BEST OF NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA SAFARI
13 Nights Fly In safari Start Windhoek end Maun
Camps visited – 6
DAY ONE & TWO Sossusvlei – You are met at Windhoek Airport and transferred by air charter to Kulala Desert Lodge for 2 nights full board, scheduled activities and local brand beverages.
Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei. Accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge comprises 19 thatched and canvas “kulalas” (“to sleep” in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia’s clear skies portray. Kulala Desert Lodge has a main area with décor inspired by northern Africa, as well as a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery. Activities at Kulala Desert Lodge revolve around early morning guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei through the private gate on the Tsauchab River. World-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky and flush red in the early morning sun. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The ‘vlei’ itself only fills after rare, heavy rainfalls when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake. Nature drives and walks are also offered through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve to take in those incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the denizens of the desert. Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning, beginning at first light. The balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site. Finally, camel rides are offered, where guests can enjoy a leisurely walk on ‘ships of the desert’ through the Reserve and learn about their adaptation to desert environments.
DAY THREE & FOUR Damaraland- After morning activity and breakfast, you are transferred by air charter to Damaraland Camp for 2 nights full board, scheduled activities and local brand beverages.
Damaraland Camp is located in possibly the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, the Huab River Valley. Boasting panoramic vistas of stark plains, ancient valleys and the soaring inselberg of the Brandberg Mountains, cheerful Damaraland Camp integrates the local community and environment through sustainable ecotourism. This rare synergy has won a host of awards, including the 2005 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award which is one of the top two global environmental travel awards
Accommodation at Damaraland Camp consists of 10 adobe-styled, thatched units each raised on individual wooden decking – part of which extends out to form a large viewing deck with magnificent vistas. Recently refurbished, each tent has en-suite facilities (shower only), a walk-in dressing area and built-in fan. Mosquito repellent is also provided.
The spacious, thatched living area features a restaurant and bar, complete with fireplace. Evening meals at Damaraland Camp are often prepared over an open fire and served out in the open in an area near to the camp lit by an assortment of small lanterns. The swimming pool is conveniently sited next to the bar. An open campfire and outdoor ‘boma’ can be enjoyed during calm evenings, with superb stargazing in the crystal-clear night skies.
Large game is not concentrated year-round here, with the natural cycle of rainfall dictating the seasonal movement of wildlife along the Huab River.
Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Haub River system, featuring guided nature drives, walks and mountain biking. Morning and afternoon drives in search for desert-adapted elephant are a great favourite. Gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, and occasionally lion, cheetah, elephants and black rhino can be spotted. Interesting flora such as euphorbias and shepherd’s trees can be viewed on the way to some of Africa’s best known rock engravings, including the famous Twyfelfontein etchings.
DAY FIVE & SIX Etosha National Park- After morning activity and breakfast, you are transferred by air charter to Ongava Lodge for 2 nights full board, scheduled activities and local brand beverages.
Ongava Lodge is cleverly constructed on a small hill in the Ongava Game Reserve against the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park. From up here guests can enjoy a host of thirsty wildlife congregating around the waterhole.
There are impressive views of the waterhole and surrounding plains from the main lounge, bar and dining areas. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch or on the dining deck under the stars.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife destination and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Large herds of wildlife teem around the waterholes and the endless plains offer breathtaking vistas. The Ongava Game Reserve shares a boundary with the Etosha National Park.
Activities at Ongava Lodge revolve around day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides that overlook waterholes and walks with experienced guides. A hide at the camp waterhole provides superb photographic opportunities. The Ongava Game Reserve features all the characteristic wildlife of the area, with both desert-adapted black and white rhino to be seen as well as lion.
Game drives and daytrips into the easily accessible Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park are rewarding, with sightings of lion, elephant, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, and white and black rhino. Guests at Ongava Lodge share a dedicated guide and Land Rover, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations.
DAY SEVEN Windhoek – After morning activity and breakfast, you are transferred by air charter to Windhoek. Overnight at the Kalahari Sands bed & breakfast
DAY EIGHT & NINE – Transfer to Windhoek Airport for your direct flight to Maun. You are met at Maun Airport and transferred .You are met at Maun Airport and transferred by air to Jacana Camp.
Three nights at Jacana, full board basis, and including scheduled safari activities, local brand drinks.
