Tsodilo Encounter (10 nights / 11 days)

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Rising abruptly, and dramatically, from the Kalahari scrub bush , the rock face turning a copper color in the dying sun , the magnetic power of Tsodilo Hills both captivates and mystifies. There is an undeniable spiritualism about the Hills that immediately strikes the visitor. See the paintings on walking trails. The significance of the trip is to experience one of few physical records of ancient culture and the symbiotic relationship between the San people and the world around them. The history and culture they represent make them worth seeing.

Day 1 Maun to Tsodilo Hills 10nights/11days

Depart after breakfast travelling on tarred road for about four hours to the turn off for Tsodilo hills, proceed on a gravel road for 35 kilometers into Tsodilo Hills.

On arrival after lunch and a relaxation period, we can then partake in a guided walk which entails a gradual climb up to the Female hill to view some of the vast array of rock paintings. A sturdy pair of walking shoes / boots is essential for this walk which normally takes around two to three hours.

There are four hills, all rising about 400metres above the Kalahari Desert sands, the three closely situated to each other are known by the San (Bushmen) as Male, Female, and Child.

Most paintings are on the Female Hill and show a variety of animals hunting scenes, abstract patterns and social events. Ancient tools, pottery, fish bows dating 22 000 years of age, and other artifacts have also been unearthed. Return to your camp and enjoy the campfire, exchanging stories with our professional guide whilst listening to the night sounds of Africa’s bush, truly, a feast for the senses, before settling into our tents and drifting off to the night sounds.

Day 2 - Tsodilo Hills

Our day starts with a visit to the museum to acquaint ourselves with the history of Tsodilo Hills. Afterward take a drive to the village for interaction.

We return to camp on lunch time, enjoy a refreshing sundowner later, followed by a hearty dinner again under the expansive displays of the Milky Way stars.

Our professional guide can help to identify various planets, constellations and other celestial objects, before zipping into our comfortable, cosy tents for the night.

DAY 3 - Tsodilo Hills to D’kar

After breakfast we break camp and commence our journey back driving to D’kar village for 1 night. Arrive late afternoon. Evening witness the dance, songs, drums, ululating as they skillfully show cast their rich culture. The traditional dances display animal tracking techniques and gathering methods for traditional medicinal purposes.

Day 4 D’KAR TO Nxai pan

Just after our breakfast, break our camp and drive to Nxai pan which is about 3 hours’ drive.

The Nxai Pan is a breeding ground for herds of zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, making it an important nature reserve for any African wildlife enthusiast. However, spot other wildlife such as lion, giraffe, kudu, impala, ostrich, fascinating birdlife and large number of springbok, together with a good population of jackal, bat-eared fox, spotted hyenas, hartebeests, raptors and cheetahs.

Dinner around the fire share your day experience with your safari guide. Good night sleep under canvas.

Day 5 Nxai Pan

Packed lunch will be carried with you as we visit the seven baobabs known as Baines Baobabs or the Sleeping sisters. This stunted cluster of Africa’s most iconic tree was immortalized by the paintings of Thomas Baines, a British landscape artist commissioned by the Royal Geographic Society. Baines camped beneath these trees in 1862 en route to the Victoria Falls. The pans at Baines Baobabs are dry and bare for much of the year, as are the branches of he baobabs themselves, but during wet season the pans are covered in sheets of water and green canopies emerge from tree’s branches. Have Bruch under the historic trees in Botswana before you head back to the campsite.

Day 6 Nxai Pan to Okavango Delta

We depart to the Okavango delta through Maun as a stop-over for brunch before your transfer to the mokoro station.

Meet the poler guides as they take you for 1 night mokoro. Get to experience the Okavango Delta on a Mokoro dugout canoe. Flow slowly on top of the water ways, bird viewing is excellent. Afternoon go for a sort guided bush walk in the island, this depend on the time of arrival in island from Nxai pan, the lush, fragrant vegetation and your anticipation of unexpected discoveries create a heady atmosphere. You'll hear movement in the trees and see signs of animal life. Your experienced guide will identify animal tracks and examine droppings, giving insight into the way of life of the creature and its habits. Share your experiences with your safari guide at the camp.

Day 7 Okavango Delta to Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango, and includes the Moremi Tongue and chief’s island, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent. This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all major naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region, and over 400 species of birds, many migratory and some endangered. Both Black and White Rhino have recently been re-introduced, now making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.

On arrival set your camp with the help from the staff members, siesta, afternoon drive, shower, dinner around the fire with your safari team, share your daily experience before you’re good night sleep.

