Highlights

• • Khama - Rhino Sanctuary
• • Central Kalahari - 4WD game drives
• • Okavango Delta - mokoro excursion and bush walks
• • Nxai Pan - large herds of plains game
• • Makgadikgadi Pans - feel the vastness of Africa
• • Chobe - watch huge herds of elephants
• • Okavango Delta - mokoro excursion and bush walks
• • Victoria Falls - adventure activities

ITINERARY

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

An early start as we depart Johannesburg at 06:30am and head north across the border into Botswana at Martins Drift. The Kharma Rhino Sanctuary is a 4300 hectare community based wildlife reserve and is an integral part of the conservation and re-introduction of the white rhino to Botswana. We arrive in the late afternoon, set up camp and enjoy a game drive in search of rhino, zebra and wildebeest. Our evening is enjoyed around a campfire and we fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.

Includes: Entrance to Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is one of the largest game reserves in the world (52,800 square kilometre). Made famous by Mark and Delia Owen in the book Cry of the Kalahari, its remoteness, unforgiving climate and harsh terrain have kept it pristine and untamed. This reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. During the summer months, when the rains fall, the Kalahari grasslands turn green and lush and the good grazing attracts large herds of zebra, wildebeest springbok and gemsbok (oryx). Following the herds we hope to find the Kalahari lions. We use 4WD vehicles to visit the northern portion of the reserve and camp wild for 3 nights.

Includes: Entrance fees to Central Kalahari, and morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle
Overnight: Wild camping - basic ablutions, bucket shower

Maun

Our next stop is Maun the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here we restock on provisions and enjoy a swim in the pool, a cool drink in the bar and a restaurant meal (own expense). Opportunity to take a light aircraft flight over the channels Okavango in the late afternoon (own expense).

Okavango Delta

We venture by 4WD into the vast wilderness of the Okavango Delta where we meet our local community guides. Relax as your poler expertly guides your mokoro (dugout) through the winding channels of the delta. Camp is set up on the islands under a towering canopy of trees. We set out on foot for morning and evening game walks with local guides. During the heat of the day, time is spent relaxing in camp or swimming in the clear delta waters. Birdlife in the Okavango during the summer months is spectacular with all of the summer migrants returning to this water wonderland. The sound of birds are sure to wake you at dawn each morning!

Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, mokoro excursion, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides
Overnight: Wild camping - basic facilities with bucket shower

Nxai Pan

We return to the "poling station"and continue with our 4WD to the vast fossil lake beds which form the unique and beautiful Nxai Pan national park. These pans surrounded by baobab and umbrella thorn trees are covered with short nutritious grass that attracts the wildlife. One of few parks that is best in rainy season, we spend the next two days on a game drives hoping to spot large herds of springbok and gemsbok and zebra. The seven giant trees that form the famous Baines Baobabs are a highlight of the visit.

Includes: Entrance fees to Nxai Pan National Park, game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicles
Overnight: Wild camping - basic facilities with bucket shower

Makadikagdi Pans

Camping wild on the flat Makgadikgadi pans is an experience you'll never forget. After watching the sunset over the pans, the evening is spent enjoying wide open spaces and the canopy of stars.

Includes: Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans
Overnight: Wild camping - basic facilities with bucket shower

Chobe

Chobe National Park is famous for large herds of elephants. We set up camp in Chobe and enjoy afternoon and morning game drives. The afternoon of day 12 we embark on a cruise on the Chobe River, a brilliant wildlife experience where we get close to the hippopotamus, crocodiles and elephants. Keep an eye out for the endemic Chobe puku.

Includes: Entrance to Chobe National Park, morning & afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle
Overnight: Wild camping - basic facilities with bucket shower

Zambia / Victoria Falls

We cross the border into Zambia at the Kazangula Ferry. Our afternoon is spent exploring the Mosi au Tunya NP and enjoying the views as the mighty Zambezi plunges 100m over the Victoria Falls. The following day is free to enjoy the range of adventure activities including river rafting, bungee jumping and the Flight of Angels over the falls (own expense). We sample the local cuisine at a variety of restaurants in the evening (own expense).

Includes: Entrance Fees to see the Victoria Falls
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, bar & restaurant
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more

Tour Ends

Tour ends at 08:00 after breakfast. Transfers to local airports available.

Special Interest:

This safari is a specialist wildlife tour, focusing on the Central Kalahari Game Reserve during the optimum wildlife viewing season of January to May. Rains attract large herds of wildebeest, springbok, zebra and gemsbok (oryx).

Sustainable Tourism:

A Botswana guide travels with us through the national parks. This ensures employment for local people and direct benefits for the community from tourism. The local guides are highly knowledgeable so please ask plenty of questions, you'll be amazed at what you can learn.

Accommodation

• Camping - for 4 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets!
• Wild camping - for 10 nights while in the Central Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Nxai Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans & Chobe National Park we camp wild in private campsites.
• Participation - An essential part of your OzBus African Safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it's all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!

What's Included

• 13 nights camping
• Entrance fees
• Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillow)
• Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
• Meals as per itinerary
• Professional guide
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Moremi, Savuti, Chobe 4WD excursion

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Sleeping bag and mat on camping trips
• Personal travel insurance
• Visas
• Items of a personal nature
• Optional excursions which are detailed on the trip page
• Restaurant meals and drinks