9 Nights Kalahari & Okavango Photographic Safari

9 Nights Kalahari & Okavango Photographic Safari

Duration: 10 Days | 9 Nights

Days: 1-4 CKGR | Days: 4-7 Okavango| Days: 7-10 Okavango

Countries: Botswana                  

Camps: Dinaka, Kanana & Monachira

Type of Safari

Classic: Fully Inclusive Custom Itinerary for group size (2-4)

Departure Date: All year round

Summary:

A photographic safari that covers three vastly different habitats showcasing the best wildlife that Botswana has to offer. This diverse safari takes the guests to some of our favourite luxury camps in some of Botswana’s premier private concessions where an exclusive safari experience is guaranteed.

The safari kicks off in the Kalahari, ‘the land of great thirst’ where guests can expect to find many the classic Kalahari species such as Oryx, Ostrich, springbok, Kalahari lions and a few other surprises. A charter flight then sees guests in the permanent swamps of the Okavango where both water and land-based activities are to be enjoyed. Venture out into the swamps to the seasonal heronry which is nothing short of a sensory overload, or search for Okavango Lions who have taken a liking to water and frequently swim from island to island whilst on a game drive.

Another charter flight then has the group landing in a totally different grassland habitat where guests will be based in an intimate private tented camp. From where walking safaris, birdlife and star gazing will have guests captivated.

The diversity of activities on this safari are substantial. Both day and night game drives, armed walking safaris, boating & mokoro (water dependent), scenic flights between camps, underground photographic hides and optional sleepout platforms – a truly Photographers and bird enthusiast bucket list to consider!

Highlights of this safari:

• Game Drives
• Night Drives
• Sleep out Deck (Dinaka)
• Underground Photographic Bunker
• Bushman walks
• Horse riding (additional costs)
• Boat safaris (seasonal)
• Mokoro Safaris (seasonal)
• Guided Walking safari
• Fishing (seasonal)
• Cultural visit
• Helicopter Trips (additional costs)
• Specialist Family Safari
• Heronries

Safari Itinerary

Days: 1-4

CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE (CKGR)

On arrival at Maun Airport and after clearing customs and immigration, guests will be met and assisted by a representative to their light aircraft for onward circuit air transfer to Dinaka. Guests will take a light aircraft transfer from Maun Airport to Dinaka.

Situated alongside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the focus of activities at Dinaka is exploring the Kalahari experience with wildlife ranging from giraffe to the antelope, small mammals like the honey badger, bat eared fox and porcupine to predators including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard and brown hyena.

Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with night drives heading out into the darkness with hopes of witnessing the nocturnal wildlife happenings. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. Educational walks are conducted by San Bushman guides offering you an insight into this ancient culture, their survival techniques and historical way of life. Birding is particularly spectacular as Dinaka hosts over 200 different bird species including the Kori Bustard and Crimson Breasted Shrike and a high concentration of Pale Chanting Goshawks.

Overnight at Dinaka (3 Nights) – Fully inclusive

Days: 4-7

OKAVANGO

After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled transfer by light aircraft from Dinaka to Kanana for next 3 Nights.

A hidden jewel on the Xudum River, Kanana is located in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. The area encompasses a necklace of islands dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knob thorn, and is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals. The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta.

Kanana was refurbished at the beginning of 2019. Guests are accommodated in seven spacious twin and double-bedded safari tents, each ensuite bathroom has a large walk-in shower and luxurious fittings. Families are accommodated in a two-bedroomed tent, sharing an en-suite bathroom with the addition of an outdoor shower – ideal for families in this child-friendly camp.

Situated in the Kanana Concession, the focus of activities at Kanana varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount.

Alternatively, guests may explore the crystal-clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area. Birding is spectacular with Kanana hosting a seasonal heronry that is one of the largest in Southern Africa, a highlight that converts all visitors to avid 'twitchers'. Guided bush walks are highly recommended as is fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharp tooth catfish.

Overnight at Kanana (3 Nights)- Fully inclusive

Days:7-10

MOREMI GAME RESERVE

After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled transfer by light aircraft from Kanana to Monachira for the Okavango experience.

Monachira is named after the Monachira channel which flows past the island on which the camp is situated. The camp is raised on wooden decks to give one a view of the floodplains and wetlands which stretch out in front of camp. Monachira offers water activities, island nature walks and wildlife drives.

Based in the Moremi Game Reserve, these activities will take guests to some of the more remote areas in the delta. A motorboat ride promises to enthral you and captivate you, with the chance of seeing iconic wildlife from the river. Glide on quiet mokoro’s through the water lilies and view wildlife from below as you sail along at water level height.

The camp is situated on the edge of the Monachira channel not far from the famous Gudigwa heronries, offering great viewing of this amazing nesting ground of thousands of herons, egrets and storks. A chance to see elephants, lions, leopard and a wide variety of Okavango species on the islands and floodplains along the permanent channels of the Monachira river. Also, a chance to see the elusive Pels Fishing Owl and rare sitatunga, a semi aquatic swamp antelope.

Overnight at Monachira (3 Nights)- Fully Inclusive

Day 10: End of Safari

After a final morning activity, guests will depart the camp to Maun Airport where they will continue with onward travel arrangements.

We Love it here!

Included

• Accommodation: As per itinerary Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
• Meet and greet: Maun International Airport
• Drinks: Selected local brand drinks
• Transfers: Scheduled air, road and boat transfers
• Activities: Game drives; Water-based activities; Nature walks; Fishing; Bird watching; Cultural visits; Photo hides
• Entrance fees: National Park fees
• Guide: Registered guide per lodge/boat.
• Other language guides are subject to availability

Excluded

• Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary)
• Visas 
• Compulsory comprehensive insurance 
• All relevant entry and departure Government taxes 
• Travel, medical and personal accident insurance
• Gratuities 
• All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.) 
• Optional extra activities 
• Pre and post safari tours 
• All other travel arrangements pre or post the safari and any new Government taxes 
• Levies 
• Fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
• Excursions not detailed in the itinerary
• Private charters/transfers or specialized guides
• Premium brand drinks
• Porterage

Transport

Lite Aircraft, 4 x 4 safari vehicle, Motorboat, Mokoro

Luggage: Soft sided duffel bag / 20kg maximum inclusive of hand luggage