WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Uncover Botswana’s wildest landscapes on a stunning luxury safari across Botswana!Explore Botswana’s most iconic landscapes: days filled with our handpicked selection of the best sights, experiences and accommodation!
- Moremi Game Reserve: Enjoy spectacular sightings of an unrivalled variety of birds and large concentrations of stunning wildlife including elephants, black rhinoceros, giraffes, jackals and more during your stay at Moremi Game Reserve, an iconic part of the great Okavango Delta.
- Makgadikgadi Pans: Marvel at the extraordinary sight of the Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the world’s largest salt pans situated in the midst of a savannah. From its mini migration of tens of thousands of zebras and wildebeest to its enormous population of birds, this is wild Botswana at its best.
- Chobe Game Reserve: Look forward to leisurely game drives and water safaris as you travel across a rich array of dry and water landscapes, home to wildebeest, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, large prides of lions, elephants, buffalos and so much more.
This is an action-packed, luxury photo safari adventure through the wilds of Botswana that you will never forget!
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Adventure starts!
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve
◽️ DAY 5-6 | Botswana
Central Kalahari G/R
◽️ DAY 7-8 | Botswana
Okavango Delta
◽️ DAY 9 | Return
End of safari
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 African Sky Boutique Hotel
AFRICAN SKY HOTEL
Guest House Overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.) | Wifi available | No Laundy service
Welcome to South Africa! Johannesburg (JNB / OR Tambo) Airport arrival with meet & greet service.
Your arrival night overnight accommodation: AfricaSky Boutique Hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International airport. A short drive will have you arriving at an oasis, rooms beautifully appointed and nestled in a peaceful lush garden. Enjoy dinner, bed & breakfast all on-site. True African hospitality and service excellence.
Just look out towards the information desk located in the arrivals hall for your pick-up with your name on it. 10 Minute road transfer to your overnight accommodation.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4
MOREMI GR (Okavango Delta)
Safari Days
📍 Okuti Camp
MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
At the place where the life-giving waters of the Okavango Delta meet the vast plains of the Kalahari Desert, Mother Nature has created a sanctuary of Mopane forests, open grasslands, seasonal floodplains and riverine habitats, resulting in one of the most magnificent and welcoming animal environments in all of Africa! Encompassing the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve includes permanent water as well as drier areas, creating beautiful and unexpected contrasts.
amed after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. Prominent geographical features in the Moremi are Chiefs Island and the Moremi Tongue. Moremi Game Reserve is a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, situated in the Okavango Delta. The reserve is unfenced, and its boundaries are defined by natural water systems. The vegetation is varied, with dry land complemented by permanent and seasonal swamplands, resulting in an excellent diversity of both wildlife and birdlife.
The Moremi Game Reserve, although not one of the largest parks, presents insights and views even for the most experienced of travelers. Home to nearly 500 species of bird (from water birds to forest dwellers), and a vast array of other species of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyaena, jackal, impala, and red lechwe. African Wild dog, Lycaon pictus, is resident and has been the subject of a project run in the area since 1989; thus this species is often seen wearing collars emplaced by researchers. The sitatunga and lechwe live in the papyrus banks of the waterways with lions, cheetahs and packs of wild dogs hunting in the open grassland. The Moremi Game Reserve is home to over 400 of the Okavango’s species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, Crested Crane and Sacred Ibis. This vast array of mammal, bird, insect, plant, fish and reptile species have adapted to the Okavango Delta’s swamp conditions.
The northeast tip of Moremi, Khwai is an area where evergreen trees line wide floodplains. It boasts excellent density and diversity of both predator and prey species with leopard sightings consistently good. From an ontological perspective, Saddle-billed storks, wattled cranes and many species of kingfishers and bee-eaters are common. In the heart of Moremi, at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, lies the renowned Xakanaxa Lagoon comprising mopane forests and a patchwork of deep waterways and shallow flooded areas, creating a beautiful area packed with game. Leopard and cheetah are regularly seen and the density of antelope is notable. The area’s birdlife is exceptional.
ACTIVITIES
Twice daily game drives, Water based boat safaris & more!
Activity: Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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OKUTI CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Okuti camp is located in the Moremi Game Reserve , part of the greater Okavango Delta of Botswana.
The camp overlooks the meandering Maunachira River which flows into the Xakanaxa Lagoon.The architecture of the rooms has been designed to echo the natural surroundings, with each room in a curved reed pod and a raised viewing platform. It has five twin bedrooms with en-suite bathroom and a hot and cold running shower. All rooms have flush toilets.
ACTIVITIES
This camp is perfectly situated space for an African adventure, both on land and water.
Comfortable safari vehicles designed to withstand the local terrain; with morning and evening safaris available, make this destination a desirable location. Safari by motorboat along the river and observe the many creatures that frequent the river. The abundant year-round wildlife that surrounds the site gives you plenty of opportunities to see something exciting.
If you enjoy fly or spin fishing, then this is a dream paradise for you, as you can experience on the Xakanaxa Lagoon. Choose to spend the evening sitting around a camp-fire, or watch from the viewing area of your room the abundant nocturnal wildlife.
*Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta - Moremi Game Reserve! Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a road transfer to camp.
