Botswana  Exploration Safaris

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THE GREEN DESERT EXPEDITION
7 nights/8 days - US$2630 per person (no single supplement)

Serviced camping in exclusive camp sites in National Parks combined with luxury Xigera Camp.

Tour direction: Maun to Maun.

This expedition is specifically designed to enjoy the Kalahari Desert at its most productive season, when it receives low sporadic rains. This small amount of water creates an incredibly prolific wildlife-viewing period with concentrations of desert species and their young in the fertile, ancient river valleys of Deception Valley and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The route takes the time to explore the contrasts of three major habitat types: the Makgadikgadi’s verdant grasslands, the “petrified” river valley of Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and finally the fertile green islands of the Okavango Delta and its crystal-clear waterways.

Experience a nostalgic camping safari that recreates a sense of wildlife viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the early African explorers. The 3m x3m dome tents (at Khumaga and Deception Valley), complete with mini-verandas, allow you to feel more connected to nature, accentuating the feeling of the wild and untamed. Pure cotton linen bedrolls with duvets on GI stretchers, bedside table with lantern and mini luggage benches add to the atmosphere. Shared separate toilet and shower ‘bathrooms’ with old-style tin bucket showers and basins create simple serviced comfort. Lively campfires, hurricane lanterns and diverse activities create that camping feel with a clear emphasis on essential comforts and a pristine wilderness experience. There are 2 short-drop toilets at Deception and Khumaga. There are also 2 bucket shower enclosures at these campsites. The entire safari is guided and hosted by professional guides. Ensuring privacy and exclusivity, Xigera is a luxury lodge in a private concession within Moremi Game Reserve. All Explorations camps are private and for the use of Adventurer Exploration guests only. We have specifically allowed for a 3-night stay in Deception Valley; in a journey of this nature, guests have the time to relax and unwind, at the same time fully appreciating the diversity of the area as well as its activities. To maximise guests’ travel time, a variety of transport modes that bring out the best of each area is used: flying in private charters and overland transfers provide both a bird’s-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Botswana. 4 x 4 tracks in wilderness areas are not maintained, take time to navigate and may be bumpy. As a result some of the fascinating game/ road transfers can take a full day with lunch en route.

ITINERARY

Days 1 and 2:  Khumaga - Boteti River, Makgadikgadi Pans
On arrival in Maun, depart by road for Khumaga, on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, part of a fossilised super-lake that existed aeons ago. The Adventurer campsite is well positioned under shady trees on the banks of the Boteti River. With the coming of rain, life abounds, and brown hyaena, gemsbok (oryx) and springbok are just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen. Activities include game drives, concentrating on the opportunistic birthing time of desert animals, as a result of the erratic rains, and the diverse array of birds, possibly including rarities like the Pallid and Montagu’s harriers. In addition, the seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements, if present in the area, provide amazing sightings at this time. Experience the phenomenal geology and simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed and surrounding grassy plains. It is usually not possible to see the actual saltpans at this time of year and our time is thus spent experiencing the surrounding habitats of the grasslands, river channels and the palm tree islands.

Days 3, 4 and 5:  Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart overland to the private Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with lunch en route. This prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over the enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing. On Day 4 or 5 enjoy extended wildlife game drives (with picnic lunch), taking in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari, as well as the Letiahau and Deception Valleys.

Days 6 and 7:  Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast depart overland to Maun (approximately 6 hours), then fly by light aircraft to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate delta experience, with serene waters flowing through channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal life. Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has something for everyone, in an area where there are no other camps and where permanent water all year round allows for a variety of activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways, or watch the sunset from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. The more adventurous can enjoy a scenic nature walk. Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main area. There is a plunge pool for cooling off and relaxation. Birding in the area is excellent, with Pel’s fishing owl, slaty egret, wattled crane, African skimmers and a host of raptors and kingfishers to be found. The area has the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta.

Day 8:  Charter flight to Maun
After an early morning activity and breakfast, fly to Maun, and bid farewell to the adventure.

NOTE: PRIVATE ITINERARIES FOR TAILOR-MADE TRIPS FOR SMALL GROUPS CAN BE ARRANGED.

scheduled departure dates for 2008
JANUARY 12, 23
FEBRUARY 3, 20
MARCH 2, 20
APRIL 8, 10, 21, 24
NOVEMBER 23
DECEMBER 4, 7, 22, 29

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