Botswana Adventure Safari – Okavango Delta & Kalahari Desert

Botswana Adventure Safari – Okavango Delta & Kalahari Desert Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Arrive Maun, Botswana and fly via light aircraft to our first remote safari camp in the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

  Your trip begins today in Maun, Botswana. We'll rendezvous at the Maun airport at midday for the one hour flight to the Central Kalahari airstrip and our first safari camp, the remote Kalahari Plains Camp. Beautifully situated in the northern plains of the 12 million acre Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), this 100% solar-powered camp is comprised of individual canvas-walled room units with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private rooftop decks with mattresses to allow those interested to sleep out under the brilliant Kalahari stars. After checking in, we'll have some time to freshen up before gathering in the lounge for afternoon tea and setting out on our first game drive, stopping for a sundowner to toast our first African sunset. Our guide will host a welcome gathering and orientation briefing at the Kalahari Plains Camp tonight after which dinner will be served. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Drive to Deception Valley, one of the Central Kalahai's premier game-viewing destinations. Camp under the desert stars.

  This morning, we have an opportunity to learn more about Southern Africa's indigenous people, the Bushmen, who have made the Kalahari their home for tens of thousands of years. Members of the Bushmen community will lead us on a walk near camp and provide insight into their traditional lifestyle and the hunting and gathering techniques that allowed them to survive in this arid desert environment. We'll return to camp for an early lunch and load our open Land Rover for the scenic 3-hour drive through the Kalahari grasslands to Deception Valley. The drive through this unique landscape is our first foray into the African bush and our guide will help us spot the multitude of creatures – small and large, earthbound and flying – that have adapted to this desert ecosystem. Our comfortable wilderness camp in Deception Valley is already set up in preparation for our arrival. Our roomy 9'x9' stand-up tents include separate twin mattresses on cots with full cotton bedding and attached open-roofed bathrooms with hot bucket showers and eco-toilets. The evening will be spent around the open campfire exchanging stories with our guide, enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by the camp chef, and listening to the night sounds of wild Africa – truly a feast for the senses. All meals included.

• Days 3-4 Explore beautiful Deception Valley and environs in search of wildlife including lion, cheetah, oryx, springbok and honey badger.

  Our focus for the next two days will be on epic full-day game drives as our trips are timed to coincide with the Kalahari summer, the peak season for wildlife in the desert when water from intermittent rainfall supports a large variety of animal and bird species. The various pans – shallow depressions filled with minerals – attract many animals drawn to their salt content and we'll concentrate on areas such as Pipers Pan and Deception Pan during our drives. The full-day explorations also allow us to range further from camp and truly immerse ourselves in this awe-inspiring wilderness.

  We'll awaken early each morning to a hot cup of coffee or tea and a light breakfast before jumping in our vehicle and heading out into the bush. Our guide uses tracking skills honed from years of experience to help us find as many of the desert-dwelling species as possible. Our Kalahari species checklist includes big predators and smaller carnivores such as lion, cheetah, hyena, caracal, bat-eared fox, honey badger, slender mongoose and the elusive aardwolf; grazing herds of springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest and eland; and other ruminants including giraffe, kudu and steenbok. The birdlife here is also fantastic and includes ostrich, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Violet-eared Waxbill, Burchell's Sandgrouse, White-faced Scops Owl, Secretarybird and the endangered Kori Bustard and Lappet-faced Vulture. Tasty picnic lunches are packed each day and we'll find some cooling shade to relax under during our midday meal. We return to camp before sunset for a hot shower followed by a refreshing sundowner and hearty dinner. Those interested in astronomy will be treated to one of the most expansive displays of stars on earth and our guide will help us identify various planets, constellations and other celestial objects before we zip into our cozy tents for the night. All meals included.

• Days 5-6 Fly from Desert to Delta. Spend two days at a deluxe safari camp in the heart of the Okavango and discover this amazing water-world.

