Botswana 16 Day Camping

Our adventure starts on departure from Johannesburg at 06h30. Making our way through the dry thornveld of South Africa's North West Province, we aim to cross the Botswana border at Martins Drift.On completion of customs and immigration formalities, we enter 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, Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Tonight we enjoy a catered meal while our guide explains the procedure for the days to come Meals: Lunch and dinner own expense Distance: 600 Km Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary- Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic drive through northwest South Africa - Kalahari Desert Optional Activities: - None, all included

Awaking early, we go on the first of many game drives around the Khama sanctuary, before returning to the camp for brunch. After brunch we head north making our way through the vast expanse of the Kalahari and skirting the Makgadikadi Salt pans to Maun our next stop for the night. Meals: BLD; Distance : 480 kms Accommodation: Camping ( 2 person dome tents)

After an early start, we leave the lodge and head towards Maun before turning left and heading into the famous Okavango delta. The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world's only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a 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 the canvas of one of nature's unique masterpieces. The river,eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands.

Starting early, we transfer back to Maun, On arrival in Maun don't miss out on the opportunity to take an own expense scenic flight over the Delta, Be sure to take in the breath- taking sights of the vast expanse of the Delta, and also keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits it We arrive at the Drifters Maun Camp late in the afternoon in time to take a refreshing dip in the pool and take in the awesome sunset. Retire for the night dreaming of the excitement of the coming days. But not before packing your bag and charging your batteries for your 4 night wild camping experience in the parks. Meals: B,D; L own expense Distance : 480 kms Accommodation: Camping ( 2 person dome tents)

We enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the Lodge before departing on the game viewing part of the trip, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. We travel in well-equipped, open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with our local Motswana guides. The 4x4s aren't just for show, as the national parks are truly wild places, the roads just tracks in the sand. We carry only our cameras and day packs, a picnic lunch, and drinks for the road, We game drive extensively during the day, to stop at hides and water holes at leisure, and to make the most of our time here. Towards sunset we arrive at our camp in the bush, in time to pitch camp, set up bush showers and toilets, and get a friendly campfire going. We spend 4 nights in an exclusive private campsite on the banks of the Khwai river, completely secluded and undeveloped - it is as if we are the first people here, and are alone in the world. We bring everything we will need with us for a comfortable wilderness experience, and leave nothing behind when we depart. Our route is flexible and depends on the season & availability of the migrating game. This area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas, with the option to drive into Moremi or Savuti following the migration of game should it be required. Khwai is an area that offers a multitude of game drive options and is 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 with palm trees, to marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands or Acacia scrub. This variety of habitats makes for excellent game viewing.

Our last morning in the parks, we slowly game drive our way back to Maun. We enjoy a lunch at the Maun lodge. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. After lunch we continue our journey eastwards to visit the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We camp the night in splendid isolation. The adventurous can sleep out under the stars and be rewarded with the awesome spectacle of the southern night sky. In some seasons the pans are not easily accessible, in which case we will camp at an interesting elephant watering hole. , Meals: B L D Distance: 200 - 300 km Accommodation: - Wild Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Village walk - Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - Star- gazing Optional Activities: - None, all included

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the night. The lodge is centrally situated within walking distance to Victoria Falls and other attractions. Meals: B L Distance: 320 - 400 km Accommodation: Lodge

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that can explore the amazing Victoria Falls, known to the locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya ", meaning "the smoke that thunders". This is the place where, according to ancient traditions, the Zambezi River God "Nyami Nyami", who takes the form of a snake spirit, is in hiding. Your entry fee to the Falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time as you like viewing the Falls and exploring the surrounding rain forest. Various other attractions can be visited and activities enjoyed, including the tribal village or curio market. Victoria Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional, but worthwhile, activities. We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer, with the freedom to choose the sights and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the Falls and drink a farewell toast to your adventure. Meals: B (Lunch and dinner is own expense) (Free day to explore town or do some activities) Accommodation: Lodge 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 Meals: B

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange area. Famous for its massive herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is host to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird, with lion, leopard and wild dog regularly sighted. This afternoon we will do an open vehicle drive with local guides providing intimate knowledge of the area. Meals: B L D Distance: 185 km Accommodation: Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Hwange - Game drive within the park Optional Activities: - None, all included

Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets. We continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park. Here, we will leave the vehicle to track rhino through the bush on foot. For most people, seeing these massive beasts on their own terms is a thrilling and moving experience. Tonight our accommodation is situated high on a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills, with commanding views over the park. Meals: B L D Distance: 500 km Accommodation: Big Cave Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights/Activity: - Matobo National Park - Rhino tracking on foot Optional Activities: - None, all included

Our last night will be spent in Botswana, on a private game reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River. We will take our final walk together along the river, to savour the sights and smells of the African bush and catch our last glimpse of animals living free and wild. We end the day with dinner in the bush around a flickering fire. Meals: B L D Distance: 450 km Accommodation: Stevensford Game Reserve Camping ( 2 person dome tents) Included Highlights / Activity: - Scenic drive - Short walk Optional Activities: - None, all included

This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg Mountains, before entering the bustle of Africa's economic heart, and Golden city of Johannesburg. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon in Johannesburg