Safaris by design
BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE
DAVIDSON & THORNTON
DAYS BEFORE THE MAGIC STARTS!
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
USD $ 5,595 / pps*
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*pps=per person sharing
Minimum of 2 pax traveling
WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Botswana is an unforgettable travel destination blessed with abundant wildlife, ancient cultures and a staggering diversity of landscapes.
First up, the Khwai region – this pristine wilderness offers a unique blend of lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, providing a habitat for an abundance of wildlife. From majestic elephants to elusive predators, Khwai is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a close encounter with Africa’s untamed beauty.
Visit the Chobe Game Reserve! A must-visit for its renowned elephant gatherings along the Chobe River, offering exceptional wildlife sightings and captivating boat safaris. The reserve’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a prime destination for an unforgettable safari experience in Botswana.
Last but not the least- Tiger fishig in the mighty Zambezi river – all day adrenaline!
Highlights:
- Okavango Delta (Khwai) safari
- Chobe N/P safari
- Zambezi River Tiger Fishing
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | Botswana
Khwai Concession
◽️ DAY 5-7 | Botswana
Chobe Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 8-10 | Zimbabwe
Tiger Fishing
◽️ DAY 11 | Zimbabwe
Tiger Fishing
◽️ DAY 12 | Return
Departure
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 1 | Arrival in Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 Witwater Guest House
WITWATER GUEST HOUSE
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast
Conveniently located 5 miles from Johannesburg International airport, Witwater Guest House & Spa offers accommodation with access to spa facilities, wellness packages and beauty services.
À la carte and continental breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fresh pastries are available daily at the guest house. Guests can eat in the on-site traditional restaurant, which is open for dinner, lunch, brunch and high tea.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4 | Khwai (Okavango Delta)
KHWAI REGION
Safari days!
📍 Sango Camp
KHWAI REGION
Area Overview
A wildlife-rich and diverse ecosystem that offers a mosaic of lagoons, shallow flooded pans, open grass plains, and wooded woodlands is located on the boundaries of the well conserved Moremi Game Reserve. Without a doubt, one of Botswana's most picturesque regions is the Khwai region. Take advantage of the traditional Khwai village's cultural offerings while staying at Khwai Leadwood.
The Khwai Concession is a private reserve adjacent to the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, separated from this reserve by the Khwai River. Dominated by grasslands, permanent flood plains and large areas of Mopane forests and home to large herds of elephants take their bath next to hippos, whilst being watched by lechwe antelopes. As the Khwai concession lies outside the parks, it offers the freedom and flexibility normally only possible with the heavier price tag of a private concession. Go off road for a closer look at sightings, night drives in search of nocturnal species, and with a little advanced planning, head out on game walks to check wildlife on foot!
During the dry season, many animals migrate down from the Linyanti area because the Khwai River provides a reliable source of water, attracting many antelopes, giraffes, buffalos, and zebras. There are also numerous bird species, particularly egrets, cranes, vultures, and various eagle species that specialize in catching catfish.
ACTIVITIES
During your time here, you’ll spend most days exploring the narrow Khwai river, which forms the natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve the south. The Khwai river is a beacon for wildlife and plays host to leopards talking Letswe in the long grass, lions swimming from the banks to save their cups during territorial disputes and crocodiles competing with while dogs for a meal of Impala.
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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SANGO CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Bordering the Moremi Game Reserve!, the camp offers you the perfect base from which to explore the wildlife and culture of this unique habitat.
This intimate safari camp offers you the chance to learn first hand about the unique lifestyle and experiences that come from living and growing up in one of the most wildlife rich areas of Botswana.Accommodating 12 guests in 6 en-suite Meru tents, the camp is designed in the style of the classic tented safari camp of days gone by. With its open-air bucket showers, hand crafted furnishings and classic styling, it aims to rekindle the atmosphere of the luxury mobile safari camp, successfully blending the rustic with the luxurious.
ACTIVITIES
The camp’s location allows guests to take advantage of a host of wildlife activities which include; open vehicle game drives both in the Moremi and in the Khwai concession area, guided bush walks, and night drives. With a combination of permanent water, seasonal floodplains, open grasslands, riverine forests, and dry woodlands this incredibly rich habitat supports a diversity and abundance of mammals and birds rarely matched in northern Botswana. Sango Safari Camp invites you to share in this bounty.
Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve! *Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a road transfer to camp.
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 5-7 | Chobe National Park
KHWAI CONCESSION
Safari Days
📍 Nokanyana Lodge
KHWAI CONCESSION
Area Overview
A wildlife-rich and diverse ecosystem that offers a mosaic of lagoons, shallow flooded pans, open grass plains, and wooded woodlands is located on the boundaries of the well conserved Moremi Game Reserve. Without a doubt, one of Botswana's most picturesque regions is the Khwai region. Take advantage of the traditional Khwai village's cultural offerings while staying at Khwai Leadwood.
The Khwai Concession is a private reserve adjacent to the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, separated from this reserve by the Khwai River. Dominated by grasslands, permanent flood plains and large areas of Mopane forests and home to large herds of elephants take their bath next to hippos, whilst being watched by lechwe antelopes. As the Khwai concession lies outside the parks, it offers the freedom and flexibility normally only possible with the heavier price tag of a private concession. Go off road for a closer look at sightings, night drives in search of nocturnal species, and with a little advanced planning, head out on game walks to check wildlife on foot!
During the dry season, many animals migrate down from the Linyanti area because the Khwai River provides a reliable source of water, attracting many antelopes, giraffes, buffalos, and zebras. There are also numerous bird species, particularly egrets, cranes, vultures, and various eagle species that specialize in catching catfish.
ACTIVITIES
During your time here, you’ll spend most days exploring the narrow Khwai river, which forms the natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve the south. The Khwai river is a beacon for wildlife and plays host to leopards talking Letswe in the long grass, lions swimming from the banks to save their cups during territorial disputes and crocodiles competing with while dogs for a meal of Impala.
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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NOKANYANA LODGE
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks | No Wifi | Laundry available at addl. cost
Nokanyana Lodge is located at the eastern edge of the Greater Okavango’s watery wilderness, near both the Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Concession area. Known as a "land of rivers" by Livingstone, this region is one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Its prime location makes Nokanyana an ideal stop when traveling through Botswana, as incredible wildlife can be seen right on the lodge’s doorstep—often without even needing to leave the property.
The lodge features 7 luxurious tents and three family tents, all set along the banks of the Khwai River, offering excellent wildlife viewing. Designed to provide panoramic views of the surrounding bush, the tents include both indoor and outdoor showers, so guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while staying comfortable.
FULL BOARD
TENTS
GAME VIEW
DAY 8-10 | Victoria Falls
VICTORIA FALLS
Experience
📍 528 Vic Falls Guest House
VICTORIA FALLS
Area Overview
Victoria Falls is the 7th wonder of the world! Located in Zimbabwe, situated in the heart of Southern Africa and entirely landlocked. 12% of its land is allocated to National Parks and Game Reserves.
Undoubtedly, the country's most iconic attraction is the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the "Smoke That Thunders" because of the spray made by the mass of water dropping 100 meters below in the gorges. Victoria Falls is twice the size of Niagara Falls and stretches across a significantly longer distance. Visitors can get up close to the falls, but be prepared to experience some splashing.
The Victoria Falls, now in it's 150 millionth fantastic year, - its zenith in about May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience—the sight, the sound, the smell—and the humbling feeling that this is indeed nature's supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict reality. And nothing prepares you for your first sight. .
The Victoria Falls present a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe—the largest sheet of falling water in the world and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls, i.e., the spray, mist, and rainbows.
David Livingstone was the first European to see the Victoria Falls in 1855. The Scottish explorer is believed to have been the first European to view the falls, and he named them Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria.
While in Victoria Falls, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a delightful cruise on the Zambezi River for a different perspective of the falls, especially during sunset. You can also opt for a thrilling helicopter ride over the falls. For a unique experience, consider having afternoon tea at the classic Victoria Falls Hotel. Additionally, if you're interested in shopping, Victoria Falls is an excellent place to purchase local souvenirs, artwork, and handcrafted carvings.
528 VIC FALLS
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast
The ideal destination from which our guests can explore the mighty Victoria Falls! and surrounds!Neutral and earthy-tones are blended with splashes of bright colors throughout the lodge. As you enter the house, after passing the lovely pond, a warm foyer greets you with a mixture of wall art and a curious wallpaper.
Each of the 7 rooms have their own view over the gardens. All rooms have en-suite, stylish bathrooms with bronze washbasins, and showers with hand-carved screens.
The main dining area, where breakfasts are served is bright and colorful thanks to more art and the large glass windows that stretch to the high double volume ceiling. From this room, the doors open onto the patio, the garden and the swimming pool.
Lounges and patios are the perfect spot for reading, relaxing and chatting. One of the highlights is the "Treetop Bar" on the third floor, which has wonderful views above the tree canopy and beyond to the Zambezi River and Zambia in the distance.It's an ideal place for sun-downers and as evening settles in, to gaze up at the endless African night sky.
ACTIVITIES
Explore everything the Victoria Falls Rain forest are has to offer! Crafts, curios and more!
*A warm welcome awaits on arrival at the airport! Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a 20 mins. road transfer to your accommodation.
*See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 11 | Johannesburg overnight
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 Witwater Guest House
WITWATER GUEST HOUSE
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast
Conveniently located 5 miles from Johannesburg International airport, Witwater Guest House & Spa offers accommodation with access to spa facilities, wellness packages and beauty services.
À la carte and continental breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and fresh pastries are available daily at the guest house. Guests can eat in the on-site traditional restaurant, which is open for dinner, lunch, brunch and high tea.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 12 | Departure
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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