Safari Nxai Pan National Park

Safari Nxai Pan National Park

Experience the contrasting landscapes of the Kalahari with this short safari to the Nxai Pan National Park. Ancient Pans that ones formed part of a large inland lake system and now only filled with water during the rainy season, vast grasslands with herds of african wildlife and predators roaming the perimiters...

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE:

Destinations: Botswana, the Kalahari and Nxai Pan National Park

Transfers: All Schedules Transfer

Accommodation: Luxury tented camp

Meals: All meals and some beverages while on Safari

Activities: see itinerary for details

Park Fees: Included

Guided: Yes

Package Price USD1,960.00 per person sharing

(This rate is calculated as a price for four people sharing – Accommodation and flights are subject to availability)

Kalahari Safari - Botswana Safari - Nxai Pan Safari

Experience the Nxai Pans and the Kalahari...

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Day 1, 2 & 3 MOBILE CAMPING – NXAI PAN National Park

On arrival you will transfer from the Maun to Nxai Pan National Park. There is nothing here before the supply team arrives, but they travel ahead to set up camp, spacious meru tents with twin beds, fitted with sheets, blankets and warm duvets. The bathroom is ensuite, with a bush bucket shower, and a “long drop” toilet. A fibre-glass base sits over a deep hole, providing a toilet seat and we supply a bucket with ashes and a scoop to maintain a clean environment.

Game drives are conducted in open sided 4 x 4 vehicles ensuring maximum visibility. After tea we embark on the afternoon game drive. As the sun sets on the African savannah, we enjoy sundowners and head back to camp for dinner. Three course meals are cooked over an open fire and dinner is served either in the marquee tent or under the stars. The evening is spent around the fire listening to the sounds of the wild, discussing the events of the day.

At dawn, we have an early light breakfast, and then head out on our morning activity, returning for a hearty brunch. Then there is a short siesta time to relax, and your showers are filled with warm water at your request, usually in the afternoon, as the morning breeze can be quite cold. As the midday hours are very hot, most of the animals retreat to the shade and are harder to spot during this time. If the roads are passable we will go and see the famous Baines Baobabs. The seven giant trees dominate a small island on the edge of the open grassless Kudiakam Pan.

We spend two days here at Nxai Pan, exploring the pans that were once part of the great lake that covered central Botswana. Perhaps the focal point of Nxai Pan is the water hole, situated only two kilometres from the entrance gate, in the midst of a large grassy plain which is dotted with a few clumps of short umbrella thorn trees. The park is located just north of the Maun-Nata main road and adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans on its northern border. The pan itself is a fossil lake bed about 15 sq. miles (40sq. km) in size. The landscape is dotted with clusters of umbrella acacia trees and Mopane woodland in the north. During the rains from November to April, the pans become covered in grass - a landscape typical of the Kalahari. Nxai Pan is well known for a huge springbok population, as the short-cropped grasses can testify, and extraordinarily large herds of giraffe with up to 30 in a group. Also to be seen are blue wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, greater kudu and red hartebeest. The more commonly seen predators are spotted hyena, cheetah, leopard and jackal with the elusive brown hyena a rare treat.

Day 4 Transfer back to Maun

After breakfast, we drive back to Maun to connect to your onward flight to your next destination.

Kalahari Safari - Botswana Safari - Nxai Pan Safari

Experience the Nxai Pans and the Kalahari...

ENJOY YOUR SAFARI WITH LATHITA TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

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Rates include:

• Meet and Greet at Maun Airport

• Accommodation for 3 nights in ensuite meru tents in the the Nxai Pan Game Reserve

• Activities in Nxai Pan consisting of Game Drives

• All National Park Fees and Camping Fees in Botswana

• All meals and beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and local wines ( cash bar for Spirits is available on request)

• Daily Laundry Service while camping when there are no water restrictions

Rates exclude:

• International flights to Maun

• Alcoholic Spirits, these can be provided via cash bar on request

• Any extra activities not mentioned on original itinerary and quote

• Rates quoted for guests are from midday on date of arrival to after breakfast (leaving camp latest 8.30am). This is to avoid additional Park fees due to strict Park regulations. Guests wishing to arrive/depart before or after these stated times will be liable for additional Government Park and Guides fees.

