THREE WAYS TO PLAN AND BOOK YOUR BOTSWANA SAFARI WITH AFRICANMECCA

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13 DAYS TIER ONE ITINERARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

AfricanMecca's Best Of Botswana Safari - TIER 1 sets out to discover Makgadikgadi Pans (Jack's), Linyanti Reserve (Kings Pool) combined with 2 unique ecology (Stanleys & Chief's Island Concessions) within the Okavango Delta experiencing the best of what Botswana's premier wilderness can offer.

TIER 1 SAFARI SUMMARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Itinerary Highlights:

  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Water Based Ecology. Overnights at Baines Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Land Based Ecology. Overnights at Chief’s Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Linyanti Reserve - Savannah & River Ecology. Overnights at Kings Pool Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Makgadikgadi Pans - Desert Ecology. Overnights at Jack's Camp.
  • Roundtrip flights from/to Johannesburg - Maun (base safari start town).
  • All flights from/to Maun - Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Makgadikgadi Pans.
  • Botswana meet and greet service at Maun Airport - Maun.
  • Various noted game activities are included with your overnight stay as indicated.
  • Ability to customize and add more days to the existing program e.g Chobe, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
  • This program can further be combined with other AfricanMecca safaris/itineraries/locations in Botswana or to include other parks and destinations within Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.
The first delta ecology you will visit specializes as year round water based concession situated close by game-rich seasonal floodplains and permanent rivers or water channels. On your water based safari experience, you will visit Stanleys Concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, and is located on the southern tip of Chief’s Island. This private community concession is by definition in a seasonal delta and the floodwaters usually arrive around June. The game viewing is thrilling. Water crossings are part of the adventure and watching zebra standing belly-deep grazing is a sight to see!  Explore the area up close at the gentle pace of a mokoro, a dug-out canoe excursion and boating experience (subject to water levels). There is also the opportunity to venture out after dark on night game drives to see the nocturnal animals that live here including bush baby, hyena and leopard. Guests can also explore the bush on foot with a walking safari. This wonderful concession is also home to the non-profit charity Living With Elephants which invite you to optionally explore Africa from an elephant’s perspective. Here, you will meet and interact with Jabu, Thembi and Morula, a trio of semi-habituated orphaned elephants, while walking in their gigantic and silent footsteps though the African wilderness.

The second specializes as a land based concession concentrating on vehicle game drives spotting big game supplemented with plains game and avi-fauna. Few land based concessions and camps have accessibility to minimal water sources dependent on the water levels, and only offer only a teaser based water activity or none at all if the water levels are very low. Combining a water based concession with a land based concession in the Okavango Delta will maximize flora and fauna experiences with a myriad of choices of safari activities.  On your land based safari experience, you will visit Chief's Island Concession located within Moremi Game Reserve in central Okavango Delta. In the interior of Chief’s Island is mopane woodland is interspersed with belts of Kalahari sand and acacia. Towards the edges of the island regular seasonal flooding creates shallow floodplains dotted with wild date palm islands and riverine forest. Chief's offers arguably the best big game viewing in Botswana with prolific concentrations of general game such as giraffe, zebra, warthog, red lechwe, tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, elephant, buffalo and impala. Abundant predator sightings include lion, spotted hyaena and leopard. Chief’s Island is also home to the only white and black rhino found in the Okavango Delta. The birding, a result of diverse habitats, is equally attractive.

The 125000 hectare (308000 acre) private Linyanti Concession borders the Chobe National Park's western boundary. It is a massive, wildlife-rich area part of Botswana's northern savannah and river ecology, and enjoys an unrivaled atmosphere of remoteness and space. There are three main features of the Linyanti Concession: the Linyanti River, the woodlands of the interior and the well-known Savute Channel, famous as a sporadic and unusual watercourse.The Linyanti has abundant wildlife in a wide variety of species but is most noted for its very large elephant population which can reach enormous densities during the dry winter months. Other game is abundant, such as impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and bushbuck, and their predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyaena. Rarer species such as sable and roan antelope also emerge from the woodlands during the dry season. Birding is outstanding at Kings Pool Camp: with the Linyanti Concession an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA). Sightings range from Okavango specials, like the Allen's Gallinule, Slaty Egret, Hartlaub's Babbler, African Skimmer and Wattled Crane, to the drier mopane woodland species like Racket-tailed Roller, Bennett's Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Bradfield's Hornbill, White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike, and Arnott's Chat. Also on display are the Kori Bustard, Ostrich, Secretarybird, and Ground Hornbill with Southern Carmine Bee-eaters in summer. High concentrations of birds of prey and raptors like eagles and Dickenson's Kestrel can also be expected. There are also various owl species in the region, such as Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle-Owl and African Scops-Owl.

