Botswana - Wildside
Safari
Small group participation camping safari -
13 nights / 14 days
 Return
to Scheduled
Safari Packages
A 14-day participation camping safari: Safari through the wilderness of Botswana. Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional dug-outs and the abundant wildlife of Moremi game reserve and Savuti. Explore Chobe National Park by boat and enjoy wonderful views of Victoria Falls!
Summary
• A true African experience - wild and free.
• All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
• Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti & Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta.
Why travelers like this trip
• Variety - a tour that provides amazing African experiences; from the wildlife areas of Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to amazing spectacles of Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, to the wild Okavango Delta!
• National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park, the wild Okavango Delta and the wilderness of Magadikgadi Pans as well as other lesser known wildlife area of Khama Rhino sanctuary. This trip encompasses the essence of African wildlife.
• Culture and history - for example we spend several days with our local Okavango guides where we have the opportunity to experience a living contact with local people.
• Small group - traveling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
• Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Makgadikgadi Pans, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!
• Mokoro Trail - the tour includes a 3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mokoro (dugouts). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!
• Open 4WD game drives – our trips have the best wildlife viewing opportunities by visiting the game reserves and national parks in open 4WD game drive vehicles.
Departs: Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday at 6:30am.
Ends: Livingstone, Zambia on Saturday at 8:00am.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
Highlights
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary – game drive
•
Okavango Delta – mokoro excursion
•
Moremi Game Reserve – game drives
• Savuti – game drives
•
Chobe National Park – game drive and river cruise
•
Victoria Falls – adventure activities
Includes
• 13 nights camping
• Entrance fees
•
Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillow)
•
Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
•
Meals as per itinerary
•
Professional guide
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Moremi, Savuti, Chobe 4WD excursion |
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SAFARI
COST (2010): $1,866 per person sharing, plus local payment of US$300 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Single supplement US$150.
If you are a single traveler, you will be assigned to room with another same gender single traveler and there is no supplemental payment required. If you request to room alone, then a price supplement will be charged.
ADD-ON: Certain Botswana Wildside departures can be combined before the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari or before the Zambia and Botswana - Untamed Rivers Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience (see dates below). |
DAY 1;
(1 Night)
JOHANNESBURG to KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY, Botswana [Camping - lunch & dinner] |
 Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north into Botswana. We pass Serowe, birthplace of Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, on our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This 430- hectare reserve, situated on the Kalahari sandveld, has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest. We take our first game drive around the open grassland of Malema and Serwe Pans.
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 Motswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. |
Includes: Entrance fees to Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers.
Distance / Time: 630km, ± 7½ hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A
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DAY 2;
(1 Night)
MAUN, Botswana [Camping - breakfast & lunch] |
 We drive through the central Kalahari to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River, Maun is a bustling frontier town where we prepare for the delta excursion. After setting up camp, we have a relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool.
13-DAY FLY-IN DELTA OPTION: Fly into Maun on day 2 (Monday) and create a 12-night / 13-day Maun to Livingstone safari. This itinerary skips the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and begins in Maun on Day 2. The cost of air or other transportation to get to Maun is not included and must be booked separately. |
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 450km, ± 6½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD100-115 pp depending on number of people in each
aircraft). |
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DAYS 3 - 5;
(3 Nights)
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana [Camping - breakfast x3, lunch x3, dinner x2] |
  We drive into the Okavango Delta to our remote tented camp in the heart of the largest inland delta in the world. Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on Mokoro (dugout canoes). The delta forms as water flows from the Angolan highlands out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands creating a delicate, green oasis for bird & wildlife. We will camp wild on remote islands in this amazingly dynamic environment & enjoy bush walks, bird watching & swimming in the clear water. Camping with our local guides we learn more about their lifestyle & culture. We return to Maun in the late afternoon of day 5 and have time for an optional (own expense) game flight over the Okavango, which will reveal a different aspect of the delta.
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Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, mokoro excursion, morning and afternoon game walks with
local guides.
Overnight x2 Delta: Wild camping – basic facilities with bucket shower.
Overnight x1 Maun: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 2-hour 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way. When we reach the waters of the Okavango Delta, we transfer into Mekoros, for our transfer deeper into the Delta.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD100-115 pp depending on number of people in
each aircraft). |
DAYS 6 -
7; (2 Nights)
MOREMI GAME RESERVE, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Moremi Game Reserve rates as one of the leading wildlife areas of the world and we take our open 4WD vehicle into Moremi for fantastic game viewing! Grasslands, floodplains, forests, lily lagoons and winding water channels combine to form a variety of game viewing habitats. We spend 2 days on game drives watching the plentiful wildlife including wild dog, elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other game.
