SABLE LODGE-TO-LODGE SAFARI 10 NIGHTS

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DETAILED PROGRAMME – NORTHBOUND

Day 1-2: Deception Valley Private Reserve, comfortable camp

The safari begins in Maun where your guide will meet you at 14h30 at Maun Airport. You will travel 160km to the Deception Valley Private Reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will be given a safari briefing. Night spent in a comfortable camp. (Day 1 – D)

You will explore the area for the next two days, enjoying game drives and participate in a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will share their intricate bush knowledge and give you an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. The game drives will allow you to discover this stunning  area which is home to a fascinating variety of desert specialised wildlife such as oryx and predators including lion, hyena and cheetah. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty.  (Day 2 – B, L, D)

Maun – Deception Valley Private Reserve (northern border CKGR): 160km, 4h

Day 3: Makgadikgadi, comfortable camp

You will wake up as the sun rises and do a short game drive before heading to the Makgadikgadi area. You will spend one night at a camp, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi National Park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Arriving for Lunch at the camp you will have time for a short siesta and then enjoy a game drive along the Boteti River in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)

Deception Valley Private Reserve – Boteti River Camp: 120km, 4-5h (including game drive)

Day 4 – 6: Moremi / Khwai, guest house

After breakfast you will make your way west, you will stop over in Maun where you will enjoy lunch (at own expense) at a local restaurant. Your adventure then proceeds to Khwai, your drive will take you through beautiful wildlife areas, game viewing as you go. You will have the option of taking a helicopter transfer that afternoon to Khwai (45min, rate TBA by your guide/agent – to be booked during the safari, payment in USD). Your journey is to the Khwai River area, on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve – one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana.

 The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for, while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives will explore the region surrounding the Khwai River (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession), and you will also have an opportunity to do a mokoro excursion  (dug out canoe) on a tributary of the Khwai River. Your mokoro poler/guide will share with you hidden secrets of this water system. Accommodation at Khwai Guesthouse in the Khwai Village. (Day 1 – B, D, Day 2 – B, L, D)

Boteti River Camp – Khwai: 340 km, ±6hrs (excluding lunch stop over)

Day 7 – 8: Chobe, comfortable lodge

The safari then heads north towards a rustic camp at the edge of Chobe National Park, where you will stay 2 nights to explore the northern reaches of the park. This day will be a full day activity as we will do a full day game drive through the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park towards the Chobe flood plains. You will have your picnic lunch break en-route and arrive late afternoon at your lodge. 

Time is spent in northern Chobe, a park which is incredibly rich in game due to the Chobe River providing water all year round. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are frequently seen. Due to the high density of herbivores in this area many predators, such as lions and leopards, can be found. While staying at Chobe Elephant Camp you will do game drives and a boat cruise within the Chobe National Park.  (B, L, D)

Khwai – Chobe: 200 km, 10 hrs (including game drives)

Day 9: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, comfortable lodge

Today the journey takes you to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where you will spend two nights at a comfortable lodge. Your guide will take you to the Kazungula border where you will meet the transfer vehicle for your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Visa required).  The lodge team will assist you with arranging activities of your choice that you can enjoy during your stay (at own expense). Spend the afternoon at leisure, visiting the majestic falls or shop for curios. Dinner at own expense. (B) (L, D at own expense)

Chobe – Victoria Falls:  160 km, ±3.5 hrs driving (plus border crossing)

Day 10: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 

The lodge has an activities desk where you can make bookings for the day to explore Vic Falls town. Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask the lodge reception for further details if not pre-booked.(B)

Day 11: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – END of the safari

Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation and transfers to Victoria Falls airport or lodges, Kasane, or any nearby lodges at an additional cost.

