11 Days in Small Rustic Camps in Chobe and Okavango
This Journey takes the time to explore Botswana’s contrasts and extremes in prime areas where few people travel. Experience a nostalgic luxury camping & lodge safari that takes in the world-famous Victoria Falls, Botswana’s scenic northern areas, including the blue-green wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the diverse and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems. Accommodation includes a combination of Wilderness Safaris camps and fully serviced camping, all in private concession areas.
The camping style accommodation at Khwai Discoverer Camp and Linyanti Discoverer Camp takes you back to the era of Africa’s exploration. Pure linens of heavy cottons, separate flushing toilets and shower areas all add to the atmosphere, while simplistic comforts and amenities are elegantly provided.
The journey is led by highly skilled and qualified professional guides, some who are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. They are also available to lead private safaris and specialist trips.
Day 1
Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone, Zambia
After arrival in Livingstone you will be met by a representative and transferred directly for a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Toka Leya Camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the eastern sector of the Mosi- oa-Tunya National Park, some 12 kms(7.46 miles) up from the Victoria Falls. The camp consists of 12 safari-style tents, each en-suite with a view of the magnificent Zambezi River and some of its islands. The camp’s dining and bar area is set beneath a shaded canopy of trees overlooking the River and a swimming pool.
Days 2-4
Chobe River boat cruise, Chobe National Park and Linyanti Discoverer Camp
After a full breakfast you leave Toka Leya and fly on to Kasane in Botswana and enjoy a leisurely shaded boat cruise along the Chobe River, with a light lunch. This boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe puku, large herds of elephant, numerous pods of hippo and large crocodiles, as well as enjoying fantastic views of other general game and diverse birdlife.
From Chobe you fly light aircraft transfer to the private Linyanti Discoverer Camp, which is elegantly set up under African ebony and knobthorn trees overlooking panoramic vistas of the Linyanti Swamps.
The landscape of the Linyanti varies from floodplains to open dry land savannah and forest creating a paradise for a high diversity of wildlife and bird species. Activities include game drives, exploring a range of habitats, from riverbanks to scrub and forest, which reveal a myriad of wildlife en route to slake their thirst from the river. The seldom-seen sitatunga can also be spotted in the waterways, as well as rare roan and sable antelope, plains game and of course their predators, the lion and leopard – with the endangered wild dog as an incredible bonus.
Days 5-7
Khwai Discoverer Camp, Okavango Delta.
Depart by light aircraft to Khwai Discoverer Camp, located in a private concession just north ofthe Khwai River above the Moremi Game Reserve. The Khwai Concession is one of the most diverse areas in northern Botswana which seldom disappoints when it comes to producing extraordinary wildlife experiences. The life source for this area is the Khwai River – the home to large mammals such as hippo and crocodile with buffalo and red lechwe often seen grazing along the fringe. The beautiful gallery riverine woodland found along the river provides further sanctuary to birds, primates andleopard. Activities focus around day and night game drives, nature walks and seasonal mokoro excursions.
Accommodation is in 6.3m x 3.5m (20.67 ft x 11.48 ft) walk-in canvas tents (maximum of two guests per tent). Separate bedside tables with 12v reading lamps, canvas and wood wardrobes, bathrobes, comfortable beds and mirrors are provided. Camp amenities (conditioning shampoo, soap, shower gel and body lotion) are elegantly displayed for use and private, en-suite bathrooms areas are part of the main structure.
Day 8-10
Jacana Camp, Okavango Delta.
Lush Jacana Camp is situated in a permanently flooded region the Delta. A true water camp, with year-round mokoro safaris as well as island bush walks and, water levels permitting, motorboat cruises.
Wildlife concentrations depend on the water flow and volume, thus changing from season to season, but all the large animals can be found in the area including elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Lesser Jacana, Western Banded Snake-Eagle and Coppery-tailed Coucal are just some of the birding highlights. Jacana Camp has 5 Meru-style tents. Each 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, allowing for showers by starlight. The camp has a plunge pool and 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 an intimate pub and lounge with an area perfect for campfires under the stars.
Day 11
Transfer to Maun.
Bid farewell to the adventure as you transfer by light aircraft to Maun Airport. In Maun, connect with your onward arrangements.
Trip Cost
This safari is available March to November on select departure dates.
2013 cost per person ranges from US$8,900.00 to US$9,300.00, depending on the season (valid until Jan 2014). Includes 10-nights accommodation, all meals & drinks, activities, laundry, guided tour of Victoria Falls, flights within Botswana as per itinerary, park fees and services of an Explorations guide.
Single supplement charge applies
Please call for departure dates.