Makgadikgadi Pans offers a desert ecology experience, unique to Africa, and one of Botswana’s offbeat and contrasting park when compared to the popular Okavango Delta. Makgadikgadi literally infers as one vast open dead land. Its African safari experiences offers stark nature viewing that is striking and contrasting. Even though Makgadikgadi Pans are termed as dead lands, it boasts of a diverse ecosystem that houses palm groves and Baobab trees coupled with the dynamic changing of seasons from dry to wet resulting to a migratory zebra wildlife annual coordination. The pans when dry form a layer of salty clay that occasionally gets watered during the rainy season transforming them into excellent seasonal habitat for wildlife. Most of the park is composed of riverine woodland, grassland and scrubland, a unique and harmonizing destination that could be one of the best safaris in Africa that you can experience when compared to mainstream Africa safari experiences. The Makgadikgadi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife like genet, caracal, lion, impala, zebra, wildebeest, jackal, bushbuck, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, kudu, porcupine, to name but a few.

STANLEYS CONCESSION - OKAVANGO DELTA - WATER BASED ECOLOGY

Fly from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maun. Upon arrival at the Maun Airport, our airport guest relations’ officer will personally meet all arriving guests. We will be standing outside the arrival section holding a signboard with your name on it. You are met and transferred by air to the first Okavango Delta concession for 3 nights stay at Baines Camp offering the ultimate luxury safari paradise. The camp is located on a vast private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, this is a small camp with just five suites. An eco-friendly property, Baines Camp was built using only commercially grown wood, with over 150,000 recycled aluminum cans incorporated within the walls to provide insulation.

The five suites are set on elevated platforms that offer expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. All have en suite facilities, traditional safari ceiling fans and four-poster “sky beds” swathed in mosquito netting. The beds can easily be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars. For the ultimate indulgence, guests can enjoy a “star bath” on the deck. There is a communal swimming pool, and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the ideal place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. See prowling lions looking for prey at the edge of the lagoon that the camp overlooks, or watch one of the many elephants who live in the area.

Baines Camp and non-profit charity Living With Elephants invite you to explore Africa from an elephant’s perspective by experiencing the optional Elephant Interaction Activity. You will meet and interact with Jabu, Thembi and Morula, a trio of semi-habituated orphaned elephants, while walking in their gigantic and silent footsteps though the African wilderness. Exclusive to guests at Baines Camp and Stanleys Camp, this is a truly uplifting experience. Explore Africa from an elephant’s perspective, walking in the gigantic and silent footsteps of three semi-habituated elephants. The elephant interaction activity is very popular, and in order to avoid disappointment we recommend pre-booking. (Additional cost applies)

Activities Included: Specialized water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Baines Camp

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT CONNECTION GUIDE: Most guests on international flights arrive into South Africa with onward connecting to Maun in Botswana as there are no direct flights to Botswana. If arriving on a morning flight at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and you may want to relax for a day before connecting to Maun in Botswana or so to explore Johannesburg Tours like Apartheid Museum Tour, Johannesburg City Tour or the various tour offerings while getting over your jet lag, AfricanMecca can arrange for these services. Pre-arrangements need to be made before your arrival so please let us know. Please see Johannesburg Hotels available to AfricanMecca guests for your overnight in Johannesburg.

CHIEF'S ISLAND CONCESSION - OKAVANGO DELTA - LAND BASED ECOLOGY

After breakfast, you will fly to your second Okavango Delta concession experience for 3 nights stay at Chief's Camp. The camp is located in the Chief's-Mombo Concession on Chief’s Island. Part of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, the area is known as the “predator capital of Africa” and is also home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as over 500 bird species. The decked lounge, pool, dining area and atmospheric fire pit all overlook expansive floodplains so that guests can continue game viewing in camp. The twelve guest pavilions are nestled in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland that is characteristic of the area. All have both an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a private viewing deck overlooking the surrounding floodplains of the Okavango Delta. Sumptuous four poster beds and traditional ceiling fans also feature.

The game viewing opportunities at Chief’s Camp are simply awe-inspiring. Our expert guides are always on hand to share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, taking guests deep into the bush on morning and afternoon game drives. On the plains, watch the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. Spot leopard, hyena and cheetah, perhaps even the rare wild dog. Apart from its predators, the area is renowned for its large concentrations of plains-game, elephant and buffalo. Both white and black rhino were introduced into the Mombo Concession in 2001 and 2003.

