The Great
Wilderness Journey - Botswana Safari
Permanent safari camps
in private concessions - 10 nights / 11 days
Livingstone/Victoria Falls, Linyanti and Okavango Delta
This Classic Camp and deluxe camping safari takes the time to experience the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, before exploring Botswana’s scenic northern areas: from the lushly vegetated wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the game-rich floodplains of Linyanti and Chobe. Three-night stays in each area in Botswana ensures detailed insights into habitats and game movements in the area, and there is a wide range of activities: walks, day and night wildlife viewing – both water- and land-based. Private wilderness areas within Okavango Delta and Linyanti are visited.
Departs: Livingstone, Zambia.
Ends: Maun, Botswana.
Group size: Guaranteed from 2 guests; 7 guests maximum.
Versions
There are two versions of this safari. Both version are identical except the camp for days 8-10.
The price for both versions is the same.
• Xigera version
• Jacana version
This Journey takes the time to explore Botswana's contrasts and extremes in prime areas where few people travel. You will experience a nostalgic camping/lodge safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers. You will have time to experience the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and explore Botswana's scenic northern areas: from the blue-green wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the diverse and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems. Accommodation includes a combination of Wilderness Safaris camps and fully serviced camping, all in private concession areas.
Guides: Explorations are led by highly skilled and qualified professional guides with an incredible passion for the natural regions they work in. Sharing the adventure and guiding you on this journey of discovery combined with their vast knowledge of the natural world, history and culture are their professions and personal hobby. Many of our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. Your guide will host you for the duration of safari, providing you with a consistent, detailed interpretation that is shaped to your specific interests.
Highlights:
• Exclusive access to the wilderness areas of the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Victoria Falls.
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Deluxe camping in two prime areas ensures holistic guiding and detailed insights into habitats and wildlife in the area.
•
Exceptionally diverse range of activities and transfers between locations: walks, day and night wildlife viewing – both water- and land-based.
CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES
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SAFARI
COST:
01 May - 31 May: $10,403 per person
sharing
01 Jun - 31 Oct: $11,761 per person
sharing
01 Nov - 30 Nov: $10,403 per person
sharing
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: None. |
DAY 1;
(1 Night)
TOKA LEYA CAMP, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone, Zambia [Luxury Tented Camp]  Jump
to Toka Leya Camp |
 On arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, you will be met by a Wilderness Explorations representative and transferred directly to the Victoria Falls for a guided tour before proceeding to Toka Leya. Enjoy great views from camp of the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands.
Toka Leya Camp
Set on the western sector of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Toka Leya Camp perches on the banks of the precipitating Zambezi River. Only 12km upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, the camp is well placed for you to explore the scenic and vibrant region. Limiting our footprint on this pristine land, wooden walkways snake between the 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. You will feel safe and comfortable in your tastefully decorated room with an expansive wooden deck looking out at the mighty river – often presenting the sight of rambling elephants, grunting pods of hippo and idle crocodiles. Under a canopy of shady trees, the camp's dining, lounge and bar areas plus infinity pool, offer ample space for you to relax.
• Toka Leya has a worm farm and indigenous nursery so as to rehabilitate the plant species of the area.
• The densely vegetated islands in front of camp form part of the braided channel of the Zambezi River.
• ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ is the local name for Victoria Falls, literally meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ which accurately describes the rising spray that can be seen 30km away.
• Activities include Victoria Falls tours, game drives, river cruises, catch-and-release fishing, guided walks and adventure activities.
• The park offers good wildlife viewing of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala and white rhino.
• The prolific bird life includes the African Finfoot, a rarity elsewhere, yet here a resident. |
Details: Toka Leya Camp - includes all meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands).
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DAYS 2 - 4;
(3 Nights)
LINYANTI DISCOVERER CAMP, Linyanti Reserve, Botswana [Tented Camp] |
 After a full breakfast we transfer by road back to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, for our light aircraft transfer to Kasane. Flying over the Kazangula border, a point where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia meet, we stop at Kasane for a river cruise.
Chobe River boat cruise
Chobe National Park Enjoy a leisurely shaded boat cruise along the Chobe River, with a light lunch, offering a unique opportunity to observe puku, enormous herds of elephant, numerous pods of hippo and large crocodiles, as well as other general game and diverse birdlife.
After the cruise, depart Kasane by air to the private Linyanti concession for your stay at Linyanti Discoverer Camp. The multiplicity of habitats in this area is a paradise for an incredible diversity of wildlife and bird species.
