LEOPARD SAFARI 16 NIGHTS

Accordion Content

Please note: As the safari starts at 07h30 on day 1, you will need to pre-night in Maun and purchase drinks for your safari the day before your safari starts. Bush Ways Safaris can assist with pre-safari arrangements (accommodation, transfers).

Day 1 – 2: Deception Valley Private Reserve

The Bush Ways adventure starts here! You will Begin your safari in Maun, where your guide will meet you at 07:30. You will travel 160 km to a private reserve on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and set up camp and attend a safari briefing upon arrival.

Along with your small group, you will explore the area through game drives and a nature walk with a San tracker, learning about their unique and intriguing culture. Game drives will allow you to explore the area, home to a fascinating variety of desert specialised wildlife such as oryx, springbok and eland as well as predators including lion, brown hyena and cheetah. Savour the vast open spaces, clear night skies and uninterrupted beauty. This is true adventure camping, with limited water and communication and we will move as a self-sufficient group.

Distance: Maun to Deception Valley Private Reserve: 160 km | Travel time: Approx. 5 hours | Meals: Day 1 – L, D & Day 2 – B, L, D

Day 3 – 5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

You will wake up as the sun rises and head toward the pristine wilderness of the largest game reserve in Botswana. The next three days will be spent exploring the undeveloped wilderness of the northern region of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Camping is in a private designated campsite with bush ablutions.

Distance: Deception Valley to Central Kalahari Game Reserve: 80 km | Travel Time: Approx. 3-4 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Makgadikgadi National Park

On your last morning in the Kalahari, you will leave and enjoy a slow drive to the Makgadikgadi area. Your afternoon game drive will take you along the edge of the seasonal Boteti River, a source of water for the animals that inhabit Makgadikgadi National Park while your evening will be spent camping on the edge of the park, overlooking the Boteti River in Khumaga village.

Distance: Central Kalahari to Boteti River Camp: 180 km | Travel Time: Approx. 4-5 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 – 9: Okavango Delta

You will begin your adventure with a hearty breakfast, then you will make a stop in Maun for essential drink supplies. As you reach the Gomoti River, local polers will welcome you with their mekoro (traditional dugout canoes) to guide you through the mesmerising Okavango Delta. Over the next three days, you will immerse yourself in the Delta’s breathtaking scenery with serene mokoro trips and enlightening guided walks. You will be camping in the wild, spending two nights on a secluded island and one by a picturesque lagoon.

Distance: Boteti River Camp to Okavango Delta: 210 km | Travel Time: 5 hours | Meals: B, L, D

NOTE: You will need to leave your main luggage in the trailer and pack a smaller bag (e.g. a small backpack or hand luggage) with essentials for your two-night stay on the island. Transfers from the mainland to the island will be conducted using dugout canoes (mekoro), which cannot carry large bags. Your main luggage will be securely stored in a vehicle parked in a protected area while you enjoy your time on the island.

Day 10 – 12: Moremi Game Reserve/Xakanaka/Khwai

You will embark on a journey to the Moremi Game Reserve, renowned for its rich wildlife and birdlife. Over three days, you will explore this stunning reserve from two different campsites, with game drives scheduled for the early morning and late afternoon. You will camp at private sites, enjoying the rustic charm of bush ablutions.

Distance: Okavango Delta to Moremi: 90 km | Travel Time: 5 hours (transfer and game drive) | Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 – 15: Southern Chobe National Park (Savuti/Zwei Zwei)

You will venture into the diverse landscapes of Chobe National Park. In the Savute region, you will keep an eye out for wildlife, especially the impressive bull elephants. You will experience thrilling game drives through dynamic ecosystems featuring waterholes and marshes. You will camp at private sites equipped with bush ablutions.

Distance: Moremi to Savute: 120 km | Travel Time: 7-8 hours (transfer and game drive) | Meals: B, L, D

Distance: Savute to Chobe River: 170 km | Travel Time: 5-6 hours (transfer and game drive) | Meals: B, L, D

Day 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Lodge

Following a brief morning game drive, your guide will escort you to the Kazungula border, where you will meet your transfer vehicle to your lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Visa required). This is where your time with the Bush Ways team (including translators) will come to an ends as they handover the group to the Zimbabwean team. You will spend the night at a comfortable lodge. In the afternoons, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the thundering Victoria Falls and shop for souvenirs. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.

