DESERT WOLF Botswana and Zambia BIG 5 Wildlife and Waterfall Safari

Short Description:

Owners and prospective owners of DESERT WOLF –Trailers are invited to join us on our “Desert Wolf Botswana / Zambia BIG 5 Wildlife and Waterfall Safari “. People preferring travelling without a trailer, or even those with non-Desert Wolf trailers are also welcome. Duration -10 days. This is a “Self –drive Safari” with camping accommodation using your Desert Wolf Trailer (or if you don’t own one yet you can rent one from us). We visit the beautiful Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti, Chobe, and Victoria Falls.

This safari is particularly suited to people not wanting to rush from place to place as it is designed specifically for off-road trailer owners who wish to remain in a camp site for longer periods, enabling them to relax (as this is after-all a holiday!) and focus on maximising game viewing –and other opportunities. This is therefore not a "pack-up-and-rush/camp -somewhere-else-everyday"-safari! – and we camp for several nights in our primary destination’s campsites.

PS: You need not be a “camel man” (or woman) to enjoy this safari – this trip is for the whole family to enjoy!

Participants: Minimum 3 vehicles. Children are welcome to join us as this is a ‘family-friendly’- safari.

Trip Duration: 10 days

Start and end Country/City: RSA - Pretoria

Activities (either included or optional): 4x4 Driving, Elephant Riding, Game - and Bird Viewing, Game Drives, Photography, Videography, Mokoro Riding, Water Rafting, Bungi Jumping, Sunset Cruise, etc.

Vehicle Requirements: 4x4 with low range. Recovery equipment advisable. Vehicle and trailer must be in good condition. People preferring travelling without a trailer, or even those with non-Desert Wolf trailers are also welcome.

Other Requirements: You need to be self – sufficient i.t.o. fuel, camping equipment, water and supplies, medical needs etc. Passports for both countries are required, and must be valid for a period of at least six months after the safari has commenced. Visas and health inoculations are not required for RSA citizens. We only camp where there are ablution/ toilet/ facilities and water.

Scheduled safari dates:

· Saturday 6 September to Monday 15 September 2003.

· Saturday 4 October to Monday 13 October 2003.

· Saturday 25 October to Monday 3 November 2003.

· Saturday 15 November to Monday 24 November 2003.

· Saturday 13 December to Monday 22 December 2003.

Long Description:

ITINERARY Our focus on the safari is to maximise game viewing opportunities – as well as water-based adventure activities and therefore we plan to camp in the same spot for more than one day at a time in the relevant primary NP’s / places of interest. During those days we travel only short distances and do not break/ set camp every day. We then have the flexibility during those days to go on various game drives in the area, to join in special activities (like mokoro rides into the Delta, visiting the famous Victoria Falls or river rafting on the Zambezi River) and return later in the day or afternoon to the base camp with its comforts, or just to relax in the camp. More time is therefore spent at our primary destinations being the Okavango Delta in Moremi NP, as well as Chobe NP/ Victoria Falls.

The safari is offered to a minimum of 3 vehicles but we will also limit the maximum number of vehicles to ensure the highest level of comfort and attention.

The safari starts in Pretoria, travelling with your own 4x4 vehicle and towing your Desert Wolf trailer, into northern Botswana, and onwards to Zambia, returning to Botswana again before heading for home from Kasane. It covers the paradise of the Okavango Delta, the wild and exciting Savuti and Chobe in Botswana, and also the beautiful Victoria Falls in Zambia.

Camping with your trailer will mean accommodation is in relative luxury and comfort. As this trip is a “self-drive participation camping”- safari, guests will be guided, but will have to actively participate and will be required to assist in setting-or breaking their own camp, preparing of food etc.

Day 1: Pretoria to Khama

We start our safari early morning (about 06H00) departing from Pretoria / Gauteng and travelling +- 450 kms on good tarred roads heading for the Martinsdrift/ Groblersbrug border post via the towns of Nylstroom, Vaalwater and Ellisras. Once in Botswana- we head for Palapye and Serowe before arriving at the “Khama Rhino Reserve” in the afternoon, where we will camp for the night. If there is still time (and energy) left after setting up camp, we can go on a late afternoon/ early evening game drive in the reserve, which is dedicated to the safeguarding and breeding of Botswana’s last rhinos.

Luxury camping for the night, with a bush braai (barbecue) for dinner. Camping will be made much easier and comfortable with your fully equipped mobile off road camping trailer.

Days 2, 3 and 4: Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve

After an early breakfast we break camp and depart for the town of Maun, our last stop in ‘civilization’ for a few days. Here we can stock up on fuel and supplies before heading of into the wild for the Moremi Game Reserve. This is the "Jewel of Africa" in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where we will remain for the next 3 nights, camping in the WILD. We travel in 4x4 mode- often in low- range gear through the thick sand. Shorobe will be the last village before we enter into the real bush where the beauty of the Umbrella Thorn and the mere size of the Mopane Trees will astonish you. The Moremi forms an intricate part of the Delta, comprising permanently swamped areas and dry land. It is probably the prime tourist destination in Botswana. Moremi is a true wildlife area where elephant, hippo, lion, buffalo, giraffe and most other game can be seen in abundance. This unique reserve is also home to the Red Lechwe (buck), the very rare Sitatunga (buck) and the Pels Fishing Owl (1 of the Big 5 i.t.o. birds). We enter the Park, and once inside, we will stay in our comfortable camp at Xakanaxa (or alternatively Third Bridge or North Gate depending on availability of campsites) where we remain for three consecutive nights. Activities (optional) could include daily game drives, a boat trip or mokoro ride (traditional dug-out canoe) into the Okavango swamps, bird watching, brunches in the bush, sundowners etc. Do not be surprised if we encounter Lion and Elephant or lie safely in bed at night with the sound of Hyena and Jackal at close quarters.

Days 5, 6 and 7: Savuti / Chobe and Kasane

After breakfast we leave for Savuti in the Chobe National Park. This is BIG ELEPHANT and LION country, and will be an experience to remember. It is almost impossible to imagine that this desolate harsh landscape was once submerged beneath an enormous inland sea. The Savuti / Chobe area is one of the most photographed in the whole of Africa and many of the internationally acclaimed African wildlife videos were filmed here. The Chobe is proud of and very famous for its abundance of elephants; the highest concentration to be found anywhere in Africa. Apart from the ‘ele’s’, Chobe is also famous for its huge herds of buffalo, for its rich bird life and, not least, for its exquisite sunset boat cruises on the Chobe River, a wildlife experience not to be missed! On the way, we will stay in our comfortable camp (either Linyanti or Savuti) for one night.

On day 6, we travel further northeastwardly via Nogatsha through to Kasane where we will spend the next 3 nights at the campsite of the Chobe Safari Lodge spread along the lush banks of the Chobe River (just outside the NP). Before sunset, we might have time to go on the highly recommended and not- to-be- missed boat cruise on the Chobe River (this is an optional extra, and should

we not have sufficient time on our first day of arrival there, we can postpone the cruise until the next day). But be warned- the sunset will take your breath away and leave you in awe!

On day 7, we re-enter the Chobe NP again for a day’s game driving / exploring the northern parts along the Chobe River (– we leave the trailers behind not breaking our campsite as we will return later in the afternoon). (In case we missed the opportunity yesterday to go on the sunset cruise on the Chobe River, we will have time available and can fit it in today.)

Day 8: Victoria Falls Zambia

On day 8, we leave Kasane early morning, again with the vehicles only, for a day-trip to view the world-renowned Victoria Falls in Zambia. We cross the mighty Chobe / Zambezi rivers via the ferry at Kazangula for a short trip into Zambia, heading for the Falls at the town of Livingstone on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The famous Victoria Falls, often referred to as "The Smoke That Thunders ", are within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Now we have time for a thorough visit to the famous Waterfall, to perhaps take a quick game drive through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya NP, and/or partake in various other optional activities like Bungi jumping, white water rafting, the "Flight of the Angels”, OR also available as an extra option- and HIGHLY recommended - an ELEPHANT back ride for half a day, into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is one of those life experiences not to be missed! (- cost is however high at about USD 120 p/p.)

We will view the Falls from the Zambian side, which is much more impressive than the Zimbabwean side. This is the place where Dr. David Livingstone, who was the first (white) man that discovered the Falls once wrote: "so beautiful the angels must have gazed upon it in their flight!”

The Victoria Falls is approximately 1690m wide and varies in height from 62m (Devil's Cataract) to 109m (Eastern Cataract). In comparison the Niagara Falls are (only) 968m wide and on average 54m high.

After our day’s activities, we return in time to the Zambia/Botswana border post again for the crossing back into Botswana with the ferry. We will spend our last night at our campsite at the Chobe Safari Lodge, before the start of our return trip the next day.

Day 9:Return from Kasane via Nata to Francistown

We break camp and start our return trip, heading for Francistown on a good tar road where we will spend our last evening together in Botswana. Tonight we do not prepare our own food again- we have a buffet dinner at the Hotel’s restaurant close to our campsite (included in price).

Day 10: Return Pretoria / Gauteng

End of our SAFARI to Southern Africa, with many happy memories and experiences! We continue our return trip home along a good tarred road, crossing into RSA again at Martinsdrift/ Groblersbrug.

INCLUDED in price:

All camping fees for the 9 nights;

All park – and entrance fees into the relevant NP’s;

Cost of 2 ferry crossings Kazangula;

Dinner last evening at Marang Hotel in Francistown (buffet if available, alternatively 3 course a-la-carte);

Victoria Falls visit;

Fire wood or charcoal, and ‘blitz’ for braai each camping night;

Recovery assistance available by lead vehicle if needed;

Per each vehicle- a set of 2 of the brilliant and essential “Shell/ Veronica Roodt”- Road Maps of Moremi and Chobe;

Taxes where applicable;

Tour leader fees.

EXCLUDED from price:

Fuel / food / drinks/ toll fees/ own equipment;

Optional extras / all activities: like sunset cruise Chobe River/ adventure activities in Livingstone, or elephant back ride Zambia, etc;

Pocket money and personal purchases;

Road tax and vehicle insurance in Botswana and Zambia, as well as cost of ‘Carnet de Passage Douane’ for Zambia (highly recommended to get from AA);

Cost of Visas and any new taxes (where applicable).

PRICING:

Total cost for 10 day safari, including items defined above (payable in combination of Rand and Pula; the specifics will be provided upon booking):

Adults (incl. children older than 15) per person: R3770

Children 8 –15: R1885

Children up to 7: Free

Deposit of 25% payable upon booking (Non-refundable – however deposit will be refunded to you in case of cancellation of trip by us due to not having minimum of guests/ vehicles on trip or tour leader becoming unavailable due to illness / accident etc.

Price valid until 31 December 2003, but subject to major park -/camping-/entrance fee increases as well as exchange rate variances (Pula in Botswana, USD in Zambia). Price assuming a minimum of 3 vehicles with at least 6 adults on trip.

For more information and bookings please contact us;

David Malan at 082 564 7377 / Pretoria 012- 333 5799 or Hennie Kieser at Desert Wolf 012 – 811 1168

BOTSWANA GUIDED SELF-DRIVE CAMPING SAFARI

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?

Guests will experience an off-the-beaten-track guided self-drive family-orientated camping safari in the unspoilt wilderness of the world-renowned Botswana Okavango Delta, Moremi -, Savuti - and Chobe Game Reserves and view the majestic Victoria Falls from Zambia.

More specifically, you will experience:

Þ true African nature, varying from the lush tropical park-like vegetation surrounding the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls to the typical semi-arid grasslands with scattered thorn trees of Savuti.

Þ abundant sightings and closeness to a variety of wildlife (including the Big Five) as is only possible in the truly unspoilt Botswana / Zambian wilderness.

Þ the prolific and varied birdlife that only Botswana/ Zambia can offer, due to its diversity of vegetation and conditions.

Þ bush life and closeness to nature that is only possible with a camping safari in the wild.

Þ 4x4 driving within the natural restrictions of nature. 4x4 Driving experiences could possibly include deep sand, mud, water pools and deepwater wading. These conditions may be challenging, but not quite of a “camel trophy” nature.

Þ ample photographic and/or videographic opportunities, whether their interests are nature, sunsets, tree-spotting, waterfalls, bird or animal life or even stargazing.

Þ the feeling of truly being part of an unspoilt wilderness through camping life and self-drive opportunities. They will also experience the satisfaction of meeting the challenges of camping chores, the enjoyment of cooking succulent dinners around the campfire and the soothing sounds of nature at night to send them to sleep.

