Botswana Leopard Trail & Kalahari
17 Days
Visiting: Botswana, Zimbabwe
Tour Overview
This camping trip provides a complete overview of Botswana for those with an adventurous spirit looking to see the wild side of Africa. Few trips can offer such a diverse and stimulating experience as we traverse the country from the vast Kalahari, home to the San Bushmen, to the magnificent game reserves in the north. In the world famous Okavango Delta we explore this wildlife-rich region by traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) and on foot. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or on your first African safari, there are few places on earth that are as impressive as Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park, where huge herds of elephants roam. We conclude this spectacular adventure with time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Join Maun, Early Morning Drive To Kalahari Private Reserve, Camping (120Km, 4 Hrs)
The safari begins in Maun where your guide will meet you at approx. 7.30am at a pre-arranged meeting point. You will travel 120km to a private reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, set up camp and enjoy traditional African cuisine for your lunch. You will explore the area for the next two days, enjoying game drives and participate in a nature walk led by a local San tracker. They will share their intricate knowledge and give you an insight into their unique and intriguing culture. You will also do game drives to explore the area, home to a fascinating variety of desert specialised wildlife such as oryx, springbok and eland as well as predators including lion, brown hyena and cheetah. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty. Overnight: Wild Camping. Note - Breakfast is included on Day 2.
Day 3 - 5 : Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Camping (80Km, 3-4 Hrs)
You will wake up as the sun rises and enter the pristine wilderness of the largest game reserve in Botswana. The next three days will be exploring the undeveloped wilderness of the northern region of the Kalahari, moving from camp to camp. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty on game drives and at camp. This is adventure camping in its purest form as water and communications are limited and we travel as a self-sufficient group. Camping is in a private designated campsite with bush ablutions.
Day 6 : Drive Central Kalahari To Boteti River Camp (180Km, 4-5 Hrs)
After we break camp, we will drive to the Makgadikgadi area. You will spend the night at a camp on the edge of the Makgadikgadi National Park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village. Enjoy an afternoon game drive into Makgadikgadi National Park. Camping at a campsite with fixed ablutions.
Day 7 - 8 : Okavango Delta (210Km, 5 Hrs)
After an early morning breakfast you will pass by Maun town for drinks shopping essential for the remainder of your safari. Your adventure will take you from Maun to the Okavango Delta, a special corner of paradise. Once you have reached the edge of the Delta, you will transfer your equipment to motorboats and cruise along the narrow papyrus-lined channels enjoying the exquisite birdlife of the region as well as the stunning landscape. Deeper in the Delta you will meet the local polers with their mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) and enjoy a tranquil transfer to an island. You will spend two days exploring this beautiful area on mokoro excursions and taking guided walks on the islands and floodplains of the Okavango. You will camp wild with bush ablutions.NOTE: You will leave your main luggage in the trailer and will need to pack a smaller bag (small backpack, hand luggage) with what you need for the 2 days on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island where you will stay are done on traditional dugout canoes (mokoro) which cannot accommodate large bags. Your main luggage will safely remain in the vehicle that will be parked in a secured area while you are on the island.
Day 9 : Drive Okavango Delta To Concession Located Outside Moremi Game Reserve (50Km, 1.5-2 Hrs)
Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, you will start making your way towards a concession located outside Moremi Game Reserve. Overnight community campsite with permanent ablution facilities.
Day 10 - 12 : Moremi Game Reserve, Camping
In the early morning, we will drive through to Moremi Game Reserve (100km, 5-7 hrs), one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana which covers swamp and dry areas. The next three days will be spent searching for the wide variety of wildlife and birds that this area is renowned for while absorbing the sounds and beauty of this region. Game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and in the late afternoon as the sun sets will be the norm. After your morning game drive you will return to camp for lunch and a siesta. On Day 12 you will move campsites to explore a different area of this diverse park (2 nights in Western Moremi and 1 night in Eastern Moremi). Camping will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions.
Day 13 - 15 : Chobe National Park
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 (120km, 7-8 hrs). 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 (170km, 5-6 hrs). Camping will be in private designated areas with bush ablutions.
Day 16 : Drive To Victoria Falls Zimbabwe (100Km, 3 Hrs)
After a short morning game drive you will then drive to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side (Visa required), where you will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and shop for curios. Dinner will be at your own expense at the lodge.
Day 17 : In Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, Trip Concludes
The safari officially ends at 10:00am today. We are happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls Airport or lodges, Livingstone airport or lodges or Kasane, Botswana, 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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
15 nights camping -
16 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 14 dinners
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1 night lodge on a twinshare basis
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15 nights limited participation camping on a twinshare tent basis
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group camping equipment including spacious dome tent and mattress (sleeping bag and pillow not included)
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English speaking local guide and camp assistant
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game drives, walks and river excursions as listed in itinerary
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national park and conservation fees
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private transport in specialised safari vehicle
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international flights and airport taxes
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airport arrival and departure transfers
What's Not Included
Accommodation
15 nights camping
Our spacious tents are 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m easy to erect dome tents which have treated mosquito mesh covering all the windows and doors. We provide comfortable 5cm high density foam camping mattresses for each guest. Our bush ablutions are shared and consist of high slung bucket showers and bush toilets with private canvas screens. Whilst in Maun & Victoria Falls, we stay in comfortable lodges on a twin share basis.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. This trip is graded introductory to moderate so we recommend you incorporate 2-3 times per week aerobic or physical activity for at least one hour per session. The best exercise to do is the one you are participating in so walking with day packs is a great way to improve your fitness for this adventure. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.