Makgadikgadi
This 15-day limited-participation camping safari encompasses some of the best wilderness areas in Botswana, from the desolate Makgadikgadi Pans to the unique Okavango Delta. Starting in Chobe National Park and ending at the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, it offers unbeatable value for money.
Lion Trail
Itinerary:
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Johannesburg.
Day 2
On arrival in the early morning, connect with the flight to Victoria Falls/Livingstone Airport. Meet your guide and depart overland for Kasane in Chobe National Park. In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Chobe River offers the chance to spot elephants, hippos and other animals in and along the river. Camp on the banks of the Chobe River at a site with permanent washing facilities.
Day 3
The route takes us 300 km south to the village of Nata, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Explore this interesting area from our vehicle and on foot, then spend the evening at Nata Sanctuary, a small conservation area boasting large pans and fascinating flora and fauna. Overnight at a permanent campsite with washing facilities.
Day 4
Early start for Nxai Pan National Park, where herds of springbok and zebra graze the wide-open plains. The late afternoon is spent on a game drive, searching for desert wildlife characteristic of this area. Bush camping.
Day 5
Leaving Nxai Pan National Park, visit the magnificent Baine’s Baobabs on the edge of an expansive saltpan. Continue on to Maun to overnight at a private camp just outside Maun with permanent washing facilities.
Day 6
Leave Maun, heading to the western side of the Okavango Delta. Camp on an island, possibly with hippos and bell frogs breaking the night silence. Bush camping.
Days 7/8
Transfer the equipment to motorboats and cruise along the narrow papyrus-lined channels of the Delta. While searching for the elusive sitatunga antelope, enjoy the exquisite birdlife of the region and the stunning landscape. Deeper into the Delta, we meet our mokoros and travel to an island where we spend two nights. The time is spent exploring the island on walks and by mokoros. Bush camping.
Day 9
Return to the vehicle and return to Maun. Alternatively, there is the option of taking a flight over the Delta to Maun, providing another perspective on this unique water system and the chance to spot game from the air(US$90). Overnight at a private camp outside Maun with permanent washing facilities.
Days 10/11/12
The big game part of the trip begins as we enter Moremi Game Reserve. The reserve covers swamp areas and dry land and three days is spent seeking the variety of animals and birds in the reserve. Game drives as the sun rises and again in the late afternoon as the sun sets, is the norm. Camping in a private campsite.
Days 13/14
Continue to Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes. We traverse the drier region of Savuti, where bull elephants dot the plains, and then head north to the Chobe River system, where our game drives meander along the banks of the river. Bush camping at a private site.
Days 15
Cross the Zambezi River by ferry, then drive to Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, to overnight at the comfortable Lost Horizons Lodge. There is time to visit the thundering Falls and shop for curios. Dinner is at your own expense at the lodge (Day 14 – B, L and Day 15 B).
Day 16
Transfer to Livingstone or Victoria Falls airport in time for the flight to Johannesburg, where you connect with the flight to the UK.
Day 17
Arrive in the UK.
2002 Departures: 29 June*; 13 & 27 July; 10 & 24 Aug; 7 & 21 Sept; 5 &19 Oct; 9 & 30 Nov; 14 Dec.
2003 Departures: 8 & 22 Feb; 15 & 29 Mar; 12 Apr; 3 & 24 May; 7 & 28 June; 12 & 26 July; 9 & 23 Aug; 6 & 20 Sept; 4 & 18 Oct; 8 & 29 Nov; 13 Dec.
*SPECIAL OFFER: Save £100 per person on this departure.
Price 2002: £1895/US$2710 (01 Apr-14 Jul); £2055/US$2940 (15 Jul-13 Aug); £1985/US$2840 (14 Aug-31 Oct); £1995/US$2855 (01 Nov - 13 Dec); £2355/US$3370(14 Dec - 25 Dec).
Price includes:
International flights from London to Victoria Falls or Livingstone (via Jo'burg); accommodation (large two-person tents with mattresses); transfers; meals (except lunch on Days 2 & 16 and dinner in Livingstone); professional guide; all necessary equipment, except sleeping bags (can be hired); all park entry fees in Botswana; transport in custom-built 4x4 game viewing vehicles.
Not included:
Visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, alcohol and soft drinks. Sleeping bags and pillows are NOT provided, but may be hired.
Those travelling from North America, Australia and New Zealand may wish to arrange their own flights to South Africa/Victoria Falls. Contact us for the price of the land arrangements on the date you prefer - there are three seasons in Botswana.
Contact us
or phone (44) 20 7226 1004 for more information
