| 10 NIGHT FAMILY SAFARI SUPERIOR 2012 |
 Livingstone, Chobe, Private Linyanti Concession & Khwai Community Area
Safari Summary / Includes :Road transfer from Livingstone Airport to Waterberry Lodge - 2 Nights Waterberry Lodge – Family Chalet, Livingstone (Includes all meals, local drinks, 2 in house activities per day including a tour of the Falls & entry fees) - Road and boat transfer from Waterberry Lodge to Elephant Valley Lodge - 2 Nights Elephant Valley Lodge – Family Room, Chobe Forest Reserve Bordering the Chobe National Park (Includes all meals, activities and 2 days park fees) - Road transfer to Kasane Airport, seat in charter from Kasane to Saile and road transfer to camp - 3 Nights Linyanti Ebony – Family Tent, Private Linyanti Concession (Fully Inclusive) - Seat in charter from Saile to Khwai and road transfer to camp - 3 Nights Banoka – Family Room, Khwai Community Area (Fully Inclusive) - Seat in charter from Banoka to Maun
Optional Extension to Camp Kalahari – see details below
DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 & 2: WATERBERRY LODGE, LIVINGSTONE Upon the guest’s arrival into Livingstone Airport, they will be met and transferred to Waterberry Lodge by road where they will stay for 2 nights. Waterberry Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River about 22 km from Livingstone, towards Kazungula. The main double-storey lodge area overlooks the Zambezi River and the game park beyond. Upstairs the main lounge is open to the high thatch with plenty of seating and boasts a well-stocked bar and magnificent views. Meals are served in the dining area or alfresco on the sun terrace that overlooks the river. A floating pontoon gently sways on the Zambezi River, making it the perfect location for sundowners, fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the view. A large and welcoming swimming pool is set in the centre of our landscaped gardens and has a small plunge pool with a shallow end, making it safe for children. The comfortable chalets are set in sweeping lawns - some on the riverbank and some overlooking a private dam. Several of the rooms have their own private decks for sunbathing, bird watching, private dinners or just relaxing. In-house activities include a tour of falls, sunset cruise, daytime cruise, fishing, island picnics, guided birding, guided village walk and guided tour of the town and local markets – depending on the rate basis these are included or excluded. All other activities offered in Livingstone can be pre-booked or booked at the lodge on arrival.
AREA DESCRIPTION – LIVINGSTONE - Livingstone is a historic colonial town most famous for its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The town has experienced a revival in the last decade with the old colonial style buildings which line the shaded main avenue, being renovated and now housing shops, cafes and a variety of local businesses. Livingstone offers a wide range of activities from the challenge of white water rafting and bungi jumping, to the awe-inspiring elephant back safaris and sunset cruises. Livingstone has something for everyone. The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the largest sheet of falling water on earth - a spellbinding and mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles - hence the local name 'mosi oa tunya' meaning 'the smoke that thunders'. Water flow over the falls varies throughout the year. The river's annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, this is spectacular from above but it makes it very difficult to see the falls at ground level as it is under a heavy shower/mist. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October - December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island.
Day 3 & 4: ELEPHANT VALLEY LODGE, CHOBE FOREST RESERVE Following breakfast the guests will be transferred by road and boat to Elephant Valley Lodge in the Chobe Forest Reserve, where they will stay for 2 nights. Nestled between Botswana and Zimbabwe, Elephant Valley Lodge lies hidden in the Lesoma Valley in the Chobe Forest Reserve, only a few kilometres outside Kasane. The lodge is set amongst massive camel thorn trees and overlooks a large waterhole which attracts regular herds of elephants thus offering around the clock game viewing.
The lodge offers two activities per day from the following options: game drives into the adjacent Chobe National Park, night drives in the Chobe Forest Reserve as well as boat cruises on the Chobe River. The large elephant population is staggering in the Chobe region and their regular visits to the waterhole offer an incredible sight – you barely need to leave the lodge to have a real Chobe elephant experience!
AREA DESCRIPTION – CHOBE - The Chobe River Front is a remarkable wildlife area due to the permanent water source of the Chobe River. However its accessibility from Kasane and neighbouring towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone has created quite a busy tourist area with larger hotels and lodges than you find in the more remote Okavango Delta. The spectacle of all the animals coming to drink and frolic at the water's edge is one to behold, particularly in the dry season (May - Oct) where water is scarce away from the river. It is an area famous for its abundance of elephants, a variety of predators and, in addition, you are likely to see herds of buffalo and possibly even roan and sable antelope. In the rainy season (Nov - Apr) the game is much less concentrated at the river as the wildlife spread throughout the greater area of Chobe National Park due to availability of surface water from nearby pans. This assists the vegetation on the river banks in recovering from the massive herds that are attracted to the area in the dry months. The summer rains bring beautiful wild flowers, exquisite scenery, impressive bird life and an abundance of young animals usually born around November/December. The spectacular Chobe sunsets alone are worth a visit to the area. Please note that activities are restricted within the national park in accordance with government rules and regulations: these include no driving off-road, no walking and no driving after dark.
DAY 5, 6 & 7: LINYANTI EBONY, PRIVATE LINYANTI CONCESSION Following breakfast and a leisurely morning, guests will be transferred to Kasane airport for their onward air transfer to Linyanti Ebony, where they will stay for 3 nights. Linyanti Ebony is located alongside Linyanti Bush Camp, on the western boundary of Chobe National Park in the famous Linyanti Swamps within a private concession. The small intimate luxury camp only has 4 tents, accommodating up to 8 persons, (3 twin bedded tents and 1 luxury family room). All tents are spacious and offer a bedroom and living area, an elegant bathroom, with flushing toilet, shower with hot and cold running water and a sitting area at the front where guests can sit and enjoy the views over the Linyanti Marsh. The main dining area and lounge have a splash pool making the camp a perfect choice for family experience and small groups requiring private and exclusive use of the camp. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, walking excursions with an armed professional guide, boating and fishing in the recently replenished water filled lagoons and mokoro excursions (subject to water levels). AREA DESCRIPTION – LINYANTI - The Linyanti area lies to the north-east of the Okavango Delta were the Kwando and Linyanti rivers meet at right angles, forming a swamp area within this triangle. The area's relative remoteness makes it a favoured safari destination. The wildlife in the Linyanti area is spectacular and the region is famous for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo which move down to the Linyanti area at the start of the winter months and only move back inland once the summer rains arrive in November. The Linyanti is also known as one of the best wild dog areas in Africa. The dogs start denning anytime from June onwards after which they can usually be found with relative ease for 3-4 months afterwards as they hunt from their den. An abundance of cat species also frequent this area and the birdlife is rich with the best birding months being between October and January. DAY 8, 9 & 10: BANOKA, KHWAI COMMUNITY AREA After an early morning activity and breakfast, guests will be transferred to Banoka by light aircraft, where they will stay for 3 nights. Banoka Bush Camp lies along the Khwai River, in the north of Botswana's Okavango Delta, where a multiplicity of habitats - from forest to riverine - is home to a plethora of wildlife. The Khwai Channel offers fantastic game viewing opportunities and is home to hippo, crocodile, red lechwe, roan and sable antelope species as well as zebra, kudu and blue wildebeest. Predators include lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena. Accommodation at Banoka Bush Camp consists of 10 tented units with en-suite facilities. The main camp area boasts a lounge as well as a dining area offering beautiful views. The camp is named in honour of the River San, or Banoka, ancestors of the Khoi and the earliest settlers of the Okavango Delta.
AREA DESCRIPTION – KHWAI COMMUNITY AREA - Moremi Game Reserve is a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, encompassing the Okavango Delta. The reserve is unfenced and its boundaries are defined naturally by river systems. The vegetation is varied, with dry land complemented by permanent and seasonal swamplands, resulting in an excellent diversity of both wildlife and birdlife. There is a network of game drive routes through the reserve as well as access to the permanent delta waterways in Xakanaxa where boating can be enjoyed (not available from lodges in the Khwai area). Moremi is amongst the best game reserves in Africa for viewing the endangered African wild dog. Xakanaxa is home to a resident herd of several hundred buffalo whose range covers the territories of at least 4 prides of lion which may often be seen flanking the ever moving herd. Breeding herds of elephant move between their browsing areas in the mopane forests and the fresh water of the Okavango. Red lechwe are one of the more unusual antelope species commonly found here. Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season (Apr - Oct) with it becoming very hot in the later months. The heronries become active as the migrant birds return to Botswana from September through November, and general bird watching is excellent throughout the summer months. The rainy season (Nov - Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction. Please note that activities are restricted within the national park in accordance with government rules and regulations. These include no driving off-road, no walking and no driving after dark. Moremi Game Reserve is surrounded by wildlife management areas of the Okavango, with no boundaries between the concessions and the reserve allowing wildlife to move between the woodlands in the wet season when water is plentiful and back to permanent rivers and lagoons in the dry season. The prior inhabitants in the area (the River Bushmen) were moved to the periphery of the reserve, establishing Khwai village near the North Gate exit of the park. The Khwai area is managed by the community through the Khwai Development Trust. This area offers the same wildlife experience as the reserve itself. However, a key advantage of being outside the park is the freedom to do walking safaris and night drives as the area is not governed by the same rules.
