Trips & Tours: Botswana Overland Safari

Departing from Johannesburg in the early morning, we set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities we head for Nata Lodge, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the impressive Sowa salt pan, here we camp the night. Familiarise yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal at the Lodge (own expense)

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the 4x4 vehicle for an initial excursion. We then return to Nata Lodge for a welcome swim and a bite to eat. Relax for a few hours during the heat of the day before breaking camp and packing up to head down the Maun road out to the Makgadikgadi Pans to view these spectacular depressions, known for their unique bird life and the other desert species of animals they attract. Explore the area for Springbok, Gemsbok and other unique species. Camp wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night.

A leisurely start, after exploring a little more we leave the pans and then drive to the Drifters Maun Camp. This camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River, near Maun, and offers us the opportunity to rid ourselves of the Makgadikgadi dust under a warm shower. In the afternoon we will conduct a walk to a local village for an insight as to how the local inhabitants cope in these harsh conditions. Any fly-in passengers will be collected in Maun this afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a traditional “braai” before camping the night.

The Okavango, a massive river spilling its contents into the Kalahari sands creating one of the world's only true inland deltas and a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a nervous Lechwe pounding across a flooded plain, the Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle all combine to create one of nature's masterpieces. We drive on sandy tracks to the heart of the Delta, then continue by Mekoro to our remote camp where we spend three nights in true wilderness.

Explore the area on foot and by mekoro - the traditional aquatic mode of transport. There will be time to simply appreciate the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will have the opportunity to do an own expense game flight over the Delta on either day 4 or 7.

See day 05.

We continue to explore the Okavango Delta in the morning before returning to the Drifters Maun Camp to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal.

We pop back into Maun first thing in the morning for the group and guide to stock up with supplies for the onward journey. Now we prepare for the game viewing part of the trip. Perched high on our well-equipped vehicle we head north into the wilderness, passing remote villages along the way. We spend five days in these reserves, starting with Moremi, camping the first night near the well-known 3rd Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the Hyena or the earthy roar of a Lion, and even the deep grunt of a half submerged Hippo. We then head on north via Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. This area is excellent for game viewing and we will conduct afternoon and morning drives along the wetland areas. Then on up to Savuti, the area offers a multitude of game drive options and a very active campsite (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving Elephant, and the meat from the prowling Hyenas). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub. Moving into Chobe, famous for its large herds of Elephant, which gather on the flood plains, we spend the morning exploring the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Here we hope to see the Puku, found exclusively on the Chobe flats.

See day 08

See day 08.

As day 08.

After starting the day game viewing we then cross the border to spend the night in comfort at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn.

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, "Mosi o Tunya", "The smoke that Thunders". After admiring this wonder of the world, various other places can be visited and activities enjoyed – the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the crocodile farm. An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, White Water Rafting, Bungi Jumping, or an Elephant Back Safari are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend three nights here, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves. Two of the nights we will eat out in local restaurants (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure.

See day 13.

The people flying out on the 13-day tour will do so here and overlanders will return to Botswana and complete the triangle back to Nata. Camp for the last time and share your experiences with the next tour just arriving (dinner own expense).

Transfer back to the bus to arrive in JHB in the early evening (all meals own expense).