This safari is based partly on the Ladies' No. 1 Detective Agency, a series of novels written by Zimbabwean-born British writer Alexander McCall Smith, about a Botswana woman detective and her adventures as the country's only female detective.

The itinerary includes a visit to Gabarone, the home of the book's central character, with a full-day tour of this bustling Botswana city, including sights and locations from the novels.

The adventure then moves to Botswana's prime wildlife locations - the Okavango Delta and Chobe.  You will stay in exclusive safari camps in the Okavango and in the only lodge located within the boundaries of Chobe National Park.

The trip concludes with 2 days to explore Livingstone and see the incredible Victoria Falls.  Safari camps and lodges are owned and operated by Desert & Delta Safaris.

This is itinerary #1... See Itinerary #2 here.

SAFARI COSTS (April & May 2009):  $4,715 per person sharing
SAFARI COSTS (June through November 2009):  $5,965 per person sharing
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:  Quoted on request.

The price includes a custom safari duffel bag for your trip.

Arrive in Johannesburg and take the shuttle transfer to your hotel.  An overnight in Johannesburg, near the airport, is booked for you before your adventure begins on Day 2.

Emperors Palace is a sensational hotel, casino and convention resort that combines timeless classical elegance and sheer excitement, conveniently situated alongside Johannesburg International Airport. This 80-key three-star select-services Metcourt Laurel hotel (formerly The Senator Hotel) offers you cozy, comfortable and affordable accommodation and delightful service. All Metcourt guests enjoy breakfast at the charming Primavera Restaurant and access to all Emperors Palace’s magnificent variety of facilities.

Entrance to the Metcourt Laurel reception is through a marble paved foyer and up a double-winged staircase whose brass balustrade is ornamented with glass panels, while large gold-framed graphics of Roman urns decorate the walls.

Overnight and Breakfast are included.

Day 2
This morning you will take the shuttle transfer back to Johannesburg Airport for your departure flight to Gaborone.

On arrival in Gabarone, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Discover the ultimate business and leisure experience...the 4-star Metcourt Inn at The Grand Palm offers 187 rooms and suites. The distinctive character and charm of this elegant hotel blends efficiency, comfort, luxury and privacy into absolute harmony - perfect for both business and leisure travellers. It is equipped with all the facilities and modern conveniences that discerning travellers have come to expect. Breakfast can be enjoyed at Livingstone's restaurant offering a sumptuous international buffet. The Executive 5th floor, with the exclusive Executive Club Lounge, offers the travelling executive unsurpassed business services. Guests also have access to the casino, dining, and variety of recreation facilities of The Grand Palm, as well as the magnificent banquet and convention facilities of the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).

Overnight and Breakfast are included.

Day 3
Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion to the film site of the movie: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a series of ten novels by British author Alexander McCall Smith. The eponymous agency is located in Gaborone, capital of Botswana. Its founder is a Motswana woman, Mma Precious Ramotswe, who features as the stories' protagonist and main detective. The episodic novels are as much about the adventures and foibles of different characters as they are about solving mysteries. Each book in the series follows on from the previous book. Lunch included.

Overnight and Breakfast are included.

Camp Moremi is situated on the Xakanaxa Lagoon in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve which is located in the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta. The reserve includes ancient Mopane forests, open grassland, seasonal floodplains and riverine habitats which support a great diversity of animal life.

Trained resident naturalist guides share their knowledge and deep love of Botswana's wilderness with you on game drives where you could see wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, giraffe, elephant and buffalo. Other activities include bird watching and power boat excursions to Gadikwe Lagoon.

The famous elevated Moremi Tree Lodge is the focal point of this camp and houses the luxurious main lounge, a wildlife reference library, dining room and cocktail bar, all shaded by giant ebony trees and overlooking the lagoon. Other facilities include a sundeck, plunge pool, covered "boma" (reeded enclosure) and an elevated game viewing platform at the water's edge where you can relax and sip a sundowner after your day's game viewing and activities.

Camp Moremi accommodates only 22 guests in East African-style safari tents, individually situated on raised teak platforms. The tents are furnished with an African teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional director's chairs. Colourful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway. Each tent has its own private bathroom next to it.

Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 5
Game activities as per the camp.
Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 6
This morning at a time to be advised locally, you will be transferred by light aircraft charter from Camp Moremi to Camp Okavango.

Camp Okavango in Botswana is situated on remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience. Unashamed luxury blends with the Africa of yore in the elegant thatch and lethaka main building which houses a cocktail bar, lounge and dining room, while the expansive open air patio caters for al fresco meals and evenings around a blazing fire.

Camp Okavango's dinner served by candelabra is renowned among knowledgeable Africa travellers. Shaded hammocks, reading benches and a delightful sundeck and plunge pool provide relief during the hot midday hours, whilst an elevated observation platform affords stunning views of the tranquil floodplains.

Camp Okavango accommodates only 24 guests in intimate exclusivity in East African style safari tents individually sited on raised teak platforms with en-suite ablution facilities and a private sundeck. Each tent is exquisitely furnished with a Rhodesian Teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional directors chairs; colourful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway.

Game activities as per the camp. Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 7
Game activities as per the camp.
Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 8
This morning at a time to be advised locally, you will be transferred by light aircraft charter from Camp Okavango to Kasane.  Upon arrival in Kasane, you will be met and transferred to Chobe Game Lodge.

Built along the banks of the Chobe River, and the only permanent game lodge situated within the park boundaries, Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana's premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base to explore the Chobe National Park. The lodge can accommodate up to 100 people in total luxury, offering a choice of land or water activities and the most complete game experience in the Chobe area.

Chobe Game Lodge game drives are conducted in open sided 4X4 vehicles ensuring maximum visibility, while game viewing on the Chobe River is conducted by small, shallow draft and highly manoeuvrable boats piloted by expert boatmen. Your resident professional guides offer slide shows, star gazing presentations, garden and river walks as well as walking safaris in the nearby Kasane forests.

Counter-balancing the wilderness are restful, air conditioned, en-suite lodgings furnished with comfort. Other facilities include: a large swimming pool with terrace, a riverside boma area, a fully equipped conference room, a business centre for those guests needing to keep in touch, a stylish bar with an outside terrace overlooking the Chobe River and a cigar bar with a full sized billiard table. Meals are catered for at the terrace restaurant overlooking the Chobe River.

The Chobe wildlife roams in profusion and diversity. The Elephant population, estimated to 30,000 is the largest single concentration in Africa, survives within the confines of a proclaimed Chobe National Park. During the harsh season the herds migrate south to north and congregate along the fertile flood plains of perennial Chobe River. Other major species such as Lion, square-lipped Rhino, Wild Dog, Sable and Roan Antelope are encountered in many areas of the reserve.

Game activities as per the camp. Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 9
Game activities as per the camp.
Overnight with fully inclusive accommodation.

Day 10
Today you will be transferred from Chobe to Livingstone and your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.

The Zambezi Sun, located on the edge of the eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls, reflects the richness and diversity of the country’s heritage; capturing the very soul of Africa – unpretentious, fun and welcoming. With its warm, earthy architecture, inspired by an African walled village and simple finishes highlighted in bright mosaics and fabrics as well as intoxicating Zambian artworks and accessories, the Zambezi Sun is set to turn your stay into a memorable experience.

Overnight and Breakfast are included.

Day 11
This morning you will be taken on a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Overnight and Breakfast are included.

Transfer to Livingstone Airport for your departure flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival in Johannesburg connect with your flight back home.