Botswana Camping 16 Days

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. Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains the procedure for the days to come Meals: Lunch and dinner own expense Distance: 600 Km Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary- Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic drive through northwest South Africa - Kalahari Desert Optional Activities: - None, all included

Awaking early, we go on the first of many game drives around the Khama sanctuary, before returning to the lodge for brunch. After brunch we head north making our way through the vast expanse of the Kalahari and skirting the Makgadikadi Salt pans to Maun our next stop for the night. Meals: BLD; Distance : 480 kms Accommodation: Camping ( 2 person dome tents)

After an early start, we leave the lodge and head back towards Maun in time to catch your connecting flights into the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River, emanating from 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. 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. Meals: B L D; B L D; Accommodation: Twin Bedded Tented Units ( No Linen) Included Highlights/Activity: - Okavango Delta - Guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides - Mokoro trip - Sunset boat trip Optional Activities: -None all included

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 sight 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 4x4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides, exploring the of 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 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 a lit a warm fire to welcome us. After a hearty meal its 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 remain 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: B L D; B L D; B L D; B L D; Accommodation: Camping (2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - 4x4 open vehicle game drives - Private non-fenced campsite - Extensive first-hand game viewing experience - Explore the heart of National Geographic's photography region Optional Activities: - None, all included

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 some 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, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife. This afternoon we relax at the lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night. Meals: B; D; (Lunch on this day is own expense in Maun) Distance: +- 225 km Accommodation: Drifters Maun Tented Lodge - Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Game drive on the way out of the park - Visit to Maun Optional Activities: - Game flight, fixed wing or helicopter

After the early mornings of the last few days, we enjoy a relaxed start at the lodge today, spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on a local village walk. Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village. We have an early lunch, before continuing our journey eastward 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: B L D Distance: 200 - 300 km Accommodation: - Lodge Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Village walk - Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - Star gazing Optional Activities: - None, all included

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the night. The lodge is centrally situated within walking distance to Victoria Falls and other attractions. Meals: B L Distance: 320 - 400 km Accommodation: Lodge

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that can explore the amazing Victoria Falls, known to the locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya ", meaning "the smoke that thunders". This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the Zambezi River God "Nyami Nyami", who takes the form of a snake spirit, is in hiding. Your entry fee to the Falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time as you like viewing the Falls and exploring the surrounding rain forest. Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed, including the tribal village or curio market. Victoria Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional, but worthwhile, activities. We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer, with the freedom to choose the sights and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the Falls and drink a farewell toast to your adventure. Meals: B (Lunch and dinner is own expense) (Free day to explore town or do some activities) Accommodation: Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: -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 Meals: B

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier game reserve. 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: B L D Distance: 185 km Accommodation: Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Hwange - Game drive within the park Optional Activities: - None, all included

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: B L D Distance: 500 km Accommodation: Big Cave Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Matobo National Park - Rhino tracking on foot Optional Activities: - None, all included

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: B L D Distance: 450 km Accommodation: Stevensford Game Reserve Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights / Activity: - Scenic drive - Short walk Optional Activities: - None, all included

This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg Mountains, before entering the bustle of Africa's economic heart, and Golden city of Johannesburg. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon in Johannesburg