Day 17: Your Bush Ways Adventure Here

The safari officially ends after breakfast on Day 17, at the lodge. Bush Ways is happy to arrange post-tour accommodation, activities and transfers to Victoria Falls airport or lodges or Kasane, Botswana, at an additional cost.

ABOUT OUR ADVENTURE CAMPING SAFARIS
Guests are required to participate minimally in the camping safari, which includes tasks such as setting up and packing away their tents and transporting their bags to and from the vehicle at the campsites. All other camp duties will be handled by our dedicated team, consisting of one guide and one camp assistant.

DESCRIPTION

Guests are required to participate minimally in the camping safari, which includes tasks such as setting up and packing away their tents and transporting their bags to and from the vehicle at the campsites. All other camp duties will be handled by our dedicated team, consisting of one guide and one camp assistant.

EQUIPMENT

• Tents are 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m. A 5cm high density foam mattress is provided for each guest. Ablutions are shared and set up by our team when staying in game reserves and national park campsites.

VEHICLE

• 4×4 safari vehicles custom-built by Bush Ways – custom built trailers.
• Our vehicles are custom-built game viewing vehicles, specially designed for our safaris. which ensures excellent game viewing and mobility.
• We have developed our own trailers, each containing a mobile kitchen and space for all camping equipment and luggage – a complete unit travels together at all times on the safari.

ITINERARIES

We have 5 different Adventure Camping Safari programs:

• Leopard safari (17 days)
• Lion safari (15 days)
• Fish Eagle safari (11 days)
• Buffalo safari (8 days)
• Kalahari safari (7 days)

PROFILE

• Adventures maintaining the exhilarating spirit of the pioneer.

PICTURE DATABASE

• Adventure Camping equipment: https://goo.gl/photos/2bQWnpJtZFJwdxNm9
• Vehicles: https://goo.gl/photos/Dd2sTpACnmtw5SiH7

LUGGAGE

• One large kit bag (preferably a rucksack or a bag with soft sides – Please do not bring hard suitcases as they are very difficult to pack in our trailers and can pose a problem for any light aircraft flights you may take as part of your safari. Semi-hard suitcases should be avoided as well.
• One item of hand luggage (e.g. a small backpack) – there will be room for this at your feet.
• Main luggage: max weight = 12kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm.
• The sleeping bag can be carried outside the main luggage.
• If you are travelling with us to the Delta we request that you take only what you need for the 2/3 nights in a smaller pack. You can leave the large bag with the vehicle which will be locked in a secured area while you will be staying on a small island, with transfers by traditional dugout canoes.
• Remember that on safari you need far less clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing.

Lost Luggage

• If travelling with someone else pack a set of your clothes in each others bag in case only 1 arrives with you.
• Pack a set of safari clothes in your hand luggage and any key medication.
• On arrival if you find your bag is missing contact Bush Ways immediately with your tag number and name on the bag as well as a description and the file number (ask for one if they don’t give it to you at the airport) and we will try our best to find it for you.
• Do not believe the airlines when they tell you it will be on the next flight! Our experience is that it rarely is, the best course of action is to ask us for assistance.
• If your luggage can not be located for you prior to your safari don’t let this spoil your holiday, purchase some toiletries and a few clothing essentials and get out and enjoy what the magnificent bush has to offer, we will do everything to help you during this time and work at reuniting you with your luggage as soon as possible.
• Note that in some circumstances additional cost may be involved to return your bag to you of which we will advise you of at the time. We suggest you pay this and claim from your travel insurance. Despite this being the airlines responsibility we have not known them to do so.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

• Sleeping bag (note that nights can be chilly all year round and cold in winter therefore a warm sleeping bag is advised). A sleeping bag and small pillow can be hired (EUR 20 for the duration of the safari, please book this in advance).
• Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea. 
• Hat/cap.
• Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months – note that if you also have gardening or working gloves, they can be convenient to set up & pack your tent).
• Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar).
• Swimming costume.
• Towel.
• Natural clothing (i.e. no bright colours and no white), t-shirts, shorts, a pair of light weight long trousers and a lightweight long sleeve shirt (long sleeves are extremely useful for sun protection during the day and mosquito protection during the evening).
• Please note that camouflage printed clothing is fine for the bush but please do not to wear in towns or when crossing borders.
• Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops/sandals.
• Camera equipment, binoculars, lots of spare film, batteries and spare memory cards for digital cameras are essential as the opportunity to download photos is limited.
• Adaptors for cables, chargers, USB, etc.: note that we recommend you label them to avoid confusion on the vehicle charging station.
• Water bottle and a small day pack for walks.

