Great Wilderness Journey

Day 1: Toka Leya Camp, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone, Zambia
On arrival at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, you will be met by a Wilderness Explorations representative and transferred directly to the Victoria Falls for a guided tour before proceeding to Toka Leya. Enjoy great views from camp of the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands.

Set on the western sector of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Toka Leya Camp perches on the banks of the precipitating Zambezi River. Only 12km upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, the camp is well placed for you to explore the scenic and vibrant region. Limiting our footprint on this pristine land, wooden walkways snake between the 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. You will feel safe and comfortable in your tastefully decorated room with an expansive wooden deck looking out at the mighty river – often presenting the sight of rambling elephants, grunting pods of hippo and idle crocodiles. Under a canopy of shady trees, the camp’s dining, lounge and bar areas plus infinity pool, offer ample space for you to relax.

Did you know?

• Toka Leya has a worm farm and indigenous nursery so as to rehabilitate the plant species of the area.
• The densely vegetated islands in front of camp form part of the braided channel of the Zambezi River.
• ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ is the local name for Victoria Falls, literally meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ which accurately describes the rising spray that can be seen 30km away.
• Activities include Victoria Falls tours, game drives, river cruises, catch-and-release fishing, guided walks and adventure activities.
• The park offers good wildlife viewing of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala and white rhino.
• The prolific bird life includes the African Finfoot, a rarity elsewhere, yet here a resident.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day 2 – 4: Linyanti Tented Camp, Linyanti Concession
After a full breakfast we transfer by road back to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, for our light aircraft transfer to Kasane. Flying over the Kazangula border, a point where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia meet, we stop at Kasane for a river cruise.

Set in the 125 000-hectare Linyanti Concession bordering Chobe National Park, Linyanti Tented Camp is the ideal base from which to explore this wildlife-rich area. Unrivalled in its remoteness and the sense of space that it affords, the concession is bordered by two iconic watercourses – the Linyanti River to the north and the sporadic Savute Channel to the south. The eight tents are large, airy and designed to recreate the accommodation style of the early explorers, with canvas surrounds, wooden wardrobes and trunks. The en-suite toilet and shower, wide comfortable beds, mirrors, fans and deck chairs ensure that you can enjoy this secluded corner of northern Botswana in absolute comfort. The main area of the camp, built on a slightly raised deck, looks out over the Linyanti River and floodplain. This is the perfect place to relax around a crackling fire after a great day’s game viewing as you listen to the sounds of the African night. Our warm and friendly staff are on hand to ensure that all your needs are catered for, whilst our chefs will prepare fresh, sumptuous meals that can either be enjoyed on the dining deck or in the boma.

Chobe River boat cruise, Chobe National Park
Enjoy a leisurely shaded boat cruise along the Chobe River, with a light lunch, offering a unique opportunity to observe puku, enormous herds of elephant, numerous pods of hippo and large crocodiles, as well as other general game and diverse birdlife.

After the cruise, depart Kasane by air to the private Linyanti concession for your stay at Linyanti Tented Camp. The multiplicity of habitats in this area is a paradise for an incredible diversity of wildlife and bird species.

Did you know?

• The landscape of the Linyanti is diverse, from floodplains to open dry-land savannah and woodland with sweeping views.
• Wildlife includes the seldom-seen sitatunga that can be spotted in the waterways, as well as rare roan and sable antelope, plains game and of course their predators, the lion and leopard – with the endangered wild dog as an incredible bonus.
• Activities include game drives in the private northern sector of the concession, exploring a range of habitats, from riverbanks to scrub and forest as well as a full-day excursion with lunch at a remote scenic setting.

Included: All meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Days 5 – 7: Gomoti Tented Camp, Okavango Delta
Transfer by light aircraft to the Santawani Concession and discover the mixed woodland habitat and open grasslands that are transformed into floodplains in years of plentiful water. From this base, guests are able to enjoy interpretative day and night game drives and guided bush walks.

The 6 000-hectare Santawani Concession, in the south-east corner of the Okavango Delta, is diverse and game rich. Most of the concession comprises mixed woodland habitat and open grasslands that are transformed into floodplains in years of plentiful water. The camp is nestled under large acacia trees and is completely eco-friendly with no new permanent structures – ideal for adventurous travellers. The main area includes a thatched dining room where guests will enjoy freshly prepared meals as well as a cosy lounge. The camp accommodates a maximum of eight guests in five spacious (5.1 x 3 metre) canvas tents. Designed to recreate the style of early explorers, the tents feature richlycoloured teak director chairs and comfortable interiors. Separate bedside tables with 12-volt reading lamps, woodenframed wardrobes, twin beds and mirrors are provided. Each tent has a private en-suite toilet and shower. Guests
can choose to relax and take in the views from under the shade of their veranda. In the evenings, paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the ambience.

Did you know?

• Activities focus around day and night drives and nature walks.
• The alluvial sands in the area is very fertile, resulting in good grass growth which attracts a multitude of grazing animal species.
• Wildlife is plentiful and includes leopard, lion, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, elephant and herds of general game.

Included: All meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Days 8 – 10: Jacana Camp, Jao Concession, Okavango Delta
After breakfast we fly by light aircraft over the shimmering water-world of the Okavango Delta to Jacana. Situated in a permanently flooded area of the Delta, a stay here offers a true Delta experience.

Set on a small island, Jacana is a true water camp, epitomising the seclusion of the Okavango Delta. Your accommodation will be one of the five Meru-style tents looking out over the expansive surrounding waters. The main dining area is elevated on a wooden deck and surrounded by big shady trees. Downstairs, curl up on one of our cosy couches or gaze out across the waters from the viewing deck. Lazy afternoons can be spent swinging on a hammock and cool evenings are spent sitting around the open fire. The traditional boma often sets the scene for outdoor dining under the stars. As a wonderland of water-based animal and bird life, Jacana begs to be explored.

Did you know?

• Jacana is involved in a lion monitoring project (tracking movements, social behaviours and conditions), as well as being the site for annual Children in the Wilderness programmes.
• The vegetation at Jacana varies from picturesque floodplains with lush palm islands and riparian forest to dryer parts covered in acacia and mopane woodland.
• Mekoro, boat trips, guided walks and game drives are usually on offer all year round. There are two platform hides in the concession.
• Water-loving red lechwe are in abundance, attracting big predators such as lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, occasional sitatunga and regular spotted-necked otter.
• Birding is exceptional with large concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret and Lesser Jacana.

Included: All meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

OR

Days 8 – 10: Xigera Camp, Xigera Concession, Okavango Delta
After breakfast we fly by light aircraft over the shimmering water-world of the Okavango Delta to Xigera, where you can enjoy quintessential Delta activities such as poling on a mokoro or motorboat outings.

Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera Camp embodies the essence of the Okavango Delta. The camp is found on the aptly-named ‘Paradise Island’, surrounded by almost year-round water and lush vegetation. We invite you to stay in one of the nine beautifully furnished, en-suite tented rooms offering views over a seasonal floodplain and small lagoon. You will enjoy meals and drinks in the lounge and dining area overlooking the flowing channel or under the stars in our traditional African boma. During long lazy afternoons, take a plunge in the pool or soak up the sun on a lounger. Surrounded by spectacular wilderness, Xigera Camp will give you a feeling of wellbeing far from the hubbub of modern living.

Did you know?

• The camp is 100% solar powered.
• Your activities at Xigera typically include mokoro and motorboat outings. Game drives are seasonal, dependent on the water levels.
• Mammal sightings include the water-loving red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, elephant and tsessebe along with the elusive sitatunga. Predators include leopard and spotted hyaena.
• Xigera is a delight for birdwatchers with specials such as Pel’s fishing-owl, African skimmer, greater swamp warbler and wattled crane occurring here.

Included: All meals, daily activities, limited laundry and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day 11: Transfer by light aircraft from Jacana/Xigera to Maun Airport for your onward arrangements.

