The Best of Botswana

You'll leave Makgadikgadi Salt Pans quite early, after a light breakfast. Your journey takes you westwards to Nxai Pan National Park. The area is known for large herds of springbok and gemsbok, species that are not water dependent and not seen in the parks further north. The artificial water-hole at the heart of the pan allows for some remarkable wildlife sightings. Nxai Pan is an ancient lake-bed scattered with islands of Acacia trees. The Pans have changed little in thousands of years and offer a place to totally lose oneself in limitless wilderness. Camping for the next two nights is in Nxai Pan National Park, with afternoon and morning game-drives.

On Day 3, start with a light breakfast in the cool early hours of the morning, heading out at first light. The drive typically lasts until about 10:30 am, with a coffee break mid-way. On return to your private camp a brunch is served, after which there is an opportunity to have a siesta throughout the heat of the day. As the air starts to cool towards late afternoon, you'll embark on our afternoon game drive.

Nxai Pan Pan National Park

Nxai (pronounced “nigh”) Pan National Park is located on the northern edge the vast Makgadikgadi basin and protects 1000 square miles of grasslands, mopane forests, and scattered acacia trees. The fossilized pan, from which the park takes its name, is a 40 square mile remnant of an ancient lake that covered this area millions of years ago. During the dry season, Nxai Pan itself is a dusty expanse but transforms into a shimmering, shallow lake when the rains arrive, providing water and nutritious grasses for the thousands of zebra and wildebeest that use this area as a breeding ground.

One major attraction of Nxai Pan is the Baines’ Baobabs. It is a cluster of huge baobab trees, located on the edge of a salt pan just to the south of Nxai Pan itself. The famous explorer Thomas Baines first documented and painted these baobabs during one of David Livingstone's expeditions in the 1860s. His paintings soon became famous and led to the area being used as an important camping sight for many other explorers. While Europeans first found these baobabs only recently, the San Bushmen have been using these trees for thousands of years to access water. The so-called bushman pots are large crevasses in the trees, which hold water from the rainy season for many months. The Bushmen actually carved small steps up some of the larger trees to access the water. These steps can still be seen today.

During the dry season (June – November), visitors to Nxai Pan will be treated to sightings of animals not usually observed in the parks further north, including springbok and gemsbok. Wildlife can be sparse this time of year but likely sightings include wildebeest, impala, hartebeest, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and the occasional elephant and buffalo. At this time of year, most of the game activity at Nxai Pan is centered around the permanent waterhole and lions are regular visitors. There are several prides of lion in the park and they are regularly spotted out in the open - due to the stark landscape which does not offer too many hiding places. Nxai Pan is one of the best places in Botswana for excellent cheetah sightings as the flat expansive landscape is perfect cheetah habitat. There are regular good sightings all year around, but cheetah activity also reaches a peak during the rainy season. The world’s second largest migration happens every year with the onset of the rains (Nov-May). Some 25,000 zebra move in from the Okavango region to give birth and feed on the fresh grass.

Nxai Pan also has great bird watching opportunities, especially in the wet months. There are many raptors in the area and Kori bustards, Korhanns and Red necked falcons can all be spotted. A huge influx of flamingos arrive to breed once the pans fill with water.

You’ll awaken to birdsong this morning and take to your safari vehicle on a game drive out of Nxai Pan National Park and journey on further west into the frontier town of Maun. The afternoon is at leisure at the hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River. Lunch and Dinner are at guests own expense.

You will spend the rest of the afternoon and night at Thamo Telele a safari style camp set in a 600-acre private reserve on the banks of the Thamalakane river. The area is packed with plains game and is also a hot spot for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. A mere 25-minute drive from the safari town of Maun, this is the perfect hideaway.

The comfortable accommodation and warm welcome are only the start. Spend your afternoon taking a dip in the pool, get up close and personal with the herd of resident giraffe on foot or on a horse ride, or jump on a bike, take a helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, or enjoy a cultural tour to learn all about life in Maun. Your evening will be spent beneath a canopy of stars, enjoying a delicious al fresco dinner as the wildlife hustles and bustles through the bush around you.