TOILETRIES AND FIRST AID

• Personal toiletries and medications in small bag, not a vanity case.
• Sunscreen.
• Malaria prophylaxis (see section 5 for further information).
• Mosquito repellents/lotion/spray.
• Water proof/zip lock bags for storing personal items to keep dust free and/or dry.
• Personal First Aid Kit.

Please note: A First Aid Kit will be present throughout the safari but personal medicines must be brought for the duration of the safari.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

• Check with your local immunisation authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
• Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION website for up to date information www.who.int.
• Botswana is considered a malaria area and preventative medications should be taken.
• Between 2012 and 2015, both South Africa and Botswana required that all travelers coming from / going to Zambia should have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Beginning of 2015, both South Africa and Botswana officially communicated that they shall not require the yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from / going to Zambia. However, beware that regulations could change again without prior notice.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

• Valid passport: your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the end date of your trip and there must be at least 6 blank visa pages.
• Many nationalities are able to obtain tourist visas for Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the border posts HOWEVER citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. Please note that certain visas can take up to 3 months to be processed so please consider this when booking. 
• For more information see www.botswanatourism.co.bw, www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw and www.namibiatourism.com.na 
• Valid visas – it is your responsibility to arrange visas.
• For up-to-date visa requirements please check with your travel consultant and/or Embassy.
• If you need to get a visa for one of the countries visited during your safari, please check when and where the visa can be obtained, and which currency is required for its payment.
• Requirements for minor traveling through all Botswana ports of entry Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• For all our safaris, it is COMPULSORY to take out travel insurance covering for: cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. 
• Bush Ways Safaris does not provide travel insurance.
• Bush Ways Safaris provides Okavango Air Rescue membership for the duration of the safari nights. The service provides medical evacuation from isolated areas of the bush by a medically equipped helicopter and emergency doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. International insurance companies are not always familiar with the practicalities of dealing with emergencies in the Botswana bush, which can add to delays in obtaining medical care. Please note this cover does not include pre and post safari arrangements. 
• Please note that you will be required to provide your insurance details prior to your arrival so we can liaise with your insurance company in the shortest amount of time in case of an emergency. Required details include: medical evacuation insurer’s Name, medical evacuation policy number, 24-hour contact number of Medical evacuation insurer (must be able to phone it from Botswana – USA 800 numbers don’t work from here).

SAFETY

• Botswana is considered a safe destination. It is economically and politically stable.
• Listen to your guide. He will brief you regarding your safety in the Bush and Towns.
• As you will be spending only a short time in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe you should not encounter many of the problems that affect the rest of these countries.
• Do not have your valuables on display when visiting the Falls and markets.

CURRENCY

Depending on your safari, these are the expenses you may be required to cover:

• You will have to pay for your own beverages, to be bought at the shops in town (prior to or during your safari depending on your chosen itinerary – follow the instructions given during your booking). Shops in Kasane and Maun will accept either Botswana Pula in Cash or Debit / Credit Cards (Visa or Mastercard recommended). See in section 12 below for approximate prices.
• If you are required to get a visa, whether in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, make sure you get the correct amount in the required. Check consulate and embassies for further details.
• Scenic flights can be an optional activity pre or post safari or during your safari. To be paid in cash in EUR to our partner once you are in Maun. You can pay in other currencies, subject to exchange rate established by our local partner. Check our itineraries for applicable rates.

