10 Day Botswana Classic
"Classic Botswana" Code: BP10 - Camping
10 day small group participation camping safari Group size max 12 people
Departs Maun on Thursday at 14:00pm ends Livingstone on Thursday at +/-08:00am
2011 Price: € 1 210 pps + local payment of US$ 300 pp single supp € 50
Rates (valid 1 Jan 2011 – Dec 2011)
Please note it is possible to add a 3 day excursion into the Okavango before the start of the “Classic Botswana”.
This creates a 13 day Okavango, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe, Victoria Falls tour.
Highlights
* Moremi Game Reserve – game drives
* Savuti – game drives
* Chobe National Park – game drive and river cruise
* Victoria Falls – adventure activitiesIncludes
* 9 nights camping
* Entrance fees
* Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
* Transport in 4WD game viewing vehicle
* Meals as per itinerary
* Professional guide
* Moremi Savuti and Chobe game drives
An exclusive wildlife experience in the premier national parks and game reserves of Botswana. Some of the best game viewing in Africa - Moremi, Savuti and Chobe! Safari through the wilderness areas of Botswana on open 4WD vehicles and watch elephants from a boat as they drink from the Chobe River. Culminating in the wonderful views of Victoria Falls!
ITINERARY
Please note it is possible to add a 3 day excursion into the Okavango before the start of the "Classic Botswana". This creates a 13 day Okavango, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe, Victoria Falls tour.
Day 1 MAUN [camping - - -]
Our adventure begins at 14:00pm in Maun, a small town located on the South Eastern edge of the Okavango Delta and our access point to the wilderness of Botswana. The first day will be spent settling into camp and preparing for the trip. For the more adventurous of heart there is a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, which is a great opportunity for game spotting (own expense). The day ends with a relaxing sundowner drink at the pool, and a meal in the lodge restaurant, (own expense) celebrating the start of the journey. [camping - - -]
Day 2 – 3 MOREMI [camping BLD]
After an early start we head north out of Maun, to the Moremi Game Reserve, in our open 4WD vehicle. This unique area is named after the Chief of the Batawana tribe, who founded the reserve in 1963, making it one of the first reserves in Africa proclaimed by the local community. The reserve protects a large part of the greater Okavango Delta. The grasslands, floodplains, forests and winding water channels combine to form a variety of game viewing habitats attracting amongst others; elephant, lion, hippo, leopard and wild dog. We explore the reserve on morning and afternoon game drives, relax during the heat of the day and spend two nights wild camping in the reserve. [camping BLD]
Day 4 – 5 SAVUTI [camping BLD]
The dry Savuti channel runs from the west into the sandy Mababe depression, but it seldom flows, so the seasonal rains and waterholes in the park ensure a perennial source of life for the game in the area. Wildlife gathers on the open plains of the Savuti marsh and the surrounding dry camel thorn trees make this place a wildlife photographer’s dream. Famous for its big game and particularly its predators – the lions and the hyenas of Savuti fight a constant battle for survival. We spend 2 nights camping in this area, near a waterhole which is a constant source of activity. [camping BLD]
Day 6 – 7 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Chobe National Park offers an exceptional wildlife experience. The meandering river feeds the flood plains, which provides essential grazing to the herbivores throughout the year. And although it boasts some of the largest concentration of plains game, Chobe is most famous for massive herds of elephants. One is more than likely to spot them during the dry season, in the late afternoon, when herd after herd of elephants emerge from the Mopane woodland to quench their thirst. Our experience in Chobe is rounded off with a spectacular afternoon cruise on the river. This is one of the best ways to view the elephants and to get closer to the hippos and crocodiles - an experience of a lifetime. One night is spent camping in the Chobe National Park and one night on the border of the park, in Kasane. Evening meals can be enjoyed in the local restaurant. [camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Day 8 – 9 VICTORIA FALLS / LIVINGSTONE [camping B - -]
Crossing the Zambezi River on the Kazungula ferry we enter Zambia and make our way to Livingstone for our final 2 nights. The Zambezi river plummets 110 meters over the Victoria Falls and it is a breathtaking sight. We spend half a day touring the falls before setting up camp. The following day is at leisure to enjoy some of the wonderful activities available in the adventure capital of Southern Africa. The Flight of Angels over the falls in a micro light is highly recommended, as is a day of rafting on the white waters of the mighty Zambezi River. Alternatively an elephant back safari is an experience never to be forgotten. Our evening meals are in colourful local restaurants. [camping B - -]
Day 10 LIVINGSTONE – TOUR ENDS [- B - -]
Tour ends at 08:00 after breakfast. Transfers to local airports are available. [- B - -]
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This safari has a 14h00 departure which means you can fly into Maun and join the tour on the day of your flight arrival. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations in the vacation planner when prompted.
RACK Price : € 1 210 pps + local payment of US$ 300 (valid Jan 2011 – Dec 2011)
Single tent supplement: € 50 pp (If you are traveling on your own, you will “room”with
another same gender client. You do not pay extra when booking as a single person.
