Botswana, the Ultimate Safari

BOTSWANA, the Ultimate Safari

In the middle of the vast, totally arid, Kalahari Desert lies the Okavango Delta, 15,000 km2 of lagoons, water channels, swamps and islands. It is this stunning contrast in habitats that makes Botswana the most compelling wildlife destination in Africa, and we explore it thoroughly, on foot, in mekoros (hollowed tree-trunk canoes), by private charter flights between luxury lodges and by 4WD safari vehicles.

Near the Limpopo river we stay on the largest private reserve in southern Africa, learning about elephants from specialist researchers and about the Iron Age Leopard Kopje dynasty on an archaeological site. We gain an insight into the harsh conditions for game in the Nxai Pan (whilst staying in comfort ourselves in a classic safari camp) and are privileged to be introduced to the traditions of the San (Bushmen) people in the Kalahari desert while based in a luxury lodge on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Last, but not least, we pay homage to Mma Ramotswe, visiting the key location, near Gaborone, for Alexander McCall Smith's book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, ‘Blue Shoes and Happiness’.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

L, D included

After meeting at Gaborone airport at midday we have a half hour road transfer to our comfortable modern hotel and have lunch in the gardens and a swim in the pool. In the nearby Mokolodi Reserve, set up to promote wildlife conservation and environmental education for the children of Botswana, we learn about Alexander McCall Smith’s visits in preparation for the latest Mma Ramotswe book and hope to see giraffe, zebra, kudu and hippos on our first guided game drive.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

We begin our African safari (a Swahili word meaning a journey) in earnest today, driving (in airconditioned vehicles) to the farthest east of Botswana where the Mashatu reserve, the largest private reserve in southern Africa, covers a huge area of untouched wilderness in a loop of the Limpopo river. After settling into our luxury suites (home for the next three nights) we can swim in the beautiful pool and have tea (a ritual in the bush!) before a Tswana ranger and tracker take us on a 4WD sundowner game drive, searching for animals which emerge at dusk such as honey badger, bat-eared fox and of course, the major predators, lion and leopard.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

An early start for a walk with an experienced armed guide, when we study animal tracks, watch birds (yellow-billed hornbills, white-fronted bee-eaters and barbets) and learn about the extraordinary baobab, mashatu and candelabra trees which dominate the landscape. We emerge at a vantage point delivering inspiring views over the savannah and riverine forest below, then return to camp for a hearty late brunch. Swimming, a good book in the shade, or a siesta occupy the quiet middle of the day before another game drive in an open landrover, this time in search of the elusive eland, Africa's largest antelope which occurs in good numbers in Mashatu.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

We spend the morning with the Mashatu resident elephant specialist/researcher, using open 4WDs to get really close to the elephants and learning fascinating details about their behaviour, complex social structures and ways of communicating. After brunch and a swim the afternoon is devoted to archaeology - on a guided walk round the Iron Age Mmamagwa ruins on the Motloutse river, once the royal settlement of the Leopard Kopje Dynasty, we see pottery sherds, and stone walls and structures which bring alive this ancient civilisation.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

Just after sunrise we head into the bush on a guided game drive, watching the animals and birds at their most active - many will also have young at this time of the year, bringing exceptional photo opportunities. After a late brunch overlooking the Lodge waterhole where elephant, giraffe and kudu come to drink regularly, we continue our journey, driving west. The scenery is typical of these arid lands, with acacia thorn bush, cattle ranches and scattered small hut settlements under the wide African skies - our destination is the traditional tribal village of Serowe, birthplace of Botswana's first President, the late and revered Sir Seretse Khama. Our family-run thatched lodge has a pool and a pleasant garden.