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
CHALETS
GAME VIEW
DAY 5-6
KALAHARI GR
Safari Days
📍 Dinaka Camp
KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a superlative wilderness covering the centre of Botswana full of wildlife, stars and a safari lover’s dreams. With vast stretches of unmodified landscapes and plant groups ranging from a mosaic of enormous clay pans and fossil river basins to undulating, vegetated sand dunes and woods, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a place of outstanding natural phenomena and is of exceptional natural beauty.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to some of southern Africa's most distinctive wildlife, including several densely populated threatened animal species like the Brown Hyena and a variety of raptors. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to the largest variety of the lion species in Africa, the "black maned lion," one variation of the panthera leo.
One of the best illustrations of how people and nature can coexist, especially in dry environments, is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It is a location where the Basarwa (San) people have lived beside what is thought to be a difficult environment for a long time. They have survived by hunting animals responsibly using poisoned arrows made from only the best of nature's creations.
Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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DINAKA CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
An exclusive private conservancy hugging the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Dinaka is host to one of the most unique bio-diversities in Southern Africa. This ever-changing desert landscape gives refuge to the Kalahari lion, springbok, Oryx and brown hyena. The camp itself was acquired in 2017 and provides the perfect start or finish to any discerning travelers Botswana safari.
7 spacious safari tents with twin or double beds feature en-suite bathrooms. The luxurious tents are complete with indoor and outdoor showers, hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Well-spaced away from each other and raised up on wooden decks offers guests a wonderful view from the comfort of the suite over a permanent water hole.
The camp also features a beautiful dining and lounge area, swimming pool and sleep out deck, where guests may have the opportunity to sleep under the magical African night sky.
ACTIVITIES
Guests enjoy thrilling morning and afternoon safari drives in open safari vehicles. The afternoon safari drives usually continue into the evening. Travelers may also get more up close and personal with nature during the adventurous guided bush walks.Featuring water holes all year round result in fantastic photographic opportunities either from the safari vehicle, on foot or from one of several hides.
As the camp is located alongside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the main activities involve exploring the Kalahari experience by 4x4 safari vehicles, with a maximum of four guests per vehicle.Wildlife encountered here includes giraffe, antelope, as well as small mammals like the honey badger, bat-eared fox and porcupine to predators including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard and brown hyena.
Walking safaris and night game drives are also available!
Bird watching enthusiasts are in for a special treat! This area is home to over 200 different bird species including the Kori Bustard and Crimson Breasted Shrike and a high concentration of Pale Chanting Goshawks.
*Morning scheduled charter flight to the Central Kalahari Game reserve!Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp. Arrive for lunch, enjoy an afternoon siesta and get ready for the afternoon game viewing! *Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 7-8
OKAVAGO DELTA
Safari Days
📍 Shinde Camp
OKAVANGO DELTA (North)
Area Overview
Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta is where the wild things are: an immense, water logged oasis alive with elephants and birdlife, adrift in the middle of Kalahari sands. The real magic of the Delta lies in its water, trickling through from far away highlands, and spreading across the channels and floodplains.
A maze of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 16,000 sq km in flood and shrinking to less than 9,000 sq km in the dry season. It is a lush water-wilderness of papyrus swamps, shallow reed-beds and floodplains, dotted with islands and laced with a network of channels.
Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands the fresh water oasis attracts wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique wilderness. The fragile ecosystem remain one of the world’s unspoilt and beautiful wildernesses where a vast diversity of animals and birds can be seen.
When the rains arrive, they transform the floodplains into a Noah’s Ark of African wildlife. As the water brings life to the delta, its local residents shape and recreate it. Termites slowly build mounds into islands, germinated with palm trees by passing elephants. Waterways open and close on the whim of wide-bottomed hippos, carving out channels where they crash through reeds, and leaving room behind them for exploration by mokoro.Over 400 species of birds, nearly 200 species of mammals, and over 150 species of reptiles!
For those looking to get a little closer to nature, guided bush walks are conducted on a number of the nearby islands, offering an opportunity to track some of the larger land-based species that inhabit this water wilderness. Bird- watching opportunities are outstanding, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an activity. This activity is based on the water levels at the time.
Safari days!
ACTIVITIES
Water-based activities are led by experienced professional guides who expertly navigate guests through the many meandering, reed-lined waterways. Alternatively, enjoy the endless channels from the comfort of a modern motorboat or glide silently through the giant reeds and waterways in a traditional mokoro. There are also guided walks on offer which are a great way to enjoy the wildlife up close and to stretch the legs!
SHINDE CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate, classic camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camps unique main area comprises of a multi-tiered dining room and lounge which is set under canvas under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees.
Rebuilt in 2020, the Shinde pays homage to its former self retaining the authentic classic safari style. The new tents and main area provide a luxury experience with a touch of historical charm. The décor of the new camp can be described as “the best of nature within an authentic safari design. Elegant, Classic, Opulent ‘Out of Africa’. A ‘worldly’ sophisticated safari experience. Every possible comfort has been created for – from full solar electricity and a private viewing deck, through to yoga mats!
ACTIVITIES
Courtesy of its location Shinde can offer both water and land activities year-round. Motorboats or Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish. .
Transfer to camp via light aircraft*. Arrive for lunch, enjoy an afternoon siesta and get ready for the afternoon game viewing! *Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 9
RETURN
RETURN
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR
SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED