ITINERARY BOTSWANA 24 DAY SAFARI 7 June – 30 June 2021

Home , Gweta, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Mochudi, Shakawe, Tuli Block

DAY 1. Monday 7th June ARRIVE GABORONE Pick up at Gaborone international airport and transfer to your Hotel for refreshment. The rest of the day you may relax or discover Gaborone on foot. Following the evening meal a short revision of the itinerary and question time. * Overnight Gaborone Hotel. Lunch and evening dinner at own expense.

DAY 2. Tuesday 8th June GABORONE – SEROWE Lodge breakfast included. We leave early morning to visit the old colonial mission and the Phuthadikobo museum at Mochudi. Then to the Kgotla (council house), near the royal kraal, where the village elders hold court for misdemeanors and crimes. After crossing the tropic of Capricorn and a lunch in Mahalapye, we arrive in Serowe, the largest and oldest village below the equator in Africa. * Camping at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Lunch in Mahalapye & Dinner at own expense.

DAY 3. Wednesday 9th June SEROWE – TULI BLOCK Lodge Breakfast included. The Tuli block stretches along the Limpopo River and is one of Botswana’s best unknown secrets, consisting of private game reserves. The Tuli Game reserve is about 120,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and is characterized by sandy outcrops, rocky hills and rivers. * Two nights in Serolo Safari Camp’s luxury tents (with on-suite) where all meals and game drives are included.

DAY 4. Thursday 10th June TULI BLOCK Lodge Breakfast included. Today you may spend a whole day on wildlife safari. Choose morning or afternoon game drives – or both. Or chill out for some of the time at the lodge, bird watching, reading etc. All meals included.

DAY 5. Friday 11th June TULI BLOCK – MAKGADIKGADI PANS Lodge Breakfast included. After leaving the main road past Francistown, we begin to get the feel of off-road tracks. Of course we are backed up by a GPS. By afternoon we’ll enter into the isolated beauty of the white Salt pans, which eons ago, joined the Okavango Delta to form an enormous lake. Dry conditions permit us to drive along the pans and we head for Kukonje Island. The evening will include a starry night campfire as we wild camp at Kukonje Island in the Makgadikgidi Pans. ‘Shovel only’ toilet facilities will endure. * Overnight, wild camping in the Makgadikgadi Pans. (Pronounced Ma-gadi-k-gadi, almost silent K). Picnic lunch and camp dinner included.

DAY 6. Saturday 12th June MAKGADIKGADI PANS – NATA Camp breakfast included. After breakfast we cross part of the saltpans to Nata lodge 10km east of Nata village, where in late afternoon we take a guided excursion into the Nata Sanctuary. The Nata lodge and sanctuary is renowned for its prolific birdlife. The Nata Bird Sanctuary was established in 1993 and was awarded the “Tourism of tomorrow Award”. * Overnight in our tents at the Nata Lodge camping ground. Lunch in Nata village or at Nata lodge restaurant at own expense. Lodge dinner at own expense.

DAY 7. Sunday 13th June NATA - MAUN Lodge breakfast included. Today we drive along the A3 to Maun. We make a stop in Gweta village and drive to Baines Baobabs for that magnificent photo of the pans and the Baobabs made famous by the oil painter Baines. Here we will have our lunch (included). We drive back to the main road and head towards Maun, the gateway to Botswana’s jewel; The Okavango Delta. Lunch picnic included. * Overnight in a hotel/lodge in Maun. Lodge dinner at own expense.

DAY 8. Monday 14th June MAUN – OKAVANGO DELTA (FLIGHT) Lodge breakfast included. After Breakfast, we take a marvelous 25 min sightseeing flight over the delta as we head towards our Lodge’s delta landing site. We then progress to our luxury tented camp. Only your backpack is allowed on the light plain. Lunch and dinner is included at our Camp in the Delta. * First of three nights camping in Luxury tents at Oddballs camp.

DAY 9, 10, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th June OKAVANGO DELTA Breakfast in Camp restaurant included. Boating 2 people per mokoro (dugout canoe) plus your own experienced Ranger/poler, we will set out to explore the Delta waters and its abundant wildlife. Enjoy the exceptional tranquility of the delta, and spotting Elephant, 1 Giraffe, Buffalo, various antelope and if lucky Lion, cheetah and leopard. The frog and birdlife is upfront and exquisite, with abundant and prolific displays of colour. Let’s not forget the hippo and crocs either. The Poler/Rangers will also guide us on a 3 to 4 hour walk amongst the wildlife. * Two more nights in luxury tents with semi-detached bathroom on Odball’s Delta island. All meals included.

