Sample Itinerary Great Wilderness Journey Botswana 2017 Website: www.essentialafrica.co.za e-mail: leew@essentialafrica.co.za, melissa@essentialafrica.co.za Tel: +27 73 510 3180 (Lee), +27 76 216 6022 (Melissa)
Introduction Experience a nostalgic turn-of-the-century tented safari which recreates the adventurous style of the great African explorers. This guided mobile safari takes us back to those bygone days to discover Botswana s contrasts and extremes in pristine areas where few are privileged to venture. We begin at the cascading curtain of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, one of Africa s largest rivers. From here, our travels take us to the wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems, and onwards to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, an oasis in the parched Kalahari Desert. The private Discover Camps (Gomoti and Linyanti) step back into the heyday of African exploration spacious canvas tents, crisp pure linens, comfortable beds and separate bathrooms with running water all combine to give a sense of understated elegance in a truly wild setting. Discoverer camping brings you closer to nature with the vintage feel of soft hurricane lanterns and nights around the campfire. necessary luxuries and stylish interiors, without detracting from the feeling of being completely immersed in the wilderness. There is a clear emphasis on The entire safari is led by a professional guide who shares his in-depth knowledge to create a seamless safari experience. Page 2
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The safari starts in Livingstone, Zambia Road transfer from Livingstone International Airport to Toka Leya Camp Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone 1 Night Toka Leya Camp has a commanding position on the banks of the Zambezi River in the eastern sector of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, some 12km above the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. This mighty waterway spans 1,708m and falls into the sheer Batoka Gorge more than 100m below, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Accommodation consists of twelve en-suite safari-style tents, with a dining and bar area under a canopy of trees facing out across the swimming pool and the Zambezi River. View Toka Leya Camp Website Page 4
Light aircraft transfer to Chobe National Park Chobe River boat cruise, Chobe National Park, Botswana The Chobe River is renowned for the vast herds of elephant which congregate along this waterway in the dry season during the hottest hours of the day, together with unique species such as the elusive puku, and Chobe bushbuck. We will look out for these species and other wildlife while enjoying a light lunch on board a shaded catamaran-style river boat. Page 5
Light aircraft transfer to Linyanti Discoverer Camp Linyanti Discoverer Camp, Linyanti Concession 3 Nights The Linyanti region is a diverse landscape of floodplains, riverine forests and open dry savannas with sweeping views a paradise for wildlife. We will explore the private northern sector of the concession in search of game drawn to the waterways, such as the seldom-seen sitatunga, and rarities like roan and sable antelope. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are in constant attendance, with a good chance of encountering endangered African wild dogs as an incredible bonus. This elegant camp is sheltered by African ebony and knobthorn acacia trees and faces out across the Linyanti Swamps. Each of the five spacious tents has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Twin beds, electric lamps, standing cupboards and a writing desk provide the necessary comforts inside, with a shaded outdoor deck overlooking the floodplains and lagoon. From here we will fly to Gomoti Tented Camp in the heart of the Santawani Concession. This diverse region of the Okavango Delta covers a vast wilderness area renowned for producing extraordinary wildlife experiences.. Page 6
Light aircraft transfer to Gomoti Tented Camp Gomoti Tented Camp, Okavango Delta 3 Nights The Santawani Concession lies in one of northern Botswana s most diverse wilderness regions. Huge numbers of wildlife are drawn to the life-giving waters of the Gomoti River, part of the Okavango Delta s alluvial fan. Game viewing is world-class across habitats ranging from dense riverine forests, wide seasonal floodplains, permanent wetlands and dry grasslands. Along the narrow Gomoti Channel, larger species such as hippo, crocodile, buffalo and red lechwe are frequently encountered. Elusive roan antelope are sometimes seen, and there is an excellent chance of finding leopard in the beautiful riverine woodlands. Acacia and leadwood trees line the river, giving way to vast stretches of mopane woodland which attract huge herds of elephant. Lion, African wild dog and spotted hyena are frequently encountered, and the birdlife is astounding. Gomoti Tented Camp has just five Meru-style tents which recreate the feel of early safaris, with modern comforts like en-suite bathroom and shower areas, comfortable beds with crisp linens, solar powered reading lamps and a small shaded veranda. Activities focus on day and night game drives and guided bush walks. Page 7
Light aircraft transfer to Jacana Camp or Xigera Camp Jacana Camp or Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta 3 Nights Our choice of camp will be determined by the seasonal flood levels at the time of the safari. Both are situated in private concessions in the Okavango Delta, and are true water camps capturing the essence of this wetland paradise, with year-round mokoro safaris, island bush walks and game drives, and motorboat cruises when water levels permit. This wetland region is renowned for sitatunga and dense populations of red lechwe antelope. Wildlife concentrations ebb and flow with the changing seasons and water levels, but all the larger species such as elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are present. Birdlife is prolific, with Pel s Fishing Owl and Greater and Lesser Jacanas a favourite amongst birders. At both camps, the tents are on raised wooden decks overlooking the floodplains, with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets and showers. The heart of each camp has a comfortable lounge and bar beneath magnificent sycamore fig and ebony trees, a plunge pool, and an open fire pit for dinners under the stars. View Jacana Camp Website and Xigera Camp Website Page 8
Light aircraft transfer from Jacana or Xigera Camp, to Maun The Safari ends in Maun, Botswana End of arrangements Page 9
Safari Cost Price Indication Currency Per Guest Great Wilderness Journey Price Per Person US$ 11 800 Page 10
General Information GENERAL INCLUSIONS: All accommodation on a shared basis. Private guide throughout your safari. Private game viewing vehicle throughout your safari. All meals. Excursions and transfers as specified. Services of the lodge guides and staff. Relevant park fees and entrance fees as specified. Drinks as specified. Laundry can be done at the camps and is included in the rate. Air transfers as specified. Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST). Page 11