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff

Kalahari Safari - Botswana Safari - Nxai Pan Safari

Experience the Nxai Pans and the Kalahari...

ENJOY YOUR SAFARI WITH LATHITA TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

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Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Situated west of Maun on the main road to Nata, these two Parks are littered with fossil pans that are covered by short grasses that attract hundreds of zebra and wildebeest every year to graze, this migration is an essential part to the survival of these herds, as the water dries up in the Savuti and Chobe areas they make their way south, for here there are fewer predators, lush grazing and water! The Parks of the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan are also host to Steenbok, Oryx (Gemsbok) and Springbok. The big cats are represented with the cheetah flourishing in the vast open expanses of Nxai Pan, and most recently the Lions of Nxai pan featured in the IMAX movie “Roar”, the hugely popular giant screen format film from National Geographic and Tim Liversedge Productions.

When Nxai Pan was first declared a game reserve in 1971 it was small at only 1 676 km², but in 1992 it was enlarged to its current size of 2578 km² and was changed to its National Park status. Baines Baobabs were named after the famous painter and explorer of the last century Thomas Baines, who painted this unusual group of baobabs in 1862 during his journeys through Southern Africa. This remarkable cluster of trees, also known as Seven Sisters, has been immortalized by other painters as well, including Prince Charles. Today, the scene that captivated Baines, inspiring him to record the formation on canvas, is little changed and still attracts the attention of visitors, although now the baobabs are recorded on film. The seven giant trees dominate a small island on the edge of the open grassless Kudiakam Pan. They used to be an ideal picnic spot for visitors, but now that this area has been incorporated in the national park this is no longer permitted, and it will be years before the area recovers from the damage of uncontrolled camping.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park lies to the south of Nxai Pan National Park and covers a vast area of 7 800 km² it was established in 1971. In June the herds of zebra and wildebeest start their west ward migration to the Boteti region of the pans, this once great migration darkened the savannah for days but sadly due to the encroachment of humans, the destruction of habitat and the construction of the controversial “Buffalo Fence” in the 1970’s the annual migration is but a shade of what it used to be.

A visit to Botswana is not complete without a trip to the pans, the sense of vulnerability, witnessing the vast nothingness gives a new perspective.

Tuli Block - Botswana

Tuli Block - Botswana - African Safari

The attractions of eastern Botswana are today, one of its best-kept secrets. In the past however, it was populated by a civilisation that we know very little about. Some of the ruins at Mashatu pre date the nearby mysterious Great Zimbabwe ruins, and there is a permanent on-site archaeologist to enlighten you as to its ancient inhabitants.
The Tuli block became its awkward long narrow shape when it was given to Cecil John Rhodes in the late 1800's to build a railway line. There were far too many small rivers to cross, so the line was eventually constructed further west.

Access to the area was historically bad due to poor quality dirt roads and by the 1960's it became obvious that game farming and tourism were the better options for Tuli Block land. Farms began to consolidate into conservation areas, which became privately owned reserves including the Tuli Game Reserve and Mashatu - which is the largest privately owned game reserve in Southern Africa.
The wildlife areas are located between the Limpopo, Motloutse (Great Elephant) and Shashe Rivers and is a diverse wilderness of open grass plains, marshlands, massive trees hugging the riverbanks and a fascinating variety of rock types. Giant boulders and rocky outcrops are punctured by huge peculiar-looking Baobab trees and cacti-like Euphorbias.

There are few fences in the entire Tuli area which permits unrestricted travel for animals along a large section of the Limpopo River. As a result most game farms and private lodges see migrant populations of impala, wildebeest, kudu and zebra as well as resident bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog and hippo. Nearer the Motloutse River you can add hyena, elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah to the list.
Mashatu boasts the single largest population of elephants on privately owned land (in excess of 700), and you are almost guaranteed to see lion and leopard while staying there plus a zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, steenbok and cheetah.
During night drives you are likely to encounter the strange-looking springhare, which resemble small kangaroos as they hop around in the headlights. Genet, lynx, leopard, porcupine, aardwolf and aardvark are all shy nocturnal animals that might be seen.
There are a wonderful variety of birds here, some who soar and others who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Circling in the thermals you will see lappetfaced vultures, majestic black eagles and martial eagles, while darting to catch insects are brilliantly coloured bee-eaters, kingfishers and rollers,. On the ground are ostriches, huge kori bustards, saddle-billed storks and the rather peculiar-looking ground hornbill. Other birds to watch out for are giant eagle owls and Meyer's parrots.

