WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Spectacular safari days packed with our handpicked selection of the best sights, experiences and accommodation!
- Prepare to be astonished by the incredible sight of Zimbabwe’s majestic Victoria Falls. Your time here will be brimming with a variety of thrilling experiences, from up-close encounters with elephants to exhilarating activities like white-water rafting, helicopter tours, and even a visit to an authentic African village.
- Savuti is famous for its mysterious and fascinating channel. It runs a distance of 100 kilometers from the Chobe River, through a gap in the sand ridge, to the Mababe Depression. Falling only approximately 18 meters, this channel brings water from the Chobe to Mababe, creating a small marsh where it enters the Depression. Flowing in Livingstone’s time, the channel was dry in 1880, and remained dry for about 70 years. It flooded again in 1957. Savuti Marsh has been dry for the past 18 years.
- Embark on an enthralling water safari through Botswana’s enchanting & Chobe National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot magnificent wildlife such as hippos, leopards, giraffes, and crocodiles. All of this from the comfort of the luxurious Chobe River House Boat, which offers unmatched views from its private viewing deck
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-3 | Botswana
Okavango Delta
◽️ DAY 4-6 | Botswana
Chobe N/P (Savute)
◽️ DAY 7-8 | Botswana
Chobe River
◽️ 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.)
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 2-3
OKAVAGO DELTA
Safari Days
📍 Camp Okavango
NXAGARAH ISLAND (Okavango Delta)
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.
Activity: 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!
CAMP OKAVANGO
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Camp Okavango offers an exceptional safari experience nestled in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. The camp features luxurious tented accommodations with all the comforts of home, including en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains. With a focus on eco-friendly design, Camp Okavango allows guests to experience nature without sacrificing luxury. The camp's intimate atmosphere, combined with personalized service, ensures that every guest feels well-cared-for throughout their stay.
Guests can enjoy a variety of thrilling activities, from mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) rides and guided walking safaris to exhilarating game drives in open vehicles. The Okavango Delta is teeming with diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and countless bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to relax in a tranquil setting or embark on an unforgettable adventure, Camp Okavango offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, with incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Botswana’s wilderness.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 4-6
SAVUTE (Chobe GR)
Safari Days
📍 Savute Safari Lodge
SAVUTE (Chobe Game Reserve)
Area Overview
This famous western corner of Chobe is one of Botswana's best-known wildlife areas. Savuti covers almost 5,000 km2 and includes the Savuti Marsh, Savute Channel, the Mababe Depression, and Magwikhwe Sand Ridge - each a result of the region's tectonic instability. The Savuti Marsh is the relic of a large inland lake, now fed by the erratic Savuti Channel.
The wild and enigmatic Savute region offers a different experience to the Chobe Riverside. Savute is synonymous with lions and hyenas. It also hosts a diverse range of predators and plains game species. Savute's pans, waterholes, and channel support a large population of bull elephants. Game-viewing conditions are better in the dry season. After the rains, the area transforms into lush grassland with thousands of zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo. The zebra-wildebeest migration is one of nature's great spectacles, attracting cheetah and providing a bounty for predators. The rocky areas around Savuti provide an excellent habitat for leopard and klipspringer antelope.
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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SAVUTE SAFARI LODGE
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Welcome to Savute Channel & Savute Marsh, located inside the Chobe Natonal Park! Situated on the banks of Botswana's fabled “Stolen River” the Savute Channel. This arid region of the Chobe is known for the enigmatic Savute Channel, large numbers of lions, open plains, the annual Zebra migration (usually around March) and baobab trees.
Savute is justly famous for its high concentrations of predators, and if you visit in summer (about November to March), you may be lucky enough to witness the Linyanti/Chobe zebra migration as well as enjoying amazing bird watching. The Chobe National Park stretches from the tip of northern Botswana to the fringes of the Okavango Delta. It has a wide range of distinctive landscapes, from the emerald floodplains of the Chobe River to the sweeping grasslands of the Savuti Marsh and skeletal leadwood trees in the Savuti Channel.At times flowing and other times dry, the channel forms part of a rich ecosystem renowned for its large concentrations of elephant, spotted hyena and lion - the latter two often being in brutal conflict over kills and territory - and the region is one of Botswana's premier game-viewing destinations.
The Lodge is situated on the banks of Botswana’s fabled “Stolen River”- the Savute Channel.
The main building is made of thatch and timber and has a lounge, library, and cocktail bar. It is nearby is the viewing deck, which is ideal for watching game at the waterhole below. The real drama, however, lies away from camp when you head out on early morning and late afternoon game drives in search of big game.
