Trekabout Botswana + Zimbabwe 2017

EXPERIENCE

• Visit the sanctuary headquarters and home of the Cobras – hear a short talk on the CRCI project, rhino security, and future plans.
• Walking tour to join the rhino and the Cobras guarding them; lots of photo opportunities and time to appreciate Thuza and Kusasa in their new home (how close visitors will be able to get to the rhino is subject to conditions on the ground).

Please note:
Subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

Experience our one-of-a-kind unique Elephant express rail car which is an
exceptional activity and a definite highlight of a stay at Camelthorn Lodge!

The Elephant Express was introduced in 2015; it is a unique railcar, ingeniously designed and built to offer an unforgettable activity to and between our camps in Southern Hwange National Park.The Elephant Express makes daily return trips as necessary between Ngamo Siding, near Camelthorn to Dete Railway station. It is a 2.5hr ride and a great game viewing opportunity. It is at an additional cost, please contact reservations on prices and how to use it to transfer guest in and out of camp.

• Accommodating up to 22 passengers, the railcar has a safari design with open sides, an engine at the front and back and specially trained drivers. It offers individual coach seating at teak tables and a chemical loo on-board.
• Soft drinks, beers, wine and snacks are provided and lunch is served whilst the railcar is stationary before the return trip.
• The railcar is spacious with large aisles to allow your guests to walk around within and spot wildlife.
• There is a highly experienced knowledgeable guide is on board to answer all your questions and help make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

•Traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides

•Morning drives with tea, coffee and biscuits and afternoon drives with drinks and cooked snacks

•Land Cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests

•Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide

•Usually undertaken in the mornings

•Ideal for photography of big game on foot

•Night drives within the lodge’s private concession to view the array of wildlife, particularly nocturnal

creatures.

•Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper, particularly

when lion are heard calling nearby.

•We have a spacious 20 ft game viewing hide at one of our waterholes ideal for

wildlife photography. There is a flush loo available.

•Imvelo Safari Lodges operate 18 pumping stations for the wildlife in this region of the National Park, the furthest of which is 55 km away. A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the Park to visit the waterholes to drop off fuel and oil for the motors as well as rations and supplies for the pump attendants

•A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes followed by a leisurely game drive back to lodge in the afternoon.

•Fifteen minutes drive from the lodge our guests have the opportunity to enjoy a real life look at

village life in rural Matabeleland. A fascinating experience of a variety of typical daily village

activities is followed by a tour of one of the nearby schools conducted by the Headmaster where

guests are given the opportunity to hear traditional songs sung by the children and enjoy a ‘class

interaction’.

An optional paid for extra or you can exchange 2 x lodge activities for this trip (3-night stays + only).

A full day activity to experience the magic of the Falls in neighbouring Zimbabwe. You will be transported from the lodge to the entrance of the National Park for a tour of the Falls at your own leisure. You will then be collected and transported to lunch, into town, to the local markets or for a spot of shopping, as you wish. Please note that although we will happily make suggestions this is an unguided activity and excludes Victoria Falls Park fees, Zimbabwe Visa fees (USD$ cash only for Visa fees) and lunch and the transfer may be shared with other guests).

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Bakwena is the proud owner of seven custom built game viewers.

While offering the usual early morning and evening game drives we aim to maximise the game viewing experience.

Chobe can get busy during high season and our guides are always finding new ways of innovating . Our goal is a quality experience through extended drives and exploring new areas of the Park. Our experienced, hand picked guides are, we believe, the finest in Chobe. From insects to bird specific experiences these professionals never disappoint.

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Zack Murphy

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

There are boat cruises then there are Chobe cruises. Exquisite and beyond comparison, the Chobe river boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Dry season brings a game viewing bonanza well capitalised on by the resident Lion prides.

Our guides currently have the option of three boats to showcase the river experience to our guests. Without a doubt the most sedate game viewing experience to be had in Botswana. Being metres away from the legendary Chobe Elephant, herds of thirsty buffalo or the myriad of waterbirds is unparalleled.

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Credit: u/k

Credit: Paul Karnstedt

Guided Village Tour either on foot or by bicycle.

Experience the Botswana Culture. A guided exploration of the local village provides an opportunity to experience and understand the local customs and culture and take a little slice of village life back home with you.

Credit: u/k

This activity offers a unique experience to cruise along the Chobe River to the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers where four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet - a distinctive geographical point.

Credit: u/k

Credit: u/k

Game drives are undertaken in custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating up to four guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Guests are guided by a two person team of professional guide and tracker - a special feature of the Kwando Safaris wildlife experience. The two person team enables the guide to communicate points of interest and the complex interrelations that exist throughout the natural world, while the tracker ensures no sightings or tracks are missed.

The evening/night drives are a Kwando Safaris speciality. The drive starts in the late afternoon as the sun’s rays are dipping to the west and the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for the traditional sundowner, and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas, the night drive begins. The mystery unfolds as the creatures of the night, especially the predators, are revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly.

The traditional dug out canoe is surely the definitive Okavango Delta experience. The complete stillness of an early morning, disturbed only by the sound of the water dripping from the ‘ngashe’ (wooden pole used to move the canoe), and the eerie call of the fish eagle echoing across the water, is a sublime experience. The mokoro was designed to move across areas with low water levels by the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Delta and who explored the waterways and floodplains in search of food. Today, these same mokoro provide an opportunity to glide through this varied and unique habitat using the traditional skills handed down through the generations

The boat experience is a soothing tonic, a contrast to the vigorous efforts of searching for mammals from a vehicle or on foot. Sit back and while away the hours, stopping to gaze at a multitude of spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. However, don’t be surprised should the peace be shattered by the snort of a territorial hippo warning the boat of his presence! Double-decker boats are used to provide a better vantage point and offer a wonderful position to enjoy the waterways and their varied inhabitants.

Species that are targeted by sports fisherman are several tilapia (bream) species (including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced largemouth and three spot tilapia), sharp tooth catfish, African pike and the mighty Tiger fish.

The Okavango is recognised as an excellent fishing destination for both fly fishing and traditional spin fishing. It is a seasonal activity as government regulations do not allow fishing during January and February.

Walking in Africa's wild areas is the only way to truly appreciate the natural environment. While game viewing from a vehicle allows one to see more animals as you traverse much greater distances and get much closer to animals safely, there is nothing as awe inspiring and humbling as observing wild animals on foot. Many smaller species of plants and insects, tracks and signs are all easily missed when in a vehicle. The slow pace of the walk and interpretative skills of your guide will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world.

Game walks are not hikes; they are slow comfortable strolls meant to provide you with a chance to experience the wilderness at a natural pace. Any walk can be combined with a game drive or mokoro and the length of walk can be adjusted to suit your personal desires or level of fitness.

Helicopter Horizons Scenic Flights are a totally personalised experience that is the quintessential
African safari, showcasing the very best of Kwando Safaris’ untamed wilderness in vibrant detail from a unique perspective that should be number one on every guest’s bucket list.

We use the helicopter to get guests deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities & guests are provided with headsets for constant communications with our very knowledgeable pilots, making sure that they have a guided and informed experience.

• All flights are private and guests are guaranteed a window seat
• Helicopter pads are moments away from camp
• Doors off for unrestricted views, perfect for photography
• Guests provided with headsets for a truly guided experience
• Safety and respect for wildlife is a priority – this will be highlighted in each briefing
• Any experience can be scheduled around camp activities or to suit guest preference

The Godikwe heronry begins to flourish from October / November months and becomes home to Yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks, Sacred ibises, Black-crowned night herons, African darters, Reed cormorants and egrets of all sizes who start their frantic phase of nest-building.

The sights, sounds and colours are remarkable! Water birds are a vital indicator of the health of a riverine ecosystem, and this heronry is a critical base for the laying, hatching and raising of thousands of birds in the Okavango Delta over the next few months.

Dining in the bush is the quintessential safari experience, an authentic and irresistible aspect of African bush culture. Enjoy the unique splendour of bush dining while staying at any of the Kwando camps.