Natural Events - Botswana Mobile Safaris

2) OVERLAND MOBILE SAFARIS - various options
Okavango - Savuti - Central Kalahari - Makgadikgadi - Chobe - Zambia Vic Falls
Start and end Jo'burg International Airport
9 or 12 Days of authentic wildlife Safari and stunning spectacle!

To download Power Point a presention of these Safaris click on image.

Pre and Post conference
This safari consists of a core itinerary followed or preceded by optional itineraries

Includes:
. Start and end Jo'burg International Airport
. Johannesburg overnight B&B
. flights to & from Johannesburg
. light aircraft transfers per itinerary
. upgraded tents
. vehicles
. park & reserve fees
. camp fees
. guide
. all meals (except at lodges where stipulated)
. Sunset Zambezi cruise and visit to Victoria Falls (where this option is selected).

Go to pre-conference itineraries
Go to post-conference itineraries
Go to descriptions of safaris
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Notes on rates

This package includes international flights at discount fare rates. There are a very limited number of fares at these rates on each flight and demand will be high August 6 and August 14. These fares are subject to availability & to currency fluctuations. As availability declines the cost of seats will increase towards the normal commercial rate.

This package may include light aircraft transfers, usually by Cessna 206 between Maun and Rakops/Central Kalahari and between Maun and Kasane. Please note that there is usually a 12 kg luggage limit for these aircraft. The fare basis is dependent on the number of passengers and is dependent on local taxes and currency fluctuations. With an optimum number of passengers some savings may be possible.

We are attempting to keep costs as low as possible for Ithala 2004 delegates. The rates posted may vary, depending on currency fluctuation, flight availability and airline costs for 2004. Rather than post a higher rate to cover all eventualities we have posted the best rate we can but you will need to confirm. Please confirm the exact rate & availability at the time of booking which should be by 20% deposit as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR KIT LIST:

PRE-conference

Core itinerary NE-1B - (options precede this):
9 nights of authentic Safari and stunning sites - Semi-Participation

Inclusive of flights from and to Johannesburg airport to meet the Ithala 2004 transfer
Day 1 (July 29): Fly Johannesburg to Maun and transfer to concession area NG32 - N.E. Okavango area (Camping: Fully Inclusive - excluding drinks)
Day 2 (July 30): NG32 - activities (Camping: Fully Inclusive - excluding drinks)
Day 3 (July 31): Safari to wonderful Moremi Wildlife Reserve - set up camp (Camping: Fully Inclusive - excluding drinks)
Day 4 (August 1): Game viewing & activities in Moremi Wildlife Reserve (Camping: Fully Inclusive - excluding drinks)
Day 5 (August 2): Safari to magical Savute Grassland/Marshes (Camping: Fully Inclusive - excluding drinks)
Day 6 (August 3): Chobe Safari Lodge (Camping; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) - Cruise on Chobe River into famous Chobe National Park
Day 7 (August 4): Morning at Chobe Safari Lodge and then transfer across the Zambezi River to Lost Horizons Lodge (B&B) on the Zambia side Victoria Falls - (Option: Sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi)
Day 8 (August 5): Lost Horizons (B&B) - (Option: visit the Falls)
Day 9 (August 6): Breakfast at Lost Horizons, transfer to Livingstone airport and on to Johannesburg. Overnight Jo'burg - Holiday Inn Garden Court
Day 10(August 7): Transfer to Ithala 2004 (not included in cost - separate booking required)

CORE SAFARI - (NE-1B) - semi-participation
Cost per person twin sharing: $2129 USD p. person To get today's approximate rate (This rate must be confirmed - see note at top of page)
Inclusive of:
All flights as per itinerary (inc to and from Johannesburg International).
Tents, bed packs, guides, transport, camp fees, park fees, activities and meals as per itinerary. (B&B only at Lost Horizons Lodge to facilitate 'eating out')
Hotel in Johannesburg night before transfer to Ithala 2004
Excludes:
Tips, gratuities, curios, personal items, any required VISA fees, alcoholic drinks
The options to visit the Falls and Cruise the Zambezi require inexpensive transfers and can be booked and paid on arrival at the Lost Horizons at local cost-rates.

NOTE: The flight from Johannesburg leaves mid-morning you may need to arrive Johannesburg the day previous?
NOTE: This package requires a minimum of 6 persons to run. Should more people, up to a maximum of 12, book this Safari it may be possible to negotiate a reduction of up to 14%.
NOTE: Booking deposits have been received for 7 persons - this departure is confirmed ( April 27, 2004 )

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Optional extension to and PRECEDING the above Safari - NE-1B Extension
12 nights Add 3 nights extra and get a truly mind-expanding experience - visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

POST-conference

Core itinerary NE-2A - (options follow this):
9 nights of authentic Safari and stunning sites - Semi-Participation

Outline of Safaris

Basics: We explore the less traveled, remote game areas that give you a true feeling of the beauty of Africa and it's wilderness. Experience the ruggedness of the African bush with a "hands-in" (rather than a "hands-on") involvement, become part of the environment and not just a spectator.

The Safaris are organised on a semi-participation basis i.e. you get to pitch your own tents (normally easy-to-erect Safari bow-type tents but for the Ithala 2004 package the tents have been increased from 2.1 to 2.4 m and will be erected with some help) and can help with food preparation or simply sit back and relax around an open camp fire. The trail accommodates a maximum of only 12 people so that every one can enjoy a very personal experience with the African bush. All safaris will be conducted by Professional Botswana safari guides who have in-depth knowledge of the areas of operation and a great will to share the mystery of Africa with you. We take great pride in the service standards of the personnel working with Bush Ways Safaris. We are completely committed to the conservation and preservation of the African bush and work closely with the local communities of the areas in which we operate.
Transport: All the transport vehicles used are NEW Land Rover 130 Td5's that have been specially designed for our trails. We also have custom-built trailers with fully stocked built-in kitchens. Our vehicles and trailers have been developed over a number of years to make your game viewing experience that much more comfortable and efficient allowing you more time to take in the scenic beauty and changing ecological environments of Africa. Not to mention the time gained that can be spent searching for animals.
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Maun means "the place of short reeds". Established in 1915, this once frontier town has turned to tourism and is now the main center of the tourist industry in Botswana. It is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Okavango Delta". Maun was best known as being a small outpost in the "back-of-beyond", and although this is no longer the case, it is still home to a large mix of characters from all over Botswana, and around the world. Maun is also the administrative center of the Ngamiland District, and the seat of power of the BaTawana tribe. Being geared for tourism, Maun has many restaurants, lodges, camps, curio shops, banks, a post office, and an international airport. It therefore provides an excellent opportunity for a brief return to civilization and some shopping, etc. during the course of the trail.
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The Okavango Delta: "The river that never finds the sea".

The Okavango Delta must truly be one of Africa's most enchanted places. A swirl of lushness in a desert of Kalahari sand, the Delta is a remarkable phenomenon. It owes its origins to the formation of the rift valley across the course of the Okavango River. The area was formed over the last 5 million years due to atmospheric changes and movement of the Earth's crust.
About 5 million years ago, a relatively recent event (geologically speaking) the southern hemisphere's atmosphere became increasingly dry due to the glaciation of Antarctica, which absorbed most of the atmospheric moisture. 3 million years ago, strong easterly winds caused the formation of elongated dunes that run from east to west across the middle Kalahari. When wetter times returned these dunes channeled the flow of the rivers in one direction, into Lake Makgadikgadi. These wetter times also caused the great rivers of the middle Kalahari to flow, namely the Okavango, Chobe, and Zambezi Rivers. They all traveled eastwards with the Limpopo River into the Indian Ocean.
Then about 2 million years ago, a geological upheaval of the Earth's crust caused the formation of a fault, which changed the flow of these great rivers. This is known as the Kalahari-Zimbabwe axis and runs from Harare, through Bulawayo, and ends in the eastern side of the Kalahari. This caused the rivers to flow into and fill up the large basin that was formed, creating one of the greatest lakes in Africa - Lake Makgadikgadi.
Eventually the lake was filled to capacity and the water had to find a way to the ocean. Therefore, about 20 000 years ago the waters of this great lake were forced northwards and then eastwards. This caused the middle and lower Zambezi to connect, which resulted in the formation of Victoria Falls. With the water now able to flow out of the lake, a partial draining of the lake occurred. A drier climatic period followed which caused an increase in evaporation and a decrease in the river flow. By about 10 000 years ago the drying of the Makgadikgadi Lake was in an advanced stage. Windblown sand, as well as the Okavango River depositing increasing amounts of sediment and debris in the lake, were gradually filling the lake.
The formation of the Gumare fault caused a reduction in the elevation of the land, thus causing the water of the Okavango River to spread out over a much larger area of land and forming the now characteristic fan-shaped inland delta of the Okavango. Today the only remains of the Ancient Lake Makgadikgadi (apart from the Okavango Delta) are Nxai Pan, Lake Ngami, Lake Xau, the Mababe Depression, and the two main pans of Makgadikgadi (Sua and Ntwetwe Pans).
A characteristic of the Delta is its annual flood. The Okavango River, which rises in Angola on the Benguela Plateau, flows southeastward across the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, tumbles through the Popa Falls rapids, and enters Botswana at Mohembo. Bringing the result of heavy rains in Angola to Botswana (an estimated 11 billion cubic meters of water every year). The swollen river breaches its low-water banks and begins the annual inundation of its floodplains. No two floods are ever the same, but one can say that the permanent Delta is some 16 000 square kilometers in extent, whilst a big flood may seasonally cover as much as 18 000 square kilometers. It can take 6 months to work its way from Mohembo, through the labyrinth of channels and lagoons to reach Maun.

More than 95% of the Okavango's water evaporates before it reaches the Thamalakane River near Maun. The Thamalakane River drains the area and leads the remainder of the water to the Boteti River, which flows through a break in the fault to Lake Xau and eventually the Makgadikgadi Pans. This outflow of water is one of the reason's why the water in the Delta is fresh, since it carries away the salts. The flooding of the Okavango is not a violent process. The waters spread gently down the channels and across the plains. The total fall in height from one end of the delta to the other is only 62 meters, and that over a distance of some 250 kilometers! The slow movement of water means a low sediment load and hence the incredible clarity and purity of the Okavango's water, for which it is justly renowned.
Unique as one of the world's few inland deltas, the Okavango Delta adds enormously to the variety of experiences open to the visitor. An obvious attraction is the spectacular game viewing; among the best in the world and certainly situated in the most unspoilt corner of Africa. Herds of elephants can be seen here, as well as all the main cats, hyenas, wild dogs and many antelope, including the rare and shy sitatunga. Not only the wildlife, but also the vegetation makes for an interesting visit. The only vegetation types that can survive in such a unique system are reeds and papyrus. Reeds (Phragmites australis and P. mauritiarius) grow in the water of medium depth and are rooted. Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) on the other hand, floats and bends easily with the current. Papyrus is mainly eaten by Sitatunga. Other interesting plants include: - The underwater plants such as Bladderworts (Utricularia spp.) and Water Chestnuts (Trapa natans), as well as; - The floating plants such as Water Lilies (Nymphaea caerulea). A tree species common only to the perennial swamp and not to the seasonal swamp, is the Delta Palm (Phoenix reclinata).
Other delta experiences open to the visitor are: - Take to the waters of this magic world of islands and lagoons by dugout canoe (mokoro) and, or power boat. - Aircrafts offer flights over the delta, which provides an excellent opportunity to view the delta system as a whole unit. A very memorable experience!
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Makgadikgadi Pans National Park:

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park was declared a game reserve in 1970, but in December 1992 it was enlarged and declared a national park. Today it comprises 4 900 square kilometers. The whole reserve was once submerged beneath the ancient lake Makgadikgadi. The valley in which the Boteti River is situated once formed the "neck" of the original hourglass shape of the ancient lake Makgadikgadi. The Boteti River today forms the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
About one fifth of the reserve comprises saltpans and the rest consists mainly of rolling grassland, which yields very nutritious and desirable grasses. These grasslands attract thousands of animals each year between October and April. Apart from the pans area and the grassland, there is the Boteti River with its thick sand and lush riverine vegetation. Although the Boteti only occasionally flows to capacity, there are usually perennial pools in this river that attract waterbuck, bushbuck and have resident hippos. These diverse habitat types (namely: riverine woodland, scrubland, pure grassland, and saltpans) make the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park unique.
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Central Kalhari Game Reserve: Is the last domain of the nomadic Bushmen, whom the area was originally set aside for to protect, so that they could preserve their way of life without any knowledge of the encroaching modern world. However, the last of this once nomadic race can now be found in small villages dotted throughout the reserve. The vegetation consists mainly of Acacia woodland, Acacia scrub, Terminalia sericea sandveld and sandveld scrub. The best season is most certainly during the rainy season when everything is green and thousands of springbok and gemsbok are attracted to the north, but a visit at any time of the year is most rewarding in this incredibly beautiful reserve.

Moremi Wildlife Reserve: This wildlife reserve was declared by the BaTawana people in 1963, the first wildlife sanctuary to be created by an African tribe in their own area, and as such is unique. This act was described at the time as a shining mark in African tribal history.
In the late 1800's a Rinderpest epidemic spread through the continent, wiping out a large % of the wildlife and cattle in Africa. As wild animals are the hosts of the Tsetse fly, this led to a natural decrease in the Tsetse fly population in the area. Now it was possible for the movement of cattle into and through the area without the fear of disease. The Batawana tribe feared that continued competition between the returning game and the cattle herds for grazing, and uncontrolled hunting would lead to the destruction of the habitat and a decrease in the game populations. During this time, (late 1950's, early 1960's), the tribe was being governed by Mrs. Moremi, the widow of Chief Moremi III, whose son, Matiba, was too young to rule. Thus the Moremi Game Reserve was officially proclaimed on 15 March 1963.

The Moremi Wildlife Reserve is administered today by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks; it is a rich and fascinating area. The Moremi Game Reserve forms an intricate part of the Okavango Delta, comprising permanently swamped areas, seasonally swamped areas, and dryland. Located on the northeast side of the delta, it is probably the prime tourist destination in Botswana, due to the fact that it encompasses several different types of ecological zones. The total surface area of this reserve is 4 871 square kilometers. This is almost one-third of the Okavango Delta-a fact Botswana can be very proud of. The dryland areas of Moremi consist mainly of Mopane veld (Colophospermum mopane). The giant mopane trees form the canopy woodland and lend an atmosphere unique to this area. The other main vegetation types are riverine woodland, floodplain grassland, marginal woodland on the edges of the floodplains, Terminalia sericea sandveld, Acacia erioloba sandveld, and Hyphaene petersiana island communities. Teeming with bird life and wildlife makes Moremi a prime wildlife area where elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, and most other game (including eland, kudu, roan antelope, and if you're lucky even leopard) can be seen in abundance. Bird life (both in the delta and dryland sections) is excellent especially along the Khwai River. During the dry season a congregation of all species, (bird and wildlife), along permanent rivers and water holes makes Moremi Game Reserve one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa!
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Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park Chobe is a large game reserve covering an area of 10 698 square kilometers, which makes it the third-largest park/game reserve in Botswana. During the 1930's Botswana was still a British protectorate known as Bechuanaland. In those days very few people visited the Chobe riverfront, and the area was used mainly for hunting and timber. The large elephant population lured many a hunter to the area during the time when ivory trade was rife, and conservation of wildlife and the environment was not a high priority. The then commissioner of Botswana, Colonel Charles Rey, wanted to proclaim the area a reserve, however his dream was only realised in the early 1960's when the Chobe Game Reserve came into existence under the Bechuanaland Government proclamation no. 22 of 1961. The Chobe River forms the northern boundary and in the extreme southwest corner it borders onto Moremi Game Reserve. The primary function of Chobe Game Reserve is the protection of the full range of southern Africa's large predators, as well as the localized puku antelope and migratory elephant population, which can number up to 70 000. The Chobe National Park offers extreme contrasts and a variety of wildlife experiences within the confines of one park. It covers a variety of vegetation types and geological features that vary from the almost tropical habitat of the Linyanthi swamp to the severe, desert-like landscape of the Savuti, and from the lush Chobe floodplain grassland to the deep sands of the Brachestegia woodland. It also has the Mababe Depression with its black cotton soil and Acacia scrub, as well as the pan-studded mopane and Combretum areas at Nogatsaa.

