Grand-Panorama Luxury 10 Day Safari – Wilderness Dawning Safaris

Grand-Panorama Luxury 10-Day Safari

BOTSWANA GRAND PANORAMA is a 10-Day fully accommodated & fully serviced Luxury Safari that takes in all that Okavango Delta, Mapula Game Reserve and Makadikadi Pans offer-from the outset exploring the Okavango Delta to the remarkable Game viewing at Mapula, the 9 nights spent utilizing different lodges & comfortable en-suite camping- and three nights on Okavango Spirit Houseboat… based in the beautiful wilderness that Botswana showcases’, 10 days that will leave indelible memories of spectacular wildlife, serene rives and evenings spent around a campfire under billions of stars.   This 10 Day accommodated safari overnights at permanent camps-and private remote wilderness campsites-offering something for guests who do not particularly want to “rough it”, but who like the idea of a mobile safari that offers an outstanding level of private guiding throughout.

TOUR CODE: WDJB DEPARTURE POINT: Maun Airport

NOTE: Guests need to be at the meeting points by 12H30 on day 1, unless coming off international flights, which generally land at about 13h00.

BRIEF ITINERARY-

Day 1:Arrive Maun, drive to Tree Lodge-Maun (D)

Day 2: Drive to Okavango Spirit Houseboat, Okavango Delta ( L, D)

Day 3: Boating activities, visit to Tsodilo Hills (B, L, D)

Day 4: Border crossing-Gamedrive Bwabwata National Park (B, L,D)

Day 5: Uncharted Luxury Mobile, Okavango Delta-gamedrives (B, L, D).

Days 6 & 7: Uncharted Luxury Mobile, Okavango Delta, Mekoro activity (B, L, D).

Days 8: Uncharted Mobile, Okavango Delta to Makadikadi Pans via Maun (B, L, D).

Day 9: Gamedrives Makadikadi Pans, Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp (B, L, D).

Day 10: Gamedrives Makadikadi Pans to Maun (D).

GUESTS NEED TO BE AT THE MEETING POINTS BY 12H30 on day 1, unless coming off international flights which generally land at about 13h00

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Royal Tree Lodge-Maun

Royal Tree Lodge is a Four Star private game reserve located twenty minutes from the iconic safari town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.The lodge is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River with an abundance of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, springbok, ostrich, eland, gemsbok and kudu as well as an extensive variety of bird life.Guests are able to relax in comfort in one of the Royal Tree Lodge’s well appointed, private and spacious tents or romantic thatched honeymoon suites. World class cuisine served by candlelight.on the lodge’s expansive teak deck, is the perfect way to conclude a day’s safari. At Royal Tree Lodge, it’s not just about luxurious accommodation and old world hospitality. Marked walking trails invite guests to create their own adventure allowing safe, intimate interaction with wildlife. For the more adventurous, set off on a horseback safari, scenic flight over the delta, or mokoro canoe trip down the river.

Departure: 14h00 | Distance: 20km

Accommodation: ( D) Royal Tree Lodge-Maun

Day 2: Okavango Spirit, Okavango Delta

We take 4-5 hour drive to Shakawe, where Okavango Spirit Houseboat is based on the serene waters of the Okavango River The Houseboat operates in the “Panhandle” area of the Okavango Delta, Northern Botswana. This area is recognized as being amongst the quietest and most peaceful in the Delta, due to its remoteness. Indeed, there are only a handful of permanent camps and boats operating in this wilderness area – which makes it ideal for our discerning guests. The houseboat will make its way slowly to tonight’s mooring point

Departure: 14h00 | Distance: 380km

Accommodation: (L, D) En-Suite Houseboat Cabin, Okavango Spirit Houseboat

Day 3: Okavango Spirit, Okavango Delta

Okavango Spirit Houseboat has tender boats, which assist in the activities offered. The activities available include bird watching, boat safaris and a visit to Tsodilo Hills. Tsodilo Hills is a World Heritage Site and are about 50km southwest of Shakawe, in dry, bush-covered and softly undulating landscape. The site consists of four hills that rise abruptly, to about 400m, from the dry expanse of Bushveld. Having been inhabited for about 30,000 years, they’re one of the world’s oldest historical sites. The Hills are home to more than 4,000 San Bushman paintings – probably the world’s most important collection of rock art – perhaps even more remarkable is the resonant atmosphere of spirituality that inhabits Tsodilo Hills. Several walking trails provide helpful routes around the painting sites. Among the interesting paintings are images of whales and penguins that suggest contact between the San and other peoples.

Departure: 07h00 | Distance: 100km, 2 hours, sight-seeing

Accommodation: (B, L, D) En-Suite Houseboat Cabin, Okavango Spirit Houseboat

Day 4: Okavango Spirit, Okavango Delta

We cross the border into Namibia to do a morning drive in Bwabwata National Park .There is a fair amount of wildlife in the park, and we’lll have a chance of seeing elephant, buffalo and several antelope species including greater kudu, roan and sable antelope. All big cats are present and there have been a few sightings of wild dog as well. Some of the species that have been re-introduced include red lechwe and the semi-aquatic sitatunga. We’ll enjoy a packed lunch and return to the houseboat by mid-afternoon

Departure: 07h00 | Distance: 50 km,4.5 Hours Game-viewing activities

Accommodation: (B, L, D) En-Suite Houseboat Cabin, Okavango Spirit Houseboat

Day 5: Uncharted Mobile, Okavango Delta

We travel by road to Mapula, which is an integral part of the eastern waters of the Okavango Delta. Thia area 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 .Our mobile tents are luxuriously equipped and unequalled on any other mobile safari on the continent. You’ll be sleeping in large, Meru-style canvas tents with real beds, down pillows and pure cotton sheets, and in the mess tent, Persian rugs, bone-handled cutlery, and classically-styled campaign furniture combine comfort with style. The three-course meals taste just as wonderful as they look, and there’s always something sweet and mouth-poppingly delicious waiting at tea time. And the question on everyone’s lips? Bathrooms are private, with bucket showers, plenty of hot water, and bush loos. There are no electrical facilities available at either camp, but camera batteries can be charged using a 12-volt car battery.

Departure: 08h30 | Distance: 200 km, 3 hours, Game-viewing activities

Accommodation: (B,L, D) Uncharted Africa. Fully Serviced en-suite Luxury Camp. Private Campsite

Day 6 & 7 : Uncharted Luxury Mobile, Okavango Delta

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 traditional Mekorot, going upstream through a myriad of crystal-clear waterways lined with African Mangosteen and Water Berry Trees, as well as swaying seas of papyrus. We follow the Okavango River in the direction of the lagoons deep into the permanent waters of this unique inland delta. Birdlife is prolific-Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Ducks and beautiful Pygmy Geese being regularly seen. Lace up your walking boots and head out on a walking safari around the island – a highlight has to be watching the elephant splashing in the shallows. Then, it’s back to the boat for a last drift through the papyrus before you head back to the luxury mobile camp for your last night.

Departure: 06h00 | Distance: Game-viewing and River activities

Accommodation: (B,L D) Uncharted Africa. Fully Serviced en-suite Luxury Camp. Private Campsite

Day 8: Uncharted Mobile, Okavango Delta to Makadikadi Pans via Maun

We have an early start this morning; leaving after breakfast we make our way to a remote airstrip and fly to Maun, From Maun we will drive on towards Meno a Kwena.which is situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi 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 number of zebra occure here. The pans offer a truly unique experience as well as an opportunity to witness an unforgettable sunset.

Departure: 07h00 | Distance: 150km

Accommodation: (B,L,D) Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

Day 9: Makadikadi Pans

The safari never stops at Meno a Kwena, a hidden gem of a camp perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River in Botswana. With a glittering roster of activities, including day trips to the Makgadikgadi Pans, guided walks with the San bushmen, and wildlife-watching boat trips, there’s plenty to get your teeth into. But sometimes, the best game viewing is where you least expect it, and at Meno, it’s right in front you. From their lofty position, the ten tents look down on a menagerie of animals at the water below, from herds of majestic elephant, to dazzles of nomadic zebra – all you need to do is sit back, and take it all in.

The camp was originally used by Southern Africa’s legendary explorers, and although we’ve added a few little touches here, and some little quirks there, it’s refreshingly and stylishly simple. And actually, the real treat at Meno is the connection with nature; when an elephant provides your alarm call in the morning, and you can game view straight from your private veranda, nothing else really matters.

Departure: 07h00 | Distance: Game viewing and activities

Accommodation: (B,L,D) Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

Day 10: Makadikadi Pans to Maun

We have a leisurely start this morning; leaving after breakfast we make our way to Maun, game driving for the first couple of hours. We plan on arriving in Maun in time for onward flights and arrangements.

Included:

Use of specially modified 4×4 vehicles.
Professional Guide & Italian Speaking Guide
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.
Local drinks and wines
Flight day 7

Excluded:

All airfares
Optional activities
Any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes.
Travel Insurance (compulsory).
Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers.

Office Hours: Mon – Fri: 08h00 – 17h00 / Sat: 08h00 – 13h00

Email: reservations@wildernessdawning.com or craig@wildernessdawning.com

reservations@naturalselection.travel

Call: Chrisna: +(27) 72 879 2947 / Craig: +(27) 84 805 4459 or +(267) 73 893 617