Camping / Budget Camping / Victoria Falls

14 Day Botswana Untouched Mobile Safari - Upgraded

A small group limited-participation Camping Safari with selected nights in chalets/permanent tented
camps from Johannesburg to Livingstone through South Africa, Botswana and Zambia

Highlights
Tuli Block, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Makgadikgadi pans, Moremi National Park, Khwai River Game Drive and Night Drive, Okavango Delta experience including Mokoro excursion, Savuti National Park, Chobe National Park, River cruise on the Chobe River, tour of the Victoria Falls.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Tuli Block LD
An early morning (730am) departure from Airport Game Lodge in Johannesburg takes us via Pretoria and Potgietersrus and through the Limpopo Province into Botswana via the the Zanzibar border post. We set up camp at Limpopo River Lodge, set in the area known as the Tuli Block. This thin strip of land in the extreme south-east of Botswana, borders Zimbabwe to the north and South Africa to the south. It is one of the few areas of commercial farmland as it receives more rain than the rest of Botswana. The land in the extreme east is where the game reserves have been established with huge herds of elephants and hundreds of colourful birds. If time allows we go on a late afternoon game drive in search of Africa's "Big Five", otherwise this will be done early the next morning.
Distance: 510km Departure: 07h30
Accommodation: Limpopo River Lodge Camping (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool & bar)

DAY 2: Tuli Block to Khama Rhino Sanctuary BLD
Today we drive to the Khama Rhino Sancturay, which is situated outside the town of Serowe. 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 Batswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. We explore the sanctuary on an afternoon game drive in search of White Rhino's.
Distance: 200km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Chalets with shared bathrooms)

DAY 3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Kubu Island BLD
We'll head north-west to Kubu Island and stop at the Magkadigkadi Pans to have a closer look. If the conditions allow we'll take a drive onto the Pans. After appreciating the wide-open, uninhabited spaces under the endless canopy of blue sky, we step off for our final stop of the day, Kubu Island Camp. The rest of the afternoon we spend with a hike in the area and relaxing at camp.
Distance: 280km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Kubu Island Camping (tents, camping with basic facilities)

DAY 4: Maun and the Khwai River BLD
After breakfast we head off for Maun and onto a private concession and Mankwe lodge. Once we've set up camp - we go on a night game drive in the concession. This area lies between Moremi and Chobe and we'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of nocturnal animals.
Distance: 320km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Lodge (permanent tented chalets with bathroom, swimming pool & bar)

DAY 5: Khwai River, Botswana BLD
Today we spend a full day in the bush on a game drive. Departing after breakfast we take our 4x4 and drive through the wilderness area of the Khwai region spotting a variety of game that frequent this region that borders Moremi and Chobe. Picnic-lunch will be in the wilderness area. With some luck we'll see the Big Five.
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Lodge (permanent tented chalets with bathroom, swimming pool & bar)

DAY 6: Moremi Game Reserve BLD
After having explored the Khwai area we now head into the famous Moremi game reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve. Our mode of transport will be changed to a vehicle especially equipped and designed to take us through the rough terrain that we will face in the next six days.
Distance: 150 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Basic Camping in Moremi Game Reserve (tents, bucket showers and bush WC's)

DAY 7: Moremi Game Reserve BLD
This morning we'll float in Mokoros through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta in the Moremi Reserve discovering a variety of birds and wildlife hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise. Unlike other Delta's in the world, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. You have the opportunity to listen to the sounds of the wilderness whilst sitting around the campfire at night.
Distance: 150 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Basic Camping in Moremi Game Reserve (tents, bucket showers and bush WC's)

DAY 8: Savuti Game Reserve BLD
We leave the Moremi Reserve behind us and enter the bordering Savuti Game Reserve, which also borders the famous Chobe National Park. The day is spent game driving through the park. Savuti is often described as the best wildlife-viewing area in all of Africa. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife, where all of the major species can be seen: giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland and more. The bird life is diverse and photograph opportunities abound. Savuti is known for its many predators also, including lion, spotted hyaena, jackal, bat-eared fox, wild dog and even cheetah.
Distance: 250 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Basic Camping in Savuti Game Reserve (tents, bucket showers and bush WC's)

DAY 9 & 10: Chobe National Park BLD
These two days are spent exploring the Chobe National Park with its abundance of wildlife. One of the most famous game reserves in the world, Chobe National Park is home to large animal populations and over 450 bird species.
Distance: 200 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Basic Camping in Chobe National Park (tents, bucket showers and bush WC's)

DAY 11: Chobe National Park and Kasane BLD
After breakfast and a last game drive we exit the Chobe National Park and make our way to Kasane and Toro Safari Lodge, where we will meet our driver and the vehicle, that we started the tour with. Once we've reached the Lodge we'll set up camp and enjoy the rest of the afternoon on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, lions, crocodiles and a variety of birds and more without having to reach for our binoculars - You'll be close enough for close-up photographs.
Distance: 120 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Toro Lodge (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool)

DAY 12: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls BL
A mid morning departure takes you from Chobe to Livingstone in Zambia by ferry across the Zambezi. You have the afternoon to relax or to partake in one of the many optional activities on offer at the Zambezi Waterfront (own expense).
Distance: 110 km Departure: 10h00
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool)

DAY 13: Livingstone and Victoria Falls B
After breakfast we explore the Victoria Falls on a guided walk. You have the afternoon at leisure for activities (own expense).
Distance: 10 km Departure: 10h00
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool)

DAY 14: End of Tour B
Our safari ends after Breakfast and we hope we can welcome you again one day on another of our African Adventures.

B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Group size Minimum: 4, Maximum: 9

2009 Per Person Rate: US$ 2310.00. Single Supplement: US$ 315.00. Local payment US$ 300.00

Regular tour Rate (with all camping): US$1910. Local Payment: USD 300
Book our Botswana Untouched Mobile Camping Safari from Johannesburg to Livingstone now and save USD 230 (Tour price is now: USD 1680). The offer is valid until the 31st August 2009

Departure Dates 2009: April: 24, May: 22, June: 12 / 26, July: 10 / 24 August: 14 / 28, September: 11 / 26, October: 09 / 23, November: 13 / 27
December: 11

Included in the price
5 nights in chalets / permanent tented camps and 8 nights camping, all transport in fully kitted 4x4 safari vehicle, use of full camping equipment, game drives as mentioned, meals (prepared by the guide at the campsites) and activities as mentioned in itinerary, camping and park entrance fees, experienced local guide & driver.

Not included in the price
Optional scenic flight over delta, travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour accommodation, all drinks, tips and curios.
Meal Key

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Standard Room, Airport Lodge (Johannesburg) From R325 pp Sharing (BB), From R435 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport transfer (Johannesburg Airport) - R 105 pp (based on a minimum of 2 people)
Standard Chalet, Zambezi Waterfront (Livingstone) U$80 pp Sharing (BB), U$110 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport Transfer (Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone) U$16 pp (based on minimum of 2 people)

The evening before the day of departure, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 6pm, at the Airport Game Lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.

Transport: a fully equipped Toyota Landcruiser or other appropraiate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
Accommodation: 2 guests per 3-person dome tents, fitted with mosquito nets. We provide sleeping mattresses.
Spending money: Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic drinks and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling and Botswana Pula are the most practical and convenient currencies.
Meals: All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by him/her with the help of the group. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. We buy groceries along the way, so our clients have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
First Aid: Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration. It is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage: Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance:It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country.
Participation: The Botswana National Parks Safari is a limited - participation camping safari. This means, that the Clients will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as, packing and un-packing the vehicle.
Sleeping bags: we can provide sleeping bags. A fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 will be charged for the whole tour.
Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Zambia, Namibia and Botswana prior to departure.

BOTSWANA
The San were among the first human inhabitants of this region before the Setswana migrated southwards and slowly occupied the region from the 16th century onwards, until early in the 19th century. By mid century missionaries arrived, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 the territory was a British protectorate. Botswana gained its independence in 1966 and has been the most stable democracy in Africa. The first president ruled from 1966 until his death in 1980, the second till 1994 (re-elected twice, then resigned) and the third from 1998.
The country has a strong currency with one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, maintains a neutral international political stance. It is heavily reliant on mining (especially diamonds) & tourism and maintains close ties with its neighbor South Africa, an economic powerhouse for the region.
Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includes lion, giraffe, leopard, antelope, elephant, crocodile and ostriche. Botswana is semiarid and has an average annual (summer) rainfall of 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to less than 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari. Drought is therefore not uncommon and the vegetation is mostly savannah.
Geographically Botswana is relatively flat (the average elevation of about 1000 m) and can be viewed (for all intensive purposes) as three major regions as follows:
Chobe National Park in the north, another outstanding wilderness area of enormous diversity - lion and elephant can be viewed from river cruises or 4x4 game drives.
The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland and one of the largest inland river deltas in the world - 15 000 km2 of wilderness and prime safari area. The Kalahari Desert in the central and southwestern regions occupies over half the land area of Botswana. It is a mystical, harsh and unspoiled landmass.
The saltpans of north-central Botswana and the Tuli block in the far eastern corner of Botswana are also areas of significance.

Tuli Block
The Tuli Block integrates the Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Nature Reserve and other smaller game reserves. The wildlife that can be viewed here include Elephant, Kudu, Impala, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Lion (some black-maned), Zebra, Leopard, Waterbuck, Eland and Cheetah. Some of the creatures that can be seen at night include Caracal, Aardwolf, Hyena and Jackal.
Birdlife is spectacular in the Tuli Block. Bird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing some of the 350 recorded bird species which include shrikes, the boulder chat, the short-toed rock thrush, raptors, woodpeckers and even ostriches. The aquatic species include cormorants and pygmy Kingfishers.
December in the Tuli Block is hot and humid and sees more rain than any other month, with November next in line. Sporadic showers occur in September and April. October to May have temperatures of around and above 30°C (86°F). Expect to see an abundance of birds, newborn antelopes and lush green landscapes during the wet summer months.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary
In 1989 a group of Serowe residents conceived the idea of a wildlife reserve near Serowe. Serwe Pan, then a cattle post, had been a traditional hunting area teeming with wildlife and the residents wished to re-establish it to its earlier splendour. In 1993 the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land around Serwe Pan to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust.
The site was chosen due to its excellent habitat for rhinoceros, central location and proximity to a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) base, which provides the Sanctuary with 24hr protection. Covering approximately 4,300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld, the Sanctuary is centred around Serwe Pan - a large grass-covered depression with several natural water holes. Serwe Pan provides prime habitat for white rhinoceros and other grazing animals, whilst the denser vegetation in the southern area of the Sanctuary is favoured by browsing animals such as giraffe.
The Sanctuary is a community trust governed by a Board of Trustees who are elected from the local communities of Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapodi. The Vice President of Botswana, Lt .Gen.S.K.I. Khama, Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato, is Patron of the Trust.
The Sanctuary lies 25km north of historic Serowe on the Serowe-Orapa road. Serowe, one of the largest traditional villages in Africa , is the birthplace of Botswana 's first President, the late Sir Seretse Khama. Paje and Mabeleapodi are two small picturesque villages within fifteen kilometres of the Sanctuary.

Makgadikgadi Pans
The lesser-known Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is situated between Maun and Nata in Botswana. The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi are the size of Switzerland and most of the time appear as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as the pans come to life with frantically feeding water birds and great herds of game. The best time to visit this area to coincide with the migration is from December to March or in the dry season from April to October when the pans are dry.
The park contains four main vegetation types: riverine woodland, scrubland, pure grassland and saltpans. The pans support palm groves and peculiar looking Baobab trees whose branches look more like roots, giving rise to the name 'upside down tree'. These are interspersed with short spiky yellow grass found on rises between the pans, known as 'prickley salt grass'. This grass is extremely saline resistant to the extent that salt crystals can sometimes be seen on the leaves. The interior of the reserve comprises scrub and grassland with a few 'islands' of Real Fan Palms and Camel-thorn Acacia.
From April to November game such as Springbok, Gemsbok, Wildebeest and Zebra move slowly from the pans area in the south east of the park, to the Boteti River in the west. During this migration animals accumulate in their thousands. The heavily wooded areas beside the river also contain shy antelopes like Duiker and Bushbuck.

