Cost:12 day option: Pick up - JHBR34,950.00 per person.
13 day option: Pick up - Cape TownR36,450.00 per person.
(14 - 18 day options will quotes on enquiry)
Important: Access to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is closely controlled.
We must therefore receive bookings at least 4 weeks before the intended
departure date in order to make reservations within the park. Guests
wanting to visit during local school holidays must book at least 8 weeks
before departure date.
Please note that a minimum of 2 persons is required for this safari package.
Prices quoted are subject to change according to currency fluctuations
Larger groups will only be considered where bookings are made 8 weeks before departure date.
Price includes: Air conditioned Luxury transport, all entrance and conservation fees, accommodation as per itinerary, meals as per itinerary, bottled water and soft drinks.
Price excludes: Alcoholic drinks, laundry, travel insurance, health requirements, gratuities (tips), all items of a personal nature, and any service not specified. Accommodation before and after the tour (contact us for bookings / transfers)
Please note: All bookings must be paid in full on confirmation. Exceptions: 4 - 6 months advance bookings 50% on confirmation of booking. The balance 100% 30 days prior to departure.
Cheetahs hunting
This Central Kalahari safari is Located in the wild heart of the Kalahari and covering an immense 52,800 km², this wildlife Safari paradise is the largest game reserve in Botswana. This Wild African Safari Adventure makes this bush Safari and wilderness experience an adventure of a life time.
Due to the vast extent of this Botswana area, our expedition concentrates mainly on the northern part of the reserve where most of the game is found. This is an unforgettable bush and wilderness experience.
The region is best visited after the summer rains, when migration scenes reminiscent of the Serengeti are possible. (Note: Rainfall in this area is very erratic, therefore large congregations of wildlife cannot be guaranteed.) Roads can, however, be impassable after heavy rainfalls, so we advise rather visiting the region between March and October.
Visit places of interest with colourful names like Deception Valley, Passarge Valley, Sunday Pan, Tau Pan and Pipers Pan. These valleys and pans are evidence of an ancient, wetter era. The Kalahari consists of a sediment-formed basin covered by younger basaltic lavas, filled with windblown sands. The presence of large fossil riverbeds adds to the ancient aura and timeless desolation of the region. Vegetation is mainly 'sandveld scrub' and Acacia woodland.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana Safari Tour - Botswana Safari (11 Days)
Visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve on a Wildlife Safari Tour from Cape Town or Johannesburg for an unforgettable private wildlife safari experience. Pick up point for this Safari can either be from Cape Town or Johannesburg - South Africa.
II Central Kalahari Game Reserve - Central Kalahari 12/13 Days Safari Botswana Safari - Cape Town | Kalahari Game Reserve Safari Drives | Safari Tours II
Game viewing for animals which include elephant, giraffe, brown hyena, warthog, wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and springbok, is best between December and April, when the animals tend to congregate in the pans and valleys.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart Cape Town or Johannesburg and head north or north -west across the South African Border and into the Heart of the Kalahari. On the First Night guests will sleep in South Africa just outside the Botswana Border.
Day 2: South Africa - Botswana
Today the Central Kalahari Safari departures to the Kalahari, passing the Capital of Botswana Gaborone and heads for Planet Baobab LodgePlanet Baobab is situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, 5km (3.1 miles) from Gweta on the Francistown side of the turn-off and on the Francistown-Maun road. Spend the day Travelling to the Lodge Optional night game drive and early morning walk. * Lunch and dinner included.
Day 3:Planet Boabab Lodge as a Base
Planet Baobab is a traditionally styled mud Kalanga and Bushmen grass hut village shaded by giant baobab trees, whose average age is 4 000 years old. Baobab presents an accessibly priced Makgadikgadi experience which provides an opportunity for guests to learn more about Botswana's culture and traditions, and the intriguing geological origins of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Activities include tracking the elusive Elephant, visiting stone tool sites of early man as well as guided walks from Planet Baobab - introducing you to the cleverly adapted fauna and flora of the Kalahari Desert.
Planet Boabab has been designed to appeal to all ages from bush-mad families, local people, nomadic travellers and adventurous senior citizens, whom are obviously treated with special respect, as is the African tradition. Planet Baobab is situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, 5km (3.1 miles) from Gweta on the Francistown side of the turn-off and on the Francistown-Maun road. The Planet Baobab camp is accessible all year round by two 4x4 wheel drive vehicles. There is an airstrip nearby (Gweta) which can be used for a 45 minute air transfer from Maun. Planet Baobab is 9 hours from Johannesburg, 4 hours from Kasane and 2 hours from Maun. Planet Baobab is located close to the village of Gweta, (also charmingly known as ' The Place of the Bullfrogs'), on the Francistown-Maun road and sheltered by a grove of gigantic baobabs.
Planet Baobab is built next to a natural spring that retains water throughout the year. Located a mere 4km (2.4 miles) from a village, the birdlife is surprisingly good and during the dry season the pan is frequented by Elephant, Kudu and other small denizens of the desert. However, the experience offered here is not really about game and is definitely not a Big Five experience. It is all about the pans, their fascinating geological origins, adventure and cultural tradition.Spend the day searching for game. Optional night game drive and early morning walk. * Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included.
Day 4:San Camp
The Central Kalahari Wildlife Safari now departs for San Camp, which is the most authentic and classic safari camp in Southern Africa, evoking the atmosphere and elegance of a 1940's East African safari. San Camp is unique in that it is the only permanent camp to offer a chance to explore and understand the Kalahari. The concession adjoins the Makgadikgadi National Park with its endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands. Desert palms line the horizon, and behind the camp are huge salt pans of the Makgadikgadi National Park , San Camp is a 12 bedded traditional camp with spacious white canvas tents. There are also 2 honeymoon tents with 4 poster double beds. No triples, however bedrolls on floor can be arranged for small children. Rustic but comfortable, authentic safari furnishings include bucket showers, copper water basins, copper water jugs and paraffin lamps.
There are long drop loos and bucket showers - private facilities adjacent to each tent, a mess tent with a museum and game chest, maps and bar. Al fresco dining, weather permitting. Facilities for recharging video and other batteries are available upon request. After arrival at the Camp Guests will relax. * Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 5:San Camp
Depart for a Morning Game Drive in search of Big Game. Arrive back in Camp late afternoon for sundowners. Walks with Bushman (San people) trackers who will explain the fascinating links between their people and the wilderness environment. The guests will now concentrate on ground level, reading the tracks and signs of the nocturnal desert species, digging up scorpions and setting traps. A very special insight into the fibre and texture of the area, after days spent scanning the distant horizons of the Makgadikgadi. Spend a morning with a semi-habituated family group of Meerkat (Suricate), getting up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Visit a traditional cattle post where you will be able to learn about the local culture and traditional ways of life. Game regularly sited is Hyaena, Kudu, Impala, Steenbuck, ground Squirrel, Springhares, Jackal and various desert birds.
San Camp is located amongst scattered clusters of palm trees on a grass covered bay that overlooks the endless white salt sea of the extinct Makgadikagadi superlake. This area is located deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest saltpans in the world which directly adjoin the National Park. Theories as to how and when this vast geographic phenomenon was formed, vary. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 6: San Camp
Depart for a Morning Game Drive in search of Game. Arrive back in Camp late afternoon. Guests partake in game drives with the emphasis on learning the adaptations of unique desert species such as Brown Hyaena, Suricate and Springbuck. In the wet season, guests will be able to see the last Zebra and Wildebeest migration to survive in Southern Africa.
Partake in expeditions onto the Salt Pans on 4x4 quad bikes to experience the vast emptiness of this incredible, mysterious and hitherto unexplored area. Visit the Seven Sisters or Chapman's Baobab, the largest tree in Africa, and the beacon and campsite of the early explorers such as Livingstone and Selous.The concession adjoins the Makgadikgadi National Park with its endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands.
The Makgadikgadi is also one of the most important wetland sites remaining in Africa. In the wet season (November – March), the Makgadikgadi’s Pans fill with water attracting flocks of flamingo and other migratory birds. The area is also the only place in Southern Africa where one is able to see a migration of tens of thousands of Wildebeest and Zebra followed by predators. The nearest city to the camp is Maun. *Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 7:Leroo-La-Tau
We depart San Camp early morning and head for our new base Leroo – La -Tau.
Leroo-La-Tau is an ideally situated lodge, overlooking the Makgadikgadi National Park.
Lodging: Accommodation is in 7 Meru styled tents, and has also 2 self-catering huts
Location: Situated on a 25m cliff in the western banks of the Makgadikgadi National ParkLeroo-La-Tau desert heat is notorious for enveloping almost all signs of life during the day, contrasted by the cooler nights when the Kalahari awakes. From dusk till dawn the night is alive with the sounds of the wild, the very essence of a land of varied contrasts and infinite African beauty.
