Descriptive Itinerary

Botswana Safari in the Kalahari and Okavango Delta
SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA
8 Days | November 2 – 9, 2016
Johannesburg, South Africa | Kalahari, Botswana | Okavango, Botswana | Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti,
Botswana | Johannesburg, South Africa
Botswana Safari in the
Kalahari and Okavango Delta
SOUTH AFRICA • BOTSWANA
8 DAYS • NOVEMBER 2 – 9, 2016
Itinerary
2-Nov
Wednesday
Johannesburg
South Africa
54 On Bath
3-Nov
Thursday
Kalahari
Botswana
Kalahari Plains Camp
4-Nov
Friday
Kalahari
Botswana
Kalahari Plains Camp
5-Nov
Saturday
Okavango
Botswana
Xigera Camp
6-Nov
Sunday
Okavango
Botswana
Xigera Camp
7-Nov
Monday
Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti
Botswana
DumaTau Camp
8-Nov
Tuesday
Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti
Botswana
DumaTau Camp
9-Nov
Wednesday
Johannesburg
South Africa
Depart
$9,792
Per Person
This is a sample itinerary and the price is an estimate, used for rough planning purposes only and is subject to change. Actual prices
and availability must be finalized by one of our trip planners who will contact and confirm pricing with all accommodations and
operators.
2 NOV 2016 – Johannesburg
operators.
2 NOV 2016 – Johannesburg
Start safari O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa (Arrival Location)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sofiatown. Joburg. Gold Reef City. This is the commercial capital of one of Africa's strongest economic engines,
South Africa. Johannesburg was built on a gold mining town established in the 1800's, and you can still see the
slag heaps within the city limits. If you are focused on a wildlife safari, your time should be kept to a minimum
in Johannesburg. But if you have time to explore the city, it’s definitely worth a stay. Feel the vibe of Soweto, for
example (an acronym for South West Township), then we can organize a fun bike ride that takes you through
the streets of Soweto and gives you a flavor for this colorful and energetic township.
54 On Bath
Discover a contemporary and fashionable haven on Bath Avenue right in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg’s
trendy suburb. Classic and sophisticated, the accent is on understated elegance and the focus is to provide an
exceptional guest experience. Newly opened in July 2012, is for the discerning traveler seeking intimacy and
refinement but always with stylish flair. From the moment of arrival into the elegant lobby with its delightful
lounge to the luxury and comfort of your room, you will enjoy attentive and friendly service. Everything has
been designed around your comfort and the stylish interiors reflect a calm tranquility with the use of
harmonious colors, sophisticated design and strong graphic motifs. The 75 rooms at 54 on Bath are elegantly
styled with views over the garden or over the abundantly green city skyline. Comfortable and spacious, they
exude the warmth of fine living. Block out curtains, fluffy duvets, crisp white linens and feather-top beds ensure
an unrivalled sleep experience in Rosebank. Each guest room has everything, and perhaps more, that you would
expect to find in a hotel of international standard, including an executive desk, technological connectivity, a
sleek and luxurious bathroom with separate bath and shower and the finest amenities. Suites offer a beautiful,
private lounge with en-suite bedroom and bathroom. It’s the simple things in life that make the difference, and
at Level Four Restaurant you’ll enjoy distinctive classical cuisine with contemporary influences. Classic and
elegant, Level Four offers a superb a la carte breakfast, while luncheon is a casual, light affair, and dinner is the
perfect opportunity to choose from the excellent a la carte menu. It’s dining at its best. Sophisticated and
unique, the bar offers an array of champagne, cocktails and wines accompanied by sumptuous bar snacks.
Overlooking the terrace garden the champagne bar is the perfect meeting spot for business get-togethers, predinner drinks and evening sundowners. The hotel features a fitness club and outdoor pool available to all hotel
guests. Ideally situated, guests can enjoy the best that this vibrant suburb has to offer. Linked from the 2nd
floor to a stylish, retail shopping mall, with its designer shops, boutiques and entertainment complex. Within
walking distance to the Rosebank Gautrain Station, and just minutes’ away from the Sandton, Hyde Park and
the Johannesburg city center.
