THE GREAT NORTH ROAD MOBILE SAFARI
Destination
Botswana
Highlights
Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Khwai, Savute, Chobe
Tour Type
Mobile Tented Safari
Serviced Camping
From
US$ 3400 per person sharing
Duration
10 nights
Maun to Kasane
Day 1 & 2: Camping in the Xakanaxa/3rd Bridge Area of the Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Delta
“Dumela / Hello! Welcome to Botswana!” We will be there to give you a warm Botswana welcome when you land at Maun Airport. You will meet your pilot for your stunning light aircraft scenic flight over the Okavango Delta and Chief’s Island. This flight gives you a fish eagle’s eye view of this amazing ecosystem. When you land at your remote bush airstrip within the Moremi Game Reserve, your guide will provide you with a snack pack on arrival and will be waiting to transfer you to your mobile camp with a game drive en route. The friendly, attentive staff will help you feel immediately at home and brief you on what to look forward to on your safari. The magic of a mobile camp becomes apparent as the sun sets and you enjoy drinks around the fire before a starlit dinner and a great night’s rest after falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush.
Spending our first two nights camping in the Xakanaxa / Third Bridge area, we explore the surrounding wilderness on game drives during the day. The Moremi Game Reserve protects around a third of the entire Okavango Delta ecosystem – some 5 000km2 (1 930 square miles).
Day 3, 4 & 5: Camping in the Khwai Area of the More Game Reserve
Following an early breakfast, we pack up the camp and continue our journey to Khwai, stopping for a bush picnic lunch en route. The Khwai River forms the boundary between the reserve and the local Khwai Community Area. We spend the next three nights camping at a campsite in Khwai area of Moremi Game Reserve. You will also experience a 2½-hour mokoro trip, discovering channels and lagoons at a relaxed pace in a traditional dug-out canoe.
Day 6, 7 & 8: Camping at Salute within the Chobe National Park
We head further north en route to Chobe National Park, were we spend the following three nights camping at a pristine bush campsite in the Savute region and exploring the dry landscape on game drives. Savute is an area that can change dramatically, with the character of the place changing completely depending on the flowing or drying up of the Savute Channel. In 2010, water from the Savute Channel reached the Marsh for the first time in three decades (after a long dry period during which resident lions learned to prey on elephants coming to drink at isolated waterholes). The presence of water can transform these dynamics and the only way to find out what will happen next, is to visit Savute with us and see for yourself!
Day 9 & 10: Camping at Chobe River Front within the Chobe National Park
Leaving this parched landscape, we continue our journey north to the contrasting Chobe region of the park. We spend the last two nights camping in a wilderness campsite near the Chobe River, exploring the riverbanks and surrounding flood plains on game drives. On Day 9 you will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River which departs from Kasane.
Day 11: Safari ends in Kasane
Following breakfast and a short game drive your safari will end in Kasane at around 09h00.
DISCLAIMER: Although we make every effort to adhere to the details of this itinerary and the listed activities, these are subject to change due to changing local conditions and factors outside of our control such as the weather and the condition of the roads, as well as availability. We reserve the right to substitute a motor boat cruise for the mokoro excursion where necessary. In the event of any necessary changes, we will always keep you informed.
The day starts with the rising of the sun. Your wake-up call will be between 5am and 6am – a gentle “koko” (knock knock in Setswana) at the entrance of your tent. A camp assistant will be on hand to fill your wash-hand basin with steaming hot water and freshly made tea and coffee will be served around the campfire.
A light breakfast will be served before the early morning game drive which consists of tea, plunger coffee, juice, rusks, fruit, cereal, toast and jams. The best time of day to enjoy game viewing is in the early morning and late afternoon as most animals retreat to the shadows to rest during the heat of the day.
Having spent the morning exploring the surrounding wilderness in search of Botswana’s hidden treasures, you will return to camp for lunch under the shade of a Marula tree (subject to availability). Lunch consists of salads, freshly baked bread on the open campfire, cold meats and pickles. Just as the animals retreat to escape the heat of mid-day, so will you. This is your time to enjoy reading, chatting, relaxing or taking a nap.