During years of average to low rainfall the Boteti, Leroo-La-Tau Lodge, experiences one of Botswana's most spectacular Wildebeest and Zebra migrations during the dry season (May to October). People visiting this time of year could be lucky enough to witness the congregation of thousands of African safari animals along with the ever-opportunistic predators that follow them.
Summer months (November to April) are excellent birding and sheer Leroo-La-Tau relaxation. European and Equatorial African species abound, as well as some species migrating in from the Okavango Delta. Local desert species entertain their breeding plumages. Truly an Oasis at this time.
* The tents have en-suite facilities
* Leroo-La-Tau lodge is a 14 bedded luxury tented camp
* Accommodation is themed with East African style Meru tents
* Central lodge complex consists of a lounge, dining area and a bar
The main lodge at Leroo-La-Tau is a wood, reed and thatch construction housing the lounge, bar, dining room, reception area and curio shop. Accommodation is in 7 Meru-style tents designed to bring comfort without losing the rustic feel of the 'African Bush'. Each tent comprises 2 double beds with down duvets, en-suite facilities and a raised deck allowing spectacular views.
Self-CateringTlau and Matshwane (Elephant and Honey Badger) are the 2 self-catering long-davels. These comfortable dorm-like roomd sleeps 4 guests each. There is en-suite ablution facilities and cooking utencils for al fresco meals. There is access to the pool and bar area.After arrival we relax for the rest of the afternoon. We sleep overnight at Leroo – La -Tau. *Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 8: Leroo-La-Tau: Sowa & Ntwetwe Pan
For a truly humbling experience, visit Sowa or Ntwetwe Pans to camp on dry pans in winter and see Flamingos in summer.
Leroo-La-Tau Camp is built on the 25m high cliffs of Boteti that forms the western banks of the Makgadikgadi National Park.
* Situated on top of 25m cliff above the river
* Camp is within the Makgadikgadi National Park
* Emphasis is on experiencing the beauty of the Kalahari and its wonders
* Leroo-La-Tau forms the western banks of the Makgadikgadi National Park
Leroo-La-Tau is a comfortable distance for a day trip into Nxai Pan National Park and a visit to Baines Baobabs as well as an overnight excursion to Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the endless Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for the more adventurous. The area neighbours a quaint Motswana village where a traditional way of life uncovers the cultural heritage of the safari area.
The Boteti River bed winds through the Kalahari, which is referred to as a desert only because of the lack of surface water during the dry winter months. The Boteti therefore is the artery of life in this part of the Kalahari Desert. Even though the Boteti has not flowed for more than 10 years, permanent water holes abound in certain areas. Leroo-La-Tau Camp is built on the 25m high cliffs of Boteti that forms the western banks of this very unique ecosystem - one and a half-hours drive (150km) East-south-east of Maun.Up early morning and leave for the Pans.
Leroo-La-Tau Camp offers guided walks, nature drives and spot light night drives within the camp area, as well as cultural excursions in the neighbouring village. These activities usually take about 2 hours per activity and although guests do see large game, activities emphasise on experiencing the beauty of the Kalahari and sharing the wonders, which together constitute this very delicate African ecosystem.Leroo-La-Tau compromises of day trips to Nxai Pan (includes Baines Baobabs), Njuca Hills, Makgadikgadi, National Park, Greens Baobabs and Chapmans Baobabs. We arrive back late evening. *Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9: Deception Valley
We Depart from Leroo – La – Tau after an early breakfast and head for Deception Valley Lodge. Discover an oasis in the Kalahari not far from the famous Okavango Delta - a luxury safari lodge called Deception Valley.
Your Expected Experience:
* Lodging: Accommodation is in 5 exclusive and private chalets for 10 guests
* Location: Situated on the border of the Central Kalahari Reserve in Botswana
* Activities: Bush walks, game drives, night drives, cultural walks, birding
This will be the best African Kalahari experience, with Bushmen at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique African safari lodge. The Kalahari, Okavango Delta combination, gives a traveller the chance to experience the best of the Kalahari and the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. This delta - desert combination ensures the visitor the experience of the big game roaming in the Moremi Game Reserve and the well-adapted animals found in the Kalahari, Botswana.
