Wilderness Dawning Safaris

Expertise and Specialisation

We offer three different styles of mobile safaris throughout Botswana and also specialise in fly-in safaris to luxury wilderness camps. In addition to operating our own scheduled group departures we also run a high number of private group charters. With our strong community-based local travel partner network we also design safaris, and include activities, to suit any travellers’ needs. We also cater for travellers with more specific requirements such as ornithology, botany, geology or cultural safaris. In the past our special interest safaris have included schools, universities, rotary and non-English speaking groups.

Licences and Associations

Under rulings set by the Botswana government, all safari operators have to obtain a Tourism Enterprise License which is renewed annually with the Department of Tourism. Prior to issuing this license an adherence to strict guidelines has to be demonstrated. For example, Public Liability insurance cover is mandatory as is regular financial monitoring by the Department of Revenue. Wilderness Dawning is also a member of HATAB - the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana - and as such has agreed to a specific code of ethics and conduct. Association members are responsible for the enforcement of this code. Membership of HATAB also gives us access to exclusive wilderness bush camps well away from other travellers.

Responsible Travel

The official policy of Botswana's democratically elected government in regard to tourism is one of high quality / low density, as opposed to low cost / high volume which is used in many other African destinations. This remarkable foresight by the Botswana government has guaranteed the area's exclusivity. Extremely strict standards and controls assure the visitor the most fulfilling experience possible while ensuring that you don't have your safari shattered by hoards of other vehicles and people.

Participation Mobile Safaris

On these safaris guests are required to erect and take down their own tents and help out with basic camp chores - all part of the group experience! Typically, guests are usually met in Maun or Kasane or transferred from Livingstone (Victoria Falls) to start their safari. They are flown or driven to their first camp from where game viewing commences. Typically two game drives a day are experienced. The morning drive leaves at first light when predator activity is expected. We return to our camp for brunch as the day starts heating up. The hottest part of the day is spent in camp…siesta time. Our afternoon drive departs after tea, usually around four, to return in the early evening. Game drive routes vary from one trip to the next, depending on sightings and animal activities. Generally, we drive quite far and slowly to absolutely maximize game-viewing potential. Should we be moving from one camp (or lodge) to another, a short drive is taken in the morning and we drive through game areas to our next camp, where lunch is served.

Non-Participation Mobile Safaris

Camping safaris with the additional services of a back-up crew and vehicle. The crew undertakes all camp chores on these trips.

Luxury Lodge Mobile Safaris

Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

A lodge to lodge based luxury safari on which we drive rather than fly between lodges.

Fly-in Safaris

Fly-in safari itineraries to luxury wilderness camps. Game viewing activities are normally undertaken aboard the camp’s own vehicles.

Food and Beverages

Wholesome and varied meals are prepared over an open-fire by our guides and cooks. Detailed menus are available upon request and special dietary needs can be catered for. Breakfast usually consists of a choice of cereals, bread with choice of jam, honey and butter, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit. When we move from camp to camp lunch will consist of salads, cold meats, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, bread and fruit. When we stay in a campsite brunch is usually served around 1100 and consists of bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes and salad. Snacks such as crisps, nuts and savoury biscuits are served with drinks in the evening. Dinners are either a selection of vegetables with beef, fish or roast chicken or can consist of a curry, pasta or stew-type meal. All dinners are followed by a desert. Wine is always included with dinner as is tea and coffee. All other beverages are at guests’ expense and can be ordered as required. Stainless steel cutlery is always provided.

Accommodation

Wilderness Dawning offer an above-average level of comfort whilst camping. Our tents are either 2.5 x 2.5 metre dome-type that one can stand inside or we have tents that accommodate families that are 5 x 5 metres in size and are compartmentalized. Tents are made from durable rip-stop canvas and have sewn-in ground sheets. They come equipped with sturdy camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillow, pillow cases and sleeping bags. They are completely insect/mosquito proof and waterproof. Other equipment used on safari to enhance our guests comfort are camping basins, wash stands, hot water bucket showers and water-based portable toilets. Safari-style fold-up chairs and six foot tables are provided with all meals eaten from the table. Water for drinking and washing is carried in a back-up vehicle in 200 litre water tanks, although some guests do prefer to purchase bottled mineral water.

Transport

Robust 4WD vehicles are essential for travel in Botswana due to the variable conditions of the tracks within protected areas. Wilderness Dawning only operates specially-modified Toyota Land cruisers that can accommodate either 8 or 12 guests. All vehicles have an open roof and sides (with roll down weatherproof canvas) and thus offer the best game-viewing opportunities. They also come equipped with first aid kits, a fire extinguisher, individual bucket seats with seat belts and a battery powered refrigerator for beverages. Our guides are in 24-hour radio contact with our operations base in Maun. We carry out a twice-yearly risk management assessment of our operations to ensure maximum client safety and due care.

