Northern Botswana is all about contrasting ecosystems: different scenery, activities, vegetation and the mammals and birds these ecosystems support. This 6-night package allows you to experience the best of two extremes that our planet has to offer. The camp in the Kalahari is the perfect location to explore the remoteness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. You will be awestruck as you learn how animals survive in this harsh landscape. After the Kalahari, head to a camp where you will be able to contrast this experience with the oasis that is the Okavango Delta.
On arrival in Maun, Botswana transfer via light aircraft to your camp in the Kalahari. This flight will give you a bird’s-eye view of the enormous 52 800km2 Central Kalahari Game Reserve, larger than Switzerland and one of the biggest game reserves in the world.
The camp is situated overlooking a pan with endless horizons and beautiful skies, in the remote northern part of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The camp consists of 10 en-suite canvas units (including two family rooms) each with a rooftop sleep-out deck from which to enjoy the star-studded nights. The tents, main area and pool are all raised off the ground to catch the breeze and take in the spacious views across the plain. The camp is a 100% solar-powered camp, and uses innovative insulated canvas walls and roofs to keep temperatures naturally comfortable. One can see seasonal herds of herbivores, springbok, gemsbok, steenbok and red hartebeest as well as a variety of predators including lion, cheetah, bat-eared fox, brown hyena, jackal, and caracal. There are also some 220 bird species to be seen.
Upon arrival at the camp, there will be a welcome drink and camp orientation. This afternoon enjoy tea in the main area followed by the departure of your afternoon activity and dinner on return to the lodge.
Two days to enjoy this unique camp including two activities daily. Activities at the lodge include game drives, trips to the renowned Deception Valley with a picnic brunch and interpretive walk with staff members who are from the local San Bushman plan.
For the light aircraft transfers, you are limited to maximum 20 kg baggage (this must include your hand baggage). All baggage MUST be packed in soft bags, as hard suitcases cannot be loaded onto the aircraft.
This morning enjoy your final morning activity at the camp followed by brunch. You will be transferred via light aircraft back to Maun. From Maun, you will board another light aircraft, for your flight to Machaba Camp. Flying clearly portrays Botswana’s scenic contrasts: Delta and desert; water and sand; verdant, thick bush and expansive wide-open spaces.
The camp is situated in the Khwai Development Trust Community Concession, on the banks of the Khwai River in the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta adjoining and overlooking the Moremi Game Reserve. The Khwai River is the northernmost ‘finger’ of the Delta’s alluvial fan. The camp has 10 tented units (including two family units) overlooking the floodplains of the Khwai River. The camp is named after the Sycamore Fig Tree, the tree of life.
This is one of the most diverse areas in northern Botswana. Wildlife to be seen includes elephant, hippo, roan, lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena, to name a few, as well as spectacular birding, with some 450 species recorded. Explore a wide range of exciting habitats – a blend of forests, floodplain, wetland and grasslands – via guided game drives, or travel secretive channels by traditional mokoro.
Upon arrival at the camp, there will be a welcome drink and camp orientation. Your guide will advise and discuss with you the activities available to ensure you enjoy and experience everything the area has to offer. This afternoon enjoy tea, an evening activity and dinner back at the lodge.
Activities include game drives, guided walks in the bush, a mokoro experience, and, on request a cultural visit to a nearby village bordering the private concession. The walk is guide dependent, whilst the mokoro trip depends on the level of the water. Afternoon drives are followed by a night drive ending back in camp.
After your morning safari and breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight back to Maun.
