Botswana Luxury Safari

This 11-day Botswana Luxury Safari is the crème de la crème of our collection, offering the very best to the discerning traveller. All the camps and lodges featured are unashamedly top notch, pampering the senses, setting new standards for personal attention and guiding, and located in the heart of some of the best wilderness areas possible.

From the history of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, to the intense game viewing of Selinda and the Okavango to the 'Big Nothing' of the Makgadikgadi, this tour will give you a Botswana experience of the very highest quality.

• Day 1 Arrival – Livingstone

  We will meet you at Livingstone International Airport in Zambia, and transfer you to our lodge, where you will stay for two nights before we start the Botswana portion.

  Activities at Tongabezi include guided canoeing excursions, guided walks with lunch on one of the islands, fishing, a visit to the Victoria falls on the Zambian side, a game drive to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a walk in the gorges below the falls, a cultural visit to the local museum, a visit to Livingstone town and sunrise and sunset boat trips on the Zambezi. Other activities on offer at an additional cost are white water rafting, horse riding, elephant back safaris, lion walks and bungee jumping – these activities can be booked prior to your arrival if you wish. The camp also has its own croquet lawn (African rules apply!), a jetty, tennis courts and a school for the local children.

  Tongabezi Lodge
  Meals Included: Dinner

• Day 2 Livingstone

  Livingstone is a historic colonial town most famous for its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The town has experienced a revival in the last decade with the old colonial style buildings which line the shaded main avenue being renovated, and now housing shops, cafes and a variety of local businesses. Livingstone offers a wide range of activities from the challenge of white water rafting and bungee jumping, to the awe-inspiring elephant back safaris and sunset cruises. Livingstone has something for everyone.

  The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the largest sheet of falling water on earth – a spellbinding and mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles – hence the local name ‘mosi oa tunya’ meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’. Water flow over the Falls varies throughout the year. The river’s annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, this is spectacular from above but it makes it very difficult to see the Falls at ground level as it is under a heavy shower/mist. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October – December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island.

  Tongabezi Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 3 Livingstone – Selinda

  After breakfast, we will be transferred by shared road transfer from Tongabezi Lodge to Kasane Airport for an onward transfer to Zarafa Camp, where we will stay for three nights.

  Zarafa Camp opened in June 2008 with a beautiful new design and spectacular location to rave reviews and critical acclaim. In its November 2008 edition, National Geographic Adventure magazine honored the lodge as one of the world’s top 50 eco-lodges, and Tattler Magazine has recognised Zarafa Camp as one of its top 101 hotels & lodges anywhere.

  Zarafa Camp is blessed with an extraordinary location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve, overlooking the vast savannahs and floodplains of the Zibadianja Lagoon under shady jackalberry and red ivory forests. The uninterrupted views from every part of the camp over these productive floodplains are truly breathtaking.

  Activities offered at Zarafa include game drives, night drives, and walks, which can be arranged on request.

  Zarafa Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 4 Selinda

  The Selinda-Linyanti area lies to the north-east of the Okavango Delta where the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers meet at right angles, forming a swamp area within this triangle. The area’s relative remoteness makes it a favoured safari destination. The wildlife in the area is spectacular and the region is famous for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo which move down to the area at the start of the winter months and only move back inland once the summer rains arrive in November.

  We spend the day exploring in the company of our guides.

  Zarafa Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 5 Selinda

  We spend another day exploring this incredible wildlife area with the camp guides, who are trained and experienced in tracking and master bush craft.

  The Selinda-Linyanti is known as one of the best wild dog areas in Africa. The dogs start denning anytime from June onwards after which they can usually be found with relative ease for 3-4 months afterwards as they hunt from their den. An abundance of cat species also frequent this area and the birdlife is rich with the best birding months being between October and January.

  Zarafa Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 6 Selinda – Okavango Delta

  Following the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by air to Duba Expedition Camp, where we will stay for three nights.