Included: Accommodation, breakfast, 750mb per day of complimentary high-speed internet, 3 items of
clothing pressed per day of stay, shuttle service to a local spa, complimentary use of hotel iPads, VAT
Available at an Additional Cost: Laundry, restaurant dining, Champagne bar, mini bar, daily afternoon tea
on the roof garden terrace, room service, Pretoria City tour, Soweto Township tour, Apartheid Museum,
DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng Cradle of Humankind, Origins Centre, Elephant
Educational at Harbeespoort Dam
Amenities: Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Pool, Recharge Facilities,
Wi-Fi, Workout Room
3 NOV 2016 - 4 NOV 2016 – Kalahari
Johannesburg
Maun
Commercial Flight (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Maun
Kalahari
Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (55 minutes)
Kalahari, Botswana
You might have read "Cry of the Kalahari," and that certain mystique exists in this flat, scrub desert. It's the
epitome of wide open space and wildness. During the dry African winter (June to September) the animals are
present but in relatively low concentrations. This changes dramatically in the African summer (November to
March) when sporadic rain showers bring the desert alive and the animals do concentrate. Here you may see
impressive black-mained lions, brown hyena, herds of eland antelope, and cheetah, among a wide range of
other species.
Kalahari Plains Camp
Located in the diverse and productive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Plains Camp offers one of the
most remote experiences in Africa today. The camp is beautifully placed within the Kalahari Desert biome, at
approximately 123 million acres, this reserve is the largest conservation area in the country and one of the
largest in the world. This area is characterized by vast open grassy plains, seasonal dry lakes, wooded acacia
islands, prehistoric scrub-covered dunes and fossil riverbeds. The Kalahari is famed for its outstanding wildlife
with vast herds of antelope followed by abundant predators - including the legendary black-maned Kalahari
lions. Kalahari Plains Camp is perfectly situated overlooking an immense seasonal lake. It comprises 8 en-suite
canvas tents with a sleep-out platform above each from which to enjoy moonlit or star-studded nights. The
main area consists of a lounge and dining area with an inviting swimming pool and deck area. The tents and
main area are all raised off the ground to catch the breeze and allow visitors to take in the views across the
Kalahari. Solar power provides all the electricity and hot water in the camp - making Kalahari Plains a 100%
solar-powered camp - and innovative insulated canvas walls and roof keep the temperatures inside the units
comfortable. Thanks to the diversity of habitats, healthy game populations are present year round. With the
advent of the summer rains (end of November to April) the desert truly comes to life with short grasses
attracting a plethora of plains game such as springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, steenbok and red hartebeest. In
turn these plains animals are followed by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and jackals. Small predators also
found here are black-backed jackals, meerkats, Cape foxes, honey badgers and a myriad mongoose species.
Some 220 bird species have been recorded to date. Guided game drives unlock the fascinating wildlife
treasures found in this wonderful arid area. Visits to Deception Valley or even further afield are longer
excursions that are well worthwhile, as the wildlife moves to different parts of the Park. Additionally, the camp
offers an interpretive "Bushman Walk" with staff members, where guests gain life-changing insights into the
unique culture of the Bushmen clans that have thrived in this area for centuries.
Included: Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities: game drives, nature walks,
bushman walk, outdoor dining, all house drinks (premium imported brands and champagne excluded),
laundry, park fees
Available at an Additional Cost: Curio shop items, scenic helicopter tours
Amenities: Ensuite Bathrooms, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities
5 NOV 2016 - 6 NOV 2016 – Okavango
Kalahari
Maun
Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (55 minutes)
Maun
Okavango
Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (45 minutes)
Okavango, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a safari icon, and in 2014, it was named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its
unique habitat and remarkable wildlife densities. Its landscapes are awe-inspiring: yellow grasslands, pristine
papyrus filtered rivers, ivory palm trees standing tall above the savannahs, red sunset skies punctuated by fish
eagle cries…and great game viewing. It is a resilient system where drainage basins in Angola capture rain water
in the African summer (December to March). But because Botswana is so flat, it takes months for that water to
make it down the Okavango River and flood into the Kalahari Desert. The timing is perfect - it brings water to
the Kalahari during the dry season (May through October) and becomes a key attraction for wildlife at this time
of year.
Xigera Camp
Xigera Camp (pronounced Keejera) is located on a riverine island positioned on the extreme western boundary
of the Moremi Game Reserve, in the center of the Okavango Delta alluvial fan. This magnificent area epitomizes
the permanently flooded section of the Okavango Delta: with palm-filled hardwood islands, hardwood riverine
forests, a multitude of clear water channels and expansive flood plains. Xigera Camp is a classic safari camp
consisting of 9 luxuriously furnished tented rooms - each with en-suite facilities and an outdoor shower. Raised
on wooden platforms and walkways, each tent offers superb views of the seasonal Okavango Delta floodplains
and the lagoon. Guests are sometimes treated to close-up views of lion or leopard using the footbridge
connecting Xigera Camp's island to the next! Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed in the lounge, pub and
dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel or under the stars in a traditional African boma. For
those hot days there is a small plunge pool in which to cool off. Year-round water allows an unparalleled variety
of activities such as mokoro trips, game drives and motorboat outings. A mokoro ride is mandatory at Xigera
Camp. On this traditional dug-out canoe, the only sounds are the rustling of the wind through the reeds, the
lapping of the water against the boat, and the call of the African fish-eagle. The blue of the sky is mirrored in the
water, broken only by large round water lily leaves and their stunning purple and white flowers. When water
levels permit, game drives are an attraction. During drier years, drives are available throughout the year, but if
there has been a very high flood, drives take place only from late September to April. Although Xigera Camp is
considered to be a permanent water camp, one may be surprised by the presence of lions, leopards, hyenas and
buffalo on the islands. These animals will happily wade and swim between islands in search of food. Xigera
Camp is a delight for birdwatchers, with Pel's fishing-owl, African skimmer, slaty egret, wattled crane and a host
of raptors, other waterbirds and colorful kingfishers to be seen. One of the great secrets of the Xigera Camp is
the presence of Okavango-born tribesmen as guides. Some of these men were born a stone's throw from the
present location of the camp and know every turn and tree in this magical wetland.