DETAILED PROGRAMME – SOUTHBOUND

Day 1: Victoria Falls, comfortable lodge

Your adventure starts at a comfortable lodge at Victoria Falls. Bush Ways Safaris is happy to assist with pre-safari arrangements including transfers (extra cost) from the airport to the lodge. You will have your afternoon at leisure to relax or explore Victoria Falls town and the numerous activities it offers. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

Day 2: Victoria Falls, comfortable lodge

You have this day to further explore Vic Falls Town. Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask the lodge reception for further details if not pre-booked.  Lunch and dinner at own expense. (B)

Day 3 – 4: Chobe, comfortable lodge

Today you will have a leisurely breakfast at your lodge. The lodge reception will advise the departure time of your transfer to Botswana. On leaving Zimbabwe, your safari guide will be waiting to welcome you to Botswana. The next two nights are spent at a rustic camp at the edge of Chobe National Park. Look out for any wildlife along the way as you travel through the Chobe National Park to get to your destination.
Time is spent in Chobe National Park, which is incredibly rich in game due to the Chobe River providing water all year round. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are frequently seen. Due to the high density of herbivores in this area many predators, such as lions and leopards, can be found. While staying at Chobe Elephant Camp you will do a game drive and boat cruise within the Chobe National Park.  (B, L, D) 

Victoria Falls – Chobe, Chobe Elephant Camp:  160 km, ±3.5 hrs driving (plus border crossing)

Day 5 – 7: Moremi / Khwai, guest house

After breakfast, your adventure continues through to the Southern parts of Chobe National Park, having lunch in the Savuti area and travelling onward to the Khwai River area, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. This is one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana with very high concentrations of game.

The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for, while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives will explore the region surrounding the Khwai River (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession), and you will also have an opportunity to do a mokoro excursion  (dug out canoe) on a tributary of the Khwai River. Your mokoro poler/guide will share with you hidden secrets of this water system. Accommodation at Khwai Guesthouse in the Khwai Village. (B, L, D)

Chobe – Khwai Guest House: 200 km, 10hrs (including game drives)

Day 8: Makgadikgadi, comfortable camp

Inspired by the beauty of the area, you will travel south to Maun. You will have the option of taking a helicopter transfer that morning to Maun (45min, rate TBA by your guide/agent – to be booked during the safari, payment in cash only). Enjoy a bit of curio shopping while waiting for the guide and the rest of the group to arrive then have lunch at a local restaurant (lunch at own expense).  After lunch you will head towards your next lodge, an oasis on the edge of the Makgadikgadi National Park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoying the view from the lounge. (B, D)

Khwai – Boteti River Camp: 340 km, ±6 hrs by road (excluding lunch stop over)

Day 9 – 10: Deception Valley Lodge Private Reserve – comfortable camp

After a morning game drive along the Boteti River you will travel to the Kalahari Private Reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Explore the area for two days, enjoying game drives and participate in a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will share intricate bush knowledge and give you an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. The game drives will allow you to discover this stunning area which is home to a fascinating variety of desert specialised wildlife such as oryx and predators including lion, hyena and cheetah. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty. Night spent in a comfortable camp.  (B, L, D)

Boteti – Deception Valley Private Reserve (northern border CKGR): 180km, 4h

Day 11: Maun Airport – END of the safari

Following an early breakfast, you will make your way to Maun Airport where the safari officially ends at 12h00. Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers.(B)

ABOUT OUR ACCOMMODATED SAFARIS
Description: Lodge to lodge safari with one of our local Bush Ways guide the entire duration of the safari that offers travellers the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing wilderness areas. The activities are carried out in the various lodges where we are staying using the lodge game drive vehicles, boats and mekoro (traditional dugout canoes) as well as the Bush Ways safari vehicle.

DESCRIPTION

The Bush Ways Accommodated Safari offers travelers the opportunity to explore the most amazing wilderness areas of Botswana as well as a glimpse of the beauty of Zimbabwe simultaneously providing the comfort of permanent camps and lodges with the incredible privilege of being introduced to these fantastic natural wonders from beginning to end by one of our passionate Bush Ways guides.

This lodge-to-lodge mobile safari itinerary is around a 2/3-star standard and offers a lot of activities. Transportation between lodges is done in a custom-built Bush Ways open game viewer.

