English
DeutschThere are few wildlife experiences in the world like a week spent in the Botswanan wilderness. This classic itinerary offers a lodge and luxury camping combination safari. The lodges are beautiful, comfortable & make for a great adventure safari though the world famous parks.
**CLASSIC JOURNEYS: 3-4 Star accommodation, No-participation with helping out with chores, meals in lodges/restaurants with some picnics provided by guides.
Price:
2023: US$4,067.- pp sharing, Single Supplement US$1,011.-
Guaranteed departures
Tour Style Classic Journey – 3-4 Star accommodation, No-participation with helping out with chores, meals in lodges/restaurants with some picnics provided by guides
Tent at Hyena Pan
Small group safari maximum: 8 travellers
Travel through: Botswana
Safari length: 09 days
DEPARTS: MAUN on Sunday at 14:00pm
ENDS:VICTORIA FALLS on Monday @ ±08:00am
Highlights
* Moremi Game Reserve – game drives
* Savuti – game drives
* Chobe National Park – game drive and river cruise
Overnight The accommodation throughout this classic journey is of 3 to 4 star style and are chosen not only for their service and comfort level but also for their wonderful locations and local wildlife viewing opportunities. All rooms have private en suite facilities. For the 2 nights in central Chobe NP we stay in mini meru tents. Each tent has twin camp beds with linen and en suite chemical toilet and bucket shower with hot water off the fire.
Meals 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners are included. All of which are provided by the lodges, or mobile camp at which we are staying. Due to travel arrangements or game viewing activities, the included lunches will be picnic lunches. Where meals are not included there will be an opportunity to buy a meal en route or at the a restaurant in the evening.
Transport for the entire safari you travel in a purpose built 4WD Land Cruiser with 12 forward facing seats and trailer for luggage. It has solid roof and back which provides protection from the sun, and dust. The Land Cruiser has 12 individual seats in 4 rows of 3 seats but this tour is limited to a maximum of 8 clients so that everyone has a “window” seat. The light aircraft flight from Maun airport to Khwai airstrip is usually 4-12 seater Cessna or Caravan. Due to bush landing the luggage limits are adhered to.
Non participation This is an adventure tour, and as such please expect to get involved. Where there are porters, they’ll help you, otherwise you’ll need to carry your own bag. Included meals are all lodge or camp provided. If you have a particular interest, please let your safari leader know, and he/she will endeavour to make your journey more rewarding.
Day 1, 2 & 3 MOREMI [lodge Bx2 L x2 Dx3]
This safari starts at Maun airport where you will be met and after a short briefing, you will board a light aircraft flight to Khwai. You will then be met by your safari guide and enjoy your first game drive to the lodge.
Moremi Game Reserve is the jewel of Botswana and arguably one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Africa. To the north of Moremi is a vast wilderness consisting of open grasslands and forest and abundant wildlife. Our lodge is situated on a large concession in this wilderness, overlooking a waterhole, the thatched deck allows us to watch the animals in the afternoon as they come down to quench their thirst. Moremi’s wide variety of habitats makes it a birdwatchers paradise. Our days are spent on open 4WD game drives in Moremi GR and on the wildlife concession along the Khwai River.
Day 1: N/A
Day 1: N/A
Day 1: Dinner will be a set menu provided by the lodge
Day 2: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 2: Lunch provided by the lodge
Day 2: Dinner will be a set menu provided by the lodge
Day 3: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 3: Lunch provided by the lodge
Day 3: Dinner will be a set menu provided by the lodge
Includes: Light aircraft flight, game drives & National Park Entry Fees
Overnight: Elephant Pools or Hyena Pan – exclusive private tented bush lodge, bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Twin share permanent tented lodge with en suite facilities.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: Short 20minute flight in small aircraft, morning & afternoon game drives +/-4hrs each
Optional Activities: Helicopter flight over the Delta (own expense)
Day 4 – 5 SAVUTI [mini meru serviced camp BLD]
We head north from Moremi to the renowned Savuti section of the Chobe National Park. This is an excellent area for big predators with frequent sightings of lion and leopard, elephant and plains game. We spend our time on game drives through the dramatic open plains dotted with Acacia, and along the Savuti channel where we hope to see the lions and hyenas that make Savuti an outstanding wildlife destination. We overnight in our serviced tented camp. After dinner in our dining tent, fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.
Day 4: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 4: Lunch provided by the mobile camp
Day 4: Dinner provided by tour mobile camp
Day 5: Breakfast provided by the mobile camp
Day 5: Lunch provided by the mobile camp
Day 5: Dinner provided by tour mobile camp
Includes: Entrance fees, morning and afternoon game drives in open 4WD game viewing vehicle
Overnight: Mini Meru Serviced Camping – twin camp beds with linen and en suite chemical toilet and bucket shower with hot water off the fire. Towel will be provided.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 350kms, ± 8½ hours, excludes game drives & stops for wildlife viewing
Day 6 – 7 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [lodge B – -]
Our next destination is Chobe National Park. We depart Savuti and head north through the remote wilderness of Botswana to the small town of Kasane and our lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. The following day we head back into Chobe NP on a game drive in the early morning before heading back to the comfort of the lodge during the heat of the day. In the afternoon we take a boat cruise on the Chobe River. This is possibly the most satisfying and relaxing game viewing activity in Southern Africa. We head into the park on a small game viewing boat and spend the next few hours till sunset floating slowly down stream while watching the wildlife come down to drink. We get close to the herds of elephants, and have amazing sightings of crocodile, hippo, fish eagle and many more. As the sunsets we head out of the park with some amazing wildlife and sunset photographs.
Day 6: Breakfast provided by mobile camp
Day 6: Lunch will be an own expense meal
Day 6: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Day 7: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 7: Lunch will be an own expense meal
Day 7: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Includes: Entrance Fees, game drive & Chobe River Boat Cruise
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge – Twin en-suite room, en suite facilities. Swimming pool, restaurant bar
Distance/time: 440kms ± 6½ hours, excludes game drives & stops for wildlife viewing (Savuti – Chobe)
Day 8 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE [lodge B – -] Bayete Guest Lodge
We leave Botswana behind and cross into Zimbabwe and make our way to Victoria Falls. The mighty Zambezi River thunders 100m over the gorge creating a magnificent spectacle. The spray from the waterfall sustains a rainforest surrounding the falls which is abundant with birdlife and protected in a National Park. We explore the Victoria Falls on foot with a local guide bringing the Falls to life with tales of the explorers of these ancient lands.
Day 8: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 8: Lunch is an own expense meal
Day 8: Dinner is an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Includes: Entrance fees to Victoria Falls
Overnight: Phezulu Lodge
Free WiFi available
Distance/time: 80kms, ± 1.5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing
Optional Activities: Scenic flights & many more
Day 9 VICTORIA FALLS – TOUR ENDS [- B – -]
There is time for one of the variety of optional adventure activities (own expense) before the tour ends.
Day 9: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 9: Lunch will be an own expense meal
Day 9: Dinner own expense
Includes: N/A
Overnight: N/A
Distance/time: N/A
Please Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!
Special Interest: Botswana is considered Southern Africa’s premier game viewing destination. The remote wilderness, limited access for visitors and abundant game make for an exceptional wildlife safari.
Sustainable Tourism: A Botswana guide travels with us through the National Parks. This ensures employment for local people and direct benefits for the community from tourism. The local guides are highly knowledgeable so please ask plenty of questions, you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.
In a nutshell
- A true African experience – wild and free!
- All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
- Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti & Chobe National Park
Local Payment
- There is no local payment on this tour
Recommended reading
Before you travel you might want to read any of the following books. While not specific to the tour you will join, they do provide some background understanding of the countries you will be visiting.
- #1 ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (Fictional story of life in Botswana)
- Trees of the Okavango by Veronica Roodt (A reference book with traditional uses and myths)
- Okavango: Jewel of the Kalahari by Karen Ross (A comprehensive description of the Delta ecology)
- Don’t run whatever You Do by Peter Allison (A guide’s perspective of Botswana lodge life)
- Okavango: Africa’s Last Eden by Frans Lanting (A coffee table book of photography)
- Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman
- Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, and W.R. Tarboton
- The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates by Richard D. Estes and Daniel Otte
- Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa (Field Guides) by Braam Van Wyk, Keith Coates Palgrav, and Piet Van Wyk
Shopping
- Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing is best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings but these are available mostly at curio shops as there are hardly any craft markets in Botswana.
Food
- The majority of meals on this safari are provided by the lodges.
Difficulty
- Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip.
- Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days. The road conditions through the wilderness areas a very poor and our progress can at times be slow and dusty. Remember to hold on at all times and enjoy the ride!
Things you should know
- Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
- As this tour spends a large amount of time in wildlife areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules.
- Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zimbabwe and Botswana.
- Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring daypack for walks and keeping in the vehicle. You do not need to bring a towel as the accommodation establishments will provide towels.
- We recommend that you bring Euro or US$ for personal expenses on this trip but please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Victoria Falls can be paid in US$ and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Traveler’s cheques can be changed in Victoria Falls, Kasane and Maun (although in Zimbabwe travellers cheques attract a very high commission).
Common questions about this trip
- Can I buy camera memory cards? Memory cards and other photographic accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-300mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots. Each vehicle is fitted with a 12/220V inverter – this can be used while the vehicle is running (but will drain the vehicle battery if left plugged in), so this should only be relied on for limited charging of camera batteries and we recommend you bring a 2nd Remember you can also charge your camera at all the accommodation. In Moremi at Hyena Pan, there is a communal charger in the main lounge area that can be used when the generator is running. The camp otherwise is solar powered.
- Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip!
- Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
- What do I need to bring? All details are covered in our general tour briefing but the basics are: – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, flash light, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure!Why travel with us on Value Tours:We understand that there are several options available to you when choosing your African safari. We also know that you want to make the most informed decision about your safari, what you get, what’s included and what you see and experience. So these are just a few of the qualities and facts:
- Small groups – by travelling with a maximum of 8 or 12 people (depending tour), you are able to witness Africa and have first-hand contact with this amazing continent and its people without being a negative influence. This has been a key factor in our continued success. Our trips appeal to a wide demographic of traveller. Our clients range in age from 25 to 65+ with the average being 45. The range of travellers gives a variety of perspectives which adds to the experience of each safari.
- 2 tour guides – group leaders are the key to any safari. On our safari you will travel with 2 qualified and registered field guides (Field Guides Association of SA). Two guides as crew, not a guide and a driver, means interesting trips with maximum knowledge and information. Our guides have a passion for Africa, her people and her wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with you.
- Guaranteed departures – departure dates on each itinerary shown as bold are guaranteed departure dates. All other departures operate with a minimum of 4 clients.
- All inclusive price – when we travel ourselves, we always feel that if we’re in a country we should find and see the best it has to offer. So when planning the routes we ensure that each trip provides the best inclusions and experiences. For example, if you go to Botswana – you have to visit the national parks in an open 4WD – it is the essence of the Botswana wilderness. If you tour Zambia, then you must visit South Luangwa NP and do a game walk with a local scout. When booking our Safari there are no hidden costs. All of the entrance fees are included, and a wide range of activities, and most meals. We have included many highlights in our tours, so that you will see and experience the highlights without having to pay extra when you get there. So when you decide on which safari company to book with, look carefully at what you’re actually getting. You may only visit a place once, make sure you get the most out of it.
- Safety – our fleet of vehicles are custom built to ensure comfortable and safe touring. Each is constructed, by an authorized passenger vehicle builder, to the latest safety requirements, with a safety shell, and every seat has a lap belt. This gives you peace of mind when travelling with our Safaris on the often demanding African roads.
- Responsible travel – Our commitment to sustainable & responsible tourism is reflected in our low impact travel style where all we take is photographs and all we leave is our footprints. Being an African company we have the grassroots contacts to make a real difference in the lives of the people whose lands we visit.
On each itinerary in the brochure you’ll find a symbol which highlights just one of the sustainable travel initiatives that we support
- Solo Travellers – going it alone won’t make your holiday more expensive; our reservations staff will match you up with another same-gender traveller to keep your holiday affordable. If however you request a single room or tent these are available, with a price supplement
- Experience – Local operator has more than 22 years’ experience planning tours throughout Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of Southern Africa, but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
- Local Operator in Africa – probably the most important part of our value safaris is that our operator is an African company with offices in South Africa and Botswana. They live in Africa, and travel in Africa and it is their passion for this amazing continent that makes them best travel option.
SOS trees project – Okavango Botswana
- For hundreds of years, the local communities in and around Botswana’s Okavango Delta have used the wood of the sausage tree to craft their traditional mokoro (dugout canoes). The knowledge and skill have been passed down from generation to generation and, up until recently, has been a sustainable practice. With increasing numbers of people visiting the Delta each year, more mokoro are needed and as a direct result, more and more sausage trees are being felled and the sausage tree is sadly disappearing from the region. A traditional wooden mokoro will have to be replaced every five years, thereby placing increased pressure on the dwindling sausage tree supply.
We have established a project to encourage polers in the local communities to buy replica fiberglass mokoro’s, which have a lifespan of approximately ten years, are more stable and are produced without any negative affect to the environment. As such, sponsorship for each fiberglass mokoro is needed, and a portion of the tour cost will be donated to the project, but we also will offer our clients the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Please feel free to contact the our office for more information on the SOS trees project or if you would like to make any contributions towards this project. It is something that is close to all of our hearts and we hope that it will be successful.
Local Payment
- A local payment is required on some safaris and this will be collected by your tour leader on departure. The local payment forms part of your overall tour cost, and must be taken into consideration when booking your safari. It will be used by your tour leaders to pay for some of the operational costs incurred on safari.
We prepay by bank transfer, as many of the tour costs as possible. However, in many cases, a cash payment is the only option: certain of the destinations that we visit, only accept cash. For example entry fees to most national parks, some of the campsites and also local food markets (and even some shops) are only payable in cash. In addition, each vehicle has a garage card but these are only accepted in South Africa and parts of Namibia, therefore in all other countries, fuel must be paid for in cash. Due to the remoteness of some departure points, having a local payment system enables us to manage tour funds effectively. The efficiency of this system helps keep the overall tour prices down.
For these reasons, it is necessary for us to charge a local payment. It also ensures that a portion of the tour costs goes directly into the country you are visiting, thereby benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the areas we visit. This is all part of our ongoing effort to operate sustainable safaris that make a real difference.
E&OE
