BOTSWANA ACCOMMODATED TOUR
16 DAY WILDLIFE SAFARI
Johannesburg – Victoria Falls or Johannesburg
11 Nights Lodge / Cabin / Canvas
4 Nights Serviced Camping

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Kalahari – Bushman walk
  • Okavango Delta
  • Okavango mokoro excursion
  • Delta walk
  • National Parks (Moremi/Savuti – 5 days)
  • Extensive open-vehicle game drives in National Parks
  • Wild remote serviced camping in National Parks
  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
  • Chobe River boat cruise
  • Chobe National Park
  • Victoria Falls National Park and entry fee

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

  • White water rafting
  • Bungee jumping
  • Scenic flight – Okavango Delta
  • Zambezi River sunset cruise

The casual visitor to Botswana could be excused for seeing the country as kilometre upon kilometre of flat, desolate scrubland with little or no surface water. But on closer inspection, coupled with local knowledge, a whole new world will manifest itself, and what is arguably Africa’s finest wildlife destination will be revealed. Botswana is a country the size of France, with over a quarter of its land set aside exclusively for nature conservation.

Our tour will take us through the vast Kalahari plains where we meet with the local Bushmen, among the oldest peoples of Africa. We then venture further north, into the magnificent Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland river delta, which spills water from the faraway mountains of Angola into the vast plain of the Makgadikgadi, creating a unique wildlife paradise. We explore the world renowned National Parks in fully equipped, open 4×4 vehicles,   our route following the age old game migration tracks, depending on the season. We enjoy a game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River, in Chobe National Park, and finally we visit “The Smoke that Thunders” – Victoria Falls.

Clients may opt to fly out from Victoria Falls or to complete the journey back to Johannesburg, travelling southwards overland. This tour offers the adventure traveller, the photographer, the birdwatcher and the naturalist the ultimate natural paradise.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – KALAHARI
Our adventure starts on departure from Johannesburg at 06h30. Making our way through the dry thornveld of South Africa’s North West Province, we aim to cross the Botswana border near Lobatse. On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we enter the vast Kalahari plains that stretch as far as the eye can see.

We will cover quite some distance today before arriving at our accommodation, near the village of Kang. Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains the procedure for the days to come.

Meals:  Lunch and dinner own expense
Distance: 720 Km
Accommodation: Kalahari Rest Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Scenic drive through northwest South Africa
  • Kalahari Desert

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 2: KALAHARI BUSHMEN
Waking up to a spectacular Kalahari sunrise, we enjoy our first cup of Botswana coffee and a sumptuous breakfast, before continuing to the frontier town of Ghanzi, home to some of the last authentic Bushmen, who continue to make a living in this harsh desert environment.

We stay on a game reserve owned and managed by a local Bushman community. Apart from deriving an income from tourism, the property provides the space and habitat for the community to teach their children their customary ways, and to keep their traditions alive. Our experience will include an educational bush walk, led by a member of the community, giving us insight into their daily lives, and teaching us how they survived in these arid conditions. We overnight in comfortable accommodation and are hosted by members of the community.

Meals: B L D
Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Takadu Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Guided bush walk led by Bushman

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 3 – 5: OKAVANGO DELTA
The Okavango River, emanating from the highlands of central Angola far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle – all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.

Our comfortable and well appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, go for a walk with our guide, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. One afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense).

Meals: B L D; B L D; B L D
Distance: 390 km on Day 3 
Accommodation: Twin-bedded tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Okavango Delta
  • Guided walk in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
  • Mokoro trip
  • Sunset boat trip

Optional Activities:

  • Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta

DAY 6: OKAVANGO – MAUN
Starting early, we begin our journey toward relative civilisation. This afternoon we arrive in the frontier town – Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable twin en-suite accommodation, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife.

Meals: B L D
Distance: 354 km
Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge – Twin-bedded en-suite tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Boteti River Sunset

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 7 – 10: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE SCHEDULE (5 Days in National Parks)
We enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the Lodge before departing on the game viewing part of the trip, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. We travel in well-equipped, open 4×4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides. The 4x4s aren’t just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch, and drinks for the road, while a support vehicle goes ahead with our luggage and all the camp equipment. This leaves us free to game drive extensively during the day, to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. Towards sunset we arrive at our camp in the bush, to find that the support staff have erected our tents, set up bush showers and toilets, and have a friendly campfire going to welcome us. We use exclusive private campsites in the National Parks, which are no more than a GPS point in the bush, completely secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us for a comfortable wilderness experience, and leave nothing behind when we depart.

Our route is flexible and depends on the season. An example could be: starting in Moremi Game Reserve, we spend the first night near the well-known Third Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion, and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We might then head north via Xakanaxa, to camp near North Gate. This area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas.

Then we might go on up as far as Savuti, an area that offers a multitude of game drive options and is a very active game area (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving elephant, the meat from the prowling hyenas, and everything from the monkeys). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing.

Our backup crew remain with us throughout, moving the camp for us and doing the required chores, so we can concentrate on the game viewing.

