Bring your family, your 4×4 or Sports Utility and join us on our self-drive Trans Botswana Safari. This is in no way a “hard core” adventure and no previous 4×4 experience is required.
This is a ten night, 11-day safari that starts in central Botswana at the town of Lethlekane and ends at Kasane in the north.
During the course of our travels, we will traverse the vast sand flats, which were once the great lakes of Southern Africa, fed by an even greater river. Over millions of years, the forces of nature diverted the course of the river, changing the face of this land.
Join us on an adventure to discover the marvels of this geological intrigue as we travel from what was the deepest part of the great lake at the Makgadikgadi Pans, westwards around the south of the Okavango Delta, northward along the course of the Okavango River into the Caprivi Strip via the mysterious Tsodilo Hills, eastwards along the Chobe River and on to the mighty Zambesi at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Your logistics team will be led by an experienced nature conservationist and adventure guide. He will be in radio contact with you at all times and impart a wealth of biological, cultural, historic and four-wheel drive knowledge.
Three meals a day will be prepared by our experienced bush chef in his mobile kitchen, with fresh salads, potjiekos, braais and many other surprises appearing on the menu. The good old “koffie pot” will be on the fire from six till late.
Our logistics crew will pitch and take down the camps at all the overnight stops we visit. Tents, tables and chairs are provided.
This is not a very “technical” 4×4 trip, but should you experience any difficulty, the crew do have the “know how” and recovery equipment to assist with most off-road problems.
Though our bush-camps may be rustic, you will at all times be safe, the crew will spare no effort to make you comfortable, provide you with good wholesome food and, most importantly, see that you have a good time.
All the campsites visited, other than Kubu Island, will have hot showers and flush toilets.
Scridb filterItinerary
Day 1
We meet in the town of Lethlekani at between 13h00 and 14h00. We refuel; supply everyone with two way radios and head out into the bush and onto the vast, flat expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans where we spend our first night on Kubu Island.
This outcrop of granite, situated on the vast saltpans boasts among Southern Africa’s finest examples of huge Baobab trees. The magnificent sunset will set the backdrop as we enjoy a sundowner on the pan, whilst getting to know each other.
Whilst sitting around the campfire, and before being spoilt with the first of many wholesome meals, your tour leader will elaborate extensively on what to expect over the next ten days.
Day 2
For the early birds and keen photographers, an awe-inspiring sunrise will greet you whist enjoying coffee and rusks.
After breakfast and an informative meander around the island, we head north on a two-spoor track along the edge of the empty saltpans, having a picnic lunch along the way. Our destination: a campsite outside Maun
Day 3
We spend the morning in Maun, where we restock and refuel. Whilst in Maun, there will be an opportunity, for those who choose to do so, to take a one-hour game-flight over the Okavango Delta. This flight, however, is not an included activity.
After our morning in Maun we head west and then north to our next campsite, refuelling once along the way. Once again, on our arrival at the camp, which is situated next to one of the major channels of the Delta, the crew will have set up camp and the pots will be on the stove.
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast we spend the day relaxing on and around the water and have a picnic lunch on one of the many islands. For the angler, there will be an opportunity to go fishing in the late afternoon.
Our excursions on the water are in the comfort and safety of aluminium powerboats, piloted by local guides. We will often silently drift along the papyrus-lined canals, being serenaded by fish eagle and hippo.
Day 5
We head north out of Botswana and into Namibia via the mystical Tsodilo Hills with their magnificent Bushman paintings.
At Tsodilo we have an interesting discussion on the Bushmen, visit the museum and have a picnic lunch in this geological wonderland, which is the highest point in Botswana.
Our campsite for the next three nights is located on the banks of the Okavango River. Situated in a riverine belt of giant Jackelberry trees with it’s interesting floating swimming pool and lush surroundings, our camp provides the perfect setting for socialising and relaxing after our daily activities.
Day 6
We partake of a light breakfast and take a short drive to the Popa Falls, where the Okavango tumbles over a series of rapids and after brunch is served on the banks of the river, we drive into the town of Bangani to refuel.
Then it is back to camp for an afternoon “sundowner cruise” on the Okavango River.
Day 7
We spend the day testing our game viewing skills in the Mohango Game Reserve where a picnic lunch will be served at one of the many scenic stops.
This section of Caprivi National Park has over 300 bird species and boasts four of the big five, it is also renowned for it’s Roan Antelope and Sable population.
Day 8
We pack up and head back into Botswana via the Caprivi Strip to our next camp outside Kasane in Botswana, where we spend our final two nights.
Caprivi, the former war-torn province of Namibia is now a national park and safe haven for man and beast alike.
Day 9
After breakfast we head out, our destination the magnificent Victoria Falls. After taking in the wonders of the Falls we have a picnic lunch, do some site seeing and shopping in the village of Victoria Falls and, for the brave of heart, the most scenic “bunge jump” in the world can be taken off the Vic Falls Bridge.
Day 10
Today we do the “Double Bubble” – a game drive into the magnificent Chobe National Park, in an open safari vehicle, and a three hour evening cruise on the Chobe River which takes us back into the National Park. This is one of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa.
We spend our last night around the campfire enjoying the unique bond of friendship that can only be made by fellow travelers who, together, have experienced the magic of the African Bush.
Day 11
Sadly, after breakfast, we say goodbye and leave for home.
Scridb filterTour details
Tour date : 02 – 12 April 2010; 14 – 24 June 2010
25 June – 5 July 2010; 12 – 22 July 2010
23 July – 02 August 2010; 24 Sept – 04 October 2010
Duration : 10 night/ 11 day adventure (tented accommodation)
Tour price : R7 950-00 per person
Rates for children available on request
Included : 3 meals daily, tents, cutlery and crockery, park entrance fees, camping fees, guide, radio’s
Excluded : Transport, fuel, mattress and sleeping bag, fold-up chair, drinks and in-between snacks.
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