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DEPARTURE POINT IS WATERFRONT HOTEL (LIVINGSTONE) Guests are required to be at the reception at 07h00 on Day 1
“BEST OF BOTSWANA” offers guests the opportunity of starting and ending off in Livingstone, near the remarkable Victoria Falls, as well as seeing Mkagadigadi and Sua- the world’s largest salt pans, the unique wilderness that encompasses Nxai Pan, one of the least visited areas in Botswana and the pristine wetlands of the Okavango.
This serviced camping safari entails a 14 day tour through wildlife areas...Nxai Pan, Moremi Game Reserve,Okavango and Chobe National Park,with diverse habitats ranging from semi-arid drylands to lush woodlands and riverine forests. Days are spent game-driving across vast areas, in search of the tremendous variety of animals Botswana is well known for-from Wild Dogs to huge herds of Elephant, the elusive Leopard, Prides of Lion and good variety of Antelope.
A
total of ten nights are spent inside game-reserves and
because the number of guests are well controlled and
limited-very few vehicles and other signs of civilization.
Only private sites are utilized to set up our well-appointed
camp.
Day 01: Mkagadigadi Salt Pans
Guests depart
Livingstone by road transfer (07h00) and cross the Zambezi
River into Botswana at Kazungula, where the borders of
Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana meet. After customs
and immigration formalities, you will meet your guide, who
will assist with the purchase of drinks in Kasane, before
driving south to the villge of Nata, which is situated on
the edge of the Madgadigadi Salt Pans.
These Salt Pans, the world’s largest, are the remnants of a
once massive inland lake. Today they offer spectacular
scenery and endless horizons. In season a large variety
water birds nest here. The pans offer a truly unique camping
experience as well as an opportunity to witness an
unforgettable sunset.
Distance:
370km,5 hours-sightseeing
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation:
(L,D) Nata Sanctuary. Serviced Camping
Day 02: Nxai Pan National Park
We leave Makgadgadi
Salt Pans quite early ,after a light breakfast. Our journey
takes us westwards to Nxai Pan National Park. The area is
known for large herds of Springbok and Gemsbok, species that
are not water dependent. The artificial water-hole at the
heart of the pan allows for some remarkable wildlife
sightings. Nxai Pan is an ancient lake-bed scattered with
islands of Acacia Trees. The Pans have changed little in
thousands of years and offer a place to
totally lose oneself in limitless wilderness. Camping for
the next two nights is in Nxai Pan National Park, with
afternoon and morning game-drives.
Distance:
170km, 3 hours-sightseeing
Departure: 08h30
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Nxai Pan National Park.
Serviced En-Suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 03: Nxai Pan National Park
We start with a
light breakfast in the cool early hours of the morning,
heading out at first light. The drive typically lasts until
about 10:30 am, with a coffee break mid-way. On return to
our private camp a brunch is served, after which there is an
opportunity to have a siesta throughout the heat of the day.
As the air starts to cool towards late afternoon, we embark
on our after-noon game drive.
Distance:
Game-viewing activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Nxai Pan National Park.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 04: Maun
Today we take a
gamedrive out of Nxai Pan National Park and journey on
further west into the frontier town of Maun, to our hotel
which has a pleasant eating area with a welcome swimming
pool. The afternoon is at leisure at the Hotel, which is
situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River.
Lunch and Dinner are at guests own
expense. Guests are also able to replenish their drinks for
the next eight days.
Distance:
130km, 2 hours Game-viewing activity
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B)
Sedia Riverside Hotel,
Maun
Day 05: Xakanaxa, Okavango Delta
We travel by road to
Xakanaxa (pronounced
ka-ka-ni-ka), which is an integral part of the eastern
waters of the Okavango Delta. The area is encompassed by
Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing
in Africa. The Game-Reserve has areas of dry lands rising
between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the
edges of Mopane and Apple-Leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes
place alongside waterways and floodplains. Species such as
Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest are but a few that occur here,
along with an astonishing variety of
birds *Ten Day
“Highlights Of Botswana” guests join the safari on this day
Distance:
130km, 3 hours, Game-viewing activities
Departure: 08h30
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Xakanaxa, Moremi Game Reserve.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 06: Xakanaxa, Okavango Delta
We make our way to
the banks of the Okavango River along game-drive routes in
the early morning. Today we explore the clear channels,
lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by motor boat ,
going upstream through a myriad of crystal clear waterways
lined with African Mangosteen and Water Berry Trees, as well
as swaying seas of papyrus. We follow the Okavango River
through the Lagoons of Xaxanaxa and Gadikwe, deep into the
permanent waters of this unique inland
delta. Birdlife is prolific-Kingfishers, Fish Eagles,Ducks
and beautiful Pygmy Geese being regularly seen.After a
picnic lunch, we make our way back downstream to the
mainland for the short evening drive and dinner.
Distance:
Game-viewing and River activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Xakanaxa, Moremi Game Reserve.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 07:
Khwai River, Moremi
Game Reserve
The team breaks camp
and we take a leisurely drive to our private campsite in the
Khwai River area of Moremi Game Reserve. This region’s
diversity of animals is truly astounding. Moremi was
procaliamed a conservation area in 1964-the result of this
foresight is that Moremi is quite rightly been rated as one
of the best game-viewing areas in the world.
Distance:
130km, 3 hours, Game-viewing activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Khwai, Moremi Game Reserve.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 08: Khwai River, Moremi Game Reserve
Today is spent on
early morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will
generally spend maximum time on game-drives, depending on
what is seen, trying to cover as much area as possible. The
result of this is guests are given the best chances of
seeing a variety of wildlife-although there is of course,
that obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day !
Distance:
Game-viewing activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Khwai, Moremi Game Reserve.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 09:
Savuti, Chobe
National Park
We leave Moremi,
crossing the Khwai Bridge to the northern bank of Khwai
River. There is a quick opportunity to buy more drinks in
the small village, before making our way to Chobe National
Park. Due to the fact that none of Botswana’s wildlife areas
are fenced, game can move freely between these two
wilderness areas. Hippo, Elephant and sometimes Lion are
often found on this route. Moving through the Mababe
depression, we relocate to Savuti were we camp in the region
of the flowing Savuti Channel. Game viewing this afternoon
takes place along the fringes of the marsh and surrounding
water holes. The area is best known for large populations of
Bull Elephants-and Prides of Lion that patrol the banks of
this enigmatic channel.
Distance:
160km, 4.5 Hours Game-viewing activities
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Savuti, Chobe National Park.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 10: Savuti, Chobe National Park
We again we have the
opportunity to spend many hours on morning and afternoon
game drives, and time dependent, an opportunity to climb one
of the hills to see San Bushman paintings, an
indication that this area has always drawn those who have an
affinity to the wilderness.
Savuti is unique and
the special opportunity of exploring this area always
remains with our guests for a long time afterward
Distance:
Game-viewing activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Savuti, Chobe National Park.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 11:
Serondella Area,
Chobe National Park
We journey north
toward the Chobe River ,the second biggest river in Southern
Africa (Zambezi in the largest).Chobe River is home the
world’s largest Elephant herds; large numbers of big game
such as Buffalo, Hippo and Lion can be seen here. Our
private campsite is on a Teak forested dune that overlooks
this beautiful river. Gamedrives are taken in the afternoons
and mornings to find the remarkable variety of species that
are drawn to this permanent water source.
Distance:
160km, 4.5 Hours Game-viewing activities
Departure: 07h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Serondella Area,
Chobe National Park.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 12: Serondella Area, Chobe National
Park
After an early
start, we take a slow drive along the southern bank of the
Chobe River, where we can find Chobe Bushbuck and Puku
Antelope. The sheer variety of animals, in abundance, make
this region a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.In the
afternoon, guests might choose to go on an optional
afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River-perhaps the last
river where one has a fair chance to see Lion and Elephant,
Leopard or Wild Dog from the unique viewpoint of a boat.
Distance:
160km,4.5 Hours Game-viewing activities
Departure: 06h00
Accommodation:
(B,L,D)
Serondella Area,
Chobe National Park.
Serviced En-suite Camping. Private Campsite
Day 13:
Victoria Falls,
Livingstone-Zambia
We have a leisurely
start this last camping morning and say fond farewells to
our efficient back-up and camp crew after breakfast.We head
eastwards on a last gamedrive to exit-gate at Sedudu Valley.
From there it is a short drive to Kazungula Border Post,
where your Safari Guide will ensure that your transfer back
to Livingstone is seamless, before leaving to lead another
safari.This afternoon can be spent exploring one of the
truly magnificent sights on earth-the wonderfully beautiful
Victoria Falls-300 feet high and over a mile wide! Witness
the power of nature as an average of 550000 tons of Water
thunders into the Zambezi Gorge every minute. Optional
activities and Victoria Falls Entrance at guests own
expense.
Overnight is usually
at the Zambezi Waterfront. Please note that the entrance fee
to Victoria Falls is not included within this safari.
Distance:
120km,4.5 Hours Game-viewing activity
Departure: 08h00
Accommodation:
(B)
Zambezi Waterfront,
Livingstone
Day 14: Victoria Falls,
Livingstone-Zambia
After breakfast,
Wilderness Dawning’s safari arrangements end. Before
proceeding with onward arrangements, guests might want to
partake in the numerous optional activities that are
available in this adventure capital! (B)
Should guests
wish to start or end their Safari in a Lodge or Hotel other
than The Zambezi Waterfront (the last night which is
included within the cost of the safari), this can be
arranged. Alternative accommodation and transfers can be to
any of the establishments in the towns of Livingstone
(Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). An extra cost applies
Included:
- Use of
specially modified 4x4 vehicles.
- Professional
Guide and Back-Up Crew.
- All camping on
a serviced basis in private campsites.
- Camping
equipment. En-Suite Facilities
- Meals as
specified (B-Breakfast,L-Lunch,D-Dinner).
- Local Beers,
Wine & Softdrinks while Camping
- Accommodation
on a shared basis.
- Botswana
National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees.
- Open Vehicle
Gamedrives in all National Parks and Reserves.
- Lodge
accommodation Maun(Day 4) and Livingstone (Day13).
Excluded:
- All airfares.
- Optional
activities in Maun and Livingstone
- Any gratuities,
any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes.
- Entrance fees
Victoria Falls.
- Travel
Insurance (compulsory).
- Pre and post
tour accommodation and transfers.
While we endeavour to ensure the
itinerary runs as advertised, Wilderness Dawning reserves
the right to change this due to unforeseen circumstances or
external influences beyond our control.
E&OE
Your Safari Guide, Tour Leader, Driver
and Cook!
At Wilderness
Dawning we strongly believe that the single most important
factor on any safari holiday is the quality, patience and
experience of the professional guide. All our guides are
passionate about Botswana and the environment in which we
operate. An attitude, which is reflected in all our safaris,
is the responsibility the guide has been given in showing
guests the diversity of our country. We realize that for
many people, a safari is a holiday of a lifetime and this is
therefore a responsibility, which our guides do not take
lightly.
Over the years, we
have built up an enviable reputation for the recruitment,
training and development of local guides, who are
acknowledged to be the outstanding in their field. All our
guides have deep appreciation for the wilderness and
wildlife that lives there. Most importantly, our guides
display a love for the region and its people. On our safaris
our guests are enriched with the guide’s knowledge and gain
a new perspective on the country they are visiting.
Why choose Wilderness Dawning?
Botswana has a myriad of Safari Operators, all
offering the opportunity of experiencing, in some manner,
the wilderness, scenery, wildlife, history and culture this
dynamic and richly beautiful sub-continent offers … most
have enviable reputations for delivering a holiday of
unsurpassed quality.
When choosing a destination and expert to make a
dream safari a reality, it is-more often than not –
not the price of
something that differentiates one holiday from another, but
what one receives in return … Wilderness Dawning retain
Guides and Safari Leaders that are unmatched in their field,
Wilderness Dawning spend maximum time actually inside
national parks and reserves … not on the outskirts and most
importantly, we offer the unique experience of gaining
something fundamental … an experience that endeavors to
enrich our guests, guests who do not seek to be pampered and
amused, but rather strive to enhance their understanding and
love for Southern Africa.
A Safari Day the Wilderness Dawning
Way
Guests are usually
met at the airport in Maun, or Livingstone and transferred
to the starting point of their safari. They are flown or
driven to their first camp from where the safari commences.
Typically two game
drives a day are experienced. In Game Parks, the morning
game drive leaves at first light, when predator activity is
expected. We return for brunch as the day starts heating up.
The hottest part of the day is spent at leisure … siesta
time! Our afternoon activity departs after tea, usually
around 4pm, to return in the early evening
Game drives and
activities vary from one trip to the next, depending on
sightings and animal activities. Generally, we drive quite
far and slowly to absolutely maximize game-viewing
potential. Should we be moving from one camp to another, a
short drive might taken in the morning and we drive through
game areas to our next camp, where lunch is served.
Camping
Equipment and SERVICED Camping
Wilderness Dawning offer an
above-average level of comfort whilst camping. Our tents are
3 x 3 meter dome-type, big enough so that someone can stand
inside. These tents are made from durable rip-stop canvas
and have sewn-in ground sheets.
They come equipped with sturdy
camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillow, pillowcases
and duvets. Tents have En-Suite facilities when using
Private Campsites
Other equipment used on safari to
enhance our guest’s comfort is camping basins, washstands,
hot water bucket showers and water-based toilets. Safari
style fold-up chairs and large tables are provided (all
meals eaten from the table).
Our great back-up staff does all
the cooking, cleaning and setting-up and breaking camp, so
the difficult aspect of camping is taken away!
This setup allows our guests to
get as close to nature, wilderness, plants and animals as
possible. The essence of what we do is not to insulate
guests from the very things they have come to see. In many
cases, the camping aspect of our safaris are what guests
remember most, due to the use of our private sites which
allow our guests closeness to the wild.
Safari
Vehicles
Robust 4WD vehicles are essential
for travel in Botswana due to the variable conditions of the
tracks within protected areas. Wilderness Dawning operates
specially modified Toyota Landcruisers that accommodate
either 8 or 12 guests.
All vehicles have an open roof
and sides (with roll-down weatherproof canvas and thus offer
the best game-viewing opportunities. They also come equipped
with first aid kits, a fire extinguisher, individual bucket
seats with seat belts and a cooler box for beverages.
We carry out twice-yearly risk
management assessment of our procedures and operations to
ensure maximum client safety and due care.
Note:- While we endeavor to ensure the itinerary runs as advertised, the ground operator reserves the right to revise the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances or external influences.