Botswana ........ 22nd November to 3rd December 2010

Okavango & Linyanti with optional extension to Victoria Falls

Botswana immediately conjures up visions of wildest Africa and in particular the Okavango - the world’s largest inland delta. This fantastic region of crystal clear waterways, mopane woodland and vast open floodplains which harbours enormous herds of wild animals and superb avifauna, is a truly amazing spectacle. Within Botswana’s immense unfenced game reserves, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest and many species of gazelle roam freely as do the predators that stalk them. There are Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyaenas, prides of Lions and the regions speciality – African Wild Dog. Added to these, some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular birdlife is also present, including: Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Allen’s Gallinule, African Finfoot, Western-banded Snake-eagle, Rock Pratincole, African Skimmer, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Half-collared Kingfisher, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Luapola Cisticola, Rosy-throated Longclaw and Golden-breasted Bunting.
Our itinerary covers a full range of habitats, offering wonderful opportunities to encounter the fantastic array of wildlife, including Botswana’s speciality birds and mammals. Our complete and fully inclusive wildlife safaris are operated in open-top vehicles, which are designed for the best viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities, as well as offering spectacular top class lodges/camps that are in idyllic locations and extremely comfortable. Many of the lodges are only reached by small aircraft, making speedy access from the points of origin.
This wildlife wonderland is a region that one must surely visit !

Days 1 & 2: Overnight flight from London to Johannesburg and then onward flights to Maun and to Kwetsani for a three-night stay in the very heart of the Okavango (Jao Flats). The lodge comprises five beautifully furnished 'tree-house' chalets, each with its own en-suite bathroom, as well as large teak balcony. Amidst some of the most stunning scenery of the region, vast open floodplains, papyrus swamps and palm fringed islands are home to a vast variety of game, predators and birdlife.
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Days 3 & 4: Mokoro & motorboat trips and game drives exploring Kwetsani’s floodplain.

Days 5-7: Transfer by light aircraft to Little Vumbura Camp for a three-night stay in the extreme north of the Okavango. This is a delightful six-room tented camp, shaded by the canopy of an ancient Okavango Delta Forest. Each residence is roomy, with en-suite facilities. The habitats comprise mopane bushveld, treed Islands, floodplain and permanent waterways, offering spectacular game viewing, with an opportunity to see Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, African Wildcat, Red Lechwe, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe, Reedbuck, Hippo, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Birding is exceptional all year with a number of specialities on offer including Pel’s Fishing Owl, Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret, Chirping Cisticola, Rosy-throated Longclaw and Fan-tailed Widowbird - though some of which are seasonal migrants.

Days 8-10: Transfer by light aircraft to Kings Pool Camp (Premier Lodge), which is located in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – a vast private concession in northern Botswana. Kings Pool has nine well-appointed tents of canvas and thatch, each with en-suite bathrooms. The accommodation is luxurious, the wildlife spectacular. The lodge overlooks the Linyanti River and also the oxbow-shaped Kings Pool Lagoon. Game drives, boat trips and the lodge’s two hides allow great mammal and wildlife watching. Amongst the mammals are Wild Dog, Leopard, Cheetah, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Kudu, Sable & Roan Antelopes, Zebra and large herds of Elephant.

Day 11: Return to Johannesburg & UK or join Extension.

Tour ref: AA1051-03

Main Tour
Cost: £5,680
Single Room Supplement: £1,100

Extension to Victoria Falls
Cost: £1,295
Single Room Supplement: £190

Deposit: £500

Leader: Gerry Griffiths, Peter Dedicoat or Ray Tipper

Max. Group: 10

Includes:
Economy class scheduled flights (UK-Johannesburg-Maun-Johannesburg-UK), inter-lodge flights, en-suite accommodation at tented lodges/camps, meals, game drives, boat rides, park entrance fees, transfers in Botswana, laundry at most lodges and services of escort and guides.

Excludes:
Visa Fees, airport departure taxes, travel insurance, some alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature.