KALAHARI, OKAVANGO & LINYANTI

9 nights on a magical journey of discovery from the desolate pans of Makgadikgadi to the lush paradise of the Okavango Delta and big game wilderness of Linyanti.

This itinerary really showcases the different landscapes and experiences of Botswana, combining three very different regions. The focus in the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans is on the unique desert environment and the specialist game viewing and activities on offer. From the Kalahari you fly to a tiny heart-shaped island in the northern Okavango Delta, a beautiful wetland habitat which for most of the year is only accessible by helicopter or boat. The journey finishes with a big game safari in the exclusive Selinda Reserve, in the Linyanti region, where the focus is on traditional big game sightings and enjoying the remote wilderness environment.

All our holidays are individually tailored, the below itinerary is simply a suggestion and can be amended to suit your personal requirements. For a personally tailored itinerary and costing, or to discuss your holiday requirements in more detail, please call our knowledgeable and friendly team on +44 (0) 1787 888590 (UK working hours) or email us via our Contact Us page.

Selinda Explorers elephant spillway C GPC

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1-3: Camp Kalahari – 3 nights
From Maun you connect with a shared light aircraft transfer east to the northern edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. These salt pans are the remnants of an ancient inland sea, and they are fringed by grassland and acacia woodland which is home to a wide variety of Kalahari wildlife. Your time is spent exploring this fascinating landscape with game drives by day and at night (night drives are very productive with chances to see rarer species such as brown hyena and aardvark), bushman walks, visiting habituated meerkat colonies and quad biking on the desolate pans all available. Horse riding and scenic helicopter flights over the pans are also possible at extra cost. Camp Kalahari is a comfortable and relaxed tented camp, offering affordable access to this very interesting and exciting natural destination.

Day 4-5: Wilderness Pelo – 2 nights
This morning you connect with a shared light aircraft transfer north (probably via Maun) to the northern section of the incredible Okavango Delta. As you fly over the delta you will be amazed at the difference in scenery below, as a myriad of permanent lagoons, reedbeds and riverine woodlands punctuate the harsh Kalahari scrub. The further north you fly, the more water you will see, until you land in the stunning Jao concession and transfer by boat through to the exquisite Wilderness Pelo camp. Here you will explore this watery world by speed boat, mokoro (dug out canoe) and on foot. Predators are more limited in this environment, but water-loving herbivores are very much at home (hippos, elephants, red lechwe) and the birdlife is incredible. Pelo is small and exclusive, a beautiful spot surrounded by nature.

Day 6-9: Selinda Explorers Camp – 4 nights
From the Okavango Delta you will fly by shared light aircraft transfer north-east into the vast wilderness of Linyanti. Landing in the exclusive Selinda Reserve you will be met and transferred to the excellent Selinda Explorers Camp, set overlooking the winding Selinda Spillway. The Selinda Reserve is a long-established big game area, with excellent predator populations as well as good buffalo, elephant and hippo populations. You can view game on day and night game drives, the latter being good for seeking out rarer species and smaller cats such as serval and African wild cat. Walking safaris are also possible, often taken in combination with a morning game drive. The essence of Selinda Explorers Camp is to enjoy the pristine natural environment and seek out Africa’s iconic wildlife species. Whilst the camp itself has a very authentic bush feel, the accommodation is really comfortable and the hospitality very sophisticated.

Selinda Explorers Camp guest tent cc GPC

Day 10: End of Arrangements
After your final morning activity, you will connect with a shared light aircraft flight to Maun.

PRICE RANGE
US$9,400 – US$15,850 per person sharing (UK£ 7,520 – UK£13,200 per person sharing).

INCLUDED
Full board accommodation, house drinks, laundry, internal light aircraft shared flights, airstrip transfers, conservancy/park fees and guided game viewing activities.

VARIATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
It is easy to add further safari camps to this itinerary, especially within the Okavango Delta. It is also easy to include a visit to Victoria Falls or Cape Town before or after the safari. All our itineraries are tailor-made so please do not hesitate to ask us about any possible variations or extensions.

WHEN TO TRAVEL
This itinerary is currently available year-round, though generally May to early November is best for game-viewing and for activities in Makgadikgadi, whilst June to September will offer the best Okavango wetland experience. More information can be found on our Botswana When To Travel page. Please speak to us regarding your specific requirements and we can recommend the best months to travel.

FLIGHTS AND ACCESS
This itinerary starts and ends in Maun, which can be accessed on daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. International flights are not included in the price guide.

CONTACT US
All our holidays are tailor-made and the above itinerary is simply a suggestion and can be easily amended to suit your personal requirements. For a personally tailored itinerary and costing, or to discuss your holiday requirements in more detail, please call our knowledgeable and friendly team on +44 (0) 1787 888590 (UK working hours) or email us via our Contact Us page.