If you are staying at a lodge, drinks and lunch/dinner are not included. See below what modes of payment are accepted in some of the lodges:

• Maun Lodge – Cash: BWP, ZAR, USD, EUR & GBP and Credit Card with min. amount of BWP 50.
• Sedia Hotel – Cash: BWP, ZAR, USD, EUR and Credit Card with no min. amount. 
• Pioneers Lodge – Cash: USD, ZAR, EUR and Credit Card with no min. amount.
• Batonka – Cash: USD, ZAR, EUR and Credit Card with no min. amount.
• The Old House – Cash: BWP, USD & EUR and Credit Card.
• Phezulu Lodge – Cash: USD, ZAR, EUR & GBP and Credit Card with no min. amount.
• Bayete Lodge – Cash: USD (recommended even if they have credit card facilities – and small notes as there may be shortages of change at times) & Credit Card.
• The Waterfront Lodge – Cash: K (Kwacha), ZAR, USD, EUR & GBP and Bank Card.
• If your safari ends in Victoria Falls, you will have the option to see Victoria Falls. It is advisable to pay cash in USD (US Dollar).
• If you are wanting to change money in Botswana, banks & currency exchange bureaus do not accept notes that are damaged/defaced in anyway such as by ink or pen. Older notes may not be accepted (pre 2006).  If paying for sleeping bags, mattresses or an activity in cash, Bush Ways will also not be able to accept these notes. 
• There are ATM machines in major towns (Maun, Kasane and Vic Falls) although they are not guaranteed to be working.
• Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercards are the most widely used. Amex and Diners are rarely accepted.
• USD is now the only currency used in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, other than Zimbabwe bonds.
• If you withdraw excess Botswana Pula it can be changed at a good rate in Victoria Falls due to Botswana’s proximity. However, once you are out of this area, exchange rates will not be in your favour, and Pula may not be accepted for exchange.

TIPPING

• Tipping is a generally accepted form of “thanks” throughout the world.
• It is not compulsory to tip but highly appreciated by all levels of staff.
• We believe that tipping is a personal decision and should reflect the level of service you have received throughout your safari. Therefore we don’t think it is our place to suggest any particular amount. Most guidebooks and travel forums will give you indications, if you wish to get advice on the matter.
• In Botswana it is appreciated if you tip in the local currency although foreign currencies are also accepted.
• In Zimbabwe and Zambia it is recommended that you tip in foreign currencies.
• As an idea of who you may want to tip, we have listed the following
  • Professional Guide, Camp Assistant & Translator.
  • Mokoro Polers/local guides in the Okavango Delta.
  • Boat driver on a Chobe River Cruise.
  • Porters/bar staff/waitresses at any lodges.
  • Pilot during the optional scenic flight.

SHOPPING

• For curios and crafts the best value shopping is in the Victoria Falls area.
• There are also a good variety of shops in Botswana towns which sell local Botswana crafts such as basketry, ask your guide about it, they will be happy to show you.
• As space is limited on safari, we encourage shopping at the end of the safari in Victoria Falls.
• What we can provide (subject to availability) either at the start of the safari if pre-ordered or during the safari is our mammal guide book for guests to enjoy while exploring the bush (USD20, EUR25 or BWP250).

SAFARI DRINKS

• Drinks (Softs and alcohol) are not included on all our camping safaris and are to be bought the day prior if you safari leaves early on day 1 or on the day if your safari starts at 13h00. 
• Our vehicles are equipped with a water filtration system to provide safe and clean drinking water throughout the safari. Bring a bottle to refill as and when you please. 
• Please note that our safari teams do not sell drinks during the safari and drinks can only be bought in town prior to and/or during the safari.
• At all hotel/lodge accommodation drinks are on a cash bar basis.
• Please find below the approximate prices for drinks in Botswana (note these are subject to change)
  • Water 5l = Pula 20 – 25.
  • Water 1l = Pula 7 – 10.
  • 6 cans of beer = Pula 70 – 80.
  • 6 cans of Coke/Fanta/etc = Pula 50.
  • 2 litres Red wine (box) = Pula 115.
  • 5 litres Red wine (box) = Pula 215.
  • 2 litres White wine (box) = Pula 115.
  • 5 litres White wine (box)= Pula 215.
  • 1 litre Fruit juice = Pula 25.
  • 330ml Fruit Juice = Pula 17.
  • 6 cans of Tonic Water/Dry Lemon/Lemonade = Pula 50.