Moremi
In the centre of the Okavango Delta is the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, a 3,000 km2 paradise. Proclaimed a wildlife reserve by the Tswana people in 1963, Moremi is undoubtedly one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas. The foresight of the local community has ensured that nature has flourished undisturbed, offering a glimpse of the divine, a veritable Garden of Eden. Moremi is a place of lily-covered wetlands, grass plains and forests, where even at the busiest time of year you're likely to be the only spectators at a most dramatic animal sighting.
Moremi consists of a network of waterways surrounding two large islands, Chiefs Island in the west and Mopane Tongue in the east. The area's diverse ecosystems, riverine woodland, flood plains, wetlands and reed beds, mopane forest and dry savannah woodland are all flourishing, broken only by the occasional jeep track. This diversity of habitats provides rich pickings for an impressive variety of animals and around 550 bird species. As Moremi is a fenced reserve, game viewing is impressive throughout the year. However, the cool dry winter months from March to September are an ideal time to visit, as the chances of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, hyena, eland, kudu, roan antelope, giraffe, zebra, impala and buffalo are excellent. On the sandy riverbanks and wetlands, sightings of hippo and crocodile are commonplace.

Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana (near Maun) incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve and is a unique wildlife paradise - one of the finest in the world. It is also one of the largest inland river deltas in the world. This unsurpassed natural environment is a maze of waterways, islands and reed banks creating a perfect habitat for lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, kudu, impala, roan, zebra, lechwe, hippo and crocodile, amongst others. There are approx 440 bird species in the delta and fish species are also abundant, including tiger fish, sharp-toothed catfish, barbell and bream.
Travel through the swamps and surrounding areas is generally done by open 4x4 game viewing vehicle or a peaceful meander in a 'Mokoro', a flat-bottomed dugout canoe.
The Delta is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from approx 14°C in January to 24°C in July. Rainfall averages 525 mm annually, but varies greatly from year to year. Water levels and flooding reach a maximum between March and July, after rains at the source and the usual 15 000 km2 can expand to approximately 22 000 km2 in high-rainfall years.
Savuti

Chobe National Park
Chobe is approx 11 000 km2 of wilderness area watered by the Chobe & Savuti Rivers and thus attracting huge concentrations of game. This includes lion and some of the highest concentration of elephant in Africa - an estimated population of around 25 000 in winter. Game viewing is renowned and in the Northern areas near Kasane, both the riverboat game viewing experience and the 4x4 vehicle option are popular.
In addition the spectacular annual summer migrations of plains game, especially Zebra, is a highlight, as well Giraffe, Warthog and numerous antelope including Sable, Roan, Oribi, Reedbuck, Lechwe and the colourful Chobe Bushbuck.
Bird watching opportunities in Chobe are ample and include some 350 species including the awesome African Fish Eagle, the rare Pell's Fishing Owl, Saddle-billed Storks, Long-toed Plovers, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Skimmers, Bradfield's Hornbills and Carmine Bee-eaters. In addition, the sunsets are spectacular.

ZAMBIA
To explore Zambia is to step back into the untamed Africa of legend. It is the real Africa with vast, unspoiled wilderness areas waiting to be discovered. The country is shaped by three great rivers, bordered by three breathtaking lakes and sheltered by big, big skies. It is a land that beckons adventurers and those who prefer to avoid the busy tourist destinations.
While thrill seekers can try the white water frenzy of the Zambezi River or the adrenaline choked bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia also offers fine wildlife safaris. It is a place for an African walking safari with great hiking trails, glorious sunsets, friendly people, ancient traditions and mystic legends, and of nature at its wildest and most exquisite.

Victoria Falls
'So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight' said David Livingstone of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The smoke that thunders'). This legendary traveler first saw the Falls from the Zambian side and his memory is enshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambian side are quite different, varying dramatically depending on the season and water flow.
The Falls are over a mile in length and boast the largest curtain of water in the world - over 500 million litres of water per minute casade over the falls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventh natural wonder of the world and fast becoming one of the top adventure destinations in the world.
The river is divided into a series of braided channels that descend in many separate falls. Below the Falls the river enters a narrow series of gorges, which represent locations successively occupied by the falls earlier in their history. Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak fissures, and forming a series of retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied the seven gorges below the present falls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the next cut back will form a new waterfall that will eventually leave the present falls lip high above the river in the gorge below.