Experience the vast wilderness
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on a journey to Botswana during the Summer season when the migratory birds have made themselves at home.
Botswana is a top-notch travel destination that offers an exceptional experience to tourists. Its diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture make it a must-visit place. Whether you are looking for a thrilling safari adventure, a peaceful retreat in the wilderness, or an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, Botswana has it all.
The country is home to some of the world’s best wildlife reserves, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where you can spot the Big Five and other fascinating animals. You can also explore the vast Kalahari Desert, or marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Moreover, Botswana is renowned for its impeccable hospitality and friendly locals, who will make you feel welcome and at home. So, if you want to experience the beauty and wonder of Africa, Botswana should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Day 1
Beaufort West to Kimberley
On the way we look for some Karoo specials, and as we approach the Kalahari, Sociable Weavers, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Black-faced Waxbill, Orange River Francolin and more are on our target list.
Day 2
Kimberley to Mafikeng
Proceeding through the Kalahari, with a quick stop for Abdim’s Stork in the Hartswater area, and Coqui Francolin, Short-clawed Lark and Tinkling Cisticola nearer the Mafikeng area.
Day 3
Mafikeng to Francistown
Crossing the border into Botswana, it’s a long drive to Francistown, but along the way we expect to see Southern White-crowned Shrike, Purple Roller, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Shaft-tailed Whydah. Our accommodation is situated on the bank of the Tati river, where you will find Tinkling Cisticola, Woodland Kingfisher, White-browed Scrub-robin, Barred Wren-warbler, Brubru, Burnt-necked Eremomela and Melba Finch.
Day 4
Francistown to Nata
We head north to Nata, and look for the legendary Boulder Chat on the way. Kori Bustard, Red- and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, Fawn-coloured Lark, African Cuckoo and Marico Sunbird might appear. Nata is on the edge of the Makgadigadi Pans, and our stay here includes a game-drive to the Nata Sanctuary – weather permitting. A feast of migrants await.
Day 5
Nata to Kasane
On the way to the eastern parts of Botswana and birds that might turn up include Lesser Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Ground Hornbill, Tawny Eagle and Black-bellied Bustard. We sleep on the banks of the Chobe River – what can be better?
Day 6
Victoria Falls daytrip
We hop over the border to visit the famed Victoria Falls. Here we look for Western Banded Snake-eagle, Rock Pratincole, Collared Palm-thrush, Brown Firefinch, Schalow’s Turaco and more.
Day 7
Kasane
A boat trip on the Chobe River is a favourite for our guests, and brings us up close and personal with all the birds and animals that call this paradise home. A game drive into the Chobe Game Reserve in the afternoon gives a whole different perspective on the biodiversity of the area. Rufous-bellied Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Hooded Vulture, Long-toed Lapwing, Red-winged and Rock Pratincole, Broad-billed Roller, Luapula Cisticola, Red-billed Francolin, Comb Duck and more all call this home.
Day 8
Kasane to Katima Mulilo
The road leads us through the Chobe Game Reserve once again, and we keep our eyes open for Bateleur, Brown Snake Eagle and Tawny Eagle. We then cross the border into Namibia to Katima Mulilo on the banks of the Zambezi River, where we expect to find the Yellow-throated Leaflove breeding in the gardens and Pennant-winged Nightjar and others flitting after moths at night.
Day 9
Katima Mulilo
Waking up on the banks of the Zambezi River to Black and Slaty Egret, Rufous-bellied Heron, Fulvous Duck, White-backed Duck, Pygmy Goose, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Lesser Gallinule, Lesser Jacana, White-crowned Lapwing, Black Coucal, Coppery-tailed Coucal, and White-browed Coucal.
We pay a visit to the spectacular colony of Southern Carmine Bee-eaters after scouring the pans in the area for all the exciting specials.
Day 10
Katima Mulilo to Mahangu Lodge
We drive to the banks of the Kavango River. Birds along the road include Arnot’s Chat, Broad-billed Roller and Yellow Wagtail. Around the lodge, Brown Firefinch, Copper Sunbird, Green-backed Honeybird and Bradfield’s Hornbill frequent the gardens.
Day 11
Mahangu Lodge to Taranga River Lodge
An early morning drive might produce Swamp Boubou, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Wattled Crane, Wood Pipit, African Golden Oriole, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Brown-throated Weaver. Then, we venture down the Caprivi Strip with regular bird stops. Dickinson’s Kestrel, Arnot’s Chat, Bateleur and Racket-tailed Roller might be found along the way, and further west we look out for Rufous-bellied Tit, Hartlaub’s Babbler, and Ayres’ Hawk Eagle, while Tarango Lodge is home to the Ross’ Turaco.
Day 12
Taranga River Lodge to Kayova River Lodge
A day of birding might produce Rufous-bellied Tit, Grey-headed Parrot, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Cuckoo Hawk, Tinkling Cisticola, Souza’s Shrike, White-breasted Cuckooshrike and Black-faced Babblers.
Day 13
Kayova River Lodge to Drotsky Cabins
Another day to seek the Souza’s Shrike, Rufous-bellied Tit and Racket-tailed Roller before crossing the border back into Botswana on the way to Drotsky’s. This lodge is famed for its beautiful gardens and abundance of birds. Watch out for Wood Owl, Barred Owl, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Bearded Woodpecker and Yellow-bellied Greenbul.
Day 14
Drotsky Cabins
We have a boat available to our group for the entire day, and we use this opportunity to extensively bird up and down the Okavango River, searching for Pel’s Fishing Owl, Luapula Cisticola, Greater Swamp Warbler, Pygmy Goose, Wattled Crane, Lesser Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, Slaty Egret, White-backed Night Heron, Blue-cheeked and Little Bee-eater.
Day 15
Drotsky Cabins to Kang
Driving along the western side of the Panhandle, we may see Tawny Eagle, Gabar Goshawk, Dickonson’s Kestrel, Giant Eagle Owl and Striped Kingfisher. From here we turn west and enter the Kalahari again. Kang is home to the Barred Wren-warbler, Great Sparrow and Southern Pied Babbler.
Day 16
Kang to Mafikeng
From Kang, we head for the South African border once again. Passing through the Kalahari, we have a chance to pick up any birds we dipped on on the way up.
Day 17
Mafikeng to Mokala National Park
We believe in ending an adventure on a high note, and Mokala National Park is just the place to acclimatise to being back on South African soil. Here, we find a good number of birds, including Orange River Francolin, Red-backed Shrike and Short-toed Rock-thrush, and a variety of animals in beautiful Kalahari landscape.
Day 18
Mokala National Park to Beaufort West
The last leg of the trip takes us back through the Karoo, before the trip ends back in Beaufort West.
END
Dates
- 21 January – 7 February 2023
Tour Price
- Per person sharing: R39 900
- Single supplement: R12 100
Included
- Transport in 4×4 vehicles.
- Accommodation mentioned in itinerary.
- Breakfast where it is not included in the accommodation.
- One square meal per day.
- All entry fees, guides and excursions mentioned.
- Guide fee for 18 days.
Excluded
- Transport to and from Beaufort West – our point of departure.
- Accommodation and dinner the night before departure.
- Alcohol, cold drinks, or any refreshments not mentioned.
- Personal or medical travel insurance.
- Any Visa fees (if applicable).
- Personal expenses like laundry and souvenirs.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Any additional tours or activities, services or visits not mentioned.
- Lunch, unless otherwise indicated.
- Snacks.
Luggage
- A single suitcase of max 20kg per person.
- A daypack.
Important
The northern parts of Botswana and the Caprivi is Malaria area and it is vital to take the necessary precautions.
