Botswana Safari Adventure

BOTSWANA SAFARI ADVENTURE

Paging through my favorite travel magazine my heart yearned for an African Safari….

We started planning our Botswana Safari about 6 months in advance. We were a party of 3, Johan, Pieter me… the Three Adventurers setting out to explore and experience the African Wilderness. Johan has lived in Botswana for a few years and he was therefore in charge of the route planning and accommodation booking. Pieter is from Cape Town and I am a Johannesburg yuppie, and neither of us has been on a real camping Safari in the Botswana Wilderness. The days drew closer and before I knew it, we were on the plane from Johannesburg to Gaborone. As we touched down in Botswana I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.

It took forever to pack the Jeep. By the time we strapped in the last jerry can, we looked like we were ready to cross the Sahara dessert. Each person had a small survival kit in the car. Johan’s back pack contained a Leatherman and a few cable ties, Pieter’s bag had an expensive video camera, spare batteries and a charger (he was the official movie maker for the trip) and my duffle handbag bared nothing more than a tube of sunscreen, moisturizer and a toothbrush. Our first destination, was the great expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans. I have seen many places in Southern Africa, but nothing prepared me for the breath taking beauty of the pans. We arrived late evening and had to drive the last stretch in the dark. The moon was full, and reflected off the white powdery surface. The landscape seemed surreal – there is absolutely nothing, not a tree, a shrub or a rock– it looked like we were driving on the moon. We pitched our tents at the edge of the pan, and we felt like the only human beings at the rim of the world. This beautiful landscape however presented one serious problem, what to hide behind when you have to crouch when nature calls. We quickly made a rule – if anyone asked for the spade and TP (toilet paper), the other parties had to move to the front of the tents, and stay there until the coast is clear. As the flames of the camp fire danced over our tents, we sat chatting late into the night.

The next morning we rouse early and after a strong coffee and few Ouma rusks we were ready to push on. We drove along the edge of the pans towards to Bain’s Baobab. We made our camp under a clump of Baobab trees – the very trees where the explorer Thomas Bain laid his head, some hundred years ago, when he crossed the pans. In the late afternoon huge cumulonimbus clouds started building up and not before long a heavy thunder storm came down. The first drops exploded as they hit the arid earth, and within an hour or so the dry pans turned into a wetland, covered in 4 inches of water. We watched the landscape change before our very eyes, and we could not resist the urge to run out on the pan, splashing water and getting soaking wet from the rain. Pieter caught everything on camera, while me and Johan did a mock rain dance like true Bushmen, thanking the gods for the rain.

The next morning we set off to the north west, towards Chobe. Getting out of the pans was not as easy as driving in. The white powdery sand has turned into mud over night and the road was difficult to maneuver. This is where your 4x4 Safari driving skills get tested to the limit. As one stage we were traveling at 80km/hour, slipping and sliding across the mud, trying to go forward without loosing control of the Jeep. I was shouting to go slower, but Johan knew that if he loose traction now, we will get stuck. It is known that in some places the mud on the pans is so thick that a car can easily disappear before you very eyes, before help arrives.

By the time we hit the highway north, we have high on adrenalin and ready for more action. On the road between Gweta and Chobe, there is no fencing, and we often had to stop on the road to allow animals to cross– this is an African Wilderness – a true Botswana Safari experience. It is a long drive, and Pieter and I chatted away while Johan hummed along with the radio tunes.

We arrived late in the evening at the gates of the Chobe Reserve and after setting up camp, we made our way to the local pub. We sat on the deck, sipping Jin & Tonics, eagerly sharing our experiences of our Botswana Safari thus far, with other travelers. It is known that Jin & Tonic is a deterrent for mosquitoes and Johan used his fear of malaria as an excuse to one too many J&T’s. The next morning we set out to do game viewing. Chobe is a wilderness with an abundance of animals – we encountered herds of antelope, zebra and wildebeest grazing on the open plains. Chobe is renowned for it’s elephant population, counting over 3000. At one point we drove into a herd of elephant. I almost had a panic attack when a few boisterous males started pushing each other around a mere few feet from our Jeep. Luckily a mature male stepped in and quickly put the teenagers in their place. Pieter photographed the whole episode, and he felt confident that the pics were of the highest standard. To experience nature so up close and personal is an amazing experience. Pieter appreciated the scenery and snapped his camera at every opportunity – he was determined to find the perfect pick to send to National Geographic. We spend a few days in the reserve, mostly doing game drives during the day and relaxing next to the camp fire or going the local pub in the evening. By now we were getting into the rhythm of Africa.