Depending on the ever changing conditions in the national parks we might also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Meals: B L D; B L D; B L D; B L D;
Distance: +- 125 km Day 7
Accommodation: Fully-serviced camping (camp bed, linen, pillow and sleeping bag provided)
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • 4×4 open vehicle game drives
  • Private non-fenced campsites
  • Extensive first-hand game viewing experience
  • Explore the heart of National Geographic’s photography region

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 11 – MAUN
Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy an own-expense lunch, and have some time to explore the town, or to take an optional game flight (own expense), before heading out to the comfort of the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge. This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night.

Meals: B; D; (Lunch on this day is own expense in Maun)
Distance: +- 225 km
Accommodation: Drifters Maun Tented Lodge – Twin-bedded en-suite tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Game drive on the way out of the park
  • Visit to Maun

Optional Activities:

  • Game flight, fixed wing or helicopter

DAY 12: MAKGADIKGADI PANS
After the early mornings of the last few days, we enjoy a relaxed start at the lodge today, spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on a local village walk. Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village.

We have an early lunch, before continuing our journey eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We stop to take in the isolation and serenity of this expanse, before continuing to our accommodation for the night, Elephant Sands Lodge. Close-up sightings of elephants at the water hole are almost guaranteed.

Meals: B L D
Distance: 300 km
Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Village walk
  • Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 13: CHOBE RIVER – VICTORIA FALLS
Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the next two nights. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the Falls and other attractions.

Meals: B L
Distance: 320 km
Accommodation: Shearwater Village
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Chobe National Park
  • Extensive boat cruise on the Chobe River

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 14: VICTORIA FALLS
Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, known to the locals as “Mosi-oa-Tunya “, meaning “the smoke that thunders”. This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the Zambezi River God “Nyami Nyami”, who takes the form of a snake spirit, is in hiding. Your entry fee to the Falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time as you like viewing the Falls and exploring the surrounding rain forest.

Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed, including the tribal village or curio market. Victoria Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional, but worthwhile, activities.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer, with the freedom to choose the sights and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the Falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure.

Meals: B (Lunch and dinner is own expense)
Distance: (Free day to explore town or do some activities)
Accommodation: Shearwater Village
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Victoria Falls National Park
  • Entry fee for viewing the falls

Optional Activities:

  • Scenic helicopter flight
  • White water rafting
  • Bungee jump
  • Gorge swing
  • Many more available

DAY 15: VICTORIA FALLS – FRANCISTOWN
Departing after breakfast we cross back into Botswana, to continue south toward Francistown, Botswana’s bustling second largest city. Tonight we stay in comfortable accommodation, enjoying the African night and celebrating our adventure with our last tour meal.

Meals: B L D
Distance: 568 km
Accommodation: Woodlands Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Last opportunity to view game on route to Francistown (watch out for those elephants on the road!)
  • Scenic drive from Zimbabwe to Botswana

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 16: FRANCISTOWN – JOHANNESBURG
Crossing the Limpopo River, we return to South Africa and make our way back to Johannesburg and the end of our tour on arrival. Post-tour accommodation and airport transfers can be booked through DRIFTERS.

Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense)
Distance: 700km
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Border crossing back into South Africa

DEPARTURES
This tour departs from Johannesburg on selected Tuesdays. Please note – during peak season we may run two departures, in which case clients may be required to travel in the reverse direction.

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct, but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options, and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity period of the published itinerary, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorate,  contracted camps and accommodation facilities may change standards, optional activities might become available or be discontinued, new border posts open or existing ones become congested, etc.  Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that contribute to a successful tour, and will make amendments to the published itinerary if circumstances so demand, or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This trip is an accommodated tour and linen/towels will be supplied on all nights. PLEASE NOTE: During our time in the national parks ( Days 7, 8, 9, 10 )  Drifters staff will set up mobile camps at unfenced sites, using spacious tents, camp beds, full linen, mobile showers, mobile toilets, etc, and meals will be prepared by staff on an open campfire. This will allow us to experience the premium areas of the national parks and to enjoy a pure wilderness experience in relative comfort. Accommodation may vary from tour to tour, depending on availability, but clients will enjoy the same standard of accommodation on all tours.

A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that they have the appropriate visas required for this trip, for all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they might not be obtainable at the border.

Seasonal malaria precautions are necessary and are locally obtainable. A barrel bag or backpack is best suited for this trip (suitcases might not fit into the luggage space provided). An extra day bag or camera bag is advised. Spending money will be required for restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips, curios, airport transfers, and any other optional excursions. (A Zimbabwe airport tax of US$30-00 is payable by those flying out – subject to change.)

Our price includes all meals as specified, coffee, tea, juice at breakfast, transport, two Drifters crew, mokoro hire, accommodation, group equipment, permits and park entrance fees.

Our price does not include restaurant meals where stipulated, visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, airport tax, airport transfers and airfares.

Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement and indemnity pertaining to our booking conditions and general information.

It is compulsory for clients to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance that includes cover for (but not limited to) any medical emergencies as well as Covid 19 related cancellations or deviations prior or during the tour.