WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
A unique, custom African safari adventure taking in both the dramatic wilds of Botswana, dense with game and the vibrant sights and sounds of magnificent Cape Town, one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
Discover the open plains of Botswana’s extraordinary Central Kalahari Game Reserve over two days, filled with beautiful game, dramatic fossilized river valleys and some of Southern Africa’s most unrivalled, untouched landscapes. Marvel at the natural wonders that make up the Okavango Delta, a unique terrain that is a heady mix of tantalising lagoons and shallow channels interspersed with unspoilt islands and tranquil delta wildlife who call this magical space.
Uncover the impressive sights and experiences that make Cape Town so great during your four-day stay in this revered city, known as the jewel in Africa’s crown. With Table Mountain as your backdrop, take in all of Cape Town’s top spots, including the breath-taking views from Chapman’s Peak, fascinating penguins at Boulder’s Beach, beauty of Company Gardens, iconic Parliament buildings and a sumptuous wine tour.Discover the Cape Winelands and Stellenbosch!
A dazzling, breath-taking safari adventure across two of Southern Africa’s most exciting landscapes, full of sensational experiences that you will remember forever.
Highlights include:
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Okavango Delta
- Cape Town
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-3 | Botswana
Central Kalahari G/R
◽️ DAY 4-6 | Botswana
Okavango Delta
◽️ DAY 7-10 | South Africa
Cape Town & surrounds
◽️ DAY 11 | Return home
End of the safari
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0 | Dates to be updated
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate witnessing breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1 | Dates to be updated
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 Africa Sky
AFRICA SKY
Guest House Overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.)
Welcome to South Africa! Johannesburg (JNB / OR Tambo) Airport arrival with meet & greet service.
Your arrival night overnight accommodation: AfricaSky Boutique Hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International airport. A short drive will have you arriving at an oasis, rooms beautifully appointed and nestled in a peaceful lush garden. Enjoy dinner, bed & breakfast all on-site. True African hospitality and service excellence.
Just look out towards the information desk located in the arrivals hall for your pick-up with your name on it. 10 Minute road transfer to your overnight accommodation.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-3 | Date to be updated
KALAHARI GR
Safari Days
📍 Dinaka Camp
KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a superlative wilderness covering the centre of Botswana full of wildlife, stars and a safari lover’s dreams. With vast stretches of unmodified landscapes and plant groups ranging from a mosaic of enormous clay pans and fossil river basins to undulating, vegetated sand dunes and woods, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a place of outstanding natural phenomena and is of exceptional natural beauty.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to some of southern Africa's most distinctive wildlife, including several densely populated threatened animal species like the Brown Hyena and a variety of raptors. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to the largest variety of the lion species in Africa, the "black maned lion," one variation of the panthera leo.
One of the best illustrations of how people and nature can coexist, especially in dry environments, is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It is a location where the Basarwa (San) people have lived beside what is thought to be a difficult environment for a long time. They have survived by hunting animals responsibly using poisoned arrows made from only the best of nature's creations.
Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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DINAKA CAMP
Camp Overview
An exclusive private conservancy hugging the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Dinaka is host to one of the most unique bio-diversities in Southern Africa. This ever-changing desert landscape gives refuge to the Kalahari lion, springbok, Oryx and brown hyena. The camp itself was acquired in 2017 and provides the perfect start or finish to any discerning travelers Botswana safari.
7 spacious safari tents with twin or double beds feature en-suite bathrooms. The luxurious tents are complete with indoor and outdoor showers, hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Well-spaced away from each other and raised up on wooden decks offers guests a wonderful view from the comfort of the suite over a permanent water hole.
The camp also features a beautiful dining and lounge area, swimming pool and sleep out deck, where guests may have the opportunity to sleep under the magical African night sky.
ACTIVITIES
Guests enjoy thrilling morning and afternoon safari drives in open safari vehicles. The afternoon safari drives usually continue into the evening. Travelers may also get more up close and personal with nature during the adventurous guided bush walks.Featuring water holes all year round result in fantastic photographic opportunities either from the safari vehicle, on foot or from one of several hides.
As the camp is located alongside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the main activities involve exploring the Kalahari experience by 4x4 safari vehicles, with a maximum of four guests per vehicle.Wildlife encountered here includes giraffe, antelope, as well as small mammals like the honey badger, bat-eared fox and porcupine to predators including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard and brown hyena.
Walking safaris and night game drives are also available!