  We bid farewell to Deception Valley this morning and depart camp for the return drive to the Kalahari Plains airstrip (approx. 2½ hours). Our waiting light aircraft will lift us over the desert landscape providing a bird's-eye view of the CKGR and its flat grasslands, undulating dunes, salt pans and ancient river valleys. From above, it's nearly impossible to imagine how this arid habitat can support such an abundance and diversity of living creatures. After a brief stop in Maun to refuel, we'll take to the air again and head northwest towards the shimmering Okavango Delta. The change in landscape from a few hours earlier could not be more dramatic. While still located within the greater Kalahari Basin, the annual rainfall and floodwaters that seep into the Okavango from the north transform this region into a water-world dotted with palm-filled islands, tranquil papyrus-lined channels and expansive floodplains.

  Xigera (pronounced Keejera), our camp for the next two nights, is a luxury tented camp situated on a remote island in the Moremi Game Reserve, in the heart of the Delta. Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of a small number of deluxe tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private outdoor showers. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main dining and lounge area. A wooden footbridge connects Xigera Island to its unpopulated neighbor and is often used by lion and leopard moving between the islands allowing guests great viewing opportunities.

  As water surrounds Xigera all year long, the camp provides the perfect opportunity to participate in a variety of marine activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while sitting back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) steered by a seasoned local guide and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways, or watch the sunset and birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. When water levels permit (generally during the months our trips operate), morning or evening game drives allow us to observe wildlife and the unique Delta scenery from the comfort of an open Land Rover. This area has the highest density of the rare Sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta and lion, leopard, hyena, giraffe, vervet monkey and buffalo also inhabit these islands and will commonly swim from island to island in search of food. Birding is excellent, with Pel's Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, African Skimmers and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers to be found. Each night, we'll settle into our beds and drift off to the sounds of Bell Frogs calling; an Okavango lullaby. All meals included.

• Days 7-9 Explore the fantastic 300,000-acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Search for leopard, African wild dog, and hundreds of bird species.

  After breakfast on Day 7, we depart lovely Xigera leaving this serene waterscape behind but looking forward to the excitement that awaits at our next stop, the 300,000-acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on the western border of Chobe National Park. The diverse habitat of the Linyanti includes open floodplains, dry savannah, riverbank and scrubland creating a paradise for a high diversity of mammal and bird species. Access to the Linyanti is private and, with only a small number of camps located in the vicinity and with the ability to drive off-road, our wildlife encounters are intimate and often very close-up.

  Our vehicle will be parked and waiting at the airstrip upon our arrival and we'll be on our way immediately after our plane touches down. Our two-hour transfer to camp will double as a game drive as we watch and listen carefully for signs of approaching wildlife. Our camp, built under a stand of African ebony and knobthorn trees with an outdoor dining and lounge deck, is exclusively ours for the next three days and nights. We'll sleep in large Meru-style tents rooms with full bedding and private bathrooms, evoking the romantic feel of a classic African safari.

  Our daily activities in the Linyanti will include both day and night game drives as well as short walks led by our guides allowing us to learn more about animal tracking and view the landscape from a new and unique perspective. We get an early start each day to ensure we're out and about just after sunrise when wildlife activity is at its peak. We take our time, our guide using his tracking skills to help us spot as many different species as possible and taking "requests from the audience" if there is a desire to search for any species in particular. We return to camp for lunch and an early afternoon siesta before gathering again in mid-afternoon for another wilderness exploration. In addition to lion, leopard and spotted hyena, we'll be on the lookout for African wild dog, a strikingly-patterned canine that is highly endangered with only 3,000-5,500 dogs left on the continent. Witnessing these social animals hunt for prey as a pack is an experience never forgotten. While the population of predators is high, the Linyanti is also known for elephants as well as zebra, Cape buffalo, baboon, red lechwe, impala, warthog, hippo and giraffe and plays host to a large variety of bird species including the Bradfield's Hornbill, Racket-tailed Roller, Bennett's Woodpecker, Southern Carmine Bee-eater and Arnott's Chat. Raptors found here include a number of eagle species as well as Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, African Scops Owl and Dickenson's Kestrel. As an added bonus, opportunities to spot migratory birds are outstanding during the Botswana summer months as many migrants are passing through the region during this time of year. All meals included.

• Day 10 Watch for elephant, hippo, giraffe and crocodile on a Chobe River cruise in Chobe National Park. Transfer to Livingstone, Zambia.

  Although our journey is drawing to an end, our final 24 hours promises a fantastic finish. We return to the Linyanti airstrip this morning for the one hour hop to Kasane in the northern region of Chobe National Park. From Kasane, we'll embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River in search of the elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, giraffe and antelope commonly seen bathing and grazing along the river. The deck of our small boat offers the perfect vantage point from which to observe and photograph all of the surrounding activity. After lunch on board, we return to shore and begin our drive towards the international border at Kazungula, crossing into Zambia and making our way directly to our lodging at Toka Leya Camp. Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River approximately six miles upstream from Victoria Falls, Toka Leya is perfectly situated for exploring both the river ecosystem as well as the nearby World Heritage Site containing the Falls themselves. We'll gather together this evening for a sundowner and final celebration dinner with our guide and newfound friends, recounting the many highlights of our incredible adventure. All meals included.

• Day 11 Take a guided tour of spectacular Victoria Falls before saying goodbye to new friends and departing for home.

  As a grand finale, our trip concludes with a walking tour of Victoria Falls, a thundering sheet of cascading water stretching over a mile wide and considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. We'll view the Falls from the Zambian side and have time to appreciate its majesty before transferring to the Livingstone airport for flights back to Johannesburg or other destinations in southern Africa. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

All accomodations as specified on the itinerary; all light aircraft transfers as noted on itinerary; all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 11; professional guide accompaniment throughout; all daily actvities (game drives, mokoro/boat excursions, bush walks);guided tour of Victoria Falls; Chobe River boat cruise; transfer from Toka Leya to Livingstone airport at trip's end; all soft drinks, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and house wine.

Round-trip international airfare to Maun/from Livingstone; international entry/departure taxes; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages other than those specified under "Included"; pre and post-trip tours; items of a personal nature; gratuities.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

Our Kalahari Desert & Okavango Delta Safari departure dates coincide with the Botswana summer months. During these months, more rainfall can be expected but rain very typically falls in short afternoon thundershowers which produce spectacular skies and vivid rainbows before passing. This is one of the very best times of year to visit the Kalahari as the rainfall produces lush desert landscapes, attracting a plethora of plains game such as springbok and gemsbok which converge in the thousands and are in turn followed by large predators in high numbers. Although vegetation may be fuller, game viewing in the Okavango is generally good year-round with these months being particularly good for spotting migratory birds. Daytime temperatures during summer months generally fall between the high 70s and low 90s depending on specific location. Nighttime temperatures drop into the low-mid 60s. Participants should follow the specific recommendations on the trip Gear List to ensure they are prepared all weather possibilities.

This safari trip is rated Relaxed [1]. This is a safari itinerary with game-viewing being the primary focus. Most days will include multiple game drives and/or mokoro/boat excursions with some opportunities for short bush walks (generally no more than 1-2 hours in length). Safaris are not physically demanding but they are in remote locations and can include some travel over rough terrain. This trip is perfectly suited for active people in good health with a spirit of adventure and an interest in learning more about the natural world.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable on safari is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, REI Adventures trip final bulletin, money, eyewear, medications, camera and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
• The checked luggage allowance on all light aircraft flights within Botswana is 44 pounds per person. Please pack accordingly. Overweight luggage may incur a substantial additional fee.
• Casual attire is completely acceptable for our camps and Africa in general. Neutral, light-colored clothing is best for the safari, to blend into the landscape and not stand out to wildlife. Khaki is always a good color while on safari. Camouflage and bright colors are not recommended.
• Laundry services are available in camps but it’s good to come prepared to occasionally hand wash your clothes (quick drying materials are best). Travel packets of detergent and a travel laundry line come in handy for this purpose.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate wet clothing from dry.
• If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of irritation from dust in your eyes.
• Many of the roads in Africa are deeply rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags to protect them from the dust. This is in addition to their normal cases. Also bring lens cleaning materials.