Later in the afternoon you will head out into the wilderness once more as the animals awake from their days’ slumber and gather at the watering holes. As the sun sets on the horizon, one can only marvel at the sheer splendour of an African sunset and with refreshments in hand, toast to the wonder of nature.
On your return to camp, enjoy a hot shower under the starry night sky and gather around the warmth of the campfire to relive the day’s events and excitement. A three course dinner is served with South African wines against the magical backdrop of the African night sky. Dinner consists of Botswana beef or a lamb potjie followed by banana mekoros with chocolate or malva pudding with custard.
Retreating to the comfort of your tent after enjoying a nightcap around the campfire, you can fall asleep to the calls of the African wild. Good night.
On moving days, the safari team will pack down the camp, then travel to the next camp site and prepare the camp at the next location. When travelling between locations, the route is most commonly through the parks and reserves and is therefore an extension of your daily game drives. A picnic lunch will be served en-route.
What’s Included
Comfortable walk-in tented accommodation in Meru style tent’s with built in floors and mosquito gauze at windows and entrance. Beds are comfortable camp full size metal single beds including all bed linen 2 x pillows and a towel
En-suite bathrooms with a bucket shower and bush loo
Licensed and experienced professional guide for the duration of your safari
A one way light aircraft game flight flying over Chiefs Island from Maun to Moremi or visa versa (Great North Road) & return light aircraft transfers ex Maun (Moremi Magic)
Game drives and local transfers in custom made open game drive vehicles with shade roof, game viewing seats and long-range fuel tanks satellite phone and first aid kit
All entrance and camping fees within the National Parks & Game Reserves. Private campsites
All meals & selected drinks (wine, beer, G&T, Coke, Coke Lite, fruit juice, bottled water) no other spirits
Dedicated safari team including cook, camp assistant and back up driver
Bathroom amenities (soap, shampoo and insect repellent – all eco friendly)
Medical evacuation insurance with Okavango Air Rescue, please note that comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is compulsory please note our T&C’s
All activities as specified in the itinerary
What’s Excluded
International & domestic or charter flights and airport departure taxes other than ones specified
Visas
Laundry
Travel, cancellation and medical insurance (essential on all safaris)
Optional safari extensions
Spirits (other than Gin)
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Clothing
Neutral colours are recommended
Your choice of clothing will depend on the season during which you travel
Wet Season
November through April
During this time temperatures are warm to hot and mostly humid around the Okavango Delta area and Zimbabwe, with regular thundershowers from Dec to March
During these months we recommend light weight long sleeve hiking pants and similar as well as light weight long sleeve shirts(particularly for evenings when mosquitoes are active)
Short sleeve shirts and t shirts
Sunhat
Scarf
Swimsuit
A few warmer items and a fleece top in case of unexpected cold weather
Hiking shoes
Sandals or flip flops
At least one nice outfit
Dry season
May through september
During this time days are sunny and can reach mid 20’s regularly
Evenings can be cool to cold to very cold, to freezing cold
We recommend a few short sleeve shirts and short pants for warmer mid days, whilst you should bring some warm long sleeve shirts, pants as well as a warm jersey and jacket for evening wear
Also pack a scarf
Sunhat
Beanie
Hiking shoes
Sandals or flip flops
Thermals
Vests
Warm socks
Warm gloves
Medical
Malaria prophylaxis
Basic medicine like tablets for headache, nausea, cramps and diarrhea
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Body lotion
Mosquito repellent
Hand sanitizer
Travel towels
Other items for both seasons
Passport
Travel insurance taken out at home, please ensure that tour cancellation and curtailment is Included
A good book to read
A diary should you like to diarize your adventure
Universal power adapter
Portable power pack
Binoculars
Water bottle
Camera and spare batteries
Torch or headlamp
Some USD cash
Visa or mastercard credit cards
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