Botswana – Wish come true! (13 day/ 12 night)
From US$ 5 228 per person sharing, based on two people travelling in low season
Day 1
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport off your international flight.
After clearing customs and immigration, and collecting your luggage, a representative of The Tourist's Friend will meet you in the Arrivals Hall, will hand you your airline tickets, and then accompany you to the Air Botswana check in counters, for your flight to Maun Airport.
Air Botswana, flight BP212, departs Johannesburg at 10h10, arriving in Maun at 11h50. Check in time will be at least 1.5 hours prior to departure time.
After clearing customs and immigration at Maun Airport, and collecting your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by a representative of Meno-a-Kwena Camp. He will drive you to Meno-a-Kwena Camp, situated about one hour and thirty minutes away.
Meno A Kwena Tented Camp prides itself in getting seriously involved in local tribal community development projects to create an increased awareness of the importance of the country’s wildlife resources, and therefore its preservation. This is the conservation action they have taken to secure a future for the region’s wildlife potential through maximum benefits to the people and wildlife of the Boteti in the Kalahari region of Botswana.
Southern Africa’s largest remaining zebra and wildebeest herds, dependant on regular drinking water, migrate within the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans ecosystem. There are numerous desert-adapted animals and birds that move through the area in search of grazing and browse. This very diverse system, contrasts between riverine and open saltpan habitats with varying woodland and scrubby vegetation.
The tented safari camp is an experience in itself. All the tents are pitched on a cliff overlooking the dry Boteti riverbed, where Meno A Kwena provide water for wildlife to drink in full spectacular view of the camp. The river hasn't flowed in over ten years. Unique vistas by Botswana standards! The tented safari camp is themed around the former ‘mobile’ safari camping days when the ‘real’ safari experience was provided, as David's Father did all his life from East to Southern Africa. The rustic, but stylish camp has been created from a mixture of the authentic safari mood with a traditional rural African touch.
Each of the seven fully serviced safari tents with semi-attached bathrooms, including a bucket shower and flush toilet each, are set on the edge of the riverbank. A hundred feet below camp is the water hole that attracts thousands of animals during the dry season. A lot of emphasis in the camp experience is placed on the theatre view from camp, and so no matter where guests are they may watch the scenes played out, whether from the plunge pool, their tents, the verandahs, or the bathrooms.
The safari camp cuisine is prepared in a way it is as much of a safari experience as all the other aspects of life in the bush. They cook on the campfire – BBQ Botswana beef fillets, BBQ chicken, BBQ chops, grilled fish, and these are supplemented with fresh vegetables and salads. Puddings, cheese, biscuits and fresh tropical fruits end the meals on a sweet note. Picnic lunches are supplied for day trips into the national parks.
Days 2 and 3
Wildlife viewing by 4X4 safari car into the parks and reserves are dependent on where the seasonal wildlife is concentrated for water and food, determined by rainfall. There is actually no need to leave the camp during the dry season as most of the wildlife in the area will drink from the lodge's water hole at camp. This is a perfect opportunity for guests to take a break from game drives and to sit quietly and watch the wildlife from the comfort of camp.
Relaxing in camp – The camp’s water hole attracts enough wildlife to just stay in camp and relax, after days of busy activities on safari this is a welcome option. The dry season (May to November) is most productive for the zebra and wildebeest migration. Bird life is impressive all year round.
Day trips from camp – Licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable guides lead the day trips to three protected Kalahari wilderness areas all year round. An impressive packed picnic lunch and drinks are provided for these safaris. Day trips are dependant on wildlife movements, influenced by the rains, and limited available surface water. Below is a list of where to go when.
Nxai Pan National Park including Baines’ Baobabs – All year round. The pumped water hole is best in the dry season, (May to November).
Makgadikgadi Saltpans – Access onto the pans is possible during the dry season, (May to November).
Zebra and Wildebeest migration, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – The herds concentrate on the Boteti during the dry season, (May to November). The migration moves through the national park to the salt pans during the rains, (December to May).
Boteti River – All year round for general wildlife, the zebra and wildebeest migration drink along the riverbed during the dry season, (May to November). Bird varieties increase and start breeding during the summer months, (September to May).
Day 4
After breakfast, you will be driven back to Maun Airport, in time to connect with your Delta Air flight to Kwara Camp. This flight is an experience in itself, across the Okavango Delta, of 30 minutes duration.
Arrive at Kwara Camp airstrip, where you will be met by a representative of the lodge, and driven the 10 minutes to the Camp.
