Botswana Safaris: THE GREEN DESERT EXPEDITION

This safari has been created to maximize amazing wildlife sightings of desert species that take advantage of the sporadic rains, from December to mid-March; as well as a luxury lodge in the permanently flooded region of the Okavango Delta.

Experience a nostalgic camping safari that recreates a sense of wildlife viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the early African explorers. The style and essence of Wilderness Safaris' Adventurer Safaris takes you back to the bygone days of Africa's exploration. Adventurer camping aims to bring the guest closer to nature, by means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns, diverse activities and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simple comforts). Adventurer camps are specifically outfitted to create that camping feel with a clear emphasis on essential comforts and pristine wilderness experience.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAILS

The 3m x3m dome tents, complete with mini-verandas, allow you to feel more connected to nature, accentuating the feeling of the wild and untamed. Pure cotton linen bedrolls (with duvets) on GI stretchers, bedside table with silver lantern and mini luggage benches add to the atmosphere. Shared separate toilet and shower 'bathrooms' with old-style tin bucket showers and basins create simple serviced comfort.

Day 1 & 2: Njuca Hills, Makgadikgadi Pans
We depart in the morning for Njuca Hills by road, on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, part of a fossilised super-lake that existed aeons ago. The Adventurer campsite is beautifully positioned under shady trees on rare hills with a superb view of the surrounding plains.

Surprisingly for such a harsh, lunar-like environment, life abounds, and brown hyaena, oryx and springbok are just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen. Activities include game drives, concentrating on the opportunistic birthing time of desert animals from the erratic rains and the diverse array of birds, possibly including flamingos. In addition, the seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements, if found, provide amazing sightings at this time. Experience the phenomenal geology and simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed and surrounding grassy plains.

Day 3, 4 & 5: Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our private Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with lunch en route.

This prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains, as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over the enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing.

On Day 4 or 5 we enjoy a full-day wildlife viewing activity (with picnic lunch), taking in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari.

Day 6 & 7: Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast we depart overland to Maun, flying by light aircraft in the afternoon to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate Delta experience, with serene waters flowing through innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal life.

Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has something for everyone, in an area where there are no other Moremi camps and where permanent water all year round allows one to enjoy a variety of activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways or watch the sunset and birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. And for the more adventurous we can track animals on foot.

Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented rooms with ensuite facilities and outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main area. There is a plunge pool for cooling off and relaxation. Birding in the area is excellent, with Pel's Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, African Skimmers and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers to be found. The area has the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta.

Day 8: Charter flight to Maun
After an early morning activity and breakfast, we fly to Maun, where the safari ends.

NOTES:

• Each departure is guaranteed for a minimum of 2 confirmed guests and operates with a maximum of 8 guests per safari.
• Included is accommodation on a sharing basis, all meals & drinks (except premium brands), national park fees, laundry (except Sussi Lodge & River Club), activities and all internal charter as specified in the detailed itinerary.
• Excluded are flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary), visas, compulsory insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes, all personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.), gratuities, optional extra activities, pre and post safari tours and meals or accommodation before or after the safari.
• Age limits - Children from age of 12 are welcome on all scheduled departures. For groups with children under 12, we will create a private tailor-made safari, on request and based on a different cost. For guests over the age of 75, a certified medical certificate of full health must be provided.
• We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality. This will be advised in a timely manner.
• There is a limitation of 2 single tents per safari, and a maximum number of 5 tents at any site while on safari. No single supplemental is payable. When there are more than 2 single guests on a safari, we will attempt to match guests with another guest of the same gender. No triple rooms are accepted.