admin

Maun to Kasane Mobile Safari

Leave a Comment / Itinerary / By

Maun to Kasane Mobile Safari We will be on a serviced  safari which is  a mobile safari of between 4 and 7 guests departing on pre-determined dates. We will have our own safari vehicle and professional guide and a backup team of driver and cook  who will drive sperately. Highlights: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park (Savute & Chobe River Front) Great North Road Itinerary – Overview: 2 Nights camping in the Xakanaxa / 3rd Bridge area of Moremi Game Reserve 3 Nights camping in the Khwai area of Moremi Game Reserve 3 Nights camping in Savute, Chobe National Park 2 Nights camping in Chobe, Game Reserve What you will do This safari encompasses the diverse Okavango & Moremi eco- systems to the dry northern areas of Savute and Chobe National Park. I highly recommend starting or ending this safari in Victoria Falls.Your days on safari are focused predominantly on game drives exploring amazing wildlife areas however the safari starts or ends with a one hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta and Chiefs Island as an optional activity. When in the Khwai area a mekoro excursion is also an optional activty. Safari camp life On safari the staff will attend to your comfort by erecting and dismantling the camp and preparing delicious meals cooked on an open fire. A serviced safari has walk in ensuite meru style tents complete with your own bucket shower and bush loo, staff who prepare delicious meals throughout your safari and a camp assistant to take care of all camp duties. Booking this safari Book this safari as part of a small group of maximum 7 guests and choose one of our local Botswana guides available:Ask for details for this tour and your personal safari guide.

20 Night Namibia Self-drive (Wdh-Cpt) 3 week Namibia self-drive trip ending in Cape Town

Leave a Comment / Itinerary / By

20 Night Namibia Self-drive (Wdh-Cpt) 3 week Namibia self-drive trip ending in Cape Town Start in Windhoek, end in Cape Town and discover the highlights of Namibia. Take in Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Fish River Canyon en-route. Finish the trip with a few nights exploring Cape Town. This itinerary is roughly a 65/35 split between camping and lodges. Tour Summary Duration: 21 DaysDeparts from: WindhoekEnds in: Cape TownDestinations: Namibia, South AfricaTravel Style: CampingActivities: Living Desert Tour Highlights Etosha, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon Day 2 Pick up your vehicle and equipment in Windhoek and head north to spend the next four days in and around Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at Onguma Tamboti campsite in the Onguma concession to the east of Etosha. Destination:Onguma Game ReserveAccommodation:Onguma Tamboti CampsiteType:Campsite Day 3 Etosha covers an area of more than 22 000 sq kms – its centre being a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bushland in the west and dry forest in the north-east. Spend the next night at Halali. Destination:Etosha National ParkAccommodation:Halali CampsiteType:Campsite Day 4 Continue to camp at Okaukuejo in the south of Etosha. Destination:Etosha SouthAccommodation:Okaukuejo CampsiteType:Campsite Day 5 The final night in Etosha is in the extreme west of the park at Dolomite Camp. Here you will find a high diversity of plant and animal species – including the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra which does not occur in the eastern side of the park. Destination:Etosha WestAccommodation:Dolomite CampType:Lodge Day 6 Continue your journey through the Damaraland region, camping at Hoada Camp. Damaraland is an unspoiled, rocky area and Hoada campsite is very pleasantly located, near Grootberg Lodge which manages the campsite. Destination:PalmwagAccommodation:Hoada CampsiteType:Campsite Day 7 – 8 Continue your journey through the Damaraland region, camping at Hoada Camp. Damaraland is an unspoiled, rocky area and Hoada campsite is very pleasantly located, near Grootberg Lodge which manages the campsite. Destination:PalmwagAccommodation:Hoada CampsiteType:Campsite Day 9 Drive west to Cape Cross – the largest inland breeding seal colony in the world. Cape Cross Lodge is just 4km from the colony and features airy rooms, with panoramic sea views and individual balconies, with stone floors and soft blue and white décor. Destination:Skeleton CoastAccommodation:Cape Cross LodgeType:Lodge Day 10 Continue your journey to Swakopmund, Namibia’s famous coastal town. Accommodation here is at Desert Breeze Lodge on the edge of Swakopmund. Swakopmund is a very interesting town, with old German architecture and a distinct character. Destination:SwakopmundAccommodation:Desert Breeze LodgeType:Lodge Day 11 In the morning you will do a “Living Desert Tour” – a unique guided tour which brings the desert to life. Destination:SwakopmundAccommodation:Desert Breeze LodgeType:LodgeActivites:Living Desert Tour Day 12 Head to the Namib Naukluft National Park where you spend the night camping at Namib Desert Lodge. Destination:SossusvleiAccommodation:Namib Desert Campsite Gondwana Collection NamibiaType:Campsite Day 13 Travel to the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Naukluft Park. Your next night is spent at Sesriem campsite inside the protected area. Camping at Sesriem means you will be able to get to the Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise when photography is at its best. Destination:SossusvleiAccommodation:Sesriem CampsiteType:Campsite Day 14 – 15 Drive south through spectacular scenery to the NamibRand Nature reserve where you spend two nights at Namibrand Hideout campsite – one of the most spectacular campsite locations in all of Namibia. Destination:NamibRand Nature ReserveAccommodation:Namibrand Family HideoutType:Campsite, Self-catering Day 16 Continue your drive south, spending the next night at Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse campsite. Just east of Aus, Klein Aus Vista is nestled in the granite-gneiss hills with magnificent views of the landscape. Destination:AusAccommodation:Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Campsite Gondwana Collection NamibiaType:Campsite Day 17 – 18 Travel further south to the Fish River Canyon. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world, and you will be able to visit this wonder of nature the following morning before leaving for South Africa. Destination:Fish River CanyonAccommodation:Hobas CampType:Campsite Day 19 Leave Namibia and drive south as far as Springbok along the N7 highway, where you spend the night at Naries Manor House on the edge of the Spektakelberg. Destination:NamaqualandAccommodation:Naries Namakwa RetreatType:Lodge Day 20 Continue your journey south. The journey to Clanwilliam takes you through spectacular scenery – and is aptly called the ‘flower route’. You will spend the night at St Du Barrys in the town. Destination:CederbergAccommodation:Saint du BarrysType:Guest House Day 21 Return the vehicle in Cape Town Destination:Cape Town Included 20 days 4×4 vehicle and equipment hire incl one way fees (vehicle with R20,000 insurance excess) GPS with Tracks4Africa All accommodation and meals where stated Airport transfers Living Desert Tour Trip handbook, directions & maps Included International flights; Personal insurance; Visa / border fees; National park / Reserve entrance fees

