Botswana At Its Best Itinerary
Days 1 and 2 - Maun / Chobe
Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met by a Belmond Safaris representative and escorted to check in for your scheduled charter flight to the Savute area of Chobe National Park which will depart within 30 - 60 minutes of your arrival at Maun Airport.
Botswana's Chobe National Park is a dynamic wilderness. A sweeping expanse of savannah is dotted by rocky outcrops surrounding a marsh and the Savute Channel. Unpredictable wet and dry cycles shape the landscape and wildlife. The Savute Channel flows freely again after nearly 30 years of lying dormant, one of Northern Botswana’s greatest mysteries.
Not to be missed is the Zebra Migration during the months of February and October, when the nutritious grasses of the Savute Marsh attract large herds of zebra.
Savute is also home to some very rare rock paintings by Bushmen who once inhabited the region. These works by Bushmen are thought to be more than 1,500 years old - beautiful images of elephant, giraffe, sable and eland antelope can be seen. Normally these types of painting might be found hidden in caves, but here, unusually, they are out in the wide, open landscape. No-one knows what materials the bushmen used, but the paint is thought to be a mixture of snake venom, blood and plant juices.
You can view these paintings and then continue to the amazing baobab grove—a cathedral-like cluster of 13 giant trees that rival the Bushmen’s paintings in age. Stand among these towering columns at sunset, as the evening light bathes them in a russet glow and drinks are handed round—and wonder at this ancient land.
You will spend two nights at Belmont Savute Elephant Lodge, perched on the banks of the Savute Channel, with an elevated view of the river. The lodge hosts a cluster of twelve room residences raised on wooden platforms. Each has an outdoor lounge and is shaded by a traditional thatch roof. The large, private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock. These are ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy.
Days 3 and 4 - Moremi Game Reserve
Leaving Savute behind, you head onwards to the Moremi Game Reserve. The departure time of your scheduled charter flight will be advised the evening before your flight by the lodge staff.
Nestled on the edge of a Leadwood and Figtree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, lies Belmond Khwai River Lodge. You will spend two nights at the Lodge. Here you are close to Africa's heartbeat, at the centre of a world that has not altered much since life began. You can sense the big game heritage from the moment you arrive.
Activities offered at the camp include morning and afternoon game drives in open Land cruisers, as well as after-dark spotlight game drives. A cultural visit to the local village can be arranged, as well as guided safari walks along the Khwai River.
Enjoy rare sighting of shy gentle animals that only come out at night – the aardvark (the mismatched mammal that appears to have the snout of a pig, the ears of a rabbit, the body of an ant eater, and the feet and tail of a kangaroo); the brush-tailed porcupine with its brush-like quills that make a peculiar noise when rattled; and the spring hare, all coming out of their hiding places to forage. You might also see the elusive small and large spotted genets on a nocturnal hunting spree.
For those wishing to enjoy further pampering, the lodge has a 'Naturally Wild' gym and spa facility. Guests are able to enjoy indulgent massages and body wraps in the spa or in the privacy of their own tent.
Days 5 - 6 - Okavango Delta
You leave behind Moremi, and head onwards to the famous Okavango Delta. You will spend two nights in the Delta at the fabulous Belmond Eagle Island Lodge. It has reopened as the ultimate Okavango Delta water & experience focused safari lodge, unveiling a sleek new look after an almost total rebuild.The lodge is decorated to reflect an explorer’s base. Design highlights in the twelve spacious deluxe tented rooms include oversized beds with views of the delta, large outdoor decks with a vista, private plunge pools, indoor & outdoor showers, a reading nook and walk-in wardrobes.Fully rebuilt public areas include a stylish dining area with a pizza oven, a lounge area with an artisan-style bar, a library, a campfire area and the Fish Eagle Bar which is located directly on the water. Local artisans and materials were used throughout the renovations.
The lodge offers a variety of water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mokoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter.
Day 7 - Okavango - Maun
Today you start your journey back; the departure time of your scheduled charter flight will be advised the evening before your flight by the lodge staff.
Botswana At Its Best Highlight - Helicopter Experience
Included in your stay is a spectacular and mind-blowing game-viewing helicopter flight, the images and impressions which will probably stay with you for a very long time. The open sides of the helicopter will allow you to take the most fantastic photographs, to capture this experience forever.
CONTACT
Contact the Luxury Safari Club for more information or to book the Botswana At Its Best Safari.
