Includes:

Camping equipment and accommodation (spacious bow tents with mattresses), rooms at a comfortable lodge in Livingstone, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, all meals that are indicated and tea/coffees, services of a Professional Guide and Camp Assistant, all Botswana park fees for activities included on itinerary and transport in specialised safari vehicles.

Excludes:

Restaurant meals (Livingstone, Zambia), entrance to the Falls, visas, airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions (scenic flight over the Delta and activities in Livingstone/Victoria Falls,), beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water), Insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation, sleeping bag (and small pillow) on all camping sectors, any increase in National Park Fees.

Participation:

This is a Semi Participation Safari, requiring a minimum participation from the guests i.e.: setting up the tent and packing it / carrying their bag from/to vehicle at campsites. The rest of the camp chores are carried out by our team made up of one guide and one camp assistant.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is in 2.1m x 2.1m dome tents with 5cm high density foam mattress. A sleeping bag and Pillow are NOT included, but may be rented for an additional fee. Where applicable comfortable lodge accommodation will be utilised.

Ablutions:

Ablutions are shared. There is a separate shower cubicle and toilet cubicle with bush toilet (long drop*). Both are enclosed by canvas for privacy and protection from wildlife.

Transportation:

Transport is in a custom made 12 seater 4x4 safari vehicle. A trailer is towed with all the camping necessities needed for your guide and assistant to set up camp and attend to all chores. Please note that mobile safaris that have road transfers between camps - the vehicle is open and windy with some transfers taking 4-6 hours depending on the routing.

Group Size:

Maximum 12

What to expect on Safari

The appeal of a private safari is that your days are flexible to plan with your private guide in accordance with your preference - following and tracking wildlife movements from the crack of dawn; searching for rare bird species or setting up by a waterhole to wait for the perfect sunset photograph.

A full day in camp usually starts at sunrise around the campfire for that first 'essential' cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast of cereal, toast, fruit and rusks. You then head out as early as is permitted to be the first on the roads to track fresh spoor left from the animal's overnight activities – you may spot fresh lion tracks walking straight past the camp or evidence of a passing herd of buffalo not far away.

Generally on the morning game drive you stop for tea and head back to camp by late morning. In camp you may enjoy a lunch or brunch, depending on the time, and then there is plenty of time for showers and that great safari tradition 'siesta time'. You meet together for afternoon tea and then head out on the afternoon activity, perhaps seeking a new area or returning to a great morning sighting.

Moving days follow a different pattern. Your guide combines his knowledge of the wildlife, safety and road and weather conditions when planning transfers. Departure times are always communicated in advance.

Day by Day:

Days 1-2: Chobe Area, camping

This safari expedition starts in Kasane, Botswana at 13h00. On arrival in Kasane your guide will give you a full safari briefing over lunch and take you shopping for your safari drinks. You will then enjoy a game drive into the park and set up camp. The next day you will enjoy a morning game drive and an afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River. Camping will be in private designated campsites with bush ablutions.

Day 3: Mango Tree Road, wild camping

Today our journey to Liuwa Plains begins. After a very early start you will travel from Botswana into Zambia (Visa required). After crossing seemingly endless sand dunes covered in teak forests, you will descend onto the Zambezi floodplains and travel along the beautiful and picturesque Mango Tree Road which will lead you north to Kalabo. Beautiful Zambian villages are the highlight of this journey. At the end of this long day you set up camp in the forest to camp wild. You will camp wild with bush ablutions.

Days 4-8: Liuwa Plains National Park, camping

You will rise with the sun and have an early breakfast before continuing your journey to Liuwa Plains National Park. On arrival, you will set up camp before exploring this unique area. During this time of the year the wildebeest migration from the Angolan Kameia National Park to the Zambian Liuwa Plains National Park can be expected. Thousands of wildebeest can be seen making this journey in search for palatable grass, following them are the kings of Liuwa plains, the hyena. The birdlife is also exceptional in this area. The next 5 days will be spent exploring this National Park during morning and afternoon game drives. Wild camping with bush ablutions

Day 9: Mango Tree Road, camping

You will leave Liuwa Plains National Park after an early morning drive and retrace your journey back along Mango Tree Road. You will camp wild with bush ablutions.

Days 10-11: Sioma Falls, camping

This morning there will be time to visit the local market in Kalabo. You will then head south toward the Sioma Falls. Sioma Falls (also known as Ngonye Falls) are, next to Victoria Falls, the most breath-taking waterfalls in Southern Africa. The horseshoe-shaped falls are mostly impressive because of the sheer volume of water that cascades over the staggered twenty metre drop. Until now, this pristine wilderness is completely unknown to tourists. The next two days will be spent exploring the falls, with a picnic lunch by the falls and swimming in the mighty Zambezi on Day 11. Camping is at a designated campsite with permanent ablutions.

Days 12-14: Livingstone, Zambia, lodge accommodation

After descending the gruelling road along the western bank of the Zambezi, we cross the river and arrive in Livingstone late afternoon. You will spend the next 2 nights staying at a comfortable lodge. During your stay in Livingstone there will be time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls, enjoy one or more of the many activities on offer in Livingstone and Victoria Falls and shop for curios.

The safari officially ends at 10h00 on Day 14.