Okavango Exploration Safaris

KINGFISHER SAFARI

Accommodation:  

  • In the Okavango Delta Panhandle: Nxamasere or similar
  • In Maun: Maun Lodge or similar
  • In Moremi/Khwai: Khwai Guest House
  • In Savuti: SKL or similar
  • In Kasane: The Old House or similar
  • In Victoria Falls: Zambia(Maramba river lodge) or similar

The following activities are included

Fish eagle Accommodated Safari

  • Nxamasere: mokoro excursions, possible nature walks
  • Khwai: game drives
  • Savuti: game drives
  • Kasane: game drive, boat cruise

For the Fish eagle Accommodated Safari transfers between lodges are done with a game viewer. For game viewing we use own vehicles, except for other activities like boats, canoes, etc. whereby activities are done by the lodges where we stay.

The Khwai section is entirely done (from Maun proceeding to Savuti located in Chobe National park) with one of our Okavango exploration Safaris custom-built game viewers:

  • canvas roof and front windscreen can unfold.

There are three rows at the back that could easily fit 9 pax but we limit the maximum to 7 guests for Accommodated Safaris offering great comfort and viewing opportunities.

  • We have a fridge under the front row to enjoy cool drinks at all times and there is a power point to recharge camera batteries during the safari.
  • There is no separation between the driver who is the guide and his passengers. Therefore, a constant flow of communication to get the greatest experience in these wild environments and learn as much as possible about the places, fauna and flora.

All breakfasts are included. Dinners are all included except in Victoria Falls. Six lunches are included 

Let us know what you would like to do so we can suggest the best options and advise you on availability and prices.
You can also just send us an email on okavangoexplorationsafaris@gmailcom.
Thank you!

 

 

 

 LODGE TO LODGE SAFARI • 14 NIGHTS

THE FISH EAGLE ACCOMMODATED SAFARI

This accommodated safari  route around the Okavango Delta, starting and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Accommodated Safari offers a great value trip through two countries – Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The  Accommodated Safari is an activity-packed safari allowing you to discover the diversity that Botswana and Namibia have to offer. Comfortable transportation between the lodges is done in an enclosed, air-conditioned mini bus. Accommodation throughout your journey with us includes lodges and bungalows.

MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY

Highlights

1 Night in Nata Bird Sanctuary –

Western Okavango Delta & mokoro excursions

Optional Scenic flight over the Delta (Rate TBA)

2 Nights Moremi Game Reserve

2 Nights Chobe national Park/Savuti

 

2 Nights Chobe National ParkTrip Details

 

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

 

All nights in lodges / guest houses / permanent camps

Day 1:Transfer guests from Livingstone airport to Maramba river lodge

Day 2 Pick up guests from their lodge in an air-conditioned vehicle  drive to Nata lodge visistng Nata bird sanctuary

Day 3: Drive to Maun and do the scenic flight

Day 4: Drive to the Okavango Delta panhandle at Nxamasere Lodge and visiting Tsodilo hills for bushman rock paintings.

Day 5: Mokoro and nature walk, stay on the Okavango Delta panhandle (B, L, D)

Day 6: Drive to Maun and take a rest at Maun Lodge (B, D)

Day 7: Okavango exploration safari game viewer picks guests from Maun Lodge through the National parks (B, L, D)

Day 8: Game drives in the Khwai concession or Moremi Game Reserve (B, L, D)

Day 9: Game drives in the Khwai concession or Moremi Game Reserve(B,L,D)

Day 10: Drive to Chobe National Park(Savuti)D

Day 11: Game drive in Chobe National Park (B,L,D)

Day 12: Drive to Chobe(Kasane)

DAY 13: Game drive in the morning and boat cruise in the afternoon

Day 14 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (1 border crossing) – optional visit of the Victoria Falls – stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (B)

: Breakfast at the Lodge – END of the safari (B) 

 

PREFERRED ACCOMMODATION ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

DATES & RATES.

