The Fish Eagle Safari

The Fish Eagle Safari
The Fish Eagle Safari
The Fish Eagle Safari

This 10 night safari covers various wilderness areas in Botswana, known for their abundant wildlife and pristine landscapes. This adventure safari from Maun to Victoria Falls promises not only a visual feast of landscapes and wildlife but also an enriching experience. It's an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form and create lasting memories of Africa's incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. The safari strikes a balance between land and water activities, providing a comprehensive experience with an opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

The Fish Eagle Safari takes you into the swamps and lagoons of the Okavango Delta and continues through the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. These reserves offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Located in the remote bush, most campsites are private, wild, and unfenced. It's not unusual to have wildlife wander through camp. The Fish Eagle Safari is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily rhythms and magic of the African wilderness.

This safari is a "participation mobile camping safari" because guests "participate" by setting up their own tent, carrying their luggage from the vehicle to the tent, and sleeping on a mattress pad (not a bed or cot). The safari runs with one vehicle and a trailer to haul all the supplies as you move from camp to camp. Many guests will also pitch in with the cooking, though this is not required. Each safari is accompanied by a professional guide and a camp assistant who will ensure your safari is safe, educational, and fun. This is a group safari so you will be joining other travelers (maximum of 12 guests, minimum of 1).

The following itinerary is northbound - going from Maun to Victoria Falls. We also offer a southbound route as well going from Victoria Falls to Maun.

A Video Introduction to Your Fish Eagle Safari

Quick Summary

Map of Your Safari Route

 

Itinerary Detail

Days 1 - 3: Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta
Daily Summary
  • Activities: Mokoro excursion & walking in the Delta
  • Accommodation: Wild Camping Botswana
  • Meals: B, L, D

As the safari departs early morning on Day 1, you will need to arrive in Maun, Botswana the day before. This will also allow time to shop for any beverages (beer, wine, etc) you'd like during the safari. We can arrange airport transfers and accommodation (not included in safari rate).

Your safari begins in Maun, where your guide will meet you at 07h30 at the reception desk of your accommodation. Your adventure will take you first to the southern tip of the Okavango Delta, a special corner of paradise. Once you have reached the edge of the Delta, you will meet your polers from the local community with their mekoros (traditional dugout canoes).

Once you have reached the edge of the Okavango Delta by the Gomoti River, you will meet your polers from the local community with their mekoro (dugout canoes). Quietly cruising along river channels and floodplains, you will enjoy the spectacular landscape of this unique region taking you deep inside the Delta. You will spend three days exploring this beautiful area with mokoro excursions and guided nature walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango, camping wild with bush ablutions on a small island for two nights and one night on the edge of a lagoon.

On the afternoon of the third day, you will have the option of taking a 30min flight in a helicopter with doors removed, allowing magnificent views from above. Contact us for current rates. This experience must be booked during the safari, and payment made in USD cash only. The flight over the Okavango gives you an eagle’s eye perspective of the area and it is even possible to spot large game animals such as elephants, giraffes and hippopotami.

Maun – Okavango Delta: 75km, 2-2.5h

NOTE: You will leave your main luggage in the trailer and will need to pack a smaller bag (small backpack, hand luggage) with what you need for the 2 days on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island where you will stay are done on traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) which cannot accommodate large bags. Your main luggage will safely remain in the vehicle that will be parked in a secured area while you are on the island.

The Okavango Delta

On your Okavango adventure, you'll explore the Thaoge Channel and Flats in the northwest delta on walks and by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Thaoge Channel and Flats are the Okavango Delta as you imagine it, endless lagoons covered in water lilies and bordered by lush little palm islands. Here you'll search for an island to set up camp and explore the surrounding area on foot, watch the sunset on a lagoon from the mokoros, and listen to the Bayei mokoro polers singing in the African night.

The Okavango Delta must truly be one of Africa's most enchanted places. A swirl of lushness in a desert of Kalahari sand, the Delta is a remarkable phenomenon. It owes its origins to the formation of the rift valley across the course of the Okavango River. The area was formed over the last 5 million years due to atmospheric changes and movement of the Earth's crust.

A characteristic of the Delta is its annual flood. The Okavango River, which rises in Angola, flows southeastward across the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, tumbles through the Popa Falls Rapids, and enters Botswana at Mohembo. Bringing the result of heavy rains in Angola to Botswana (an estimated 11 billion cubic meters of water every year). The swollen river breaches its low-water banks and begins the annual inundation of its floodplains. More than 95% of the Okavango's water evaporates before it reaches the Thamalakane River near Maun and what is left follows the Boteti River to finally reach the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Unique as one of the world's few inland deltas, the Okavango Delta adds enormously to the variety of experiences open to the visitor. An obvious attraction is the spectacular game viewing; among the best in the world and certainly situated in the most unspoiled corner of Africa. Herds of elephants can be seen here, as well as all the main cats, hyenas, wild dogs, and many antelope, including the rare and shy sitatunga. Not only the wildlife but also the vegetation makes for an interesting visit. The only vegetation types that can survive in such a unique system are reeds and papyrus. Reeds grow in the waters of medium depth and are rooted. Papyrus on the other hand, floats, and bends easily with the current. Papyrus is mainly eaten by Sitatunga.

A Video Introduction to the Okavango Delta

Days 4 - 6: Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve
Daily Summary

After an early breakfast, you will make your way to Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana, which features both floodplain and woodland habitats. The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while delighting in the beauty of this region. You will spend 3 nights exploring this wonderful Game Reserve, at two different campsites. Game drives in the early morning and in the late afternoon as the sun sets will be the norm. Camping will be in private designated campsites with bush ablutions

Okavango Delta –Moremi: 55 miles, 5 hrs (transfer and game drive)

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve was declared by the BaTawana people in 1963, the first wildlife sanctuary to be created by an African tribe in their own area, and as such is unique. This act was described at the time as a shining mark in African tribal history.

In the late 1800's a Rinderpest epidemic spread through the continent, wiping out a large percentage of the wildlife and cattle in Africa. As wild animals are the hosts of the tsetse fly, this led to a natural decrease in the tsetse fly population in the area. Now it was possible for the movement of cattle into and through the area without the fear of disease. The Batawana tribe feared that continued competition between the returning game and the cattle herds for grazing, and uncontrolled hunting would lead to the destruction of the habitat and a decrease in the game populations. During this time, (late 1950's, early 1960's), the tribe was being governed by Mrs Moremi, the widow of Chief Moremi III, whose son, Matiba, was too young to rule. Thus the Moremi Game Reserve was officially proclaimed on 15 March 1963.

The Moremi Game Reserve is administered today by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks; it is a rich and fascinating area. The Moremi Game Reserve forms an intricate part of the Okavango Delta, comprising permanently swamped areas, seasonally swamped areas, and dryland.

Located on the northeast side of the delta, it is probably the prime tourist destination in Botswana, due to the fact that it encompasses several different types of ecological zones. The total surface area of this reserve is 1880 square miles, almost one-third the size of the Okavango Delta. The dryland areas of Moremi consist mainly of mopane veld and these giant mopane trees form the canopy woodland and lend an atmosphere unique to this area. The other main vegetation types are riverine woodland, floodplain grassland, and marginal woodland on the edges of the floodplains.

Teeming with bird life and wildlife makes Moremi a prime wildlife area where elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, and most other game (including eland, kudu, roan antelope, and if you're lucky, even leopard) can be seen in abundance. Bird life (both in the delta and dry land sections) is excellent, especially along the Khwai River. During the dry season a congregation of all species, (bird and wildlife), along permanent rivers and water holes makes Moremi Game Reserve one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa!

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 in the forests and alongside waterways and flood plains, 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 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.

A Video Introduction to the Moremi Game Reserve

Days 7 - 9: Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park
Daily Summary

Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes, will be your next destination. As you continue your search for wildlife, you will traverse the drier region of Savuti where bull elephants dot the plains. You will then head northwards to the Chobe River where your game drives will meander along the banks of the river, followed by the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle. Camping will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions, first in the Savuti area (Day 7), then in the northern part of the park closer to the riverfront (Days 8 & 9).

On Day 8, you'll depart Savuti and head north to the famous Chobe River. You'll follow sand tracks through the African bush and pass through small farming villages before arriving at the lush floodplains of the Chobe. Day 9 will be a full day of game drive to search for wildlife along the river.

Eastern Moremi – Savuti: 75 miles (7-8hrs)
Savuti - Chobe River: 100 mile (5-6hrs)

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.

Savuti
Located in the southern sector of Botswana's huge Chobe National Park, the Savuti'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 Savuti 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.

Savuti 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. Savuti 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 Savuti, including various bustards and ostriches.

Chobe River Front
With an elephant population well in excess of 50,000 (reputedly the largest in the world), The Chobe River and floodplain area ranks among Africa's premier safari destinations. The Chobe National Park was named after the Chobe River, which forms the northern boundary of the park. The floodplains of the river make an ideal viewing area, with mixed patches of open grassland, thickets of bush and riverine forest. In the river itself, you should see hippo and crocodile. The Chobe River area has a rich selection of bird life as well. Exquisite sunsets make this a wildlife experience not to be missed.

Perhaps the greatest attraction of the Chobe River area is the elephants, which can almost always be seen there. Their late afternoon visits to the water's edge offer hours of fascinating viewing and wonderful opportunities for the photographer. Along with the huge herds of elephants, huge herds of buffalo can also be seen in this area during the dry season. You can also expect to see tsessebe, waterbuck, roan, eland, sable, giraffe and, if you are lucky, one of the rare puku.

A Video Introduction to Chobe National Park

Day 10: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Daily Summary

After a short morning game drive, your guide will take you to the Kazungula border where you will meet the transfer vehicle for your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (entry visa required and available at the border post), where you will spend the night at the Pioneers Lodge (or similar). In the afternoon there will be time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios. Dinner will be at your own expense.

Chobe River – Victoria Falls: 60 miles (2-3hrs, including border crossing)

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 Victoria Falls region has offers a huge diversity of activities to enjoy. From white water rafting down the Zambezi, scenic helicopter flights, curio shopping, sunset cruises, or simply enjoying an easy walk along the edge of the Falls.

Day 11: Departure

Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport
  • Meals: B

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

~ End of Services ~

Accommodation

Wild Camping Botswana
Wild Camping Botswana
Wild Camping Botswana
Wild Camping Botswana
Wild Camping Botswana

Wild Camping Botswana

Website: Wild Camping Botswana

Our mobile camping safaris will bring you deep into the African bush. Most campsites are remote and unfenced with wildlife frequently wandering into camp. There are no facilities (wifi, electricity, etc) so all supplies are carried in a trailer behind the safari vehicle. For semi-participation safaris, guests are only required to set up and pack their tents and help out getting their luggage in and out the trailers. All cooking, cleaning and any other camp chores are taken care of by the camp team made up of one guide and one camp assistant. The dome tents are large and comfortable. You will be sleeping on a thick mattress pad (5cm) not a cot or bed. Guests are required to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow, though these are available for rent. The showers and bush toilets are shared and clean. Meals are served in a tranquil setting next to the campfire in the African bush and are prepared on the open fire by the camp assistant. Our custom designed vehicles and trailers are ideally suited for photographic safaris in the African bush.

Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers Lodge
Pioneers Lodge

Pioneers Lodge

Website: Pioneers Lodge

Pioneers is the latest gem in the accommodation offerings available in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. A short 1.5 miles from the magical Victoria Falls, and situated in a peaceful residential suburb, this lodge is in an ideal location. The nostalgic era of the pioneer explorers has been perfectly blended with modern amenities to meet all the requirements of today’s traveller. The property is exclusively reserved for residents which ensures topmost privacy. Set in lush gardens with beautifully manicured lawns, this fifty room lodge is a great option for those who value comfort and elegance. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in a classic style, and each has a clear and open view of the garden. As well as comfortable furniture, multi plugs and good lighting, they all feature air-conditioners, fans, room safes, mosquito nets and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has its own bathroom en-suite with shower, toilet and a double vanity unit. Pioneers is a family friendly property with four family rooms available. The heart of Pioneers Lodge is the centrally located main area. The layout and classic décor here is extremely welcoming with a serene and stylish lounge which is airy and comfortable, and the rich inside dining room is certainly nostalgic and inviting. The guests also have the option of relaxing and dining on the spacious and expansive terrace, overlooking lush gardens. All areas have overhead fans and are beautifully finished. There is a large saloon style bar area which serves a variety of cold and hot beverages, including local craft beer made from our very own Zambezi water. For the modern traveller, Wi-Fi is important and this is readily available throughout the lodge. Under the hot African sun, well placed in the lush gardens are two swimming pools for the guests to use at their leisure. In addition to these, a day spa, TV Room and a meetings room are also available on the property.

Details

Details

Price Includes

~ Camping equipment (single bow tents with mattresses)
~ Accommodation at Pioneers Lodge or similar, Victoria Falls
~ Activities as per the itinerary
~ Meals while on safari
~ Filtered drinking water, tea/coffee
~ Sleeping bag/pillow (can be rented)
~ Services of a Professional Guide and Camp Assistant
~ Botswana park fees for activities included on itinerary
~ Transport in specialized safari vehicles.

Price Excludes

~ International flights
~ Airport Transfers
~ Entry visas
~Pre/post safari accommodations and transfers
~ Meals in Victoria Falls
~ Beverages other than water (soft drinks, alcohol, etc)
~ Entrance to Victoria Falls National Park
~ Optional excursions (scenic flight over Okavango, activities in Victoria Falls, etc)
~ Gratuities for guide/camp staff
~ Curios and personal items
~ Travel insurance (required)
~ Increases in national park or government fees

2023 Safari Rate

$2050.00 (Jan-June/Nov-Dec)

$2,190.00 (July-Oct)

Rate is per person sharing and for cash payment by check or bank transfer.  Credit card payments will incur a 3.7% service fee.  A non-refundable, 20% deposit is required to confirm booking.  Balance is due 7 weeks before departure.  Safari rate may change based on currency fluctuations and we reserve the to change rate accordingly.  Single supplement of $155 applies.  Proof of travel insurance is required.  Other terms & conditions apply. 


Why GrassTrack Safaris?

Why GrassTrack Safaris?

Our Commitment to Service

Planning a safari can be daunting and we are committed to professional service to ensure you're well prepared for your journey.  We work closely with all our clients to create an itinerary based on your interests and budget.  We have years of travel experience throughout east and southern Africa and the expertise to create your personalized safari of a lifetime.


Responsible Travel

Conservation in Africa can only succeed if local communities benefit from tourism.  We partner with local operators who value sustainable travel and support their local communities and conservation efforts across Africa.

Inspiring Through Travel

We specialize in creating journeys of discovery and inspiration.  Our safaris are all about the wildlife and local culture.  Our custom designed safaris will show you all that this fascinating continent has to offer.  Africa is a rich source of inspiring people, landscapes, and wildlife.  It the ideal destination for discovery, exploration and adventure.


Trusted Support

Our partners in Africa are available 24/7  in case of an emergency.  All our guides are licensed and trained to handle any situation that may arise.  All our operators are available anytime to assist you in any way.