Kwara Camp is located in the remote northern part of the stunning Okavango Delta within the private Kwara concession. The camp fronts onto a huge floodplain, adjacent to the permanent water of the Delta and is backed by extensive bush. It is a magnificent wilderness area in excess of 1,700 square kilometres, bordering the Moremi Reserve. Kwara encompasses a wide diversity of habitats, ranging from the clear Delta waters with reed-lined lagoons and channels, to open grasslands, mopane woodlands and palm-fringed islands.
The eight luxury safari-style tents are built on raised decks, within a grove of huge and ancient African Ebony trees. Resident hippos will generally serenade you year round from the water on the floodplain in front of the camp. Each tent has its own viewing deck, private en-suite facilities including hot and cold running showers, flush toilets and modern amenities.
The forested island on which the camp sits is typical of those encountered throughout the vast 1.6 million hectares of the Okavango Delta.
Lunch will be served after your arrival, followed by an afternoon activity and dinner.
Days 5 and 6
Due to the specific location of the camp, Kwara is able to offer, power boating, mokoro (dug out canoe) trips, walks and game drives – all year round. In addition Kwara is in a large private concession enabling the game drives to operate both off road and at night. The presence of permanent water ensures year round game viewing and also allows mokoro trips in shallow water throughout the year. Kwara has a double-deck pontoon boat which allows guests to get very close to birds and animals for up-close photography and game viewing. Well-trained, armed guides will also conduct game walks through the islands of the Delta and transfer their knowledge to their guests. Fishing at Kwara is also superb and the famed Tiger Fish, as well as Bream, Catfish and Pike are frequent catches. Kwara subscribes to the catch and release policy.
The area is home to an astounding array of animal and bird life, including Lion, Hyena, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog. There are good populations of Elephant, Buffalo and Zebra and over 300 species of birds. Antelope species are prolific with good populations of the rare sable antelope. Trips to the wondrous Godikwe Lagoon - one of the largest breeding colonies on Botswana, are an absolute must. In season (from September to December), you will see thousands of birds and their young in their annual nesting grounds with amazing interactions. It is here that guests will most appreciate the double-deck boat as they are able to peer into the birds' nests from above.
Day 7
After breakfast, and a morning activity, you will be chartered from Kwara airstrip to Lagoon Camp, 50 minutes away.
Located in the 2,320 square kilometer Kwando concession, Lagoon camp is situated on the shady banks of the Kwando River in Botswana, in a private wilderness area amongst African Ebony and Marula trees. The Kwando Reserve is located just west of the Linyanti Reserve and includes 80 kilometres of river frontage, wonderful floodplains, and woodlands to the west of the Kwando River.
Lagoon camp accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 comfortably appointed twin or double bedded safari style tents. The tents have en-suite facilities, his and hers basins, flush toilets and a spacious outside shower. Each tent overlooks the lagoon in front of the camp. Hot water is propane-heated, ensuring a supply no matter what the weather or time of day. The tents feature extra long, extra thick mattresses for that extra peaceful sleep. Double beds can be made up upon request. Three meals per day are offered and all wines, alcoholic drinks, beverages and cool drinks are included. There is a small plunge pool for cooling off. Complimentary laundry services are provided.
Days 8 and 9
At Lagoon Camp, the activities concentrate on open vehicle game drives and boat cruises. A special feature of Lagoon Camp is the river boat experience. The flow of the river enables the boat - a double decker - to drift with the flow in silence - perfect for bird watching and game viewing. Game walks are on offer but are at the guides' discretion due to the concentrations of Elephant. Lagoon Camp offers off road and night game drives, allowing guests to see the fascinating nocturnal wildlife in the area.
Fishing is also a specialty here and those who are keen will have an opportunity to catch the fighting Tiger Fish, Bream, Catfish and Pike. Fishing can be done from the front of your tent due to its situation, but the camp subscribes to the catch and release policy, but exceptions can be made if you wish to eat your fish.
The Kwando area has a large variety of wildlife but is most noted for its very large Elephant populations. There is rarely a time where one cannot view at least some Hippos and Elephants without even leaving the camp. Lagoon has had a Wild Dog den every year for the past 6 years so is probably now one of the best (if not the best) camps in Africa for Dogs. There are good numbers of Impala, Lechwe, Kudu, Zebra, Giraffe, Sitatunga, Sable, Roan, Waterbuck, Buffalo, Bushbuck and the smaller antelope. The major predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Hyena are resident and regularly sighted. The reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for the numerous and diverse species of birds.