FOOD

• You will enjoy a wide variety of meals during your safari and we attempt to include an ‘African’ flavour in our safari menus.
• All meals are cooked on an open fire.
• It is possible for us to cater for specific dietary requirements, provided we are notified when making your booking. Please note that specialist gluten free/vegan foods are not always available in Botswana. Therefore, if you require any specialist food please bring it on safari with you.
• All food is pre-ordered and supplied from either our Maun or Kasane base which means there is good consistency of quality as well as minimising any time wasted if your guide had to visit the supermarket.
• It is important to advise us if you are vegetarian, or have any allergies or intolerances prior to coming on safari so we can plan for and accommodate your dietary requirements.

STARTING YOUR SAFARI

• The Bush Ways safari you choose will determine the time and meeting point for your safari.
• A Bush Ways Professional Guide or transfer company representative will meet you at a pre-arranged location at the commencement of your safari – these details will be arranged upon booking.
• We are happy to assist in booking transfers, additional accommodation and activities in Maun, Kasane, Victoria Falls.
• On arrival your guide will brief you on the safari and your next destination as well as answering any questions or safety concerns your may have. If you are leaving early in the morning on day 1 of your safari, he will brief you quickly before you head out and then in full once you stop for a break so you can make the most of the cool mornings to travel in.

FAQs

Who will join me on safari?

• Each Bush Ways Adventure Camping safari has a guide and a camp assistant. We also offer the services of translators on selected scheduled safaris.
• All our guides have a Professional Guides Licence and are extremely knowledgeable about Botswana birds and wildlife, flora and fauna.   
• There is a maximum of 12 guests on our Adventure Camping safaris, some guests may join at different times throughout your safari. 
• Our policy regarding children is a minimum age of 12 years old. However, please contact us should you want to travel with a child under 12 years old, as they could be accepted under special conditions.

What is semi-participation?

• All we ask you to do on your Bush Ways safari is carry your own luggage to/from your tent and to put up/take down your own ‘user-friendly’ tent.
• The safari team will take care of all other camp chores and food preparation – just sit back and relax and enjoy the sounds of the bush!

Are our safaris physically demanding?

• Walking is the most strenuous activity you will encounter, on selected safaris, although guests of average fitness will experience no problems.
• Our average age range on safari is 30-65 however we have happily had children and people as old as 86 who have all thoroughly enjoyed their time with us.
• Although our vehicles are open, we have perspex windows that we can slide on each side providing greater wind protection on the longer open road sections of the safaris, just let your guide know what your comfort level is.
• Botswana has varying weather conditions depending on the season. Expect hot temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night in winter (May – September) and hot days and nights with rain storms in summer (October – April).

Can I travel as an individual?

Yes, our international groups comprise of small parties, pairs or single travellers.  Please note that there is a single supplement charge for single travellers. However, if a single guest is willing to share a tent/room with another single guest of the same gender there is no single supplement charge.

What contribution does Bush Ways make to the local communities in Botswana?

Passionate about Botswana’s people and wilderness, we continuously strive to ensure our activities have a positive impact and contribute to a sustainable development of our natural wonders.

Having collaborated for over 20 years on a daily basis with a variety of organisations in Northen Botswana promoting local development, we have managed to identify the support needed to improve the socio-economic status of the communities and areas where we operate.

Our Bush Ways Foundation has therefore developed a variety of projects in the fields of business development, education, health, social welfare and environmental conservation that we conduct within the villages in the vicinity of our camps and safaris.

If you would like to learn more about our non-profit activities, but also contribute and support some of our projects, feel free to let us know during your reservations or to contact foundation@bushways.com. 

Please note that with the generous support of our guests and industry partners, we are also able to donate to NGOs and communities on a regular basis.

What can I do in Victoria Falls? (Some suggestions)

• White Water Rafting: Full and half day options are available including lunch.
• Sunset Cruise.
• Bungee Jumping, Zipline, Gorge Swing, Wild Water Rafting (for the adrenaline junkies).
• Guided Tour of the Falls.
• Helicopter Flight over the Falls: 15 or 30 minutes.
• Mosi oa Tunya visit.

If you need any further information, please contact safari-res@bushways.com

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