Local Guides

Over the years we have built up an enviable reputation for the recruitment, training and development of local Botswana guides who are acknowledged to be the best in their field. We have focused on this aspect because we know the single-most important contributing factor to a successful safari is the ability, personality and knowledge of the professional guide in all aspects and conditions of the safari. All are fully licensed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Botswana. All our guides have a deep appreciation for the wilderness and wildlife that lives there. Most importantly our guides display a love for the country and its people. On our safaris our guests are enriched with the guides knowledge and gain a new perspective on the country they are visiting.

Age Restrictions

Although in Botswana many lodges operate a minimum age policy of 12 years old, tailor made camping and lodge safaris can be arranged through us for families with children with a minimum age of 6. If unsure please contact us for specific details of lodge policies. There is no upper age limit although a reasonable degree of health and fitness is required.

What to Bring

Soft luggage is recommended along with a daypack. Clothing should be lightweight, dull, khaki or green coloured and comfortable. Easily washable fabric is advised as laundry can be washed during mid-day hours. A warm jacket is essential throughout the year (for morning game drives). Comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Sturdy sandals will also be useful. Take a swimming costume and towel. For sun protection take a long-sleeved light shirt, a hat, high-factor sun cream and sunglasses. A quality torch with spare batteries is essential. Take your own toiletries as none are provided locally. High quality binoculars are essential for effective game viewing. Take a camera with zoom lens for photography. If you bring a video or digital camera please remember to bring a 12 volt charger for connection to our vehicle. There is a maximum weight restriction on our vehicles of 12 kg.

