16 day Botswana Overland Camping Safari

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa - Nata, Botswana

Departing from Johannesburg in the early morning, you will set off for the Botswana border. On completion of Customs and Immigration formalities you will head for Nata Lodge, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the impressive Sowa salt pan, here you will camp the night. Familiarise yourself with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal at the Lodge. (own expense)

Day 2: Nata - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

After a leisurely breakfast you will transfer to the 4x4 vehicle for an initial visit. You will then return to Nata Lodge for a welcome swim and a bite to eat.

Relax for a few hours during the heat of the day before breaking camp and packing up to head down the Maun road out to the Makgadikgadi Pans to view these spectacular depressions, known for their unique birdlife and the other desert species of animals they attract.

Explore the area for Springbok, Gemsbok and other unique species. Camp wild and take in the isolation and serenity of the star-studded night. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. 

Day 3: Maun, Botswana

(13-day fly-in passengers join here)

A leisurely start, after exploring a little more you will leave the pans and then drive to the Drifters Maun Camp. This camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River, near Maun, and offers you the opportunity to rid yourself of the Makgadikgadi dust under a warm shower.

In the afternoon a walk will be conducted to a local village for an insight as to how the local inhabitants cope in these harsh conditions. Any fly-in passengers will be collected in Maun this afternoon. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional braai (barbeque) before camping the night. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Days 4 - 7: Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango, a massive river spilling its contents into the Kalahari desert sands, creating one of the world's only true inland deltas, and a unique eco-system that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life.

The sight of a nervous Lechwe pounding across a flooded plain, the Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle all combine to create one of nature's masterpieces.

You will travel either by light aircraft or on sandy tracks to the heart of the Delta then continue by mokoro (traditional aquatic mode of transport) to a remote camp where you will spend 3 nights in true wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro.

There will be time to simply appreciate the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will have the opportunity to do an own expense game flight over the Delta on either day 4 or 7.  Late on day 7 you will return to the Drifters Manu Camp to freshen up before enjoying a catered meal. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Days 8 - 12: Flexible Game Reserve Programme (Moremi / Savuti / Chobe)

You will pop back into Maun first thing in the morning for the group and guide to stock up with supplies for the onward journey. Now you will prepare for the game viewing part of the trip. Perched high on a well-equipped vehicle you will head north into the wilderness, passing remote villages along the way.

You will spend 5 days in these reserves, starting with Moremi, camping the first night near the well-known 3rd Bridge. Drift off to sleep to the howl of the Hyena or the earthy roar of a Lion, and even the deep grunt of a half-submerged Hippo. You will then head on north via Xakanaxa to camp near North Gate. This area is excellent for game viewing and an afternoon and morning drive along the wetlands will be conducted.

Then on up to Savuti, the area offers a multitude of game drive options and a very active campsite (keep the fruit well hidden from the roving Elephant, and the meat from the prowling Hyenas). The vegetation is constantly changing, from open plains, palm trees and marshland, to dense Mopane woodlands and Acacia scrub.

Moving into Chobe, famous for its large herds of Elephant, which gather on the floodplains, you will spend the morning exploring the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Here it is hoped you will see the Puku, found exclusively on the Chobe flats. You will then cross the border to spend the night in comfort at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Days 13 & 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, Mosi o Tunya (The smoke that Thunders). After admiring this wonder of the world, various other places can be visited and activities enjoyed - the tribal village, the big tree, the curio market and the crocodile farm.

An aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting, bungi jumping, or an Elephant back safari are all worthwhile, but allowance must be made for the extra expense.

You will spend 3 nights at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn, thus allowing people the opportunity to explore, either on foot or bicycle, by themselves. Two of the nights you will eat out in local restaurants (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure. Breakfast. Dinner.

Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zimababwe / Zambia - Nata, Botswana

The people flying out on the 13 day tour will do so here and overlanders will return to Botswana and complete the triangle back to Nata. Camp for the last time and share your experiences with the next tour just arriving (dinner own expense). Breakfast. Lunch.

Day 16: Nata, Botswana - Johannesburg, South Africa

Transfer back to the bus to arrive in Johannesburg in the early evening (all meals own expense).

Please Note:

This tour departs every Saturday from Johannesburg and Mondays from Maun.

BOTSWANA 13 DAY FLY-IN CAMPING SAFARI - Maun to Victoria Falls

This fly-in tour option joins up with the 16 day overland tour in Maun and leaves it in Victoria Falls, or vice versa, thereby shortening the travelling time. Obviously with the flights one pays a premium and certain sections are forfeited. However, for those who dread the long-distance travelling, or who have limited time, this tour is a more convenient option.

Included:

Not Included: