10 Days / 9 Nights Botswana Lodge Explorer

HIGHLIGHTS
Victoria Falls, Sunset cruise on the Chobe River, Game Drive in the Moremi National Park, Game drive in Chobe National Park, Planet Baobab, Nxai Pan or Ntwetwe Pan, Maun, Game drive in Moremi National Park, Game drive in Khwai Region, Game drive in Hwange National Park.

DAY 1: PLANET BAOBAB, BOTSWANA
On arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met by your guide and continue onto the area of the Makgadikgadi Pans. After settling into our accommodation, we take a stroll with our guide through the surrounding baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.
(Planet Baobab) (LD)

DAY 2: PLANET BAOBAB, BOTSWANA
After breakfast, we depart for either Nxai Pan or Ntwetwe Pan. These excursions are seasonal based on wildlife sightings and road conditions. Both pans form part of the greater Makgadikgadi system.

Nxai Pan Excursion: January – May & December
An early departure takes us West towards Nxai Pan National Park. Nxai Pan adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border. The pan itself is a fossil lake-bed about 15 sq. miles (40sq. km) in size. Covered in nutritious short grasses and small islands of acacia trees, Nxai Pan attracts vast numbers of desert herbivores such as gemsbok, springbuck, and extraordinarily large herds of giraffe, up to 30 in a group! In the South of the park are Baines’ Baobabs, a cluster of millennia-old baobab trees, named after the famous artist who discovered them in 1862, Thomas Baines. It is rare to see Baobab trees so close together and as one was growing on its side, Baines named his painting ‘The Sleeping Five’. The famous explorers: The Green brothers passed this way too and to this day their inscription into the bark, ‘Green’s Expedition 1858 -1859, can clearly be seen. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon after exploring this unique area.
Ntwetwe Pan Excursion: June – November
The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. We return to the lodge in the afternoon with some time to relax by the pool.
(Planet Baobab) (BLD)

DAY 3: PLANET BAOBAB TO KHWAI RIVER, BOTSWANA
This morning we travel via Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Khwai River region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for us to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. After dinner, we will
explore the concession on a night game drive.
(Khwai Bedouin Camp) (BLD)

DAY 4: 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) (BLD)

DAY 5: CHOBE, BOTSWANA
You will be transferred to Khwai Airstrip for your flight to Kasane (For your own account). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge. We enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River in the afternoon from where we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds without having to reach for our binoculars – you’ll be near enough for close-up photographs, as well as having the chance to witness a spectacular African sunset.
(Chobe Safari Lodge) (B)

DAY 6 – 7: CHOBE TO HWANGE NATIONAL PIMBABWE
This morning we depart Chobe and make our way to our lodge in a private concession near to Hwange National Park. The next two days are spent exploring this wildlife rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows. On the following day, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on a game drive. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. We will also visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect these endangered species.
(Sable Sands Chalets) (BLD)(BLD)

DAY 8 – 9: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Today we travel to Victoria Falls, full of real African experiences. We visit the Victoria Falls on a guided tour and then have the rest of the day and the next day at leisure or to partake in one of the many optional activities. (For own expense).
(Ilala Loge) (B)

DAY 10: VICTOIRA FALLS, ZIMBABAWE
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls 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.