From Chobe we set off to Victoria Falls in Zambia. Getting from Kasane to Livingstone we used the ferry. We arrived early at the river and took our place in the long queue. The ferry is a simple float that they use to transport vehicles and passengers across the river. The ferry is alive with people and action, there is food stalls, live chickens and goats and vehicles are ordered around to optimize on space on the ferry. We were the last vehicle onto the boat, and the Jeep was parked precariously at an angle on the ramp, which was hoisted high up into the air, when we crossed the white water. As I took my seat on the ferry I sat next to you young boy chewing on a sugar cane.

By the time we hit Livingstone I was ready to enjoy a hot bath and a soft bed. Being on a Botswana safari is marvelous, sleeping in a tent and using a make shift, hand held shower for a week is great fun and a wonderful adventure, but I was ready to enjoy a little bit of luxury. So there was a slight change in plans, rather than another camp site, I was treating my fellow safari-goers to a night in Zambezi Sun. As I laid in the hot bubble bath, soaking away the dust I closed my eyes to replay the adventures of the past few days.

The high light for our safari was the visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the majestic Victoria Falls, also known as the smoke that thunders. You can hear the roar of the waterfall from miles away. As we walked down the foot path the sound became so load that we had to shout to speak. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight. From between the trees I could see the water curtain crashing down the gorge, creating a thick mist and rainbow above the water. I was in total awe and felt in touch with my creator. After I finished taking about 3 reels of film, of me in any every imaginable pose, with the Falls as the back drop, we made our way to the African craft market. This is a shopper’s haven, and if you have good negotiation skills you are sure to pick up some bargains. For a mere 200 Pula I bought the most beautiful male & female pair wooden sculptures, which would find a special place in my small house, once I get home (as if I did not have enough memorabilia from past safaris).

The next day we tackled the mighty Zambezi, to do white water rafting. After the safety talk, we were ready to launch our rafts. We were in a young, strong group (4 Yanks and the Three Adventurers) and we were ready for some REAL adventure. As we paddled our way into the stream I realized how powerful the Zambezi River flows. For the first hour of the trip we paddled casually along, enjoying the sunlight, making jokes and appreciating the view from the river gorge. Our skipper, Themba told us interesting folk stories about Yumi Yumi, the rivier god of the Zambezi. At rapid No 7, also known as the “washing machine” we got into trouble and no matter hard we paddled, the water washed us up side down, in side out and our raft flipped. Everybody was tossed into the white foam. For a few moments I was disorientated and I could feel my heart pumping as I gulped for air. My body was flushed with adrenalin as I tried to swim. Within seconds I could feel Themba’s hands grabbing my life vest, and I was pulled back onto the raft. The team laughed and shouted of joy. We felt on top of the world – invisible to the power of Yumi Yumi. The rest of the day we paddled through a few more rapids, had a picnic lunch on a small “beach” and enjoyed the landscape. By late afternoon we landed the rafts at our final destination. We were already tired from the day’s adventure and still had to walk up the gorge to reach the vehicles. The winding footpath up the hill was more like a makeshift ladder, with branches knocked into the incline to assist with the “walk”, which in many sections had to be approached on all fours. Eventually we arrived at the top where we were met by a cold beer and smiling faces. It was an adventurous day, and we arrived back at the hotel exhausted but in high spirits.

All too soon we reached the end of our safari. It’s been a glorious 12 days in Botswana and Zambia. We have seen so much, experience a great deal and learned all the words to the songs on Allanis Morriset’s Ironic album (we spend a lot of time in the car driving between destinations). The only thing that remained for us was the long drive back to Gaborone. On the way back we were quite, each busy with his/her own thoughts and trying to store as much information as possible about this Safari experience, in our minds.

When I eventually boarded my flight back to Johannesburg I was sad, but I had my wooden sculptures, my white water rafting video, several reels for wonderful photographs and the knowledge that I will be back.

Contact Lathita Tailor Made Travel to experience an unforgetable Safari in Botswana

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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Discover Victoria Falls, Namibia and Botswana.

Take this unforgetable journey with Lathita Expeditions and experience some of the best Game Viewing Africa has to offer. Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, the Caprivi Region, the Okovango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadigadi Pans, and Chobe National Park.


Tour Details: Livingstone to Livingstone, through Botswana, Namibia and Zambia
Trip Duration: 17 Days and 16 Nights

Highlights : Livingstone (Vic Falls), Linyanti, Mahangu, Guma Lagoon, Okavango Delta,
Moremi, Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pans and Chobe

DETAIL TRIP ITINERARY
Day-1: Livingstone, Zambezi Waterfront Lodge.
You will arrive in Livingstone and settle into your rooms and explore the environment.


Day-2: Livingstone, Zambezi Waterfront Lodge
Visit one of the seven wonders of the world on foot– Victoria Falls “the smoke that thunders”.
Afterwards we will visit the African Curio market to buy curios unique to Zambia.
In the afternoon you can get a bird’s view of the falls, from the wing of a micro light or just relax at the lodge.

Day-3: Livingstone Zambezi Waterfront Lodge
Today you will walk with the gentle African giants – Elephant Encounter.
Late afternoon you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River

Day-4: Linyanti (Namibia), Camp Kwando
It will take approximately 5 hours to drive to Linyanti. In the afternoon you will enjoy a
game drive in the rich Caprivi bush.

Day-5: Mahangu (Namibia), Mahangu Safari Lodge
In the morning you will visit a traditional African Village. There after we will depart on a 4 hour scenic drive to Mahangu. Late afternoon you will go on a boat trip and visit Popa Falls.



Day-6: Mahangu (Namibia), Mahangu Safari Lodge
Today will go on a full day game drive to see some of the exclusive wildlife of the region.



Day-7: Okavango Delta, Guma Island Lodge
We will depart early in the morning to drive to Guma Lagoon. The drive will be approximately 5 hours. Along the route you will ample opportunity for landscape photography.

Day-8: Okavango Delta, Guma Island Lodge
The area has a rich bird life, so you can do bird watching, while you enjoy a full day Mokoro trip. The Mokoro trip will include an Island Walk.


Day-9: Okavango Delta, Oddballs Camp
We will depart early, to drive to Maun (5 hours). At Maun a pilot will take you on a 20 minute flight over the delta to the Lodge. The guide will not accompany you on this part of the trip.

Day-10: Okavango Delta, Oddballs Camp
Today you will do bird watching and go on a Mokoro trip. The rest of the time you will relax on the deck enjoying the island view.

Day-11: Moremi (Botswana), Mankwe Lodge
In the morning you will fly back to Maun to meet your guide. From there you will depart to Moremi, about 4 hours away. In the evening you will do a night game drive.

Day-12: Moremi, Mankwe Lodge
After breakfast you will take a guided walk to learn more about the plants, birds and animals in Africa. For the rest of the day you will go on a game drive and relax at the lodge.


Day-13: Makgadikgadi, Planet Baobab Lodge
We will depart very early from Mankwe to take the long drive to Makgadikgadi. The trip will include pit stops for taking photographs of the beautiful landscape and having refreshments. Depending on the time you arrive, you will go a Bushman Walk and do a Village Tour


Day-14 Makgadikgadi, Planet Baobab Lodge
Today you will explore Naix Nini Pans on quad bikes. Time allowing your guide will take you back to the pans in the afternoon in search of elephant and Baobab Trees.

Day 15: Chobe, Elephant Valley Lodge
It’s a 5 hour drive to Chobe, so best we leave early. Late afternoon you go on a sun set cruise on the Chobe river to view hippo’s and elephant.

Day-16: Chobe, Elephant Valley Lodge
Today you will take a day game drive and in the evening you will go on a night game drive.

Day-17: Livingstone, Zambia
After breakfast you will depart to Livingstone, crossing the Chobe river with a ferry.
This package can be changed to suit your needs and can be done on a guided or self drive basis.

Contact Lathita Expeditions to experience this!

4x4 Safaris – Luxury Tours – African Safaris – Honeymoon Packages – Motorcycle Tours