Rain falls any time between September through to May and the area turns green and many of the antelopes give birth. Mid-summer months are December, January and February. The land is arid and dry during the Winter months of June - August. There are few insects around and although it is cooler, it is still very pleasantly warm during the daytime with cold nights.

TULI & MASHATU SPECIALITIES·

-Elephants of every size in large numbers

-Good chance of seeing leopards, lion and cheetah·

-Mashatu offers mountain biking, horse riding, walking and game drives.

-Night drives reveal rare nocturnal animals·

-Eagles and eagle owls·

-Ground hornbill.

-Unique geology with unusual rocky outcrops.

The Tuli wildlife areas are all under private management, so all visitors must have prior bookings. Night drives are a speciality Rangers and trackers are usually from the Tswana tribe. Mashatu is right on the South African/Botswana border so a safari to this reserve is an easy trip by road from Johannesburg or by direct flight into Mashatu by Air Botswana. This is a malarial area.

Experience African Safaris to Botswana with Lathita Expeditions.

Botswana Safari – Namibia Safari – South Africa Safari – Zambia Safari – Tanzania Safari
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Etosha National Park - Namibia

Etosha National Park - Namibia



Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and Game Reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.


Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The pan was originally a lake fed by the Kunene River. However the course of the river changed thousands of years ago and the lake dried up. The pan now is a large dusty depression of salt and dusty clay which fills only if the rains are heavy and even then only holds water for a short time. This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds including impressive flocks of flamingos. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds.
A San legend about the formation of the Etosha Pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the women slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan.


The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. Visitors to Etosha Game Reserve can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes.
When it was originally proclaimed at the turn of the century the Etosha Park consisted of an area of 100,000 square kilometres. This was the largest reserve on earth but in the 1960's political pressure resulted in the Park being reduced to its current size.


Accommodation:
Inside the Park:
Namibia Wildlife Resort Rest Camps - Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo
All three camps have floodlit waterholes, two of which provide excellent night game viewing. Rhino and elephant are often seen at the waterhole at Okaukuejo, while the newer waterhole at Halali is fast attracting more wildlife.
Bordering the Park:
Onguma Safari Camp - Mowani Mountain Camp - Epacha Game Lodge - Eagle Tented Lodge - Mokuti Lodge



Experience Etosha Game Reserve with Lathita Expeditions.

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Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve

The 2,500 square kilometre Khutse Game Reserve was opened in 1971, on Bakwena tribal land. Prior to this date, due to the almost complete absence of surface water and the fragile vegetation, very few people lived in this area of undulating plains of dry Kalahari bush savannah. Those who did subsisted by gathering wild foods, undertaking limited hunting and keeping small stock. Wildlife was therefore considered to be a good alternative form of land use.
The extensive mineralised pan system within Khutse provides an important habitat for wildlife attracting herbivores to graze on the grasses of the pans, drink the mineralised water- during the rainy season and to lick salt during the dry season. These herbivores in turn attract predators, such as lion, cheetah and leopard. Boreholes have been established at certain points within the reserve in order to encourage wildlife to stay within the area throughout the year. Whilst the visitor to Khutse should not expect to see or meet up with large concentrations of game, giraffe, gemsbok, red hartebeest, eland, kudu, wildebeest, springbok, steenbok, grey duiker, lion, leopard, cheetah, brown hyaena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and wild dog can be seen within Khutse, as well as many other smaller mammals. A wide range of birdlife from ostrich and kori bustard down to the LBJs (little brown jobs) will keep bird enthusiasts well occupied.

