BOTSWANA WILDLIFE SAFARI

Our adventure starts on departure from the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG at 06h30. Making our way through the North West of South Africa with scattered mountains all around, we aim to cross the Botswana border near Lobatse. On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we cross into Botswana and the vast Kalahari Plains that stretch as far as the eye can see.We will cover quite some distance today before arriving at our accommodation near the village of Kang. Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains what to expect in the days to come. Meals: Lunch and Dinner own expense Accommodation: Camping (2-Man Dome Tent) – Kalahari Rest Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive through North West South Africa, Kalahari Desert

Waking up to a spectacular Kalahari sunrise, we enjoy our first cup of coffee and a sumptuous breakfast before continuing to the old frontier town of Ghanzi. Ghanzi is home to some of the last traditional Bushmen that make a living in this harsh desert environment, and it is here that we will enjoy learning about the wilderness from these fascinating people. Our experience will include an educational bush walk led by true Bushmen to give us insight into their daily lives and teach us how they manage to survive in these harsh conditions, their hunting and trapping skills, their peculiar belief systems, and how they find and store their water. Overnight on a vast tract of land owned and managed by the local people. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) - Dqae Qare San Lodge Included Highlights / Activity: - Guided bush walk led by true bushman/san

The Okavango, a massive river emanating from far North, flowing Southwards, creating one of the world’s only true inland delta’s and a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a nervous Lechwe pounding across a flooded plain, the Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create a canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces, and then the river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, and it’s all gone - just as if you had walked out the other side of an Alice in wonderland book. We begin our journey into the Delta near the panhandle, gliding through papyrus lined channels by motorboat to our exclusive wild island. We spend three nights here in the true wilderness, deep in the wilds, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe). There will also be time to simply relax and to absorb the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will not only learn more about the animals and plants from the local guides, but will also interact and have the opportunity to learn more about the people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness area. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Tented units on Private Island Included Highlights/Activity: Motorboat transfer into the Okavango Delta, Private Island, Guided Game walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides, Mokoro excursion in Delta , Sunset Cruise Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta

As Above Meals : B L D Accommodation: Tented units on Private Island

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Tented units on Private Island

Starting early, we begin our journey back to relative civilisation, using motorboats we wind our way through the channels to where we are reunited with our vehicle. This afternoon we arrive in the ‘tourism capital of Botswana’ – Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies before we travel the short distance out to the DRIFTERS MAUN TENTED LODGE to freshen up, or splash in the pool, and enjoy a catered meal. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow directions depending upon the season and rain patterns. The Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge - Twin-bedded tented units Included Highlights/Activity: Motorboat transfer out of the Okavango Delta Boteti River Sunset Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta

We enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the Lodge while preparing for the game viewing part of the trip which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. Traveling in our well-equipped 4x4 vehicles we head into true wilderness, passing remote villages along the way. We spend five days in the national parks following seasonal game migrations on extensive morning and afternoon game drives, also with relaxing down time to appreciate this rare jewel of a place and its deep tranquillity. An example of our route could be: starting with Moremi, we spend first night near the well-known Third Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the distant hyena or the earthy roar of a lion, and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged hippo. We then head on north via Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. This area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas. Then on up to Savuti, the area offers a multitude of game drive options and a very active game area (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving elephant, the meat from the prowling hyenas, and everything from the monkeys). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub, and hence all the fauna and flora changes accordingly. Depending on the conditions in the national parks we might also venture into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. During this part of the journey we camp in pristine, remote, private sites where there is no sign of man’s existence – we leave each site in the same condition, nothing but footprints in the sand are left for the quiet winds to deal with. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping Included Highlights/Activity : 4x4 open vehicle game drives on all five days

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping

As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We will have some time to explore town and enjoy an “own expense” lunch before heading out to the comfort of the DRIFTERS MAUN TENTED LODGE. This afternoon we will relax at the Lodge before enjoying a catered meal and a comfortable night. Meals: B D; (Lunch on this day is own expense in town) Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge - Twin-bedded tented units Included Highlights/Activity: Game Drive on the way out of the park, Visit to Maun Optional Activities: Scenic Flights over the delta

We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank and enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. After an early lunch we continue and venture eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Besides the stark scenery, the pans are known for their prolific birdlife and the other desert-adapted animals, and, when the rains come, migrating flamingos are spotted on the pans. Without disturbing the surface, we make our way to a remote site where we take in the isolation and serenity of this expanse. Tonight we encourage clients to enjoy a night out under the canopy of stars. With no other artificial light in the area, our private overnight spot provides the perfect location for star gazing and our guides will take time to explain the constellations. As the stars dance above us we drift away to sleep. Should the pans be inaccessible for spending the night we will make use of alternative camps in the area. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping Included Highlights/Activity: Remote campsite on the edge of the pans, Night under the stars (weather permitting), Star gazing

Venturing north today, we leave the desolation of the pans behind and make our way up to the mighty Chobe River. The Chobe area is known for the huge herds of elephants and other animals that are attracted to drink from the river. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks we hope to approach the animals from the river for close up viewing. Our cruise will explore the Chobe River front and a section of the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE VICTORIA FALLS. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and all other attractions. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls Included Highlights/Activity: Chobe National Park, especially elephants, Extensive Boat Cruise on the Chobe River- hippos and crocodiles, river birds, Exquisite environs

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls. "Mosi o Tunya ", meaning “The smoke that Thunders”. This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the “Big Snake” or “Nyami Nyami” is in hiding. On this day we include your entry and leave you to admire this wonder of the world. Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed including the tribal village or curio market. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend two nights here, thus allowing clients some time to explore the town and all it has to offer by themselves. Tonight we will eat out in a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure. Meals: B (Lunch and dinner is own expense in town) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls Included Highlights/Activity: -Victoria Falls National Park, Entry Fee for viewing the Falls Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight, White water rafting, Bungee jump , Gorge swing, Many more available

The guests flying out on the 15-day tour will do so today, the rest will set off to cross back into Botswana and continue south toward Francistown, home of the national football team. Tonight we spend our last night in our tents, enjoying the African night and celebrating our adventure with our last tour meal. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Woodlands Stopover Included Highlights/Activity: Last opportunity to view game on route to Francistown, Scenic drive from Zimbabwe to Botswana

Crossing the Limpopo River, we return to South Africa and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG, where we arrive in the early evening. Post-tour accommodation and airport transfers can be booked through DRIFTERS. Meals: B (Lunch today is own expense) Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive from Botswana to South Africa