DAY 6

B, L, D included

Travelling deeper into the Kalahari sandveld, we arrive at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, established to protect white rhino. We learn about the conservation programme here, spearheaded by the local community, go on a game drive in search of the rhinos and have an early lunch before continuing to our classic safari camp on the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Our fully serviced safari tents (each with its own open-to-the-skies bucket shower) are set on the edge of the Boteti riverbed, with grandstand views of animals congregating at the waterhole a hundred feet below.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

We are up early for a guided walk along the Boteti riverbed - southern Africa's largest zebra and wildebeest migration passes through here - followed by brunch prepared by the staff on the campfire. On a game drive into the Nxai or Makgadikgadi Pan National Park (the camp manager and guides decide which daily, based on wildlife movements) we gain insights into the strategies adopted by animals such as oryx, meerkats and black-backed jackals to survive in this harsh environment, the vast, dried - out salt ‘Pans’ representing the most extreme aspect of the Kalahari Desert.

DAY 8

B, L, D included

After another early morning walk, a 4WD transfer brings us to a small, exclusive lodge on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. We have lunch (the lodge is well known for its good food), settle into our luxury accommodation and have time for a swim, before setting out on a late afternoon game drive in search of cheetah, giraffes, kudu and the black-maned Kalahari lion. We enjoy ‘sundowners’ watching a magnificent Kalahari sunset and later watch stars in the incredibly clear night sky.

DAY 9

B, L, D included

This morning we are privileged to be introduced to the culture, survival and hunting skills of the San people on a guided ‘Bushman’ walk in the desert. The linear sand dunes, stabilised by acacia and terminalia trees, appear as wilderness to us, but to the San to whom this is home, it is straightforward to track oryx or ostrich, find water sources and set woven grass traps for small game. Following time relaxing back at the lodge, we experience the nocturnal wildlife of the desert on a night drive, hoping for a sight of the elusive brown hyena.

DAY 10

B, L, D included

A scenic private charter flight takes us out over the delta to our next special camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, a massive tract of wilderness in the heart of the Okavango. The beautifully designed thatched cabins blend harmoniously with the ebony and mangosteen trees and the open bar area overlooks the Maunachira river. The area has abundant wildlife year-round and particular highlights are regular sightings of the rare sitatunga, red lechwe, and leopards on evening game drives.

DAY 11

B, L, D included

Part of the Moremi Reserve's importance for game lies in the combination of extensive dry land areas and the wetlands - we take full advantage of this on our explorations, participating in both a boat trip, looking out for hippos, crocodiles and birds such as the jacanas (or ‘lily trotters’), kingfishers and the magnificent African fish eagle, and a game drive tracking another Moremi speciality, the endangered African wild dog.

DAY 12

B, L, D included

Another private charter flight delivers stunning aerial views of the delta as we transfer to our deluxe camp situated on a private concession in the southwest Okavango. After a refreshing dip in the plunge pool we set off by mekoro to explore the necklace of islands around the camp, dotted with palms, figs and knobthorns and rich in wildlife, including herds of elephants, giraffes and zebras. An evening game drive may well produce sightings of the rare Pel’s fishing owl which regularly hunts along the waterways here.

DAY 13

B, L, D included

A tracker and an armed guide escort us on a morning walk, one of the most satisfying ways to watch game in Africa, often exciting, and always offering new insights into the natural environment and animal behaviour. We enjoy a final night drive, and then dinner - perhaps grilled Botswana beef fillet, accompanied by fine South African wines - served by firelight under the brilliant African stars.

DAY 14

B included

After a morning game drive we have a substantial brunch, then a charter flight to Maun to connect with the afternoon Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg and onward flights home.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 14 on a double shared basis

All meals with beer or wine as preferred at lunches and dinners (other than those excepted in the daily notation)

All land transportation in a private vehicle as described except during free periods

All entrance and sightseeing fees as described except during free periods

All activities as described ie game drives and walks with specialist trackers and rangers

Mekoro and motorboat trips as described

All internal private charter flights

Gratuities for hotel, camp and restaurant staff

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from most of the EU and USA currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Botswana. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Botswana Embassy.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Botswana. However, you should see your doctor in good time (at least 2 months before you travel) for advice on malaria prophylaxis and any other immunisations etc that they may recommend. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.

Insurance

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for information on a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.