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We took the 14 day Botswana mobile safari (camping only) from J'burg to Victoria Falls. Our guide, Blessed, was very personable, knowledgeable, and hardworking, as was the driver we had for most of the trip, Sage. He basically doubled as another guide. Also, both were very environmentally-conscious, showing a great appreciation for the animals and landscape, and ensuring that we left "only footprints".
In Africa, you have to take what it gives you. For us, the rainy season basically went a month longer than usual, which made it impossible to get to two of our destinations. We missed Kubu Island, but the operator compensated for this by putting us up in a very nice lodge in Maun (the Thamalakane River Lodge). Also, because the roads were flooded and impassable, we were not able to get to the mokoro rides in the Okavongo Delta, but again they compensated with a cruise on the Zambesi that included all food and beverages (including alcohol). That was very generous of them.
The camping and campsites were excellent, as was the food. The lodge we stayed at in Victoria Falls (the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge) exceeded my expectations - very nice. The group of 8 was the right size, and the vehicles were great for the roads and for game viewing. We saw all of the big 5 and just about every other animal we could think of. My favorite Park was Chobe, which is extremely dense with animals. The Chobe River is beautiful and also had a very nice cruise.
After this trip we took another 6 day safari in Kruger with a different outfit, and this one was clearly the better of the two.
Itinerary
Day 1: Maun, Botswana On arrival in Maun please make your way to Thamalakane River Lodge where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. [BL]
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge Camping or similar (tents, camping with basic facilities)
Day 2: Maun to Khwai River, Botswana After breakfast we will be picked up by our local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in close proximity to the famous Khwai River. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar (tents, shower tents with hot water, bar & restaurant area)
Day 3: Khwai River, Botswana Today we spend game driving in the Khwai area. In our open 4x4 vehicle we will explore the Khwai River region on a morning and afternoon game drive hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. As a year round destination for wildlife, predators can regularly be seen in the area, rated as one of the most prolific in Botswana for viewing wildlife. The exceptional location of Khwai makes it a regular host to Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dogs. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar (tents, shower tents with hot water, bar & restaurant area)
Day 4: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana After having explored the Khwai area we now head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve which is home to a great diversity of plant and animal life - making it a ‘must see' for a Botswana Safari. It contains - within its boundaries - approximately 20% of the Delta, and a vast range of habitats, acacia forests, floodplains, reed beds, lagoons, enduring wetland through mopane forest and dry savanna woodland. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar (tents, shower tents with hot water, bar & restaurant area)
Days 5 & 6: Khwai River to Chobe National Park, Botswana We have to get up early, as there is another exciting day ahead of us! We leave the camp in Khwai River and transit through the national parks of Moremi, Savuti and Chobe to Kasane. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls this area home. The next day is spent with a morning game drive in search of Africa’s Big Five! We enjoy the afternoon on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. Along with many species of big game, Chobe National Park boasts the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, hippo, water birds, buffalo, crocodile and puku are also viewed from the river. [BL, BD]
Accommodation: Camping at Kwalape or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool & bar)
Day 7 & 8: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Today we leave Botswana behind us and after a short drive we enter Zimbabwe, home to one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. You have the rest of the day at leisure to partake in one of the many activities on offer. The next day we get to view the falls on a guided tour through the Victoria Falls National Park. [BL]
Accommodation: Lokuthula Lodges (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool)
Day 9: End of Tour Your journey ends today and you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departing flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures. [B]
Highlights: Moremi National Park, Khwai River game drive and night drive, Okavango Delta experience including Mokoro excursion, Chobe National Park game drive, River cruise on the Chobe River, Victoria Falls.
Included in the price: 6 nights camping and 2 nights in fixed accommodation, transport on days 7-9 in a Quantam or similar, transportation for the remainder of the safari in an open, fully kitted 4x4 safari vehicle, use of full camping equipment, game drives as mentioned, meals (prepared by the guide) and activities as mentioned in itinerary, park entrance fees, experienced local guide.
Not included in the price: Travel insurance, international flights, pre and post tour accommodation, optional activities, all drinks, telephone calls, gratuities, curios and all personal expenses.
Price per person 2012: USD 1675 Single supplement: USD 145 Local payment: ZAR 1500
Upgrade your safari: Our Fully Accommodated Option includes the luxury of spending every night in fixed accommodation.
USD 2165 Single supplement: USD 445 Local payment: ZAR 1500
