Rhino & Kalahari Safari - 11 days adventure camping

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The Rhino & Kalahari Safari, the first section of our popular Botswana Adventure trail including the Mapungubwe National Park, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Makgadikgadi & Kubu Island and the Central Kalahari!

Almost a quarter of Botswana has been set aside for conservation purposes. With a population of only 1.6 million people, there are still enormous tracts of land which are completely un-inhabited. These are the areas we explore, from the watery channels of the Okavango Delta to the shifting sands of the Kalahari.

Safari Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Johannesburg
Arrival at the airport & transfer to Johannesburg lodge accommodation. Depending on your arrival time additional excursions available on request. Accommodation: lodge B&B. Meals not included.

Day 2: Mapungubwe National Park
Early morning meet-and-greet with your safari guide in Johannesburg. We head for the new Mapungubwe National Park, approx 550 km from Johannesburg, nestled right on the Botswana and Zimbabwe border and the confluence of the great Limpopo and Shashe rivers. This spectacular National park is South Africa's newest World Heritage site because of its' valuable Archeological sights (of the Mapungubwe people), coupled with superb wildlife sightings (elephants) and tribal history. Afternoon at leisure.Accommodation: Mapungubwe National Park, camping. Meals included: breakfast and diner, lunch not included.
 

Day 3: Mapungubwe National Park
Morning Game drive to the Confluence of the mighty Shashe and Limpopo rivers - remnant of one of Africa's greatest lakes, Lake Makgadikgadi. Picnic brunch and afternoon tour / walk with a local guide to one of the ancient mountains - fascinating!! We return in evening for a traditional braai under the African Sky. Accommodation: Mapungubwe National Park, camping. Meals included: all meals included.

Days 4 & 5: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

A lazy departure from Mapungubwe National Park after breaking camp. We cross the nearby border into Botswana and then on towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a tranquil haven lying beneath huge Mongongo Trees. Khama is home to 33 of Botswana's last remaining Rhinos and to several other mammal species, including leopard and the elusive Brown Hyena. Enjoy an afternoon walk around the campsite at leisure. Our second day starts with an early morning game drive through the Kalahari Sandveld in search of rhinos, along the pans' edge. Relax in the afternoon before a sundowner drive to the bird hide. Swimming pool nearby for the hot summer days. Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary, camping. Meals included: all meals included.

Day 6: Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Today we venture on to the mystical Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the largest salt pans in the world, covering an expanse of 16 000 square kilometers. We camp near Kubu Island, a breath-taking place covered in huge baobab trees which leaves us wondering about the ancient civilizations which once inhabited this mysterious place. Kubu is sacred to many of Botswana's people and is still a place of worship. Enjoy an afternoon walk around the island and see the most spectacular sunsets over this sacred place. With full moon the daylight will never end! Kubu Island, a must see! Accommodation: Kubu Island, camping. Meals included: all meals included.

Days 7, 8 & 9: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Our next stop; The Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Our next 3 nights are spent within one of the largest conservation areas in Africa - The Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Covering a massive 52 000km2, the Central Kalahari is one of the most uninhabited places in the world. Home to many desert species, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a special place which offers a remote, un-spoilt experience like no other. Our camp in the northern part of the Reserve is pock-marked with natural pans and ancient dry river beds. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times for spotting desert animals. We have lunch and relax in camp during the midday heat. Water resources are limited, wild camping. We spend both time at Deception Valley and the areas North West with waterholes and more game sightings. Accommodation: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, two different camps camping. Meals included: all meals included.

Day 10: Maun

Exiting the Kalahari, heading for the bustling town of Maun and back to civilization, where we have time to e-mail friends, wonder around, or simply chill at the poolside. Overnight in quaint fixed accommodation and enjoy a restaurant meal tonight. Optional activities scenic flight over the Okavango (own expense) Accommodation: Lodge (chalets or luxury safari tents). Meals included: breakfast, lunch and diner not included.

Day 11: Maun
Safari ends after breakfast.

Extensions:

This safari can be extended at Maun, Livingstone or e.g. Cape Town. Please contact us for more information.

Safari Map:

Safari Images:


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