18 DAYS – NAMIBIA TOP ATTRACTIONS + OKAVANGO DELTA

Leave a Comment / Itinerary / By

13 DAYS – NAMIBIA TOP ATTRACTIONS + OKAVANGO DELTA The Namib Desert ‚Sea of Sand’ inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Sossusvlei – World’s highest dunes Picturesque Dune 45 Surreal Dead Vlei and ancient, dried-up acacias Impressive rock formation of the Sesriem Canyon Tropic of Capricorn – geographical landmark Namib-Naukluft Park Coast of the Atlantic and town-oasis Swakopmund Welwitchia mirabilis – one of the world’s oldest plants, known as the ‚living fossil’, a botanic attraction Etosha National Park – Wildlife & Nature Sanctuary Caprivi Strip Mahango Game Reserve Okavango Delta Botswana. Day 1 Pick up in the morning from hotel in Windhoek, on the way to Sossusvlei, one of the most amazing and fascinating places on Earth, situated in the very heart of the sandy dunes. The Namib is considered to be the oldest desert in the World and recently the ‚Sea of Sand’ was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Traveling through the surreal, diverse and changing regions, from bare desert-land, through African bush, grassy savannah to sandy dunes. Experiencing thrill of being surrounded by the world of mountains, rocks and sand. Sheer feast for passionate photographers – capturing nature with the eye of camera! Good chance of spotting ostriches, antelopes, baboons and zebras. Break for lunch at the small oasis Solitaire. Opportunity to taste famous Solitaire apple pie, served at the desert bakery. Arrival at the lodge late afternoon, rest and relaxation after the trip. Meals: lunch and dinner. Distance: 350 km (gravel road). Duration: around 5 hrs with stop-overs. Accommodation: 2 nights in Namib Desert Day 2 Early morning before sunrise, drive towards Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei – a place of the highest dunes in the World, set in the midst of the World’s oldest desert. Unique chance for spectacular landscape photography! Climbing scenic Dune 45, while enjoying incredible desert vistas and ever changing scenery of the Namib. Off-road trail takes us to Dead Vlei where ancient, dried up acacias stand amidst the orange dunes creating surreal landscape. Optional hiking the ‚Big Daddy’ dune and afterwards visit to Sossusvlei with optional hiking the ‚Big Mama’ dune. After lunch, hike through spectacular rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Distance: 150 km on tar, gravel and sand roads. Day 3 Adventure starts at sunrise, as we travel through the Namib-Naukluft Park, admiring dried up Kuiseb riverbed and Kuiseb Canyon. On route, celebrating crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn!  Magnificent landscape of the Namib reaches as far as eye can see. Wildlife, grazing antelopes: kudu, oryx and springbuck, mountain zebras, rare black rhino, giraffes and World’s biggest ‚birds that don’t fly’ ostriches. On arrival at Walvisbay, visit to salt pans and famous Walvisbay Lagoon for marine bird photography. In the late afternoon, arrival at the coastal town-oasis Swakopmund where you can enjoy the cool, fresh Atlantic air. Dinner is enjoyed at one of the many local restaurants. Accommodation: 1 night in Swakopmund Distance: 350 km (gravel road). Duration: 5 hours with stop-overs and lunch break. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 4 – 5 Morning start on the way to Etosha National Park – wildlife sanctuary and treasure of Namibia, considered to be one of the most loved and most visited game parks of Africa! We are welcomed by wild animals and white sand of the plains. During afternoon game ride, admiring variety of magnificent animals, among them big mammals: antelopes, giraffes, zebras as well as huge elephants (largest in Africa), rhino, lions, leopards, cheetah and hyenas roaming through the bush. In the evening, relaxing dinner served in the thrilling atmosphere of the wild. At the waterhole, thirsty animals gather for a drink of water, while you are invited to watch the ever-changing theatre of nature! We will spend next two days on trails of Etosha, searching for wild animals of the savannah. On day 5 – Full day game drive inside Etosha. Accommodation: 2 nights inside or near Etosha National Park Distance: 350 km (gravel and tarred roads). Duration: around 4.5 hours with the stop-over. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 6 Farewell’ to Etosha and we are on our way north-east to Divundu in the Caprivi Region. En route visit at the largest iron meteorite on Earth – the Hoba Meteorite. Its weight is approximately 60 tons.  In the late afternoon arrival at the lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. Optional activity: Sundowner boat cruise on Okavango River. Accommodation: 1 night Divundu Distance: 600 km (tarred roads) Duration: around 7 hrs. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 7 In the morning crossing over to Botswana en route to Maun in Botswana, situated on the outskirts of the Okavango Delta. Wonderful chance to observe wildlife inhabiting this rich region. Arrival in Maun late noon. Checking-in and time for rest after the journey. Accommodation: 3 nights in Maun Distance: around 450 km on tar roads. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 8 Today early start into heading to Moremi Park for some exciting sightings in the Botswana wilderness. Transfer to your luxury lodge for 2 incredible nights inside the park. Okavango Delta is both a permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of wildlife, species include: African bush elephant, African Buffalo, hippopotamus, lechwe, tsessebe, sitatunga, blue wildebeest, giraffe, Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, springbok, greater kudu, sable antelope, springbok, sable antelope, black rhino, white rhino, plains zebra, warthog and chacma baboon. Endangered African wild dog still survives in the Okavango Delta, exhibiting one of the richest pack densities in Africa. The delta is home to over 400 species of birds, including African Fish Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Crested Crane, Lilac-breasted roller, Hammerkop, Ostrich and Sacred Ibis. The majority of the estimated 200,000 large mammals in and around the delta are not year-round residents. They leave with the summer rains to find renewed fields of grass to graze on, then make their way back as winter approaches. Large herds of buffalo and elephant total about 30,000 beasts are found in the delta. Meals: breakfast, lunch and