The activities are carried out in the various lodges where we are staying using the lodge game drive vehicles, boats and mekoro (traditional dugout canoes).

The accommodation used during this tour will therefore be:

• In Kalahari: Kalahari Private Reserve
• In Moremi/Khwai: Khwai Guest House
• In Makgadikgadi: Boteti River Camp or similar
• Chobe: Chobe Elephant Camp
• In Victoria Falls: Pioneers or similar

Vehicle

For this safari, a custom-built Bush Ways open game viewer will be used for the activities as well as the drive between properties.

# of guests: Maximum participants 12 pax. Departures are guaranteed from 4 guests confirmed on a tour.

Profile 

Activity packed lodge-to-lodge safari that allows you to discover the diversity of Zimbabwe and Botswana in comfort.

LUGGAGE

One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.

One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet

Main luggage: max weight = 18kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm

Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea

Hat/cap

Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months)

Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)

Swimming costume

Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of light weight long trousers and a lightweight long sleeve shirt (long sleeves are extremely useful for sun protection during the day and mosquito protection during the evening)

Please note that camouflage printed clothing is fine for the bush but please do not to wear in towns or when crossing borders.

Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops/sandals

Camera equipment, binoculars, lots of spare films, batteries and spare memory cards for digital cameras are essential as the opportunity to download photos is limited.

Adaptors for cables, chargers, USB, etc.: note that we recommend you label them to avoid confusion on the vehicle charging station

Water bottle and a small day pack for walks

TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID

Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case

Sunscreen

Malaria prophylaxis (see section 5 for further information)

Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray

Water proof/zip lock bags for storing personal items to keep dust free and/or dry.

Personal First Aid Kit

Please note: A First Aid Kit will be present throughout the safari but personal medicines must be brought for the duration of the safari.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

Check with your local immunisation authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician

Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Botswana is considered a malaria area and preventative medications should be taken

Between 2012 and 2015, both South Africa and Botswana required that all travelers coming from / going to Zambia should have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Beginning of 2015, both South Africa and Botswana officially communicated that they shall not require the yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from / going to Zambia. However, beware that regulations could change again without prior notice.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

Negative COVID PCR result documentation not more than 72 hours valid

Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the end date of your trip and there must be at least 6 blank visa pages.

Many nationalities are able to obtain tourist visas for Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the border posts HOWEVER citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking.

For more information see www.botswanatourism.co.bw, www.zambiatourism.com, www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw and www.namibiatourism.com.na

Valid visas – it is your responsibility to arrange visas

For up-to-date visa requirements please check with your travel consultant and/or Embassy

If you need to get a visa for one of the countries visited during your safari, please check when and where the visa can be obtained, and which currency is required for its payment.

Requirements for minor traveling through all Botswana ports of entry

Minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

The Botswana Tourism Development Levy has not been reinstated, if put back in place this will be advised.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.

Bush Ways Safaris does not provide travel insurance.

Bush Ways Safaris provides Okavango Air Rescue membership for the duration of the safari nights. The service provides medical evacuation from isolated areas of the bush by a medically equipped helicopter and emergency doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. International insurance companies are not always familiar with the practicalities of dealing with emergencies in the Botswana bush, which can add to delays in obtaining medical care. Please note this cover does not include pre and post safari arrangements.

Please note that you will be required to provide your insurance details prior to your arrival so we can liaise with your insurance company in the shortest amount of time in case of an emergency. Required details include: medical evacuation insurer’s Name, medical evacuation policy number, 24-hour contact number of Medical evacuation insurer (must be able to phone it from Botswana – USA 800 numbers don’t work from here).

SAFARI DRINKS

Drinks are at your own account at all lodges

Please note that our safari teams do not sell drinks during the safari and drinks can only be bought in town prior to and/or during the safari.

We always recommend that people drink a minimum 3 litres of drinking water / juices / soft drinks per person per day to avoid dehydration.

At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis