Introduction
Our African Wildlife Adventure will be a truly amazing experience as we travel into the heart of one of the most important and impressive wetlands in the world, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, with an extended stay to visit the Chobe River, Makgadikagi Salt Pans and the spectacular Victoria Falls, to be viewed from Zimbabwe.
Botswana is home to iconic mammals – African Lion, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippo and Leopard as well as a huge range of other mammals including African Hunting Dog, Wildebeest, Kudu, Red Lechwe and Sable Antelope. Large reptiles are in abundance, particularly Crocodile and Monitor Lizard.
The birdlife is spectacular with many endemic species in the region, found nowhere else in the world. We expect to see over 200 species across many different bird families during our trip such as Pelicans, Flamingos, Ibises, Storks, Vultures, Eagles, Ostrich, Wildfowl, Waders, Terns, Doves, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hornbills, Bustards and a whole host of brightly plumaged songbirds.
Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and certainly one of the most spectacular. Known as `The Smoke that Thunders’, the falls lie on the Zambezi River and are surrounded by two National Parks with abundant wildlife.
Provisional Programme for African Wildlife Adventure to Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Makgadikagi Salt Pans & Victoria Falls.
Day 1 – Direct Flight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg
Day 2 – Short flight from Johannesburg to Maun, the capital of the Okavango. Overnight accommodation is in the Sedia Hotel, Maun. Dinner at Hotel at own expense.
Days 3 & 4 – Okavango Delta. Travel into the Delta by Safari vehicles.
The days include mekoro {dugout canoes) excursion, led by local guides, which takes us deep into the heart of the Okavango, plus morning and afternoon game walks with local guides.
Overnight accommodation for both nights is Camping with facilities including camp beds and bucket shower (please bring your own towel)
Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners provided by tour leaders (with help of group)
Day 5 – Delta and Travel back to Maun
A leisurely start in the Delta, arriving back in Maun by midday. Optional afternoon walk to Thamalakane River.
Overnight accommodation is in the Sedia Hotel, Maun
Breakfast and Lunch provided by tour leaders (with help of group). Dinner at hotel at own expense.
Days 6, 7 and 8 – Moremi/Mababe Private Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is the jewel of Botswana and one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa., it is also well known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. Surrounding Moremi is a vast wilderness of open grasslands and forest and our camp is set on a concession bordering the east of the Reserve. Our days are spent in open 4WD game drives in Moremi and on the wildlife concession along the Mababe River watching the abundant wildlife.
Breakfast on Day 6 provided by Sedia Hotel
Breakfasts on Days 7 & 8 provided by the tented camp
Lunches on Days 6, 7 & 8 provided by the tented camp
Dinners on Days 6, 7 & 8 will be a set meals provided by the tented camp
Overnight accommodation is a serviced tented camp in meru tents with en suite chemical toilets and bucket showers and towels provided.
Day 9 – Moremi/Mababe and Travel back to Maun
Breakfast provided by tented camp
Lunch at own expense
Overnight accommodation is in the Sedia Hotel, Maun. Optional afternoon walk to Thamalakane River. Dinner at own expense.
Day 10 – Leave Maun and Travel via mini-bus to Kasane, visiting Nata Bird Sanctuary en route, famed for its waterbirds such as flamingoes, pelicans, spoonbills, ducks, geese and eagles. The grasslands also hold Ostrich, Kori Bustard and Secretary Bird.
Overnight accommodation for the last 4 nights will be in Lodges on a Bed & Breakfast basis at either Sandpiper Villas in Chobe, Cresta Mowana in Kasane or River View Lodge in Kasane, and will be designated once the tour has been confirmed and deposits paid. Lunches and Dinners at own expense.
Days 11 & 12 – Morning and afternoon game drives to the Makgadikagi Salt Pans, Kasane Game Reserves and the Chobe River, including a 3-hour boat cruise.
Day 13 – Day trip to the Victoria Falls, as seen from Zimbabwe.
Day 14 – Transfer to Kasane Airport, short flight to Johannesburg and onward flight directly back to Heathrow Airport
Day 15 – Arrive back in the UK at Heathrow Airport.
The tariff for the African Wildlife Adventure
Two people sharing either Double or Twin accommodation throughout the holiday is £5,300 per person.
Single person in Single accommodation throughout the holiday is £5,800 per person.
The price includes VAT, and covers:
• Return flights direct from UK to Johannesburg in South Africa
• Internal Flights in Africa (Outward – Johannesburg to Maun and Return – Kasane to Johannesburg)
• Airport transfers
• All accommodation
• 13 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 5 Dinners, please see daily itinerary for full details.
• All transport whilst in Africa
• Entry into Parks & Reserves in Botswana
• Chobe River Boat Cruise
• All guiding Local Guides & Natural Links Leaders
• All planning, coordination, organisation and administration by Natural Links, Sunways and African Wanderer Tours & Safaris
Please note the Flights will be organised by Natural Links, with all guests travelling together on outward and return journeys.
Not included in price:
• 7 lunches & 7 Dinners at own expense, please see daily itinerary for full details
• Drinks at own expense
• Zimbabwe Visas and entrance fees at own expense
• Entry fee to Victoria Falls at own expense
• Personal Travel Insurance
Group Size and Green Light for Holiday
It is important to note that the tour WILL ONLY GO AHEAD if the minimum group size of 8 is reached. The maximum group size is 12, which is determined by the number that can be accommodated at the private concession in Moremi (though this is dependent on ratio of Doubles and Singles).
In the unlikely event that the minimum group size is not reached by 15 June 2024, the tour will be postponed, and all deposits returned via BACS transfer, with a plan to reorganise in May 2026.
Once we reach capacity, anyone wishing to book will be held in reserve for potential cancellations or the possibility of an extra African Wildlife Adventure Holiday later in 2025 or in 2026.
Payment Schedule
Deposit of £1,100 per person payable on receipt of a booking confirmation from Natural Links.
Outstanding Balance to be paid by 30 November 2024.
Cancellations
Due to special group rates secured between Sunways, African Wanderer Tours & Safaris, all accommodation bases, flight bookings and Natural Links, cancellations can only be made up to the day before the outstanding balance is due, 30 November 2024, with deposit/s either returned or used as credit towards future Natural Links events/holidays bookings. No return of money can be made after 30 November 2024. Please ensure your Personal Travel Insurance covers all eventualities.
Please contact us soon via email on natural.links@outlook.com