Day 8 Moremi Game Reserve

Wake up early in the morning, have your breakfast before going for a full day game drives. Pack snacks, lunch, and tea. We expect to see lions, leopard, buffalos, Zebras more birds species, Hippos and more general game .Later return to the camp, siesta, shower, dinner before you share your daily experience with your professional safari guide around the fire. Have a good night sleep under canvas.

Day 9 Moremi to Khwai community Reserve

Wake around 06:00am for a full-breakfast and a game drive along the way, as you depart from Moremi, heading out for Khwai. This will take us only bit hour’s game view on transit.

Khwai is a community run reserve that we think is a really good area with good resident wildlife and beautiful landscape. Being community run Khwai also gives back to the surrounding villages so that wildlife and conservation also becomes an important part for the people living in the area. Khwai also allows off-roading which might be a very good chance for you to see animals very closer.

Short siestas at the camp before proceed on an afternoon game drive. We expect to see giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, zebras, wild dogs, predators, then heading to the camp to have some quality time to shower and then you will have time to relax.

Day 10 Khwai community Reserve

Game drives along the edge of the vast floodplains of Khwai River, with tea and coffee during the morning drives, before we go back to camp for lunch. If we are lucky we might see the endangered wild dog in the area, even though they are moving around a lot and unfortunately quite rare. Explore the village of Khwai, a bit interaction with the villagers, learn culture, cultural dance is possible if you opt, see the hand crafts before you go for afternoon game drives. Shower, dinner at the camp around the fire and share your daily experiences with your professional safari guide.

Please note that you are going to do some night drives here

Day 11 Khwai community Reserve to Maun

Wake up in the morning for a light breakfast and a game drive along the way as we depart Khwai heading back to Maun.

Drop-off Maun international Airport or at the Lodge.

INCLUDED IN THE COST

  • Strechers, pillows, bed rolls, towels.
  • Park entry and camping fees.
  • Game drive vehicle and fuel.
  • Mokoro activities.
  • Services of a professional guide.
  • Activities performed in D-Kar Village.
  • Fully staffed and equipped camps on nights spent in our mobile camp on dome tents 3mx3m en-suite.
  • Safari style as stated in itinerary – burget/paticipation
  • Other accomodation as stated in itinerary.
  • Transfers as stated in the itinerary.
  • 3 x meals a day.
  • Drinks (bottled water, limeted soft drinks).
  • 14%VAT.

EXCLUDED FROM THE COST

  • beers , and wines.
  • International air & taxes.
  • All items of a personal nature, such as hotel extras, room service, phone calls, laundry and meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities to guides and staff.
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance.
  • Visa fees where relevant.

Important Notes:

  • All costs based on passengers traveling together
  • If number of passengers changes, Itinerary will be re-priced accordingly
  • Costs Based on Current Exchange Rate of BWP 13.40 to 1 United States Dollar
  • Final Balance will be adjusted accordingly if rate of exchange differs at time of final payment
  • Air fuel surcharges and taxes subject to change & not guaranteed until final payment

Cancellation Penalties

Any cancellation of a booking must be in writing to confirm cancellation and charges shall apply in the following circumstances:

  • Time of deposit through 61 days prior to departure Forfeit deposit
  • 60 days to 31 days prior to departure 75 % of total package
  • 30 days or less prior to departure and “no shows” 100 % of total package

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS

 

A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to confirm your safari. Final payment is due 30 days prior to departure.

USE OF THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS-DISCLAIMER

The travel services in connection with the above itinerary will be provided by third party suppliers who are independent of Enjanga Tours & Safaris. Such third-party suppliers are exclusively responsible for providing services including transportation, lodging, meals, recreational activities, etc. Enjanga Tours & Safaris maintains no control over the operation, equipment or personnel of such suppliers and therefore assumes no liability or responsibility for personal injury, property damage or other loss, accident, delay or inconvenience, which may be occasioned by any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any company or person engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. You agree to look solely to the actual suppliers of the services for any remedy in the event of any loss, damage, injury or claim.

PLEASE NOTE

All of your land arrangements have been costed in United States Dollars. Final cost may vary depending on the rate of exchange on day of final payments. All rates quoted are subject to availability at time of reservation. The cost shall be subject to any increases levied by either the hotels or tour operators prior to final payment.

We can create a mobile tented safari to suit your dreams and your budget.

 

About Us

Enjanga Tours & Safaris offers affordable mobile tented safaris in Botswana’s wilderness areas including...Read More

Address

Enjanga Tours & Safaris
Moeti Ward, Maun,
Po Box 2049
Maun Botswana

Contact Us

+267 73 956 808
+267 76 496 160