This
magnificent Exploration contrasts the sporadic rains of the
Kalahari Desert with the always-fertile islands and waterways of
the Okavango. It takes place during the Kalahari's most productive
season, when it receives low rains and wildlife migrates in large
numbers into the desert valleys. This precious water creates a
short yet incredibly prolific wildlife-viewing period with
concentrations of desert species and their young in the ancient
river valleys of Deception Valley. An all-day game drive (or two)
in the reserve adds immeasurably to the sightings of this
abundance. Then, in a stunning contrast, the vibrant water
wonderland of Xigera in the Okavango Delta is explored.
The Itinerary
Day 1:
Deception Valley Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Upon
arrival in Maun we depart by road to Deception Valley Lodge.
Deception Valley Lodge is located approximately 25 miles from
Deception Pan bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge
accommodates 16 guests in private chalets, each with a spacious
lounge, en-suite Victorian-style bathroom, outdoor shower and
veranda. The main area, connected to the units by elevated wooden
walkways, boasts dining, lounge and bar areas. From the deck
wildlife can be seen at the nearby waterhole and there is a curio
shop, small library, swimming pool and boma for evening meals.
A cultural highlight here is fascinating interaction, through an
interpreter, with San Bushmen who will explain their traditions,
hunting methods and natural medicines. Added to this is a short game
drive enroute to the nature walk with an experienced Bushman guide.
We also enjoy a night drive on the reserve.
Days
2-5: Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our private
Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with lunch
en route.
Deception Valley - a prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune
lands - is very appealing after brief rains, when it is covered with
nutritious grasses that attract vast animal herds from all over the
enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with
their young are followed by opportunistic predators (including
populations of lion, cheetah, black backed jackal, bat eared fox and
African Wild cat), all of which makes for outstanding viewing. The
rare and seldom seen brown hyena is also sighted from time to time!
Bird life is prolific, with over 400 species in the region.
We have specifically allowed for a 4-night stay in Deception Valley;
in a journey of this nature and at this time, it is vital to travel
on guests have the time to relax and unwind, at the same time
extended day trips, which affords the opportunity to explore the
further reaches of the park not normally accessed and ensuring the
best possible wildlife experience.
We enjoy extended wildlife game drives (with picnic lunch), taking
in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari, as well as the
Letiahau and Deception Valleys.
Days
6-7: Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast, we depart
overland to Maun (approx. 6 hours, after which we fly by light
aircraft in the afternoon to the water-filled paradise of the
private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve.
Xigera is the Delta personified, with serene waters flowing through
innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant
and animal life.
Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp
situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has
something for everyone, in an area where there are no other camps
and where year-round water allows for a variety of
activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit
back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the
tranquil Okavango waterways or watch the sunset and birds gliding
home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon.
Nestled in a soothing riverine
forest, Xigera Camp consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented
rooms with en suite bathrooms and outdoor shower. Each
room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views
of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. meals and
drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and
dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A
traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African
stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the
rooms to the main area. There is a plunge pool for
cooling off and relaxation.
The area has the highest
density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the
Okavango Delta and wildlife is often seen on boating
trips. Possibilities include spotted-necked otter,
elephant, red lechwe and even leopard on occasion.
Birding in the area is phenomenal, with Pel's Fishing Owl, Slaty
Egret, Wattled Crane, Swamp Boubou, African Pygmy Goose and
Chirping Cisticola some of the sought-after specials.
Learn about the ecology of the Delta, find a painted reed frog -
Xigera certainly offers a holistic experience of this wonderland.
Day 8:
Light aircraft transfer to Maun
After a last early morning activity and breakfast, we fly back to
Maun, where the safari ends.
2011 COST PER PERSON
16Jan-27Dec
$3330
per person / $405 single
supplement
2011 Departure Dates: Starts and ends in
Maun
January: 16
February: 04, 09
March: 22
April: 15, 20
May: 07
December: 04, 09, 15, 20
Airfares to and from Maun are additional.
This Quote does NOT include any airfares to/from Maun,
items of a personal nature such as telephone, faxes, laundry, tipping
and gratuities, liquor.
US citizens do NOT require visas for travel to Botswana.
Anti-malaria tablets must be taken for the safari. NO shots are
required at this time.
This Quote is given subject to availability of all services at time
of booking. We would require a non-refundable 25% deposit per
person to secure accommodations with the balance due 70 days before date
of travel. We accept all major credit cards in this office as well
as cheques.
In US & Canada:
1 - 800 - 358-8530 |