Activities Included: Land and water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Chief's Camp

LINYANTI RESERVE - SAVANNAH & RIVER ECOLOGY - KING POOL

After your early morning activity, fly to Linyanti. On arrival, transfer to Kings Pool Camp for your 3 nights stay. The camp is named after the Scandinavian royalty; this luxurious and stylish camp overlooks the oxbow-shaped Kings Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River system. Nine well-appointed rooms of canvas and thatch each have a large en-suite bedroom and lounge. Folding doors lead to a veranda with private plunge pool, separate thatched sala to soak up the views and an outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas are set on expansive decks, and there is a pool and an open-air ‘kgotla’ (boma) for evening dining under the stars. An open-sided thatched gym is available. Activities include day and night game drives, walks, and boat cruises along the Linyanti River (water levels allowing). Two hides allow guests to spend their siesta watching game come down to drink. One is edge of the camp, while the other is underground, with the water at eye-level – seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience that transcends that of an ordinary safari.

Activities Included: Land and water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Kings Pool Camp

MAKGADIKGADI PANS - DESERT ECOLOGY - JACK'S

After your early morning activity, fly to Makgadikgadi Pans for your 3 nights stay at Jacks Camp. The camp offers ten green roomy and stylish canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers (for those who want to feel the Kalahari breeze on their skin) fashioned in classical style and are set into a palm grove creating an oasis of civilization in what can be the harshest of stark environments. Persian rugs underfoot and cool cotton sheets form a striking contrast with the rugged wilderness viewed from the comfort of one’s own verandah.

During the wet season the landscape transforms. Clouds of flamingo and other migratory birds descend from the heavens to decorate the watery grasslands. Herds of zebra and wildebeest materialize, drawn by the lush grass, and for several months, the desert is teeming with game and predators. The guides at Jack's Camp are an erudite breed. Often graduate students who combine research with guiding, they team up with a small group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen to guide our Guests on a morning’s walks and game drives. The response from those who have been there is always the same: first your question is echoed, 'Jack's Camp?' followed by a reflective pause/ 'It's different.' And there they leave it, the difficulty of describing it hanging in the air like a half-built bridge.' The Makgadikgadi is not without drama and, here, the emphasis is on observing the intricacies of a truly unique ecosystem to which the camp has added stylish adaptations of its own.

Activities Included: Specialized desert land based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Jacks Camp

DEPARTURE & TRIP EXTENSIONS

Day 13: Maun Departure & Extensions

Breakfast. Morning activity. Thereafter, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun Airport with a onward connection to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, check in for your international flight back home. OPTIONALLY customize the below extensions to Cape Town, Victoria Falls and/or Chobe as part of your itinerary.

RECOMMENDED PRE AND POST SAFARI AND TOUR EXTENSIONS IN CHOBE, VICTORIA FALLS & CAPE TOWN

After your Best Of Botswana Safari - TIER 1 safari, we recommend a combination off-beat extension to distinct destinations such as Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. Thereafter, harmoniously conclude with a coastal rest and relaxation in Cape Town with speckled seaside, cultural, winelands and historic experiences. You may customize to include any other destination of your preference in Eastern and Southern Africa. The options are endless!

4 Nights Cape Town Extension (South Africa)

Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) via Johannesburg. Upon arrival at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT), a transfer officer will personally meet all arriving guests. They will be standing in the main arrival section holding a signboard with your name on it. They will meet you and transfer you to Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa for your 4 nights Cape Town experience. Guests prefer the Twelve Apostle for the main reason that it stands at the edge of the world. On one side, a line of majestic mountains The Twelve Apostles reaches towards the heavens; on the other, the sun sets on breeching whales, playful dolphins, and crashing Atlantic rollers. And all around, you can walk the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park. The hotel's light, airy, and peaceful rooms are an eclectic mix of contemporary African style, classic European comfort and effortless, up-to-the-minute technology. At your own leisure time, AfricanMecca guests can take a trip to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and also the Cape Winelands and taste South Africa's homegrown wines; see the world from your vantage point on the top of famed Table Mountain; dine like a king at any of South Africa's fantastic restaurants and celebrate the great outdoors. Spend the rest of your day relaxing and enjoy the Cape Town tour experiences.

