BOTSWANA

BOTSWANA

Botswana has set aside more of its land for parks and reserves than any other country in Africa. The Okavango Delta is an inland flood-plain, where desert and delta combine to offer a unique diversity of wildlife – a water world transforming an arid land into a wildlife paradise.

The Kalahari Desert is perceived as barren, monotonous and reserved for the Bushmen, in truth, the Kalahari presents diverse landscapes to explore. Whatever you choose you will experience the magic of this enchanted country.

Below find some sample itineraries to start you thinking:

DELTA ADVENTURE

Your Delta adventure in Botswana offers you the choice of length of stay in each exciting area, combine the Okavango Delta with Moremi Game Reserve. Here is how it works…

DAY 1   Depart from Maun, or Victoria Falls and arrive at your first camp. Your safari begins this evening when you discuss, with your guide, what you would like to do the following day. The options are numerous; game drives, fishing, walking or boating.

DAY 2   Two safaris are offered daily – one in the morning, returning to camp for lunch and a siesta, followed by an afternoon safari. The afternoon safari is often extended into a night drive with the aid of powerful hand-held spotlights. Safaris are conducted in open four-wheel-drive vehicles or you may wish to experience the magic of gliding through the silent waters of the Delta in a Mokoro (delta canoe) guided by an expert ‘poler’. You may also discover the wonders of Africa on foot; your guide will arrange a walking safari for you. Whatever you choose – back at camp a hot shower awaits you and a large campfire to relax by while you swap safari tales.

DAY 3   Today extend your stay or continue your safari to one of the other camps of Botswana or your next destination…

YOUR SAFARI CAMPS – in the Delta and Moremi the camps are small allowing for personalized attention. There are many to choose from, but whichever it may be you will have an exciting adventure in this pristine part of Africa.

CHOBE EXPRESS (3 Days)

Chobe National Park is a short drive from Victoria Falls or a flight from one of the Delta locations. Whichever direction you arrive from you will find this an excellent addition.

DAY 1   Early arrival to Chobe National Park. After settling in you will have an afternoon safari in open vehicles and view a vast selection of African big game – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and many other species.

DAY 2   Morning and afternoon game drives, the rest of the time spent relaxing and enjoying the view.

DAY 3   Early morning game viewing before continuing to your next adventure destination..

KALAHARI ADVENTURE (5 Days)

The Kalahari is a special adventure best suited to the person who has been to Africa before and is looking for something VERY different, or the first-time looking for a true challenge! This sample will get you started:

DAY 1 Arrive in Maun – gateway to the famous wildlife areas of Botswana. Head towards the Kalahari Game Reserve.

DAY 2-4   The next few days explore the Kalahari, via 4-wheel drive landrovers. The desert supports a great diversity of fauna and flora and you will learn about this fragile ecosystem. You could encounter gemsbok, lion, leopard, brown hyena, giraffe, wildebeeste, and many other species. It’s not really the quantity you find, but rather the environment in which they are found that is so intriguing. Your evenings spent around the fire are an integral part of this unique experience.

DAY 5   Depart for your next adventure.

ZIMBABWE

VICTORIA FALLS everyone’s must see and Zimbabwe’s jumping point for Hwange’s KINGDOM OF MONOMATAPA, Kariba’sWATER WILDERNESS or exciting CANOEING SAFARIS.

Zimbabwe – the former kingdom of Monomatapa with a fascinating and checkered history is a young country in the making. Zimbabwe’s spectacular scenery includes the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the enigma of Zimbabwe Ruins, the granite-domed hills of the Matopos, and the exhilarating mountains and valleys of the eastern border. Much of the country has been set aside as national parks and wildlife estates; here a breathtaking variety and quantity of game can be observed.

Within Zimbabwe you find two main gameviewing areas – Hwange and Lake Kariba. Combine the areas you would like to visit, here are just a few options:

KINGDOM OF MONOMATAPA (3 Days)

Hwange is the unspoilt Africa of hunters, writers and explorers of the 19th century and before them, the favorite hunting ground of the tough little Bushmen.  Today, Hwange is legendary for its wonderful array of wildlife and truly massive herds of elephant and buffalo. The basic itinerary would be as follows:

DAY 1   Arrive in Hwange and transfer to the accommodation of your choice.
This afternoon gameviewing.

DAY 2   Early morning and evening gameviewing with maximum opportunity to view the large variety of animals and birds which abound.

DAY 3   At leisure before departing. You may choose to extend your stay in Hwange and learn more about this area.

WATER WILDERNESS (3 Days)

A man-made lake fringed by mountains – a year-round source of water for abundant bird and animal life, creating a largely untouched wilderness in which to enjoy the solitude and splendor of remote areas and superb game. A basic itinerary is as follows:

DAY 1   Arrive in Kariba, where you will transfer, by boat or private plane, to the lodging of your choice.

DAY 2   During your stay you will have game viewing on foot, in open vehicles or in specially-constructed boats. Platforms and blinds are positioned along the lakeshore for serious photographers and ornithologists.

DAY 3   Morning game viewing before returning to Kariba and your onward flight.

The above itineraries, Kingdom of Monomatapa and Water Wilderness, show the minimum time recommended in these two areas. It is suggested that if time permits you explore these safari destinations in more depth.

CANOEING SAFARIS

Canoe safaris are an exciting way to get an in-depth appreciation of the Zambezi River. The safaris are relaxed and leisurely with the participants able to experience the excitement of the Kariba Gorge, the laziness of the open flood plain and the scenic beauty of the Mupata Gorge. These safaris are accompanied by an experienced canoeist who has extensive knowledge of the River. The canoes can be handled quite easily by persons who have no previous canoeing experience. The trips vary in length from two nights for those with limited schedules to nine nights for those with more time.

These are standard safaris but for those who like to linger on certain stretches of the river, or for those who want something a little different we can tailor safaris to suit your wishes. Find some samples below to start you thinking.:

THE GORGE SAFARI (3 Days)
From Kariba to Chirundu, this safari is ideal for those with limited time. Participants experience the Kariba Gorge and the laziness of the open floodplain.

THE FISH EAGLE SAFARI (6 Days)
From Kariba to Nyamepi Camp – Mana Pools. This is the most popular of the canoe safaris. There is great contrast from the brooding shadows of Kariba Gorge to the bright sun-drenched flood plain of the Mana Pools National Park.

THE ZAMBEZI CLASSIC (7 Days)
From Chirundu to Kanyemba this is for those in search of wilderness country, and for those seeking an in-depth appreciation of the River. This safari gives a full taste of the Mana Pools flood-plain as well as the thrill of Mupata Gorge, considered by many to be more scenic and exciting than Kariba Gorge.

ACCOMMODATION – There is a large choice of lodges and camps.

VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls complements any African tour and is a natural stop while in Zambia, Botswana or Zimbabwe. This is one sight in Africa that every visitor wants to see. The Victoria Falls have always been considered one of the natural wonders of the world. At the height of the floods the impact of so much falling water raises clouds of vapor that can be seen more than 20 miles away. Because of this the Falls have been know for centuries as Musi-oa-Tunya – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.

MUSI-OA-TUNYA (3 Days)

DAY 1   Arrive at Victoria Falls or Livingstone and transfer to your accommodation. Relax and enjoy this tranquil setting, walk along the Falls and view one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Perhaps a Sundowner Cruise, visit the Cultural Center, or take in the native dances.

DAY 2   This morning is free to do as you wish. Take a final look at one of the wonders of the world by foot or on the ‘Flight of the Angels’, visit the crocodile farm, white water rafting, bungee jumping or just relax by the pool.

DAY 3   Depart today and continue with your journey.

Time permitting you can extend your stay and further explore this area of the Zambezi River.

ACCOMMODATION – There are many different styles of accommodation available.

ZAMBIA

Zambia is famous for pioneering WALKING SAFARIS.  This is unique in that you are in the bush and walk to one camp and spend the night OR from one camp to another  This can also be included as one of your game viewing activities in the VALLEY OF THE ELEPHANTS.

Zambia lies in the tropical belt of Southern and Central Africa.  It is famous for its safari concept, unique in that you are not confined to a closed vehicle.  Game viewing is on foot or in an open vehicle accompanied by a game expert and an armed game ranger (rarely needed, but a necessary precaution).  You will learn to track animals by their spoor, distinguish between a kudu and a puku, and to capture it all on film!  You are in what several experts have called one of the finest game reserves in the world!

VALLEY OF THE ELEPHANTS (6 days)

DAY 1   A short flight from Lusaka takes you to Mfuwe airstrip in the Lunge Valley — and suddenly you know you are in the real Africa.

You are now in one of the finest game reserves in the world.  The drive to your permanent camp will give you a taste of the incredible diversity and abundance of the wildlife available.  Here among the countless species of animals, the ‘Big 5’ make their home.  The grass is yellow (except after the long rains), coarse, cropped short by the constant grazing of buffalo.  The trees are shorn of their bark and stunted by the pressures of browsing elephants — they are everywhere; it is impossible not to see them.  The air is alive with bird cries, a bird-watchers dream!

DAY 2-5   A pre-sunrise cup of coffee (or tea) and then board open vehicles for a game-viewing drive.  Your well-informed guide will provide you contact with the abundant game.

This is home to concentration of elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo and many varieties of antelope, including the Greater Kudu.  The Luangwa Valley is the preserve of the Thornicroft giraffe.  Lion are common and frequently seen.

Return to camp for breakfast and rest.

After lunch and tea, another drive through the woodlands and savannah of Luangwa.  You may stop for a Sundowner to watch the sunset or enjoy a night drive.

In the evening you can sit around the campfires and discuss the wildlife of the Valley with local experts.

                                        WALKING SAFARI
One unique experience available is a walking safari in the game reserve.  This is where you venture into the bush with your safari leader and armed guard to explore the Valley on foot.  This can be done during one of your game viewing activities in camp OR you will stay overnight in one or more of the bush camps.  You will truly enjoy the experience of this exciting form of game viewing.

                          HERE ARE SOME COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: HOW FAR DO YOU WALK IN A DAY?   The trail leader suits the distance to his walkers and their needs.  Usually the group sets out at dawn and walk for 2.5 hours before having a break for tea, followed by a further 1.5 hours back to camp.  This would be approximately 6 miles.  In the afternoon a further 4 miles.  Walks are not forced marches!  If you prefer to stay in camp, this is quite acceptable

Q:  DO YOU SLEEP ON THE GROUND?   NO.  There are thatched huts in each camp, with steel beds, mattresses, linen and mosquito nets.  Lighting is by parafin lamps.

Q:  SO, WE CARRY OUR LUGGAGE OURSELVES?   NO.  Your heavy luggage is taken to your camp in advance by vehicle or porter.

Q:  WILL I GET BETTER PICTURES THAN FROM A VEHICLE?  NO.  On foot you will have to stalk animals to get close.  You can get much closer in a vehicle.  However, some shots you get on walks could never be obtained from a vehicle.

Q:  AREN’T WALKING SAFARIS DANGEROUS?  Of course there is some element of danger; this is what makes them special.  Walks have been done for more than 40 years and your guides are good at avoiding dangerous situations.

Q:  WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?   Twelve years of age.

Q:  WHAT SHOULD ONE WEAR?   Footwear should be light and comfortable, with good grip soles.  Running shoes are ideal.  Clothing should be neutral, never white, black or blue; cotton s good.  In the early mornings and evenings a jacket, trousers to protect legs and ankles from insects, and a hat are advisable.

Q:  CAN WE INFLUENCE THE NATURE OF OUR WALK?   Certainly.  Your Trail Leader will design the walk around your interests.  If you want o spend more time sitting and watching, and that is the consensus of the group, that is the way it will be.  Walks are flexible

                ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE and BOTSWANA
These countries are in the southern hemisphere and therefore have reversed seasons. Travel is most comfortable during the months of March to September, with dry, sunny days in the 60s and 70s, and crisp mornings and evenings. The temperatures get much hotter in October and November. Walking safaris in Zambia usually start around June.