DAY 11: SAFARI ENDS IN MAUN Following the morning activity, the guests will be transferred to Maun by light aircraft, for their onward travel arrangements. OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO CAMP KALAHARI
DAY 11, 12 & 13: CAMP KALAHARI, MAKGADIKGADI
Following the morning activity, the guests will be transferred to Camp Kalahari by a light aircraft where they will stay for 3 nights. Camp Kalahari is a return to the traditional safari style of the old explorers and is the best way to experience the Makgadikgadi in a fresh and affordable way. It is the ideal camp for those who want fun, comfort, style and adventure. Camp Kalahari accepts children of all ages and makes for a fantastic family safari destination. The camp is nestled amongst the acacia’s and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi – Nxai Pans National Park. Camp Kalahari has ten Meru tents: seven twin tents, two double tents and one family unit comprising two twin tents with an inter-leading bathroom. All tents have en-suite outdoor bathrooms, flush toilets and the hottest, wettest showers in the Kalahari. The tent interiors are classic old safari style, replete with comfy beds, crunchy cotton sheets, stripy African blankets and hot water bottles in winter. The main area, in the style of original explorer camps, comprises a large and comfortable thatched library, lounge and dining area; here guests can relax and enjoy the serenity and peace of this enchanting place. Activities included at Camp Kalahari all year round are getting up close and personal with a visit to their resident family of habitual Meerkats, walking with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen Trackers for a glimpse into their ancient culture as they teach guests how they have survived in the vast area, game drives to experience unique desert wildlife and a visit to Chapman’s Baobab, campsite of Livingstone and Selous (one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa). The best adventure of all is to travel across the pans on quad bikes during the dry season (April to October) to experience the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans as well as sleep outs on the pans as the sun sets and guests can watch the planetarium show unfold with horizon-to horizon stars. In the wet season (Nov to March) guests can experience the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest. This is the second biggest in Africa and the last remaining in Southern Africa. Please note: As the weather can be so unpredictable, certain activities can never be guaranteed.
DAY 14: SAFARI ENDS IN MAUN Following the morning activity, the guests will be transferred to Maun by light aircraft, for their onward travel arrangements. ***END OF ARRANGEMENTS*** Excludes
2012 Package Prices (Rates Based On A Minimum 2 Pax)
3 Nt Optional Extension to Camp Kalahari
Notes: Single supplement is for accommodation only, applicable when travelling with more than 2 guests and excludes a flying surcharge for guests travelling solo – rate available on request Please note that where a booking crosses over 2 different rate periods e.g. Oct & Nov, neither rate is applicable – please request a special quoteThe above rate is subject to change due to major currency fluctuations and fuel surcharges Rates subject to availability Excludes
GENERAL NOTES
Terms and conditions for booking
|
Elephant Valley Lodge offers twenty traditional meru-style safari tents with comfortabe furnishings, each with private en-suite bathrooms. The public areas consist of a dining room and bar as well as a beautiful terrace with magnificent views overlooking the waterhole. There is a swimming pool for your enjoyment in the hotter months and spacious grassy grounds in which to relax. 
Banoka Bush Camp is located in the Khwai Community Concession, one of the most diverse areas in northern Botswana, which seldom disappoints when it comes to producing extraordinary wildlife experiences. The life source for this area is the Khwai River - the northernmost "finger" of the Okavango Delta alluvial fan. Guided game drives explore the Khwai Concession and adjoining Moremi Game Reserve with nature walks also possible. Mokoro excursions float down the Khwai's secretive channels to provide that classic Delta experience.
AREA DESCRIPTION – MAKGADIKGADI - The network of salt pans found in Botswana's eastern regions are a striking physical feature and some of the largest of their kind in the world. The pans, huge, flat expanses of hot, sun-blasted terrain and fringed by vegetated islands and peninsulas, were once part of a great superlake that covered much of northern Botswana. This desolate landscape offers nothing but sand and sky yet its eerily silent fossil beaches and stunted red baobab trees leave an impression on every visitor. The beauty of the Makgadikgadi Salt pans lies in its stark nothingness: the sight of the vast, open pans is awe inspiring as the earth and sky blend into each other with nothing indicating the horizon but a hazy mirage. Sunset and sunrise hold a mystical quality. This area offers a unique wilderness experience full of adventure. Do not expect huge herds of animals but rather expect the unexpected, everything is interesting here especially when interpreted by the local Bushmen guides of the area. The night skies are breathtaking during the winter months with stars from horizon-to-horizon. Following the summer rains, the area is host to a spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest.