Best of Okavango Birding & Photographic Safari - 12 Nights

Best of Okavango Birding & Photographic Safari - 12 Nights

Duration: 13 Days | 12 Nights

Days: 1-4 Okavango Panhandle | Days: 4-7 Okavango| Days: 7-10 Okavango |Days 10-13 Khwai

Countries: Botswana                  

Camps: Jumbo Junction, Kala Treehouse, Delta Camp & Camp Khwai

Type of Safari

Explorer: Fully Inclusive Custom Itinerary for group size (6)

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 Okavango Delta is one of the most exclusive wilderness destinations in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the backdrop to wild Africa's grand spectacle, presenting unparalleled wilderness experiences in a serene inland delta unlike anywhere else on Earth. A journey to the Okavango Delta – deep inside Africa's pristine interior – is like no other, encompassing vast wetlands and expansive drylands. Visitors traverse the Delta's meandering waterways, passing palm- and papyrus-fringed islands, thick woodland, resplendent with lush vegetation, and teeming with rich wildlife.

We have curated this photographic safari experience, with the aim of offering you unparalleled chances to witness close encounters with predator behaviours, capture breathtaking images of diverse wildlife, and observe a rich variety of bird species. To make this possible, we have chosen camps situated in four different regions of the Okavango Delta. Of the four camps, two are “wetter” camps, situated close to the origin of the Delta whereas the other two are situated further southeastern and northeastern in a drier region. Each holds its own unique advantages.

This safari is recommended for: Photographers of all levels that want to experience and photograph the best of African wildlife in pristine wilderness while improving their photographic skills.

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, – a truly Photographers and bird enthusiast bucket list to consider!

Highlights of this safari:

• Encounter iconic African species like elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and endangered African Wild Dogs, along with hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, and various antelope species, with frequent predator action.
• Capture stunning photographs of migratory birds, including the critically endangered Wattled Crane, the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller, and the African Fish Eagle.
• Experience the breathtaking sight and atmosphere of the first rains of the season with dramatic cloud formations enhancing the landscape.
• Take advantage of flexible safari schedules to encounter elusive nocturnal species such as genets, servals, porcupines, owls, and nightjars.

Safari Itinerary

Days: 1-4

OKAVANGO PANHANDLE-SELINDA SPILWAY

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 Jumbo Junction. Guests will take a light aircraft transfer from Maun Airport to Seronga Airstrip where you will be collected with a 25min transfer to camp.

Jumbo Junction, located in the open system conservation areas of the Northern Okavango Delta, serves as one of the most accessible gateways to this remarkable region. Situated on the Mapula Concession or the Okavango Sekwana Concession, the lodge lies in the north of the Okavango Delta, adjacent to the renowned Duba Plains and Vumbura Plains concessions. Spanning a vast 220,000 acres, this conservancy encompasses the upper reaches of the Selinda Spillway, connecting the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti River. Over the years, it has become home to a selection of top-notch new Delta safari camps.

Activities:

• Mokoro (dugout canoe)
• Motorised boating trips
• Fishing
• Game drives
• Guided nature walks
• Exceptional bird watching opportunities
• Conservation Tours (CLAWS & ECO-EXIST)
• Village Tours
• Helicopter Flights (not included in FI packages)
• Photography

Overnight at Jumbo Junction (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 Jumbo Junction to Kala Treehouse for next 3 Nights.

The spectacular Kala Treehouse offers a truly unique experience in one of the most remote areas in the Okavango. Nestled high up in the trees, this exclusive lodge is a one of a kind and promises to wow guests from the moment they arrive. Exclusive and private use for a maximum of 6 guests in 3 beautifully appointed suites with magnificent views. Located in an impressive 55,000 ha exclusive private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Kala Treehouse offers top class guiding and accommodation and is a water/land-based camp offering walking, mekoro rides and boating or 4x4 game drives depending on the season.

Overnight at Kala Treehouse (3 Nights)- Fully inclusive

Days:7-10

OKAVANGO

After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled transfer by light aircraft from Kala Treehouse to Delta Camp for the extra ordinary Okavango experience.

Situated on the south-western edge of Chiefʼs Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve, is Delta Camp. The camp is set in the forest of a large, beautiful and palm-studded island.

Game of all sorts are abundant: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, hippopotamus, crocodile, giraffe, antelope including the rare lechwe, tsessesbe and sitatunga, otters, honey-badgers, the shy pangolin, the nearly extinct rhino and a variety of the smaller wild cats such as civets, servals and genets are amongst the many mammal species that visit the Delta. 

There are also reptiles – many species of snakes (most of them harmless), as well as several species of tortoise, terrapin, lizard, skinks, chameleon and gecko – not forgetting of course the Nile crocodile. Then of course there are the birds, well over 450 species, that bring the forests, rivers and flood-plains of the Okavango to life. Many rare and endangered species call the Okavango home, and birders come from all around the world in search of them.

Overnight at Delta Camp (3 Nights)- Fully Inclusive

Days:10-13

KHWAI

After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the scheduled transfer by light aircraft from Delta Camp to Camp Khwai for the ever-impressive Khwai experience.

With sweeping lagoon views connecting to the Khwai River, Camp Khwai seamlessly blends into the surrounding woodland area. As Khwai is a community-run concession all proceeds from tourism go directly to help the local people and projects through the Khwai Community Trust.

Besides the daytime drives which can feature Africa’s big attractions – lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe – guests will be able to explore nature after sunset with a night drive.

Overnight at Camp Khwai (3 Nights)- Fully Inclusive

Day 13: End of Safari

Guests will enjoy their final morning activity and breakfast before getting on internal flight back to Maun International Airport in time to catch their connecting flight where they will continue with onward travel arrangements.

We Love it here!

Included

• Accommodation: As per itinerary Meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 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 photography; Cultural visits; 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