Affordable Botswana Safari (12 Days)
Day 1 - 23 June 2025 - City Lodge - O.R. Tambo Airport, Johannesburg
Upon Arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a company representative who will assist you clearing ncustoms, and assist you making your way to the OR Tambo City Lodge. Conveniently located at Africa’s busiest airport, the 365-room City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport, allows both business and leisure travellers a convenient and comfortable place to rest at the end of a long flight.
The hotel is walking distance to and from the airport
terminal buildings and is adjacent to the Gautrain Airport
Station.
Business travellers will appreciate the
simplicity of staying at the airport for short visits, while
leisure travellers won’t have to worry about where to stay
for that one night between flights to their final
destination.
The expansive lobby lounge, displaying flight
information boards; uncapped WiFi; three boardrooms and
conference facilities for 46 guests and fitness room are
just some of the services on offer. The #Café restaurant and
bar are complemented by a sparkling swimming pool with deck,
ideal for a refreshing swim in the sunshine before or after
the next stage of travel. Access to a wide variety of
retailers, restaurants and banking facilities within the
airport building completes the package.
Day 2 - 24 June 2025 - Leroo La Tau, Botswana
Make your way to International Departures, and connect with your onward flight to Botswana (Flight excluded from the quoted safari costs).
Upon arrival at Maun Airport, a Desert & Delta Safaris representative will be there to welcome you and assist you on to your light aircraft transfer to Leroo La Tau Camp. Leroo La Tau is situated on the western bank of the Boteti River, which forms the boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The Boteti River provides a lifeline for the wildlife which inhabit the arid national park and is a critical link in the annual zebra migration. Leroo La Tau is the perfect base from which to explore this truly unique piece of Botswana paradise.
The lodge features twelve luxurious thatched and glass-fronted suites with en-suite bathrooms, each unit raised on a wooden platform overlooking the Boteti River Valley below. With the lodges unique location poised on the edge of the Boteti River enjoying the zebra migration and abundant wildlife that access the river is possible from various vantage points including the guest rooms.
The main lounge and dining area, with its inviting wooden and
thatch finish, allows you to relax at the bar while listening to
the wide variety of night sounds so characteristic of the
African bush. Alternatively you can lounge around the swimming
pool or enjoy the panoramic river vista from the game-viewing
hide built into the bank of the river.
Days 3 and 4 (25 and 26 June
2025) -
Leroo La Tau, Botswana
The lodge offers guided game drives in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park focusing on the exceptional wildlife sightings along the Boteti River. Depending on the water level, boat activities are also provided. Optional cultural excursions can be arranged to Khumaga Village as well as day trips to Nxai pan and Baines Baobabs (three-night stay only). For those looking for a truly unique experience, enjoy a sleep out under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (three-night stay).
Leroo La Tau translates as ‘lion’s paw’ but, although the
surrounding area features abundant Lion, Zebra and Wildebeest,
it also boasts Chobe Bushbuck, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown and
Spotted Hyena, Impala, Kudu, Jackal, Porcupine, Genet and
Caracal, to name but a few.
Please note: Owing to their remote location within the
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans
themselves are not visited on daily scheduled activities from
Leroo La Tau.
Day 5 - (27 June 2025) Savute Safari Lodge
At a time to be advised by the lodge manager, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Savute Safari Lodge.
When David Livingstone, the first European to visit the area,
saw the Savute Channel in 1851 it was flowing. Thirty years
later it had disappeared and the Savute Marsh had dried out,
remaining this way for almost 80 years. It flowed again from the
late 1950s to the early 1980s, when it again receded, hence its
reputation as ‘the river that flows in both directions’.
In
2009, after another extended hiatus, the channel began flowing
again and by January 2010 had spilled into the Savute Marsh for
the first time in three decades, but for how long – no one knows
…
To ensure a private and relaxing environment, Savute Safari Lodge accommodates just twenty four guests in eleven thatched chalets built of local timber and one family room which consists of two double bedrooms. The chalets, which have been elegantly furnished in calm neutral tones to blend with the natural environment, feature expansive private decks, a combined bedroom and lounge area and en suite facilities.
Sink into one of the numerous comfortable leather, wood or wicker sofas in the lounge – and library – or sip a cocktail in the stylish bar. All these facilities are situated in a beautiful two-storey thatch-and-timber main building. Savute Safari Lodge offers a shaded viewing deck, an al fresco dining area and swimming pool with spectacular pool loungers – ideal for watching the varied wildlife – including the resident Elephants – as they make their way to the Channel to drink, bathe and play.
Day 6 and 7 - (28 and 29 June 2025) - Savute Safari Lodge
Activities are organised around game
drives throughout the Savute area in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Many trips will incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give
you a chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel
at the marsh against a backdrop of teeming wildlife. Guests can
also enjoy a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa
Hills – a small hilly outcrop which forms a prominent landmark
in the otherwise flat landscape.
Savute boasts the second-largest
summer Zebra migration in Africa; its timing is determined by
the rains, but usually occurs between November and December and
again between February and April, when the Zebras move from the
rivers in the north in search of the rain-ripe grasslands and
full waterholes in the southwest of the park. The migration is
always followed by large numbers of predators – the Zebra
migration is a must for visitors.
Day 8 - (30 June 2025) - Camp Xakanaxa, Okavango Delta
At a time to be advised by the lodge manager, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Camp Xakanaxa.
The prime location of Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced Ka-ka-na-ka) on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, makes it one of the very few safari camps that offers guests an authentic, year-round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience. The camp accommodates twenty-four guests in eleven spacious all-canvas, classic Meru-style luxury safari tents and one two bedroom family tent, each with en suite showers, hand basins and toilet facilities. Situated around the fringe of the lagoon, every tent has a private viewing deck with comfortable loungers. Camp Xakanaxa is one of the few camps in Botswana which still offers the essence of a classic tented camp.
Days 9 and 10 - (July 1 and 2, 2025) Xakanaxa Camp
In camp, a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere together with personalised and caring service evokes
a feeling of coming home. The stylish main buildings extend over
the Khwai River and are set on raised platforms to maximise the
views over the surrounding lagoons and islands. The elegant
lounge and dining rooms, built of local timber, reed and thatch,
feature a small library, expansive sundeck, plunge pool and sala
with day bed. The fire-deck extends over the Khwai River and
creates an enchanting environment in which to relax after
dinner. There is also a larger pool with elevated sun deck in
the expansive grounds.
The ancient riverine forests, open
savannah, serpentine channels and seasonal floodplains that
surround the camp make for a varied habitat of exceptional fauna
and flora. The camp is one of few offering a year-round land and
water game-viewing experience, in open 4×4 safari vehicles or
powerboats. The diverse habitat ensures prolific sightings of
Elephant, Buffalo, Hyena, Giraffe, Hippo, Wildebeest, Kudu,
Lechwe, Lion and Leopard, among many others. Birding is
spectacular, especially in the spring and summer months when the
migrants are breeding.
Safari activities are conducted by
licensed guides eager to share their in-depth knowledge and
impart the treasured secrets of this great wilderness.
Day 11 - (July 3, 2025) ILala Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
At a time to be advised by the lodge manager, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Kasane, where a company representative will assist you connecting witgh your driver, who will transfer you to Ilala Lodge in Vic Falls, where you will be accommodated in a Deluxe Room on a Bed and Breakfast Basis.
Includes: Breakfast, Minibar with complimentary initial stocking of 2 beers, 2 cokes, 2 sugar-free soft drinks, 1x 250 ml red wine, 1x 250ml white wine and chocolates. Mineral water replenished twice dailyExcludes: All other meals and personal extras not specified, Any services not specified.
Zimbabwe is a stunning destination for its raw beauty and world class safaris. A landlocked country in southern Africa known for its reserves and national parks, brimming with natural wonder. Here, guests can enjoy deluxe accommodation and exquisite cuisines. The spectacular landscape of this African land shares the Victoria Falls and Zambezi river with its neighbour, Zambia. Visitors can enjoy the "Smoke that Thunders" Victoria Falls 108m waterfall in Batoka Gorge. On the river, theres white-water rafting, great picnic spots and even bungee-jumping.
At the national parks on the river, visitors can see the majestic hippos and rhinos. Not to be outdone, the variety of birdlife in Zimbabwe is unparalleled and a bird-watchers paradise. From the luxurious lodges and hotels, to well-constructed camp sites, visitors can enjoy an array of animal sighting, accommodation and fun-packed activities in these amazing national parks. For those who enjoy water related activities, Lake Kariba, the worlds largest man-made dam, offers a variety of activities from sunset cruises to water sports to fishing. Houseboat holidays are a popular choice on this beautiful lake and a special thrill is staying on the lake over full moons when the water is magical and it feels like heaven is touching earth.
