BOTSWANA, AFRICA – A NATURE AND BIRDING WILDLIFE SAFARI
September 7-18, 2012
With Optional Pre-trip to Cape Town, South Africa at the peak time for flowers! Sept. 2-7
Botswana is a politically stable and economically successful nation, in size similar to France or Texas. It has vast deserts, impressive rivers and the most important wetland area on the continent – the Okavango Delta. The government is committed to preserving its natural heritage and 17 % of the country is devoted to wildlife reserves.
On this journey, use of outfitted tented-camp accommodations allows us to be close to the wildlife and fantastic stars of the African sky. Night sounds are amazing, varied, and not heard from hotels – Lions, Zebras, Elephants, Scops Owls and more.
We will be comfortable and well-taken care of by camp hosts and a chef, all under the capable direction of an outstanding guide who has over 25 years of experience. He believes firmly that to see what we hope to, our best option is to retain the flexibility of a mobile camp because the parks and wetland areas we visit change in patterns of animal use and abundance every year. This is also a far more affordable option than a lodge-based journey.
This will be a remarkable journey. It is a private, custom safari for our group and space is limited. September is springtime in Botswana. Waters of the Okavango dry down in September, and by October become very limited. We expect excellent viewing as animals concentrate at the waterholes and river areas at this time of year.
It is rare anymore to experience a true safari where life is simple and our schedule is dictated by nature’s rhythms. We can have special treats like a nightly campfire, wine with dinner if you like (complimentary) AND we wake to dawn with the animals of these vast open landscapes just outside our door. The camp chores are done for us; we have ‘bush bathrooms’ en suite. Our days feature early morning and afternoon game drives, with time in between for siestas, a shower, photography, time to write in your journal. Those wishing to experience native culture will enjoy a visit to a local village.
We visit national parks, game reserves and wilderness sections of the famed Okavango Delta. In Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, we go beyond the tourist path, placing our mobile tented camp for two nights each in two different sections of the park. We start at the Chobe River, travel on to the Savuti Channel section (very rich in wildlife), and finally beyond its borders through Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta.
ABOUT OUR SAFARI HOSTS
Our hosts and guides are from Masson Safaris, an ecologically-friendly, family run company. They are steeped in knowledge of Africa. This company is dedicated to providing safaris aimed at wildlife viewing, bird watching and spending quality time in nature. Their operation is an excellent choice for the focus they have on seeing wildlife, and the cost-savings you realize by not staying in $700/night lodges, which is a standard rate for accommodations. Botswana made a deliberate decision to go very high end on wildlife tourism, to maximize employment opportunity for their people while conserving their wildlife. Permits for mobile camps are difficult to get, and only skilled operators like Masson Safaris can operate in this way. We found camp creature comforts to be MORE than adequate, and the personal attention to our wishes made the trip unforgettable. We recommend the mobile camp experience without hesitation.
Masson Safaris has over 25 years of experience, excellent office support for our logistics, a marvelous camp staff and chef to help and a FULLY MOBILE set-up so we can be comfortable but close to wildlife. Their guides are among the top in the field, with decades of experience. Our camps will be private and set up in remote areas. On some days of our previous trips we saw few to no other vehicles! Tents are large enough that you can stand, with an en-suite bush (chemical) toilet. Hot water is brought to you each morning to freshen up and hot water is set up for you for showers as needed (most often guests enjoy these mid-day as mornings are COOL and we want to be out observing wildlife). Based on experience, mobile camps work very well in Botswana.
Masson Safaris has over 25 years of experience, a marvelous camp staff and chef to help and a FULLY MOBILE set-up so we can be comfortable but close to wildlife. Their guides are among the top in the field, with decades of experience. Our camps will be private and set up in remote areas. On some days of our previous trips we saw few to no other vehicles! Tents are large enough that you can stand, with an en-suite bush (chemical) toilet. Hot water is brought to you each morning to freshen up and hot water is set up for you for showers as needed (most often guests enjoy these mid-day as mornings are COOL and we want to be out observing wildlife). Based on experience, mobile camps work very well in Botswana.
Our game drive vehicles are open, extended Land Rovers which offer the very best photographic opportunities and are great for use of binoculars and scopes. They have a fridge in which we stock a good variety of fruit juices, bottled waters, and for evening sundowners, mixers, beer and wine.
ITINERARY
NEW! This year we add a hotel night in Kasane, the small city in Botswana where we begin our journey. This gives you a night to rest up from travels, with comfort and some fine views of wildlife as our hotel is on the banks of the Chobe River.
Fri. Sept. 7 Flight to Kasane
Those continuing from our pre-tour extension to Cape Town and surroundings will return to Johannesburg to catch the flight to Kasane. Those arriving from their home countries should plan to make that same flight, usually possible as International flights arrive in the morning. Kasane is a small city, and we transfer to our hotel which is situated on the Chobe River. Its dining areas are both indoors and out, with large trees shading the pool and patios. Songbirds are numerous on the grounds, and along the river we see birds and mammals. Reed Cormorant, Black Herons, African Openbills, Hadada Ibis, African Fish Eagles, and both Giant and Pied kingfishers can be seen right from the lodge! Dinner is at your leisure tonight, at the hotel or a local restaurant of your choice. (B)
*** OPTION: Some members of our group may wish to see Victoria Falls; this can be done with a local safari company out of Kasane. They will transfer you across the border to Zambia, where you stay in a lodge that has sightseeing options, including crossing into Zimbabwe where the best views of the falls can be found. Please note – September is not a time of abundant water level, so while still pretty, the Falls are not as spectacular as they are other times of the year. Many also prefer the view from Zimbabwe, where you have a more direct, front-on view.
Sat. and Sun., Sept. 8 & 9 Chobe National Park – Chobe River Cruise / Our Safari Begins!
Northern Botswana is renowned for its vast herds of African Elephants, Cape Buffalo, and other plains animals that also congregate along the Chobe River, especially at this time of year as the rain-filled pans become dry. It is also known for having a very healthy African Lion population. In the lush river-associated wetlands, Hippos and Crocodiles abound. The Chobe River supports the largest concentration of elephants in all of Africa. These elephants migrate and they depend on the river during dry season. Some groups using the river area number in the hundreds, overall park populations number in the tens of 1000’s! They often feed in the water.
Our first morning, we take a three-hour cruise down the Chobe River. In addition to large herds described above we should get good looks at Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Impalas, Giant Kingfishers and African Fish Eagles. One of the treats is seeing bank-nesting birds such as White-fronted or Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters and Pied Kingfishers in good number and at close range. Odd-looking Hammerkops sit perched on their massive stick nests. We may come quite close to massive herds of Cape Buffalos. Last year we saw a massive Goliath Heron – wow!
Our time on the Chobe is action-packed with species. Some walk right by camp as we are relaxing mid-day. Our guides know just where to wander in the vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives, spectacular!
Mobile Tent Camp Accommodations (B,L,D)
Mon. and Tues., Sept. 10 & 11 Chobe National Park – Savuti Marsh
Today we traverse the park crossing to its southwestern side. Here, the changeable Savuti Channel is flowing once again and provides Botswana with a second inland 
delta.It has flowed and dried up 3 times in the last 175 years – only recently coming back to flow again! The Savuti Marsh retains its waters intothe dry season and is famous for its lion and hyena interaction. Filmmakers Derek and Beverly Joubart lived and filmed in this region for 12 years, documenting relationships of lions with hyenas and their prey.
Savuti is a remote and beautiful part of Chobe National Park where we find a series of seasonal pans which support a variety of aquatic species through dry times of summer. Cheetahs and African Wild Dogs are possible to observe on the grassy plains of the Savuti Channel. In the mosaic of open areas and Mopane woodlands we look for Leopards, Giraffes, Kudus, Red Lechwes and both Roan and Sable Antelopes. We also have the chance to see interesting geology and historic Rock Art and agile Klipspringers that inhabit rocky cliffs above the art site, while in this area.
