Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

16 Day Botswana Camping Safari

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Detailed Trip Description

The casual visitor to Botswana could be excused for seeing the country as kilometer upon kilometer of flat, desolate scrubland with little or no surface water. However, to the north lies the magnificent Okavango waterway, with its green and fertile plains, flowing straight into the sea of sand, the Kalahari Desert, and vanishing. Almost a quarter of this country is devoted to wildlife sanctuaries and these remote and unspoilt wilderness areas are widely acknowledged as offering the finest game viewing in Africa. We offer the option of two variations of safaris to this area, covering the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe and Victoria Falls. These tours offer the traveler, photographer birdwatcher and naturalist the ultimate natural paradise. Our camping Trips are for people who can "rough it" and not for 5-star safari seekers. A certain amount of flexibility is required when dealing with so many variable factors and third-world conditions.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Johannesburg

 
JHB – NATA.
Private Car Service

Departing from JHB in the early morning, we set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities we head for Nata Lodge.

Camping

Nata Lodge, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the salt pan, where we camp the night. Familiarise yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal (own expense).


Day 2 - Botswana

 
Nata – Makgadikgadi Pans.
Sightseeing

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the 4x4 vehicle for an initial visit to the nearby Nata Sanctuary to view the spectacular shallow salt pans for their unique bird life and the other desert species of animals they attract.

Food and Dining

We then return to Nata Lodge for a welcome swim and a bite to eat.

Sightseeing

Relax for a few hours during the heat of the day before breaking camp and packing up to head down the Maun road out to the Makgadikgadi Pans for a short excursion on to the white crusty surface. Explore the area for Springbok, Gemsbok and other unique species.

Camping

Camp the night wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night. B L D.


Day 3 - Maun

 
Camping

Leaving the pans, we drive directly to the Drifters Maun Camp. This camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River, near Maun, and offers us the opportunity to rid ourselves of the Makgadikgadi dust under a warm shower.

Sightseeing

In the afternoon we will visit Maun to re-supply, and to collect any fly-in passengers.

Camping

Returning to the inn for a traditional "braai" and to camp the night. B L D.


Day 4-7 - Maun

 
Okavango Delta.
Safari

The Okavango, a massive river spilling its contents into the Kalahari desert sands, creating one of the world’s only true inland deltas, and a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a nervous Lechwe pounding across a flooded plain, the 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 one of nature’s masterpieces.

Camping

We spend three nights camping in a remote part of this wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mekoro, the traditional aquatic mode of transport. There will also be time to simply appreciate the remoteness and serenity of the area.

Food and Dining

Late on day 7 we return to the Drifters Maun Camp to spruce up before heading into town for a catered meal at a local restaurant (own expense). B L.


Day 8-12 - Maun

 
Flexible Game Reserve Programme (Moremi/Savuti/Chobe).
Private Jet

We pop back into Maun first thing in the morning, and whilst the guide stocks up with supplies for the onward journey, you have the option of an hour’s game flight over the delta (own expense).

Moremi
Safari

Now we prepare for the game viewing part of the trip. Perched high on our well-equipped vehicle we head north into the wilderness, passing remote villages and curio sellers along the way. We spend five days in these reserves, starting with Moremi, camping the first night near the well-known 3rd Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the Hyena or the earthy roar of a Lion, and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged Hippo. We then head on 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. B L D.

Savuti
Safari

Then on up to Savuti where we normally spend two nights. The area offers a multitude of game drive options and a very active campsite (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving Elephant, and the meat from the prowling Hyenas). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub. B L D.

Chobe
Safari

Moving into Chobe, famous for its large herds of Elephant, which gather on the flood plains, we spend the morning exploring the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Here we hope to see the Puku, found exclusively on the Chobe flats.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

We then enjoy a boat trip to our island camp on the Chobe River. B L D.


Day 13-14 - Victoria Falls

 
Adventure

After the tedious sandy miles, it is with new excitement that we make for Zimbabwe and the fantastic Victoria Falls, "Mosi o Tunya", the smoke that thunders. After admiring this wonder of the world, various other places can be visited, such as the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the croc farm. A 20-minute flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River are both worthwhile.

Rafting

Please note that whilst in Victoria Falls it is possible to take part in the one-day Zambezi White Water Rafting adventure or even a suicidal bungi-jump off the 100m high bridge. This is an experience not to be missed, but allowance must be made for the extra expense.

Sightseeing

We spend two nights at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves.

Food and Dining

The last night at Victoria Falls we all celebrate our experiences with a slap-up meal at a local restaurant (own expense).

Nightlife

Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure. B.


Day 15 - Victoria Falls

 
Victoria Falls - Nata.
Private Car Service

The people flying out on the 13-day tour will do so here and overlanders will return to Botswana and complete the triangle back to Nata.

Camping

Camp for the last time and share your experiences with the next tour just arriving (dinner own expense). B L.


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