The Leopard Safari – 18 Day Tour

HIGHLIGHTS:
2 nights Bushman Experience (Ghanzi)
4 nights Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Overnight at a Lodge in Maun
Okavango Delta
Camping mokoro excursion
Motor boating in the Delta
Optional Game/Scenic Delta flight (US$130)
3 nights Moremi Game Reserve
2 nights Chobe National Park
Optional visit to Victoria Falls, Zambia (US$10, subject to change)
1 night lodge in Livingstone/Vic Falls.

Days 1 & 2:
Ghanzi - Bushman Experience:The safari begins in Maun, where we meet by 10:00h and travel 300km to a cultural village on a farm in the Ghanzi area. We settle into camp and have a safari briefing. We are up early the next morning to enjoy a light breakfast before participating in a nature walk led by local Bushmen trackers. They will share their intricate bush knowledge and give us an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. There is time in the afternoon to enjoy a siesta, swim in the local dam and a village tour to meet the community. (Day 1 L, D & Day 2 B,L,D)

Days 3-6:
Central Kalahari Game Reserve:We enter the pristine wilderness of the largest game reserve in Botswana. We spend 4 nights exploring the undeveloped wilderness of the northern region of the Kalahari, moving from camp to camp. We will visit Pipers Pan, Tau Pan and Deception Valley in our exploration of the Kalahari. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty of the Kalahari on game drives and at camp. This is adventure camping in its purest form, water and communications are limited and we travel as a self-sufficient group. (B, L, D)

Day 7:
Maun Lodge: After our final morning game drive, we break camp and return to Maun, where our last night will be enjoyed in the comfort of a lodge. Dinner is at your own expense in a local restaurant. (B, L)

Day 8:
Okavango Delta, camping: Your guide will collect you at 08h00 from the lodge and drive to the western side of the Okavango Delta, a special corner of paradise. We camp on the edge of the Okavango Delta, serenaded by the sound of hippos and bell frogs breaking the night silence. The campsite has permanent toilet and shower facilities. (B, L, D)

Days 9-10:
Okavango Delta, camping mokoro excursion:After transferring our equipment to motorboats, we cruise along the narrow papyrus-lined channels of the Delta. Enjoy the exquisite bird life of the region as well as the stunning landscape of this area. Deeper in the Delta we meet our mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) and local polers and enjoy a tranquil ride to an island. We will spend 2 days camping on the island, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro. Wild camping with limited water supplies, your Bush Ways team will build bush toilets, showers not always possible.. (B, L, D)  

Day 11:
Maun, camping: Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, we retrace our route to Maun. You have the option of taking a scenic game flight across the Delta to return to Maun, providing another perspective of this unique water system (optional US$130). Tonight is at a private camp outside Maun with permanent toilet and shower facilities. (B, L, D)

Days 12-14:
Moremi Game Reserve, camping: The big game aspect of our tour commences today as we enter Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best wilderness areas of Africa. The reserve covers swamp areas as well as dry land. The next three nights are spent in this park searching for the wide variety of animals and birds in the reserve, while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives as the sun rises, and in the late afternoon as the sun sets, are the norm. Wild Camping in exclusive sites. Your Bush Ways team will build bush toilets and showers. (B, L, D)

Days 15-16:
Chobe National Park, camping: Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes, is our next destination. As we continue our search for wildlife, we will traverse the drier region of Savuti where bull elephants dot the plains. We then head northwards to the Chobe River, where our game drives will meander along the banks of the river, followed by the call of the majestic African fish eagle. Wild Camping in exclusive sites. Your Bush Ways team will build bush toilets and showers. (B, L, D)

Days 17-18:
We cross the Zambezi River by ferry, then drive to Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, where we overnight at a comfortable lodge on the banks of the Zambezi. This afternoon there is time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios. Dinner is at your own expense at the lodge. The tour officially ends at 10h00. Post tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Livingstone, Victoria Falls or Kasane airports can be arranged at additional cost. There are many exciting activities offered at the Falls, such as the exhilarating White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Elephant rides and Helicopter Flights over the Falls. (Day 17 - B, L & Day 18 B only)

Price Includes: All accommodation (spacious bow tents with mattresses), chalets at the lodge and chalets in Maun, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, all meals that are indicated (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner) and tea/coffees, services of a Professional Guide and Camp Assistant, all Botswana park entries for activities included on itinerary, transport in specialized safari vehicles.
Does not include: Restaurant meals (Zambian Vic Falls and Maun), Visas (with the exception of the Zambian visa waiver, subject to government regulations), airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions (scenic delta flight and activities in Victoria Falls), beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water), insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation, sleeping Bag (and small pillow) on all camping sectors.
Please note:It is required that you spend a pre-night in Maun if joining a group departure, due to early departure to Ghanzi on Day 1. Bush Ways Safaris can assist in pre-tour arrangements if required.

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