This expedition is specifically designed to make the most of the Kalahari Deserts' most lively season, in which the light rains draw out an abundance of plant and animal species. The route takes the time to explore the contrasts of 3 major ecosystems: the Makgadikgadi 'moonscape' saltpans, Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and finally the waterways and fertile islands of the Okavango Delta. The entire safari is guided and hosted by professional guides, who share their in-depth knowledge and ensure a seamless safari experience.
The style and essence of this safari takes you back to the long-gone days of Africa's exploration. Large luxury dome tents complete with verandas, allow you to feel more connected and open to nature, accentuating the feeling of the wild and untamed. Shared separate toilet and shower 'bathrooms' with old-style tin bucket showers, basins and all amenities, create simple serviced comfort. To ensure total privacy and exclusivity, most areas in which you travel are private concessions in pristine, prime game locations.
- Days 1-2: Njuca Hills/Makgadikgadi Pans
- Itinerary
You depart Maun early in the morning for Njuca Hills, on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, forming part of a super-lake fossilized eons ago. The campsite is beautifully positioned under shady trees on hills with a superb view of the surrounding plains.
Life abounds in this harsh environment, with brown hyena, oryx, seasonal wildebeest and zebra as well as a diverse array of birds being just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen. Activities include game drives, with many opportunities to see the birthing of desert animals, so abundant in this season. Experience the phenomenal geology and simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed and surrounding grassy plains.
- Days 3-5: Deception Valley/Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Itinerary
After an early breakfast, you depart overland to your pre-erected private campsite at Deception Valley, in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains, as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over this enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing.
On day 4 or 5, you enjoy a full-day wildlife viewing activity (with picnic lunch), taking in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari, as well as Letiahau and Deception valley.
- Days 6-7: Xigera Camp/Okavango Delta
- Itinerary
After a light breakfast you depart overland to Maun. In the afternoon you fly by light aircraft to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, in the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is a delta of serene water channels flowing around remote islands of lush vegetation inhabited by diverse wildlife.
Your luxurious camp is nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. The traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African stars.
There is no better way to experience the Okavango than to travel through it by mokoro (traditional canoe), as well as walking and camping out on some of its green islands - all essential elements of this trail experience. These activities enable up-close encounters with the excellent diversity of birdlife, frogs and a myriad of game species, some specially adapted to water, such as the rare sitatunga.
- Day 8: Charter flight to Maun
Included in tour:
Full board
All transfers
Accommodation
Mineral water
Soft drinks, wine & beer at meal times
Activities & national park fees
Excluded:
Visas
Insurance
Laundry
Optional extra activities
Gratuities and tips
All activities not specified
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Maun |
end in |
Maun |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 1 Jan 2008 |
31 Dec 2008 |
|
- |
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
Extra tour notes.
This tour has set departure dates. Please contact us for exact dates.
To maximize your travel time, a variety of transport modes that bring out the best of each area are used: flying in private charters, overland transfers and exclusive combination mokoro-boat & land transfers provide both a bird's-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Botswana.