 

DETAILED PROGRAMME

Okavango Delta panhandle: Nxamaseri or similar http://www.nxamaseri.com/

Maun: Maun lodge or similar http://www.maunlodge.com/

  \ Khwai: Khwai Guest    

House http://www.khwaiguesthouse.com/

Nata: Nata Lodge or similar http://underonebotswanasky.com/camps/nata-lodge.php

Kasane: The Old House or similar https://www.oldhousekasane.com

Victoria Falls: Maramba  river Lodge or similar.

Nxamaseri: mokoro excursions, possible nature walks

Khwai: game drives

Nata: Nata bird sanctuary

Kasane: game drive, boat cruise

 

DAY 1:The safari begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, at 07h30. Okavango exploration Safaris is happy to assist with pre-safari arrangements such as accommodation and transfers (extra cost) from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone (Zambia) or Kasane (Botswana). A full safari briefing by our experienced guide commences your adventure with us on arrival in Victoria Falls, after which we head South East crossing the border into Botswana(Nata lodge) This Lodge has a lovely vista for stop over and visiting the salt pans. An eventful start to the day commences with a visit to Nata Bird Sanctuary, where depending on the time of year, it is possible to see large flocks of flamingos and pelicans feeding and nesting on the pans.(B,L,D)

DAY 2: The safari then heads to Maun, Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, a town on the edge of Thamalakane river that feeds Lake Ngami, where we will stay 1 night to explore. Feel free to investigate the ins and outs of the town, as well-known as a tourist getaway to Moremi Game Reserve. In the afternoon you will have the option of taking a scenic flight over the Delta (45 min. Maun to Maun scenic flight, rate TBA – to be booked during the safari, payment in cash only). This magical experience provides another perspective of the Okavango Delta’s distinctive water system. During the flight it is even possible to spot large game animals such as Elephant, Giraffe and Hippopotamus.

Night at a comfortable lodge in Maun. (B, D)

DAY 3: TSODILO HILLS, CAMPING

After a very early start, You will travel to the World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills. This afternoon you will visit the museum and explore the walking trails around the ancient hills, home to thousands of traditional Bushmen paintings dating back to 800 AD.  The safari continues  west heading to the delta located on the Okavango river. The beginning of the great Okavango River before it forms the swamps. Stretching your legs,  take a short walk through the bush and have your packed lunch. . Nxamasere is situated right in the Okavango Delta. (D)



DAY4: OKAVANGO DELTA, COMFORTABLE LODGE

Early in the morning, enjoy a motorboat cruise through the papyrus-lined channels of the Delta to the mokoro station, where your day of exploration in the heart of the Okavango Delta begins. Mokoros are traditional dugout canoes, which have been used by the Bayeyi River Bushmen for centuries to negotiate the intricate pathways of this unique area. This full day excursion allows the opportunity to encounter a large number of bird species and view landscapes many people can only dream of.(B,L,D)

  DAY 5:From Nxamasere lodge you drive back to Maun lodge(Nxamasere – Maun: 290 km, 4-5 hrs) and afternoon at leisure.(B,D)

 DAY 6:From Maun the drive meanders through the Khwai River area, on the border of Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana with very high concentrations of game.(B,L,D)

DAY 7: Game drive in the morning  searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Enjoy game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and in the late afternoon as the sun sets. Night at the African bush camp or related in the Khwai Village. (B, L, D)

DAY 8:Game drives to explore the region surrounding the Khwai river (North-east Moremi / Khwai Concession). (B, L, D)

 

 

Maun – Khwai area: 160 km, ±5 hrs (including Game Drive)

DAY 8: MOREMI/Khwai tentedcamp

DAY 10:Game drives to explore the region surrounding the Khwai river or Khwai concession.(B,L,D) •

DAY11:An early start heading to Savuti, lunch and safari enroute to the camp(SKL)(B, D)                Chobe National Park, with its diverse and striking landscapes, will be your next destination.  As you continue your search for wildlife, you will traverse the drier region of Savuti where bull elephants dot the plains.  You will then head northwards to the Chobe River where your game drives will meander along the banks of the river, followed by the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Game drive in the Southern Chobe National Park/Savuti. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: Transfer/safari and lunch enroute to Northern part of Chobe National park.(B,L,D)

