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Our safaris, whether private or group cover
all of Botswana from the dry Kalahari, the Okavango, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti and
Chobe. The Okavango is said to be the Jewel of the Kalahari. The Okavango
River begins in the Mountains of Angola and winds its way through the Caprivi
Strip of Namibia, ending its journey in the Kalahari desert of Botswana. It is
the only major river in the world that never gets to the ocean. It forms a
huge oasis that is a paradise to the birds and animals of the region. All
itineraries are tailored to your desires. The private safaris are perfect for
families with children, however the children are the sole responsibility of
the parents or guardian.
Planning your trip
Travel in Africa is not as simple as in more developed areas, with 'African time' being one of the major complicating factors! It is recommended that you give us a call so that we may present you with a well planned and informative itinerary and take time to listen to what your expectations and interests are. The main points to decide initially are: when can you visit (based on your available time), how long can you visit, what points of interest are you wanting to particularly meet, what level of accommodation are you looking for and how does that suit your budget. We will be able to offer advice to assist you with making these choices.
Pricing
The prices of our private safaris
vary depending on the level of service and the number of guests.
Deluxe Private Safari:
These safaris are all
inclusive. Tell us what you want to eat and drink, or leave it to us. You
won't be disappointed. 2
guests US$ 499 per person per night sharing
3 guests US$ 435 per person per night sharing
4 - 6 guests US$ 399 per person per night sharing
Over 6 POR
Included:
Licensed and highly experienced professional guide
Open game drive vehicles with shade roof, game viewing seats &
long-range fuel tanks.
Comfortable equipment - Walk-in tents (2.4 m bow tents) with built-in
floors, mosquito
Full linen - pillow, pillow case, sheets, duvet, duvet cover and
towels.
Shared Bathrooms – shower and portable toilet.
Camp Assistant to do camp chores (staff will travel with guests in same
vehicle)
Private camp sites, wherever possible.
Park entry and camping fees
All meals & Drinks: wine, beer, bottled wine, soft drinks, bottled water
– other spirits on request
All activities as specified by tour operator - usually 2 activities per
day
Lodge accommodation can be worked into the itinerary at additional cost
Excluded:
International or charter
flights
Any Hotel or Lodge accommodations before or after the safari.
Any transfers & excursions not specified (e.g. boat trips)
Travel, cancellation & medical insurance
Extras: flash lights & batteries, plastic rain coats
Personal Toiletries: (soap, hand cream, mosquito repellent, sun block,
mirror, tissues)
Laundry
Private toilet & shower facilities
Linen - guests must supply their own sleeping bag, pillow and towel
Visas, Airport departure
taxes
Tips & gratuities
Options that may be
added to itinerary at extra cost
Boat Trips on Chobe River (sunset cruise)
Okavango Delta (full day)
Scenic Flights in Maun
Options that may be added to itinerary at extra cost
Boat Trips on Chobe River (sunset cruise)
Okavango Delta (full day)
Scenic Flights in Maun
The Budget Private safari:
This safari is a participation trip and all guests are required to assist in
camp chores, setting up tents etc.
2 guests US$ 375 per person per night sharing.
3 guests US$ 290 per person per night sharing.
4 guests US$ 235 per person per night sharing.
5 guests US$ 215 per person per night sharing.
6 guests US$ 190 per person per night sharing.
7-12 guests on POR
$298 to relocate vehicle if one way safari
Included:
Safari vehicle, Fuel & Local Guide
All meals and cook
Park Fees
6' 9" center height Bow Tents & Mattresses
Basic Camping Equipment
Excluded:
Additional safari staff - A camp helper can be added for $35 per day to
do most chores.
International or charter flights
Any Hotel or Lodge accommodations before or after the safari.
Any transfers & excursions not specified (e.g. boat trips)
Travel, cancellation & medical insurance
Extras: flash lights & batteries, plastic rain coats
Personal Toiletries: (soap, hand cream, mosquito repellent, sun block,
mirror, tissues)
Laundry
Linen - guests must supply their own sleeping bag, pillow and towel
Visas, Airport departure
taxes
Tips & gratuities
Options that may be added to itinerary at extra cost
Boat Trips on Chobe River (sunset cruise)
Okavango Delta (full day)
Scenic Flights in Maun
Group safaris
These safaris have fixed itineraries and departure times. They vary in
price but are generally from $2400 for 6 days to $4300 for 12 days. They
are similar to our Deluxe Private Safaris.
Clothing and Climate
During the peak safari season of May thru September you can encounter
wide differences in temperatures. It is advisable to be prepared for
temperature variations from 40°F to 90° F. Layering is the best option.
We frequently leave camp with fleece pants and jackets over shorts and
Tee shirts, but by noon will have shed the fleece. Also have good wind
breakers as you will be riding in open vehicles. It is best to have ear
protection and gloves as well. Better to take them and not use
them than be uncomfortable.
Light earth tone colors are best on safari. (camouflage clothing is not
permitted).
Sun block, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are essential. A good pair
of binoculars and camera are a must.
Other Essentials to Bring
Other essentials to bring: Personal toiletries; Malaria tablets;
Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion; Anti-histamine cream; Insect repellent; Basic medical kit aspirin, elastoplast (Band-Aids), Imodium, antiseptic cream; Tissues/"Wet Ones"; flashlight (torch); Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April). If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from dust.
Currency
Botswana currency is the Pula. US Dollars, South African Rand, Euros,
and credit cards are accepted.
Electric Current
The current in most of Africa is 220/240 voltage. Few camps have electrical
power, however, most offer facilities to re-charge camera batteries. You
probably won't need a transformer because most new cameras, camcorders, phones
etc. will work on any voltage from 100 to 240. You may need plug adapters
though and these are readily available for purchase.
Cameras, digital and film
Second only to binoculars come the cameras. Your choice of the most appropriate cameras and lenses will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For photography of birds and animals a good Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera with a zoom lens is one of the best options. The zoom will give you the flexibility you will require. The minimum size of lens suitable for wildlife photography is a 200 mm. If you plan to use a bigger lens it is worth remembering that most opportunities for photographing game will call for hand-held shots, and longer lenses can produce “camera shake.” Old hands at photographing game swear by the use of beanbags on which to rest one's lens. If one is in a “hide” watching game then a tripod is a worthwhile option.
If you are going to use a digital camera then remember to bring plenty of spare memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers. If your budget does not reach to an SLR there are now quite a few fixed-lens digital cameras with quite excellent optical zoom lenses. A x10 optical zoom can give very satisfactory results.
If you are going to use a film camera then remember to bring far more film than you think you will need. You almost certainly will not have an opportunity to buy up to date film rolls at the kind of prices you will pay at home. There will always be much debate about what film to use. Many guides
favor slower films (100 ASA or even 50 ASA) for normal light, but you will require faster films for early morning and evening shots - and that is when you are more likely to see some action.
Color reversal (slide) film is a favorite with many professionals.
An absolute must for anyone with cameras is to bring along polythene bags to protect your camera and lenses, etc. from dust thrown up on your travels.
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