Botswana Safaris: CAMPING HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA DAWNING

With growing concerns for the conservation of wildlife and habitats, Eco-tourism has become one of the most popular and socially accepted forms of utilizing natural resources. Most countries in southern Africa are realizing that the biggest profit to be made is by protecting these natural resources. Tourism leads to development and creates employment, so local populations have a great reason to protect these wilderness areas from poaching and unorthodox agriculture methods. However, finding the balance is key to sustaining the environment and allowing for overdevelopment.

With this in mind we offer a variety of mobile-tented camping safaris, amongst the wilderness, while maintaining the ultimate goal of conservation and protecting the natural habitats. The tour operators throughout Botswana believe that tourism should be conducted in a manner that maximizes the wildlife experience with minimal impact on the environment. Thus, safaris in Botswana are High quality/low density rather than low cost/high volume.

CAMPING IN COMFORT
The mobile camping safaris are in spacious dome style tents equipped with camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillows, pillow cases and sleeping bags. Other equipment used on the safari to increase comfort are: camping basins/wash stands, hot water bucket showers and water based potable toilets.

Vehicles used on these safaris are modified Toyota Landcruisers, which have been customized to offer both height and comfort allowing for maximum game viewing potential. The vehicles have individual bucket seats, open roof and sides (with roll down weatherproof canvas) as well as battery powered refrigerator for beverages. The driver and passenger compartments are connected to allow for good communication between the guide and guests. The guide had radio contact with the tour office in Maun. Only the very best equipment is used to ensure that all guests experience the wilderness close-up without being hindered from the very things that guests come to see.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1. Okavango Delta. Moremi Game Reserve.
You will be met by a Wilderness Dawning representative at Maun Airport. We then head off by light aircraft to the Xakanaxa area in Moremi Game Reserve. This wildlife mecca forms part of the permanent Delta and also falls within the Moremi Game Reserve. Enjoy game viewing in this unique area this evening (Lunch/Dinner).

Day 2.Okavango delta, Moremi Game Reserve.
We explore the crystal clear channels of the Delta by motorboat and on foot. Picnic lunch on a sand bank, in the heart of this permanent water system. Overnight camping Xakanaxa (B/L/D)

Day 3.North gate, Moremi Game Reserve.
Today we drive to our private campsite in the Khwai area of Moremi Game reserve. This area is hailed as one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Morning and evening game drives along the game rich floodplains and woodlands (B/L/D).

Day 4. North Gate, Moremi Game Reserve.
Day spent on early morning and afternoon game drives. Enjoy an obligatory siesta during the hottest part of the day. (B/L/D)

Day 5. Savuti, Chobe National Park.
We travel via the Mababe depression to Savuti where we set up camp along the dry Savuti channel and explore the area extensively by vehicle. Savuti is well known for its healthy populations of Bull elephants as well as predator. (B/L/D)

Day 6. Savuti, Chobe National park.
Day spent on morning and afternoon game drives in Savuti. We also have the opportunity to visit some ancient San rock art in the surrounding hills. (B/L/D)

Day 7. Serondella area, Chobe National Park.
We travel North to the mighty Chobe River which attracts large herds of big game, such as elephant and buffalo. Other species such as hippo, giraffe and kudu also occur in large numbers. (B/L/D)

Day 8. Serondella area, Chobe National Park.
Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise (optional at extra cost) along the Chobe River. (B/L/D)

Day 9. Victoria falls, Zimbabwe.
After a morning game drive and breakfast we take a short drive via Kazungula border post arriving in Victoria Falls. Afternoon at leisure for optional flight and tour of the Falls. Overnight Sprayview Hotel. (B)

Day 10. Victoria falls.
After breakfast the safari ends. (B)

XAKANAXA ~ MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Xakanaxa is probably the most diverse area in Botswana. Situated where permanent and season delta meet, the area attracts a myriad of game species and game viewing is always spectacular throughout the year. Species found in the area include giraffe, elephant, waterbuck, lion and an incredible selection on colorful birds.

KHWAI ~ NORTH GATE, MOREMI GAME RESERVE
The Khwai River floodplain is one of Botswana's high impact areas. Game is attracted form throughout the region to the waters of the Khwai River. Species found in the area include wildebeest, hippopotamus, tsessebe and wattled crane, as well as one of Africa's most endangered large carnivores, the cape hunting dog. The wide open spaces of the Khwai floodplain allow for some of the most interesting wildlife scenes in Botswana.

SAVUTE ~ CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Once a wetland area, Savute now depends on three man-made waterholes to provide water to it's huge elephant bull population. Antelope and predator alike also visit the water holes during the dry season, making doe exciting game viewing. During the rainy season, zebras and elephant breeding herds move to the area in what is part of Botswanas largerst migration. Savute's rocky hills not only add to the ambiance of the area but are also home to a number of Bushman rock paintings.

SERONDELA ~ CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Situated along the Chobe River floodplain, this corner of Chobe National Park is the bastion of Botswana's elephant population. As the year progresses through the dry season, elephant numbers increase in the area and at certain times of the year their constant presence can be overwhelming. Serondela is big game country and vast numbers of buffalo, hippo, crocodile, kudu and lion are present. The river also attracts species such as sable and roan antelope, as well as the Chobe bushbuck, unique to this region.

VICTORIA FALLS ~ ZAMBEZI RIVER
The main attraction in Victoria Falls is the Falls themselves. The majestic Victoria Falls are aptly named by the local people "Mosi oa Tunya" the smoke that thunders. After a drop of more than one hundred meters the Zambezi crashes down into the Botoka Gorge and is channeled through a series of narrow bends creating some of themost exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences in the world! Victoria Falls is geared for tourism and has an array of activities to suit all needs.

Photos courtesy of Wilderness Dawning