DAY 14 :Time is spent in Northern Chobe, a park which is incredibly rich in game due to the Chobe River providing water all year round. Large herds of elephant are frequently seen walking to and from the river. Due to the high density of herbivores in this area many predators, such as lions and leopards, can be found. While staying at The Old House or a similar lodge in Kasane, a game drive into the park in the early hours of the morning, and a river cruise on the Chobe River in the afternoon allows the discovery of this incredible area from both land and water. (B, D)    

DAY 15: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, COMFORTABLE LODGE

Today the journey takes you to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side (Visa required), where you will spend the night at a comfortable lodge.  In the afternoon come face to face with the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios with the roar of the water reverberating nearby.  At Victoria Falls there are many activities to partake in which your guide can assist in organizing.  Please note that dinner on your last evening will be at your own expense. Spend your last night at a comfortable lodge with the images of the last 2 weeks still fresh in your memory. (B)

DAY 16: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, COMFORTABLE LODGE

The safari officially ends at 8h00 on Day 16. Okavango exploration safaris is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls airport, Livingstone airport, Kasane, or any nearby lodges at an additional cost.

Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask your guide for further details. (B)

Kasane – Victoria Falls: 100 km, 2-3hrs (including border crossing)

The Okavango exploration Safari offers travelers the opportunity to explore the most amazing wilderness areas of Botswana and Zambia, simultaneously providing the comfort of permanent camps and lodges with the incredible privilege of being introduced to these fantastic natural wonders from beginning to end by one of our passionate  guides.

This lodge-to-lodge mobile safari itinerary is around a 3-star standing and offers a lot of activities. Transportation between lodges is done in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. The activities are carried out in the various lodges where we are staying using the lodge game drive vehicles, boats and mokoros (traditional dugout canoes).

Maximum 9 guests. Departures are guaranteed from 4 guests confirmed on a tour.

The accommodation used during this tour will therefore be: Savuti(skl)

In the Okavango Delta Panhandle: Nxamasere  or similar

In Maun: Maun Lodge or similar

In Moremi/Khwai: Khwai tented camp

In Nata: Nata Lodge or similar

In Kasane: The Old House or similar

In Victoria Falls: marimba river  lodge or similar

DATES & RATES

 

Contact us to check availability.

 

 CODE    Safari Dates 2019              SEASON

OEFS 1901           28-Feb  –              11-Mar Low

OEFS 1902           04-Apr  –              15-Apr  Low

OEFS 1903           09-May –              20-May Low

OEFS 1904           06-Jun   –              17-Jun   Low

OEFS 1905           11-Jul    –              22-Jul    High

OEFS 1906           25-Jul    –              05-Aug  High

OEFS 1907           08-Aug  –              19-Aug  High

OEFS 1908           29-Aug  –              09-Sep  High

OEFS 1909           12-Sep  –              23-Sep  High

OEFS 1910           26-Sep  –              07-Oct   High

OEFS 1911           10-Oct   –              21-Oct   High

OEFS 1912           24-Oct   –              04-Nov High

OEFS 1913           07-Nov –              18-Nov Low

OEFS 1914           05-Dec  –              16-Dec  Low

 CODE    Safari Dates 2020              SEASON

OEFS 2001           27-Feb  –              09-Mar Low

OEFS 2002           02-Apr  –              13-Apr  Low

OEFS 2003           07-May –              18-May Low

OEFS 2004           04-Jun   –              15-Jun   Low

OEFS 2005           09-Jul    –              20-Jul    High

OEFS 2006           23-Jul    –              03-Aug  High

OEFS 2007           06-Aug  –              17-Aug  High

OEFS 2008           27-Aug  –              07-Sep  High

OEFS 2009           10-Sep  –              21-Sep  High

OEFS 2010           24-Sep  –              05-Oct   High

OEFS 2011           08-Oct   –              19-Oct   High

OEFS 2012           22-Oct   –              02-Nov High

OEFS 2013           05-Nov –              16-Nov Low

OEFS 2014           03-Dec  –              14-Dec  Low

RATES

2019

Low Season: EUR 2,940 per person Sharing

High Season: EUR 3,220 per person Sharing

 

RATES

2020

Low Season: TBA

High Season: TBA

 

 

LUGGAGE

One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.