Seasonally, large herds of elephant drink daily from the bank of the Lagoon in full view of the guests. Playful spotted necked otters are commonly seen performing in the Lagoon right in front of the guest tents. Lagoon has a well earned reputation for big game herds, especially in winter, with many hundreds of elephant, buffalo herds into the thousands and numerous hippo pods - scattered in the ox bows and river channels. These vast herds attract the big predators in large numbers. The Lions of Kwando are famous for their Elephant, Hippo and Buffalo kills.
Night drives allow guests a chance to see the nocturnal species such as Civet, Large- and Small-spotted Genet, Honey Badger, and Spring Hare. Nocturnal birding, especially Owls, is also excellent here. Lagoon Camp also deliver the specials like Aardwolf, Aardvark, Ratel, Serval, Caracal and Selous Mongoose quite regularly.
Day 10
After an early morning activity and breakfast at Lagoon Camp, you will be driven to the Airstrip for your charter flight to Savuti airstrip, in a light aircraft, around 50 minutes away, across the Chobe National Park.
At Savuti airstrip, you will be met by your Guide, who will transfer you by vehicle to the mobile Savuti Camp, Savuti Under Canvas.
This luxury semi-permanent camp consists of only 6 tented suites. Guests are hosted by expert guides, who offer close and personal encounters with the wilderness.
The campsite is private which makes the camps exclusive and intimate. Accommodation is in spacious Hemingway tents, each with double or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms separate w/c and a romantic al fresco bucket shower (hot water delivered upon request). The guest area comprises a luxury tent for dining or relaxing and reading between drives. A private butler service is also on offer and delicious Pan African meals are served, with traditional bush dinners served under the stars.
A cupboard safe, and recharge facilities for cameras is available, but no mains electricity and no running water, making for a true bush experience.
Days 11 and 12
Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Savute area, including the Savute Marsh and a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills will fill your days. A handful of small pans sustain Savute's thousands of animals with a permanent, yet fragile water source. On an open vehicle game drive, conducted by a professional guide, droves of magnificent bull Elephants shuffle past you towards the water.
The area is known for its exciting game viewing and birding. Activities are restricted to set regulations as the camp is within a national park.
In the early morning and evening, your professional Ranger will guide your four-wheel drive safari vehicle to within close viewing range of impassively grazing herds of Impala, Tsessebe, Giraffe and Zebra as well as within close focus range of the powerful predators: Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. You are also likely to see plenty of Wildebeest, Warthog, Kudu, Black-backed Jackals, Steenbok, Bat-eared Foxes, vultures, hornbills and eagles. And of course the elephants that congregate at the water hole right in front of the lodge.
Lions versus elephants:
The lions hunt elephants because they have discovered that they can. The Savute elephant killers are an unusually large pride that fluctuates between 30 and 50 animals. The dry season has always been a desperate time for wildlife in northern Botswana. One year, perhaps, water, and therefore prey, was scarcer than ever and a small or weak elephant was killed in a moment of bold opportunism. Then there was no turning back. Most of the hunting takes place at night when it is cool and the elephants, with their poor night vision, are at a distinct disadvantage against lions.
Day 13
After a morning drive and brunch, your Guide will return you to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Maun Airport (40 minutes), where you will connect with Air Botswana, flight BP211, departing Maun at 15h00, and arriving back in Johannesburg at 16h40.
Included in this Itinerary:
- Johannesburg International Airport meet and greet service
- Air Botswana flight from Johannesburg to Maun Airport
- Road transfer from Maun to Meno-a-Kwena Camp
- 3 Nights at Meno-a-Kwena Camp in an en-suite tent
- All meals and local drinks
- Activities into the Park
- Park entrance fees
- Laundry
- Community development levy
- Road transfer from Meno-a-Kwena Camp back to Maun Airport
- Air charter from Maun to Kwara Camp
- 3 Nights at Kwara Camp in an en-suite tent
- All meals
- All local drinks
- All activities with a licensed Guide
- Laundry
- Air transfer from Kwara Camp to Lagoon Camp
- 3 Nights at Lagoon Camp in an en-suite tent
- All meals
- All local drinks
- All activities with a licensed Guide
- Laundry
- Air charter from Lagoon Camp to Savuti airstrip
- 3 Nights at Savuti Under Canvas in an en-suite tent
- All meals
- Local drinks
- All activities with a licensed Guide
- Park entrance fees
- Air charter from Savuti to Maun Airport
- Air Botswana flight from Maun to Johannesburg International Airport
Not included:
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa requirements
- Gratuities and items of a personal nature
Code: MFP11 |