Savute Safari Lodge accommodates 24 guests in local timber and glass suites with cool thatching, beautifully furnished in fresh colors. All chalets have private decks, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite facilities, which sets the lodge apart from typical safari accommodation. A viewing deck, al fresco dining area and swimming pool - ideal for watching game at the water hole. After dinner, enjoy a night-cap by the fire-side whilst viewing the bull elephants congregate at the waterhole.
ACTIVITIES:
Land based 4x4 game viewing!
Transfer to Savute by road or air*. Airstrip meet & greet followed by 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 details.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 7-8
CHOBE RIVER
Water based safari days!
📍 Chobe Princess House Boat
CHOBE RIVER
Area Overview
Chobe National Park includes two incredible wildlife areas: Chobe Riverfront and Savute. The Chobe River is one of Africa’s magical rivers, attracting animal of all sizes. Chobe also offers the highest density of elephants to be found anywhere in Africa, Chobe National Park is the ultimate safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in nature's grandeur and witness the breathtaking spectacle of Chobe River's prolific wildlife, where majestic elephants roam freely, diverse bird species take flight, and unforgettable safari adventures await, making it a must-visit destination for every intrepid traveler.
The Chobe River forms its northern boundary and in the extreme south-west it borders the Moremi Game Reserve. The riverfront is a markable wildlife area due to the permanent water source of the Chobe River. Most wildlife activity occurs along the banks of the river - especially during the drier winter months (May – October) when animals congregate at the river to quench their thirst. The spectacle of all the animals coming to drink and frolic at the water's edge is a sight to behold! Birding enthusiasts will find the riverfront a fantastic destination at this time with more than 400 species of birds, including migratory species and numerous birds of prey.
All that said, Chobe National Park is most famous for its elephant and buffalo populations, both of which can herd in mammoth proportions. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, these gentle giants constantly surround you.
The park's picturesque wetlands also attract a wide variety of bird life, with the chance to see numerous species among the 460 that call this place home or pass through, including raptors, vultures, and waterfowl.Head out on a sunrise game drive to observe the animals at the beginning of their day, when they are most active. You might even spot a leopard returning from a hunt.When you return to your luxury accommodations at the lodge in the evening, take pleasure in the comforts it offers, gather for dinner, and share stories about your day.
CHOBE PRINCESS
House Boat Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks
Take your Chobe River game viewing experience to another level! With no set itinerary and only a small number of guests per boat, staying here feels like being on your own houseboat – and a very well appointed one! .
Cruising along the Chobe River (Chobe NP) at a leisurely pace with ever-changing landscapes is an exclusive and unique experience! Give your safari an edgy flavor and include a stay on a beautiful house boat -the perfect end to your trip! Game viewing from the water provides a different perspective to wildlife behavior and the fishing opportunities are a dream come true for any avid fisherman!
Each cabin is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, and each has its own private view onto the ever-changing landscapes beyond.As you lie on your king-sized bed, spot an elephant grazing on the riverbank nearby, or see a fish eagle diving for its prey. On the upper entertainment deck, a spacious lounge and bar area encourages you to take time out while there’s also a plunge pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip. After a day spent doing as you please, fall asleep with the calls of hyena or even a lion drifting through the open doors of your cabin.The house boat has a minimum of 2 smaller “tender” boats for use on daily excursions.
A major attraction of the area is the elephants, whose resident population is estimated to be over 120,000. Over 450 bird species found in this wetland paradise, try your hand at landing a tiger fish, or capture Africa’s unique beauty on a photographic safari. Whatever you choose to do, your day trips will be personal and flexible because you’ll be sharing the tender boats with a small number of guests. Alternatively, simply laze on a deck chair with an ice-cold drink in hand as you soak up the tranquillity that surrounds you.
Kasane Airport or Kasane Immigration point pick up is followed by motorized boat transfer to the Namibian Immigration Office to get your passport stamped; proceed to the boat. Get ready to be amazed! See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
Transfer to the Houseboat details
Morning pick up followed by 1.5hr road transfer to Kasane Immigration point in Botswana - Arrive at Kasane Immigration Point between 1pm-2pm foe meet & greet by houseboat representative. Next, transfers by small tender boat from Kasane immigration via Impalila Island immigration or customs clearance. The boat transfer is about 20 minutes. Please take note of Passpoert requitement & of empty Visa page requirement as well as unabridges birth certificate requirements for minors
FULL BOARD
HOUSE BOAT
GAME VIEW
DAY 9
RETURN
DEPARTURE
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!
TRAVEL INFO
◽️ 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