SERVAL SAFARI 6 NIGHTS

Accordion Content

Your Itinerary Overview (North Bound)

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 can assist with pre-safari arrangements such as accommodation and transfers.

On the afternoon of your pre-night, you will have the option of taking a 45min flight in a helicopter with no windows and doors, allowing magnificent views from above. Both experiences have to be booked prior to arrival, and payment made in USD cash only. Transfers are not included and extra charges will apply. During the flight it is possible to spot large game animals such as elephant, giraffe and hippopotami.

Day 1: Moremi/Khwai

Your guide will greet you at 07:30 at a pre-arranged meeting point in Maun. From there, you’ll journey to Moremi/Khwai, one of Botswana’s premier wilderness areas, featuring both swamp and dry landscapes. Over the next two days, you’ll embark on a quest to discover the rich diversity of wildlife and birds that this region is famous for, all while soaking in the sounds and beauty around you. Expect game drives in the early morning at sunrise and late afternoon at sunset. You’ll be camping at private designated sites, complete with ensuite bush ablutions foreach tent.

Distance: Maun to Moremi / Khwai: 150km | Travel Time: 6 hours (including game drive) | Meals: L, D

Day 2: Moremi/Khwai

Enjoy game drives to investigate the area surrounding the Khwai River (Northeast Moremi/Khwai Concession). Experience a mokoro excursion along a tributary of the Khwai River, providing a unique perspective to view wildlife and enjoy this peaceful mode of transport.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Savuti/Zwei Zwei – Chobe National Park

Your next stop is Chobe National Park, known for its stunning and varied landscapes. As you continue your wildlife search, you’ll navigate the drier Savute region, where herds of bull elephants roam the plains. Savute is renowned for its predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and even African wild dogs. Camping will be at private designated sites, each equipped with ensuite bush ablutions.

Distance: Moremi/Khwai to Savute: 120km | Travel Time: 5-6 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Savuti / Zwei Zwei – Chobe National Park

Embark on game drives to discover the wonders of Southern Chobe National Park (Savute/ZweiZwei).

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Chobe floodplain – Chobe National Park

Next, journey north to the Chobe River, where your game drives will wind along the river banks, accompanied by the calls of the majestic African Fish Eagle. The Chobe River Floodplain is an incredible area for game viewing, where water attracts large herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, and other herbivores. With an abundance of prey, predators are likely to be nearby. The sunsets in this region are often breathtaking, providing fantastic photographic opportunities. You’ll be camping in private designated campsites, each equipped with ensuite bush ablutions in the tents.

Distance: Savute to Chobe River: 170km | Travel Time: 5 hours | Meals: B, L, DDAY

Day 6: Chobe floodplain – Chobe National Park

Continue your adventure with game drives to explore Northern Chobe and the floodplain.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Kasane

The safari concludes at 12:00 PM on Day 7 in Kasane after a cruise on the Chobe River. This experience gives you a closer view of aquatic animals and birds that are not easily approached during a traditional safari. Lunch will be your own expense once back in Kasane. For those heading to Kasane Airport, nearby lodges, or Victoria Falls, transfer pick-up can be arranged starting at 12:15 PM. If you’re staying at one of the local lodges in Kasane, your guide will be happy to drop you off. Bush Ways is pleased to assist with any post-tour accommodations, activities, and transfers to Victoria Falls airport or lodges for an additional fee.

Distance: Chobe Camp to Kasane: 30 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours | Meals: B

Your Itinerary Overview (South Bound)

Day 1: Chobe floodplain – Chobe National Park

Upon arrival in Kasane, an exciting Chobe River cruise will await you. You’ll meet at Kalahari Tours, Kasane at 12:30 PM and board the boat around 2:00 PM. This cruise will offer close encounters with aquatic wildlife and birds, and serve as a great ice-breaker. Afterward, there will be a leisurely game drive to your camp in Chobe National Park, where you will enjoy sunset views over the floodplain. You’ll arrive at camp before dark, welcomed by the safari team to your home for the next two nights, staying at private sites with ensuite bush ablutions.

