Wildlife Vacations in Africa
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Kalahari - Makgadikgadi Pans - Boteti River - Moremi
- Okavanago - Mahango NP - Mudumu NP - Zambezi - Chobe NP - Victoria Falls
- Limpopo - Johannesburg
Day 1: Join at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport near Gaberone: Drive
towards the Kalahari - rhino sanctuary
Leaving the concrete jungle, we penetrate the depths of the Kalahari, advancing
along the same route that the first missionaries took with the aid of Bangwato
tribe guides. Be prepared to be humbled by nature's ever-changing forces at
work on the geographical features in Botswana. Our first day within a rhino
sanctuary in typical Kalahari bushveld we will try and spot the last remaining
herd of white rhino in Botswana. Relax around the campfire, savoring your first
night in the bush.
Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans & Boteti River game walk
A visit to the Kalahari is like taking a step back in time. Huge migratory herds
of game roam the arid scrub-covered plains, much as they have always done, hunted
by tiny populations of Bushmen who still lead a Stone Age existence.
Great herds of big game - wildebeest, zebra and springbok - water here and
can be seen on the grass plains beside the pan.
The Boteti River straddles the southern border of the Makgadikgadi National
Park.
Days 3 & 4: Moremi NP game viewing
Many travelers regard Moremi as the most spectacular and beautiful game park
in Southern Africa. It covers the grassy flood plains in the northeastern
corner of the Okavango Delta. Apart from the savanna, the terrain includes
winding waterways with banks of reeds, palm-covered islands, thick forest
and lush, lily-covered lagoons where hippos bathe. With such a wide variety
of vegetation comes an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife. Especially in
the dry season large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra flock into the
park in search of food.
Birdlife both in the delta and dry-land sections is excellent, especially along
the Khwai River. During the dry season a congregation of all species along the
permanent rivers makes Moremi one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences
in Africa!
Days 5 & 6: Okavanago Delta mokoro trip and game walks
The Okavango delta is an unique ecosystem in that it is situated in the middle
of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world - the Kalahari Basin.
This wetland lies like an oasis in an otherwise inhospitable landscape. The
vegetation is lush, but very fragile. Synonymous with the delta is the mokoro,
the wooden dugout canoe that is the traditional mode of transport in this
land of water. Hitch a ride in one of them to increase your viewing of the
bird, plant and animal life, as you meander gently and silently through the
maze of water channels. Your mokoro will be steered effortlessly by people
of the Bayi tribe, who have perfected the art of poling, with the aid of a
"ngashi".
We will spend two nights on an island within the delta and return the following
morning.
Days 7 & 8: Okavango "Panhandle" boat trip and walks
The next stop is at a site beneath tall trees, from where you have an excellent
opportunity to view the "Big Six" on any birder's list. Look out in
particular for the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl. This camp combines superb Botswana
hospitality with a camping site that rates amongst the best in the country.
You could be fortunate enough to spot the African Skimmer and the Red-winged
Pratincole, or glimpse that shy, aquatic antelope, the Sitatunga. Perhaps a
walk in one of the forests, amongst the grandeur of the trees, will be your
choice instead.
Days 9 & 10: Via Mahango NP to Mudumu NP game walks and drives
Enter a new world, Namibia, with its majestic sable antelope and endangered
roan antelope. The gentle giants of the bush, the elephants, may well take you
by surprise before melting silently into the intermittent Mopane woodland. We
drive through the Mahango National Park and Caprivi Game Reserve and ending
in Mudumu National Park, we camp that night on the banks of one of the oldest
rivers in the region the Kwando River.
Day 11: Zambezi River birding
The Zambezi, your next overnight stop, is one of the largest rivers in Africa.
This is the most northerly point of your tour, and introduces you to the domain
of the Lozi tribe who extend up to Barotseland in western Zambia.
Day 12: Drive to Chobe NP game viewing & sundowner cruise
The Chobe river attracts large herds of elephant, buffalo and sable, accompanied
by several predators, including the endangered wild dogs. This part of northern
Botswana is a true wilderness area of endless Mopane woodland, offering ample
opportunity to spot a large variety of game.
Day 13: Victoria Falls
This destination of many explorers and hunters demonstrates the force of the
mighty Zambezi as it plunges 100 m to the gorge below, creating the mist which
gives it its local name- "Mosi Oa Tunya", the smoke that thunders.
In the Victoria Falls Village, the wide range of curios on sale gives one a
bewildering array of choices. Your bargaining skills will be required to haggle
in the market place. Witness the natural wonder of the Falls and bring the day
to a close with a sundowner cruise.
Day 14: Limpopo River rock paintings
The Limpopo River, the main drainage system of northern South Africa and southern
Zimbabwe, is known by a variety of names. In its upper eaches, Europeans know
it as the the Crocodile. The Tswana people call it Noka eUdi, meaning "a
irver of steep banks"; the Venda people call it Vhembe, meaning "the
gatherer"; while the Shangaans of Mozambique call it Mete, meaning "the
swallower". The Matabele call it Mpohopho maning "the river of the
waterfall" and this name has been corrupted by Europeans to Limpopo.
Day 15: Drive to Johannesburg - tour ends
Reminisce about your travels as we head back to Johannesburg and dream of
your return to the land of the Tswana.
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