Safari season slowly wakening

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Safari season slowly wakening It has been relatively quiet the past few months in southern Africa. The rainy season is on now and Botswana received a good fall a few days ago. This time is a bit challenging for safari lovers as roads become waterlogged and animals are scattered far and wide in the lush vegetation. Only the impala creches remain fairly easy to spot in their familiar groups. No, visiting Botswana now is best left to those who love solitude and isolation. However, now is the right time to start planning a safari – already from April the first visitors start arriving as the weather changes over to the dry season. During this time the abundant wildlife, virtually invisible during the wet months, once again start congregating in splendid groups for us to admire with wonder! It’s wise to start planning your trip as early as possible – lodges and campsites fill up quickly, with some places booked a year in advance. I have seen what a nightmare it can be trying to make last-minute bookings for a safari, so don’t leave it too late and start getting your plans in order for a wonderful wildlife experience in beautiful Botswana.

Welcome to the inland delta

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Welcome to the inland delta It’s my favourite country, a place where I lived and worked so long I have even been  called a ‘Motswana’ (inhabitant of Botswana) by the locals because of my fluent Setswana language and knowledge of the country and culture. You can put your trust in me to answer any queries about visiting and travelling to Botswana. My top tip for today: any visit to the country is incomplete unless you include the Okavango Delta. The only inland delta in the world, it provides a unique ecosystem – a wetland in a desert area – providing a lush habitat teeming with wildlife. Utterly incredible – you won’t believe your eyes!

Bienvenidos al delta interior

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Bienvenidos al delta interior Es mi país favorito, un lugar donde viví y trabajé tanto que hasta me han llamado un ‘Motswana’ (habitante de Botswana) por los lugareños debido a mi habilidad en el idioma de Setswana y al conocimiento del país y la cultura. Puede confiar en mí para responder cualquier consulta sobre visitar y viajar a Botswana. Mi mejor consejo para hoy: cualquier visita al país está incompleta a menos que incluya el delta del Okavango. El único delta interior del mundo, proporciona un ecosistema único, un humedal en una zona desértica, que proporciona un exuberante hábitat lleno de vida silvestre. Totalmente increíble: ¡no creerás en tus ojos!

Why is a safari in Botswana so expensive?