A deposit of 20% of the tour price is payable to confirm booking subject to availability. The final balance is payable no later than 45 days prior to departure. Cancellations conditions apply. Payment can be made direct into our First National Bank account in Maun, in US$. Full details are provided below: 1. Wilderness Dawning (Pty) Ltd and its associated companies is hereinafter referred to as “the Company” and the passenger and/or agent is hereinafter referred to as “the Passenger”. 2. a) The Passenger, having placed his/her booking shall not be entitled to withdraw or cancel the same without the Company’s written consent being first had and obtained thereto; b) The Company shall be entitled to withhold such consent, without assigning any reason therefore; c) Acceptance by the Company of the deposit, which shall be 20% of the tour fare, shall not constitute acceptance by the Company of the booking; d) Acceptance by the Company of the booking shall be evidenced by the forwarding to the Passenger or his/her agent of an invoice, indicating an amount due and/or owing by the Passenger to the Company and the document shall constitute the contract. 3. The Passenger acknowledges that the tour price and itinerary disclosed to him/her at the time the booking was effected, alternatively at the time the contract was concluded, may be varied (not in excess of 15%) by the Company from time to time, without notice to the different from the itinerary that the Passenger anticipated enjoying, the Passenger shall not be entitled to cancel the contract. 4. Tour prices include only transportation by vehicles or fixed-wing aircraft in accordance with the itinerary issued in respect of the particular tour, fees to such game parks as are shown on such itinerary, accommodation and use of camping equipment, attendance of a courier/driver or pilot but do not include the cost/s of visas, vaccinations, insurance, or such items as are indicated in the Company’s booklet on general information, which shall be borne and paid by the Passenger. 5. a) The Passenger acknowledges that it is his/her responsibility to ensure that he/she is in possession of the necessary travel documents that may be required in respect of the proposed tour and itinerary, as well as all health and other certificates that may be required from time to time. b) Even though the Company will endeavour to assist the Passenger in this regard, such assistance is to be at the company’s sole discretion, the passenger acknowledges that in doing so, the company is not assuming any obligation or liability and that nevertheless the responsibility to ensure that the aforesaid documentation is in order and complies with such lawful and other requirements to enable the Passenger to enjoy the benefits of the tour, remains the Passenger’s. 6. a) Each Passenger shall be entitled to no more than one (1) soft-sided suitcase weighing no more than 12 kilograms, and a maximum size of 66 centimetres in length. b) The Company shall be entitled to refuse to carry any baggage in excess of the aforesaid. 7. a) The Passenger acknowledges that there are dangers and risks inherent in the tour which they will be undertaking and; b) The Passenger agrees to assume all the risks connected with or arising out of all aspects of the tour and; c) The Passenger waives any rights of any nature whatsoever which they or their assigns or successors-in-title, dependants or heirs may have against Wilderness Dawning (Pty) Ltd and its associated companies (“the designated persons”) in respect of their injury or death or loss or damage which they may sustain connected with or arising out of the tour notwithstanding that it may have been occasioned by an negligent act of omission on the part of any of the designated persons and; d) The Passenger indemnifies the designated persons against all loss (including loss of reputation or goodwill), damage, costs (including attorney and own client costs, collection costs, collection charges and costs of any appeals), interest and expense which they may, or be likely to sustain as a result of any claim (contingent or otherwise), relating to, arising out of or in connection with the tour notwithstanding that such injury, loss or damages or their death may have arisen as a result of any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, on the part of Wilderness Dawning (Pty) Ltd and its associated companies and/or each of the employees, servants, agents, independent contractors and/or representatives of Wilderness Dawning (Pty) Ltd and its associated companies, in whose favour this constitutes a stipulatio alteri capable of acceptable at any time and; e) The Passenger warrants that they are over 21 (twenty-one) years of age; f) The Passenger agrees to pay on demand such sum(s) as may be sufficient to cover any actual or prospective claim referred to in clause 7(c) notwithstanding that such claim may not then be payable. 8. a) These terms constitute the entire terms of the relationship between the parties. There exist no other terms and conditions regulating their relationship. No amendment, cancellation or waiver of any term or right referred to herein shall be valid or binding unless reduced to writing and signed by both parties. b) The Passenger acknowledges that save and except for what has been stated herein, there exist no warranties, representations, guarantees, promises, undertaking or inducements of any nature whatsoever. Any matter or thing said by any person on behalf of the Company or purportedly on behalf of the Company, irrespective as to the position such person occupies and which is not stated herein, shall not be binding on the Company, irrespective as to the nature and extent of any such thing, and the Passenger acknowledges that he/she has not relied on any matter or thing stated on behalf of the company, that is not included herein. 9. a) The Passenger agrees and undertakes that he/she will at all times comply with the Company’s requirements in regard to his/her conduct, and he/she will not in any way constitute a nuisance to any other person on the tour. b) In the event that the Passenger breaches any obligation assumed by him/her in terms of this agreement or in sub-paragraph (a) above, or does any act or omission which in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion it considers constitutes and infringement of the company’s rights or any other passenger or the tour, or if a passenger constitutes a nuisance to the Company or any other passenger, the Company shall be entitled to terminate the Company’s booking and refuse to permit the Passenger to continue with the itinerary and tour. In these circumstances the Passenger at his/her sole cost and at his/her responsibility, shall be obliged to make his/her own way home. In these circumstances the company shall not be liable to make any refund to the Passenger, and the latter will have no claim of any nature whatsoever against the Company. 10. a) Where the Passenger is travelling with other person/s, he/she shall be deemed to have warranted that he/she is authorised on behalf of such other persons, to agree to the terms thereof. Where such other person/s are subject to his/her legal guardianship, or where such other person is his/her wife/husband, any act or omission committed by the other person/s, and similarly any act or omission committed by the other person/s shall be deemed to be the act of omission by each and every person within the party. b) No person other than a director of the Company is authorised to vary, cancel, or waive any term, and then to be effective it must be in writing and signed by a director. Any purported variation, waiver, or cancellation by any other person purportedly on behalf of the company shall not be valid and binding on the Company. 11. a) The Passenger warrants that he/she has authority to conclude this booking and the contract between the Company and himself/herself. b) Where the Passenger is travelling with his/her family, he/she warrants that he/she is authorised to bind each and every member of his/her family to the terms of this contract, and it shall be deemed to be a separate contract between the company and each such person (be it family or other). 12. a) All reservations are to be pre-paid 45 days prior to travel. b) Should any of the conditions not be met as outlined in clause 12(a), Wilderness Dawning Safaris (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to cancel the reservations without notice. 13. a) Should a cancellation be received between 60 and 30 days prior to due arrival date, 25% of the contracted rate will be charged. b) Should a cancellation be received between 29 and 14 days prior to due arrival date, 50% of the contracted rate will be charged. c) Should a cancellation be received between 13 and 0 days prior to due arrival date, 100% of the contracted rate will be charged. d) Please note that in the case of a dispute, no cancellation will be considered as confirmed unless a written letter of cancellation has been received from our Johannesburg reservation office at the time of cancellation. 14. Payment can be transferred into the following bank account in US$: Botswana Wilderness Dawning Account # : 6201 6982 317 First National Bank Maun Branch Branch Code: 282 367 SWIFT Address: FIR NB WG 720

CHILD POLICY

Wilderness Dawning permits children above the age of 12 years old to accompany their parents or legal guardians on safari. Should a family with younger children wish to travel they may do so on a private safari only, or once Wilderness Dawning has informed any other travelers of the children’s ages and have their consent. Please note that on the Luxury Accommodated Safaris many of the lodges do not take children under 12 years old and some take no children at all under any circumstances.

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