Linyanti Discoverer Camp
Set in the 125 000-hectare Linyanti Concession bordering Chobe National Park, Linyanti Discoverer Camp is your base from which to explore this enormous wildlife-rich area. Unrivalled in its remoteness and space, the concession is bisected by an ancient watercourse – the now-flowing Savute Channel. Your innovative accommodation is in 6.3 metre x 3.5 metre (20.67 feet x 11.48 feet) walk-in wooden framed canvas sided tents. The tents are airy and designed to recreate the accommodation style of the early explorers, with richly coloured teak director chairs and minimalist interiors. Separate bedside tables with 12-volt reading lamps, canvas and wood wardrobes, bathrobes, comfortable beds and mirrors are provided. Private, en-suite separate toilet and showers form part of the structure. Paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the ambience in the evening, while fresh, sumptuous meals are usually prepared around a fire by warm and friendly camp staff.
• The landscape of the Linyanti is diverse, from floodplains to open dry-land savannah and woodland with sweeping views.
• Wildlife includes the seldom-seen sitatunga that can be spotted in the waterways, as well as rare roan and sable antelope, plains game and of course their predators, the lion and leopard – with the endangered wild dog as an incredible bonus.
• Activities include game drives in the private northern sector of the concession, exploring a range of habitats, from riverbanks to scrub and forest as well as a full-day excursion with lunch at a remote scenic setting. |
Details: Linyanti Discoverer Camp - includes all meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands).
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DAYS 5 - 7; (3 Nights)
GOMOTI TENTED CAMP– Okavango Delta, Botswana [Tented Camp] |
 Transfer by light aircraft to the Santawani Concession and discover the varying habitats and wildlife of the area. Our accommodation here is in the semi-permanent Gomoti Tented camp.
Gomoti Tented Camp
Gomoti Tented Camp lies in the centre of the private 6 000-hectare Santawani Concession, in the south-east corner of the Okavango Delta. The camp is nestled under large acacia trees in a diverse game-rich area. Most of the concession area comprises a mixed woodland habitat that gives way to open grasslands which can transform into floodplains in years of plentiful water.
Accommodation is in five 5.1 x 3 metre Savannah canvas tents, which are spacious and comfortable, designed to recreate the style of the early explorers, with richly-coloured teak director chairs and comfortable interiors. Separate bedside tables with 12-volt reading lamps, wooden-framed wardrobes, comfortable twin beds and mirrors are provided. A private, en-suite toilet and shower forms part of the structure. Enjoy the midday view from your director chairs, set under the shade of your veranda. Paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the ambience in the evening, while fresh, sumptuous meals are prepared by your warm Explorations staff and served at a long table in the thatched dining area. An after-dinner digestif may be enjoyed around the fire or taken in the cosy lounge adjacent to the dining area.
• Activities focus around day and night game drives and nature walks.
• The alluvial sands in these areas are very fertile, resulting in good grass growth, which attracts a multitude of grazing animal species.
• Wildlife is plentiful and includes leopard, lion, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, elephant and masses of general game. |
Details: Gomoti Tented Camp - includes all meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands).
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DAYS 8 - 10; (3 Nights)
XIGERA CAMP– Okavango Delta, Botswana [Luxury Tented Camp] Jump
to Xigera Camp
or
JACANA CAMP– Okavango Delta, Botswana [Luxury Tented Camp] Jump
to Jacana Camp |
 After breakfast we fly by light aircraft over the shimmering water-world of the Okavango Delta to Xigera, where you can enjoy quintessential Delta activities such as poling on a mokoro or motorboat outings.
Note: There are two versions of this safari. Both version are identical except the camp for days 8-10. The price for both versions is the same.
• Xigera version
• Jacana version
Xigera Camp
Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera Camp embodies the essence of the Okavango Delta. The camp is found on the aptly-named ‘Paradise Island’, surrounded by year-round water and lush vegetation. We invite you to stay in one of the ten beautifully furnished en-suite tented rooms offering views over a seasonal floodplain and small lagoon. You will enjoy meals and drinks in the lounge and dining area overlooking the flowing channel or under the stars in our traditional African boma. During long lazy afternoons, take a plunge in the pool or soak up the sun on a lounger. Surrounded by spectacular wilderness, Xigera Camp will give you a feeling of wellbeing far from the hubbub of modern living.
• Xigera Camp donates a portion of each bed-night charge to the Motswe Wa Tsholofelo Orphan Day-care Centre in Maun.
• The camp is 100% solar-powered.
• Your activities at Xigera typically include mokoro and motorboat outings. Game drives are seasonal, dependent on the water levels.
