13 Day / 12 Night Traditional Mobile Safari (Maun � Maun)
Highlights Nxai Pan National Park, Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta
vacationtechnician.com detailed itinerary..
Day 1 � 3: Mobile Safari in Nxai Pan National Park (Full Board)
Your safari begins in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Your specialist birding guide will meet you on arrival at Maun airport. Your first three nights will be spent camping in an exclusive wilderness campsite in the Nxai Pan National Park, exploring the surrounding wilderness on game drives.
Once part of the great lake that spread over most of northern Botswana, Nxai Pan National Park mainly consists of a series of fossil pans covered in short, nutritious grasses and dotted with islands of Acacia trees under which animals often retreat to rest during the heat of the day. A cluster of seven baobab trees, referred to as Baines Baobabs, form a historical landmark, which was used by early explorers.
During the summer rains (Nov � March), Nxai Pan becomes transformed to a green wonderland, abounding with larges herds of animals accompanied by their offspring. The veld flowers are spectacular at this time of year. A wealth of birdlife can be seen in the region, including the commonly sighted Black Korhaan, Kgori Bustards (the worlds heaviest flying bird), Kestrels, Falcons, Goshawks and Coursers to name a few.
Day 4: Lodge Accommodation at Tree Lodge in Maun (L,D,B&B)
After breakfast and an early morning game drive, you will return to Maun. Following a leisurely lunch, you may embark on a scenic flight, enjoying a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Tonight you will be staying at Tree Lodge which is situated on a private game farm on the outskirts of Maun. The lodge has ideal riverine habitat that makes for great late afternoon birding. The Thamalakane river offers the opportunity to see species like Lesser Grebe and Fulvous Ducks. The lodge has a resident pair of Giant Eagle Owls and the call of the Scops and Pearl Spotted Owls are common.
Day 5 � 12: Mobile Safari in Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta (Full Board)
The Okavango is a unique ecosystem, an inland delta situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world � the Kalahari basin. This wetland lies like an oasis in an otherwise inhospitable landscape. Where land and delta meet, a mosaic of pans, grasslands, forests and lagoons provide an extremely rich and diverse habitat where a multitude of animals and birds flourish. Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the eastern corner of the Okavango Delta.
You will spend the first three nights camping in an exclusive wilderness campsite in the Xakanaxa region of the reserve, exploring this oasis on game drives. This area boasts magnificent scenery as well as a multitude of bird and animal life. This is one of the few accessible areas where wet and dry habitats meet. Take this opportunity to find Wattled Cranes, Slaty Egrets and a variety of waders in the shallow pools. The woodlands are home to Arnots Chat, Orioles and the constant calls of the Woodland Kingfishers.
Day 8: you will embark on an island adventure deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, exploring the endless network of crystal clear waterways and secret lagoons by motor boat, and the surrounding palm fringed islands on foot. This swampland is home to the elusive Sitatunga antelope as well as a variety of spectacular bird life including the elusive Pels Fishing Owl and a host of migrant birds. You will spend two nights camping on a remote island with only the bear essentials � a true wilderness experience. The waterways are prime habitat for Lesser Jacana and Malachite Kingfishers. The dense riverine vegetation is home to the shy Purple Galinules and Greater Swamp Warbler.
Day 10 we return to dry land and make our way towards the Khwai region of the reserve, enjoying a game drive and picnic lunch en route. The Khwai River forms the eastern boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. Vast herds of buffalo and elephant are common in the dry season with regular sightings of leopard, lion and cheetah. This area is one of the best in Botswana for raptors like Martial, Steppe and Booted Eagles.
The following three nights will be spent camping at a Khwai community private operators camp site on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve, exploring the area on game drives both during the day and at night. Exploring after dark with spotlights offers you an opportunity to experience some of the nocturnal animals that are rarely encountered during the day. You will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot and enjoy an up close and personal encounter with Botswana flora and fauna. It is important to note that night drives and guided walks are not permitted within the National Parks and Reserves. These activities are conducted outside the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Khwai community area.
Day 13: Safari Ends
Following breakfast and an early morning game drive, you will be transferred to Maun Airport for your onward journey.
Package Price
Off-Peak Season: US$2468.00 per person sharing (No single supplement subject to booking terms and conditions)
Includes
� Airport transfers
� 1 Night lodge accommodation at Tree Lodge (L,D,B&B)
� 11 Night mobile tented safari with Game Trails on a Traditional Mobile Safari basis, including the services of a professional guide, camp manageress and full staff compliment with support vehicle, tented accommodation with shared ablution facilities, transfers and game drives in customized safari vehicles (guaranteed window seat), the use of exclusive mobile operator campsites within the national parks and reserves, all entrance and camping fees, all meals and drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, beer and wine).
� Two day motor boat excursion in the Okavango Delta
� 10% Vat
Excludes
� International and domestic flights
� Travel and medical insurance (manditory on all vacationtechnician.com safaris)
� Visas
� Drinks at Tree Lodge
2004 Scheduled Safari Dates
Arrive Maun Depart Maun Season Availability
20 November 2 December Off-Peak Seats Available
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