Four main areas have been developed in Chobe (namely: Savuti, Chobe River, Linyanthi, and Nogatsaa), each of which offers a unique experience. The Savuti and Chobe River Front areas will be discussed, since these are the two areas of focus during the trail.
Chobe River Front: The Chobe National Park was named after the Chobe river, which forms the northern boundary of the park. The Chobe River area is very rich in plant life, offering Bachestegia sandveld, mopane woodland, mixed Combretum veld, floodplain grassland and the riverine woodland. The latter has, unfortunately, been severely damaged by elephants. Perhaps the greatest attraction of the Chobe river area is the elephants, which can almost always be seen there. Their late afternoon visits to the water's edge offer hours of fascinating viewing and wonderful opportunities for the photographer. Along with the huge herds of elephants, huge herds of buffalo can also be seen in this area during the dry season. You can also expect to see tsessbe, waterbuck, roan, eland, sable, giraffe and, if you are lucky, one of the rare puku. The floodplains of the river make an ideal viewing area, with mixed patches of open grassland, thickets of bush and riverine forest. In the river itself you should see hippo, and crocodile. The Chobe river area has a rich selection of bird life as well. Exquisite sunsets make this a wildlife experience not to be missed.
Chobe River:
The Chobe river has its origins in the highlands of Angola and flows in a south-easterly direction. This section of the river is called the Kwando. When it enters Botswana, it not only changes its name, but also undergoes a dramatic 90 degree change in course at the point where it meets a major fault line. The name of the river changes another 3 times before it reaches the Zambezi river. After entering Botswana the Kwando river becomes the Linyanthi. At Parakurungu it becomes the Itenge and only near Ngoma Gate does it become the Chobe river. From the point where the Chobe abruptly bends, The Magwegqana or Selinda spillway links the Delta to the Chobe. It is popularly believed that the Selinda can flow in both directions, resulting in the Chobe doing the same. This is not true. In fact, the water merely backs up for a considerable distance, creating the impression of a change in the current.
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Savuti: Within the Chobe National Park, Savuti is perhaps one of the best known game-viewing areas in the country. Under ideal conditions the number and variety of animals seen can be quite staggering. The Savuti area supports mainly Camelthorn (Acacia erioloba) sandveld, Silver Terminalia (Terminalia sericea) sandveld, scrub savanna, and mopane veld. Savuti's almost desert-like landscape with a scorching sun, loose, hot sand, animals escaping the heat by clumping together in the limited available shade, and elephants impatiently lining up to get to the ever-dwindling water supply, offer a wildlife experience so different, yet so true to Africa. It is almost impossible to imagine that this desolate, harsh landscape was once submerged beneath an enormous inland sea. Geologically the five main features of Savuti (namely the Magwikhwe Sand Ridge, the Mababe Depression, the Savuti Marsh with its dead trees, the Rocky Outcrops, and the Savuti Channel) are all intricately linked in the most fascinating manner. There is still some speculation as to how this once massive lake received its waters. The most popular explanation is that once the Upper Zambezi, the Chobe, and the Okavango rivers flowed together, across the north of Botswana and down to the sea via the Limpopo. A gentle warping of the Earth's crust dammed this flow to create a vast lake. In time, however, further crustal movement caused these rivers to find a new route to the sea. The direction of these rivers changed by faulting; the Upper Zambezi and the Chobe turned to the northeast and, after plunging over the Victoria Falls, joined what is now the Middle Zambezi.
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Lost Horizons Lodge: Lost Horizons Lodge is located on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, a few kilometres from the falls. The lodge has 14 en-suite chalets, plus a well appointed central dining area and entertainment area. The front lawn is a popular gathering area, whether at the swimming pool, at the barbeque area or around the campfire. Each chalet has a view over-looking the valley. The Lodge is fenced off with appropriate electrical fencing and is positioned on a 65 hectre prestine property with no fences to the National Park Situated on top of a hill on the edge of the Musi-o-Tunya National Park, it commands a spectacular view of the Zambezi River above the falls. It is surrounded by the natural bush, which is regularly frequented by wildlife, such as elephants making their way to the Zambezi. Nights at the lodge include bed and breakfast, but lunch and dinner are also available as a separate charge. A host of exciting activities are on offer in and around the Victoria Falls, any of which can be booked and arranged at the lodge.