If however you request a single tent, then you'll pay the single tent supplement. Single tent supplement is applicable
to camping nights only. On accommodated nights clients will share with same gender client.)
2011 DEPARTURE DATES
13-Jan-11 - 22-Jan-11 LM
20-Jan-11 - 29-Jan-11
04-Feb-11 - 12-Feb-11 German
10-Feb-11 - 19-Feb-11 LM
24-Feb-11 - 05-Mar-11
04-Mar-11 - 12-Mar-11
17-Mar-11 - 26-Mar-11 Ger/LM
24-Mar-11 - 02-Apr-11
07-Apr-11 - 16-Apr-11 LM
14-Apr-11 - 23-Apr-11 German
21-Apr-11 - 30-Apr-11
28-Apr-11 - 07-May-11
05-May-11 - 14-May-11 LM
12-May-11 - 21-May-11 German
19-May-11 - 28-May-11
26-May-11 - 04-Jun-11
09-Jun-11 - 18-Jun-11
16-Jun-11 - 25-Jun-11German
23-Jun-11 - 02-Jul-11
30-Jun-11 - 09-Jul-11 LM
07-Jul-11 - 16-Jul-11 LM
14-Jul-11 - 23-Jul-11
21-Jul-11 - 30-Jul-11 German
28-Jul-11 - 06-Aug-11 LM
04-Aug-11 - 13-Aug-11 LM
11-Aug-11 - 20-Aug-11
18-Aug-11 - 27-Aug-11 German
25-Aug-11 - 03-Sep-11 LM
02-Sep-11 - 10-Sep-11 LM
08-Sep-11 - 17-Sep-11
15-Sep-11 - 24-Sep-11
22-Sep-11 - 01-Oct-11 Ger/LM
29-Sep-11 - 08-Oct-11 LM
06-Oct-11 - 15-Oct-11
13-Oct-11 - 22-Oct-11
20-Oct-11 - 29-Oct-11 LM
27-Oct-11 - 05-Nov-11 LM
04-Nov-11 - 12-Nov-11 German
10-Nov-11 - 19-Nov-11
17-Nov-11 - 26-Nov-11 LM
24-Nov-11 - 03-Dec-11 LM
02-Dec-11 - 10-Dec-11
08-Dec-11 - 17-Dec-11
15-Dec-11 - 24-Dec-11 Ger/LM
22-Dec-11 - 31-Dec-11
29-Dec-11 - 07-Jan-12
05-Jan-12 - 14-Jan-12DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshell
A true African experience - wild and free! All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife. Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park & Savuti.
Why travellers like this trip• Variety - a tour that provides amazing African experiences; from the wildlife areas of Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park to the Victoria Falls!
National Parks and wildlife areas – This safari is a pure game viewing experience - we visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park. There is no more rewarding wilderness experience in Africa! Small group - travelling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere. Walking – this safari is primarily game vehicle from the open 4WD vehicle and it is not permitted to walk away from the camp in the national parks / game reserves. But in Victoria Falls we will get out and walk to explore the Victoria Falls. This walk is easy and optional. Duration from ½ - 2 hours. Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks! Open 4WD game drives – our trips have the best wildlife viewing opportunities by visiting the game reserves and national parks in open 4WD game drive vehicles. We tow a custom built trailer for camping equipment and baggage.
Accommodation
Camping - for 4 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets!
Your operator supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.Wild camping - for 5 nights while in the Moremi Game Reserve and Savuti / Chobe National Park we camp wild Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety and a simple bucket bush shower will be provided.
Transport
On foot – an easy walk in Victoria Falls. Duration from ½ - 2 hours. Open 4WD – for this entire safari, including game viewing activities in Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe
National Parks we use an open game viewing 4WD vehicle with trailer. The vehicle has canvas roof and sides, which are rolled up when ever possible, to allow for the best possible game viewing experience. (remember to bring a warm jacket for the chilly early morning game drives!)This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!Local Payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.
Participation
An essential part of your safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing is best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings but these are available mostly at curio shops as there are hardly any craft markets in Botswana.
Food
We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 4 dinners and 2 lunches in Victoria Falls, Kasane and Maun where we try out local restaurants. The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided. We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.) We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. Simple campsites and basic wild camps are enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa! Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days. The road conditions through the wilderness areas a very poor and our progress can at times be slow and dusty. Remember to hold on at all times and enjoy the ride! Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
Includes park entrances and game drives. As this tour spends most of the time in wilderness areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules. Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zambia, and Botswana and re-entering South Africa. There is a visa waiver service available through your operator for Zambia – please enquire at the time of booking. Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring daypack for walks and keeping in the vehicle. We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula (BWP) as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Traveller’s cheques can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travellers cheque attract a very high commission).
Common questions about this trip
What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a water bottle and a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure! Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip! Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended. Can I buy camera film? Film and other accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots.
Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way in Victoria Falls and Maun.
