Down to earth holidays

Description

This safari explores the unique Okavango Delta water system and travels through some of the best wilderness areas of Botswana. It gives you the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and habitats as well as view a variety of game and culminates in an opportunity to visit one of the wonders of the natural world, Victoria Falls.

You'll travel to the Okavango Delta from Maun where you will meet your polers and their trusty mokoros. This is surely the best and most relaxing way to explore the Delta, as you are gently poled along the papyrus-lined water channels on the look out for game. You will also have time to explore the area on foot, with expert guides leading walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango.

From here you'll continue to the Moremi Game Reserve, widely considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful game parks in southern Africa. You'll have a whole three days to seek out the variety of game and birds for which this area is renowned, with sunrise and sunset game drives making the most of your time here.

Chobe National park is the next destination. This huge park has a range of habitats and is home to a wide range of wildlife. Again, you have ample time to enjoy game drives in the contrasting Savuti and Chobe riverfront regions.

After your safari experience you'll be driven to Livingstone, with the option to see the fabulous Victoria Falls, surely one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world and a fitting way to conclude your fabulous safari experience.

Detailed Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Arrive in Jo'burg and connect with flight to Maun (if flights selected). On arrival in Maun you'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel for the night. This afternoon you'll need to purchase drinks for the safri and any last minute things you need before you head into the bush!
2. DAY 2: You will be collected in Maun at 07h30 this morning. You'll be driven to the western side of the Okavango Delta where you transfer to motorboats and cruise deeper into the Delta, spotting birds and enjoying the stunning scenery. You meet up with your polers and mokoros (dugout canoes) for a tranquil transfer to an island. You will spend 2 days exploring this fascinating area by mokoro and taking guided island walks. You will camp wild with bush ablutions. (B, L, D)
3. DAY 3: A second day spent in the heart of the Okavango Delta with opportunities to spot the plentiful game, including impala, tsessebe, buffalo, wildebeest and zebra. Other sightings might include lion, cheetah and even wild dogs. (B, L, D).
4. DAY 4: Travel back to Maun, with the option of a scenic flight over the Delta to Maun (1hr flight, EUR 100 per person, min. 3 guests to guarantee the flight). Those who choose to take the flight will enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the Delta campsite. The guide will travel back to Maun with the vehicle and those guests who opt not to take the scenic flight. All will then shop for drinks and spend the night at a campsite with permanent ablution facilities just outside Maun. (B, L, D)
5. DAYS 5-7: You’ll be driven from the campsite to Moremi Game Reserve, one of the foremost wilderness areas of Botswana. The next three days will be spent taking early morning and late afternoon game drives, searching for the many species of wildlife and birds for which this area is so well known. Following the morning game drive you return to camp for lunch and a siesta. Camping is in private designated campsites with ablution facilities. (B, L, D)
6. DAY 8: Leaving Moremi you will head to the drier river of Savuti, with its herds of resident elephants.  Savuti lies within the Madabe Depression, which is a huge hollow left behind from an ancient lake. Camping is in a private designated area with bush ablutions. (B, L, D)
7. DAYS 9-10: Continuing your journey you will head north to the Chobe River. Game viewing here will be in the form of game drives following the banks of the river, listening to the call of the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle and travelling deeper into the park. Among the game you can expect to see are hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, jackal and sable. Camping is in private designated areas with bush ablutions. (B, L, D)
8. DAY 11: You have a morning game drive then cross the Zambezi River by ferry and drive into Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (visa required). In the afternoon there is time for a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls and shop for curios and souvenirs. You stay in a comfortable lodge in Livingstone tonight. (B)
9. DAY 12: The safari ends this morning and we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home (if selected). Alternatively, you can add an extra night in Livingstone to take advantage of the many optional excursions offered here, including canoeing, white water rafting and helicopter rides. (B)