kristin
Joined: Thu May 13, 2010 2:44 pm Posts: 23
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Botswana Experience & Moremi Reserve
Tour Overview As one of the most developed and progressive countries in Africa, Botswana has much to offer travelers. The Okavango Delta, a labyrinth of islands, flood plains, and waterways best explored by dugout canoe, teems with wildlife like hippos, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, and giraffes.
East of Okavango is Chobe National Park, a huge stretch of flat, dry land that boasts the greatest variety of animals in Botswana, including lions, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, jackal, and warthog. On this trip you can choose either park, or go to both!
The best time to visit is August-October, but anytime March-November is great. Nights are surprisingly cold during the dry season, so take along a warm sweater. Many of the Okavango Delta camps are closed at the height of (the southern-hemisphere's) summer, December-March, when it's very hot and when there are short daily thunderstorms.
Day by Day Itinerary Day 01: Arrive Johannesburg - Maun, Botswana - Okavango Delta Arrive Johannesburg International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and assisted to your awaiting plane. Light aircraft transfer to your first camp’s airstrip. You are met by lodge guides and transferred to your camp for check-in formalities where the staff will great you with a cheerful song and dance. This luxury camp is situated in a 260,000 acre private concession, bordering the southern section of the famous Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. As a result, this location guarantees guests absolute exclusivity. Overlooking the Boro River, this area is home to a variety of big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. Carefully blended into the existing tree line, the small and intimate Stanley’s Camp features just eight classic styled safari tents set on elevated decking. Private balconies with hammocks and Morris chairs are perfect for relaxation in the African sunshine.
The elevated safari tents feature a spacious bedroom, with handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, antique furniture individually selected and oriental carpets reminiscent of early 19th century Africa.
Built on raised decking the main building is open in design and supported by a large sausage tree and offers panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains. The main area also features a swimming pool for refreshing sunbathing.
This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive and sundowner. Dinner Stanley's Camp
Day 02: Okavango Delta Enjoy a full day of guided activities with your camp guides.
This area, situated on a private concession neighboring the Moremi, is superb for viewing all animal and bird species. Guests may explore by land and water, often into the night to discover nocturnal species. The permanent water of the camp will reveal a world of floating safaris, atmospherically silent at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro canoe.
A myriad of waterways, feathery beds of papyrus, and animal species, large and small, are waiting to be discovered. (Subject to water levels.) Sometimes there is no better way to tune into the bush than on foot, and walking safaris will be a specialty at Stanley’s, with skilled, armed guides introducing the area’s natural wonders. The choice of activities will not end there. The unique and educational elephant interaction, with a group of semi-habituated African elephants, is available to guests at Stanley’s (extra fee.) Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner Stanley's Camp
Day 03: Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve After your morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for a light aircraft transfer to the next camp’s airstrip, where you will be met by a lodge representative for land transfer to the camp and check-in. Chief's Camp is a luxury bush lodge situated on Chief's Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.
In this "predator capital of Africa", wild dog, lion, cheetah and leopard abound, and guests enjoy exceptional opportunities to interact with this amazing environment. Recently, white rhino have been introduced to this concession, making it the only place in Botswana where these magnificent animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Chief's Camp has been so skillfully integrated into the landscape that guests can often view game without even leaving camp. Shaded from the heat of the day by a beautiful grove of jackalberry trees, Chief's Camp is so remote you'll feel like the only humans for miles and miles. Twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions are designed for ultimate privacy and comfort, and to offer you a front row seat for this rich and rewarding African adventure. Each features an en suite bathroom and private game viewing deck. The main lodge complex houses the dining area, curio shop, library and reception area. There is an exquisite swimming pool and a range of spa treatments are offered by our resident beauty therapist in a poolside treatment sala from May to October each year. This afternoon, enjoy game viewing activities with your lodge guide. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Chief’s Camp
Day 04: Moremi Game Reserve Enjoy a full day of guided activities with your lodge guide.
Game viewing opportunities include daily excursions in open four-wheel-drive vehicles and quiet mokoro trips along narrow Delta channels during the flood season. (Subject to water levels). Expert guides are always on hand to offer a wealth of wildlife knowledge, to help you make the most of these rare and wonderful opportunities. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Chief’s Camp
Day 05: Moremi Game Reserve - Chobe National Park After your morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for a light aircraft transfer to the next camp’s airstrip, where you will be met by a lodge representative for land transfer to the camp and check-in. Chobe National Park. Home to the largest elephant herds in the world, the world renowned Chobe National Park measures 11700km² and incorporates two principal wildlife areas: the riverfront and the Savute. Deep in the heart of Botswana wilderness is Chobe Chilwero Lodge, one of the most enchanting places on earth. With gorgeous, breathtaking vistas as a backdrop, you'll come face-to-face with the abundant creatures of the bush, and some of the most spectacular sunsets Mother Nature bestows. You will enjoy creature comforts - elegantly appointed accommodations, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines. Relax in our luxurious thatched cottages, with en suite sunken baths, indoor and outdoor showers, private gardens and terraces overlooking the magnificent Chobe River. There is also a library, curio shop and a communications center. Although located in Botswana, this small, intimate lodge is easily accessed from Zambia and the world famous Victoria Falls. Guests can enjoy a day trip to visit the falls if desired. This afternoon, enjoy game viewing activities with your guide. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Day 06: Chobe National Park Thrilling guided game drives in open vehicles bring you to the heart of Africa's largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffaloes, puku, antelopes, lions and other creatures that gather on the Chobe River's banks. Or join acclaimed guides on a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats. Sundowner cruises are particularly spectacular on the Chobe River. Fishing excursions are also available.
End each day with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, followed by a sumptuous meal prepared by expert culinary staff - a delicious, eclectic fusion of Western and African cuisine and delicacies - all topped off by a sampling of vintage wines and spirits from our cellar. It's the perfect complement to your one-of-a-kind African adventure. High teas are often served on the lawn under shade trees. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Day 07: Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Departure After your morning game drive, transfer by road to Victoria Falls airport (border formalities) for your on ward departing flight. Option to visit the Falls can be arranged. Breakfast
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