Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
THE KALAHARI SURICATE SAFARI
This 11-day camping safari covers three remote and contrasting regions: the open grasslands and salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, the remote desert environment of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the pristine wetlands of the Okavango Delta. The game viewing in these arid areas of Botswana is at its best just after the rains, and it is during this period of March and April that we offer scheduled and customised safaris to these regions. Guests who wish to travel through the Kalahari during the rest of the year may arrange their own small party, and we can organise a private safari for them.
(The itinerary below contains links to some of the properties described; by clicking on these links, you will open a new page in your browser. To return to this page, simply close the new page, or click on the icon at the bottom of your screen).
Days 1 to 4 : Central Kalahari Game Reserve - Deception Valley
Guests should arrive in Maun in the morning off their scheduled flight from Johannesburg. The group will depart at around mid-day on a light charter aircraft from Maun to Rakkops airstrip. Your guide will meet you on arrival, and there will be a road transfer of about 2-3 hours (depending on road conditions) to Deception Valley, an area made famous by Mark and Delia Owens in their book The Cry of the Kalahari.
The pre-erected camp is set under the camelthorns on one of the numerous "tree islands" in the valley. Accommodation during the camping portions of the safari is in 3m x 3m tents with beds and bedding. There is a cook and camp assistant to handle the daily chores. Activities center on early morning and afternoon game drives to areas of interest within the Central Kalahari, including the legendary Deception Pan.
Days 5 and 6 : Leroo-La-Tau - Makgadikgadi Pans
Today we drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, where we will be staying at Leroo-La-Tau Lodge.
This area is particularly beautiful after the rains have
fallen, and when the pans fill up with water they often attract waterfowl in
vast numbers. Large herds of Gemsbok and Springbok can occur, and Africa's
second largest Zebra and Wildebeest migrations takes place here when they move
into the area to enjoy the good grazing and ample water. We will enjoy guided
walks, nature drives and spotlit night drives within the area.
Days 7 and 8 : Mekoro Trails Camp - Okavango Delta
Today we drive back to Maun and the transfer by light aircraft into the Okavango Delta to Jacana Camp.
Jacana Camp is a true "water camp" and offers mekoro and walking safaris all year round. As the floodwaters recede, game driving and night drives in open 4 x 4 Land Rovers are available from September to May. The camp is set in one of the most densely populated wetland areas for Sitatunga and Red Lechwe. In the dry season wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra concentrate on the floodplains, and lions are never far behind. Cheetah, Leopard, and Wild Dog are also sometimes sighted. Birding is excellent, with Pels Fishing Owl and lesser Jacana two Delta specialities.
Jacana Camp features 5 small meru-style tents accommodating a maximum of eight guests. Each tent is erected on a wooden deck overlooking the floodplains and has an en suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. The main dining area is on the top floor of an elevated wooden deck between two magnificent sycamore figs and surrounded by dense wild date palms. Downstairs, there is a cozy pub and sitting area, with an open fireplace under the stars.
Days 9 and 10 : Duba Plains Camp - Okavango Delta
Fly to Duba Plains Camp for the last two nights of the safari. The camp is located in the furthermost reaches of the Delta and is situated on an island, surrounded by expansive seasonally flooded plains and shaded by tall ebony, fig and garcinia trees. This pristine area is home to Lion, Leopard, Lechwe, Elephant and huge herds of Buffalo, as well as a large variety of birds. Duba is small and intimate, with accommodation for only 12 people. The camp offers a variety of activities, ranging from game drives in open 4 x 4 Land Rovers to walking safaris and night drives.
Day 11: End of safari
After a final morning excursion, the group is flown back to Maun to connect with an onward flight.
To find out more about the Kalahari Suricate Safari, or to make a reservation, call on
27-11-463-7889 or email us.
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Photo credits: Wilderness Safaris