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8 Day Delta
and Falls Safari
This safari
has a guaranteed departure nearly every Friday of the year. There
are no minimum numbers and no single supplements. The price is virtually
fully inclusive and the style is limited participation, assisted
camping. Collection time is between 07:30 and 08:00 from anywhere
within the Windhoek city limits.
This itinerary
can be linked to the 7 day Northern Adventure Safari. Additionally
you can combine with our 3 day itineraries Etosha or Sossusvlei
Link in order to carry you to some or all of the very best highlights
that Namibia has to offer.
Day one
Windhoek - Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana (600 km) (LD) (camping) You
will be collected between 07:30 & 08:00. A long drive today,
making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a relatively new road
that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia,
Botswana and South Africa. The road takes us first to the small
town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock farming centres of Namibia,
and then on to the border with Botswana. After completing the immigration
formalities we continue, through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi,
located in the centre of cattle farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located
almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown
before the Trans Kalahari Highway.
Day two
Ghanzi - Okavango Delta (450 km) (BLD) (camping)
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute
supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of
the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way. A change
in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one
of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we
turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as
we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal
waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks
of a pristine African lagoon.
Day
three
Okavango Delta (BLD) (camping) We are
in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our
vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by
motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into
the Delta. Mokoro's will be our main form of transport. These amazing
traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways
of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than
if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoros carry three
people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands
in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long
wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro through the twisting
channels. It really is the only way to travel. Back
to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango
waters.
Day four
Okavango Delta - Caprivi, Namibia (350 km) (BLD) (camping) Back
on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed
we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent
park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our
way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian
species such as roan the majestic sable antelope. Our camp for tonight
is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside the Okavango,
but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan highlands,
through the pan handle to waters end, the delta.
Day five
Caprivi, Namibia (200km) (BLD) (camping) The Caprivi Strip is
a long narrow stretch of territory running along Botswana's northern
border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities
dotted along our route. The locals in this area are the Kavango
people and we make a cultural visit to a local community. The people
here have taken the initiative to establish a traditional "kraal"
which will be opened for us and we will give a guided tour. We have
the chance to gain a significant insight into the local customs
and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and
superstition. From here it is only a short drive to our camp for
the night, also operated as a community project, located on the
banks of the Kwando River in a beautiful setting. There is a craft
market nearby where you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Day six
Caprivi Strip - Kasane, Botswana (300 km) (BLD) (camping) We
finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when
we arrive in Namibia's easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short
break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana.
The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National
Park. Chobe has the world's largest population of African Elephants
and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as we transit
through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the
grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River.
Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise,
back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see
a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters
swirling around us. Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding
Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of
different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even
the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink.
The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and
it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends.
Day seven
Kasane - Livingstone, Zambia (100 km) (BL) (camping) Another
border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry
depot and complete our Botswanan exit formalities. We cross the
Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is
a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous
British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town
is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the
Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the
mighty Victoria Falls. The views of the waterfall from the Zambian
bank are fantastic, there are many small paths and lookout points
to explore. This afternoon your guide will help you organise the
many optional activities available in Livingstone. These include
white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river
and scenic flights to mention but a few.Dinner tonight will be in
a local restaurant at the client's own expense.
NB: All extra
activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients
own risk and expense.
Day eight
Livingstone (B) After breakfast the safari is finished. Your
guide will be able to offer advice on other travel plans you have
in this region. We pack up our campsite. Only for clients transferring
back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free day for you to explore
the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and dinner
are not included in the price of the trip. Your guide will arrange
a time to collect you for the return journey in the morning.
Day nine
Livingstone - Rundu, Namibia (700 km) (BLD) (camping) An early
start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping
to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi
Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern
Namibia. We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the
Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far river bank. Dinner
tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in
the price.
Day ten
Rundu - Windhoek (800 km) (BL) Another early start and another
long drive. We head south through Kavango Province, down through
the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching
our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well
as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.
You will be
dropped off at your accommodation.
Dates
2008
Jan
6th *** Feb 8th and 22nd *** Mar 14th and 28th *** Apr 4th and 18th
*** May 2nd and 16th *** June 6th and 20th *** July 4th, 11th, 18th
and 25th *** Aug 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th *** Sept 5th, 12th,
19th and 26th *** Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th *** Nov 7th and 21st
*** Dec 5th and 19th
Rates
in South African Rand
R7700
per person
2
Day return to Windhoek R1000 per person
Tour
Information
It is strongly
recommended that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance
before you embark on your safari. Travel insurance is for your own
protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern
international travel.
Maximum group
size is 16 people, with no minimum number. Transport for up to 8
people will be in a minibus and for 9 people and more in a Toyota
bus / truck.
The style of
safari is limited participation, you will be asked to assist to
put up and take down your own tent, however there will be a camp
assistant to complete all the other campsite chores. Your tour guide
will do all the shopping, cooking and day-to-day organization of
the safari. Unless otherwise specified, all safaris will be conducted
in English
Safari Includes
1. All transport
2. Three meals a day (unless differently specified)
3. Tap drinking water
4. Tea & coffee in camp
5. All camping equipment
6. Park entrance fees
7. Camping fees
9. Camp assistant
8. Professional guide
10. Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
Sleeping bag
(can be hired)
Safari Excludes
Alcoholic beverages
Soft drinks
Personal travel insurance
Transfers to and from airports
Useful items
to bring with you:
Two litre water bottle
Torch
Towel
Sun hat
The tents are
dome type, which are easy to assemble and your mattresses are approximately
5 cm thick with your own mattress cover, and everyone has a camp
chair with a backrest.
Clients are
limited to one soft, barrel type bag per person with maximum weight
of 15kg, one medium sized hand luggage bag, one medium sized camera
bag and a sleeping bag.
We suggest a
sleeping bag range of "3 - 4 season". Sleeping bags can
be hired by prior arrangement for a cost of N$: 80.00 per 8 day
trip and N$: 100:00 per 10 day trip. When packing your clothing
please be aware that Namibian summer temperatures (December - March)
can reach 45*C, and winter temperatures (June - September) can be
as low as -5*C. The rainy season is between December and April.
All evening meals on camping safaris, (unless stipulated), are cooked
on an open fire by your guide.
Salads and fresh vegetables will be served where possible, but please
note in some areas this is not necessarily every day. Fresh fruit
will also be supplied when possible. Vegetarians can be catered
for but please notify us prior to safari departure.
Namibia, Botswana
and Zambia are all technically malarial areas and we recommend that
you seek professional medical advice on malaria protection before
travelling.
Tap water in
Namibia, Botswana and Zambia has been purified or comes directly
from boreholes and is safe to drink. We supply tap drinking water
but bottled mineral water is easily available at shops and rest
camps should you prefer to drink this.
The Namibian
Dollar (N$) is tied permanently 1-1 to the South African Rand (SAR).
SAR, notes and coins are legal tender in Namibia. In Botswana it
will be necessary to carry some of the local "Pula" currency
and in Zambia it is necessary to carry some of the local "Kwacha"
currency.
Please make
sure that passports and visas are valid for the duration of the
safari as the Company cannot be held liable for any necessary visas
or other travel documents not held by the clients. Please also note
that if your passport requires a visa for Namibia and/or Botswana,
it should be a multiple entry visa for the purpose of this trip.
Airport transfers
and pre-and-post safari accommodation can be arranged on request
It is customary
to tip in Namibia, usually, around 10% at restaurants. Your guide
and assistant can be tipped at your own discretion but we ask that
the guide be tipped separately from your assistant
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