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Why is a safari in Botswana so expensive? This is a question I am asked all the time! We may consider an excursion to the cultural highlights of Europe quite a grand expedition, but still, most of us can afford to visit the Louvre in Paris or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. However, when we look into going on safari in Botswana, with only basic facilities, poor infrastructure and many logistical problems, we find that it actually costs much more. Naturally, this is very confusing for most first-time visitors. I’d like to try and explain this puzzling state of affairs. First of all there is the element of accessibility: with the exception of a few trunk roads connecting the major towns, the roads leading to the natural highlights of Botswana are simple sandy tracks or gravel. The landscape is extremely diverse, varying from dry scrub to marshy wetlands. In areas like the Okavango Delta, some places can only be reached by light aircraft or boats. Clearly, this requires specialised, reliable modes of transport such as expensive, tailor-made 4×4 vehicles to carry all the necessary supplies and equipment, not to mention passengers. The level of difficulty in getting around is off-putting for the average traveller and so tourist numbers are relatively low. This factor alone clearly leads to higher individual costs. Moreover, the government of Botswana has chosen to promote a policy of ‘high cost-low volume’ in its tourism sector. They have found it necessary to take this step in order to protect their fragile ecosystems, thus preserving the very conditions which attract the visitor in the first place – rare and abundant wildlife in a pristine natural habitat. While mass tourism would undoubtedly lead to lower costs, the negative environmental impacts are well known – natural habitat loss, pressure on endangered species, strain on resources, etc. In contrast to that, thanks to low human activity, the national parks of Botswana offer an unparalleled wilderness experience where you can enjoy true peace and freedom, and a rare opportunity to be close to nature. In addition, because safaris in Botswana strive towards ecotourism, your participation not only protects the wildlife but also benefits the economic development of local communities, empowering them and preserving their cultural integrity. In summary, a safari can seem expensive when compared to other forms of holiday, but having outlined some of the reasons above, you can see that when it comes to a pure and natural wilderness experience, with peace, exclusivity, diversity and the rare priviledge of close-up interaction with wildlife in a completely natural environment, there is just no match for Botswana! Despite these wonderful priviledges, it is important to note that a wide range of price  options are still available. Yes, there are luxury lodges charging over $500 dollars per person per night, but these permanent set-ups do not give the real wilderness experience in my opinion. The fully-serviced mobile safari offers many variations in the price mix depending on the season and the number of services included. This type of tour offers you the greatest flexibility and has large numbers of operators, most of whom are locally owned and run. We can connect you with the local guides and professionals on a personal level for an authentic and affordable safari in Botswana.

Porque tan caro un safari tour en Botswana?

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Porque tan caro un safari tour en Botswana? ¿Por qué es tan caro un safari en Botsuana? ¡Esta es una pregunta que me hacen todo el tiempo! Podemos considerar una excursión a los aspectos culturales más destacados de Europa una gran expedición, pero aún así, la mayoría de nosotros podemos permitirnos visitar el Museo del Louvre en París o la Sagrada Familia en Barcelona. Sin embargo, cuando consideramos ir a un safari en Botswana, con solo instalaciones básicas, infraestructura deficiente y muchos problemas logísticos, encontramos que realmente cuesta mucho más. Naturalmente, esto es muy confuso para la mayoría de los visitantes primerizos. Me gustaría tratar de explicar este enigmático estado de cosas. En primer lugar está el elemento de accesibilidad: con la excepción de algunas carreteras principales que conectan las principales ciudades, las carreteras que conducen a los puntos culminantes naturales de Botswana son sencillos senderos arenosos o grava. El paisaje es extremadamente diverso, variando de matorral seco a pantanos inundados. En áreas como el delta del Okavango, solo se puede llegar a algunos lugares en avionetas o barcos. Claramente, esto requiere modos de transporte especializados y confiables, tales como vehículos 4×4 caros y hechos a medida para llevar todos los suministros y equipos necesarios, sin mencionar a los pasajeros. El nivel de dificultad para moverse es desalentador para el viajero promedio, por lo que el número de turistas es relativamente bajo. Este solo factor conduce claramente a mayores costos individuales. Además, el gobierno de Botswana ha elegido promover una política de “alto costo-bajo volumen” en su sector turístico. Han encontrado que es necesario dar este paso para proteger sus frágiles ecosistemas, preservando así las mismas condiciones que atraen al visitante en primer lugar: fauna rara y abundante en un hábitat natural prístino en estado puro. Si bien el turismo masivo indudablemente conduciría a menores costos, los impactos ambientales negativos son bien conocidos: pérdida de hábitat natural, presión sobre las especies en peligro, presión sobre los recursos, etc. En contraste, gracias a la baja actividad humana, los parques nacionales de Botswana ofrecen una experiencia inigualable en el salvaje donde puedes disfrutar de la verdadera paz y libertad, y una oportunidad única de estar cerca de la naturaleza. Además, debido a que los safaris en Botswana luchan por el ecoturismo, su participación no solo protege la vida silvestre, sino que también beneficia el desarrollo económico de las comunidades locales, empoderándolas y preservando su integridad cultural. En resumen, un safari puede parecer costoso en comparación con otras formas de vacaciones, pero después de haber descrito algunas de las razones anteriores, puede ver que cuando se trata de una experiencia pura y natural , con paz, exclusividad, diversidad y el raro privilegio de la interacción de cerca con la vida silvestre en un entorno completamente natural, ¡no hay rival para Botswana! A pesar de estos maravillosos privilegios, es importante tener en cuenta que todavía hay una amplia gama de opciones de precios disponibles. Sí, hay lodges de lujo que cobran más de $ 500 dólares por persona por noche, pero estas configuraciones permanentes no dan la verdadera experiencia autentica en mi opinión. El safari móvil con todos los servicios ofrece muchas variaciones en la combinación de precios según la temporada y la cantidad de servicios incluidos. Este tipo de recorrido le ofrece la mayor flexibilidad y cuenta con un gran número de operadores, la mayoría de los cuales son de propiedad y gestión local. Podemos conectarlo con los guías locales y profesionales a nivel personal para un safari auténtico , asequible e inovidable en Botswana.

Big safari operators vesus small

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Botswana safari season Botswana safari industry is a multi-million dollar busness comprising small scale,local guide run to big companies of reputable standing in many countries of southern Africa and further north.Given this array of service providers,it  is always daunting for a traveller to choose from, given the fact that the product is almost always the same;game viewing,scenery and cultural tours. Going big always has an advantage of reliability,knowing that the comapany has all the facilities nececessary to carry out a succesfull safari tour.You just pay your money for a package tour and the rest the operator takes care of.Obviously this implies paying  quiet a lot;an average 7 to 10 day luxury safari will put you $5000 to $ 10000 per person.This is apparently meant for the rich and real wildlife lovers. On the other hand,there are small scale ,personalized safari offers which budget traveller can opt for.Professional local guides have valuable knowledge and experience of the chosen area of visit and knowing that they directly benefit from your visit,they will offer their best services.It is also a source of satisfaction knowing that your money is spent benefiting locals directly without intermediaries and foreign agency people.Of course there is a question of quality-price which many people worry about on this option.Do not worry because all guides undergo rigorous training as required by law and are expert in their field.Most of them have worked for the big companies and understand guest expectations and all the rules pertaining to safety.Therefore there is no compromise on this issue at all.You may not stay in a luxury tented lodge as in the above.You will be mostly in tents and roughing it out sometimes,yet the fun,luxury and excitement of being on safari lies in that close contact with nature.Surely,this will not dip in your pocket as much as above figures.Remember,both sides offer the same safari product .The diference being essentially on acomodation style.Does that ring a bell?

Botswana safari season

Leave a Comment / Blog / By

Botswana safari season October is the hottest month of the year in Botswana and also  the last month before the rains start splattering on the bone dry grass and leaves of the savanah,kickstarting the green cycle .From a wildlife viewing point of view, it is the last month to see animals coming to waterholes and permanent water points ,and therefore less chance to see them at all during your safari visit.Many recommendations are based on this weather changes factor for optimum game sightings and this also influences price diferencials for low and high season rates. Although this as a general rule for most people planning a Botswana  safari,there are numerous exceptions to the rule that may surprise many.Botswana wild life area is huge that animal movement is difficult to trace year round and predictability becomes more of a guess work even for the expert field guides.It is actually a question based on luck and of course ,with a combination of guide knowledge and experience.With this unpredictability factor,I always wonder if one can avoid high season winter  months so cramped up with many visitors and tour companies competing for the top dollar rates.