Botswana Safari

Classic Botswana Safari

Small group participation camping safari - 9 nights / 10 days

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A 10-day participation camping safari: An exclusive wildlife experience in the premier national parks and game reserves of Botswana. Some of the best game viewing in Africa - Moremi, Savuti and Chobe! Safari through the wilderness areas of Botswana on open 4WD vehicles and watch elephants from a boat as they drink from the Chobe River. Culminating in the 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, Savuti and Chobe National Park to the Victoria Falls! • National Parks and wildlife areas - This safari is a pure game viewing experience - we visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park. There is no more rewarding wilderness experience in Africa. • Small group - traveling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere. • Walking - this safari is primarily game vehicle from the open 4WD vehicle and it is not permitted to walk away from the camp in the national parks / game reserves. But in Victoria Falls we will get out and walk to explore the Victoria Falls. This walk is easy and optional. Duration from ½ - 2 hours. • Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks! • 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. We tow a custom built trailer for camping equipment and baggage. Departs (10-day): Maun, Botswana on Thursday at 2:00pm. Departs (13-day): Maun, Botswana on previous Monday at 4:30pm. Ends: Livingstone, Zambia on Saturday at 8:00am. Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum. Highlights • Moremi Game Reserve – game drives • Savuti – game drives • Chobe National Park – game drive and river cruise • Victoria Falls – adventure activities Includes • 9 nights camping • Entrance fees • Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillows) • Transport in 4WD game viewing vehicle • Meals as per itinerary • Professional guide • Moremi, Savuti and Chobe game drives

Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!

ADD-ON: Certain Classic Botswana departures can be combined before the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience (see dates below).

DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Camping - for 4 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 - for 5 nights while in the Moremi Game Reserve and Savuti / Chobe National Park 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 - an easy walk in Victoria Falls. Duration from ½ - 2 hours.
• Open 4WD Game drives - for this entire safari, including 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 whenever possible, to allow for the best possible game viewing experience. (Remember to bring a warm jacket for the chilly early morning game drives!) This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views.

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 4 dinners and 2 lunches in Victoria Falls, Kasane and Maun 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 and game drives.
• 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.

Add-On Codes
LM: These departures can be combined before the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience.

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