Tour Overview:
This exciting adventure begins with a drive from Johannesburg through to Botswana’s spectacular Okavango Delta. After visiting the Khama Rhino sanctuary, we cross the wilds of the interior settling in Maun, deep within the heart of Botswana. We join a 4×4 travelling across the buffalo fence where we join our Mokoro (dugout canoe) guides at the waters’ edge. Spending three days in the heart of the Okavango, gliding across channels of crystal clear water, this is an adventure everyone should experience. The Delta is an exciting way to discover what life is without modern influences and appreciating local people in the region compared to our cosmopolitan living.
Included Highlights
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Optional Highlights
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Tour Summary:
Day 1: Johannesburg – Nata /Botswana (Distance Travelled: +/- 760km)
Highlights included: Limpopo River, Francistown, roaming wildlife
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Nata – Livingstone, Zambia (Distance Travelled: +/- 320km)
Highlights Included: Roaming wildlife, Town of Maun
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Maun – Okavango Delta (Distance Travelled: 60km)
Highlights included: 4×4 transfer, Mokoro trip, free bush camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Okavango Delta (Distance Travelled: 0km)
Highlights included: Mokoro trips, waterways, nature/game walks, free bush camping
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Okavango Delta – Maun (Distance Travelled: +/- 60km)
Highlights included: Mokoro trip, nature walk, 4×4 transfer, town of Maun
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Maun – Khama (Distance Travelled: +/- 510km)
Highlights included: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Khama – Johannesburg / South Africa (Distance Travelled: +/- 660km)
Highlights included: Limpopo River, Johannesburg
Meals included: Breakfast
Highlights & Adventure Boosts
- 3 Day Delta trip
- 4×4 bush transfer
- Mokoro trip
- Nature / Game walks
- Freestyle bush camping
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Day 1: Johannesburg – Nata, Botswana
Distance travelled: +/- 760km
Approx driving time: Full day
Departing from South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg,embark on a new journey taking a pleasant two hour road trip north to the Botswana border post, “Martins Drift”. Crossing the Limpopo River we clear immigrations before changing currency into “Pula” the local currency of Botswana. Rain being a sought after luxury in Botswana the currency is called “Pula and Thebe” interpreted means “rain drops” in Tswana, the national ethnic language. More than one-half of the population live in rural areas and are largely dependent on subsistence crop and livestock farming. We meander through vast open savannahs passing many local villages and bustling trading towns, including Palapye, before our lunch stop in Francistown, a once thriving gold mining town. We complete our road trip crossing over “veterinary fences” (to control foot and mouth disease) into wilder habitats arriving at the tranquil rustic setting of Nata Safari Lodge in the late afternoon where we enjoy a dinner under the stars in the wilds of Africa.
Highlights: Nata rest camp
Accommodation: Nata Safari Lodge or similar
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 Maun – Okavango Delta
Distance travelled +/- 320km
Approx driving time: Full day
Following an enjoyable early morning breakfast, you begin an easy paced expedition to the lifeline of Botswana (the massive and remote Okavango Delta). Driving west with a strong possibility of encountering towering elephant and buffalo alongside the road and you encounter many interesting local villages and herdsmen attending to their live stock. Maun is the gateway town where you first stock up on your supplies for your three day adventure excursion into one of the wildest and most remote territories on the continent. Basing ourselves at a tranquil bush camp out of town, shaded by many trees, you enjoy the night in the calm surroundings of Sitatunga camp.
Highlights: Maun, Sitatunga rest camp
Accommodation: Sitatunga Safari Camp (2 man dome tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 Maun – Okavango Delta
Distance Travelled +/- 60km
Approx driving time: Two hours
With bags and food supplies packed and sun screen and hats on hand, you climb onto our 4×4 bush tracker ready to unearth the wonders of the Okavango Delta. This beautiful region is a natural wetland system spreading over 1, 6 million hectares of northern Botswana formed from rivers that flow south from Angola, and divide repeatedly over the flat Botswana plains and wind an intricate floodplain of channels and an inland ‘delta’, the only one of its kind in the world. After a slow drive along rugged windy tracks, you cross the Buffalo fence exposing you to untamed Africa under the care and safety of your experienced guide. At the water’s edge you meet your local guides who are overly familiar with the region and you are gently poled out onto the narrow flat waterway on Mokoro (dugout canoes). Gliding over glistening ponds while weaving though the dense green bulrushes and beautiful wild lilies, we set up a bush camp under shade and gather for lunch. The afternoon is spent either on a game walk with your local guides, viewing hippo from a Mokoro or simply taking some relieving time out. The nights are enjoyed with the sounds of wild animals in the distance around your campfire encouraging your local guides to sing us traditional Tswana songs.
Highlights: 4×4 transfer, entry to delta, Mokoro with poler, local guide, game walks
Accommodation: Okavango free camping (2 man dome tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Okavango Delta
Distance Travelled 0km
Approx driving time: Nil
The sounds of snorting hippo nearby, and the aroma of coffee brewing on an open fire excitingly awakes you for a light breakfast in the cool morning breeze. The water of the Okavango is remarkably pure due to the fact that it passes through very sparsely populated areas on its journey from Angola, making the water safe to drink and bathe in. Joining your guide you enjoy an informative trek through the marvelous savannah terrain. The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations such as crocodile, red lechwe, Sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life. From relaxing at camp through the midday heat to the incredible silence experienced on the cool waterways, you are able to ponder the magnitude of life without western influences. If our camp is in reasonable walking distance of a local village then you stand a good chance of visiting these humble folk before retiring to camp for another night of laughter and stories gathered around a warm flickering fire.
Highlights: Entry to delta, Mokoro with poler, local guide, game walks
Accommodation: Okavango free camping (2 man dome tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 Okavango Delta – Maun
Distance Travelled +/-60km
Approx driving time: Two hours
After a final game walk followed by a light breakfast, we pack up our gear clearing the site of our existence before loading our Mokoro’s. Satisfied, you glide over the still waterways returning to the poler’s station where our 4×4 tracker waits for you and your poler’s bid you farewell. Crossing the buffalo fence back to civilization you enjoy the luxury of hot showers once again with some time out for a lunch break or a swim in the main camp’s swimming pool. This afternoon feeling revitalized and refreshed you have the opportunity to join a trip with a guide into town where you can explore the shopping area and little market stalls scattered around the C.B.D. A popular activity is a flight around the Delta which will leave you breathless when you see the vastness of the surroundings from the air and the insignificance of man in these parts. We return to camp and prepare a wholesome dinner ending the night under the stars with the distinct scent of wild sage in the air.
Highlights: Entry to Delta, Mokoro with poler, local guide, game walks
Accommodation: Sitatunga Safari lodge (2 man dome tents with shared facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Maun – Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Distance travelled: +/-530km
Approx driving time: Third of day
An early rise and shine call followed with a satisfying breakfast, we leave Maun travelling through the greater Kalahari region via Mopipi, seeing vast salt pans in the distance. Although a very enjoyable and scenic route, Mopipi has a very small population and is known as the least visited place in Botswana. We arrive at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the early afternoon. In 1989 a group of locals wished to convert the Serowe Pan, previously a hunting area, into a conservation region for the rhino that inhabit the area. The ‘Pan’ was chosen because of its ‘rhino-friendly’ habitat and its proximity to a Botswana Defense Force base which can provide 24 hour protection. Located on the edge of the vast Kalahari Desert, Khama is a prime habitat for white rhino, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. Khama is a community based wildlife project which benefits the local community and teaches and educates the importance of conserving these animals. This afternoon we enjoy an open game drive with knowledgeable local rangers, taking in an abundance of interesting facts from rhino to fauna and flora. Our last night on safari, is spent in the camp site, swapping stories and laughter with our last meal as a group.
Highlights: Kalahari Desert fringes, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, open vehicle game drive
Accommodation: Serowe Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Serowe– Johannesburg, South Africa
Leaving early we cross the border into South Africa, where the tour ends late afternoon in Johannesburg.
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Camping Trip – Botswana |
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PRICE per person R5200 Adven. Boost USD$170 Pay to the tour leader Single Supplement R300 book your own tentTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own tent and must be paid when booking your tour. |
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ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE – Spoil yourself and get a twin en-suit room |
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PRICE per person R5200 Adven. Boost USD$170 Pay to the tour leader Accom. Upgrade USD$125 Pay to the tour leader Single Supplement USD$250 book your own roomTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own Room and must be paid when booking your tour. |
2014 Departure Dates |
Useful Information |
| Monday every second week ends Sundays Leaving Johannesburg 05h00 End Date
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What is the Adventure Boost? These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste, style and pocket. Paying for the adventure boost on departure benefits local communities and businesses as this money goes directly to the operator.Food & Meals The crew will buy fresh meat, vegetables and fruit each day, ensuring that all needs are catered for. The local produce is cost effective and a healthier option too. We all help with the cooking and cleaning on tour – working as a team creates harmony and lasting friendships long after the tour is over. We do enjoy local specialties occasionally at the local restaurants, which is for your pocket. Lunch is usually not included as there are many local shops with various lunch options for you to try out.Camping & Upgrading The camping grounds we have selected are chosen for their exquisiteness and convenience to places we explore, most of which are situated close to National Parks and places of interest. These have shared ablution facilities and most have extra’s like restaurants, shops, pubs and swimming pools and depending on availability you have the opportunity to upgrade to rooms with en-suite facilities if you’d rather spend some nights out of the tent. If you don’t want to camp at all, please, when booking, we recommend that you pay for the upgrade at the time of booking to secure accommodation. |
TOUR INFORMATION
TOUR STYLE:
Adventure Camping
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Tour highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated and the services of an ENGLISH speaking driver / tour leader.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Visas, visa fees, travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, optional activities, laundry, gratuities, passports and items of a personal nature.
ADVENTURE BOOST:
These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste and pocket.
ACCOMMODATION:
Choose between our specially selected camping grounds with shared facilities for one night in the spectacularly picturesque Okavango Delta – home of the only inland delta in the world or if your taste is a home from home en-suite facility, with a pool, restaurant and bar, whatever your style, whatever your adventure, we’ve got it covered!
TRANSPORT:
Minibus: With a minimum of 4 passengers to a maximum of 18.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
On confirmation of booking you will receive pre-departure and all relevant information. After receipt of full payment, travel vouchers and all pertaining information will promptly be delivered to you! If you could please contact your local travel agent for flights arrangements to and from your tour start and finish destination.
| DEPARTURE POINT & DROP OFF POINT These facilities are approximately +-10km’s from Johannesburg International Airport. MoAfrika Lodge Tel: +27 82 506 9641 Email:info@moafrika.com 120 Sandham Rd Norton Home Estate Benoni, Johannesburg |
PICK UP TIME: 05h00DROP OFF TIME: Early Evening |
| PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION The tour departs from Johannesburg early in the morning of Day 1; we advise – and we have experience with this advice – that you arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements.If you so desire and time allows, we suggest that you stay an extra night or several after the tour ends to experience Johannesburg. Drinking at a world famous shebeen in the Alexander township is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!! The Alexander Township is where you can eat a hearty plate of African cuisine, quench your thirst with traditional home-brewed ale while listening to Kwaito with a shebeen queen, and maybe visit the first home of our former President Nelson Mandela.We have suggested the below accommodation for your convenience, the price is a guide line only and may vary slightly depending on season. Twin Room en-suite Sharing: R560.00 Single Room en-suite: R 455.00 Dorm Bedded Room: R175.00 |
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WHAT TO BRING
Luggage allowance is 20kg per passenger on most airlines, we don’t have a specific weight allowance, but suggest to travel lightly. We do suggest bringing a large soft backpack and a smaller bag for the day. Please bring a mixture of lightweight cool clothing for the day and warm clothing for the mornings and evenings, even when it’s not cold at night, after being in the sun all day, when the sun goes down, you will feel the temperature drop! Game drives can also be chilly. A towel and a pillow is a necessity. A money belt/pouch is more convenient and comfortable than carrying a wallet or purse around. We suggest leaving your valuables at home or use the lodge safe to store valuables and or your cash, passports and travel tickets. A sleeping bag is needed unless you choose to upgrade.
VACCINATIONS / HEALTH
Below is a table indicating the vaccinations suggested for this tour. Please note this is a guide line only and you should seek professional medical advice with regards to vaccinations/tablets. You will need to visit your gp or clinic at least 6 weeks prior to departure should you decide to take anti-malaria tablets. Some area’s visited are malarial.
C = Compulsory,
R = Recommended,
R* = It is an immigration requirement and a Yellow Fever certificate is procedure if travelling to Zambia from South Africa or vice versa. If travelling from countries requiring a certificate, you will need to provide proof of certificate or the certificate.
NB: This information is a guide line only you can contact us at Rush Adventures for any queries or advise regarding vaccinations on any of the tours and we will gladly assist you.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Please note the visa requirements be checked at least one month prior to travel.
Most nationalities do not need visas in advance as they are obtainable at the border entry points and can be paid for is US dollars $ – cash.
Below is a table indicating visa’s required when traveling from overseas. Please see your local consulate/embassies or a visa specialist for up to date information and assistance pertaining to visas. UK citizens can go to www.fco.gov.uk for travel information. Other nationalities please contact your local relevant embassy.
PERSONAL EXPENSES / SPENDING MONEY
Spending money. Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, tips and items of a personal nature is to your own discretion and needs/wants. We suggest you budget on R200.00 ($10 – $15) a day. Most of your spending will be done in South Africa and therefore in South African Rand. In Botswana the currency is Pula and Zambia the currency is Kwacha. Any added optional activities, accommodation before or after the trip, is for your discretion. It’s advised to bring US dollars ($) for any international airport taxes or visas.
Spending money is advised to be in cash in either South African Rand or US Dollars. Pound Sterling or Euro can be exchanged into Rand on arrival and/or as you travel. Your guide will give general guidance in regards to this during the tour.
ATM MACHINES
Are found throughout South Africa, Botswana and in Livingstone. Please note these are sometimes unreliable and only dispense local currency so visa or mastercard’s and certain banks are the only cards that will dispense local currency.
CREDIT CARDS
Can be used for additional activities although as we all know carry additional charges.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Can be inconvenient to cash but make for suitable emergency funds.
TIPPING/GRADITUITY
It is customary to pay gratuity to staff at the end of the tour should the standard be worthy of this. In areas where tourism is an integral part of the economy we suggest to do so, but naturally this remains at your discretion.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
We give you the maximum flexibility on tour, therefore we offer a number of optional activities. Below are approximate prices in US dollars ($). Prices are subject to change but not astronomically.
| Botswana – | Flight over the Delta |
| Helicopter Flip | |
| Horse ride trail | |
| Horseback ride |
INSURANCE
Rush Adventures strongly advise full travel insurance valid for the duration of your tour to cover you for medical emergencies and repatriation to your home country should the need arise. Your guide can hold a copy of this if you so wish. Please leave a copy of your insurance with your nominated emergency contact. We can provide specialist travel insurance for your tour through our local operator. Please contact Rush Adventures for more information.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe that you will get the most of your journey by respecting the culture and the locals from the places you visit. Our tours benefit the communities we pass through, minimizing any negative impact on the environment and by getting involved with local charity projects assisting the communities. We ensure the campsites used are left clean as they will be found clean. If we could kindly ask you to take into consideration the traditions and be respectful of others and the communities in which they live, for example dressing respectfully in conservative areas.
Remember: Proactive and responsible travel helps develop and more importantly maintain cross-cultural boundaries, understandings and friendships with the locals, and this will add to your experience of Africa, its cultures and your adventure.
HOW TO BOOK – 3 EASY STEPS
OKAVANGO EXPERIENCE OE07
We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa GMT+100.
Our reservation’s office is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00
To contact us and speak to one of our helpful, experienced and friendly consultants don’t hesitate to call us on: +27 11 974 8245 or send us an email: info@rushadventures.co.za
- Confirm the date you would like to travel with your consultant.
- Fill in the booking form with all required information and details to your tour. We will then send you an invoice with your booking number.
- Make the payment via an Internet bank transfer or deposit directly into the Rush Adventures banking account. Once payment is confirmed, confirmation of travel and all pertaining vouchers and documents will be promptly sent to you.
A deposit of 20% is required on booking and the balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure.
A cancellation fee will be charged accordingly to Rush Adventure in the event thereof. All conditions are stated on the booking form.
Please notify us when booking if there are any dietary requirements or medical conditions to make your tour streamlined to your individual needs. The Adventure Boost is payable to the tour leader on the day of departure.
Simply fill out your details below and click on the submit button. The bookings will be processed and you will be contacted promptly. We thank you for choosing your adventure with Rush and we ensure you of a memorable tour experience second to none!
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