Explore the islands and oxbow lakes of the remarkable Okavango Delta as you seek out the creatures that find sanctuary in the ebbing and flowing waterways of this wetland eco-system.
Travel to Africa often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Journey by air charter from Maun to Moremi Game Reserve at the eastern fringe of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta. Sheltered by giant ebony trees, your home in the Botswana wilderness for the next two nights is in luxury en-suite tents, each on a raised teak deck, providing thrilling views of the surrounding bird and game species. Close your eyes and listen to the song of the Okavango—the cry of the African fish eagle and coo-coo of the red-eyed dove.
Explore one of Africa's greatest safari destinations in search of large herds of buffalo and wildebeest, the rare Sitatunga and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. Embark on a boat safari along the Okavango's winding waterways or a 4x4 safari drive through savannah and dense forest. Spend some quiet time contemplating a simpler life, relaxing on the viewing deck overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon to the harmonious sounds of the bush around you.
We fly from Moremi into the midst of one of the world's only inland deltas to explore a world of islands and waterways from the rare vantage point of a traditional mokoro. Gliding silently through the deep network of lagoons and channels, we keep our eyes peeled for lechwe antelope, crocodile and hippo, watching the African Jacana flit gracefully between lily ponds. Our lagoon-facing accommodations for the next two nights is Xugana Island Lodge, which overlooks one of the Delta's only permanent water sites.
Spend a full day immersed in Botswana's wilderness. Consider a guided nature walk in the company of colorful Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers, spend the day fishing for bream and tiger fish, or simply cruise through the peaceful waterways in search of the hundreds of species of bird and wildlife that sustain themselves within this diverse eco-system. Spend your final night in the Okavango sipping sundowner drinks against the backdrop of Xugana Lagoon to a symphony of painted reed frogs.
Take a short flight to Maun today where your memorable trip ends.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room.
Internal Flights: The above prices include the internal chartered air fares for Maun – Moremi – Okavango Delta – Maun, and are accurate as of March 2018. On Day 1, please ensure your flight arrives into Maun airport no later than 1 pm to allow for a smooth connection with the included chartered flight.
Luggage Restrictions: Due to the light aircraft transfers on this trip, guests are permitted one soft-sided bag with maximum weight 44lb including hand luggage and camera equipment. Suitcases will not be accepted. Luggage storage is available at Maun airport.
Please Note: Guaranteed Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Flights: Guests are responsible for the booking and purchasing of all flights required to and from Maun airport
Small Group: This trip is operated on an individual or small group basis. You will be met, transferred and hosted by representatives from arrival through to departure in Maun.
Explore Further: Saturday departures link with the Best of South Africa trip. Tuesday departures link with the Essence of South Africa trip.
11 meals: 4 buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.
The dry season in Botswana is from May to October. Temperatures average around 77’ F, but can vary according to region. Even during the dry season, the Kalahari Desert can experience cold nights and frosty mornings. The wet season is from November to April and can be very humid, hot, and rainy.
Observes Central Africa Time year round, Two (2) hours ahead of GMT. Botswana does not observe daylight savings. EST plus 7 in winter EST plus 6 in summer.
The import of meat or meat products (dried, canned etc.), plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, livestock, endangered wildlife species and products thereof (for example clothing & accessories) into the United States and Canada is prohibited. This includes Ostrich eggs & animal skins.
Please check in at least three hours prior to departure for international flights, two hours for regional flights and 90 minutes prior for domestic flights. Please reconfirm all onward flights at least 72 hours prior to departure. Local airline numbers are listed on your flight itinerary enclosed with your documents.
Shopping varies according to destination. Generally African handicrafts such as leather goods, wooden carvings, sculptures, paintings, bead work and woven articles are popular purchases. Jewelry is an excellent purchase in Africa.
While cuisine in some places reflects the region’s British colonial influence—you may find that many locals pause for afternoon tea-, it’s important to remember to drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth. Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
For this extension, you'll still want the best safari experience, so make sure you bring the essentials: T-shirts and shorts, blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes), safari trousers or jeans for evenings, cooler days and walking along the water, closed in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from animals, a fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer), sun block, lip balm, sunglasses, hat and insect repellent, binoculars, camera (extra memory card & battery for avid photographers), a light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer, and swimsuit.
Important Note: You will only be able to bring what can fit into your soft-luggage bag (see "Baggage" below).
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip.
YELLOW FEVER:
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. As well, local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.
It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
Important: Suitcases, Solid Frame, Wheel Frame and Pull-out Handle Bags will not be accepted. Guests can only bring a soft-sided flexible bag and soft-sided hand-luggage bag with total combined weight of no more than 20kg (44lbs) in accordance with the luggage restrictions of the light aircraft used on the trip. Guests can store their suitcases and main luggage on arrival at Maun airport, and can also purchase soft-sided bags if required. Staff will be on hand to assist.
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day. It’s important to be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Note there is no Wi-fi or telephone communication available at either of the accommodations on this trip. Emergency satellite phones only.