Contrasts of Botswana

Introduction

To truly experience the beauty of Botswana and visually see the contrasts one needs to visit the three very unique and different regions. On this safari we visit the Makgadikgadi Pans, the Central Kalahari onto the southern Okavango Delta for a water and walking safari and lastly to the Northern Okavango for a predominantly land experience with ay drive and night drives.

Day 1 & 2

Upon arrival in Maun where a company representative will meet you and assist you to the charter plane for a flight to Makgadikgadi Camp. Spend two nights at Makgadikgadi Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Makgadikgadi Camp

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is a remnant of a vast and ancient “Super Lake” today… the Makgadikgadi has a lunar landscape but in the summer months (December to March) it is transformed into great sheets of water, which attract a spectacular array of water birds and trigger dramatic migrations of wildebeest and zebra this is one of Southern Africa’s last true migrations.

When not holding water the entire area with its lunar landscape of great wide open uninhabited spaces and endless horizons is a perfect place to get away from it all and you would go far to better Makgadikgadi Camp.

Nestled among the palms and acacias on Hyaena Island, Makgadikgadi Camp, is located on the edge of the salt pans and adjacent to Makgadikgadi National Park, a perfect base to explore this unique and changing land. 

Makgadikgadi Camp has been built with a belief that not everything in Africa is khaki. Traditionally built using local craftsmen and their knowledge, Makgadikgadi camp is a unique and relaxing environment, combining Western comforts with the flair and colour of Africa.

The main complex consists of a thatched library, lounge and dining area, allowing one to relax and savor the serenity and peace of this enchanted area. In the heat of the day simply relax or take a dip in the plunge pool.

Accommodation is in comfortable tents accommodating a maximum of 10 guests thus ensuring personalized service and attention to detail. The tents all have en suite alfresco bathrooms, with flush toilet and shower facilities which provide a home from home.

At night admire a night sky seldomly seen on earth … talk about the days events whilst sitting around the flickering fire.

Each season has its own particular beauty, in summer when the rains have arrived the pans come to life, the birds and vegetation blossom, the migration comes to town, thousands upon thousands of zebras, enjoy your days watching the bird life, following the zebra or just relaxing looking at this vast expanse of water.

In winter, the pans dry up the large migrations leave, but the true desert animals remain, take a night drive to spot the elusive nocturnal desert species.  During the day go out into the pans, either by vehicle or by bike to visit archaelogical sites of stone age tools or just to see infinity and the curve of the earth.

In both seasons night drives are a fascinating opportunity to see shy nocturnal desert species, whilst during the day one can visit historical sites such as Chapmans and Greens Baobab.

Whatever the season you will find plenty to do, in this vast and magical region

Day and Night Drives, Quad biking, Visits to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Archeological sites, and Sleep outs on the pans are all on offer here.

Day 3 & 4

After your morning activity board a charter flight for a scenic flight to The Central Kalahari and Deception Valley Lodge.  
Spend two nights at Deception Valley Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.

Deception Valley Lodge

Discover an oasis in the Kalahari of Botswana not far from the famous Okavango Delta a luxury safari lodge called Deception Valley Lodge. The best African - Kalahari experience, with Bushman at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique safari lodge.

Situated about 120km due south from Maun, adjoining the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and not far from the famous Okavango Delta, lies a unexpected luxurious lodge that provides a unique African experience for those who wish to soak up the true atmosphere of the bush in one of Africa’s remote areas.

A stay at Deception Valley Lodge combines the best in international standards of accommodation with all the excitement of being surrounded by the wild, untamed bush of Africa and all the wildlife that inhabits it.

The main complex boasts a dining room; lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colours making use of Bushmen and other African artefacts. From the deck you can view activities at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms part of the complex.

  The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was built to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour.

Theres an inviting swimming pool situated close to the main complex, to enhance the enjoyment of our guests, as well as a boma for night time meals, whilst gazing across a clear night sky with its abundance of stars and listen to the enthralling night calls of the wild completes the main complex area.

Accommodation consists of eight private units, each consisting of a twin bedroom, a lounge and a Victorian style bathroom with an outside shower. Each unit has a deck where you can sit and gaze at the vastness of the Kalahari bush, stretching for miles in front of you.   

To feel the pulse of Africa, guests go on game drives and track wildlife in an open four-wheel-drive vehicle or take to the bush on foot with experienced guides (Bushmen) who share their knowledge of game in the region. A cultural experience with San Bushmen is some of the experiences that will never fade.

Deception Valley Lodge, offers Day and Night Drives, Walking Safaris, and Tacking Safaris.

Setting off in the cool morning air with your Guide and Bushman Tracker, the Bushman will share decades and decades of bush knowledge with you.

Day 5 & 6

After your morning activity board a charter flight for a scenic flight to The Okavango Delta and Delta Camp.  
Spend two nights at Delta Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Delta Camp

Situated on the South Western edge of Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta is Delta Camp - set in the forest of a large, beautiful and palm studded island. 

The Okavango Delta with its crystal-clear channels, lagoons, sweeping floodplains and countless islands, is home to over 450 bird species, a spectacular array of plant species and the full spectrum of African game - the Okavango has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier wilderness areas.

The focus is on peace and tranquility (stalking game on foot provides all the excitement one could wish for) and guests are actively encouraged to visit a local village, home to the guides, and to interact with the people there.

Dine in the elegant Dining Room overlooking the sweep of the Delta viewing the surrounding floodplains and the wildlife that abounds. Another option is to take a beautifully prepared picnic onto one of the many nearby islands for a secluded and intimate experience.

The choice of fresh vegetables, cheeses, excellent meats and fine wines flown in daily and lovingly prepared, maintain the camp's enviable reputation for cuisine.

Accommodation is for only 16 guests in spacious 'lethaka' (reed) chalets with en-suite facilities. Built of natural materials and elevated off the forest floor. Each chalet has hot and cold running water, a shower with a view, and solar-powered electric lighting.

The amazing design of the Chalets is such that you enjoy the luxuries of a 'top rate' hotel, but without affecting the environment. You will find you share your chalet with the trees, while taking full advantage of the views of the surrounding bush and flood-plains.

Delta Camp is also one of a few establishments that do accommodate children and a thus families are most welcome.

Delta Camp adheres to a philosophy that guests may enjoy the “luxury” of their own private guide at no extra cost. The guides are truly “locals” of the swamp, born and raised in the area, and you will spend your days in his mokoro (dug-out canoe) and walking on the many islands in the area, taking in the magnificent scenery and light, and the abundant game-and bird-life of the Okavango.

We looking forward to welcoming you to our small piece of Paradise where you not only experience the magnificent array of wildlife, BIG and small, but also meet the people of the Okavango Delta

Delta Camp engenders in its staff and guests alike, an acute awareness of the ecological sensitivity of this magnificent area. Bio-degradable products have been sourced and are used, careful separation and treatment of refuse ensures that nothing that is not fully bio-degradable stays on the island - light aircraft remove cans, bottles and the like from the Okavango altogether- thus the staff and guests are continuously contributing towards a healthier environment. 

Day 7 & 8

After your morning activity board a charter flight for a scenic flight to Mapula Lodge  
Spend two nights at Mapula Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.

Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge is situated in the North Eastern area of the Okavango Delta, just outside the Moremi Game Reserve. This is a private area thus being able to offer a full spectrum of activities. 

The main complex with its sweeping decks, overlooks the permanent lagoon where the resident pod of hippopotamus' resides. Here you will find the comfortable lounge, dining area and a bar area with one of the best views in the Okavango Delta. A small library and swimming pool completes the main area.

Each of the 10 luxury chalets has a traditional design and use of natural log provide unique detail. The attention to detail and use of local craftsmanship in the construction of the Chalets is particularly impressive and attractive. The units all boast a small lounge and a full bathroom (with bathtub and outside shower).

Game viewing is particularly good in this area, and the trees around the Lodge are home to a huge variety of birds.

Being in a permanent water area, Mapula Lodge can offer year round water activities, especially important during January - May when water levels in the Okavango can become too low in most area’s to allow the use of the traditional mokoro.

Walking safaris with experienced guides and tracker, night drives in search of nocturnal animals. In the early morning and late afternoons game drives are conducted in comfortable safari vehicles.

Day 9

After your morning activity board a charter flight for a Maun Airport.

Package includes:

  • Meet & Greet at Maun Airport
  • Charter from Maun to Makgadikgadi Camp
  • 2 night’s accommodation at Makgadikgadi Camp on a fully inclusive basis in a standard tent.
  • All guided activities at Makgadikgadi Camp.
  • Charter flight from Makgadikgadi Camp  to Deception Valley Lodge
  • 2 nights accommodation at Deception Valley Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.
  • All guided activities at Deception Valley Lodge (day drives, night drives, and bush walks).
  • Charter flight from Deception Valley Lodge to Delta Camp.
  • 2 nights accommodation at Delta Camp on a fully inclusive basis.
  • All guided activities at Delta Camp (mokoro and bush walks).
  • Charter flight Delta Camp to Mapula Lodge.
  • 2 nights accommodation at Mapula Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.
  • All guided activities at Mapula Lodge (day drives, night drives, mokoro and bush walks).
  • All local brand drinks at both venues (beer, soft drinks, spirits and wines)
  • Charter flight Mapula Lodge to Maun
  • Laundry at both venues
  • Park Fees

 

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Fax: +27 11 888 1041
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