Migration & Khwai Safari

Explore the National Park, one of the larger pans of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Discover ’s zebra migration, which is also Africa’s longest mammal migration. Visit the 4 000-year-old Baines Baobabs, which delicately scrape the horizon and are deeply rooted in African soil. Moremi (Khwai), one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators! Explore the Khwai Concession on game drives (incl. night drives), walking safaris and mokoro rides! Excellent time of year for birding. Open safari vehicle to conducted game drives, specially designed to give you the best game viewing experience.

PRIVATE SAFARI:

We offer this as a private safari during Botswana’s wet season (December – March: when you have the best chance to see the zebra migration), according to your preferred dates.

YOUR TOUR IN DETAIL…

Johannesburg / Maun Airport / Nxai Pan National Park DAY 1: Estimate driving time to park: 4 hours The cost includes return economy airfare with Air Botswana/SA Airlink from Johannesburg/Cape Town to Maun Airport (departing at 11h20, arriving at 13h20). Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met by our representative for your transfer to Nxai Pan National Park where dramatic landscapes, breathtaking vast open spaces and desert-like pans await. As you drive across the grasslands en-route to the pan, your guide will explain the incredible adaptations of the species that are unique to the Kalahari desert environment. During the wet season, the Nxai Pan becomes a sanctuary for migrating animals like wildebeests, , flamingos and of course predators like , and leopards. Overnight at Migration Expedition Camp (tent) with dinner, breakfast and a selection of alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks included.

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DAY 2: Nxai Pan National Park Wake up to the Kalahari sun rising to enjoy a full day of game drives. During the wet season thousands upon thousands of zebra invade Nxai Pan National Park to take full advantage of the rich pastures and the waterholes. This creates the second largest land animal migration in Southern Africa. Along with the zebras you can spot massive herds of wildebeest, gemsbok and . Large herds of giraffe grazing along the tall trees are unique to the area and at times boast over 30 in a group. Black-maned Kalahari lions, bat- eared fox, brown hyenas and even are found in the area. Overnight at Migration Expedition Camp (tent) with lunch, dinner, breakfast and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.

Activities included in your stay: Game drives: Lead by an experienced guide, you’ll see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area. Your guide will show you the best spots where game typically hide and share his knowledge with you. Visit Baine’s Baine’s Baobabs are a cluster of ancient baobab trees on a small island that Baobabs overlooks KudiaKam Pan. These famous baobabs, also known as the “Seven Sisters” or the “Sleeping Sisters”, is a must-see site in Nxai Pan National Park. Bird watching: With more than 200 bird species recorded and habitats ranging from acacia shrub to grasslands and mopane woodland, Nxai Pan is a distinguished birding destination. Between November and April, migrant birds are abundant and many birds are breeding, showing off their breeding plumage. Photography: The elephants in the area are the subject of many photographs. The pans dust them in the white soil, giving them their famous ghostly appearance. When rushing to the waterhole, they cause clouds of dust creating beautiful photographic opportunities. In the evening, they become silhouettes in vibrant sunsets.

DAY 3: Nxai Pan National Park Head out to discover the ethereal beauty of the Baines Baobabs which tower above the flat area of the pans. The trees have not changed over the last 150 years, making it almost identical to what Thomas Baines would have seen on his pioneering mission. Enjoy more game drives as the pans also offer tremendous birding and game-viewing opportunities. Our safari gives you plenty of time to take in the remoteness and solitude that the Nxai Pan National Park offers. Be ready for a truly unique experience. Overnight at Migration Expedition Camp (tent) with lunch, dinner, breakfast and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.

Nxai Pan National Park / Khwai Concession Area DAY 4: Estimate driving time to Maun: 4 hours Intercamp flight: 40-minutes After an early morning activity we depart to Maun Airport for your flight by light aircraft to the Khwai Concession Area, bordering the . Discover the delights of the Khwai region and the iconic Moremi Game Reserve, a place of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy an afternoon game activity. Overnight at Khwai Tented Camp (tent) with lunch, dinner, breakfast and a selection of alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks included.

DAY 5: Khwai Concession Area Enjoy a full-day in the Khwai Concession Area and choose from a variety of activities. Teeming with animals, the Khwai Concession Area is one of Africa's last remaining unspoiled safari destinations. Game

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viewing is excellent year-round, and resident species include , , leopard, wild dog, zebra, red lechwe and much more. Overnight at Khwai Tented Camp (tent) with lunch, dinner, breakfast and a selection of alcoholic & non- alcoholic drinks included.

Activities included in your stay: Game Drives: Lead by an experienced guide, you’ll see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area. Your guide will show you the hidden spots best for game viewing and give you insider’s knowledge. Night Game The private concessions allow for game drives after the sun has set. Experience the Drives: bush when elusive nocturnal wildlife awakens to hunt, forage and live their lives under cover of darkness. Walking Safari: Awaken your senses and discover all that the bush has to offer on a walking safari. Accompanied by an experienced walking guide, explore the wild for one to two hours. Mokoro Safaris: Sail through the rivers and tributaries with a guide in a dugout canoe made from fibreglass, savouring those moments of peace, and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife along the way. Bird Watching: Delight in the call of the Green Heron or African wood owl; photograph the majestic Pel’s fishing owl and Ayres’s hawk-eagle. Or simply sit back and enjoy their beautiful songs.