One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet

Main luggage: max weight = 18kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm

Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing 😉

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea

Hat/cap

Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months)

Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)

Swimming costume

Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of light weight long trousers and a lightweight long sleeve shirt (long sleeves are extremely useful for sun protection during the day and mosquito protection during the evening)

Please note that camouflage printed clothing is fine for the bush but please do not to wear in towns or when crossing borders.

Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops/sandals

Camera equipment, binoculars, lots of spare films, batteries and spare memory cards for digital cameras are essential as the opportunity to download photos is limited.

Adaptors for cables, chargers, USB, etc.: note that we recommend you label them to avoid confusion on the vehicle charging station

Water bottle and a small day pack for walks

TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID

Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case

Sunscreen

Malaria prophylaxis (see section 5 for further information)

Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray

Water proof/zip lock bags for storing personal items to keep dust free and/or dry.

Personal First Aid Kit
Please note: A First Aid Kit will be present throughout the safari but personal medicines must be brought for the duration of the safari.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

Check with your local immunisation authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician

Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Botswana is considered a malaria area and preventative medications should be taken

Between 2012 and 2015, both South Africa and Botswana required that all travelers coming from / going to Zambia should have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Beginning of 2015, both South Africa and Botswana officially communicated that they shall not require the yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from / going to Zambia. However, beware that regulations could change again without prior notice.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the end date of your trip and there must be at least 6 blank visa pages.

Many nationalities are able to obtain tourist visas for Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the border posts HOWEVER citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking.

For more information see www.botswanatourism.co.bwwww.zambiatourism.comwww.zimbabwetourism.co.zw and www.namibiatourism.com.na

Valid visas – it is your responsibility to arrange visas

For up-to-date visa requirements please check with your travel consultant and/or Embassy

If you need to get a visa for one of the countries visited during your safari, please check when and where the visa can be obtained, and which currency is required for its payment.

Requirements for minor traveling through all Botswana ports of entry
Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

The Botswana Tourism Development Levy has not been reinstated if put back in place this will be advised.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.

Okavango exploration Safaris does not provide travel insurance.

Okavango exploration Safaris can assist you to sign up for the Okavango Air Rescue membership. The service provides medical evacuation from isolated areas of the bush by a medically equipped helicopter and emergency doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. International insurance companies are not always familiar with the practicalities of dealing with emergencies in the Botswana bush, which can add to delays in obtaining medical care. Although the OAR membership is not compulsory, and does not replace an international medical insurance and evacuation (which remains compulsory with or without OAR membership), we highly recommend to sign up for the OAR membership which is only BWP175 / USD 17 / EUR 15.

Please note that you will be required to provide your insurance details prior to your arrival so we can liaise with your insurance company in the shortest amount of time in case of an emergency. Required details include: medical evacuation insurer’s Name, medical evacuation policy number, 24-hour contact number of Medical evacuation insurer (must be able to phone it from Botswana – USA 800 numbers don’t work from here).

SAFARI DRINKS

Drinks are at your own account at all lodges

Please note that our safari teams do not sell drinks during thesafari and drinks can only be bought in town prior to and/or during the safari.

We always recommend that people drink a minimum 3 litres of drinking water / juices / soft drinks per person per day to avoid dehydration.

At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis

Please find below the approximate prices for drinks in Botswana in local stores (note these are subject to change)
 – Water 5l = Pula 20 – 25
 – Water 1.5l = Pula 7 – 10
 – 6 cans of beer = Pula 70 – 80
 – 6 cans of Coke/Fanta/etc = Pula 50
 – 2 litres Red wine (box) = Pula 115
 – 5 litres Red wine (box) = Pula 215
 – 2 litres White wine (box) = Pula 115
 – 5 litres White wine (box)= Pula 215
 – 1 litre Fruit juice = Pula 25
 – 330ml Fruit Juice = Pula 17
 – 6 cans of Tonic Water/Dry Lemon/Lemonade = Pula 50

 

 

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