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Includes: Entrance fees, morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
Overnight: Wild camping – basic ablutions, bucket shower.
Distance / Time: 150kms ± 4 hours, excludes game drives & stops for wildlife viewing (Maun – Moremi).
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 8 -
9; (2 Nights)
SAVUTI MARSH, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Moving north over the sand ridge and into the Mababe depression we arrive at the Savuti Marsh. This open grassland area attracts herds of zebra and wildebeest, which in turn draw the large lion prides that Savuti is famous for. We camp in the area for 2 nights with time to explore the various habitats. The waterhole near camp is also a favorite drinking point for many elephant and the sunsets here are fantastic.
NOTE: If road conditions in the parks prevent us visiting the Savuti Marsh, then an alternative route will be run via Nxai pan (It is possible that this may happen between January – April, but it is subject to rainfall, so only in special circumstances). |
Includes: Entrance fees, morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
Overnight: Wild camping – basic ablutions, bucket shower.
Distance / Time: 200kms ± 5 hours, excludes game drives & stops for wildlife viewing (Moremi – Savuti).
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 10 - 11;
(2 Nights)
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Botswana [Camping - breakfast x2, lunch x2, dinner x1] |
  The Chobe River flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. In the early morning we search for game and return to camp for brunch. The late afternoon game viewing “sundowner” cruise is a highlight as we see the mighty elephant herds returning to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. We camp at Kasane on the Chobe River for night 11.
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Includes: Entrance fees, morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle &
sunset cruise on Chobe River.
Overnight - night 10: Wild camping – basic ablutions, bucket shower.
Overnight - night 11: Campsite - good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, bar & restaurant.
Distance / Time (Savuti – Chobe): 200kms ± 4 hours, excluding game drives & stops for wildlife viewing.
Distance / Time(Chobe – Kasane): 75kms ± 2½ hours, excluding stops for wildlife + 3 hour boat cruise.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 12 - 13;
(2 Nights)
LIVINGSTONE / VICTORIA FALLS, Zambia [Camping - breakfast x2] |
  We camp for 2 nights in Zambia near Livingstone town on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy a spectacular walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of the “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders” - Victoria Falls. Opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, Bungi Jump, or take a “flight of angels” (own expense).
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Includes: Entrance Fees to see the Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, bar & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 85kms – 1 hour, excluding border formalities (which can take 2 to 4+ hours).
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more. |
DAY 14
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Tour ends - breakfast] |
Tour ends at 08:00 after breakfast. Transfers to local airports are available. |
Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!
ADD-ON: Certain Botswana Wildside departures can be combined before the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari or before the Zambia and Botswana - Untamed Rivers Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience (see dates below).
DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Camping - for 6 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets! All camping equipment is supplied, with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
• Wild camping (HATAB camp sites) - for 7 nights while in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti and Chobe we camp wild. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the “dig and bury” variety and a simple bucket bush shower will be provided.
Transport
• On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour – Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoros (dugout canoes), “poled” by our local guides; 2 people and their kit per mokoro.
• Open Game drives - for game viewing activities in Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Parks we use an open game viewing 4WD vehicle with trailer. The vehicle has canvas roof and sides, which are rolled up when ever possible, to allow for the best possible game viewing experience. (Remember to bring a warm jacket for the chilly early morning game drives.) The transfer into the Delta is also with an open 4WD vehicle. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views.
• Open Game drives - for game viewing activities in Chobe National Park we use open game viewing 4WD vehicles. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!
• Vehicle - for longer distance travel, Johannesburg to Maun, we use custom-built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of traveling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things."
Local Payment
A local cash payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This payment covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees, which are paid in cash locally. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. The payment must be made in cash ($US) and they cannot accept US$100 bills, traveler’s checks, nor credit cards.
Participation
An essential part of this safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing is best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings but these are available mostly at curio shops as there are hardly any craft markets in Botswana.
Food
• We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 5 dinners and 2 lunches in Maun, Kasane & Victoria Falls where we try out local restaurants.
• The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
• We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
• We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
• Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. The outdoor enthusiast enjoys simple campsites, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
• Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
• Road conditions on this tour vary enormously so please be aware that some days may be delayed due to local conditions. Although there will some long days in the vehicle we try to keep these to a minimum.