DAY 11. Thursday 17h June OKAVANGO DELTA - MAUN Breakfast in Camp restaurant included. After another delightful sightseeing flight back over the Okavango, we return to Maun Airport and from there, we drive about 10km to the delta’s wonderful Island Safari lodge where you will enjoy their superb facilities. * First of three nights in chalets at Island Safari lodge. Lunch & Dinner at own expense.

DAY 12. Friday 18th June MAUN Lodge breakfast included. We’ll drive to Daunara village near the edge of the Okavango, to gain a feel of real village life beside the delta. Discover Maun’s markets, a mix of old traditional huts intermingled with modern western buildings. It was always a basic frontier town, until the mid-90s, when completion of a tar road increased tourism and commercialism. * Chalets at Island Safari lodge. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 13. Saturday 19th June MAUN Lodge breakfast included. Today is a day of leisure immersed in the picturesque lodge and its riverbank surroundings. Watch the birds, have a swim in the pool and a drink at the terrace overlooking the river or wander Maun among the locals. Try the unforgettable and different experience of a local church service. * Chalets at Island Safari lodge. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 14. Sunday 20th June MAUN – TSODILO HILLS Lodge breakfast included. We drive to Tsodilo Hills, one of the last vestiges of a Bushman’s village. Here some of the last remaining Bushmen live aspects of their primitive lives and we will spend some time as their guests. We will also take a walk around the hills, locating some of the 3,000 paintings that Bushmen have drawn over the past 25,000 years. We may be lucky to sight some leopard here. So far this spot is not visited by mass tourism and one is taken by the isolation and harshness of the scene. The group can donate to these isolated Bushmen a mixture of foods fresh and preserved, and of course some clothing. Camping in our own tents at Tsodilo Hills camp. Picnic lunch included. Camp Dinner included.

DAY 15. Monday 21st June TSODILO HILLS – SHAKAWE Camp breakfast included. After breakfast we pack up camp and drive to the village of Shakawe where we will visit the village. From here we drive to Drotsky’s camp, only 15 minutes away. Evening dinner at Drotsky’s restaurant at own expense.

DAY 16. Tuesday 22nd June SHAKAWE Lodge breakfast included. Enjoy a whole day of outboard boating in “The panhandle” the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta. Crocodiles, hippo, and a myriad of bird life will be our companions for the day. Those who would like to try some fishing (fishing rods supplied) might be lucky enough to provide a tasty addition to our picnic lunch. Our local camp guide will assist you to cook it (them?) on an open fire, on one of the numerous islands in the delta. Camping in our own tents at Drotsky’s camp. Picnic lunch included. Dinner at own expense. There is the possibility to stay in chalets for two nights for an extra NZ$340 per person, if you let us know before paying your deposit. Camping in our own tents at Drotsky’s camp. Picnic lunch included. Dinner at own expense.

DAY 17. Wednesday 23th June SHAKAWE – GANITSUGA bordering the eastside of the OKAVANGO Lodge breakfast included. We cross the Okavango panhandle by ferryboat (bridge under construction) at Mohembo and drive down the East side of the panhandle to ‘Jumbo Junction lodge’ near the village of Ganitsuga. * First of two nights in a luxury tented camp. All meals and safari activities included.

DAY 18. Thursday 24th June GANITSUGA Lodge breakfast included. Today you will enjoy a boat trip on the Okavango and also a game drive into the Okavango. * Luxury tented camp. All meals and safari activities included.

DAY 19. Friday 25th June GANITSUGA – NUNDA RIVER Lodge (Namibia) Lodge breakfast included. Today we will drive to Mohembo ferry and into Namibia * Overnight in Nunda Campsite. Lunch and dinner at own expense 2 DAY 20. Saturday 26th June NUNDA Lodge breakfast included. Today we go on a boat cruise and we’ll undertake a walking Safari * Overnight in Nunda Campsite. Lunch and dinner at own expense

DAY 21. Sunday 27th June NUNDA – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Lodge breakfast included. We drive today through along the Caprivi strip, to enter back into Botswana at Chobe NP and Kasane. * Three wonderful nights in chalets and delicious eating at the picturesque Chobe Safari Lodge, which stands on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane. No river swimming owing to crocs and hippos, but there is a nice Lodge swimming pool to cool off in. * Chobe Safari Lodge. Picnic lunch included. Dinner at own expense.

DAY 22. Monday 28th June CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Lodge breakfast included. In the morning, enjoy game driving along the banks of the Chobe River. We return to camp for lunch and in the afternoon take a 3 hour afternoon-sunset cruise on the Chobe River. You will enjoy an abundance of hippo, elephant, buffalo and bird life. Just another haven for keen photographers and romantics! * Chobe Safari Lodge. Lodge lunches and dinners at own expense.

DAY 23. Tuesday 29th June CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – VIC FALLS - CNP Lodge breakfast included. We cross from Botswana into Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most visited natural phenomena. After the border/visa entertainment, we have a leisurely one hour drive to Victoria Falls village, followed by an unforgettable walk of 1.7km immersed in the magical mists and rainbows around the falls, Bring a plastic bag and drying cloth to protect your camera. Then….shopping! A FREE afternoon and time to test out your eye for quality and to hone your haggling skills at one of the biggest and best curio, carving and art markets in Africa. Sorry….the wonderful 6ft high carved giraffe will not fit in the vehicle….but YES! You can freight him home! We retrace our steps back into Botswana and spend our final marvelous evening in Chobe Safari lodge. Visa cost to Vic falls at own expense ($US30 exact cash). * Chobe Safari Lodge. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 24. Wednesday 30th June CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ONWARDS. Lodge breakfast included. Fly out today from Kasane via Gaborone to connect to your return flight. Lunch at own expense

Flights into Kasane from Johannesburg daily at 11.45am arrive Kasane 1.30pm (South African airways) Flights to Johannesburg daily at 2.00pm arrive 3.55pm (South African airways)

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE SAFARI

NATURE OF THE TRIP As guides and drivers, we look forward to sharing an enjoyable and adventurous trip of a lifetime with you. Botswana is an intensive exploration of nature and wildlife in one of the last authentic wildlife paradises of Africa. The many wonderful contacts with locals put an emphasis on cultural exchange, friendship and Good will, and will provide an enjoyable ethnic experience. The other emphasis on this adventurous trip is viewing wildlife that still roams in many areas of this desert like country, and the pristine nature, such as is found in the Okavango delta. Therefore facilities, food and accommodation can at times be enjoyably basic. Unexpected encounters with wildlife during camping, walking safaris and boat trips make certain precautionary rules necessary. We ask participants to trust and follow the advice of guides and locals, and to respect the environment and wildlife. This ensures not only your own safety, but the safety of all concerned.

YOUR GUIDES Dirk and Marie will be your tour guides, however at some locations such as the Okavango Delta we are required to be guided by local Ranger/polers who will also lead safari walks into wildlife and village environments.

MEALS All breakfasts are included. 11 lunches are included as per itinerary. 8 dinners are included as per itinerary.

CHARITY You are encouraged to bring (or buy locally) food, clothing, children’s soft toys, shoes or anything you think may benefit the locals. Each tour group member is free to offer their gifts as they feel moved.

INSURANCES Comprehensive travel insurance is a compulsory requirement, to guard against accidents, sickness, emergency 3 return trip expenses, cancellation and for lost or damaged luggage and personal effects.

DOCUMENTS An international passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. New Zealanders and most western countries don’t need a visa for Botswana and Namibia. New Zealanders currently DO need a visa for South Africa. (May change please check) Entry Visas are required for Zimbabwe (to visit Vic Falls). According to the latest information, the Zimbabwean visa costs for your border crossing is US$30 per person. (Only the exact amount in $US bills is accepted by the officials). Vaccinations are not required for South Africa and Botswana. However if you have had recent vaccinations, bring copies of certificates. Also carry photocopies of your visa and passport.

PRICE: NZ$9,450 (2020 prices). Due to inflation there may be a maximum of 5% increase for 2021. We hope to keep the price as low as possible. Deposit to be paid: NZ$5,450 no later than 31st March 2020. (Used to secure your reservations, We have to make reservations for the lodges and vehicles at least 14 months in advance or we miss out in certain lodges) Balance of NZ$4,000 to be paid before 31st March 2021

PRICE INCLUDES: Transport by 4 wheel drive vehicles. Return flight into the Okavango Delta All camping fees. All government taxes. All camping gear, pillows are included and sleeping bags are available. If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, please let us know so we can cancel. (Important to minimize stowage) All entrance fees into National parks & reserves All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary Meals while wild camping (breakfasts, lunch & dinner) (2 nights) All breakfasts Lunches as mentioned in the itinerary Meals as listed in the Itinerary (Tuli Block, Okavango, Ganitsuga) All camping accommodation (8 nights) Accommodation in Gaborone (1 night) Lodge accommodations (14 nights).

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE All return airfares and transfers from home country to Gaborone and/or Kasane. All departure taxes, entry visas. Zimbabwe visa, to be paid at the border prior to excursion into Victoria Falls: (US$30 as at 2018). Meals (Dinners and lunches) not listed in the itinerary Drinks, water & bottles, snacks and lunches eaten out. Travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, personal tips or gifts Personal medication (Basic first aid kit will be carried).

GROUP The touring group will consist of 6 people, plus 2 driver-guides (4 persons per vehicle).