You travel by road to Xakanaxa (pronounced za-ka-NA-ka), which is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta. The area is within the Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa. The Moremi Reserve has areas of dry land rising between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the edges of mopane and Kalahari Apple-leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes place alongside waterways and floodplains. Species such as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest are but a few that occur here, along with an astonishing variety of birds. Moremi is one of the best places in Africa to see the African wild dog.

On Day 6 you'll make your way to the banks of the Okavango River along game-drive routes in the early morning. Today explore the clear channels, lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by motorboat, going upstream through a myriad of crystal clear waterways lined with African Mangosteen and Water Berry Trees, as well as swaying seas of papyrus. You'll follow the Okavango River through the Lagoons of Xaxanaxa and Gadikwe, deep into the permanent waters of this unique inland delta. Birdlife is prolific with kingfishers, fish eagles, ducks and beautiful Pygmy Geese regularly seen. After a picnic lunch, make your way back downstream to the mainland for a short evening game drive and dinner.

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi is on the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta and protects vast areas of swamps, lagoons, floodplains, woodlands, and savannah. As a result of the extremely variable habitat the diversity of both wildlife and birdlife is excellent. This is superb lion and elephant territory and one of the best places in Africa of seeing the rare African painted dog. Other wildlife includes leopard, giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, warthog, and a wide variety of antelopes. Bring your binoculars as Moremi is home to nearly 400 species of birds, from the ostrich to the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller.

This region’s diversity of animals is truly astounding. Moremi was proclaimed a conservation area in 1964, created from the traditional hunting grounds of the local BaTwana people and named after Chief Moremi III. Moremi was the first reserve in Africa created by the local people, unlike the early African parks that were set aside by the colonial governments. The result of this foresight is Moremi is quite rightly rated as one of the best game-viewing areas in the world.

The Moremi Game Reserve extends from Chobe's southwest corner into the Okavango Delta. At some 1200 square miles, the reserve protects a great variety of habitats in the Okavango and surrounding areas. Since there are no fences separating Moremi, Chobe, and the Okavango game is free to wander throughout this vast territory. Taken together these areas are essentially one contiguous area designated for wildlife conservation.

Khwai is famous for its high density of wildlife and you'll take full advantage with early morning and afternoon game drives. Khwai also allows night drives and your guide will take you out with a spotlight to search for animals not seen during the day, including civets, genets, and springhares.

You'll then drive to your private campsite in the Khwai River area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. You’ll spend two days exploring the varied habitat searching for the area’s abundant game on early morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will generally spend maximum time on game-drives, depending on what is seen, trying to cover as much area as possible. The result of this is guests are given the best chances of seeing a variety of wildlife-although there is of course, that obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day! Camp is at a private site in Khwai.

This region’s diversity of animals is truly astounding. Moremi was proclaimed a conservation area in 1964, created from the traditional hunting grounds of the local BaTwana people and named after Chief Moremi III. Moremi was the first reserve in Africa created by the local people, unlike the early African parks that were set aside by the colonial governments. The result of this foresight is Moremi is quite rightly rated as one of the best game-viewing areas in the world.

The Moremi Game Reserve extends from Chobe's southwest corner into the Okavango Delta. At some 1200 square miles, the reserve protects a great variety of habitats in the Okavango and surrounding areas. Since there are no fences separating Moremi, Chobe, and the Okavango game is free to wander throughout this vast territory. Taken together these areas are essentially one contiguous area designated for wildlife conservation.

Khwai River Private Concession

The Khwai River is the eastern most extremity of the Okavango Delta. The Okavango itself is a large alluvial fan spreading out over the Kalahari sands. It is the single largest intact ecosystem in southern Africa and recently was awarded the World’s one-thousandth World Heritage site. Since there are no fences separating the Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai River Community Reserve, and the Okavango game is free to wander throughout this vast territory. Taken together these areas are essentially one contiguous area designated for wildlife conservation.