How to get there
The route from Botswana's capital Gaborone to the Khutse Game Reserve covers some 210 kilometres of varying road conditions taking some four hours of driving time. The first 50-kilometre section is along a good national road to Molepolole, where a turn to the right is taken following the directional signs to Letlhakeng. A further 61 kilometres of good tar road brings the traveller to the village of Letlhakeng, where the feature of a traffic circle brings an end to the tar. At this circle a green sign indicating the direction to Khutse is a most welcome sight as the variety of tracks is confusing to the uninitiated. Letlhakeng has a small filling station.
Proceeding along a sand road after Letlhakeng soon illustrates to the traveller why only 4x4 vehicles are recommended, as the sand is loose and deeply rutted, particularly during the dry season from about April to the time when the rains break usually in November. Some 25 kilometres from Letlhakeng is striking Khudumelapye, where an abundance of fine trees gives this village the appearance of being an oasis. Here large pools of sweet water accumulate following heavy rains and large numbers of livestock congregate. This is very much cattle country. A further 36 kilometres of sandy road brings the traveller to the last large settlement before reaching Khutse. This village is called Salajwe and some basic supplies and drinks may be obtained there. The traveller will notice that it is not always easy to find the way through the villages, as tracks seem to lead in all directions. However, the green Khutse signs are there as a guide. The remainder of the journey has fewer features, although there are small settlements away from the road.
Eventually a sign advises the weary traveller that the boundary of Khutse Game Reserve has at last been reached. A short distance later the National flag can be seen flying above the trees, and the Wildlife Camp, which incorporates the tourist reception office, is finally reached. Here visitors are required to check in and pay the fees for their stay.

Camping facilities
There are no tourist lodges, no chalets nor rest camps in Khutse. Nor are there any shops or fuel supplies. Khutse is a protected area where development has been kept to a minimum and where the wilderness atmosphere has been carefully preserved. There are areas that have been designated as campsites, some of which have pit latrines but no other form of development. Although Botswana's central and southern parks and reserves are not as well known as their northern sisters, visitors who are devoted to the wilderness have come from places as far afield as Spain and the United States to enjoy the wonderful sense of isolation and timelessness these areas have to offer.
The main concentration of campsites is grouped in an area between Khutse I and Khutse II Pans, whilst more isolated individual camps are to be found at Moreswe Pan in the south-western area of the reserve. Further isolated sites, named Mahurushele, Sekusuwe and Khankhe, are actually situated in the adjoining Central Kalahari Game Reserve but administered by Khutse. Visitors to Khutse should be completely self-contained with all their requirements including drinking water. Water for purposes other than drinking can be obtained from the Wildlife Camp. All litter should either be totally removed from the reserve or deposited at the Wildlife Camp. The basic rules to be observed when in the reserve are to drive only on the tracks indicated on the map that is obtained on arrival; to camp only at the designated campsites which are clearly indicated; to ensure that no grass fires are caused, nor litter left, nor other visitors disturbed - in other words consideration for others and for the environment should be of paramount concern.
When travelling between Molose Waterhole and Moreswe Pan, first time visitors will be interested to come across a sign in what appears to be the middle of nowhere, proclaiming that this point intersects the Tropic of Capricorn. There cannot be many visitors who have not stopped there to take a photographic record of this.
Where to Stay
There are no lodges in this reserve and camping is the only option:
Khutse Campground - situated between Khutse I and Khutse II pans. Communal camping ground comprising ten campsites with centrally-placed pit latrines.
Mahurushele Pan - one campsite near the edge of the pan, and has no facilities
Sekushuwe Pan - one campsite under a large camelthorn acacia, and has no facilities.
Khakhe Pan - four campsites on the dune overlooking the pan, and has no facilities.
Molose Waterhole - three campsites with no facilities
Moresave Pan - four campsites with pit latrines and a small saline waterhole.
What to Do
This is the perfect place to be if you want peace and quiet. Most types of desert herbivores can be seen here but they are normally found around the pans when these are full or at Molose Pan where water is pumped from a borehole. Cheetah, Lion, leopard, hyena and smaller animals such as porcupine and squirrels can also be found but do not expect to see large herds of game. Khutse is renowned for its bird life with over 150 different species recorded. Being closer to Gaborone than other parks or reserves, Khutse is a popular weekend destination for local visitors.

4WD / Selfdrive - Cultural Tours - Ornithology - Game Drives

Khutse Kalahari Lodge

Khutse Kalahari Lodge is located at the eastern gate of Khutse Game reserve and accommodates 24 guests. Game drives and walks with bushmen, cultural tours to Kaudwane Village and birdwatching are just some of the activities on offer....

Go on a african safari adventure in the Khutse Game Reserve with Lathita Expeditions.

