9 days from £1325pp plus international flights.
This is a great value semi-participation camping safari which takes you to some of the best places in Botswana for spotting excellent wildlife plus one of Africa's most iconic sights, Victoria Falls.
Botswana safaris offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, but they can be very expensive. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and Savuti are all included on this trip, as well as Victoria Falls, so this might be cheaper than some trips, but you're not losing out wonderful experiences.
This is not run solely for Tribes' clients, but you will be joining people from other companies and of other nationalities. You don't have to cook as there will a cook travelling with you (and he WILL impress you with what he can conjure up on the fire!), but you will be asked to help put tents up and down (it's not hard!).
Importantly, the professional guide on this safari will have excellent knowledge of the wildlife, and the benefit of staying with the same guide throughout a safari is that he gets to know what you want so can try to tailor experiences to the wishes of the group.
Tribes MD, Amanda Marks, has travelled with this safari company so knows first-hand about their services and rates them highly in their sphere.
The safari vehicle
The vehicle takes max 12 people and has a trailer for mobile kitchen and luggage. If the weather is good the vehicle will be kept open, though hard Perspex sides can be put up if it's rainy, and there is a canvas roll top. There is a fridge so cold drinks are on hand, and there is even a charger so that you always have charging facilities at your disposal - night and day.
Sleeping arrangements
The two-man dome tents are roughly 2.5m square. You will be given a decent mattress, but either need to bring your own sleeping bag or we can rent you one.
If you are a single person and willing to share a tent with someone of the same sex, then even if you end up with your own tent, you are not charged a single supplement. You can however guarantee your own tent if you want to pay a single supplement.
Camp facilities
For every 8 people there is one bush shower and one bush toilet. Both are within a tented cubicle for privacy. There is also an awning which is used to shade the dining table and chairs. Of course, there is also the kitchen trailer and all the equipment need for the cooking - all very important!
A few other details
The minimum age for this trip is about 12 years. Average age tends to be around 40yrs. There is a first aid box on board, and there is communication via radio.
Oh, and did we mention ... these trips are great fun!
Arrive into Maun where you will be met and transferred to Maun Lodge. You’ll have a free afternoon and evening at the lodge, time to buy the drinks you'll be taking with you on the safari vehicle, relax after your journey and enjoy dinner served by the fire outdoors in the boma. You’ve arrived in Africa!
Your safari experience begins as you depart from Maun in the early morning (07.30am) and enjoy the drive to Moremi Game Reserve, one of Botswana's most famous wilderness areas. We'll be heading the western/Xakanaxa area of the reserve first. With a game drive on the way, this will be about 6-7 hours. Full board.
A full day's game viewing in the incredible Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. There is a profusion of wildlife here, from the big five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino) to excellent birdlife and many other species. Full board.
Another full day to enjoy the game-rich Moremi Reserve, but we'll move campsite today to the north-eastern/Khwai River region of the reserve so you can explore a slightly diffrent area. There will be a morning game drive then back to camp for lunch and a siesta before an afternoon game drive. Full board.
Today we travel north to the drier Savute region in the south of Chobe. This is basically a full day's journey (about 7-8 hours) moving from the Delta region of Botswana to the northern parks. Whilst it's mainly a driving day you will be going through great scenery and you'll no doubt be seeing some wildlife on the way. Full board.
Travelling even further north today, we drive the roughly 5-6 hours (game viewing on the way) to Chobe National Park's riverfront area. Set alongside the Chobe River this is a fabulous wildlife area which attracts wildlife from miles around and we'll stay here for 2 nights. Full board.
A great day of game viewing in and around Chobe National Park. Elephants love wallowing by the river, fish eagles love this area, and there is a profusion of antelopes, buffalo, lions, zebras, giraffes and other wildlife. Full board.
After a short morning game drive, we drive across to Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe (about 2-3 hours with border formalities). You will have time to visit the stunning Victoria Falls later today (not included). Breakfast, lunch. Dinner is on your own account.
The tour ends after breakfast, though we can easily add on more days for your to enjoy the many exciting trips and excursions you can take around the Victoria Falls. If you're going to the airport today your transfer is included. Breakfast.
Guide price from (pp sharing): £1325 (ex. international flights) Price notes: 2020 price from (pp sharing, exc international flights): 01 Jan - 30 Jun & 01 Nov - 31 Dec 2020 from £1325 Includes: Guide and camp assistant, activities as shown, park fees in Botswana, 6 days full board, 1 day breakfast & lunch, 1 day breakfast, transport in safari vehicle, camping for 6 nights and 2 nights lodge accommodation. Excludes: Sleeping bag,towels and all other items of a personal nature, visas, vaccinations, tips, drinks (each person buys drinks at the start of the trip to be stored in the trailer), airport transfers (can be arranged). Getting there: "International flights UK-Johannesburg-Maun and Livingstone-Johannesburg-UK will cost from £1200. |
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Find the best time to visit Botswana
Time: GMT +2hrs
Flight time: Overnight flights to Johannesburg then connections to Maun, total flying time about 13 hours.
Language: The official language is English. Tswana is spoken widely.
Visas: Not required for British travellers (up to 90 days). EC nationals can ask us for further advice.
Health: There are no compulsory vaccinations, except yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area. Malaria prophylactics are recommended in the north.