Day 1 :
Johannesburg to Nata
Today we
leave Johannesburg in the early morning, making our way to the Botswana
border. Once we get through Customs and Immigration, we'll head for Nata
Lodge. This lodge is an oasis-like camp on the edge of the spectacular
Sowa Salt Pan. This is where we will camp for the night. During the
catered dinner at Nata lodge, we will familiarize ourselves with the
procedures of the safari ahead of us.
Day 2 : Nata
to Makgadikgadi Pans
After a
hearty breakfast we will transfer to our 4X4 vehicles. This is when we
begin our amazing excursion of the area, thereafter we return to Nata
Lodge where we will swim and have a bite to eat. We'll spend time
relaxing for a few hours and thereafter we will break up and make our
way to the Maun road, towards the Makgadikgadi Pans. Here we will view
the spectacular depressions, also known for their unique bird life and
the other desert species of animals like Springbok, Gemsbok and other
unique species to the area. Tonight we camp in the wild and take in the
isolation and serenity of the wild night life.
Day 3 : Maun
After a slow
start, we will continue exploring a little more, and leave the pans and
drive to the camp. The camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti
River, near Maun, and offers us the opportunity to rid ourselves of the
Makgadikgadi dust under a warm shower. In the afternoon we will go on a
walk for an insight to how the local inhabitants cope in these harsh
conditions. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional "braai" before camping
the night.
Day 4-6
: Okavango Delta
The Okavango
Delta is a massive river which spills its contents into the Kalahari
sands. This creates one of the worlds only true inland deltas, and
supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Lechwe
pounding across a flooded plain, the Jacana striding delicately amongst
the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting
insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle. This
all combined to create one of nature's masterpieces. We travel on sandy
tracks to the heart of the Delta, and then continue by mekoro (dug-out
canoe) to our remote camp. This is where we spend three nights in true
wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mekoro (the traditional
aquatic mode of transport). There will be time to simply appreciate the
remoteness and serenity of the area. You will have the opportunity to
fly over the Delta on either day 4 or 7 (at your own expense).
Day 7 :
Return to Camp at Okavango Delta
Late on this
day we return to the camp to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal.
Day 8-12 :
Flexible Game Reserve Program (Moremi / Savuti / Chobe) We will return
to Maun for the group and guide to stock up on supplies for the onward
journey. Thereafter, we will prepare for the game viewing portion of our
trip. We will leave in our well-equipped 4X4 vehicles. We will head
north into the wilderness going through remote villages along the way.
We will be spending 5 days in these reserves, starting off at the Moremi
camp. Our first night will be spent near the well-known 3rd Bridge.
Tonight we will hear the howl of the Hyena or the mighty roar of a lion
or even the deep grunt of a hippo. The following morning we will be
heading north to Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. This is an excellent
area for game viewing and will be done in the afternoon and in the
wetland areas in the morning. Thereafter we will head up to the Savuti
area which offers a multitude of game drives and a very active campsite
(keep your fruits well hidden from the roving elephant and the meat from
the prowling Hyenas). Here the vegetation is ever changing, from the
open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense opane woodlands and
Acacia scrub. Moving into Chobe (famous for its large herd of
elephants), which gather on the flood plains. We will spend the morning
exploring the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Here we hope to see the
Puku (found exclusively on the Chobe flats). We thereafter cross the
border into Zambia to spend the night in comfort.
Day 13-15
: Victoria Falls to Nata
You will be
awaken in the adventure capital of Africa, it is here that we explore
the amazing Victoria Falls, "Mosi o Tunya","Smoke that Thunders". After
admiring this wonder of the world, there are various other places you
can visit and activities to be enjoyed - the tribal village, the big
tree, the curio market and the crocodile farm. An aircraft trip over the
falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white river rafting, bungee
jumping or an elephant back safari are all worthwhile, but allowance
must be made for the extra expense (own expense). We spend three nights
here where you have the opportunity to explore the area, either on foot
or bicycle on your own. Two of the evenings will be spent eating out in
local restaurants (for your own expense). Relax to the sound of the
African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell
toasts to your adventure. We will return to Botswana and complete the
triangle back to Nata camp and have dinner (all meals for your own
expense).
Day 16 :
Nata to Johannesburg
We make our
way back to Johannesburg, arriving in the early evening (all meals at
your own expense).
