DELUXE 7-DAY SAFARI IN BOTSWANA with wildlife photographer Jennifer HadleyMarch 24-30, 2023
Early bird special: Starting at $7195 per person ------ Single supplement $750 Combine this tour with an 8-day all-inclusive road-trip up the famous Garden Route in South Africa. Visit Rhinos and penguins, taste some local vegan wine, cook a feast with a vegan chef, and much more. Ask us about the discounts that apply if you combine the tours! |
Have you been dreaming about an African Safari? We're making it a reality. Join award-winning wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley on this amazing experiences. She will take photos for you to keep, and you'll learn from her how you can improve your own photography of the incredible animals and landscapes of this beautiful country. Our itinerary is filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences including:
- Several safaris where you'll see elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, birds and more
- Water-based excursion in the UNESCO World Heritage Okavango Delta
- Staying in private deluxe safari lodges
- Traveling with your own personal wildlife photographer
- 100% vegan meals
- and much more...
Itinerary
(Please note some things might change or get switched around but any changes will be for the best of trip.
Once you sign up you will get updated of any possible changes.)
Once you sign up you will get updated of any possible changes.)
Day 1: Cape Town - First meeting & cooking demo
Arrival in Cape Town at our guest house by 2pm for check in. We then transfer to the nearby V&A Waterfront where we will be spending the afternoon with an African chef, having fun cooking and learning about traditional African foods and culture. In the evening we get to taste the dishes we have created for dinner at our guest house.
Accommodation: Welgelegen Boutique Guest House (4-star)
Meals: Cooking demo & dinner
Day 2: To Botswana & camp #1- Camp Savute
Today is a day of travel. After our vegan breakfast, we’ll pack up our bags and head to Cape Town airport for our 2h45 flight to Maun, Botswana.
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Of important note: While in Botswana, we will be taking small planes in order to reach our remote bush accommodation. As such, the following luggage restrictions are strictly enforced:
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Once in Maun, we’ll transfer over to our small planes which will take us to our 1st camp. The flight time will be around 40 minutes. Depending on the day, we may be on a 8 or 12-person plane. We will therefore need a few planes, and the group as a whole will therefore get to the camps at slightly different times.
Our first camp is located in Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park and also the most biologically diverse. Located in the north of the country, it is Botswana’s third largest park and has one of the greatest concentrations of animals in all of Africa. The park is widely known for its large elephant population, estimated to be around 50,000. Elephants living here are Kalahari elephants, the largest in size of all known elephant populations. They are characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks. If this wasn’t spectacular enough, the park is also noted for having a population of lions which has been known to actually prey on African elephants, mostly juveniles or sub-adults, but occasionally adults!
Our home for the next 3 nights is the Savute Safari Camp, a wonderful introduction to Botswana safari life. It’s located in the Savute marsh region, renowned for its intense predator encounters and exceptional animal viewing. The camp is located right by a watering hole, where many animals — including elephants!!!! — come for a drink. Perhaps some will join us for sun-downers?
Depending on our time of arrival today — which is only confirmed a few weeks before our arrival as it’s tied to the bush plane schedules — we may only have time for a safari drive on the way to the lodge, and perhaps a short one before dinner. No worries — we have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush! Seriously: can life get any better than this?
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Arrival in Cape Town at our guest house by 2pm for check in. We then transfer to the nearby V&A Waterfront where we will be spending the afternoon with an African chef, having fun cooking and learning about traditional African foods and culture. In the evening we get to taste the dishes we have created for dinner at our guest house.
Accommodation: Welgelegen Boutique Guest House (4-star)
Meals: Cooking demo & dinner
Day 2: To Botswana & camp #1- Camp Savute
Today is a day of travel. After our vegan breakfast, we’ll pack up our bags and head to Cape Town airport for our 2h45 flight to Maun, Botswana.
_____
Of important note: While in Botswana, we will be taking small planes in order to reach our remote bush accommodation. As such, the following luggage restrictions are strictly enforced:
- 20kg / 44lbs per person (total weight inclusive of luggage and hand luggage/camera equipment)
- soft sided luggage, non-rigid bag
- max dimensions: 25cm wide x 45cm high x 62cm long (10 inches wide x 18 inches high x 24 inches long)
- if your luggage has wheels, please ensure that the frame supporting the wheels at the back is not a rigid/solid frame
_____
Once in Maun, we’ll transfer over to our small planes which will take us to our 1st camp. The flight time will be around 40 minutes. Depending on the day, we may be on a 8 or 12-person plane. We will therefore need a few planes, and the group as a whole will therefore get to the camps at slightly different times.
Our first camp is located in Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park and also the most biologically diverse. Located in the north of the country, it is Botswana’s third largest park and has one of the greatest concentrations of animals in all of Africa. The park is widely known for its large elephant population, estimated to be around 50,000. Elephants living here are Kalahari elephants, the largest in size of all known elephant populations. They are characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks. If this wasn’t spectacular enough, the park is also noted for having a population of lions which has been known to actually prey on African elephants, mostly juveniles or sub-adults, but occasionally adults!