Þ Botswana and Zambia as very peaceful, politically stable and with friendly residents.

In order for all guests to enjoy the above experiences, each guest will need to:

Þ be adventure-minded so that, through his or her own active participation, the maximum enjoyment can be obtained from this safari.

Þ be open-minded, tolerant, have a sense of humour and be flexible, as we will need to deal with the forces of nature and a certain degree of inconvenience, as we will be exploring rough terrain and will have to put up with basic living conditions at times.

Þ be considerate and helpful.

Þ only leave footprints behind, not litter.

Þ comply with some basic rules in order to make the trip enjoyable for all.

Þ lastly, enjoy every moment of this trip to its fullest potential.

Please take note of the following:

* All passports, visas, health certificates, inoculations, prophylactics etc. are the responsibility of the guest. It is the responsibility of the guest to enquire from the respective consulate / embassy what the requirements are for his / her respective country of origin.

* Visa requirements

* for Zambia: It is not necessary to apply for visas in advance, as they can be bought on arrival at entry for a nominal sum (currently about USD 10). Regulations for South Africans have recently been relaxed and a visa is no longer required. Visitors from other Commonwealth countries, the Irish Republic and states with which Zambia has visa-abolition agreements, such as the Scandinavian countries and Pakistan, do not need a visa.

* for Botswana: Visas are not required of passport holders from the following countries; all Commonwealth members, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Republic of Ireland, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Uruguay and Yugoslavia. All other visitors require visas, and should apply at least 3 months in advance of their intended visit.

* Health certificate- requirements

* for Zambia: Zambia does not require any specific inoculation certificate unless visitors are from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and India, in which case certificates for cholera and yellow fever are desirable.

* for Botswana: Botswana does not require any specific inoculation certificate unless visitors are from an African country north of the Zambezi, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania etc., or from Angola or northern Namibia, where the fever is endemic, in which case a certificate for yellow fever is required.

* Malarial protection is essential. Our camping safari will take us through malaria-risk areas. Anti-malaria tablets and insect repellants are essential all year. Please consult your doctor for the medication suited for your medical requirements. We have a more detailed document available for this purpose and your information, which will be supplied upon inquiry / booking. Please note that prevention is always better than cure, and you should apply insect repellants and all your tents should be fitted with mosquito screens for your protection whilst sleeping.

* Distances, times, road conditions, fuel and campsite facilities:

* Day 1: Pta/ Gauteng to Botswana border via Nylstroom / Ellisras, Tom Bourke, good tar 400-450 kms, 4 – 4.5 hrs. Fuel readily available.

* Border to Palapye 100 kms, good tar, 1 hr. Fuel readily available.

* Palapye to Serowe 45 kms good tar, 0.5 hr. Fuel readily available.

Proper ablution facilities at Khama.

* Days 2-7: Khama to Maun via Letlhakane and Rakops, tar roads, 580 kms, 6.5 hrs. Fuel available.

* Maun to and through Moremi (North Gate / Xaxanaka / Third Bridge), as well as North Gate to Savuti, also allowing for game drives, = approx. 500 kms, mostly sand, sometimes water/mud. Last fuel available in Maun until Kasane. Provide for sufficient fuel quantity travelling in low range in sand at speed 15- 20 km p/h. Ablution facilities available at camp site/ s but not as good as expected for the fees being charged by authorities!

* Savuti to Kasane- approx. 195 kms, deep sand, gravel, and short tar, 6-8 hrs. No fuel (see previous). Linyanti or Savuti camp site- average ablutions/ showers/flush toilets. Proper ablutions/ showers/flush toilets at Chobe Safari Lodge campsite.

* Day 8: Kasane via Kazangula to Livingstone approx. 85 kms (single way), bad tar (potholes), 2 hrs (for ferry /border as well). Fuel readily available.

* Day 9: Kasane to Nata 300 kms, good tar, 3 hrs. Fuel readily available.

* Nata to Francistown 190 kms, good tar, 2 hrs. Fuel readily available. Proper ablutions/ showers/flush toilets.

* Day 10: Francistown to Border via Palapye 265 kms, good tar, 2.5 hrs. Fuel readily available.

* Border to Pta/ Gauteng good tar, 400-450 kms, 5 – 5.5 hrs. Fuel readily available.

* Total kms approx. 3200.

* Map of route: