Best of Botswana

'BEST OF BOTSWANA' offers guests the opportunity of starting and ending off in Livingstone, near the remarkable Victoria Falls, as well as seeing Mkagadigadi and Sua- the world's largest salt pans, the unique wilderness that encompasses Nxai Pan, one of the least visited areas in Botswana and the pristine wetlands of the Okavango.

This non-participation safari entails a 14 day tour through wildlife areas ... Nxai Pan, Moremi Game Reserve,Okavango and Chobe National Park,with diverse habitats ranging from semi-arid drylands to lush woodlands and riverine forests. Days are spent game-driving across vast areas, in search of the tremendous variety of animals Botswana is well known for-from Wild Dogs to huge herds of Elephant, the elusive Leopard, Prides of Lion and good variety of Antelope.

A total of ten nights are spent inside game-reserves and because the number of guests are well controlled and limited-very few vehicles and other signs of civilization. Only private sites are utilized to set up our well-appointed camp.

Tour costs start from US$2750-00 pp.
Tour code: WD

DEPARTURE POINT IS WATERFRONT HOTEL (Livingstone, Zambia). Guests are required to be at the reception at 08h00 on day 1.


• Day 1:
• Nata Sanctuary
  
  Tonight we camp in Nata Sanctuary. Guests depart Livingstone by road transfer (08h30) and we cross into Botswana at Kazungula, where the borders of Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana meet. After customs and immigration formalities, you will meet your guide, who will assist with the purchase of drinks in Kasane, before driving south to Nata Sanctuary, which is situated on the edge of the Madgadigadi Salt Pans. These Salt Pans, the world's largest, are the remnants of a once massive inland lake. Today they offer spectacular scenery and endless horizons. In season a large variety water birds nest here. The pans offer a truly unique camping experience as well as an opportunity to witness an unforgettable sunset.
  
  (L, D: Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 2:
• Nxai Pan National Park
  
  We leave Makgadgadi Salt Pans quite early after a light breakfast. Our journey takes us westwards to Nxai Pan National Park. The area is known for large herds of Springbok and Gemsbok, species that are not water dependent. The artificial water-hole at the heart of the pan allows for some remarkable wildlife sightings. Nxai Pan is an ancient lake-bed scattered with islands of Acacia Trees. The Pans have changed little in thousands of years and offer a place to totally lose oneself in limitless wilderness. Camping for the next two nights is in Nxai Pan National Park, with afternoon and morning game-drives.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 3:
• Nxai Pan National Park
  
  We start with a light breakfast in the cool early hours of the morning, heading out at first light. The drive typically lasts until about 10:30 am, with a coffee break mid-way. On return to our private camp a brunch is served, after which there is an opportunity to have a siesta throughout the heat of the day. As the air starts to cool towards late afternoon, we embark on our after-noon game drive.
  
  (B, L, D: Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 4:
• Maun, Sedia Riverside Hotel
  
  Today we take quick and early gamedrive out of Nxai Pan National Park and journey on further west into the frontier town of Maun, to our hotel which has a pleasant eating area with a welcome swimming pool. The afternoon is at leisure at the Hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River. Lunch and Dinner are at guests own expense. Guests are also able to replenish their drinks for the next eight days .
  
  (B:Hotel)
• Day 5:
• Xaxanaka, Moremi Game Reserve
  
  We travel by road to Xakanaxa (pronounced ka-ka-ni-ka) which is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta. The area is encompassed by Moremi Game Reserve and boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa. The Game-Reserve has areas of dry lands rising between vast wetlands, crystal clear water channels on the edges of Mopane and Apple-Leaf woodlands. Game viewing takes place alongside waterways and floodplains. Species such as Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest are but a few that occur here, along with an astonishing variety of birds Overnight in the Xakanaxa area of Moremi Game Reserve.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping).
  *Ten Day 'Highlights Of Botswana' guests join the safari on this day.
• Day 6:
• Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve
  
  We make our way to the banks of the Okavango River along game-drive routes in the early morning. Today we explore the clear channels, lagoons and rivers of the Okavango Delta by motor boat , going upstream through a myriad of waterways lined with African Mangosteen and Water Berry Trees, as well as swaying seas of papyrus. We follow the Okavango River through the Lagoons of Xaxanaxa and Gadikwe, deep into the permanent waters of this unique inland delta. After a picnic lunch, we make our way back downstream to the mainland for the short evening drive and dinner.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 7:
• North Gate, Moremi Game Reserve
  
  Our team breaks camp and we take a leisurely drive to our private campsite in the Khwai River area of Moremi Game Reserve. This region's diversity of game is astounding and Moremi has quite rightly been rated as one of the best game-viewing areas in the world. Afternoon game drive and overnight camping in Moremi Game Reserve.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 8:
• North Gate, Moremi Game Reserve
  
  Today is spent on early morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will generally spend maximum time on game-drives, depending on what is seen, trying to cover as much area as possible. The result of this is guests are given the best chances of seeing a variety of wildlife-although there is of course, that obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 9:
• Savuti, Chobe National Park
  
  We leave Moremi, crossing the Khwai Bridge to the northern bank of Khwai River. There is a quick opportunity to buy more drinks in the small village, before making our way to Chobe National Park. Due to the fact that none of Botswana's wildlife areas are fenced, game can move freely between these two wilderness areas. Hippo, Elephant and sometimes Lion are often found on this route. Moving through the Mababe depression, we relocate to Savuti where we camp in the Savuti Channel area. Game viewing this afternoon takes place along the fringes of the marsh and surrounding water holes. The area is best known for large populations of Bull Elephants-and Prides of Lion that patrol the banks of this enigmatic channel.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 10:
• Savuti, Chobe National Park
  
  Again we have the opportunity to spend many hours on morning and afternoon game drives, as well as an opportunity to climb one of the 5 hills to see San Bushman paintings, an indication that this area has always drawn those who have an affinity to the wilderness.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 11:
• Serondella area, Chobe National Park
  
  We journey north toward the Chobe River ,the second biggest river in Southern Africa (Zambezi in the largest).Chobe River is home the world's largest Elephant herds; large numbers of big game such as Buffalo, Hippo and Lion can be seen here. Our private campsite is on a Teak forested dune that overlooks this beautiful river. Gamedrives are taken in the afternoons and mornings to find the remarkable variety of species that are drawn to this permanent water source.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 12:
• Serondella area, Chobe National Park
  
  After an early start, we take a slow drive along the southern bank of the Chobe River, where we can find Chobe Bushbuck and Puku Antelope. In the afternoon, guests might choose to go on an optional afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River-perhaps the last river where one has a fair chance to see Lion and Elephant, Leopard or Wild Dog from the unique viewpoint of a boat.
  
  (B, L, D:Non-Participation Camping)
• Day 13:
• Waterfalls, Livingstone, Zambia
  
  We have a leisurely start this last camping morning and say fond farewells to our efficient back-up and camp crew. We head eastwards for the short drive to Kazungula Border Post, where your guide will ensure that your transfer back to Livingstone is seamless. This afternoon is spent exploring one or the truly magnificent sights on earth-the wonderfully beautiful Victoria Falls-300 feet high and over a mile wide! Witness the power of nature as an average of 550000 tons of Water thunders into the Zambezi Gorge every minute. Afternoon at leisure for optional activities (guests own expense). Overnight is usually at the Zambezi Waterfront. Please note that entrance to Victoria Falls is not included in tour.
  
  (B:Lodge)
• Day 14:
• Victoria Falls
  
  After breakfast the safari arrangements end. Before proceeding with onward arrangements, guests might want to partake in the numerous optional activities that are available in this adventure capital!
  
  (B)
  
  While we endeavour to ensure the itinerary runs as advertised, Wilderness Dawning reserves the right to change this due to unforeseen circumstances or external influences beyond our control. E&OE
  
  
  

Included:

Use of specially modified 4x4 vehicles. Professional Guide and Back-Up Crew. All camping on a non-participation basis in private campsites. Camping equipment. Meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). Accommodation on a shared basis. Botswana National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees. Open Vehicle Game-drives in all National Parks and Reserves. Lodge accommodation Maun (Day 4) and Livingstone (Day13).

Excluded:

All airfares, mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except Tea and Coffee), Boat cruise activity (Day 12), activities in Maun and Livingstone, any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes. Entrance fees Victoria Falls. Travel Insurance (compulsory). Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers.