This day calls for an early rise, as you will forever remember the picture of a sunrise over the mighty dunes of the Namib Desert. From Sossusvlei visit Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by monumental dunes and dotted with age-old camel thorn trees. Visit the Sesriem Canyon, an 18 million year old gorge eroded into the conglomerate floor. (140 km)
Early morning activity followed by breakfast and checkout. You will be transferred to Kasane airport for a transfer in a light aircraft to your camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Arrive in time for lunch.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest in land water systems. Its headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango river, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, w here it is then called the Okavango. The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocod ile, red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life.
Afternoon activity: safari activities by water are the primary specialty of the Okavango – the mokoro. A dugout canoe which is ‘poled’ along by your Guide, is the most evocative way of exploring the numerous waterways. Motor launches travel on the main waterways and lagoons. Enjoy a dinner under the African sky.
Early morning safari activity followed by breakfast. After a few hours relaxing in the shade or by the pool it is time for high tea followed by your afternoon activity – boat cruise or nature walk. Dinner at the lodge.
Early morning activity (time permitting) followed by breakfast and checkout. You will continue your journey southwards in a light aircraft to your lodge which is located on the boundary of the impressive Makgadikgadi Pans.
The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park stretches away from the banks of the Boteti River, through its interior of scrubland and grasslands. The western boundary provides for mineral rich grasslands and the Boteti River which supplies the much-needed sustenance for the herds which inhabit the park. The Boteti River is the main outflow of the Okavango Delta, collecting the water that flows past Maun, and stretches about 250 km south-east finally ending at Lake Xau on the extreme southwestern edge of the great Makgadikgadi salt pans. There was permanent water in the river since long before Livingstone first explored the area in the late 1840s and brought the existence of Lake Ngami to the attention of the outside world. The river provided water for the great herds of wildlife that seasonally utilised the short grass plains on the north-west side of the Makgadikgadi, and latterly provided water for t he Setswana cattle herders who moved onto the western bank. The river was thus a natural barrier between the wildlife and the cattle – and w as a natural boundary for the National Park.
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in this game rich area. Witness another magical African sunset together with a drink and some snacks before returning to the lodge for a hearty dinner served under the stars.
Early morning safari activity followed by breakfast . Time to relax by the pool or in the comfort of your room. After high tea is served you will venture out for another afternoon / evening game drive. Dinner at the lodge.
Early morning activity (time permitting) followed b y breakfast and checkout. Enjoy the short flight to Maun airport in a light aircraft where you will await the departure of your onward bound flight.
Early morning activity (time permitting) followed b y breakfast and checkout. Enjoy the short flight to Maun airport in a light aircraft where you will await the departure of your onward bound flight.