  Duba offers both land and water based activities, principally nature viewing in varied habitats in open 4×4 vehicles, nature walks (on request and requiring a special guide), mokoro trips and boat excursions. Whilst exploring the spectacular ecology of this area, one can enjoy close-up viewing of lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah and buffalo along with all the abundant plains game. Birding is fabulous here with immense species diversity and mind-boggling numbers.

  What makes the concession so unique is its position on the extreme north of the Okavango. This position encompasses such a wide variety of habitats and species that it has representatives of just about every animal that occurs in the Okavango biome.

  Duba Expedition Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 7 Okavango Delta

  The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari basin. This oasis in the middle of the desert is a rich yet fragile ecosystem, providing a life source for an incredible variety of wildlife. A wealth of species have adapted to the contrasting conditions created by living in the harsh Kalahari Desert which is transformed annually with the arrival of the delta flood waters that originate in Angola.

  The Okavango wetland encompasses Moremi Game Reserve and surrounding regions divided into areas known as private concessions. These concessions are wildlife management areas, carefully administrated to balance the growing community’s development and conservation, whilst empowering citizens through sustainable tourism. Many of the exclusive lodges in Botswana are situated within these concessions in the delta, providing an unparalleled wildlife experience – exclusive and remote, avoiding mass tourism and exploitation.

  We explore the area around our camp in vehicles, by boat and on foot.

  Duba Expedition Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 8 Okavango Delta

  Flood levels in the delta fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, with high water levels peaking in the central Okavango during the dry winter months and water levels at their lowest during the later summer months, contrary to the seasonal rainfall. The landscape, activities and game viewing vary considerably throughout the delta depending on your location, the season and flood levels.

  Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season (Apr – Oct) with it becoming very hot in the later months. The heronries become active as the migrant birds return to Botswana from September through November, and general bird watching is excellent throughout the summer months. The rainy season (Nov – Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction.

  We will spend a second day exploring the area in the company of our guides.

  Duba Expedition Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 9 Okavango Delta – Makgadikgadi

  Following a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by air from Vumbura Plains to Jack’s Camp, where we will stay for two nights.

  Jack’s Camp is located in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest salt pans in the world.

  The Makgadikgadi area changes greatly with the seasons and consequently the focus of activities varies throughout the year. The summer rains create a warm shallow layer of water that entices waterfowl and flamingos. After the rains (December to April), there can be enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and springbok – with the accompanying predators – on the open grasslands.

  Jack’s Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 10 Makgadikgadi Pans

  Activities are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles custom-designed for the terrain and accompanied by knowledgeable guides. In the dry winter months, all-terrain vehicles (a four-wheeled motorcycle/quad bikes) are available, allowing guests to travel across the salt pans. Walks with a Bushman tracker and a visit to Chapman’s Baobab – the historical baobab tree used by Livingstone, Selous and other early explorers – are activities also on offer. A special highlight of a visit to Jack’s Camp are the local meerkats, as a group has been habituated and is accustomed to human presence allowing for incredible photographic opportunities as well as the privilege to see these lively characters up close.

  Jack’s Camp
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 11 Makgadikgadi – Maun – Departure

  After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun Airport, for your onward travel arrangements.

  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Tongabezi Lodge

  Regarded as the top property in Livingstone, Zambia, Tongabezi Lodge consists of just 12 designer cottages on the edge of the Zambezi River.

  Quality and Style

  From the moment you arrive at Tongabezi, you will get the sense that you are somewhere truly special. The manager and personal valet greet you on arrival, your stylishly-executed and fully-stocked villa is huge and different from every other one here, and you will enjoy the use of the most spectacular open air bathroom. Above all is the lodge’s legendary but discreet service and attention to detail.

  Ideal Location

  Livingstone is a town steeped in history, and to this day enjoys an easy pace. The lodge engenders this feeling, as there are no schedules, and everything is scheduled to your liking. The fact that the lodge is 12 miles away from the centre of town, and right on the river means that you get a genuine safari experience, but are able to explore the Falls and enjoy Zambezi River activities very conveniently.