Accommodation at Deception Valley Lodge consists of 5 thatched chalets, each with a bedroom, lounge and Victorian style bathroom with claw footbath and outside shower. The bedrooms have twin beds and are equipped with overhead fans and mosquito nets. From the deck of your chalet the vastness of the Kalahari stretches for miles in front of you. The main lodge, which houses a separate lounge, dining room and bar, has an ethnic African theme and blends into the surrounding bush. A pool and sun deck provide for relaxation and cooling down during midday hours and hot evenings.
Bushmen remains the highlight at Deception Valley Lodge. The Bushmen is believed to have inhabited Botswana for at least 30 000 years. Get to know the Bushmen's ways of life, survival and hunting skills. Interact with the Bushmen of the Kalahari on one of the cultural walks. At Deception Valley Lodge you can experience the vastness of the Kalahari while enjoying some of the most prolific birdlife in Africa, or do some star gazing at night. Situated approximately 120km (74.5 miles) south of Maun adjoining the Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies Deception Valley Lodge. This luxury lodge provides a rare type of bush experience in one of Africa's most remote semi-desert areas.
Accommodation is in 5 private chalets, each with a double bedroom, lounge, Victorian style bathroom complete with tub and an outside private shower. The private deck affords dramatic views over the Kalahari. All chalets are fully equipped with 2 single beds, mattresses, all linen, a bedside table with mirror, flashlight, candles and insect repellent. The main complex boasts a dining room, lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colours making use of Bushmen and other African artefacts. From the deck you can view activities at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms part of the complex.
The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was build to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour.A carpet and mosquito netting provides further home comforts. The front section of the tent consists of a 'dressing' table with basin and mug, a canvas washbasin and lastly, a chemical flush toilet.The veranda provides a shaded area for relaxing in reclining chairs. A mobile kitchen and a huge mess tent are fully equipped to provide scrumptious South African cuisine under any conditions. An inviting swimming pool situated close to the main complex to enhance the enjoyment of the guests. There is also a boma for night time meals whilst gazing across a clear night sky with its abundance of star. Listen to the enthralling night calls of the wild completes the main complex area. * Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10: Deception Valley
Adjoining the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Deception Valley Lodge offers a unique bush experience in one of Africa's most remote semi-desert areas. The Deception Valley Lodge is situated on the border of the Central Kalahari Reserve.
The Kalahari Desert is a dry featureless world of sand and bush, with breathtaking landscapes and an incredible diversity and wealth of wildlife and strangely adapted plants. Established in 1961, the Central Kalahari Reserve was originally intended as a sanctuary for its human inhabitants and is the last domain of the nomadic Bushmen (San people).
Most safaris to Botswana do not take you to the desert, and a few days added to Deception Valley Lodge will greatly increase your appreciation of this area. Private charter flights can take you directly from the Okavango Delta or Maun to Deception Valley Lodge.
After an early morning breakfast we take off for the day in search of Wildlife. A unique and unusual experience awaits the guests at Deception Valley Lodge. Take to the African bush on foot with San (Bushmen) guides and awaken your senses by closely observing, smelling and tasting the African bush. Learn more about the hunting, survival skills and crafts of one of Africa's oldest cultures. On afternoon and night drives guests may expect to see a variety of wildlife including Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Giraffe, Kudu and if lucky, the evasive Brown Hyena. Night drives in particular will reveal a fascinating world of nocturnal species. Bird life in this region alone has hundreds of species ranging from small Finches to large Vultures. Get to know the Bushmen's (San people) ways of life, survival and hunting skills. Interact with the Bushmen of the Kalahari on one of the Cultural walks. At Deception Valley Lodge you can experience the vastness of the Kalahari while enjoying some of the most prolific bird life or do some star gazing at night.After an enthralling day in the Central Kalahari we head back to the lodge and relax till dinner time.Breakfast , lunch and dinner included.
Day 11: Deception Valley – South Africa
After an early morning breakfast we take a long , slow drive back to South Africa.We cross the Botswana border at the end of day 11 and arrive at our evening accommodation in time for dinner. (NB: GUESTS WISHING TO BE DROPPED OFF IN JOHANNESBURG WILL ARRIVE ON THE MORNING OF THE 12th DAY). * Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12:Northern South Africa – Cape Town
After an early morning breakfast we head back down to Cape Town stopping to overnight in the Cape. * Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13: Cape – Cape Town
After an early morning breakfast we head back down to Cape Town and arrive during the day (GUESTS WILL BE DROPPED OFF AT THEIR CHOSEN HOTEL).* Breakfast is included
“As you Journey through Southern Africa with Ukwamkela you will capture
in your heart an experience of stunning beauty and adventure forever”