Mobile Tent Camp Accommodations (B,L,D)
Wed., Sept. 12, Thurs., Sept. 13, and Fri., Sept. 14 Moremi Game Reserve / Khwai River
Moremi Game Reserve borders Chobe National Park. Within its boundaries lies about a third of the area of the Okavango Delta. It is a place where desert meets water in an 
intriguing pattern. Landscapes of the Moremi Game Reserve reveal papyrus-lined water channels, lagoons and mature riverine forests. Aquatic animals and water birds abound as well as herds of plains game and predators. It has an amazing combination of vegetation types, animal species and bird life. One of the treats is seeing Yellow-billed and Red-billed hornbills calling from the crowns of trees. Birdlife abounds and there are babblers, shrikes, coucals, rollers, barbets and the gaudy, comical African Hoopoe. Black-backed Jackals and Cheetahs are often observed hunting here. Extensive studies of African Wild Dogs have been conducted at Moremi, another of this rare species’ strongholds. Last year we had stunning looks at Sarus Cranes, and a sighting of a Honey Badger! Three nights in the same camp allow you to really settle in, and see wildlife of the area in detail.
Mobile Tent Camp Accommodations (B,L,D)
Sat., Sept. 15, Sun., Sept. 16, Mon., Sept. 17 Moremi Game Reserve / Okavango Delta
Botswana is visually exciting with each of its unique habitats having distinctfeatures. Its most famous habitat is that of the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River channels water from the highlands of Angola into this maze of wetlands, an area the size of 
Wales. In a country where water is a precious resource, the delta provides sustenance for a large number of animals and birds. The Okavango is not unlike our Everglades, a slow moving, major river system which allows water to fan out across the Kalahari Desert, transforming it into a paradise for wildlife. It is the largest Ramsar-designated site in the world, set up to protect globally important wetlands.
We have a full day's boat ride on the Okavango exploring the lagoons, oxbow lakes and channels. This is a very relaxing way to see animals and birds. Some of the birds we may encounter include threatened Wattled Cranes, Painted Snipes, a variety of Egrets including Rufous-bellied Herons and rare Slaty Egrets (endemic to Okavango). Pel’s 
Fishing Owls can be found here on day roosts, and overhead we watch for Western Banded Snake Eagles, Pink-backed Pelicans and near the river – African Skimmers. Riverine forests line the water channels and in this mosaic of habitat we look for Leopards, Red Lechwes, Kudus, Giraffes, Cheetahs and more. Lions of the Okavango have taken freely to hunting in the water – behavior you rarely ever see in other regions. Wild Dogs find a stronghold here and with luck (and persistence!) we may find them!
Waters of the Okavango are surprisingly clear and cool. Dense reed beds and papyrus groves filter these slow-moving, mountain-born waters. Among the reed beds we look 
for Lesser Jacanas, African Crakes, Long-toed Plovers, Pygmy Geese and Dwarf Bitterns. There are many species of kingfishers to find, both on the water and in the woodlands! Game animals and their predators abound. We should find ample numbers of Blue Wildebeests, various antelopes, Common (Burchell’s) Zebras, Warthogs, Lions, and African Elephants. We'll make every effort to see as many mammals as possible. Birds are also plentiful (over 350 species) and some are huge, such as Ostriches, Kori Bustards and Southern Ground Hornbills. Some of the birds bear spectacular colors – Carmine and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters and Narina Trogon come readily to mind.
Mobile Tent Camp Accommodations (B,L,D)
Tues., Sept. 18 Return to Maun
Today we return to Maun in our safari vehicles, about a 
three-hour drive. By noon we are back in the town where we enjoy a final restaurant lunch together. Those flying on can catch afternoon flights to hook up to your International flight out of Johannesburg, or choose to stay on a night in Maun to rest up, clean up and prepare for your journey home the following day (additional cost, but we are happy to arrange a hotel for you). (B)
OPTION*** Do you want to end your safari with a bit of luxury? We can book a few nights for you at one of the deep water, fly-in lodges of the Okavango Delta. This is a different experience – going into the delta farther than we go on our all day cruise. The lodges are on small islands, and most of your exploring will be done by boat. Typical costs are about $680pp per night, but for many this is a stunning end to safari in Botswana. The sooner you book the more selection you will have, so contact us on this right away.
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION:
Wildlife, Birding and Wildflowers of the
CAPE TOWN REGION, SOUTH AFRICA
ITINERARY
Sun., Sept. 2 Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Note, most flights route through Johannesburg, from which it is a short two hour flight over to Cape Town. Make sure your flight ARRIVES Sept. 2 – you may need to leave Sept. 1 or prior to do so.
A representative from our local company will meet our passengers as you arrive at the Cape Town airport. They will help you transfer and check into our Guest House for a chance to freshen up after your flight.
Cape Town is one of the worlds’ most beautiful cities, perhaps best known for its striking harbor. The entire Cape Region is renowned for its very rich and unique floral assemblages, the best known being Cape fynbos. Many wildflower and native plant reserves are set aside here as part a World Heritage Site. August and September hold the peak of bloom.
Today, after freshening up, we visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the finest botanical gardens in the world. Established in 1913, it is recognized for its pioneering role in displaying and preserving native plants. Situated on the lower slopes of Table Mountain National Park, 
the National Botanical Garden at Kirstenbosch covers 560 hectares of land, stretching up the mountain to its highest point - Maclear’s Beacon. Kirstenbosch is an ideal place to discover the wonder of the Cape Region’s indigenous flora, including a dynamic collection of proteas. There are several walks that lead through the gardens offering birdwatchers a variety of habitats. The forested areas play host to Forest Canaries, African Olive-Pigeons and Cape Batis, whilst Southern Double-collard Sunbirds, Cape Francolins, Karoo Prinias and Cape Robin-Chats can be seen in the cultivated gardens, in a setting of mountain streams and rolling lawns. After a full day, dinner is at your leisure.
Accommodations on the Cape Peninsula (L,D)
Mon., Sept. 3 Rondevlei Nature Reserve / Cape Peninsula / Cape of Good Hope / Penguin Colony
This morning we visit one of Cape Town's premier birding sites at the Rondevlei Bird Reserve. Rondevlei was once a naturally occurring wetland and though small and managed today, it continues to host rich bird diversity. Waterbirds are well represented here with a few specialties being the African Spoonbills, Purple Gallinules, Black Crakes, Little Bitterns and the African Black Oystercatchers. African Marsh Harriers can be seen quartering over the reedbeds, while African Fish Eagles swoop down on unsuspecting prey. Rondevlei Bird Reserve has five bird blinds (hides), and two observation towers that we can watch the birds from. It also has a grand array of flowering shrubs and wildflowers.
After a picnic lunch, we spend a leisurely afternoon experiencing the rugged beauty of the Peninsula with its spectacular coastline and diverse fauna & flora. We will follow the False Bay coastline to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, stopping at the African (Black-footed) Penguin colony at Simon's Town en route. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve boasts 249 recorded bird species as well as a variety of mammals such as Chacma Baboons, Cape Mountain Zebras, Bonteboks, Red Hartebeests, Elands and Cape Grysboks, as well as beautiful flora of the fynbos. Celebrate our adventure with a group dinner this evening.
Accommodation on the Cape Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Tues., Sept. 4 Waylands Wild Flower Reserve / Darling to Hermanus
After a hearty breakfast we leave Cape Town to head for the little town of Darling in the heart of the Swartland. At Darling we will visit a spring wildflower reserve that has been set up to protect a rare type of vegetation called Renosterveld. This small botanical reserve is particularly noted for its Gladiolis, Babianas and Lachenalias. Enjoy a picnic lunch, and looking for birds of the grasslands as we search for native flowers.
On this afternoon’s route, we drive through the wheat fields of the ‘Swartland’ where we look for 
Blue Cranes, White Storks, Secretary Birds and some of the many species of larks. We traverse the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass and Howhoek Pass. We then descend to the charming seaside community of Hermanus, where we walk along the cliff tops looking out to see for Southern Right Whales. The scenery is just stunning!
Hermanus has gained world recognition for its excellent land-based whale watching. During spring months of August & September, Southern Right Whales use the South Western Cape coastline as a safe haven in which to calve. Seeing them at close range is an unforgettable experience. Dinner is at your leisure, with a great selection of restaurants close by.
Accommodation at Hermanus. (B,L)
Wed., Sept. 5 Hermanus / Fernkloof Nature Reserve / Southern Right Whales
We start today with a walk at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve with its wealth of indigenous flora. The area has one of the densest concentrations of fynbos habitat in the Western Cape, with many beautiful ericas, proteas and pincushions. Here you will have the opportunity to photograph two of the fynbos endemic birds - the captivating Orange-breasted Sunbird and the Cape Sugarbird.
