Okavango | Botswana

"The Okavango is a spectacular water wilderness in an unspoilt corner of Africa, and one of the prime game-viewing destinations in Africa. This pristine wetland ecosystem is home to a large variety of wildlife, and therefore forms the highlight and focal point of this safari experience."

Botswana: Okavango Safari

Tour highlights:

• Solitude of Kubu Island - unusual rocky outcrop on the edge of Sowa Pan
• Opportunity to visit Victoria Falls from Kasane
• Fantastic 'Big 5' reserves of Chobe, Savuti & Moremi
• Challenging off-road driving includes thick sand & water crossings
• Unfenced campsites & bush-camps in wilderness & wildlife areas
• Excellent birding - over 400 species recorded!

A tour to the ever-popular and spectacular wildlife reserves around the Okavango Delta is a 'must-have' on any wilderness and nature lover's CV! The tour starts at Khama Rhino Sanctuary - join us here to meet the rest of the group, and for a pre-tour briefing. Next morning we travel to Kubu Island - situated on the edge of Sowa Pan, this 10m high / 1km long rocky outcrop with its ancient rock walls, baobab and star-chestnut trees, speaks of an earlier time when it was surrounded by water, and possibly used as a sacred initiation site by early inhabitants.

From Kubu we head to Maun, southern 'gateway' to the Okavango Delta. We continue north to our overnight camp at Moremi South Gate or a community campsite nearby. Our route now takes us to Moremi Game Reserve, recognised as one of Africa's best game parks - home to the 'Big 5' and a great diversity of other wildlife. We continue on to the Khwai River area and Savute with driving challenges including thick sand, water crossings and possible mud. We now head to Ihaha and the spectacle of wildlife coming down to drink at the river.

With over 400 bird species recorded, keen birdwatchers should look out for 'specialities' such as the slaty egret, Bradfield's hornbill, wattled cranes, brown firefinch and pink-throated long-claw. Our route to Kasane, last night of the tour, takes us via the Chobe Riverfront and Chobe Forest Reserve.

Important notes:

• Passports and vehicle papers required for entry to Botswana
• Malaria area - anti-malarial prophylaxis strongly advised
• Tour cost includes guiding fee, camping costs, park entry fees and two dinners provided by us
• Unfenced campsites and bush-camps in wildlife areas
• Fuel, water and provisions required for six days away from shops and supplies

Check our tour schedule for available tour dates.

Contact us for further information.

Information

Tour cost includes:

• Tour bookings
• Professional tour leader / guide
• Detailed information pack with GPS points
• Camping costs (11 nights)
• Park & reserve entrance & conservation fees
• Two dinners provided by us

Where are we in Africa?

Off-road driving conditions:

Gravel, corrugations, sand, water crossings and mud in places

Experience level:

Reasonable, to cope with the variety of off-road terrain encountered, including thick sand, possible mud and water crossings. Where required, advice and assistance will be given by your tour leader

Minimum off-road fuel range:

550 km

Vehicle requirements:

Good ground clearance, transfer gearbox (hi / lo range), lockable differential/s, strong recovery points front and rear, good set of tyres, spare wheel

Essential equipment:

Long-range fuel and water tanks, dual battery system with deep-cycle battery, fridge / freezer

Optional / recommended:

29 MHz radio, vehicle snorkel, 2nd spare wheel

Recovery gear:

Advanced set-up including Hi-lift jack, jacking plate, spade, tow strap, tree protector, snatch strap, bow- and D-shackles, compressor, tyre guage, tyre repair kit, tyre levers, tyre tube, radiator seed net, spare V-belts, spare oils & fluids, assorted nuts & bolts, etc.

Tour distance:

1,150 km Khama to Maun to Moremi to Kasane