Ilala Lodge Hotel is in the heart of the town Victoria Falls, where the Smoke that Thunders inspires all that stand in its regal glory. The lodge is idyllically situated on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River boasting impressive views of the natural wonder of the world. The hotel features the award-winning Palm Restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of traditional cuisine. There is also a large azure swimming pool and trendy sociable cocktail bar where you can while away leisure hours.
No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. You'll understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the Falls, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away.
Day 12 (July 4, 2025)
After breakfast you will be collected from your lodge for
your Tour of the Falls
Includes: Transfers, Park Fees
Excludes: Gratuities, Any services not specified.
No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven
Natural Wonders of the World. You'll understand it instantly as
we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular
vantage points along the width of the Falls, and the sight of
this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away.
Walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which
flanks the Falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as
it cascades to the depths below the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls,
Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone
Island. We'll stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and
thunderous noise, as millions of litres of water tumble over the
Falls into a series of narrow gorges below. The seventh Natural
Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and
you'll be privileged to have watched it.
You will be
returned for some leisure time and lunch (Own account) before
being collected again for your sunset cruise excursion
Scheduled Zambezi Explorer Sunset Cruise Deck 1&2
Includes: Transfers, Park Fees
Excludes:
Gratuities, Any services not specified.
The flagship Zambezi Explorer is a 140 seater boat and is the
first of its kind on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. The vessel
has two lower decks as well as the exclusive signature deck that
seats 30 passengers. Facilities on the signature deck include a
fully stocked bar, wheelchair, wheelchair toilet and Wi-Fi. It
also houses a kitchen where fresh cooked food is prepared. The
cruise rate includes canapes and beverages.
You will be
returned to your lodge for the rest of the day to be spent at
leisure, lunch and dinner for own account
Day 13 (July 5, 2025)
After breakfast and check out, you will be transferred with
English-speaking driver from Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls
Airport (VFA), where you will check in for your onward flights
(Departure flight excluded from the quoted safari
costs).
S
Includes:
·
Multimedia Documentation
·
VIP Meet and Greet
·
Accommodation as indicated
·
Meals as specified
·
Transfers as specified
·
Light aircrat transfers as indicated
·
Activities as specified
·
Park Fees/ Conservation levies / Entrance fees / Taxes as
specified
Excludes:
·
Flights: International & Regional
·
Transfers not specified
·
Any meals or drinks not specified
·
Park Fees/ Conservation levies not specified
IMPORTANT
TRAVEL NOTES
Visitors to South Africa
must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after
the intended departure date from South Africa and 6 months after
the intended departure date for the rest of Southern Africa.
Passports should also have a minimum of two blank passport pages
per country visited. The blank pages cannot include the
endorsement page at the back of the book. If there is
insufficient space in the passport, entry into a country could
be denied. If you require a visa, you must ensure that your
passport has two blank facing pages - one for the visa and one
for the entry stamp. Visitors who intend on travelling to South
Africa's neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply
for multiple entry visas. Visitors must have a return ticket. It
is essential that you check current visa and medical
requirements at your local embassy or consulate of the country
you intend to visit, prior to travelling. Please make a copy of
your front and back pages of your passport.
Have a copy in your luggage and one at home.
Checked Baggage
The following important
rules for checked baggage will be applied at OR Tambo
International Airport in Johannesburg:
•
Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed to be checked
in. This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface
to be accepted
•
Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed
•
Bags with longs straps will not be allowed
These rules are
implemented in order to prevent blockages and breakdowns in the
baggage-handling system caused by bags that do not have any flat
surfaces or that have long straps or grips. Passengers who try
to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will have
the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at
airport-approved baggage wrapping stations.(Any additional cost
for this wrapping service will be for the passengers’ own
account)
Travel Insurance
We consider adequate
travel insurance to be essential. Travel insurance is widely
available to purchase. It is the personal responsibility of each
traveller to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance
cover. Please read the policy details carefully. It is each
traveller’s personal responsibility to ensure that the insurance
cover purchased is suitable and adequate for their particular
needs. Springbok Atlas will not be responsible or liable for any
consequence of any nature arising from the failure to comply
with the responsibility of providing for adequate travel
insurance cover.