Botswana is one of only a few African countries that have managed to maintain their exclusivity and vast areas of untouched wilderness. We enjoy the serene beauty of the Okavango Delta, explore the northern game parks and wildlife reserves of Moremi and Chobe as well as a unique stay on a houseboat on the Okavango Panhandle. In Zambia there's plenty of time to enjoy awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and a whole host of fun activities around Livingstone.
THE OKAVANGO DELTA
We begin with a drive to our bush camp at Xaxanaka, deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta. A huge freshwater oasis in the Kalahari Desert, hundreds of species are attracted to this fertile, freshwater basin including elephant, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu and innumerable birds. We'll spend our time here exploring by safari vehicle. Hippo, crocodile, red lechwe and numerous other game as well as birdlife are normally easy to spot.
HOUSEBOAT & TSODILO HILLS
Heading northwest we reach the Okavango Panhandle, a geological fault that restricts the meandering river until it's release into the main delta. Here we enjoy the unique experience of a night on a houseboat and spend the afternoon and following morning cruising the vast reed beds and lagoons. Next we head to Tsodilo Hills to discover the rock paintings imbued in myth and legend on these remote outcrops rising abruptly from the desert. Next it's into Namibia as we traverse the lush savannah of the Caprivi strip.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK & VIC FALLS
From our comfortable lodge at Kasane back in Botswana we make forays into the beautiful game park of Chobe in search of some of the large herds of elephant that made it famous. Birdwatching is also superb, particularly along the banks of the Chobe river. Next, we cross the mighty Zambezi River into Zambia and reach the adventure capital of Livingstone. We'll see the raging 'Smoke that Thunders', Victoria Falls, and have an option to safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of white rhinos. For adrenaline junkies, numerous fun activities are possible locally.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Maun. 2 Drive Okavango Delta camp; game viewing. 3 & 4 Game drives in Moremi Game Reserve. 5 Drive Okavango Panhandle; afternoon houseboat cruise. 6 Morning boat activities; afternoon drive Tsodilo Hills. 7 Drive via Caprivi Strip in Namibia to Kasane in Botswana. 8 & 9 Game viewing in northern Chobe; optional boat safari. 10 Boat across Zambezi to Zambia; drive Livingstone; at leisure. 11 & 12 In Livingstone; view Victoria Falls; optional safari to Mosi-oa-Tunya NP; optional activities. 13 End Livingstone.
Accommodation: 7nts hotel/lodges, 4nts camping, 1nt houseboat; 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners included. Note: our camp in the Okavango Delta is at a simple private wilderness site to maximise our experience of getting closer to nature. Family tents with camp beds, mattresses, sheet/sleeping bags and pillows are provided. A simple bush shower and toilet will be pre-erected by our staff.
Transport: 4WD Safari vehicle and support vehicle whilst camping/Houseboat/On foot.
Comment: A varied family safari offering all the main highlights of the region and a unique night aboard a houseboat. Camp assistants take care of camp chores whilst camping so no participation is required.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/driver/guide, camp assistant/cook whilst camping/boat crew.
Trip Reference: FOA