Things you should know
• Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
• As this tour spends most of the time in wilderness areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules.
• You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zambia, Botswana and re-entering South Africa.
• Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring day pack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.
• We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip, but please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Traveler’s checks can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travelers check attract a very high commission). Ask us for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
• The trip begins and ends at a local address; if you require transfers, please advise. Transfers are US$45 each way.
Common questions about this trip
• What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, and a water bottle. A small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
• Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the areas intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip!
• Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
• Can I charge camera batteries? We recommend that you bring extra batteries as well as a 12/24-volt cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the vehicle if necessary. Charging in the vehicle will be at the discretion of the guide, as it will not be allowed if there is a risk of draining the vehicle's battery. The power supply of most of the countries you will be visiting is 220-240 volts.
• Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way in Victoria Falls and Maun.
2010 DATES
SCHEDULED SAFARI
DATES - 2010
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Departure
Date |
Language |
Departing
From |
Ending
Date |
Ending
In |
Add-On |
10 January |
English |
Johannesburg |
23 January |
Livingstone |
LM |
17 January |
English |
Johannesburg |
30 January |
Livingstone |
|
31 January |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
13 February |
Livingstone |
|
07 February |
English |
Johannesburg |
20 February |
Livingstone |
LM |
21 February |
English |
Johannesburg |
06 March |
Livingstone |
|
28 February |
English |
Johannesburg |
13 March |
Livingstone |
|
14 March |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
27 March |
Livingstone |
LM |
21 March |
English |
Johannesburg |
03 April |
Livingstone |
|
28 March |
English |
Johannesburg |
10 April |
Livingstone |
|
04 April |
English |
Johannesburg |
17 April |
Livingstone |
|
11 April |
English |
Johannesburg |
24 April |
Livingstone |
|
18 April |
English |
Johannesburg |
01 May |
Livingstone |
LM |
02 May |
English |
Johannesburg |
15 May |
Livingstone |
|
09 May |
English |
Johannesburg |
22 May |
Livingstone |
|
23 May |
English |
Johannesburg |
05 June |
Livingstone |
LM |
30 May |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
12 June |
Livingstone |
|
06 June |
English |
Johannesburg |
19 June |
Livingstone |
|
13 June |
English |
Johannesburg |
26 June |
Livingstone |
|
20 June |
English |
Johannesburg |
03 July |
Livingstone |
LM |
27 June |
English |
Johannesburg |
10 July |
Livingstone |
|
04 July |
English |
Johannesburg |
17 July |
Livingstone |
|
11 July |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
24 July |
Livingstone |
|
18 July |
English |
Johannesburg |
31 July |
Livingstone |
LM |
25 July |
English |
Johannesburg |
07 August |
Livingstone |
|
01 August |
English |
Johannesburg |
14 August |
Livingstone |
|
08 August |
English |
Johannesburg |
21 August |
Livingstone |
|
15 August |
English |
Johannesburg |
28 August |
Livingstone |
LM |
22 August |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
04 September |
Livingstone |
|
29 August |
English |
Johannesburg |
11 September |
Livingstone |
|
05 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
18 September |
Livingstone |
|
12 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
25 September |
Livingstone |
LM |
19 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
02 October |
Livingstone |
|
26 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
09 October |
Livingstone |
|
03 October |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
16 October |
Livingstone |
|
10 October |
English |
Johannesburg |
23 October |
Livingstone |
LM |
17 October |
English |
Johannesburg |
30 October |
Livingstone |
|
24 October |
English |
Johannesburg |
06 November |
Livingstone |
|
31 October |
English |
Johannesburg |
13 November |
Livingstone |
|
07 November |
English |
Johannesburg |
20 November |
Livingstone |
LM |
14 November |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
27 November |
Livingstone |
|
21 November |
English |
Johannesburg |
04 December |
Livingstone |
|
28 November |
English |
Johannesburg |
11 December |
Livingstone |
|
05 December |
English |
Johannesburg |
18 December |
Livingstone |
LM |
12 December |
English |
Johannesburg |
25 December |
Livingstone |
|
19 December |
English |
Johannesburg |
01 January 2011 |
Livingstone |
|
26 December |
GERMAN |
Johannesburg |
08 January 2011 |
Livingstone |
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Add-On Codes
LM: These departures can be combined before the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience.
 Top Return
to Scheduled
Safari Packages
|