Khwai Concession Area / Maun Airport / Johannesburg DAY 6 Intercamp flight: 40-minutes Enjoy breakfast at the lodge with the last morning activity before your flight to Maun Airport for your onward flight home, departing at 13h55, arriving 15h45. End of service

COST OVERVIEW…

Request a quote from our Safari Specialists for the most current rates according to your preferred travel dates.

INCLUDED: EXCLUDED: • Return economy airfares with: • Entry visa to Botswana o Air Botswana from Johannesburg to • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended) Maun Airport • Meals and premium drinks not specified o With SA Airlink from Cape Town to • Laundry services where not specified Maun Airport • Gratuities to the driver/guide, hotel staff & o Including airport taxes porters • Meet and greet at Maun Airport by our • Activities not specified representative for your transfer to Nxai Pan • All expenses of personal nature National Park (4-hours) • Malaria – Botswana is a malaria area • 3 Nights at Migration Expedition Camp o Meru Tent o Including breakfast, lunch & dinner • ***International rates exclude international flights and airport taxes

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o Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages (except premium imported spirits and champagne) o Laundry o Game viewing activities incl: § Morning and afternoon game drives § Birding § Visits to Baine’s Baobabs o Government taxes and park fees • Transfer from Nxai Pans to Maun Airport • Flight by light aircraft from Maun Airport to Khwai Airstrip • Transfers upon arrival and departure • 2 Nights at Khwai Tented Camp o Meru Style Tent o Including breakfast, lunch & dinner o Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages (except premium imported spirits and champagne) o Laundry o Game viewing activities incl: § Morning, afternoon & night game drives § Walking safaris § Mokoro safaris (subject to water levels) o Government taxes and park fees • Flight by light aircraft from the Khwai Airstrip to Maun Airport • Services of professional and knowledgeable Botswana English speaking guides • All national park entrance fees • Travel information pack

PLEASE NOTE: • All prices are subject to change due to rate of exchange fluctuation or any unforeseen price increase. • Price quoted is per person • Inter-camp flights: Flying with light aircrafts limits luggage dimensions due to smaller luggage compartments. Airlines prefers soft-sided bags OR a hard-braced bottom bag with wheels and soft sides. They however also ACCEPT hard case baggage based on the following dimensions: 30cm wide / 35cm high / 70cm long. Luggage allowance per person - 20kg in total (including hand luggage). • Term & Conditions apply.

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DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMMODATION:

Migration Expedition Camp (Nxai Pan National Park) Rating: Semi-Luxury

The Migration Expeditions is a semi-mobile camp consist of 6 canvas tents. The bathrooms have bucket showers, for a more rustic feel. Nxai Pan is one of Makgadikgadi’s natural salt pans and located on the northern border of the national park. Nxai Pans are significant for Botswana's iconic zebra migration which brings large herds of zebras and other herbivores into the area. The zebras and plains game moves through the area feeding on greener pastures. It is here that they drop their young and it brings an increase in predator activity. Baine's Baobabs is another fascinating attraction in the area, a cluster of baobabs. Total rooms: 6 Meru Tents No children under the age of sixteen.

Khwai Tented Camp (Khwai area) Rating: Semi-Luxury

Set within the Okavango’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp seamlessly blends into the surrounding woodland area. Khwai Tented Camp strikes the perfect balance between homely touches while not detracting from the wild environment. The camp preserves the romance of yesteryear, simpler life in harmony with nature. There are no permanent structures: everything can be removed to leave the wilderness exactly as we found it, minimising the impact on the environment. Total rooms: 6 Meru Style Tents No children under the age of seven. Walking safaris & mokoros are restricted to children over the age of sixteen.

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Extend Your Stay!

With just a short transfer (and possibly a flight, depending on your location in Botswana), Victoria Falls offers the perfect post-safari tonic. The incredible Victoria Falls is only 80km from the border of Botswana (closest to Kasane). You will be astonished by its lush surroundings, rainbows appearing in the fine mist and roaring torrential waters. Take a boat trip to historical Livingstone Island or swoop over the Falls in a helicopter or microlight aircraft. A cruise down the mighty Zambezi River offers the chance to see crocodiles and hippos while sipping a refreshing sundowner.

We recommend 2 to 3-nights add-on.

We Can Also Send You A Tailor-Made Quotation Similar To The Above Itinerary!

Doing a safari in Botswana is an unforgettable adventure, packed with activities and unimaginable experiences. Our team has hands on experience and would gladly assist you in customising a tour based on your specific needs. We will take your budget, profile of your group, preferred travelling date, accommodation requirements and specific needs into account when suggesting an itinerary. Prices will vary according to seasonal rates and we will assist you with the necessary information.

“eXplore Africa… our playground!”

EXPLORE PLUS TRAVEL & TOURS Marketing: +27 12 808 3309 / Fax: +27 86 678 7749 Reservations: SA: 0861 100 078 / Int: +27 12 808 3309 Fax: +27 86 678 6584 [email protected] / www.eXplorePlusTravel.com