The afternoon is at leisure to watch or photograph the whales, which may come in quite close, from the cliff tops. You can take an optional three-hour whale-watching cruise if you wish to venture out to sea, or simply relax or shop in some of the many upmarket arts & craft shops. Here you are close to the southernmost point in Africa, just two 
hours away from Cape Town. Restaurants are close to our hotel, some with a view of the sea (and southern Right Whales!) so today lunch and dinner are at your leisure, a short walk from the hotel.
Accommodation: Hermanus. (B)
Thurs., Sept. 6 Hermanus and the Southern Coast / Return to Cape Town
After breakfast we follow the spectacular coastline to the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens at Betty’s Bay. Here we will take a short walk through the gardens looking out for some of the 96 recorded bird species. We will stop at Rooiels, where we will have a short walk, looking out for Cape Rockjumpers, Ground Woodpeckers and Verreaux’s Eagles.
Accommodation: Cape Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Fri. Sept. 7 Return to Cape Town
Today we depart according to flight schedules back to Johannesburg so that you can connect to flights on to Kasane. (B)
PLAN AHEAD!
Protect yourself with Allianz Travel Insurance (formerly Access America).
Offset your Carbon Footprint. Show us the receipt and we'll take 50% - up to $50.00 - of your carbon offset fee off your final payment.
COST OF THE JOURNEY
Tour and extension costs are based on double occupancy and include: transportation during the journey, all accommodations, and most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, mostly picnic lunches in the field, D=dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, cool box in vehicle containing soft drinks and bottled mineral water, gratuities on included meals and porterage and miscellaneous program expenses.
Tour prices, from Kasane*, departing Maun are:
$4490.00 USD, per person with 10-12 persons
$4690.00 USD, per person with 7-9 persons
$4800.00 USD, per person with six persons
The minimum for the main journey is 6, and the maximum 12 persons.
The price is quoted in US dollars so this is a firm price.
There is no single supplement charge for our journey to Botswana, though singles are subject to availability.
*Of you plan to visit Victoria Falls, then it is best to arrive in Livingstone, Zambia and have a land transfer over to Kasane, which is very close.
Cost of the extension is approximately $1895.00 per person, from Cape Town.
Single supplement is $275.00.
We say approximately as the price will vary with exchange rate of the South African Rand (ZAR).
The exchange rate on 03/09/12 is
1 ZAR = 0.132132 USD
1 USD = 7.56822 ZAR
We hope there will not be much variance, but our dollar is currently fluctuating. Once your fees are paid, the cost is guaranteed. In the last year the rate has varied from .12 - .15, so right now it is right in the middle.
Costs do not include: round trip airfare to and from Africa, but we can help you coordinate travel. There are direct flights to Johannesburg, from which you then fly to Cape Town (extension), Kasane (arrival, main safari), and Maun (departure, main safari), airport departure taxes, Flightseeing or extended stay in Okavango Delta, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar; or gratuities for guides and staff (optional).
NOTE: Additional days to visit Victoria Falls (from Kasane) or to stay at a deep-water lodge in the Okavango can be arranged for additional cost. These will be packages form a reliable hotel/tour company that will support you for these arrangements. If you wish to go only if others of the group are going, we can advise.
TRAVEL
INFORMATION
You are responsible for planning your arrival to and departure from Cape Town (extension), or Kasane, departing Maun (main safari, with alternate arrival city being Livingstone, Zamibia with ground transfer required to Kasane, additional cost). Carefully note dates you need to ARRIVE by, as flights from the USA will leave at least one, if not two days prior. Most flights to South Africa will go to Johannesburg, and there are several direct flights there from the USA, making for easy travel. If you have to overnight in Johannesburg, we recommend you use the hotel within the airport complex, the Intercontinental. In most cases you can simply pass through en route to Cape Town or Kasane. The Johannesburg airport was modernized a few years back for the World Cup Games and is a very efficient, welcoming hub. There is no additional cost for arriving Kasane, departing Maun in Botswana. We are happy to help you with your flight arrangements.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Okavango Delta and Impala drinking water, Botswana Tourism Board; Safari vehicle and campsite, Masson Safaris; African Penguin, Wikipedia; Geissorhiza radians at Darling, Ixia dubia on Table Mountain, Cape Town, Cape Mountain Zebra and Hermanus, Geoff Crane; all other images, Peg Abbott.
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