Izimbaleko African Itineraries
 

Xtreme Botswana Adventure

ITINERARY

Starting point: Pretoria/Johannesburg
End point: Pretoria/Johannesburg
Duration: 14 Days (14 nights)
Service Level: Standard (Accommodated: Comfort)
Costing: R25900.00. pp for 14 days
   

Proposed Departure Dates:       

15th March to 28th March 2009
10th May to 23rd May 2009
31st May to 13th June 2009
16th August to 29th August 2009
6th September to 19th September 2009
11th October to 24th October 2009

TOUR DESCRIPTION
This exceptional “extreme” 13-day wildlife safari traverses some of the most varied and beautiful landscapes of natural diversity that Africa has to offer – from the grasslands of the South African plateau, through the featureless “landscapes” of the Makgadikgadi salt pans and the famous Kalahari desert, into the world’s largest inland delta (the Okavango) and the adjacent Chobe National Park, and ending finally at the adventure playground of Mosi-oa-Tunya (the “Smoke that thunders”) – the Victoria Falls.

Accommodation is usually provided in shared dome tents in the more remote areas (9 nights), but on occasions, we spend a more comfortable night in a local hotel (2 nights), guesthouse (1 night), chalet (1 night) or bush-camp (1 night). Single supplements are offered where appropriate.

The vehicles we use are specifically chosen to be suitable for difficult road conditions, under variable weather conditions. Some of the areas we traverse comprise very thick sand, others are clay surfaces, and still others can comprise a hard surface overlaying a pool of treacherous mud. All of these surfaces can change rapidly under varying weather conditions,

In addition to close-up encounters with wildlife, our adventures also provide a diverse an in-depth encounter with many of the folk who contribute to the land we travel in, to really appreciate the beauty of Africa in all its facets.

This is designed as an adventure trip, and the unexpected can be expected! Be prepared!

Tour Summary
Note that although we endeavor to abide by the primary itinerary indicated below, unexpected situations and circumstances beyond our control can result in small (or, occasionally, substantial) changes. This should then be taken as a general guideline.

Day 0: Arrival Day (Pretoria / Johannesburg)
Day 1: Pretoria to Botswana (Northern region)
Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans
Day 3: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Day 4: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Day 5:  Maun
Day 6:  Okavango Delta
Day 7:  Moremi Game Reserve
Day 8:  Moremi Game Reserve
Day 9:  Moremi to Savute
Day 10:  Savute to Kasane
Day 11:  Kasane to Livingstone/Victoria Falls (Zambia
Day 12:  Victoria Falls
Day 13:  Botswana (in transit)
Day 14:  Return to Johannesburg / Pretoria

TOUR COSTING - R25900.00. pp for 14 days

The tour prices are indicated below.

STANDARD OPTION: R per person sharing
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: R1200.00 (where possible)   
       
We are able to offer a superior option of this trip (available on request only).

Kindly refer to the section of this proposal after the Detailed Tour Itinerary for some comments and explanations, as well as details about what is included and excluded.

A deposit of 50% would be required in advance to secure the various bookings en route. We would suggest this be done on confirmation of your booking, preferably at least four months in advance. A further 50% deposit would be required two months prior to arrival, and the remainder is due on arrival.

Payments made in foreign currency will be subject to the effective rate of exchange prevailing at the time of transfer. 

We will supply a copy of our detailed “Terms and Conditions” should you indicate your interest in this proposal.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY (Proposed)

Day 0: Arrival Day (D only)

Arrive at OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) – flight arrival times to be confirmed in advance. We will meet you at the airport, and transfer you to our guesthouse for check-in. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure, catch up on some shopping or sleep, or participate in any of the optional activities available (depending on time available – chat to us for some suggestions).

We have a quick tour briefing and enjoy our welcome dinner at a local restaurant, before bedding down for the night.

Overnight in Pretoria (guesthouse)

Day 1: Pretoria to Serowe (BLD)

Departing from Pretoria after an early breakfast, we head north towards the Botswana Border, crossing it at about lunchtime, and enjoying a packed lunch en route.

Continuing on towards Central Botswana, we arrive at our first overnight stop, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Text Box: The 4300ha Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-run operation established in 1992 to protect the last remaining rhinos in Botswana from extensive poaching. It is one of the very few places in Botswana that rhinos may be seen, and also contains 28 other mammal species.

We spent the night in chalets (2+2 sharing) at the park, remembering that this will be our last luxurious night for a while!

Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans (BLD)

After a short game drive at Khama in the morning, we enjoy a quick breakfast before departing for the pans. Two hours of travel brings us to the edge of one of the most eerily remote places on Earth – the Makgadikgadi.

Text Box: The Makgadikgadi Pans, comprising the largest known saltpans in the world and covering an area of over 12000km2, are all that remains of a vast lake that once covered a large part of Botswana. It is a place of unique isolation; completely dry and barren in the winter seasons, but the focal point of migratory game and birdlife during the wet season. Much of Makgadikgadi pan is not only salt pans, but also comprises large areas covered in short sweet grasses attracting some interesting game. The pans are considered absolutely treacherous for vehicles, even when appearing nice and safe. Their hard surface could consist of a thin crust covering a sea of mud, and many vehicles have been lost or abandoned. We never leave the tracks, and under no circumstances take unnecessary risks or shortcuts.

We spend the late afternoon exploring some of the pans, before spending the night camping on Lekhubu Island, on the edge of Sua Pan.

Text Box: Lekhubu Island is a granite outcrop about 1km long, rising about 20m above the surface of the pan. It is considered sacred by the local folk and we treat the island and it’s surrounding with the utmost respect.

Camping in shared dome tents. No facilities (fully independent).

Day 3: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (BLD)

We head out after breakfast to continue our journey towards the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a huge expanse of sandveld, and one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

Arriving at our campsite late in the afternoon, we set up our campsite and prepare for an evening in “Real Africa”, listening to the roar of distant lions, and the sounds of the African night under a star-studded sky.

Overnight at Sunday Pan (or similar). No facilities (fully independent).

Day 4: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (BLD)

The Cry of the Kalahari calls us from our bedrolls as we head out in the pre-dawn in search of elusive lions and other game, and maybe even the trail of long-abandoned wagons left by early explorers and missionaries.

Text Box: This unique game reserve, covering an incredible 51800km2, is the second largest in the world, and was set aside in 1961 for the protection of the San (Bushmen) folk who were able to live in these arid thirstlands. Sadly, very few members of this fascinating group of nomadic people remain in these areas, having been dragged unceremoniously into western life!

Overnight at Sunday Pan (or similar) once more (no facilities)

Day 5: Maun (BL only)

Traveling northwards and then westwards, we arrive at Maun in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants. The town of Maun is undoubtedly the gateway to one of Botswana’s most famous wildlife attractions, the Okavango Delta.

We spend the afternoon relaxing in Maun, maybe doing some shopping or catching up with mails, and preparing for our onward journey over the next few days.

We spend the night in one of the local hotels or guesthouses, using the opportunity to clean up after three nights in the bush! Dinner at own expense at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 6: Okavango Delta – mokoro day-trip (BLD)

Today is a day of pampering, as we lie back and relax, and get propelled through the waters of the delta in a traditional mokoro (originally a traditional dugout canoe, but now often made of fiberglass). Our polders, all members of the local tribe, share their culture and their knowledge of the delta, as we glide through the shallows, and maybe go in search of some land-quarry (like lions or elephant), before returning in the late afternoon to our hotel in Maun.

Text Box: The huge floodplains of the Okavango delta, the largest inland delta in the world, covering an incredible 15000km2 and containing 95% of Botswana’s surface water, is home to a considerable diversity of vegetation and a fantastic array of mammals and birds. Private concession owners hold most areas of the Okavango, and access is very limited and carefully controlled.

We spend the night again in our hotel, preparing for another couple of nights in deepest Africa.

Day 7: Moremi (BLD)

An early breakfast prepares to depart for Moremi Game Reserve. Although only about 140kms away, it could take us an entire day to reach our campsite for the night.

Text Box: The Moremi Game Reserve (about 5000 km2), located in the Okavango Delta, is considered one of the premier game-viewing destinations in Africa. It was declared a protected area in 1963, and is renowned for its exceptional concentrations of wildlife. However, many roads become impassable in the wet season, and only the most adventurous and well-equipped travellers venture in.

We overnight at Third Bridge campsite, deep in the Moremi Game Reserve. Enjoying the thrill of having lions, elephant, leopard or hyena possibly join us on their midnight strolls. Beware – danger lurks nearby in this unparalleled natural environment. Note that in Moremi we will have a local guide accompanying us!

Day 8: Moremi (BLD)

An early start sees us exploring the Moremi Game Reserve with our local tracker/guide in search of the creatures that make this region one of the most rewarding game-viewing locations in Africa.

We return to our camp for lunch and maybe a cooling dip in the local (and crocodile infested) river, before relaxing for the afternoon, enjoying the sense of being in Deepest Africa. Third Bridge s renowned for exceptional animal sightings, and a cold beer or glass of wine as the evening draws near will be most welcome.

Overnight in dome tents (shared facilities – basic amenities only).

Day 9: Moremi Wildlife Reserve to Savute (BLD)

Depart for Savute. (Note that this route may change slightly depending on road and weather conditions).

We spend our day traveling northwards in our quest for Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. Travel is difficult in these parts, long hard slogs through sandveld – deeply rutted sandy roads, with the prospects of getting stuck in sand, water or clay, and having to dig our way through on occasions. Quite exciting stuff with the possibility of meeting any nature of wild creatures at any turn along the 200kms of track we negotiate.