ACCOMMODATION 15 nights Lodge accommodation and 8 nights tenting, some wild, some at campsites. At times water must be conserved for cooking, drinking and an evening mini-wash. (Bring wet wipes) For your safety, if required, we will use safe purifying tablets for the drinking water, which may also require pre-boiling. Tents will be the popular rooftop tents (one tent per vehicle). Ground dome tents for the others. Some camping nights are in wild camping places with only basic facilities. All accommodation is on a twin/double share basis.

TRANSPORT Two 4 wheel drive vehicles (air-conditioned). The group will operate a rotation over the two vehicles, which will guarantee everyone has a varied seat to observe the wildlife etc. One vehicle will have two share drivers. Marie and one pre-designated male from the group. They will remain permanently in the front seat of the 2nd vehicle. Because storage space is restricted, luggage is restricted to 1 luggage bag and 1 small backpack per person. Vehicle equipped with a 50L ‘treated water’ tank)

CLIMATE: Most of Botswana has a desert climate. June and August has hot and dry day temperatures up to 30ºC. However, the nights are cool, and in the desert and the pans it may cool down overnight to just above zero. In the Okavango delta it will be warmer at night. We will expect no rain during our journey.

4 HEALTH This is your responsibility. It is advisable to see your Traveler’s Medical/Vaccination Centre or your Doctor. Normally there are no malaria infested areas in Botswana during the winter period and risk is very minimal. Lodges will provide sleeping mosquito nets in areas where there may be a problem. Tents will be mosquito proof. As a precaution, we advise to cover up during dusk and dawn. Mosquitos do not come out during the day. We advise you to bring or buy locally, mosquito/insect repellent. We can recommend ‘SAFE’ a highly effective and completely natural insect repellent made by hebebotanicals.co.nz Phone +64 6 364 6690 Otaki. NZ

BUDGET / MONEY It may be impossible to pre-exchange Botswana Currency (Pula) at your bank, and so you are strongly advised to bring $US cash. There is every chance to cash up through ATMs in Gaborone and Maun (Travelers cheques can be very difficult to cash on route). Owing to cues and delays in towns and cities, we advise exchanging all your needed money in Gaborone and Maun. Most lodges and hotels accept visa card. Pula cash will be required for souvenir shopping, village shopping and meals, drinks, personal matters. US$ is accepted by larger outlets. Your daily needs while staying in lodges where dinners are at own expenses, will be approx. NZ$40, totaling in all, approx. NZ$600 and US$60+ for Zimbabwe (visa and lunch and/or souvenirs). Zimbabwe currently uses $US for its currency.

WHAT TO BRING Lots of smiles….you will need them all. ➢ Easy loose summer clothing for the day (shorts and T-shirt). One thin cotton, long sleeve shirt and long cotton trousers for sun protection. (i.e. when poling in the mokoro). A warm sweater and/or jacket for the mornings and evenings. Light closed in sports shoes with socks for walking. Quick dry clothing helps if you plan to do your own washing. Bring a small bar of soap for hand washing clothes, about 2-3 metres of strong string and some pegs. Clothes dry super quick! Lodges do provide very reasonably priced washing services. ➢ Swimming costume, peaked sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. ➢ Sleeping bag if you prefer your own. ➢ A good torch with new batteries is absolutely necessary. (head torches leave hands free and are excellent in the tent and while cooking… (although it takes some practice, learning not to shine in the eyes of your companions). ➢ A small day backpack and an attachable hands-free water bottle for walking safaris and other occasions, such as canoe trip, boating trips etc…). Binoculars and a good camera are a must! ➢ Your personal medication and first aid requirements. Bathroom kit: Lip salve, body cream. Sealable packet of wet wipes. (not always readily available). ➢ A few small items for gifting or trading such as small solar powered items, pocket knives which are loved by carvers, wrist watch, pens, and clothing items etc..

PHOTO and FILM EQUIPMENT It is best to bring all requirements with you. Everything in this respect will be more expensive and only available at either the bigger malls or lodges. It will be the policy of the tour not to pay for photos (except commercial shows) and to respect those few, not wishing to be photographed.

ELECTRICITY & WIFI Electricity and Wifi (only available in certain lodges) can occasionally have outages and require a switch to generators. Be sure to bring extra batteries for your equipment. Electricity is 240 volt, 50 hertz. The plug in sockets for rechargers accept a three poled round plug, the same as South Africa. It is best to bring an international adapter set.

FURTHER QUESTIONS? … Don’t hesitate to contact us. (i.e. special dietary requests.)

NB: We reserve the right to change the itinerary if circumstances or safety demand. A maximum 5% surcharge may be added in case of price inflation for vehicles and lodges.