THREE WAYS TO PLAN AND BOOK YOUR BOTSWANA SAFARI WITH AFRICANMECCA

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13 DAYS TIER TWO ITINERARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

AfricanMecca's Best Of Botswana Safari - TIER 2 sets out to discover Makgadikgadi Pans (Kalahari), Linyanti Reserve (Savuti) combined with 2 unique ecology (Xigera Moremi & Chitabe Concessions) within the Okavango Delta experiencing the best of what Botswana's premier wilderness can offer.

TIER 2 SAFARI SUMMARY FOR BEST OF BOTSWANA SAFARI

Itinerary Highlights:

  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Water Based Ecology. Overnights at Xigera Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Okavango Delta – Land Based Ecology. Overnights at Chitabe Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Linyanti Reserve - Savannah & River Ecology. Overnights at Savuti Camp.
  • 3 nights stay in Makgadikgadi Pans - Desert Ecology. Overnights at Camp Kalahari.
  • 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 the 6000-hectare Xigera Concession is a wetland paradise within Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Delta. Situated on one of the Okavango’s key waterways, it is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands and is renowned for the highest density of the elusive sitatunga antelope in the Delta. Although the area is not known for big game, mammal sightings include red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, elephant and tsessebe. Predators include lion, spotted hyaena and leopard. Guests are sometimes treated to close-up views of lion or leopard using the footbridge connecting Xigera’s island to the next! This concession is a delight for birdwatchers, many of the key swamp-dwelling specialists being resident. Notable are Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Skimmer, Brown Firefinch, Greater Swamp Warbler, Wattled Crane, African Pygmy Goose and Lesser Jacana.

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 the 28000-hectare Chitabe Concession, situated in the south-east of the Okavango Delta, is separated from the well-known Moremi game reserve by the Gomoti Channel. This eastern half of the concession is characterised by grassy floodplains which separate the Channel from acacia and mopane woodland. The western half of the concession has as its boundary the santantadibe river and here a variety of typical okavango habitats – seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, to wooded islands, tranquil waterways and dry woodland – ensure a year-round variety of game viewing and birding experiences. It is this diversity and a mix of Okavango and Kalahari habitats that makes Chitabe unique and which allows good concentrations of all the larger predators – lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, cheetah and wild dog – as well as herbivores like giraffe, buffalo, lechwe, tsessebe, impala and elephant.

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.

XIGERA 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 Xigera Camp situated deep within the Delta surrounded by water and lush vegetation. Nestled in riverine forest on the aptly-named Paradise Island, Xigera has ten luxuriously furnished tented rooms, a clever mix of wood and canvas, each with en-suite facilities and an outdoor shower. All are built on wooden decks, offering views of a seasonal floodplain and small lagoon. Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed in the lounge and dining area overlooking the permanently flowing channel or under the stars in a traditional African boma. The camp is finished off with a plunge pool and curio shop. The concession’s year-round water allows for the Delta’s most sublime experiences – poling on a mokoro and motorboat outings. This is complemented by game drives in the area depending on flood levels. Xigera also offers some of the best birding opportunities in the Delta. Xigera is a water-based camp offering guests an opportunity to experience the waterways of the Okavango Delta. In the peak months, guests are able to boat through over 60 kilometers of floodplain and channels to reach the islands where there are regular sightings of Buffalo, Elephant, Zebra, Giraffe, Lechwe and Sitatunga as well as numerous other Delta species. Lion and leopard can also be seen crossing the deep channels as they move between islands. Hippo can be seen from mokoro and there is an abundance of birds, a special being Pel’s Fishing Owl.

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

Overnight Accommodation: Xigera 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.

CHITABE CONCESSION - OKAVANGO DELTA - LAND BASED ECOLOGY

After breakfast, you will fly to your second Okavango Delta concession experience for 3 nights stay at Chitabe Camp. The accommodation is situated on a beautiful old tree-island in a prime location in the south-east of the Okavango Delta. Eight spacious en-suite Meru-style tented rooms are built on elevated wooden decks, each tastefully styled with unique décor. The spacious en-suite bathrooms include double vanity basins together with an indoor as well outdoor shower. Elevated walkways connect the rooms to the main area. The central part of camp is made up of a thatched dining area and lounge leading onto open decking, all built on raised decks to provide superb views across a floodplain. There is a pool that provides cool sanctuary in the heat of the day. Activities include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, nature walks and spectacular birding through a diverse array of habitats. Owing its location on the periphery of the delta, Chitabe offers exciting year-round game viewing. The area is a combination of open grasslands, acacia woodland and shallow waterways. Game viewing is varied from the lush green period after the rains to the dry winter months when plains game numbers peak. Buffalo, elephant, lion, warthog, lechwe, hippo, giraffe, leopard, cheetah and tsessebe are found throughout the year. Wild dog are frequently seen in the concession.