Distance: Kasane – Chobe Camp: 30 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours | Meals: L, D

Day 2: Chobe floodplain – Chobe National Park

The next day will feature morning and afternoon game drives along the riverbanks, with the call of the African Fish Eagle. The floodplain attracts large herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, and other herbivores, with predators likely nearby.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Savuti/Zwei Zwei – Chobe National Park

Today, you will head south, leaving the Chobe River to explore deeper into Chobe National Park. In the drier Savuti region, you might spot bull elephants and renowned predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. You’ll camp at private sites with ensuite bush ablutions.

Distance: Chobe River – Savuti: 170 km | Travel Time: 5 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Savuti/Zwei Zwei – Chobe National Park

Embark on game drives that explore the southern region of Chobe National Park (Savuti/Zwei Zwei).

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Moremi/Khwai 

Today, you will journey from Savuti to Moremi/Khwai, one of Botswana’s premier wilderness areas, featuring both wetland and dry landscapes. The next two days will be dedicated to exploring the diverse wildlife and bird species that this stunning region is famous for, all while soaking in the enchanting sounds and sights. Expect game drives in the early morning as the sun rises and late afternoon as it sets. Your camping experience will take place in private designated campsites, complete with ensuite bush ablutions for each tent.

Distance: Savuti to Moremi/Khwai – 120 km | Travel Time: 5-6 hours | Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Moremi/Khwai

Embark on game drives to discover the stunning surroundings of the Khwai River (Northeast Moremi/Khwai Concession). A mokoro excursion will allow you to glide along a tributary of the Khwai River, offering a unique perspective on wildlife and a chance to enjoy this serene mode of transport.

Meals: B, L, D

Days 7: Maun

On Day 7, we’ll set out early for a final game drive in Moremi/Khwai, providing one last opportunity to spot those elusive animals that may have been missed earlier. We will then head to Maun, arriving around 12:00 PM, where you will be dropped off at your lodge or the airport. Bush Ways is pleased to assist with arranging post-tour accommodation and activities for an additional fee.

Distance: Moremi/Khwai to Maun – 150 km | Travel Time: 5 hours (including game drive) | Meals: B

ABOUT OUR SERVAL SAFARIS

An exceptional camping safari where our dedicated team handles all camp chores. At all times, there is one guide accompanying the guests, while a backup team, comprising a chef and camp assistants, works from a support vehicle to set up and dismantle camps, prepare meals, and more.

DESCRIPTION

An exceptional camping safari where our dedicated team handles all camp chores. At all times, there is one guide accompanying the guests, while a backup team, comprising a chef and camp assistants, works from a support vehicle to set up and dismantle camps, prepare meals, and more.

EQUIPMENT

• Walk in mini-meru tents with bedrolls and bedding included and ensuite private bush ablutions (shower, toilet, toiletry stand) with direct access from the tent.
• All drinks included(softs, local alcoholic drinks, drinking water)

VEHICLE

• 4×4 safari vehicles custom-built by Bush Ways – custom built trailers – one backup vehicle specifically dedicated to setting-up/packing the camp

NUMBER OF GUESTS

• Maximum 9 pax (so that everyone gets a window seat)
• No minimum pax required, safari is guaranteed once Bush Ways has accepted and confirmed a departure

ITINERARIES

We have 2 different Premium Camping Safari programs:

• Serval Safari (7 days): One Northbound itinerary (from Maun to Kasane) and one Southbound itinerary (from Kasane to Maun)
• Caracal Safari (9 days)

PROFILE

• Genuine and authentic bush experiences simultaneously offering stunning comfort.

PICTURE DATABASE

• Serval Safari equipment: https://goo.gl/photos/Ui8WDLPqPv3wx4ka7
• 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 = 18kg, max. size = 700mm x 350mm x 350mm
• Remember that on safari you need far fewer clothes than you think so bear this in mind when packing

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

• Torch with spare batteries and bulbs – a head torch is a good idea
• Hat/cap
• Scarf and gloves (especially for winter months)
• Warm jacket/fleece/jumper – windproof in winter months (May – Sept), waterproof in summer months (Nov – Mar)
• Swimming costume
• 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 films, 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 daypack 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
• Toilet paper (this is only necessary if you prefer 2 or 3 ply toilet paper)
• 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.zambiatourism.com, 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).

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

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