Botswana Safari

Maun Camp

Overland tour from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

The casual visitor to Botswana could be excused for seeing the country as kilometre upon kilometre of flat, desolate scrubland with little or no surface water. However, to the north lies the magnificent Okavango waterway, with its green and fertile plains, flowing straight into a sea of sand - the Kalahari Desert, and creating a unique natural wonderland - home to a multitude of Africa's Fauna and Flora. Almost a quarter of this country is devoted to wildlife sanctuaries and these remote and unspoilt wilderness areas are widely acknowledged as offering the finest game viewing in Africa. We offer two variations of safaris to this area, covering the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe and Victoria Falls. These tours offer the traveller, photographer, birdwatcher and naturalist the ultimate natural paradise.

Departs every Saturday from Johannesburg and Mondays from Maun.

This tour may be run as double tour so clients must expect to travel in reverse direction if required.

13-Day Fly-in Safari from Maun to Victoria Falls from 1,415.00 EUR:

This fly-in tour option joins up with the 16-day overland tour in Maun and leaves it in Victoria Falls, or vice versa, thereby shortening the travelling time. Obviously with the flights one pays a premium and certain sections are forfeited. However, for those who dread the long-distance travelling, or who have limited time, this tour is a more convenient option. (9 nights camping, 3 nights inn)

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Giraffe

Day 1: JOHANNESBURG - NATA

Departing from JHB 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 impressive Sowa salt pan, here we camp the night. Familiarise yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal at the Lodge (own expense).

Day 2: NATA - MAKGADIKGADI PANS

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the 4x4 vehicle for an initial excursion. 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 to view these spectacular depressions, known for their unique bird life and the other desert species of animals they attract. Explore the area for Springbok, Gemsbok and other unique species. Camp wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night. B/L/D

Day 3: MAUN (13-day fly-in passengers join here)

A leisurely start, after exploring a little more we leave the pans and then drive to the 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 conduct a walk to a local village for an insight as to how the local inhabitants cope in these harsh conditions. Any fly-in passengers will be collected in Maun this afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a traditional "braai" before camping the night. B/L/D

Days 4 - 7: OKAVANGO DELTA

The Okavango, a massive river spilling its contents into the Kalahari 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 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 in true wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mekoro - the traditional aquatic mode of transport. There will be time to simply appreciate the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will have the opportunity to do an own expense game flight over the Delta on either day 4 or 7. Late on day 7 we return to the Maun Camp to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal. B/L/D

A cosy campfire

Days 8-12: FLEXIBLE GAME RESERVE PROGRAMME (MOREMI / SAVUTI  / CHOBE)  

We pop back into Maun first thing in the morning for the group and guide to stock up with supplies for the onward journey. 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 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. Then on up to Savuti, 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 in comfort at the Victoria Falls Inn. B/L/D

The Falls

Days 13 - 14: VICTORIA FALLS

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 and activities enjoyed - 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, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, or an Elephant Back Safari are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend three nights at the Victoria Falls Inn, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves. Two of the nights we will eat out in local restaurants (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. B

Day 15: VICTORIA FALLS-NATA

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 own expense). B/L

Day 16: NATA - JOHANNESBURG

Transfer back to the bus to arrive in JHB in the early evening (all meals own expense).