New Beginnings in 2007

Welcome to 2007, we at Lathita Expeditions wish you all a great year filled with joy and prosperity. We will be launching a number of new projects and new destinations in the coming year and wish to invite everyone to join us in exploring and rediscovering the African Continent. Some of the new destinations include Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Reunion. We are currently not promoting our full range of products on our website, but early in 2007 this will change. We are in the process of updating the site and will start adding all our products to the site soon.

Products will include;

- Luxury Accommodation

- 4x4 Jeep Hire (New Product)

- 4x4 Jeep Tours (New Product)

- Luxury Tours

- Mobile Safaris

- Motorcycle Tours

- Active Adventures

- Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tours (New Product)

- Romantic and Exclusive Destinations

- “Mma Ramotswa” cultural tours (New Product)

After the famous Ladies Detective Series based in Botswana.

Together with the product listing and launching we have started a number of promotional blog’s where we are promoting destinations in Africa. This includes Private and Public Game Reserves, Indian Ocean Island destinations, Private and group packages and general information on all the different destinations we offer.

The Blog’s include;

http://lathita.blogspot.com

We focus on Private and Public Game Reserves through this blog and list activities and general information on African countries alternately.

http://safari-in-africa.blogspot.com

This blog focus on Safari products and includes products that we tailor made for clients and some scheduled packages.

http://gorilla-safaris.blogspot.com

As the name states this blog will focus on Gorilla viewing and will include destinations in Uganda and Rwanda.

http://honeymoon-in-africa.blogspot.com

This blog features exclusive and romantic African Destinations

http://africanaccommodation.blogspot.com

Included in our product range we have approximately 600 places of accommodation in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, which will be featured here.

Lathita Expeditions will do a number of marketing projects through 2007. The first appearance will be at the “Expo4Brides” in Pretoria, South Africa. We will primarily focus on Luxury Destinations for this Expo. Not too long after that in will be “Valentines” and more exotic destinations and we will include a number of short breakaway packages. After Valentines we will focus on Easter and will be promoting a number of family orientated products, specifically in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa. Some of the other promotional activities you can look out for includes;

- Indaba 2007

- SCG Conference 2007

- Mma Ramotswa Cultural Experience

- Winter Kalahari Experience

Just a last word before I say goodbye. At the SCG Conference we will be running scheduled trips to great sites and activities around Port Elizabeth, which will include, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant Back Safaris, Baviaans Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve. On this note I would like wish you all a great year in 2007 and hope to see you on Safari with Lathita Expeditions.

Best Regards,

Johan Gerber.

South Luangwa Walking Safari

South Luangwa, Zambia, Walking Safari

The Walking Mobile Safaris have come to be known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa. After 2 nights at Nkwali, the party drives up to the remote north of the park. For 5 days the safari follows the Mupamadzi River, covering approximately 10km a day. This clear river is a major tributary of the Luangwa. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush.

The fully serviced mobile camp is extremely comfortable and well-equipped with walk-in tents and full bedding. The shower is under a tree and the loo is a long drop with a wooden throne. Meals of a high standard are served under the open sky. A final few nights at Tena Tena complete the safari.

Day 1: On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport your guide will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Day 2: At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after breakfast, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
Day 3: After an early breakfast, you will be heading north to start your walking mobile which has become known as THE wilderness experience of the South Luangwa.
Day 4&5: Up at sunrise for the morning walk. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ant’s to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush.
Day 6&7: The camp will be moved again to camp 3 during the morning as you walk further down the river. The clear water Mupamadzi River is a major tributary of the Luangwa and all walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.
Day 8: After an early breakfast, transfer to the Luangwa River crossing point opposite Tena Tena. This is a 4 to 5 hour drive. This remote and small camp lies within the National Park and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank.



Day 9: Today is a chance to visit the spectacular lagoon, Buca Buca, where a whole morning can be spent quietly sitting while the game comes down to feed and drink.
Day 10: Being the last whole day at Tena Tena you resume game activities in the morning and evening with the possibility of visiting Kawaza village as an option to meet local people and experience life in a real non tourist village.
Day 11: Depending on your flight time you will be transferred by vehicle to Mfuwe Airport which is approximately 1.5 hrs drive from Tena Tena. Where possible we will incorporate a game drive.


The speciality of this safari is:
WALKING SAFARIS - The only way to really discover the secrets of the bush. Walks are led by an experienced naturalist and accompanied by an armed game scout.

Contact Lathita Expeditions to join this unforgetable experience.

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