• Mammal sightings include the water-loving red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, elephant and tsessebe along with the elusive sitatunga. Predators include leopard and spotted hyaena.
• A delight for birdwatchers; expect to see Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Skimmer, Greater Swamp Warbler and Wattled Crane.
Jacana Camp
Set on a small island, Jacana is a true water camp, epitomising the seclusion of the Okavango Delta. Your accommodation will be one of the five Meru-style tents looking out over the expansive surrounding waters. The main dining area is elevated on a wooden deck and surrounded by big shady trees. Downstairs, curl up on one of our cosy couches or gaze out across the waters from the viewing deck. Lazy afternoons can be spent swinging on a hammock and cool evenings are spent sitting around the open fire. The traditional boma often sets the scene for outdoor dining under the stars. As a wonderland of water-based animal and bird life, Jacana begs to be explored.
• Jacana is involved in a lion monitoring project (tracking movements, social behaviours and conditions), as well as being the site for annual Children in the Wilderness programmes.
• The vegetation at Jacana varies from picturesque floodplains with lush palm islands and riparian forest to dryer parts covered in acacia and mopane woodland.
• Mekoro, boat trips, guided walks and game drives are usually on offer all year round. There are two platform hides in the concession.
• Water-loving red lechwe are in abundance, attracting big predators such as lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, occasional sitatunga and regular spotted-necked otter.
• Birding is exceptional with large concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret and Lesser Jacana. |
Details: Xigera Camp or Jacana Camp - both options include all meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands).
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NOTE: THIS
ITINERARY IS AVAILABLE ON FLEXIBLE DATES AND ITINERARIES, FOR TAILOR-MADE
SAFARIS FOR SMALL GROUPS UP TO EIGHT GUESTS.
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CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES
SAFARI NOTES
Group Size
This camping safari is guaranteed on a scheduled departure basis with a maximum group size of eight guests and a minimum number of
two guests.
Tailored Explorations
Private and flexible tailor-made safaris are possible, allowing for flexibility on dates, accommodation and itineraries. Suitable for small
groups of between four and eight guests, these are also ideal for families.
Exclusivity
To ensure as much privacy and exclusivity as possible, the areas in which we travel are private concessions in prime locations. All
Explorations camps are private and for the use of Exploration guests only, while relevant air transfers are shared with other guests.
Itineraries
The route we follow is flexible, changing with the seasons to maximize the experience for the guest. Wilderness Explorations also reserves
the right to change itineraries due to unusual game concentrations or reasons beyond our control. If there is a change to itinerary, this will
be advised as timeously as is possible.
Transfers
To maximise guests’ travel time, a variety of travel modes that bring out the best of each area is used including flying in light aircraft and
overland transfers in customised 4X4 safari vehicles.
Time
We have specifically allowed for 3-night stays at camps in Botswana; in a journey of this nature, guests have the time to fully relax and
unwind, at the same time appreciating an in-depth introduction to the diversity of the area as well as its activities.
Staff
We will have six to eight camp assistants in addition to the guide at Gomoti Tented Camp and Linyanti Discoverer Camp.
Dietary Requirements & Special Occasions
Please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.
Travelling Companions
Whilst travelling on this safari you will be with other guests doing the same itinerary and some of the camps included on the itinerary are not
exclusive to the Exploration hence you will be with other guests who are from different parts of the world and who are of various ages. To
get the most out of your safari experience, co-operation and harmony between you and your fellow guests is essential.
Age Limit
Children from the age of 12 years are welcome on all scheduled departures, with the prerequisite that all children between the ages of 12
and 17 years share the same tent with a related adult as a safety precaution. For guests with children under 12 years, we can create a
private tailor-made safari which is subject to an additional cost.
Vehicles
Our safari vehicles are usually open 4x4 vehicles and are designed for guests to have all round visibility.
Accommodation & Camping Equipment
Accommodation for the camping portion at the permanent camps of Linyanti
Discoverer Camp, is in 6.3 metre x 3.5 metre (20.67 feet x 11.48 feet) walk-in canvas-style tents (maximum of two guests per tent).
Private, en-suite separate toilet and shower areas are on the main structure of each tent. The tents are airy and beautifully designed to
recreate the accommodation of the early explorers – kitted out with separate bedside tables and 12V reading lamps, wooden wardrobes,
comfortable beds, flushing toilets and mirrors. Camp amenities (conditioning shampoo, soap, shower gel and body lotion) are provided
while private, en-suite separate toilet and shower areas are part of the main tent structure.