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

Overnight Accommodation: Chitabe Camp

LINYANTI RESERVE - SAVANNAH & RIVER ECOLOGY - SAVUTI

After your early morning activity, fly to Linyanti. On arrival, transfer to Savuti Camp for your 3 nights stay. The camp is located on the Savute Channel, which for many years was a dry, wide-open ribbon of grassland snaking through the adjoining woodland. In 2008, the waters returned, and Savuti Camp now has front-row seats to view the abundant game that has congregated and adapted in its wake. The site of the camp is about 17 kilometers ‘downstream’ from the Zibadianja Lagoon – the source of the Channel. Accommodation comprises seven large en-suite canvas-and-thatch rooms that are raised off the ground and face onto the Savute Channel. From the thatched dining area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with fire pit extend outwards on raised wooden decks towards the new waters that flow past the camp. Activities on offer are day and night game drives and nature walks with a guide (on request). Several elevated hides can also be visited in the area.

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

Overnight Accommodation: Savuti Camp

MAKGADIKGADI PANS - DESERT ECOLOGY - KALAHARI

After your early morning activity, fly to Makgadikgadi Pans for your 3 nights stay at Camp Kalahari. The camp is a return to the traditional safari style of the old explorers, and is the best way to experience the Makgadikgadi in a fresh and affordable way. It is the ideal camp for those who want fun, comfort, style and adventure. Camp Kalahari accepts children of all ages and makes for a fantastic family safari destination. In the style of Jack’s original camps, is a large and comfortable thatched library, lounge and dining area; here Guests can relax and enjoy the serenity and peace of this enchanting area. Camp Kalahari has ten Meru tents: Seven twin tents, two double tents and one family unit comprising two twin tents with an inter-leading bathroom. All tents have en suite outdoor bathrooms, flush loos and the hottest wettest showers in the Kalahari. The tent interiors are classic old safari style, replete with comfy beds, crunchy cotton sheets, stripy African blankets and hot water bottles in winter.

There are two distinctly different seasons in the Makgadikgadi: The dry season, lasting from mid April to the end of October and the wet season, lasting from the early November to mid April. When the rains arrive at the beginning of the wet season, the landscape is transformed. Water gathers on the saltpan. Algae bloom, crustaceans breed, and clouds of flamingo descend to feed on them. Then herds of zebra and wildebeest materialize, drawn by the lush grass, and for several months, the desert is teeming with game and predators. Guests visiting during the wet season can witness the last surviving migration of zebra and wildebeest in Southern Africa. Most people associate the migration with East Africa and don’t know about this, the second largest migration of African ungulates, with an estimated 30,000 animals, the majority being zebra, participating each year

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

Overnight Accommodation: Camp Kalahari

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 2 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 Victoria & Alfred Hotel for your 4 nights Cape Town experience. Victoria & Alfred Hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and offers spectacular views of the working harbour and Table Mountain. Walk in the utmost safety to some of the finest retail outlets from designer stores to restaurants, craft markets, cinemas, boat cruises to Robben Island and entertainment in the amphitheatre. Built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse and converted into a luxury hotel in 1990, the V&A Hotel is named in honour of the Queen of England and her son who visited the Cape in 1870 when Prince Alfred officially opened the Breakwater Basin today's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Optional Activities Available: Cape Town Tours

Overnight Accommodation: Victoria & Alfred Hotel

2 Nights Livingstone Victoria Falls Extension - (Zambia)

Transfer to Livingstone - Victoria Falls area in Zambia; thereafter, you will be transferred to Stanley Safari Lodge for your 2 nights Victoria Falls experience. The accommodation is seductively settled on the heights of the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, bordering the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park - the smoke that thunders, inspired by the classical bush experience providing an unforgettable experience. Stanley is set on a hill overlooking unspoilt bush, only 3 km birdsview from the river and the Victoria Falls. Stanley is a perfect base from which to explore the delights of the area. The accommodation is the exclusive oasis for the new explorers of the Victoria Falls. With only 10 private cottages it is able to give you an unmatched level of entirely personalized service. The African style and furnishings of the lodge reflect the textures and patterns of Africa, and your hosts will do their best to make your stay a memorable one. You can dine outdoors under the stars, in the privacy of your suite, in the wine cellar or even in the infinity pool. An immaculate tablecloth and the beautiful tableware brings us back to the old days.

Activities Included: Tour of Victoria Falls

Overnight Accommodation: Stanley Safari Lodge

3 Nights Chobe Extension - (Botswana)

Transfer to Kasane. On arrival, transfer to Chobe Game Lodge for your 3 nights stay. Chobe Game Lodge is located within Chobe National Park. The only permanent game lodge situated within the famous Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana's premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base to explore Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. Its extensive facilities include a swimming pool with adjacent terrace and a grassy riverside boma area where a Marimba band or traditional dancers can perform. Each of the rooms at the lodge is river facing and air conditioned, featuring overhead fans, complimentary mini bar, en-suite bathrooms and private terrace. For those AfricanMecca Safaris guests who demand the ultimate in exclusivity, Chobe Game Lodge has four river view suites, each with their own plunge pool and a separate lounge area. Chobe's wildlife roams in abundance and diversity and is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa. During the dry season these large herds, as well as vast herds of buffalo, congregate along the fertile flood plains of the Chobe River where they come to drink, bathe and play. Sightings of lion, African wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable, giraffe and roan antelope are frequent reported in the area.

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

Overnight Accommodation: Chobe Game Lodge

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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