Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
You will be met by a Big Safari Company representative at Maun International Airport and transferred by charter flight to Camp Kalahari in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (this will take approximately 40 - 60 minutes.)
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are all that remains of a great lake which once covered most of northern Botswana. No vegetation grows on the salty surface of the pans, and no animals live here. Rather than a traditional safari game experience, the salt pans provide a unique and unforgettable landscape with a bewildering lack of perspective and incredible sunsets and sunrises, reaching far into the horizon.
Included meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Kalahari
Day 2 - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Camp Kalahari is the ideal camp for those who want fun, comfort, style and adventure. It accepts children of all ages and makes for a fantastic family safari destination. The camp is nestled amongst the acacia’s and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the edge of the salt pans.
The Meru safari style tents have comfy, four-poster beds, en-suite outdoor bathrooms and the hottest showers in the Kalahari! The main area, in the style of original explorer camps, comprises a large and comfortable thatched library, lounge and dining area. Here guests can relax and enjoy the serenity and peace of this enchanting place.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camp Kalahari
Optional extras: horse riding
Day 3 - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
There are a huge range of activities to do here. You can go quad biking on the salt pans and experience a thrilling sleep out in this vast landscape, as the sun sets and a planetarium show unfolds, with horizon-to horizon stars. You can visit a resident family of habituated Meerkats, walk with a group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen or San people for a glimpse into their ancient culture or go on archeological walks. On game drives you can experience unique desert wildlife such as brown hyena, bat eared foxes and if you're lucky enough, lion & elephant. You can also visit the awe inspiring fallen Chapman’s Baobab - one of the largest trees in Africa.
During the rainy season, the spectacular zebra and wildebeest migration passes through the pans. When it rains, the pans are transformed into a giant powder blue lake and the floods attract huge numbers of flamingos. All activities in this area are subject to weather conditions as the slightest rainfall can make the pans completely inaccessible.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camp Kalahari
Optional extras: horse riding
Day 4 - Okavango Delta
After breakfast, transfer by air to the stunning Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta is where the wild things are: an immense, waterlogged oasis alive with elephants and birdlife. The real magic of the Delta lies in its water, transforming the floodplains into a Noah’s Ark of African wildlife. 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. Where and when you stay in the Okavango Delta will hugely influence what you do in the bush each day, the animals you’re most likely to see and finally, the safari experience you’ll have.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Footsteps Across The Delta
Day 5 - Okavango Delta
Footsteps is situated in one of the most diverse regions of the Okavango Delta. Rustic, simply furnished tents, come with an open-air bush shower and adjoining toilet. The main dining area is under canvas with evenings spent relaxing around the campfire sharing stories of the day.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Footsteps Across the Delta
Day 6 - Okavango Delta
The Footsteps experience focuses on walking in the delta led by a highly specialised armed guide, suitable for those looking for a little more than your average safari (minimum age is 16). Other activity options at the camp include fishing and mokoro excursions and possibly game drives, depending on water levels.
There is also a highly successful Young Explorers programme, where families have exclusive use of the camp and a specialised guide runs a family oriented safari.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Footsteps Across the Delta
Day 7 - Okavango Delta
Today you will have a short transfer by air to Shinde private concession, a wildlife abundant, magical hideaway, on the edge of the northern Okavango Delta.
Large safari style tents have en-suite bathrooms and an indoor/outdoor shower. The main lodge is known as the ‘tree house’ and has several lounging areas offering different aspects across the delta. Shinde has an alfresco dining deck, swimming pool and a fire deck which provides a meeting point for guests to stargaze in the evenings.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Shinde
Day 8 - Okavango Delta
Activities at Shinde include day and night game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles which offer some of the finest dry land game viewing, guided nature walks, fishing and motor boat excursions. For the ultimate in Okavango experiences, climb aboard a Mokoro with your ?poler' and enjoy exploring the Delta's tranquil waterways. All water activities are dependent on adequate water levels.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Shinde
Day 9 - Maun and home
After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun Airport and your connection to your international flight home.
Included meals: Breakfast