Ultimate Cultural Heritage Experience - 6 Nights

Ultimate Cultural Heritage Experience - 6 Nights

Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights

Days: 1-4 MAKGADIKGADI I Days 4-7 OKAVANGO PANHANDLE & TSODILO

Countries: Botswana                  

Camps: Leroo la Tau, Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp & Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Type of Safari

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

Departure Date: All year round/Daily

Summary:

Discover the untouched beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans with our exclusive 3-night itinerary, thoughtfully designed to deliver an extraordinary adventure. Venture into one of Botswana’s most remote and captivating regions for a truly immersive experience.

At Leroo La Tau, our prime location along the Boteti River allows guests to witness two of the region's most iconic spectacles during the dry season (June – October): the awe-inspiring Zebra Migration and a once-in-a-lifetime sleep-out on the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

This 3-night journey includes a private, personalised salt pans sleep-out, accompanied by the guests’ own specialist guide. Guests will also embark on a breathtaking helicopter flight to the mystical Kubu Island, a sacred site on the eastern edge of the salt pans. This experience promises a deep connection to the stillness and boundless horizons of this otherworldly landscape.

Modern humans are thought to have originated in Botswana, and Tsodilo Hills is likely one of the world’s first sacred natural monuments of modern humankind. During this incredible 3-night expedition, guests will enjoy an exclusive experience with expert local hosts from the community and a professional expert on the Kalahari San-Bushman history in Botswana.

Included in the package is 3 nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge including a 1-night overnight excursion with exclusive use of the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp. This unique itinerary combines two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tsodilo Hills and the Okavango Delta.

Experience Botswana like a local as we learn about ancient Bushman cultural heritage, sleeping in traditional dwellings and exploring the modern rural livelihoods of the remote Okavango communities.

Highlights of this safari:

• 3-nights at Leroo La Tau, a unique lodge perfectly situated on the western edge of the pans.
• Privately guided by specialist guides.
• Private sleep-out experience on the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for one unforgettable night
• Helicopter transfers included for trips to and from the Sleep-Out, with an exclusive visit to Kubu Island.
• Witness the awe-inspiring Zebra Migration as they congregate along the Boteti River in front of the lodge.
• Engage in an immersive cultural visit to local communities and farms in the Khumaga area.
• 2-nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge
• 1-night Private use of the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp
• Hosted by a specialist guide
• Sunrise summit hike
• Spend an afternoon with the locals
• Helicopter scenic transfer
• Supporting the local community
• Mokoro excursion(seasonal)
• Boats excursion (seasonal)
• Fishing (seasonal)

Safari Itinerary

Days: 1-4

MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS NATIONAL PARK/BOTETI RIVER

On arrival in Maun, Botswana the guests will be met by a representative to assist them with their connection on to a light charter flight (scheduled service) to Leroo la Tau.

DAY 1 After a check in guests will head out on an afternoon game drive, exploring the Boteti River valley and witnessing the spectacular congregation of zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and elephants.

DAY 2: Guests begin the day with an early morning game drive, tracing the movements of lions and experiencing the tranquil African dawn. After returning to the lodge for lunch, guests prepare for a journey to the salt pans, packing a small overnight bag. A private helicopter will be ready for an unforgettable flight over the expansive pans, culminating in a private sleep-out camp set up by our incredible camp staff.

DAY 3: Wake up to sunrise tea/coffee and explore the moon-like landscape before a light breakfast. The helicopter will be ready and waiting to take guests on an excursion deeper into the pans, landing at Kubu Island to explore its fascinating geology and ancient artifacts. Enjoy a light picnic on the island before possibly visiting the flamingo migration (water levels in the pan areas permitting).

Overnight at Leroo la Tau (3 Nights) – Fully inclusive

Days: 4-5

TSODILO HILLS

Guests conclude their journey with a morning game drive followed by a visit to the Khumaga community, offering insights into local rural life before connecting to Nxamaseri Lodge in the Panhandle.

Arrive at Shakawe Airstrip and enjoy a 1-hour transfer in a closed vehicle directly to your very own private Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp.

Under the shadow of Botswana’s highest peak, settle into your traditional style Bushman dwelling and familiarise yourself with the camp. Meet your local hosts for the trip and explore the wilderness trails around the camp with a late lunch/afternoon tea. Later in the afternoon, the majestic Male Hill of Tsodilo transforms its colour to a deep purple as it towers above the seemingly endless flat Kalahari. Reflect on ancient heritage before retiring to your traditional Bushman pod for the night.

Overnight at Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp (1 Night) – Fully inclusive

Days: 5-7

OKAVANGO PANHANDLE

For those hiking the summit of Male Hill, wake up around 4:00 - 4:30 AM (depending on the time of year) for tea/coffee and snacks around the fire before heading to the base of the climb. An approximate 400m (1,300ft) ascent from the base of the hike will take you to the summit of the hill at 1,400m asl (4,593ft). The hike takes between 2–3 hours, depending on fitness level.

Enjoy a fresh cup of tea at the summit along with the early morning sun and spectacular views across the Kalahari towards the Okavango Delta, where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites converge.

Those not hiking can enjoy a few more hours in their cosy pod.

A scenic helicopter transfer will await guests, offering the opportunity to see the hills from above before travelling to the tip of the Okavango Panhandle and across to the private Nxamseri Island, your private delta property for the next 2 days.

The lodge offers water-based activities, including boating and mekoro trips among the network of channels that make up the area. Nxamaseri is one of the top bird watching and fishing destinations in the country and specialises in both, with expert and enthusiastic guides guaranteed to make your experience a memorable one.

Overnight at Nxamaseri Island Lodge (2 Nights) – Fully inclusive

Day 7: End of Safari

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

We Love it here!

Included

• Accommodation: As per itinerary Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
• Meet and greet: Maun International Airport
• Drinks: Selected local brand drinks
• Transfers: Scheduled air, road and Helicopter transfers
• Activities: Pan sleep out, Nature walks; Game Drives; Cultural visits
• Entrance fees: National Park fees
• Guide: Registered guide per lodge.
• 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, Mokoro, Boat & Helicopter

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