• Zarafa Camp

  Just four tents on the edge of the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Selinda Spillway, mean that Zarafa is one of the most desirable camps in Botswana.

  Intimate Enjoyment

  With the management and staff being a tight-knit team, by the end of your stay at Zarafa, you will feel that you are a member of a close, albeit privileged, family. The kitchen and camp staff are all engaged in making your stay memorable, and how they succeed! All the while you are surrounded by opulence and style that can only normally be found in an upmarket glossy magazine.

  Wildest Africa

  This camp is right in the heart of it. Unfenced, and open to the surrounding wilderness, a daily parade of animals ranging from elephants to leopard walk right through the camp. You very much get the sense that you are a visitor in their neighbourhood. There is a wide variety of ways to enjoy the bush, and the guides are up to the task of making the experience so much richer through their good humour and superb bush knowledge.

• Duba Expedition Camp

  Duba Expedition Camp, located in the northern part of the Okavango Delta, consists of a single exclusive camp with just six expedition-style tents.

  Conservation Ethos

  Located on a wooded island, Duba is the only accommodation on a private 77,000 acre concession in the Kwedi Reserve. The reserve is a private partnership between Great Plains Conservation and the  Okavango Community Trust, that represents five villages in the Delta. Each tent is made of light airy canvas and is placed on slightly raised decking, with views of the surrounding floodplain. Each tent features a small desk and private verandah with en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor shower. The main area is under a sweeping canvas canop, on raised decking, and consists of an open-concept dining and lounge area which opens to the outdoors on all sides. In the evenings, the fire pit is always a popular spot to recount the day’s adventures.

  Nature Red in Tooth and Claw

  Being in a prime area of the Okavango Delta, the main focus while staying at Duba is the game. The guides here are carefully selected and trained, as they are the individuals who will make your stay most memorable. The daily drama of Africa plays out close to the camp, and the guides make all the difference in making these encounters special, whether you are in a car, a boat or on foot.

• San Camp

  San Camp is a collection of 6 tents in the middle of one of the hugest expanses of empty Africa you will find anywhere.

  Oasis in the Desert

  San is in a magic corner of the continent, and it takes its responsibility to live up to its location seriously. The glorious colonial-style furnishings are just some of the touches that enchant the first-time or returning visitor. It’s minimalist at heart though, encouraging you to shed all the trappings of western civilization and truly relax. Combine this with a manager and team who are quite clearly answering a calling, and you have the makings of a truly great camp.

  Hidden Wonders

  While at first sight the desert appears barren and devoid of life, it quickly reveals itself as being just as as complex and diverse an environment as the savannahs to the west. Although wildlife is regularly seen here, the experience incorporates more of the extraordinary location and the sense of liberation one gains from it. It’s addictive, truly Africa for the soul, and you will want to keep coming back year after year.

• * The price includes and does not include

  The price is per person and is based on a minimum of two people sharing a room. Upgrades to single rooms are available on payment of a supplement. Single travellers are welcome on all of our tours, at an extra charge. Please see below for full inclusions and exclusions.

  Christmas surcharge applies at Tongabezi 1-10 Jan 2016 $40 pppn nett. High Season supplement applies at Jack’s Camp 16 April – May 2016 $333 pppn sharing.

  The following are included in the main tour price:

  • Meet and greet services on arrival
  • Bed and breakfast only in Victoria Falls
  • Meals and local drinks at all other camps and lodges
  • Park entrance and conservation fees
  • Shared wildlife activities at each lodge or camp.
  • Scheduled internal inter-camp flights and road transfers
  • Medical evacuation insurance

  The following are not included in the main tour price:

  • Any additional meals or activities that are optional at each camp, including but not limited to, quad biking, balloon safaris, longer hikes and horseback safaris.
  • International Air Fares, entry visa fees, domestic and international departure tax
  • Premium imported wines, champagnes, spirits & liqueurs where drinks are included
  • All expenses of a personal nature
  • Optional excursions not mentioned above
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities to your driver guide, park guides, hotel/camp staff etc.