Great Adventure Trips

Botswana

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

Splendors of Botswana - 8 day camping safari

DAYS 1 & 2: MAKGADIGADI PANS NATIONAL PARK
Depart from Maun at 08h00 this morning to the unique and fascinating saltpans of the Makgadigadi. With its palm trees and riverine woodlands, Makgadigadi is renowned for its spectacular scenery and breathtaking sunsets. Game is richly diverse due to the fertile grasslands and the area boasts excellent birding. Two overnights are spent camping near the Khumaga area.

DAYS 3 & 4: CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Continue to our campsite in Deception Valley, via Tsoe and Rakops. The Valley is an ancient riverbed meandering between wooded dunes across the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and was the site for the research and experiences of Mark and Delia Owens - vividly captured in their book Cry of the Kalahari. Explore the fragile ecosystem of the riverbed which supports a great diversity of fauna and flora. Numbers of oryx graze along the way, and you could also encounter lion, leopard, brown hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, jackal, bat-eared fox and various other species in this intriguing environment. Raptors such as black-shouldered kites, kestrels and eagles abound while marsh owls are often seen after the rains. Many topics are discussed around the fire at night and comradeship forms an integral part of this unique experience.

DAY 5: DECEPTION VALLEY LODGE
Leave the Central Kalahari and travel to Deception Valley Lodge - set on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Enjoy a unique afternoon walk led by a San tracker, followed by an exciting night game-drive where you will have a good chance of encountering some of the fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

DAYS 6 & 7: OKAVANGO DELTA
After breakfast, return overland to Maun for your scenic flight into the Okavango Delta. Spend two overnights at our campsite on a private concession, complete with camp staff. Explore the Okavango by mekoro (dug-out canoe) and powerboat, and enjoy a delicious evening meal prepared under a canopy of trees. Rise with the dawn and explore the floodplains on foot and by mekoro. Depending on game concentrations, you could expect to find lechwe, kudu, buffalo, reedbuck and many other species. The flora, too, provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate ecology of the Delta. During the hot hours of the day the possibility of a swim presents itself.

DAY 8: SAFARI TERMINATES
After a leisurely breakfast, you will return to Maun by air charter in time for connecting flights.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS SAFARI:
" Combination of two ecosystems
" Exclusive wilderness camping
" Makgadigadi Pans, Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta
" Guaranteed window seat

This is a serviced camping safari, suitable for reasonably fit people. Involves some hiking and rugged conditions. This safari travels with a maximum of seven guests in a specially customised 4x4 safari vehicle, and accompanied by an expert safari guide throughout. All meals - from lunch on day one to breakfast on day eight - are included. A reasonable amount of bottled water, local wine, beer and soft drinks are included on camping days. Window seat guaranteed throughout. The upper age limit for this safari is 70 years although clients between the age of 70 and 75 years may be accepted provided that they produce a medical certificate stating that they are fit to travel. Minimum age limit is 12 years.

Private departures are possible, subject to vehicle and guide availability.