Description
Day 1 JOHANNESBURG TO NATA
Departing from Johannesburg in the early morning, we set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities we head for Nata Lodge, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the salt pan, where we camp the night. Familiarize yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal (own expense).
Overnight at Nata Lodge
Day 2 NATA TO MAKGADIKGADI PANS (BLD)
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the 4×4 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. We then return to Nata Lodge for a welcome swim and a bite to eat. 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. Camp wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night.
Overnight at Nata Lodge
Day 3 MAUN (BLD)
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. In the afternoon we will visit Maun to re-supply, and to collect any fly-in passengers before returning to the inn for a traditional “braai” and to camp the night.
Overnight Drifters Maun Camp
DAY 4-7 OKAVANGO DELTA (BLD)
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. We travel either by a light aircraft or on sandy tracks to the heart of the Delta then continue by Mekoro to our remote camp where we spend three nights camping, 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. Late on day 7 we return to the Drifters Maun Camp to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal at a local restaurant (own expense). (Possible to travel by Mekoro; on such occasions we will explore the delta on foot, by vehicle, or we may replace a day in the delta with a visit to the Nxai Pan National Park). 4 NIGHTS
Overnight camp Okavango Delta
DAY 8-12 FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE PROGRAMME TO MOREMI / SAVUTI / CHOBE (BLD)
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). 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. Proceed 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. 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. We then cross the border to spend the night at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn. 5 NIGHTS
Overnight Game Parks – Moremi, Savuti, Chobe (camp)
DAY 13 – 14 VICTORIA FALLS (DAY 13 – BD/DAY 14 – B)
Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we
explore the amazing 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 crocodile farm. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River are both worthwhile. 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. We spend two nights at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves. The last night at Victoria Falls we all celebrate our experiences with a slap-up meal at 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. 2 NIGHTS
Overnight Drifters Victoria Falls Inn
Day 15 VICTORIA FALLS TO NATA (BL)
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. Camp for the last time and share your experiences with the next tour just arriving (dinner at own expense). 1 NIGHT
Overnight Nata (camp)
Day 16 NATA TO JOHANNESBURG
Transfer back to the bus to arrive in Johannesburg in the early evening (all meals at own expense today).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.