DESCRIPTION:

Explore three aspects of this fascinating country. First, encounter the flora and fauna of the Okavanga Delta, one of the earth’s largest inland water systems. Enjoy an overland safari in a style reminiscent of the expeditions at the turn of the 20th century. Real beds, down pillows, pure cotton sheets, and silver cutlery are signatures of the safari style. Our time here is split between three camp sites. Two two-night sojourns offer quite different experiences in the wildlife-rich Moremi area, one on land and one on water, linked by a night's camping on a Delta island. Meamder through a unique system of waterways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life, searching for elephants, leopard, lion, hippos, crocodiles, and rare birds – just for starters.

Then, a startling contrast, experience the extreme Kalaharai Desert, a most intriguing and mysterious place. Explore the Makgadikgadi, an area the size of Switzerland devoid of anything but salt and shimmering horizon. Enjoy nature walks with a Bushman tracker, educational drives, paleontological discussions, and star-gazing. Overnight in Meru-style tents set into a palm grove, decorated to reflect 19th-century Victoriana, with en suite bathrooms.

Finally, a true highlight of this unusual program will be spending time with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen and women of the Kalahari, witnessing how people and the land coexist. This is an incredible opportunity to experience a Bushman safari while at a remote campsite deep in the ancestral gathering lands of the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen. Around the fire, listen to the history of the Bushmen people whose origins can be traced back to 30,000 years ago and learn about the complex political challenges that are confronting them today. The campsite will be comprised of traditional style grass shelters replete with all the comforts of a proper safari. Discussions about the uses of plants and wildlife by our Bushmen guides provide a fascinating link between culture and wild environment.

CONSIDER:

Consider visiting here at the height of the last surviving zebra and wildebeest migration of Southern Africa. From about March to April, the herd - which can number around 25,000 animals - moves still further south and crosses into the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a place like none other in Africa as it has mile upon mile of shimmering white salt pan, stretching endlessly to the horizon.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

An optional extension to South Africa and/or Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls.