Botswana Leopard Trail & Kalahari
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Explore the best of Botswana from the Kalahari to Chobe National Park plus Victoria Falls on a semi-participation safari
This trip provides a comprehensive travelling experience throughout Botswana for those with an adventurous spirit looking to see the wild side of Africa. Few trips can offer such a diverse and stimulating experience as we traverse the country from the vast and Kalahari, home to the San Bushmen to the magnificent game reserves in the north. Continuing into the world famous Okavango Delta we explore this wildlife-rich region by traditional Mokoro canoe and on foot. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or on your first African safari, there are few places on earth that are as impressive as Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park, where huge herds of elephants roam. To conclude this spectacular adventure we cross into Zambia to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls.
Highlights
- Bushman Experience (Ghanzi)
- 4 nights Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- 1 overnight at a comfortable lodge in Maun
- Central Okavango Delta & mokoro excursions
- Motorboat in the Delta
- Optional Game/Scenic Delta flight (EUR 100 per person, subject to change)
- 3 nights Moremi Game Reserve
- 3 nights Chobe National Park
- Optional visit to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia (USD 10, subject to change)
- 1 night at a comfortable lodge in Livingstone, Zambia
Itinerary
Day 1 Drive to Ghanzi - Bushman Experience, camping
The safari begins in Maun, where your guide will meet you at 07h30 at a pre-arranged meeting point. You will travel 300km to a game farm on the western side of the Central Kalahari Game reserve, set up camp and have a safari briefing. In the afternoon you will participate in a nature walk led by local Bushmen trackers. They will share their intricate bush knowledge and give you an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. In the evening you will be treated to a traditional Bushman dance around the campfire.
Days 2-5 Central Kalahari Game Reserve, camping
You will wake up as the sun rises and enter the pristine wilderness of the largest game reserve in Botswana. The next four days will be exploring the undeveloped wilderness of the northern region of the Kalahari, moving from camp to camp. You will visit Pipers Pan, Tau Pan and Deception Valley in your exploration of the Kalahari. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty on game drives and at camp. This is adventure camping in its purest form as water and communications are limited and we travel as a self-sufficient group. Camping is in a designated campsite with fixed/bush ablutions.
Day 6 Drive Central Kalahari to Maun 340km, 5-6h
After our final morning game drive in the Kalahari we break camp and return to Maun where one night will be enjoyed in the comfort of a lodge. Dinner is at your own expense at the lodge.
Days 7-8 Maun – Okavango Delta: 320km, 4h
Your adventure will take you in a north westerly direction from Maun to the western side of the Okavango Delta, a special corner of paradise. Once you have reached the edge of the Delta, you will transfer your equipment to motorboats and cruise along the narrow papyrus-lined channels enjoying the exquisite birdlife of the region as well as the stunning landscape. Deeper in the Delta you will meet the local polers with their mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) and enjoy a tranquil transfer to an island. You will spend two days exploring this beautiful area on mokoro excursions and taking guided walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango. You will camp wild with bush ablutions.
Day 9 Drive Okavango Delta to Maun: 320km, 4h
Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, you will retrace your route to Maun. You will have the option of taking a scenic flight over the Delta to return to Maun (1hr scenic flight is EUR 100 per person, min. 3 guests to guarantee the flight). This magical experience provides another perspective of the Okavango Delta’s unique water system and if you choose to take the flight, you will enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the Delta campsite writing postcards or reading a book while you wait for your afternoon flight. Your guide will travel back to Maun with the vehicle to re-supply for the next stage of your adventure. After collecting you at the airport, you will shop for drinks and then spend the night at a campsite just outside Maun with permanent ablution facilities.
Days 10-12 Moremi Game Reserve, camping
From Maun you will drive through to Moremi Game Reserve (150k, 6h), one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana which covers swamp and dry areas. The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and in the late afternoon as the sun sets will be the norm. After your morning game drive you will
Days 13-15 Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes, will be your next destination. As you continue your search for wildlife, you will traverse the drier region of Savuti where bull elephants dot the plains. You will then head northwards to the Chobe River where your game drives will meander along the banks of the river, followed by the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle. Camping will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions.
Day 16 Drive to Livingstone: 100km, 2-3h
After a morning game drive you will cross the Zambezi River by ferry and then drive to Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls (Visa required), where you will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios. Dinner will be at your own expense at the lodge.
Day 17 Safari officially ends
The safari officially ends at 1000h on Day 17. Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Livingstone airport or lodges, Victoria Falls airport or lodges or Kasane, Botswana, at an additional cost. Activities in Livingstone include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi, Elephant rides and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask your guide for further details.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 16 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 15 dinners
- national park and conservation fees
- services of professional guide and camp assistant
- all group camping equipment including spacious dome tents with mattresses
- accommodation in Zambezi lodge on a twin share basis
- comfortable camping on a twin share basis on safari section
- private safari transport
Summary
- 17 day trip
- 14 nights camping
- 2 nights safari lodge
Trip Main Activities
- Adventure Touring
- Wildlife Safari
Group Size Min
2
Group Size Max
12
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). You are also required to bring your own sleeping bag.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$3,790
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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