Gomoti Tented Camp is in five 5.1 x 3 metre Savannah canvas tents, which are spacious and comfortable, designed to recreate the style
of the early explorers, with richly-coloured teak director chairs and comfortable interiors. Separate bedside tables with 12-volt reading
lamps, wooden-framed wardrobes, comfortable twin beds and mirrors are provided. A private, en-suite toilet and shower forms part of the
structure. Enjoy the midday view from your director chairs, set under the shade of your veranda. Paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling
campfire set the ambience in the evening, while fresh, sumptuous meals are prepared by your warm Explorations staff and served at a long
table in the thatched dining area. An after-dinner digestif may be enjoyed around the fire or taken in the cosy lounge adjacent to the dining
area.
Discoverer camps are specifically outfitted with comfortable interiors yet aim to bring the guest closer to nature, by means of a lively camp
fire, around which meals are often prepared, and hurricane lanterns. Wide-ranging activities and a warm atmosphere complimenting the
comfort and added luxury of the camp visited, creating a memorable wilderness experience.
Language
Our safaris are all conducted in English. It is a requirement that all participants on the safari have a basic knowledge of English and are
able to communicate in that language, primarily due to safety factors. On bilingual hosted departures, English is still the guides’ home
language. The foreign language service is free of charge, however, fluency is not guaranteed.
On all private tours, we can arrange for non-English speaking guides, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
Joining and/or Leaving the Scheduled Safaris
The safari and services of the guide start on our Day 1 as per the brochure and detailed itinerary, so all scheduled commercial flights
booked must coincide with the start and end point of the particular Exploration that you have booked.
This Wilderness Safaris Exploration will start at Livingstone Airport - please ensure that you have the correct itinerary information.
Arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport on the day of departure of your safari should be scheduled for around midday
whereupon you will be met by our representative. Your safari begins with a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, followed by a road transfer to
Toka Leya Camp. Meet your Explorations guide in the reception area of the lodge at 18:00 for a safari briefing and then dinner.
Note that arrival on a later flight will necessitate an additional road transfer, which will be subject to extra cost. If you arrive in Livingstone
before the day of departure, please advise us.
Please ensure that your departure flight from Maun is booked after 13:00. For earlier international departure flights, an additional transfer
will be required to arrive for this connection. Extra transfers and flights are subject to extra cost.
Spending Money
Please ensure you have a sufficient amount of US Dollars/Euro in cash of small denominations, as it can be difficult to get any US$ or Euros outside of major centres. We suggest that you allow for US$ 25.00 per day to cover the cost of basic souvenirs (within reason), and more for high valued souvenirs.
Torches/Flashlights
As all campsites in Botswana are unfenced, it is essential that you bring a good torch as you may encounter wild animals in camp at night. We suggest at least a two D-cell torch/flashlight and a head lamp. You should also bring a spare globe and batteries as they are often unobtainable locally. A good flashlight is not a mini-Maglight or a small penlight flashlight. Wilderness Safaris Explorations does not supply flashlights.
Photographic & Video Tips
Note that a 12V cigarette lighter adaptor (compatible with your camera) will be required on this safari for charging batteries while on game drive or transfer drives at Gomoti Tented Camp and Linyanti Discoverer Camp. Limited charging facilities are also available in the main area at these two camps. The camps have 12V electricity only. Spare batteries are essential (we recommend that you bring three spare batteries) and an image storage device of some sort is recommended. Make certain you have enough card storage – most people take more photographs than expected.
Tipping/Gratuities
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you would like to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you. You may wish to add a nominal amount ranging between US$ 10.00 to US$ 30.00 per day for incidentals (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
• Guides: US$ 10.00 – US$ 12.00 per guest per day
• Mokoro Paddlers, Safari Assistants & Trackers: US$ 5.00 per guest per day
We would like to emphasise that tipping is definitely not a requirement and should be undertaken only by choice, dependent on the service received
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• All accommodation as specified in the detailed itinerary
• All meals (three course dinners), including the lodge/hotel in Livingstone Town
• All soft drinks, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and house wine, as well as small selection of local liquors
• Activities, guided tour of the Victoria Falls as specified in the detailed itinerary
• Seat-in-plane light aircraft transfers (including departure taxes where applicable) as specified in the detailed information
• Limited laundry is available, all smalls to be done by guests.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
• Visas
• All relevant entry and departure government stipulated fees/taxes and unexpected increases thereto
• All personal purchases, including curios, premium brand liquors, telephone calls, etc.
• Pre and post tours before arrival at the starting point of the safari
• Optional extra activities/services not included in the detailed itinerary
• All flights (other than specified)
• Gratuities.
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Please contact us for dates.
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