Optional Activities Available: Cape Town Tours

Overnight Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

2 Nights Livingstone Victoria Falls Extension - (Zambia)

Transfer to Livingstone - Victoria Falls area in Zambia; thereafter, you will be transferred to Sussi & Chuma for your 2 nights Victoria Falls experience. Sussi & Chuma, located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, is named after David Livingstone's faithful friends and consists of an exclusive lodge (Sussi) and two spacious two bedroom houses (Chuma). Both of which take full advantage of their enchanting riverbank setting. Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone's faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides.

Activities Included: Tour of Victoria Falls, The Sunset Cruise, African Village Tour, Game Drives

Overnight Accommodation: Sussi & Chuma

3 Nights Chobe Extension - (Botswana)

Transfer to Kasane. On arrival, transfer to Chobe Chilwero for your 3 nights stay. Chobe Chilwero is located on the edge of Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana where some 80,000 elephants roam. From the lodge’s hilltop position, guests can enjoy far reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplain below, relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full service spa complete with a treetop treatment room. Chobe Chilwero’s fifteen guest cottages all command fabulous views and come with every convenience guests could hope for. The en suite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers while the freestanding tubs are large and comfortable. Each cottage also has its own private garden – the perfect spot to sip cocktails after, or why not enjoy your very own private dinner served under the African sky?

With Africa’s largest concentration on the lodge’s doorstep, elephants feature largely on any activity at Chobe Chilwero. Game drives bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge in boisterous herds. Hippo, buffalo, antelope, lion and leopard are also frequent sights. The best way to end a day of safari is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the waters of the Chobe River.

Activities Included: Land and water based activities - see accommodation for complete details.

Overnight Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero

LOCATION OF YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN OKAVANGO DELTA, LINYANTI & MAKGADIKGADI PANS

With the various customization and personalization options available as an independent and/or combination safari with other countries in Southern and East Africa, the prices for this safari/tour are best available by having a discussion with our safari professionals to ensure a perfect match. Please contact us to customize your safari and request prices based on your travel preference.

AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS

What are our Customers saying about our safari holidays?

  • On behalf of myself, my wife and my two adult daughters, I want to sincerely thank you and AfricanMecca Safaris for our fabulous recent safari. Everything you promised exceeded our expectations and was superb, which is saying a lot since this was our second trip, having had a wonderful Botswana Safari 10 years ago. Do not ever hesitate to use me as a reference.
    Robert Schenkein - prVision Photography Studio - Colorado, United States
  • Chobe was delightful, less than half full. Sussi and Chuma, very nice, again only 13 people in all. All the game drives and river cruises were excellent. We had great weather. The ability to get really close is in inspiring. EVERYWHERE we went, the people were warm, helpful and charming. Thank you so much. We will be recommending your services to all.
    Thomas Kelch - California, United States
  • Raza Visram at AfricanMecca planned the most amazing trip for my friend and I. I wanted to go to 4 countries in 15 days and he made it happen. It was an aggressive itinerary and Raza planned it so well, that the transitions were seamless. The last leg of the trip was Botswana for another Safari and we stayed at the most beautiful lodge. The excitement in seeing the animals so closely is indescribable.
    Karin Alsdorf - New Jersey, United States
  • I had a wonderful trip to Africa and I would highly recommend your company.I have been to Africa many times and I have never had such wonderful service. The guide and safari vehicle were both great and all the lodges were outstanding. We will be going to Africa again the year after next and I assure you I will be contacting you. Thanks again for arranging such a great trip.
    Ronald Price, President, Ron Price Motors Group - California, United States
  • Our Botswana safari was FANTASTIC! It truly was a luxury, but rustic enough, safari. We really loved our trip! We saw everything here. From lions to leopards to elephants to buffalos. Our guide, Rams was truly amazing. He really knew his stuff! While on the bush walks we encountered zebras, warthogs and much more. Thanks for your help! We will definitely do another trip within a year.
    Duncan Rosen - Florida, United States
  • Thank you for everything; we had an amazing honeymoon. Words really can't describe our experience, all we can really say was that it was the most amazing experience of our lives and we would recommend AfricanMecca to anyone. We hope to visit Africa again sometime next year! Thank you & all of your staff for an amazing & perfect honeymoon.
    Rick Sagoo - London, United Kingdom

CONTACT AND TALK TO OUR BOTSWANA TOUR EXPERTS TODAY TO START YOUR TRIP PLANNING PROCESS

Request Botswana Custom Or Tailor-Made Safari Vacation Pricing Based On Your Specific Travel Dates At Your Preferred Safari Tier Lodge Or Camp

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