Day 1: Mapungubwe National Park
Start of your Botswana safari. 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 2: 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 3 & 4: 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 5: 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 6 & 7: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Our next stop; The Makagadikgadi Pan National Park. The next 2 nights are spent within the National Park at the Khumaga campsite. During the dry season wildliffe will be concentrated around the water holes, desert animals like Gemsbok and Springbok but also herds of zebra. Predators like the Kalahari Lion and leopard and brown hyena are around. The park covers an area of about 3,900km2 west of the salt pans. It extends into the Ntwete Pan. Accommodation: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, two different camps camping. Meals included: all meals included.
Day 8: 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.
Days 9-14: Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta
After a morning in Maun, re-stocking supplies, we head northwards off the beaten track to enter the Moremi Game Reserve. Our next week will be spent between Moremi and Chobe and is flexible according to season, road conditions and camp access. During our stay in Moremi, Chobe and Savute, we will also experience an overnight Okavango Delta boat trip, camping wild on one of the Delta's islands. Here we will visit the Godikwe Heronry (seasonal) and enjoy sundowners on the boat whilst gawking at an Okavango Delta sunset, just to round off the day! The Okavango Delta is well known for its' hippo, elephant, and wonderful birding opportunities, Moremi for it's leopard, wild dog and Lion, and Savute for its' large zebra and hyena groups. Campsite bookings change according to season. All camps are unfenced and it is not uncommon to have wild animals wandering through the camp. Accommodation: National Parks, camping. Meals included: all meals included.
This special safari is using both Godikwe Island and the Khwai Community Campsite at the North section of the reserve. Chobe National Park Linyanti & Chone River Kasane.
Day 15: Livingstone
An early departure, leaving the wildest part of Botswana. We head northwest to cross the mighty Zambezi River near the town of Kasane. Here we enter 3rd World Africa on the Kazungula ferry into Zambia (border crossing and entry point into Zambia might change during the year). The colonial town of Livingstone is a hive of activity - absorb it's vibe as we eat out at one of the local restaurants. Your guide will show you the Livingstone surrounds and then drop you off at the mighty Victoria Falls for an afternoon at leisure. Entry to Victoria Falls not included (USD 10 / person, subject to change). Accommodation: Lodge (chalets or safari tents). Meals included: breakfast, lunch and diner not included.
Day 16: Livingstone
A full day for own expense adventure activities. Optional activities include Elephant rides, canoe excursions, white-water rafting, flights over Vic Falls, bungee-jumping and Lion Encounters on the Zimbabwe side of the Falls. Accommodation: Lodge (chalets or safari tents). Meals included: breakfast, lunch and diner not included.
Day 17: Livingstone
Tour ends today after breakfast, and the journey home begins. Clients flying out directly from Livingstone will need to make their' own airport transfer arrangements with the lodge. Taxis cost in the region of USD 20. Optional road transfer back to Johannesburg. This includes one night fixed accommodation (sharing basis) near Francistown. Lunches and dinners excluded. On arrival back in JHB, drop off at either ORT or original B&B.