ITINERARY
B = Breakfast       L = Lunch      D = Dinner

DAY 1: MAUN, BOTSWANA                               
On arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a sunset cruise on the Thamalakane River. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting at 18h00.

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Accommodation:    Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Lunch:    For your own account
Dinner:     For your own account

DAY 2: PLANET BAOBAB, BOTSWANA                             BLD
Today we head off to the plains of the Makgadikgadi Pans area, known for its endless expanses, baobab trees and remarkable biodiversity. After settling into our accommodation, we take a stroll with our guide through the surrounding baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world. 

Distance:    210 km    Departure:  15h00

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Accommodation:    Planet Baobab or similar (Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast:        At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch:    Prepared by the guide
Dinner:     At Planet Baobab or similar

DAY 3: PLANET BAOBAB, BOTSWANA                             BLD
After breakfast, we depart for either Nxai Pan or Ntwetwe Pan. These excursions are seasonal based on wildlife sightings and road conditions. Both pans form part of the greater Makgadikgadi system.

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NXAI PAN EXCURSION: JANUARY – MAY & DECEMBER

An early departure takes us West towards Nxai Pan National Park. Nxai Pan adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border. The pan itself is a fossil lake-bed about 15 sq. miles (40sq. km) in size. Covered in nutritious short grasses and small islands of acacia trees, Nxai Pan attracts vast numbers of desert herbivores such as gemsbok, springbuck, and extraordinarily large herds of giraffe, up to 30 in a group! In the South of the park are Baines’ Baobabs, a cluster of millennia-old baobab trees, named after the famous artist who discovered them in 1862, Thomas Baines. It is rare to see Baobab trees so close together and as one was growing on its side, Baines named his painting 'The Sleeping Five'. The famous explorers: The Green brothers passed this way too and to this day their inscription into the bark, 'Green's Expedition 1858 -1859, can clearly be seen. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon after exploring this unique area.

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NTWETWE PAN EXCURSION: JUNE – NOVEMBER

The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. We return to the lodge in the afternoon with some time to relax by the pool.

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Accommodation:    Planet Baobab or similar (Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast:    At Planet Baobab or similar
Lunch:    Picnic lunch
Dinner:     At Planet Baobab or similar

DAY 4: MAKGADIKGADI PANS TO GREATER MOREMI, BOTSWANA                     BLD
This morning we travel via Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi Region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. After dinner, we will explore the concession on a night game drive.

Distance:    330 km    Departure:  07h00    

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Accommodation:    Bedouin Bush Camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms). Please note that there is no electricity at the camp.

Breakfast:    At Planet Baobab or similar
Lunch:    At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar
Dinner:    At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTION BEDOUIN BUSH CAMP:
Experience one of Botswana’s finest game viewing areas in an unfenced, mobile bush camp located on a private concession next to the Moremi Game Reserve, a 2 hour drive from Maun. Twelve comfortable tents are positioned privately under big Acacia trees, offering travellers an authentic and secluded African bush experience. The camp is also equipped with a homely and communal dining and bar area.

The tents are covered with Bedouin-style fly-sheets, offering guests protection from Botswana’s weather conditions and fashioning the camp with a distinctive nomadic appearance & atmosphere. Listen to the remarkable night sounds of the bush from the comfort of a safari tent equipped with twin beds, soft pillows and duvets. Doors and windows are fitted with mosquito screening and insect repellent is provided. 

To limit the camp’s impact on the environment yet still afford the necessary comfort in the bush, the en-suite bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets and hot bucket showers. Please note that the camp is solar powered, and cameras and mobile phones can be charged in the communal areas should the power levels allow it. At night the paths to your tents will be illuminated by lanterns and your guide will escort you back to the privacy of your tent. 

DAY 5: MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA                            BLD
Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.

Distance:    150 km    Departure:  07h00    

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Accommodation:    Bedouin Bush Camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms)

Breakfast:    At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar
Lunch:        Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner:    At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

DAY 6: CHOBE, BOTSWANA                  B
You will be transferred to either the Khwai or Maun Airstrip for your flight to Kasane (For your own account). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge. We enjoy game viewing by boat on the Chobe River in the afternoon, watching elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds without having to reach for our binoculars – you’ll be near enough for close-up photographs, as well as having the chance to witness a spectacular African sunset.
Departure:  09h00    

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Accommodation:    Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant. 

Breakfast:    At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar
Lunch:        For your own account
Dinner:    For your own account

DAYS 7 & 8: CHOBE TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE           BLD, BLD
This morning we depart Chobe and make our way to our lodge in a private concession near to Hwange National Park. The next two days are spent exploring this wildlife rich area.  This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows. On the following day, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on a game drive. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. We will also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect these endangered species. 
           
Distance:                                270 km (Day 7)                  Departure:    08h00

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Accommodation:    Sable Sands or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 7    
Breakfast:    At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch:    Prepared by the guide
Dinner:    At Sable Sands or similar

Accommodation:    Sable Sands or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 8    
Breakfast:    At Sable Sands or similar    
Lunch:    Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner:    At Sable Sands or similar    

DAYS 9 & 10: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE                           B, B
Today we travel to Victoria Falls, an essential African experience. In the afternoon we have a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of our time in Victoria Falls is at your own leisure and with the freedom to partake in one of the many optional activities on offer (at own expense). 

Distance:                                           190 km    Departure:  08h00    

Accommodation:    Ilala Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 9
Breakfast:                                     At Sable Sands or similar
Lunch:        For your own account
Dinner:    For your own account

Day 10
Breakfast:                                     At Ilala Lodge or similar
Lunch:        For your own account
Dinner:    For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS

Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.  The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information.  Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

15 Minute Helicopter Flight    Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
22 Minute Helicopter Flight    Gorge Swing
Boma Dinner incl. transfers    Zip Line
Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls    Horse Back Safaris (novice)
Dinner Cruise    Canoeing (full day)
Bungee Jump    Rafting (full day, low water)
Bridge Swing    Rafting (full day, high water)
Bridge Slide    Batoka Gorge Hike and Ndebele Village Tour
Historical Bridge Tour    Traditional Village Tour
Canopy Tour

DAY 11: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE            B
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight.  We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.