Green Desert Expedition Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Khumaga – Boteti River, Makgadikgadi Pans
Upon arrival in Maun, we 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 & 5: Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our 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 we 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.
Suggested further reading on the area is “Cry of the Kalahari”, by Mark and Delia Owens.
Days 6 & 7: Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast we depart overland to Maun (approximately 6 hours), after which we fly by light aircraft in the afternoon 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 innumerable 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 Moremi 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 and birds gliding home to roost 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 eagles, vultures, 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, we fly to Maun, where the safari ends.
ADDITONAL SAFARI NOTES
International air connection onto the safari: If arrival is planned for the day of the safari’s departure, please ensure that this arrival is with the earliest possible flight from Johannesburg. Arrival on a later flight may necessitate additional road or air transfers (as departure for the first camp will already have taken place), subject to extra cost.
International air connections leaving the safari: Please ensure that your departure flight is booked for after 13h00 from Maun. For earlier international departure flights, an additional air charter will be required to arrive in Maun for this connection. Extra transfers and flights are subject to extra cost.
Additional Facts and Information
Please note that each departure is guaranteed from a minimum of 2 confirmed guests, with a maximum of 8 guests per safari.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodation on a sharing basis, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to the end of the scheduled Safari. A reasonable amount of soft drinks, wine & beer at meal times, National Park fees, activities and all internal charters as specified in the itinerary.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Flights (other than specified in the detailed Safari Itinerary), visas, compulsory insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes, all personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.), gratuities, laundry, optional extra activities, pre & post safari tours.
Age Limits: Children from the age of 12 are welcome on all scheduled departures. For groups with children under 12, we will create a private tailor-made Safari. For guests over the age of 75, a certified medical certificate of full health must be provided. Africa Uncovered reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality. This will be advised timeously.
ALL GUESTS TRAVELLING WITH AFRICA UNCOVERED MUST BE COVERED BY A FULLY COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY VALID FROM THE DATE THAT THEY CONFIRM THEIR ITINERARY WITH US.
