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Highlights...Chobe River, Savute, wildlife, birding
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Day 1 Northern Chobe
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport, where you will check in for your flight to Kasane Airport in Botswana. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of Ngoma Safari Lodge who will transfer you to the lodge, approximately 40 minutes’ drive away.
Situated in the Chobe Forest Reserve, just 7km from the Ngoma Gate border with Namibia, Ngoma Safari Lodge has spectacular views across the Chobe River and the Chobe River floodplains. Expect to see elephants, zebra and buffalo grazing before you at any given time.
You will be able to enjoy your first game activity this afternoon.
Day 2 Northern Chobe
Spanning 11700 square kilometres in extent, the Chobe National Park has an extremely high concentration of wildlife – one of the highest in Africa. With a combination of lush woodland, floodplains and high aridity, the game is diverse.
The best way to experience the spectacular scenery and exciting game viewing offered in this area is in open game-drive vehicles or by boat. Guests can look forward to seeing many elephants and many prides of lion. Whilst on your river cruise, you can expect to have some close encounters with elephants crossing the river, as well as crocodiles and hippos. As Ngoma Safari Lodge is situated in a Forest Reserve, both walking and night drives are permitted.
Botswana's Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime wildlife areas. Its close proximity to the world-renowned Victoria Falls makes it an essential part of any visit to the region. The magnificent Chobe River and floodplains filled with huge herds of buffalo and elephant (best months being April to November) and flocks of waterfowl winging their way toward the sunset, create an enduring memory of the wild splendour of this majestic corner of old Africa.
Day 3 Savute
After breakfast, you will be returned to Kasane Airport, in time to meet the pilot who will charter you into Savuti airstrip, 55 minutes away. Breathlessly captivating, this region of Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone. It’s here that the mysterious Savute Channel ebbs and flows seemingly at whim. Whether wet or dry, there’s always a rich drama of animal antics to enjoy from the vantage point of the Lodge.
Days 4 and 5 Savute
Early morning and late afternoon game drives take you out and among Africa’s largest populations of elephants. Big cats are on the prowl, from leopards to lions. Depending on the season you will also experience the great migrations such as zebra and antelope. Rare sightings might include the endangered wild dog, rock-climbing klipspringers and the elegant roan antelope. Equally atmospheric and exciting are evening drives, as the shadows lengthen and the sky turns red. Animals and birds emerge from their siesta, and suddenly the bush is alive with sights and sounds.
It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has come a host of new bird species. Dry land birds such as bustards and secretary birds have suddenly been joined by more aquatic varieties. Simply sit out on your terrace and watch the show, especially at dawn and sunset, as they come to splash and drink right in front of your eyes.
Keen birders should also take note of the seasons. At certain times of year you may encounter annual migrations such as flocks of carmine bee-eaters on the move. Some ride on the backs of kori bustards—an amazing sight.
And, using a powerful telescope, gaze on constellations that visitors from the northern hemisphere may never have seen before, including the Southern Cross.
Day 6 Moremi Game Reserve
Today you will be chartered to Khwai airstrip, 40 minutes away. Nestled on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplain and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, sits the luxurious Khwai River Lodge. Here, you immediately sense Botswana's big game heritage. For decades, as befits one of the most established game lodges in Botswana, it has hosted guests from all over the world on the safari trail.
Moremi Game Reserve is situated at the heart of the Okavango Delta and was the first wildlife area to be set aside by tribal people rather than colonial powers. Khwai River Lodge lies just outside the Moremi Reserve, with game drive access into this wildlife haven.
Days 7 and 8 Moremi Game Reserve
Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife from the comfort of your own private deck. As a year round destination for wildlife, predators can regularly be seen in the area, rated as one of the most prolific in Botswana for viewing wildlife. The exceptional location of Khwai makes its a regular host to Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dogs. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors near the lodge. This is the perfect location for observing the perennial drama of the African bushveld and provides excellent birding.
Morning and evening game drives into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve provide excellent sighting opportunities whereas spotlight drives at night, conducted outside the reserve, provide viewing of lesser-known nocturnal creatures.
A cultural visit to a local village, a game walk in the company of a professional guide, or relaxing on the viewing platform overlooking the river are all part of the day's activities at Khwai River Lodge.
Day 9 Okavango Delta
After an early morning activity, breakfast and brunch, you will be chartered from Khwai airstrip across the Delta to Eagle Island Lodge. The only inland delta of its kind, the Okavango Delta is an oasis of life in the centre of the Kalahari Desert. It stretches over 16,000km2 and supports a massive variety of animal, plant, fish and birdlife. The region encompasses endlessly changing channels, tributaries and lagoons as well as floodplains, islands and mainland areas.
Day 10 Okavango Delta
Even though the Okavango Delta is technically known as a swamp, the water is remarkably clear, and free of impurities. It is also heavily stocked with fish. So it will come as no surprise that this area boasts the highest concentration of magnificent fish eagles on earth. The plethora of food attracts every variety of bird with a hearty appetite for fish, including herons, cormorants, pelicans, darters and storks.
The lodge offers a variety of essentially water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mekoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter – a highlight of any guests’ stay (additional cost) - 35 Minute scenic helicopter flight at Eagle Island Lodge can be pre-booked.
There is an abundance of bird and aquatic wildlife around the lodge, complemented by larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, as well as the ever elusive big cats that have made this island their home.
Day 11 Maun
Today you will be chartered from Eagle Island to Maun Airport (20 minutes), in time to check in for your return flight to Johannesburg International Airport.
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport, where you will check in for your flight to Kasane Airport in Botswana. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of Ngoma Safari Lodge who will transfer you to the lodge, approximately 40 minutes’ drive away.
Situated in the Chobe Forest Reserve, just 7km from the Ngoma Gate border with Namibia, Ngoma Safari Lodge has spectacular views across the Chobe River and the Chobe River floodplains. Expect to see elephants, zebra and buffalo grazing before you at any given time.
You will be able to enjoy your first game activity this afternoon.
Day 2 Northern Chobe
Spanning 11700 square kilometres in extent, the Chobe National Park has an extremely high concentration of wildlife – one of the highest in Africa. With a combination of lush woodland, floodplains and high aridity, the game is diverse.
The best way to experience the spectacular scenery and exciting game viewing offered in this area is in open game-drive vehicles or by boat. Guests can look forward to seeing many elephants and many prides of lion. Whilst on your river cruise, you can expect to have some close encounters with elephants crossing the river, as well as crocodiles and hippos. As Ngoma Safari Lodge is situated in a Forest Reserve, both walking and night drives are permitted.
Botswana's Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime wildlife areas. Its close proximity to the world-renowned Victoria Falls makes it an essential part of any visit to the region. The magnificent Chobe River and floodplains filled with huge herds of buffalo and elephant (best months being April to November) and flocks of waterfowl winging their way toward the sunset, create an enduring memory of the wild splendour of this majestic corner of old Africa.
Day 3 Savute
After breakfast, you will be returned to Kasane Airport, in time to meet the pilot who will charter you into Savuti airstrip, 55 minutes away. Breathlessly captivating, this region of Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone. It’s here that the mysterious Savute Channel ebbs and flows seemingly at whim. Whether wet or dry, there’s always a rich drama of animal antics to enjoy from the vantage point of the Lodge.
Days 4 and 5 Savute
Early morning and late afternoon game drives take you out and among Africa’s largest populations of elephants. Big cats are on the prowl, from leopards to lions. Depending on the season you will also experience the great migrations such as zebra and antelope. Rare sightings might include the endangered wild dog, rock-climbing klipspringers and the elegant roan antelope. Equally atmospheric and exciting are evening drives, as the shadows lengthen and the sky turns red. Animals and birds emerge from their siesta, and suddenly the bush is alive with sights and sounds.
It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has come a host of new bird species. Dry land birds such as bustards and secretary birds have suddenly been joined by more aquatic varieties. Simply sit out on your terrace and watch the show, especially at dawn and sunset, as they come to splash and drink right in front of your eyes.
Keen birders should also take note of the seasons. At certain times of year you may encounter annual migrations such as flocks of carmine bee-eaters on the move. Some ride on the backs of kori bustards—an amazing sight.
And, using a powerful telescope, gaze on constellations that visitors from the northern hemisphere may never have seen before, including the Southern Cross.
Day 6 Moremi Game Reserve
Today you will be chartered to Khwai airstrip, 40 minutes away. Nestled on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplain and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, sits the luxurious Khwai River Lodge. Here, you immediately sense Botswana's big game heritage. For decades, as befits one of the most established game lodges in Botswana, it has hosted guests from all over the world on the safari trail.
Moremi Game Reserve is situated at the heart of the Okavango Delta and was the first wildlife area to be set aside by tribal people rather than colonial powers. Khwai River Lodge lies just outside the Moremi Reserve, with game drive access into this wildlife haven.
Days 7 and 8 Moremi Game Reserve
Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife from the comfort of your own private deck. As a year round destination for wildlife, predators can regularly be seen in the area, rated as one of the most prolific in Botswana for viewing wildlife. The exceptional location of Khwai makes its a regular host to Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dogs. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors near the lodge. This is the perfect location for observing the perennial drama of the African bushveld and provides excellent birding.
Morning and evening game drives into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve provide excellent sighting opportunities whereas spotlight drives at night, conducted outside the reserve, provide viewing of lesser-known nocturnal creatures.
A cultural visit to a local village, a game walk in the company of a professional guide, or relaxing on the viewing platform overlooking the river are all part of the day's activities at Khwai River Lodge.
Day 9 Okavango Delta
After an early morning activity, breakfast and brunch, you will be chartered from Khwai airstrip across the Delta to Eagle Island Lodge. The only inland delta of its kind, the Okavango Delta is an oasis of life in the centre of the Kalahari Desert. It stretches over 16,000km2 and supports a massive variety of animal, plant, fish and birdlife. The region encompasses endlessly changing channels, tributaries and lagoons as well as floodplains, islands and mainland areas.
Day 10 Okavango Delta
Even though the Okavango Delta is technically known as a swamp, the water is remarkably clear, and free of impurities. It is also heavily stocked with fish. So it will come as no surprise that this area boasts the highest concentration of magnificent fish eagles on earth. The plethora of food attracts every variety of bird with a hearty appetite for fish, including herons, cormorants, pelicans, darters and storks.
The lodge offers a variety of essentially water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mekoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter – a highlight of any guests’ stay (additional cost) - 35 Minute scenic helicopter flight at Eagle Island Lodge can be pre-booked.
There is an abundance of bird and aquatic wildlife around the lodge, complemented by larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, as well as the ever elusive big cats that have made this island their home.
Day 11 Maun
Today you will be chartered from Eagle Island to Maun Airport (20 minutes), in time to check in for your return flight to Johannesburg International Airport.
Included:
Not Included:
- Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Kasane Airport
- Road transfer from Kasane Airport to Ngoma Safari Lodge
- 2 Nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge in an en-suite Suite
- All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
- Return road transfer to Kasane Airport
- Charter flight from Kasane to Savuti
- 3 Nights at Savuti Elephant Lodge in an en-suite tent
- All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
- Air charter from Savuti to Khwai airstrip
- 3 Nights at Khwai River Lodge in an en-suite tent
- All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
- Air charter from Khwai to Eagle Island Lodge
- 2 Nights at Eagle Island Lodge in an en-suite tent
- All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
- Air charter from Eagle Island Lodge to Maun Airport
- Scheduled flight from Maun back to Johannesburg International Airport
Not Included:
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa requirements
- Gratuities and items of a personal nature
