CARACAL SAFARI 8 NIGHTS

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Please note: The safari starts 14h30 on Day 1, a pre night is not required however Bush Ways Safaris can assist with pre-safari arrangements if need be.

Day 1 – 3: Mababe, comfortable camping 

The safari begins in Maun where your guide will meet you at 14h30 at Maun Airport. From Maun you will drive through to Mababe. Your first night in Mababe will hint of things to come – arriving into camp in time for sunset, you will settle in to the beauty and sounds of this unique wilderness area. Perfectly positioned between the southern section of the Chobe National Park, and the Khwai and Moremi wildlife areas, the environment offers a mix of both habitats. The river channel winds through the savannah, attracting a diverse mix of animals that come to drink in the dry season, and enjoy the abundant grasses following the rains. Acacia woodland provides shade for all in the heat of the day, with large herds of elephants, buffalo and general game making the best use of it.

Early morning and afternoon game drives through the area will give you the best opportunity to witness this raw nature. You will also have the opportunity to venture out on a night drive, experiencing a very different type of safari, focussing on the wildlife that uses darkness to its best advantage. 

The Mababe private concession belongs to the local community, and as caretakers for this pristine wilderness, there are controls in place which restricts the numbers of visitors to the area, making it a truly special experience for you. (D- day 1. B,L,D – day 2 and 3)

Maun – Mababe: 2.5-3 hours, 120km

Day4 – 6: Moremi, comfortable camping

Your adventure will continue as we travel through the Moremi Game Reserve, stopping for a picnic lunch enroute. A relaxed game drive will take you to your private campsite, arriving late afternoon, where you will spend the next 3 nights. In Moremi Game Reserve, land and water meet to create an exceedingly striking preserve of waterways, lagoons, pans, floodplains, riverine forest and woodlands. This incredible diversity of habitats makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching opportunities. You will enjoy game drives daily discovering natures best kept secrets.

On the second day of your Moremi adventure, you will get to explore the mesmerizing deep water channels of the Moremi on a three hour boat activity – subject to water levels and environmental conditions. (B,L,D)

Mababe – Moremi: 90km, leisurely full day experience

Day 7 – 8: Okavango Delta -Private Island, stylish expedition tented camp

Today you will head towards the edge of the Okavango Delta by the Gomoti River, where you will meet your polers from the local community with their mekoro (dugout canoes). Quietly cruising along river channels and floodplains, you will enjoy the spectacular landscape of this unique region taking you deep inside the Delta. You will spend two days exploring this beautiful area with mokoro excursions and guided nature walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango. (B, L, D)

Moremi – Okavango Delta: 90km, 5h (transfer and game drive)

Day 9: End – Maun Airport

On day 9, you will leave the outskirts of the Okavango Delta, to make your way to Maun. A game drive on your way out will be yet another chance to see the more elusive animals not yet spotted. We continue on to Maun arriving at approximately 12h00. Your guide will drop you off at Maun Airport / lodge booked. Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation and activities at an additional cost. (B)

Okavango Delta – Maun – 75km, 2-2.5h

ABOUT OUR CARACAL SAFARIS
Description: Exceptional camping safari where all camp chores are carried out by our team. There is one guide with the guests at all times and a back up team (chef + camp assistants) in a backup vehicle setting up and breaking camps, cooking meals, etc.

DESCRIPTION

Exceptional camping safari where all camp chores are carried out by our team. There is one guide with the guests at all times and a back up team (chef + camp assistants) in a backup vehicle setting up and breaking camps, cooking meals, etc.

EQUIPMENT

Walk in mini-meru tents with bedrolls and bedding included and ensuite private bush ablutions (shower, toilet, toiletry stand) with direct access from the tent. All drinks included (softs, local alcoholic drinks, drinking water).

VEHICLE

4×4 safari vehicles custom-built by Bush Ways – custom built trailers – one backup vehicle specifically dedicated to setting-up/packing the camp

NUMBER OF GUESTS

Maximum participants = 9 pax so that everyone gets a window seat. No minimum pax required, safari is guaranteed once Bush Ways has accepted and confirmed a departure.

Itineraries

8-night comfortable mobile safari running a loop from Maun to Maun. Ideal to combine with pre or post lodge stay.

Profile

Timeless adventure offering genuine and authentic bush experiences simultaneously offering stunning comfort.

For our picture database, see:

Fully Serviced equipment: https://goo.gl/photos/Ui8WDLPqPv3wx4ka7

Vehicles: https://goo.gl/photos/Dd2sTpACnmtw5SiH7

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 daypack 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
• Toilet paper (this is only necessary if you prefer 2 or 3 ply toilet paper)
• 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

• 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
  Effective from the 1st October 2016 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.

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).