Bird watching enthusiasts are in for a special treat! This area is home to over 200 different bird species including the Kori Bustard and Crimson Breasted Shrike and a high concentration of Pale Chanting Goshawks.
*Morning scheduled charter flight to the Central Kalahari Game reserve!Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp. Arrive for lunch, enjoy an afternoon siesta and get ready for the afternoon game viewing! *Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 4-6 | Date to be updated
OKAVANGO DELTA
Safari days!
📍 Kanana Camp
OKAVANGO DELTA
Area Overview
Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta is where the wild things are: an immense, water logged oasis alive with elephants and birdlife, adrift in the middle of Kalahari sands. The real magic of the Delta lies in its water, trickling through from far away highlands, and spreading across the channels and floodplains.
A maze of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 16,000 sq km in flood and shrinking to less than 9,000 sq km in the dry season. It is a lush water-wilderness of papyrus swamps, shallow reed-beds and floodplains, dotted with islands and laced with a network of channels.
Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands the fresh water oasis attracts wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique wilderness. The fragile ecosystem remain one of the world’s unspoilt and beautiful wildernesses where a vast diversity of animals and birds can be seen.
When the rains arrive, they transform the floodplains into a Noah’s Ark of African wildlife. As the water brings life to the delta, its local residents shape and recreate it. Termites slowly build mounds into islands, germinated with palm trees by passing elephants. Waterways open and close on the whim of wide-bottomed hippos, carving out channels where they crash through reeds, and leaving room behind them for exploration by mokoro.Over 400 species of birds, nearly 200 species of mammals, and over 150 species of reptiles!
For those looking to get a little closer to nature, guided bush walks are conducted on a number of the nearby islands, offering an opportunity to track some of the larger land-based species that inhabit this water wilderness. Bird- watching opportunities are outstanding, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an activity. This activity is based on the water levels at the time.
Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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KANANA CAMP
Camp Overview
Kanana Camp is set in the south western delta amongst grass covered islands formed by fertile eroded termite hills dotted with fig, palm and jackal berry trees. The area encompasses a necklace of islands on the Xudum River, northeast of Pom Pom lagoon and is incredibly picturesque with winding waterways meandering through open lagoons.The waterways are lined with reeds and dotted with papyrus and tree islands in this picturesque and tranquil part of the delta. As water levels vary throughout the year so does the focus of activities.
This traditional camp has an intimate and personal atmosphere, built among spectacular shady trees of ebony, acacia and sausage tree. It offers eight large safari style tents and a family unit equipped with tasteful furnishings and private en-suite bathrooms. The main lodge area is on raised decking encircling the trees and offers a dining and sitting area, a cocktail bar and a refreshing plunge pool. On a three night or longer stay, guests can pre-book the sleep out deck, affording a chance to spend a memorable night out under the superb African skies (weather permitting).
A wide variety of game frequent the islands around camp including impala, lechwe, leopard, lion and elephant and you may be lucky to see sitatunga whilst boating.Birding all year round is exceptional with regular sightings of Pels Fishing Owl amongst many others. The Camp is one of the few camps in the Delta to have access to a private heronry where many migratory water birds come to nest from July onwards. Birds you will encounter at the heronry include marabou, yellow-bill and open-bill storks. The sight of thousands of nesting birds is mesmerizing and an experience you will not forget.
ACTIVITIES
Activities include day and night game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, game viewing on mokoro excursions, guided walks, fishing, motor boating and sunset cruises.
*Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp. Arrive for lunch, enjoy an afternoon siesta and get ready for the afternoon game viewing!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 7-10 | Date to be updated
CAPE TOWN
Explore
📍 Lanzerac Hotel
CAPE TOWN
Area Overview
Cape Town has has it all! Much more than just a stunning backdrop! It is a vibrant, fun and cultural city. Strikingly modern and contemporary, Cape Town is actually the oldest city in South Africa. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a bustling modern marina full of restaurants and shops, but venture deeper into the city to explore Cape Town’s genteel, cobbled walkways and colonial buildings.
Natural Beauty: Prepare to be captivated by Cape Town's awe-inspiring natural beauty. The city is nestled between the iconic Table Mountain, with its mesmerizing flat top, and the stunning Atlantic coastline. Explore the rugged Cape Peninsula, where the crashing waves of the Cape of Good Hope meet towering cliffs. Witness the vibrant floral display of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rich biodiversity and colorful landscapes.
Wine lands: Cape Town is a gateway to the renowned Cape Wine lands, an idyllic region where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Discover the art of wine making through wine tastings at world-class estates. Savor the flavors of exceptional wines while enjoying breathtaking views of vine-covered hills. Indulge in gourmet cuisine paired with exquisite vintages, creating a sensory experience you won't soon forget.
Rich Culture and History: Cape Town is steeped in a vibrant cultural tapestry, shaped by its diverse heritage. Visit the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and gain insight into South Africa's struggle for freedom. Stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its brightly painted houses and learn about its Cape Malay history. Immerse yourself in local markets, museums, and galleries, all reflecting the city's rich cultural fabric.
Adventure Awaits: If you seek adventure, Cape Town delivers! Dive into thrilling activities like shark cage diving, where you come face-to-face with these incredible predators. Take to the skies and paraglide over picturesque coastal cliffs, or brave the heights with a hike up Table Mountain. For water enthusiasts, enjoy surfing, kayaking, or simply bask in the sun on the pristine beaches.
Safari days
Private tour: Cape Point & Peninsula
Cape Point & Cape Peninsula tour! Discover Cape Point, the scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Journey past base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons.
At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities.
The Cape Peninsula boasts warm sands on Clifton’s secluded beaches and trendy cafés in Camps Bay. Explore the stunning Atlantic Seaboard feasting your eyes on rugged coastlines and other unblemished geographic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and the impressive slopes of Lion’s head.
Explore the village of Hout Bay wondrously framed by mountains before meandering along Chapman’s Peak, precariously aligned along the edge of the mountain. World famous this 9 km route with 114 curves, makes it one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world.
Simons Town is a must see offering gemstone hunting, jewellery sales and the wobbly penguins of Boulder’s that show-off gloriously. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to African Penguins. Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches. Head to the Cape Point Lighthouse, an important icon of the Cape Peninsula, ascend to this rugged, craggy spot and gaze at the rocky coastline and the ocean tumbling below, and Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of Africa
*Please see your safari itinerary for details
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Tour: City & Cultural
This tour explores the vibrant Cape Town City Bowl and showcases its heritage landmarks. The bustling central business district of Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain.The city is rich in history and home to a multi-cultural population. This tour will give you just a glimpse of what the city of Cape Town has to offer.
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town City Hall and Parliament Buildings
- Iziko South African Museum & Company Gardens
- Bo-Kaap
- Signal Hill
- Lions Hill
- Clifton and Camps Bay
*Weather permitting, take the cable car up Table Mountain to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Cable car tast track tickets not included, approx. U$ 50 pp and for guest account
*See your safari itinerary for logistics
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Tour: V&A Waterfront
Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront! Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain, in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views. Two Oceans Aquarium, boat trips, Robben island, arts, crafts, curios and more!
*See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics. Spend the day at the V&A Waterfront and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
LANZERAC HOTEL
Hotel Overview
Welcome toStellenbosch! Synonymous with wine, history & culture, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second-oldest town. Despite it's wealth of wold-class wineries, there’s so much more to the City of Oaks. Rich in history and culture, and surrounded by majestic mountains and nature reserves, it offers must-try experiences whatever your interests or age.
a Wine Estate steeped in history dating back to 1692! The 326 year old Wine Estate is synonymous with old-world charm and rich Cape heritage, boasting dramatic mountain ranges, endless rows of lush vineyards and hectares of gardens shaded by giant Oak trees. Set in the heart of a 162 hectre working wine estate, on the outskirts of picturesque Stellenbosch, the historic Hotel and Spa is the perfect base from which to explore SA’s most famous wine-lands. This Country Estate exudes an air of intimacy and provides the ultimate in personalized service.
The hotel boasts four restaurants – all day dining at the Deli, classical dishes re imagined at the Manor Kitchen, gourmet pub style plates at the "Taphuis", and tapas in the Craven Lounge. Treatments at the Spa take place against a stunning backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Come and experience true South African heritage!
Experience the finest hospitality the Cape Wine lands has to offer, indulging guests with warm and passionate service, the finest wine and cuisine and exquisitely styled rooms and suites. Complete relaxation amid welcoming interiors which blend both period grandeur and contemporary style.
Transfer to Stellenbosch. *Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
B&B
HOTEL
TOURS
DAY 11 | Dates to be updated
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
PAPERWORK
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- A signed APPENDIX C / Indemnity is required for each person going on the safari. Click here to print more copies if needed)
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Safari Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari
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