10 Days / 9 Nights Trans-Kalahari Lodge Explorer
HIGHLIGHTS
Maun, mokoro excursion, game drive in the Moremi National Park, Khwai River area night drive, central Kalahari, Planet Baobab & Nxai Pan.
DAY 1: MAUN, BOTSWANA
On arrival in Maun you will be met and transferred to Thamalakane Lodge. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting. (Thamalakane River Lodge or Similar)
DAY 2: MAUN TO KHWAI RIVER, BOTSWANA
After breakfast we will be picked up by our local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in close proximity to the famous Khwai River. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. (Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar) [BLD]
DAY 3: MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve. (Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar) [BLD]
DAY 4/5/6: MOREMI TO CENTRAL KALAHARI DESERT, BOTSWANA
We proceed to the heart of Botswana, the central Kalahari Desert, where we enjoy a three night stay. The next days are spent enjoying visits to the hide to watch the abundant game that visit the waterhole. We embark on a Bushman Walk learning about the flora and fauna and the traditions of the Bushman. In the evenings we can be awed by the dazzle of the night sky stargazing. Game drives are optional and for own account. (Dinaka Lodge or similar) [BLD][BLD][BLD]
DAY 7/8: CENTRAL KALAHARI DESERT – PLANET BAOBAB
After breakfast we leave the Kalahari and onto our accommodation for the next two nights, Planet Baobab. After settling into, we take a stroll with our guide through the surrounding baobab forest, while he explains the local ecology, geology and, of course, the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact, not trees but, the largest succulent in the world.
The next day after breakfast we depart for Nxai Pan, a fossil lake that is part of the greater Makgadikgadi system. Covered in nutritious short grasses and small islands of acacia trees, Nxai Pan attracts vast numbers of desert herbivores such as gemsbuck, springbuck, and giraffe. It also offers a diverse habitat to a surprisingly complete suite of carnivores including lion, leopard, and both brown and spotted hyena at night, and cheetah and wild dog during the day. (Planet Baobab or similar)[BLD][BLD]
DAY 9: PLANET BAOBAB – MAUN
Today we travel back to the place where our adventure first started Maun. Once here You have the opportunity to do the optional flight over the Delta again or sit back and enjoy your last night under the African sky. (Thamalakane River Lodge or similar)[B]
DAY 10: MAUN, BOTSWANA
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures. [B]
GROUP SIZE: 4-12 clients per vehicle
ACCOMMODATION: We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation.Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
FOOD & DRINKS: Breakfasts and dinners will be in restaurants at the various accommodation establishments. Lunch packs are provided for driving days and excursions. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
VEHICLES: Fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system and air -conditioning. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