We overnight at the Savute campsite, deep in the Chobe National Park. Elephant, lion, hyena, baboons and a host of other animals frequent the campsite, and it provides possibilities for very exciting wildlife encounters. Do not take chances here.

Overnight in dome tents. Shared ablutions available – basic amenities only

Day 10: Savute to Kasane (BLD)

Once again a long day of travel in one of the most exhilarating wildlife destinations in the world. Encounters with interesting animals are common along this 170km stretch of sandy, rutted road. We arrive at Kasane late the in afternoon, and check into our accommodation before enjoying sundowners and dinner.

Overnight at Ihaha campsite near Serondela. Shared facilities (basic)

Day 11: Kasane to Livingstone/Victoria Falls (B only)

Leaving our camp early in the day, we head for the Kasangula Ferry, which takes us across the mighty Zambezi River into Zambia. Another border, another country. Kindly remember that your entry visa to Zambia may be purchased at the border, and payment is due in US$. Border crossings may take several hours.

The total trip of 70kms takes us to Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”), as the 1,7km wide Victoria Falls was known to the local tribesmen prior to the arrival of white explorers.

Arriving by early afternoon, we have the opportunity of visiting the falls or enjoying one of the many adventure activities offered in this adventure playground.

Mosi-oa-Tunya – the “Smoke that Thunders”. Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is reputedly the largest wall of falling water on earth. Its 1700m breadth and height of 108m, forms an incredible spectacle. Although larger than Niagara, the seasonal variance reduces the average flow to considerably less than Niagara’s, but it remains a fantastic experience. In full flood, the spray cloud formed by the deluge can reach almost 800m high, and the roar of water can be heard many km's away.

Overnight at a campsite on the banks of the Zambezi (near Livingstone). Lunch and dinner at own expense at one of the local restaurants

Day 12: Victoria Falls (BLD)

We spend the morning enjoying a trip to Livingstone Island (on the edge of the falls) or participating in any of the adventure activities on offer (all activities at own cost), before leaving for Kasane again after an early lunch.

Text Box: Livingstone – a bustling African town on the banks of the Zambesi, adjacent to the Victoria Falls. You are welcome to spend this free day enjoying the wealth of activities this world-renowned destination can offer – white water rafting, bunji jumping, souvenir hunting, hot-air ballooning, boating or canoeing, paragliding, helicopter and ultra-light flips, historical tours, walking in the rainforest, or sightseeing. Horseback and Elephant back Safaris are also on offer and you can take the opportunity of walking with lions.

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls ends off the day, before heading for dinner at the Ngoma Zanga traditional African restaurant.

Overnight at a campsite on the banks of the Zambezi (near Livingstone)

Day 13: Botswana in transit (BLD)

A quick start in the morning allows us to cross the border back into Botswana on our return leg to Johannesburg. Once again a long day of travel awaits us as we continue southwards towards the South African border. We arrive at our final stop just inside the Botswana border, late I the afternoon.

Overnight in a bash camp at a game lodge in the “Tuli Block” of Botswana (with shared facilities)

Day 14: Return to Johannesburg (BL only)

Crossing the border after a leisurely breakfast, we continue our return trip to Pretoria/Johannesburg, arriving in the early afternoon.

...And bid each other farewell!

OPTIONAL VARIATION
For those guests who wish to fly from Livingstone to Johannesburg, this can be arranged, subject to availability of suitable flights. The cost variation will be determined based on prevailing air flight charges and specific conditions at the time. This should be arranged in advance (prior to trip commencement).

TOUR COSTING – SOME COMMENTS AND DETAILS

The tour prices indicated below include the following:

  • All accommodation, meals, soft drinks and drinking water en route
  • All activities specifically indicated in the itinerary (unless specified “optional” or “own cost”)
  • The provision of suitable 4X4 vehicles for the duration of the trip, with appropriately licensed and experienced driver/guides
  • Local specialist guides, as required.
  • Insurance and Emergency evacuation cover (we also insist that guests carry their own comprehensive Travel Insurance)
  • Entrance to all National Parks en route
  • Cross border charges as required

The following items are not included in the price of this safari package:

  • Visas charges for the various countries (we can supply relevant details)
  • Alcoholic beverages en route and at most establishments
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Curios, etc.
  • Activities and items not included in the detailed itinerary.

Kindly note the following aspects:

  • Accommodation and activities are subject to availability at time of booking, and, in some cases, dependent on other conditions prevailing on arrival. It may not always be possible to use the proposed establishment, and in some cases an alternative must be found. Early booking helps prevent variations of this nature.
  • Two dinners and one lunch along the route are at own expense (these opportunities occur when there are a number of restaurants available in the area).
  • Lunches provided en route are normally of the picnic variety, due to the unavailability or unsuitability of places to stop along the route.
  • Allow for a meal allowance of approx R400.00 for meals not included (2 dinners and 1 lunch).
  • Smoking is usually prohibited in vehicles, hotel rooms and transport vehicles. If you are a smoker, kindly let us know in advance.
 

 
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