The Khwai River Concession sits on the northern border of the Moremi Game Reserve. These two areas protect a wide diversity of habitat and boast some of the best game viewing in Africa. You’ll search for game on the dry land rising between vast wetlands and crystal-clear water channels on the edges of endless mopane and Kalahari Apple-leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes place alongside waterways and flood plains, but you’ll also explore the clear channels, lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by mokoro, going upstream through a myriad of crystal-clear waterways lined with African mangosteen, waterberry trees, and swaying seas of papyrus.

Khwai River is noted as an extremely game rich destination with plenty of predator action. Leopards are frequently sighted and there is an excellent opportunity to see African wild dog packs denning and hunting here. There are many bull elephants in the area, large pods of hippopotamus, aquatic antelope like red lechwe and water buck and good populations of giraffe and zebra. As the area is on the edge of the Okavango Delta, bird life is prolific with raptors, kingfishers, fish eagles, ducks and beautiful pygmy geese regularly seen.

Khwai River Community Area

Khwai Community Area is on a concession adjacent to the north-eastern boundary of Moremi along the banks of the Khwai River. This community run reserve is managed by the Khwai Development Trust and is an excellent example of community conservation. The villages benefit from the campsites and lodges on their concession, creating an incentive for the local people to conserve the land and wildlife. The reserve protects 700 square miles of wilderness and with the river being the only source of water for miles, it is a magnet for wildlife.

You leave the Moremi area, crossing the Khwai Bridge to the northern bank of the Khwai River. There is a quick opportunity to buy more drinks in the small village, before making your way to Chobe National Park. Since none of Botswana’s wildlife areas are fenced, game can move freely between these two wilderness areas. Hippo, elephant and sometimes lion are often found along this route.

Moving through the Mababe depression through deep, sandy tracks, you'll relocate to Savute for the next two nights. Your camp is in the region of the flowing Savute Channel. Game viewing takes place along the fringes of the Savute Marsh and surrounding water holes. Savute has a much different feel than the other sections of the park. Long sand ridges, remnants of an ancient lake, provide elevation in the otherwise flat landscape. The area is best known for large populations of bull elephants and large prides of lion that patrol the banks of this enigmatic channel. You will have the opportunity to spend many hours on morning and afternoon game drives, and time dependent, an opportunity to climb one of the Gubatsaa Hills to see San Bushman paintings, an indication that this area has always drawn those who have an affinity to the wilderness. Savute is unique and the special opportunity of exploring this area always remains with our guests for a long time afterward!

Savute Region, Chobe National Park

Located in the southern sector of Botswana's huge Chobe National Park, the Savute's hilly landscape is unlike the vast majority of the country. Large outcrops of volcanic rock reach up out of the Kalahari sands, towering over the endless savannah. These hills provide habitat for a completely different array of small wildlife, birds and plants. The Savute Marsh has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. The wide-open country, good ungulate populations and particularly strong prides of lion and hyena clans make for dramatic wildlife interaction and excellent viewing opportunities.

Savute has a much different feel than the other sections of the park. Long sand ridges, remnants of an ancient lake, provide elevation in the otherwise flat landscape. The green landscape of the marsh is dotted with skeletons of trees that died when the marsh dried. Savute is famous for its groups of old bull elephants, abundant lions, leopard, and wild dog. Some lion prides are large enough that they hunt elephants. Hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and warthog are common. A number of larger birds inhabit the plains around Savute, including various bustards and ostriches.

Your journey continues north toward the Chobe River, the second biggest river in southern Africa (the Zambezi in the largest). The Chobe River is home the world’s largest elephant herds; large numbers of big game such as buffalo, hippo and lion can be seen here. Your private campsite is on a teak forested dune that overlooks this beautiful river. Game drives are taken in the afternoons and mornings to find the remarkable variety of species that are drawn to this permanent water source. On your early morning game drives, you’ll slowly meander along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where you can find Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope. The sheer variety of animals, in abundance, makes this region a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. In the afternoon, guests might choose to go on an optional afternoon boat cruise (at extra cost) along the Chobe River-perhaps the last river where one has a fair chance to see lion and elephant, leopard or wild dog from the unique viewpoint of a boat.

Serondella, located along the Chobe River front, are the most visited sections of the park. Here the river slowly winds its way toward the Zambezi and marks the border between Botswana and Namibia. The river has created a landscape of vast, open floodplains that remain green throughout the year. Birds are prolific in this section of the park. The islands and floodplains are home to numerous storks, egrets, herons, cormorants, ducks, and geese. Kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hammerkops are abundant as are African Fish Eagles and many raptors. Water loving antelopes like the red lechwe, waterbuck, and reedbuck can be seen grazing on the lush floodplains. It's possible to see herds of sable antelope visiting the river. Large numbers of hippos live in the river and crocodiles can be spotted basking in the sun.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is synonymous with elephant, its reality the unforgettable sightings of gentle giants frolicking in the waters, or moving slowly through desert-like stretches of sand, ears flapping to the slow rhythm of nature. Here in their natural environment, the splendor of majestic creatures can truly be appreciated. Chobe National Park boasts four distinctly different eco- systems: the spectacular Chobe floodplain and river to the northeast, the Savute Marsh in the west, the Linyanti Swamps in the northwest and, in-between, the hot dry hinterland of Nogatsaa and Tchinga. With an elephant population well in excess of 40,000 (reputedly the largest in the world), Chobe's river and floodplain area ranks among Africa's premier safari destinations.

In addition to the massive herds of elephant, the park is home to the more unusual, shy antelope species such as roan, sable, tsessebe, eland and red lechwe. Rare Chobe bushbuck and puku make an appearance, and high densities of lion, leopard, spotted hyena and cheetah complete the safari experience. During the dry season months of May to October the floodplains of the river support large herds of Cape buffalo. Woven into a melodious tapestry, the sounds of over 450 bird species merge with the harsher call of the big game, and the chatter and alarm calls of the inhabitants. Between September and March, the migrant breeding season, Chobe becomes a bird-lovers heaven, under a blanket of color and harmony.

You'll have a leisurely start this last camping morning and say fond farewells to your efficient back-up and camp crew after breakfast. You head eastwards on a last game drive to the exit gate at Sedudu Valley. From there it is a short drive to Kazungula Border Post, where your Safari Guide will ensure that your transfer to Batonka Lodge (or similar) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is seamless, before he departs to lead another safari. This afternoon can be spent exploring one of the truly magnificent sights on earth-the wonderfully beautiful Victoria Falls. Optional activities and Victoria Falls entrance at guests own expense. Your safari officially ends after breakfast today.

Activities in Victoria Falls include white water rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, canoeing or sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi, fishing, ziplines, bungee jumping, high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, elephant rides, scenic flights over the Victoria Falls, and interesting curio shopping at Elephant Walk. Or just simply walking along the Falls and enjoy a locally crafted beer at the River Brewing Company. Talk to the folks at reception for ideas or to book any activities.

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls is created by the Zambezi River which forms the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. In the local Kololo language it is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders”. The name says it all for when the river is high the Falls are at their most magnificent as the towering column of spray and thunder of cascading water can be heard miles away.

What makes the Falls so stunning is not only the sheer volume of water flowing over it (145,000,000 gallons every minute), but also its incredible breadth. Where the river meets the cliff, the Falls is over a mile wide making it the longest curtain of water on the planet. This water tumbling across such a long expanse falls over 300 feet before crashing into the canyon below, creating what is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is a National Park and a World Heritage Site. Through millions of years of erosion, the Zambezi River has created a series of waterfalls, each slightly upstream of the previous one. The present Victoria Falls will eventually give way to a new waterfall. This process is already starting at the Devil's Cataract on the Zimbabwe side. Evidence of the previous waterfalls can be seen in the zig-zagging gorges downstream of today's Victoria Falls.

The safari officially ends after breakfast today at your lodge. You will be transferred from the lodge to the Victoria Falls Airport for your departing flight home.

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