Kalahari to Chobe
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LION CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE KALAHARI TO CHOBE 9 nights | Kalahari | Pandamatenga | Chobe In association with Price from: $3995 per person sharing Available April to November “A BEHIND THE SCENES look into THE LIFE OF LIONS” Have you even wanted to gain a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife conservation efforts on the ground? In this exclusive safari, Captured In Africa immerse you in so much more than wildlife. You begin your adventure with a subline Kalahari experience including meeting and experiencing the ways of the famous San people at the stunning Haina Kalahari Lodge, before heading to your conservation experience in the lesser known about area of Pandamatenga. Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge is our base in Pandamatenga for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into Lion conservation, involving our friends and colleagues at Walking For Lions, you will visit local projects and receive talks on all things Lion. You complete your journey in the enchanting and wildlife rich Chobe area and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge for a safari on the water. People, culture, places, conservation and wildlife… this truly is a safari for travellers and wildlife advocates alike, as we promote Conservation Awareness through the Lens. HAINA KALAHARI LODGE | KALAHARI 3 NIGHTS On the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, Haina Kalahari Lodge is a classically African, yet relaxed and informal accommodation. The Lodge accommodates up to 20 guests in solar-powered tents, strategically placed to ensure guests’ privacy at all times. The 6 Luxury Tents, sheltered by the uniquely structured slatted canopy, comprises of a bed with mosquito net, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, and gas tea/coffee making facilities. ACTIVITIES Game drives are conducted by our professional and experienced guides in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. Choices of early morning, afternoon and night drives are on offer, affording you the opportunity to explore this beautiful desert area well-known for sightings of the Kalahari Lion. Occasional sightings of leopard, cheetah and perhaps the rare opportunity of spotting the elusive Brown Hyena that frequents the area are the order of the day. Regular sightings of antelope species such as Oryx, Blue Wildebeest, Eland and not to mention the smaller mammals like the black-backed jackal or ground squirrel to name a few. The area also allows for excellent bird watching, with over 250 bird species positively identified. SAN PEOPLE Another way to explore the surrounding area is on foot, led by our resident San People who will take you on an authentic, adventurous and informative guided walk. The walk is a journey into the past of these gentle people, where they will impart information of their ancient culture and how they once survived in these harsh and arid conditions. They will also share their knowledge of the smaller creatures, as well as the fauna and flora of the Kalahari. 2 WILDTRack SAFARIS EcO LODGE | PANDAMATENGA 3 NIGHTS Wildtrack Safaris Lodge is situated in the beautiful Chobe region of Botswana, in one of the last truly unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa, near the village of Pandamatenga, and bordering Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. The personal touch of owner Tracey Mulder can be felt in the lounge, open plan bar, and dining area - with authentic African art, artifacts and memorabilia, inviting leather sofas, library and Wi-Fi. Relax on the lush tree-filled lawns, or cool off in our sparkling swimming pool - while sipping on a sundowner as the sun sets ablaze with colours. After a sumptuous, gourmet dinner, unwind at our boma overlooking a lit waterhole - or lie back, and take in the splendor of millions of stars, as the exhilarating sounds of the wild come alive. ACTIVITIES GAME DRIVES Conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, guests will have a chance to observe a spectacular diversity of wildlife, which roam this vast wilderness. The area is well known for its abundant lions, spotted hyena, giraffe, and large concentrations of elephant, as well as the elusive African wild dog – to name a few. NIGHT DRIVES & BUSH DINNERS Exhilarating night drives offers one the opportunity to observe nocturnal hunters such as Lion, Leopard, Hyena, and many others. Long after the sun has set; experience a unique bush dinner, as the night comes alive around you. GUIDED waLKS Become one with nature as our experienced guide leads you on an informative and interactive walk through the wilderness. For the keen birdwatcher, this offers the opportunity to observe some of the 380 different species of bird found here. CULTURAL TOURS A tour in the nearby village of Pandamatenga, is not only informative and educational, but also allows one the opportunity to make a difference. Meet the Kgosi (Chief), visit the local school, lend a hand in our community initiatives and experience life the Tswana way. 3 CONSERVATION AWARENESS WALKING FOR LIONS at Wildtrack Safaris Lodge “A behind the scenes look into the life of lions” A unique opportunity to learn, be aware and talk all things Lion. You will meet the team behind Walking For Lions and gain an invaluable insight into genuine on-the-ground conservation efforts. As part of your stay, you will head out with the WFL team to their projects around Pandamatenga and see their current work with Lions and communities, experiencing just a sample of what conservation entails, whilst being given first-hand knowledge of what’s required to save Lions - which often involves more than what you might imagine. Walking For Lions are a non-profit wildlife organisation, formed by Marnus Roodbol with the main purpose to assist wild lions in areas where they need it. WFL aims to support and study wild lion populations that are still currently surviving in small pockets of Africa and to ensure their future survival. During observation of wild lions and the study of lions, WFL have come to the conclusion that they, just like humans, are constantly changing to better adapt to their own environment - none more so that here in Pandamatenga. You can learn more about Walking For Lions by visiting the website - www.walkingforlions.org Thank you for supporting lion conservation. ICHINGO CHOBE RIVER LODGE | CHOBE 3 NIGHTS Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is a secluded, luxury hideaway that provides the perfect platform for guests wanting to explore the Chobe / Victoria Falls region and to experience all of the activities that are available in this diverse corner of Africa. Located on Impalila Island, on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, this beautiful tented lodge guarantees a tailor made holiday for every guest. Owner managed, the lodge provides excellent levels of service as well as the added value of your own private guide and tender boat for the duration of your stay. This allows you the freedom to explore the rivers and waterways on your own and it means that whichever activity you choose for the day will be done at your own pace. Accommodation is eight large Meru safari tents, each beautifully turned out with its own private balcony overlooking the Chobe rapids and an en-suite bathroom. 4 ACTIVITIES Tender boats and guides offer tailored activities and personal attention for each guest. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is in the heart of the Chobe region with access to the river frontage of the Chobe National Park. Enjoy stunningly unique game viewing excursions by tender boat into the Park, allowing guests to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up close and personal. Summer in the Chobe is a colourful affair with over 450 species of bird being found in the grasslands and waterways of our area, including birds such as African Skimmers, Rock Pratincoles and the African Finfoot. Old favourites are also to be found in huge numbers such as the kingfishers, the herons and of course Fish Eagles. Having access to your own private guide and tender boat means that you are able to spend many hours just whiling away some time on the river with our exceptionally knowledgeable birding guides. QUICK ITINERARY DaY 1 Arrive into Maun airport for the beginning of your adventure, transferring to your charter flight to the stunning landscape of the Kalahari and Haina Kalahari Lodge DaY 1 TO 3 Accommodation and activities at Haina Kalahari Lodge DaY 4 Setting off from the Kalahari, you fly to Kasane and transfer to an important destination that is Pandamatenga. It is here where you will meet the Walking For Lions team and their conservation projects. DaY 4 TO 6 Accommodation and activities at Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge, including your conservation experience with Walking For Lions; meet the WFL team, your first night sees you having a casual talk about lions and get to know each other. Guests follow the Walking For Lions vehicle as you head out to the projects and discover the realities Lion conservation. Back for to the lodge for brunch, with a light lunch to follow mid-afternoon. Afternoon we depart on game drive, including enjoying a classic “sundowner” drink and talk more about lions and conservation. Return to the lodge once sun has set and prepare for a Lion conservation lecture before dinner. The WFL team will join you at dinner so that guests can chat freely and ask any questions, sharing each other’s passion for wildlife and safari. DaY 7 Final game drive at Wildtrack Safaris Eco Lodge, before you transfer to Kasane and transferred to your final destination, the soothing waters of the Chobe River and Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. DaY 7 AND 9 Accommodation and activities at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge and the marvellous setting of Chobe River. DaY 10 An end to your adventure but not the memories and new found knowledge, as you transfer back to Kasane for your journey home or onward arrangements with Captured In Africa.