Highlights...

Departing from Johannesburg in the early morning, we set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities we head for Nata, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the salt pan, where we camp the night. Familiarize yourself with the procedures of the tour over a meal in the restaurant, (own expense).

  
Day 3: Makgadikgadi - Maun - (13 Day Fly-in passengers join here)

Arriving in Maun around noon, we pick up the fly-in passengers, finalize arrangements, do last minute shopping, then drive out to camp at a lodge on the banks of the Thamalakane river. We will then have the opportunity to rid ourselves of the Makgadigadi dust under a hot shower. Relax in relative comfort with a BBQ meal, and anticipate the next section of your adventure. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

After an interesting drive to the edge of the swamps we meet our Mokoro polers where we perform the miracle of transferring ourselves and all our equipment into their precarious looking dugouts. They then take us out in these traditional Mokoros, gliding silently through the maze of channels and open pools, stopping here and there for a meal or just to watch some nervous Lechwe pounding across a flooded plain. Witness the Jacana as it strides delicately amongst the flowering lilies, or the Bee Eater diving to catch an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the Fish Eagle calling to the world, a symbol of freedom. We spend 4 days exploring the delta, including a day's walk on Chief's Island in search of elusive game. Our aim is to get as remote as possible and there will be time to enjoy the remoteness and serenity of the area. (Breakfast and lunch included). We pole out midday to return to our base camp near Maun, where once again you can spruce up, and sit back to a catered meal (own expense). (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8-12: Flexible Game Reserve Program (Moremi/Savuti/Chobe)

We pop back into Maun first thing in the morning, and, whilst the guide stocks up with supplies for the onward journey, you have the option of an hours game flight over the delta, (own expense).

Now we prepare for the game viewing part of the trip. Perched high on our well equipped vehicle we head north on the highway of sand, passing remote villages and curio sellers along the way. We will spend 5 days in these reserves, starting with Moremi, to camp 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. After a refreshing swim we head north via Xakanaxa to camp at North Gate.T his area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

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 leave the park to camp on the banks of the river in Kasane. (Availability and time permitting, a sunset cruise of the Chobe river is well worthwhile - own expense).(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Then, after the tedious sandy miles, it is with new excitement that we make for Zimbabwe and the fantastic Victoria Falls, "Mosi oa Tunya", the smoke that thunders. After admiring the wonder of the world, various other places can be visited such as the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the croc farm. A 20 minute flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi river, are both worthwhile.

(Please note that whilst in Victoria Falls it is possible to take part in the 1 day Zambezi White Water Rafting adventure or even a suicidal bungi-jump off the 111m high Victoria Falls Bridge). This is an experience not be missed, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend 2 nights at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves, and even venture into Zambia should they wish. Breakfast and Dinner included). The last night at Victoria Falls we all celebrate our experience with a slap-up meal at a local restaurant, (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. (Breakfast included)

BOTSWANA 16 DAY OVERLAND CAMPING SAFARI

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