Our home for the next 3 nights is the Savute Safari Camp, a wonderful introduction to Botswana safari life. It’s located in the Savute marsh region, renowned for its intense predator encounters and exceptional animal viewing. The camp is located right by a watering hole, where many animals — including elephants!!!! — come for a drink. Perhaps some will join us for sun-downers?
Depending on our time of arrival today — which is only confirmed a few weeks before our arrival as it’s tied to the bush plane schedules — we may only have time for a safari drive on the way to the lodge, and perhaps a short one before dinner. No worries — we have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush! Seriously: can life get any better than this?
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 3: Botswana - Camp Savute
Waking up in the heart of Africa is something that can only be experienced. And experienced early! Highly recommended is to set off at the crack of dawn. That’s when the animals are at their most active! Following a light vegan breakfast, you’ll board your 4×4 vehicles and head out into the bush with our expert local guides who can truly answer any questions you may come up with. Seriously, we’ve never been able to stump them! They are a walking wikipedia/google page! If you prefer to sleep in, no worries at all! We have 2 full days at this location and you can build your own adventure. Our tour leaders will be on-hand to help out with any decision-making tips. The morning activity will lead to lunch and an afternoon rest period where you can enjoy your room or go for a swim in the camp’s own swimming pool! If you’re lucky, elephants will be at their own watering hole nearby. A swim with a view!
Once the midday heat subsides a bit, the animals will start getting active again, and so we’re off on another drive. This is the perfect time to sit back and watch some lions nap or stroll about with a glass of wine in-hand. We’ll be back at the lodge in time for sun-downer drinks, maybe a campfire if the weather cooperates, and a dinner under the stars. Below is an example of a daily schedule, though please note that it serves only as an example.
The daily program is flexible based on the guests’ interests, travel times and availability of activities.
05:00: Early morning wake-up call
05:30: Light continental breakfast served in the dining area.
06:00: Leave for morning activity, (approximately 3 – 4 hours).
11:00: Brunch is served at the dining area.
REST TIME: Relax and enjoy the lodge facilities and surroundings.
15:30: Afternoon tea is served on the open air patio.
16:00: Depart for afternoon activity (approximately 3 hours).
19:00: Arrive back at the lodge.
20:00: Dinner is served at the dining area.
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Waking up in the heart of Africa is something that can only be experienced. And experienced early! Highly recommended is to set off at the crack of dawn. That’s when the animals are at their most active! Following a light vegan breakfast, you’ll board your 4×4 vehicles and head out into the bush with our expert local guides who can truly answer any questions you may come up with. Seriously, we’ve never been able to stump them! They are a walking wikipedia/google page! If you prefer to sleep in, no worries at all! We have 2 full days at this location and you can build your own adventure. Our tour leaders will be on-hand to help out with any decision-making tips. The morning activity will lead to lunch and an afternoon rest period where you can enjoy your room or go for a swim in the camp’s own swimming pool! If you’re lucky, elephants will be at their own watering hole nearby. A swim with a view!
Once the midday heat subsides a bit, the animals will start getting active again, and so we’re off on another drive. This is the perfect time to sit back and watch some lions nap or stroll about with a glass of wine in-hand. We’ll be back at the lodge in time for sun-downer drinks, maybe a campfire if the weather cooperates, and a dinner under the stars. Below is an example of a daily schedule, though please note that it serves only as an example.
The daily program is flexible based on the guests’ interests, travel times and availability of activities.
05:00: Early morning wake-up call
05:30: Light continental breakfast served in the dining area.
06:00: Leave for morning activity, (approximately 3 – 4 hours).
11:00: Brunch is served at the dining area.
REST TIME: Relax and enjoy the lodge facilities and surroundings.
15:30: Afternoon tea is served on the open air patio.
16:00: Depart for afternoon activity (approximately 3 hours).
19:00: Arrive back at the lodge.
20:00: Dinner is served at the dining area.
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 4: Botswana - Camp Savute
While it’s easy to say that today is just more of the same — we’re off on safari drives again — the truth is that no 2 safari drives are ever the same. Some animals are more elusive than others, and the odds to spot them increase with every outing. Of course you are free to join a morning or afternoon activity, or both, or simply stay back at the camp and enjoy your surroundings. Our camp has a great viewing deck, and so does your room! It’s the perfect place to sit back with a book and some tea and try to spot animals right from your own private veranda! This is our last night in the Savute are of Chobe National Park, so we’ll end it with a nice dinner and a final toast to this very special spot in the world.
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
While it’s easy to say that today is just more of the same — we’re off on safari drives again — the truth is that no 2 safari drives are ever the same. Some animals are more elusive than others, and the odds to spot them increase with every outing. Of course you are free to join a morning or afternoon activity, or both, or simply stay back at the camp and enjoy your surroundings. Our camp has a great viewing deck, and so does your room! It’s the perfect place to sit back with a book and some tea and try to spot animals right from your own private veranda! This is our last night in the Savute are of Chobe National Park, so we’ll end it with a nice dinner and a final toast to this very special spot in the world.
Accommodation: Camp Savute: Luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 5: Botswana - to camp #2, Camp Okavango
After our vegan breakfast, we’ll transfer over to the airfield — expect to see more animals along the way — for our 30-minute flight to our next camp, located right smack in the middle of one of Africa’s most extraordinary places. The Okavango Delta is a swampy inland delta, and was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in 2013. In 2014, it became the 1000th site to be officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage!Situated on the remote Nxaraga Island in the heard of the Delta, our home for the next 3 nights, Camp Okavango, is a hidden treasure that offers unparalleled water wilderness experience. Hidden amongst beautiful mangosteen trees, the property comprises two lounge areas, a dining room, library, a self-service bar and, of course, a pool! A separate raised viewing deck overlooks the floodplains, and is a good spot to view various animals walking about. The activity options here are completely different than at our previous camp, and include the following:
Accommodation: Camp Okavango: Luxurious camp with full en-suite bathrooms, fans (no air-con), indoor/outdoor dining, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 6: Botswana - Camp Okavango
Today is our last full day in Botswana…. booooo!!!! Besides the water-based excursions, we may also be able to go on a guided bush walk to the surrounding islands, for a chance to track the larger animals that inhabit this water wilderness. These walking safaris are conducted in small groups and with two guides, and so we’ll need to spread this activity over our entire time at Okavango Camp. As this is our last day on safari, we’ll have a final celebratory dinner, toasting to our adventures and probably start planning the next one! 🙂
Accommodation: Camp Okavango: Luxurious camp with full en-suite bathrooms, fans (no air-con), indoor/outdoor dining, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 7: Return to South Africa & departure
Today is sadly our departure day. After our last breakfast in the bush, we’re off to the airfield (once again, expect to see animals along the way!!) to catch our 20-minute bush-plane flight to the small city of Maun, where we’ll transfer over to our international flight back to Cape Town (2h45).Once back in South Africa, we are done. You can stay at the airport and board your next flight, or if you’re staying longer in Cape Town we will provide a transfer to town.
Meals: Breakfast
After our vegan breakfast, we’ll transfer over to the airfield — expect to see more animals along the way — for our 30-minute flight to our next camp, located right smack in the middle of one of Africa’s most extraordinary places. The Okavango Delta is a swampy inland delta, and was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in 2013. In 2014, it became the 1000th site to be officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage!Situated on the remote Nxaraga Island in the heard of the Delta, our home for the next 3 nights, Camp Okavango, is a hidden treasure that offers unparalleled water wilderness experience. Hidden amongst beautiful mangosteen trees, the property comprises two lounge areas, a dining room, library, a self-service bar and, of course, a pool! A separate raised viewing deck overlooks the floodplains, and is a good spot to view various animals walking about. The activity options here are completely different than at our previous camp, and include the following:
- Motorised boat safaris: Guided excursions through the deeper channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in hard-bottom aluminum boats. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.
- Mokoro (canoe) excursions: a must do! Guided mokoro excursions in traditional dug out canoes through the shallower channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta.
- Guided bush walks: Bush walks on the surrounding islands for a chance to track the larger species that inhabit the water wilderness. Guided walks are conducted in small groups with two guides.
Accommodation: Camp Okavango: Luxurious camp with full en-suite bathrooms, fans (no air-con), indoor/outdoor dining, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 6: Botswana - Camp Okavango
Today is our last full day in Botswana…. booooo!!!! Besides the water-based excursions, we may also be able to go on a guided bush walk to the surrounding islands, for a chance to track the larger animals that inhabit this water wilderness. These walking safaris are conducted in small groups and with two guides, and so we’ll need to spread this activity over our entire time at Okavango Camp. As this is our last day on safari, we’ll have a final celebratory dinner, toasting to our adventures and probably start planning the next one! 🙂
Accommodation: Camp Okavango: Luxurious camp with full en-suite bathrooms, fans (no air-con), indoor/outdoor dining, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Meals: All
Day 7: Return to South Africa & departure
Today is sadly our departure day. After our last breakfast in the bush, we’re off to the airfield (once again, expect to see animals along the way!!) to catch our 20-minute bush-plane flight to the small city of Maun, where we’ll transfer over to our international flight back to Cape Town (2h45).Once back in South Africa, we are done. You can stay at the airport and board your next flight, or if you’re staying longer in Cape Town we will provide a transfer to town.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Contact Donna at
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About the Photographer:
Jennifer Hadley We are so very excited to announce that amazing wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley will be joining us on the trip! This brings incredible value to a trip already packed with one memorable activity after another. And now we have someone to document it all! Jennifer was actually a client on a previous trip to Rwanda, and blew us all away with her skills and talent, and we just had to get her on-board for this animal-focused trip! Not Included:
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