Included: Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities: game drives, off-road game
drives, mokoro excursions, boating, nature walks, fishing, outdoor dining, all house drinks (premium imported
brands and Champagne excluded), laundry, park fees
Available at an Additional Cost: Premium brand drinks and Champagne, curio shop items, scenic
helicopter tours, in-room massages
Amenities: Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities
7 NOV 2016 - 8 NOV 2016 – Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti
Okavango
Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti
Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (30 minutes)
Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti, Botswana
Located between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the Linyanti and Selinda private concessions,
and the Savuti Channel are characterized by a lagoon system similar to the Okavango Delta’s. The Linyanti and
Selinda concessions are located in close proximity to two permanent rivers: the Linyanti River (Linyanti) and
the Kwando River (Selinda). The rivers are prized sources of water for the surrounding wildlife, drawing
migrations from drier areas for fantastic game-viewing. Slightly south of Linyanti and Selinda is the Savuti
Channel – a famously unpredictable channel which is by turns flowing and dry independent of rainy seasons.
Since the last dry spell, which ended in 2008, the Savuti has been restored to a watery haven for elephants,
water birds, and aquatic life. Each of these three regions is surrounded by open grassland, riverine forest,
mixed woodland, and water which draw and sustain a variety of wildlife such as impala, kudu, giraffe, zebras,
reedbuck, steenbok, warthog, baboon and vervet monkeys, lion, spotted hyena, and leopards. Enormous herds
of buffalo and elephant are also a highlight of this area. Game drives in open four-wheel-drive-vehicles with
naturalists and game cruising on the river by boat provide opportunities for excellent wildlife viewing and
birding, as well.
DumaTau Camp
DumaTau Camp is a ten-room luxury tented camp located in the private 300,000-acre Linyanti Wildlife
Reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. It is situated close
to the source of the Savute Channel on one of the many lagoons within the Linyanti Swamp system, which
makes game drives along the Savute one of the highlights of a stay here. DumaTau Camp lies under a shady
grove of mangosteen trees, raised off the ground to overlook a large hippo-filled lagoon. The tents are spacious,
under thatch with canvas walls, en-suite bathroom facilities and an outside shower. Guests can enjoy the night
sounds of Africa from the comfort of their rooms, and shower under the stars. There is a dining room, pub,
lounge, swimming pool and a special guest bathroom with a fantastic view. The region has all the habitat
diversity to make it a haven for wildlife, and is well-known for its elephant concentrations as they congregate
along the waterways and lagoons during the dry winter months. General wildlife viewing is excellent year round
including impala, wildebeest, red lechwe, Burchell's zebra, giraffe, Cape buffalo, chacma baboons, vervet
monkeys, and warthogs. Predator sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and spotted hyaenas are
good. Wildlife viewing is the primary activity at DumaTau Camp, either on day and night game drives or while
on foot and on the water (levels permitting). Short nature walks can be taken along the Linyanti River and
Savute Channel, while the camp's boat takes visitors along the waters of the Linyanti, with hippo and waterfowl.
There are also a number of platforms and hides from which to view and photograph animals and birds. One of
the best hides is right at the source of the Savute and many species of game and birdlife can usually be seen
from this hide.
Included: Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities: game drives, night drives, offroad game drives, nature walks, game-viewing hides, outdoor dining, seasonal motor boat and river barge,
fishing, birding, all local drinks (premium imported brands and champagne excluded), laundry, park fees
Available at an Additional Cost: Curio shop items, scenic helicopter tours
Amenities: Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities
9 NOV 2016 – Johannesburg
Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti
Maun
Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Maun
Johannesburg
Commercial Flight (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Johannesburg, South Africa (Departure Location)
End Safari O.R. Tambo International Airport