Overview

Your journey: This Journey takes the time to explore Botswana’s contrasts and extremes in prime areas where few people travel. You will experience a nostalgic camping/lodge safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers. You will have time to experience the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and explore Botswana’s scenic northern areas: from the blue-green wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the diverse and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems. Accommodation includes a combination of Wilderness Safaris camps and fully serviced camping, all in private concession areas.

Your guide: Explorations are led by highly skilled and qualified professional guides with an incredible passion for the natural regions they work in. Sharing the adventure and guiding you on this journey of discovery combined with their vast knowledge of the natural world, history and culture are their professions and personal hobby. Many of our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. Your guide will host you for the duration of safari, providing you with a consistent, detailed interpretation that is shaped to your specific interests.

• Did you know?
  We have exclusive access to wilderness areas in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti/Chobe and Victoria Falls.
• Deluxe camping in two prime areas ensures holistic guiding and detailed insights to habitats and wildlife in the area.
• You will experience an exceptionally diverse range of activities: walks, day and night wildlife viewing – both water- and land-based.
• The transfers between locations are diverse and exciting and include water, land and air.
• The tented camps will take you back to the era of Africa’s exploration. Pure linens of heavy cottons, separate flushing toilets and shower areas all add to the atmosphere, while simplistic comforts and amenities are elegantly provided.

ADDITIONAL SAFARI NOTES
Tour direction: Livingstone to Maun

Private safari options: Tailored Explorations are available on flexible dates, accommodation and itineraries, for groups of up to eight guests. These are also ideal for families or for small groups from four guests.

Tented Camp Description (Linyanti and Gomoti Camps): Tented camps are specifically designed to ensure that old-style camping feel with a clear emphasis on necessary and stylish comfortable interiors, creating a peerless wilderness experience. Our fully-serviced camping aims to bring the guest closer to nature, by means of a lively campfire, hurricane lanterns, wide-ranging activities and a warm atmosphere complimenting the comfort and added luxury of the camps visited.

Exclusivity: Many areas in which we travel are private concessions. All tented camps are private and for the use of Wilderness Explorations guests only, while our lodges and air linkages are open and shared with all Wilderness Safaris guests.

Transfers: To maximize guests’ travel time, a variety of travel modes that bring out the best of each area is used including flying in light aircraft and overland transfers in customized 4X4 safari vehicles.

Time: We have specifically allowed for 3-night stays at camps in Botswana; in a journey of this nature, guests have the time to fully relax and unwind, at the same time appreciating an in-depth introduction to the diversity of the area as well as its activities.

International air connection onto the safari: If arrival is planned for the day of the safari’s departure, please ensure that this arrival is with the earliest possible flight from Johannesburg. It is important that all guests are ready to depart with the guide by no later than ±13H00. Arrival on a later flight may necessitate additional road or air transfers (as departure for the first camp/lodge will already have taken place), subject to extra cost.

International air connections leaving the safari: Please ensure that your departure flight is booked for after 13h00 from Maun. For earlier international departure flights, an additional transfer will be required to arrive for this connection, subject to an extra cost.

Flashlights/ torches: Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Head lamps are also useful. Wilderness Explorations does not supply flashlights.

Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of our tented camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.

Great Wilderness Journey

As a set-departure guided journey, the Great Wilderness Journey’s fully inclusive rates comprise the expertise of one knowledgeable and professional guide who leads you from beginning to end, combined with tailor-made services like logistics, sightseeing and accommodation in our camps.

Our rates include:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• A reasonable amount of soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Fruit juice
• House wine and beer, as well as local spirits such as gin and Amarula
• National Park fees
• Laundry
• Road transfers
• Scheduled activities
• All internal charters

Our rates exclude:

• Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary)
• Visas
• Compulsory comprehensive insurance
• All relevant entry and departure Government taxes
• Gratuities
• All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.)
• Optional extra activities
• Pre and post safari tours
• All other travel arrangements pre and post the safari
• Any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control

Great Wilderness Journey

Rates will be determined once we have secured the relevant lodge accommodations for you.