Situated about 25 kilometers west of Mombo, outside the Moremi Game reserve on the Jao flats, Jacana Camp is a truly water-oriented camp and offers mokoro and walking safaris all year round. As the floodwaters recede game drives and night drives in open 4 x 4 Land Rovers are available from September to May, water levels depending. The camp is set in one of the most densely populated wetland areas for Sitatunga and Red Lechwe. Game concentrations all depend on the flow of the water. All the big game can be found in the area – elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Pels Fishing Owl is a favourite amongst birders as well as greater and lesser Jacanas. Jacana Camp has 5 small meru-style tents. Each tent is on a wooden deck overlooking the floodplains and has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. The bathroom is enclosed, but roofless. The main dining area is on an elevated wooden deck between two magnificent sycamore fig trees and surrounded by dense wild date palms. Downstairs, there is a cosy pub and lounge with an area for an open fire under the stars.
DAY TEN & ELEVEN- Moremi, Botswana
After your morning activity and breakfast you will be transferred by light aircraft to Chitabe Camp. Spend two nights at Chitabe, full board basis, and including scheduled safari activities, local brand drinks.
Chitabe Camp is a luxurious eight-roomed, tented camp built on one of the most beautiful islands in the Okavango Delta. It is situated in a private area in the south east of the Okavango Delta, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve. The Chitabe area is a combination of open floodplains, wooded islands and lagoons – which sets the scene for a wide variety of wildlife.
Accommodation consists of eight spacious East African style tents built on elevated wooden decks, beneath a lush tree canopy. Each tented room has en-suite facilities with flush toilets and both outdoor and indoor showers. Hot showers are guaranteed anytime of day or night. The thatched dining area, lounge and pub are also raised on decks overlooking the surrounding flood plains.
A pool allows guests to cool off from the heat of the day. Activities consist of day and night game drives in open 4×4 vehicles accompanied by an experienced guide. Nature walks, tailor made to suit the guests, are also offered. Game viewing is good, and includes Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Reedbuck, Giraffe, Impala, Zebra, Buffalo and Hippo. Depending on the time of year, Wild Dogs are also resident in the area. Night drives can be very rewarding, with good sightings of the rarer nocturnal animals.
One of the biggest assets Chitabe has to offer is its friendly and outstanding staff. Most of the staff working at Chitabe have been there since its inception seven years ago and it is this pride and loyalty that gives Chitabe its amazing atmosphere. It is without a doubt the “Soul of the Delta” and we would like to invite you to experience our little oasis.
DAY TWELVE & THIRTEEN – DumaTau, Linyanti, Botswana
After your morning activity and breakfast you will be transferred by light aircraft to DumaTau, where you will spend two nights, full board basis, and including scheduled safari activities, local brand drinks.
DumaTau (meaning ‘roar of the lion’) is a ten-roomed luxury tented camp, in the private 125 000-hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. The camp is built on raised boardwalks under a shady grove of mangosteen trees, overlooking a large hippo-filled lagoon on the Linyanti waterways. The source of the Savuti Channel is close to the camp and game drives along the Savuti are one of the highlights of the camp.
The rooms are spacious, raised off the ground and under thatch with canvas walls – allowing guests to enjoy the night sounds of Africa from the comfort of their rooms. The bathroom facilities are en-suite, with hot and cold running water. Each room has an additional outside shower. There is a dining room, pub, lounge, plunge pool and a special guest toilet with a fantastic view. The region has all the habitat diversity to make it a haven for wildlife.
Activities are diverse and allow guests time on the water, on land and occasionally on foot. Day and night game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles along the Savuti Channel and the banks of the Linyanti River. There are many hides in the area where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing close up and away from a vehicle. One of the best hides is right at the source of the Savuti and many species of game and birdlife can usually be seen from this hide.
The area is famous for its elephant concentrations in our winter months and for the great game viewing all year. Huge herds of elephant congregate in winter along the waterways and lagoons – and at the waterholes that are located along the Savuti Channel. During these dry months sable and roan traverse the flood plains. All the predators – lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog – feast on the prey species in the area, including impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, lechwe, tsessebe and all the other plains game
DAY FORTEEN, Maun
After your morning activity and breakfast you will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun Airport.\
A 2 nights Victoria Falls extension is possible on this itinerary
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PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDE – Accommodation, All meals, scheduled activities and local brand beverages
All air and road transfers as specified on Itinerary
PACKAGE PRICE EXCLUDES – Scheduled flights to Windhoek, Windhoek / Maun and out of Maun, Travel Insurance, Porterage, Gratuities and any items of a personal nature
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