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Santawani
14 day tour in Botswana (includes Victoria Falls)
General Information:
Botswana still is a largely uninhabited wilderness. For this reason it is possible to enjoy a unique experience in
the African bush, far from the 'encroachment' of civilization.
Moremi and Chobe National Park are amongst the most spectacular wildlife areas in Africa.
Our journey ends in Victoria Falls - one of the natural world wonders and a hotspot for adventure addicts.
This is a tour for nature lovers and photographers who prefer a little comfort in the bush. The tour is done at a
leisurely pace: not for those to tick off Botswana, but for those who seek quality nature experiences.
Day 1: Maun
Arrive in Maun and transfer to the lodge. Relax in the lodge for the rest of the day, preparing for the next days
in the bush.
Overnight in a lodge in Maun
Tag 2: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
We leave early morning to Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest conservation areas in the world. Oryx
antelopes, suricates, eland and springbok are among the animals that have adapted to the dry conditions here.
The famous ‚black mane’ Kalahari lion can be found here on occasion. These lions have a darker mane than their
cousins elsewhere and they are also a little larger in size.
The Kalahari landscape, with its wide open spaces, is an attraction in itself.
To experience the untouched African wilderness like this has become a rare opportunity.
Overnight in our bush camp
Day 3 und 4: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon are done to find the animals that congregate in the Deception
Valley. The animals are attracted to the nutritious grasses that grow in the valley.
The wide open spaces are an ideal habitat for cheetah and these beautiful animals are sometimes encountered on our
drives.
Overnight in our bush camp
Day 5 und 6: Santawani Concession Area
Late afternoon we arrive at Santawani Lodge, located in a concession area.
The varied vegetation zones offer ideal habitats for a wide variety of herbivores.
A night drive with a local guide often produces exciting sightings of nocturnal animals like serval, porcupine,
bush baby and different species of owls.
Overnight in Santawani Lodge
Day 7 und 8: Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi is judged by many as one of the most beautiful Parks in Africa. The high concentration of animals and the
typical landscape of the Okavango make this a paradise for any nature lover.
Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, zebra, impala, crocodile, giraffe and hippo are only a small selection
of this spectacular web of life.
We will do a long game drive in the afternoon.
Our camp is not fenced, and animals like hyena, elephant and baboon often pass through the camp.
Overnight in our bush camp
Day 9, 10 und 11: Chobe National Park
Savuti is known for the high numbers of elephant bulls that occur here. Also lion, wild dog and (occasionally)
cheetahs are spotted. Many famous wildlife films have been recorded here over the years.
The big lion pride in the area has developed a unique strategy to hunt elephant!
The Chobe river front is another spectacular wildlife area of Botswana. Nowhere in Africa is the elephant population
higher than here. In the dry season (May to October) it is not unusual to see dozens of elephant families on one game
drive. Sometimes they number a few hundred animals along the Chobe River. Also other animals (lion, giraffe, buffalo
(herds of 500 animals and more), kudu, and sable antelope) are numerous.
The birdlife here is impressive: African fish eagle, pelican, great white egret, marabou, grey heron, open-billed
stork and African skimmer are only a small selection of about 450 species that occur here.
Overnight in our bush camp
Day 12 und 13: Victoria Falls (Livingstone)
After a last game drive we cross the border to Zambia and drive on to Livingstone.
Victoria Falls is a natural wonder of the world and one of the major tourist attractions in southern Africa. The veil
of water that thunders into the gorge is about 2 km wide (depending on water levels of the Zambezi River). To see
this natural spectacle is an unforgettable experience.
There are many attractions and activities in the area (optional activities not included in the price):
- Helicopter flight over the Falls
- Sundowner cruises on the Zambezi River
- Markets with a wide variety of crafts
- Water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River (arguably the best one day rafting in the world!)
Overnight in a beautiful lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Day 14:
Transfer to the airport. Flight back to Johannesburg/Europe
Dates:
01/04/2007 - 14/04/2007 (from Maun to Livingstone)
15/04/2007 - 28/04/2007 (from Livingstone to Maun)
15/07/2007 - 28/07/2007 (from Maun to Livingstone)
29/07/2007 - 11/08/2007 (from Livingstone to Maun)
16/09/2007 - 29/09/2007 (from Maun to Livingstone)
30/09/2007 - 13/10/2007 (from Livingstone to Maun)
14/10/2007 - 27/10/2007 (from Maun to Livingstone)
Minimum of 6 participants per tour
Maximum of 10 participants per tour
Price:
€ 2480-00 per person sharing
Single supplement: € 270-00
Included in the price:
- All meals (except the last dinner in Livingstone)
- All transport (except transfers to and from airports)
- Competent English speaking guide and driver
- All accommodation in good chalets and luxury safari tents (in our mobile bush camp)
- All activities as described
- All entrance fees
Not included in the price:
- International flight from Europe (return)
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- All optional activities
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides
- Visa fees
Tour Info:
Every second tour is done in the reverse direction.
Our bush camp is set up and taken down by helpers that accompany us on the tour. Our cotton tents are spacious and
comfortable with beds, mattresses and sleeping bag. We dine under the stars. There is a gazebo available in case
of adverse weather conditions.
We camp in the bush, with no fixed ablutions available. A portable toilet and a shower is part of the camping
equipment that we have at our disposal.
The accommodation in Santawani and Livingstone (Zambia) is in beautiful and comfortable chalets.
The motto of this tour: travel in comfort, and spend as much time enjoying the African nature as possible.
Our helpers are experienced cooks, and guests often compliment the standard of catering on our tours.
Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. Meals are healthy, tasty and variable. 'Tin food' and 'fast food' is
avoided where possible.
Optional activities described in the program are carried out by local tour operators. The optional activities are
paid directly to the operator and not to Adventure Purist.
The vehicle used is a extended Landrover Tdi. Bucket seats, double shock absorbers and Landrover's suspension system
provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle is open on all sides, but can be closed for long distance travelling. We will
be travelling with 2 vehicles (one for equipment and luggage, the other for passengers).
We travel in remote areas. Patience and a certain ability to endure the circumstances we may encounter are expected
from the participants of this tour.
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