16 days – Botswana Accommodated tour

Our adventure starts on departure from Johannesburg at 06h30. Making our way through the dry thornveld of South Africa’s North West Province, we aim to cross the Botswana border at Martins Drift. On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we enter the vast Kalahari plains that stretch as far as the eye can see.

We will cover quite some distance today before arriving at our accommodation, Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary (KRS) is a community- based wildlife project, established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhinoceros, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. Covering approximately 8 585 hectares of Kalahari Sandveld, the sanctuary provides prime habitat for white and black rhino as well as over 30 other animal species and more than 230 species of birds.

Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains the procedure for the days to come.

MEALS
Lunch and Dinner Own Expense

ACCOMMODATION
Khama Rhino Sanctuary

HIGHLIGHTS
Scenic drive through northwest South Africa

Awaking early, we set off on the first of many open vehicle game drives. We will explore the Khama Sanctuary in search of rhino and the many other species that inhabit this unique environment before returning to the camp for brunch.

We then continue our journey northward into the true wilderness and we pass through numerous remote villages whilst skirting the immense Salt Pans – Makgadikadi. The last part of our journey takes us along the Boteti River and to our stop for the night, the DRIFTERS MAUN LODGE. The Lodge offers comfortable twin bedded units, all with wonderful views over the wide Boteti River – the bird watching is exceptional. Fall asleep tonight to the deep grunts of hippo.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The Okavango River, emanating from the highlands of central Angola far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a 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 the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.

Our comfortable and well appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, go for a walk with our guide, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. One afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense).

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)

ACCOMMODATION
Twin Bedded Tented Units (Linen)

HIGHLIGHTS
Okavango Delta
Guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
Mokoro trip
Sunset boat trip

Starting early, we transfer back to the airstrip to catch a second flight over the vast expanse of the Delta and Moremi National park, to the Khwai airstrip. Be sure to take in the breath- taking sights of the vast expanse of the Delta, and also keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits it.

Whilst in the air our support vehicle will have gone ahead with your luggage and all the camp equipment, On landing you will be met by the Drifters ground crew and transported in open vehicle game viewers to our campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, where the support staff have erected our tents. This wild experience is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour.

For the next 4 days, we game-drive extensively during the day to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. We travel in well-equipped, open 4×4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides, exploring the Khwai concession and the famous reserves of Moremi and Savuti. Our route is flexible and depends on the season.

The vegetation is constantly changing – from open plains with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing. The 4x4s aren’t just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads are just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch and drinks for the road. Towards sunset we arrive back at our camp in the bush, where the ground staff have lit a warm fire to welcome us.

After a hearty meal it is time to retire. Drifting off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We use an exclusive campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, completely secluded and undeveloped – it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us, and leave nothing behind when we depart.

Our backup crew remains with us throughout, so we can concentrate on the wilderness. Depending on the ever- changing conditions in the National Parks we might also venture into the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the unique Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x4)

ACCOMMODATION
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x4)

HIGHLIGHTS
4×4 open vehicle game drives
Private non-fenced campsite
Extensive first-hand game viewing experience
Explore the heart of National
Geographic’s photography region

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy an own expense lunch, and have some time to explore the town. We will spend time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable, tented en-suite accommodation, a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife. This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night.

MEALS
Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on this day is own expense in town)

HIGHLIGHTS
4×4 open vehicle game drives
Private non-fenced campsites
Extensive first-hand game viewing experience
Explore the heart of National Geographic’s photography region

After the early mornings of the last few days, we make our way back to Maun enjoying our last opportunity to view game in the parks – arriving at our Maun Lodge in time for lunch. After lunch we continue our journey eastwards to visit the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky.

We camp the night in splendid isolation. The adventurous can sleep out under the stars and be rewarded with the awesome spectacle of the southern night sky.In some seasons the pans are not easily accessible, in which case we will camp at an interesting elephant watering hole.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

ACCOMMODATION
Lodge

HIGHLIGHTS
Village walk
Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Stargazing

Venturing north today, we leave the desolation of the pans behind and make our way up to the mighty Chobe River. The Chobe area is known for the huge herds of elephants and other animals that are attracted to drink from the river. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise within Chobe National Park, gliding close to the banks we hope to approach these animals from the river for close up viewing. Our cruise will explore the Chobe River front and a section of the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Back on land we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation in Victoria Falls. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.

MEALS
Breakfast & Lunch

ACCOMMODATION
Lodge

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls. “Mosi o Tunya “, meaning “The smoke that Thunders”. This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the “Big Snake” or “Nyami Nyami” is in hiding. On this day we include your entry and leave you to admire this wonder of the world. Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed including the tribal village or curio market. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing clients some time to explore the town and all it has to offer by themselves. Tonight we will eat out in a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure.

MEALS
Breakfast (Lunch and dinner is own expense in town)

ACCOMMODATION
Lodge

HIGHLIGHTS
Victoria Falls National Park
Entry Fee for viewing the Falls
Optional Activities:

Scenic helicopter flight
White water rafting
Bungee jump
Gorge swing
Many more available

After breakfast we travel the short distance into the greater Hwange area to Camp Silwane. Famous for its massive herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is host to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird, with lion, leopard and wild dog regularly sighted. This afternoon we will do an open vehicle game drive with local guides providing intimate knowledge of the area.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

ACCOMMODATION
Lodge

HIGHLIGHTS
Victoria Falls National Park
Entry Fee for viewing the Falls

Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets. We continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park. Here, we will leave the vehicle to track rhino through the bush on foot. For most people, seeing these massive beasts on their own terms is a thrilling and moving experience.

Tonight our accommodation is situated high on a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills, with commanding views over the park.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION
Big Cave – Lodge

HIGHLIGHTS
Matobo National Park
Rhino tracking on foot

Our last night will be spent in Botswana, on a private game reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River. We will take our final walk together along the river, to savour the sights and smells of the African bush and catch our last glimpse of animals living free and wild. We end the day with dinner in the bush around a flickering fire.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

ACCOMMODATION
Stevensford Game Reserve – Lodge

HIGHLIGHTS
Scenic drive
Short walk

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct, but Drifters continually strives to offer our clients the best available tour options, and, as such, we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity period of the published itinerary, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorate, contracted camps and accommodation facilities may change standards, optional activities might become available or be discontinued, new border posts open or existing ones become congested, etc. Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that contribute to a successful tour, and will make amendments to the published itinerary if circumstances so demand, or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.