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| DAY 1
- MAUN / OKAVANGO DELTA – CHITABE CONCESSION
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Upon arrival at Maun Airport will be met and transferred by light aircraft into the heart of the Okavango Delta to the Chitabe Concession. The concession covers 70,000 acres of pristine Okavango wilderness. It borders the well known Moremi Game Reserve and is nestled between two main river systems, the Gomoti to east and the Santantadibe to the west. What makes Chitabe unique to some of the other areas in the Okavango Delta is that it contains such a variety of habitats within close proximity. A finger of perennial swamps extends into the Chitabe reserve, which is inundated by water throughout the year This variety of habitat, which ranges from the classic Okavango scenery with Illala Palms dotting the landscape, to open savannahs and acacia woodlands, gives rise to a surprising diversity of species, which allows Chitabe to offer guests a wide variety of game viewing and birding experiences
Accommodations at Chitabe Camp consists of eight spacious East African style tents, with en-suite facilities, and are built on elevated wooden decks, beneath the lush tree canopy. The thatched dining area, lounge and pub are also raised on decks overlooking the surrounding flood plains, and a pool allows guests to cool off from the heat of the day.
Activities at Chitabe Camp consist of day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles accompanied by an experienced guide, as well as nature walks. Game viewing includes Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Reedbuck, Lechwe, Impala, Zebra and Hippo. Wild dogs are also sometimes sighted.
After you arrive you will be met at the airstrip and driven to the camp, spotting wildlife on the way. After lunch and some time to relax you will head out on an afternoon game drive, returning after dark.
Overnight
- Chitabe Camp (L,D & activities)
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| DAYS 3/4
- OKAVANGO DELTA – JOA CONCESSION
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Today you transfer by air to Jao Camp, located deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, on the private 150,000 acre Jao Reserve. From April or May to September the water levels are at their highest as the annual floods from central Africa flow into the floodplains. During this time of year clients will spend time punting across flood plains and clear waterways while reclining in a mokoro (dug-out canoe). Game-viewing varies depending on the water levels and is done by boat, vehicle and on foot. Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are plentiful and wildebeest, zebra and plains game dot the floodplain. Hippo and crocodile reside in the lagoons as well as many bird species..
Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at the luxurious Jao Camp in one of the nine large and spacious rooms. The rooms are built under a canopy of shady trees, with en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, a large bath and double vanity. There is an additional outside shower under the stars for those more adventurous guests who want to shower closer to nature. There is an outdoor "sala" for guests to enjoy midday siestas with a view and a breeze. The rooms are raised off the ground and offer wonderful views of the surrounding flood plains. A raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining room and lounge area. There is a plunge pool and an outdoor 'boma' for dining under the stars, as well as an excellent wine cellar.
Activities at Jao include mokoro (dug out canoe) excursions, boating safaris, fishing, day and night game drives and guided walks. If the area has a large flood, we usually have to boat to a large island, called Hunda Island, where vehicles would be waiting and the game drives start.
Overnight
- Jao Camp (all meals & activities) |
| DAYS 5/6
- LINYANTI RESERVE
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After a morning game drive followed by brunch you will fly eastwards to the Linyanti Reserve. The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve offers one of Africa's most exhilarating wildlife experiences. The area covers 275,000 acres of prime wilderness situated between the Okavango and Chobe regions. The Linyanti region has all the habitat diversity to make it a haven for wildlife. The area is famous for its Elephant with huge herds congregating in winter along the waterways and lagoons. During these dry months Sable and Roan traverse the flood plains, along with Impala, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Lechwe, Tsessebe and other plains game in the area.
Your stay here will be at Kings Pool Camp, one of the most luxurious in all of Botswana. There are nine twin-bedded tented rooms under cool thatch, overlooking the hippo filled lagoon in front of the camp. Each of the suites has its own large bedroom area, lounge, private plunge pool and a sala. Each en-suite bathroom has two showers, two hand basins and a separate flush toilet. There is an outdoor shower for those who prefer to shower under the stars. The main lounge, pub and dining room are under thatch, and there is a swimming pool built into the deck. The main area is linked to the bedrooms by a raised walkway to allow animals to wander freely around the camp.
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Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, and guided walks. There area also “hides”. One is located at the western end of the camp, where guests can spend a siesta watching wildlife come down to drink. The other is an underground hide, with the water at eye-level - seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience that transcends that of an ordinary safari.
You have two full days to explore this fantastic wildlife reserve.
Overnight
- Kings Pool Camp (all meals & activities) |
| DAY 7
- VICTORIA FALLS - LIVINGSTONE
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After a final morning game drive and brunch you will fly to the small town of Kasane where you are met and will be driven drive a short ways to the Zambezi river border with Zambia. From here you will board a quick ferry ride across the river and continue on a short ways to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, arriving in time for lunch.
The Royal Livingstone is a five star colonial style hotel, situated on the banks of the Zambezi river, just a 10 minute walk from the falls. From here you can hear the slight roar and see the mist rise as the waters pore over the edge. Every detail of this resort is crafted to create the impression of being in another place in time. The bedrooms are in two-story clusters, each with 10 en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the river. The Traveler’s Bar and lounge is a place where guests can relax under thatched shade and linger longer over some fine port or cigar. The a la carte restaurant
serves a range of gourmet delicacies from around the world.
This evening you will be taken on a sunset cruise up the Zambezi.
Overnight
- Royal Livingstone Hotel (B & B Basis) |
| DAY 8
- VICTORIA FALLS - LIVINSTONE / END OF SAFARI
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This morning after breakfast you will be taken on a guided tour of the falls. After lunch you will be driven to the airport in time to catch your flight back to Johannesburg or on to your next safari destination.
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