Day 1: Johannesburg

Upon arrival to Johannesburg, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before being directed to your onward flight, airport hotel, or to your awaiting driver and vehicle.

To ensure a seamless experience, a documents package containing useful information including a detailed itinerary with pick­-up and drop­-off times, emergency contact information, and relevant e­-tickets or vouchers will be provided to you.

Enjoy a private airport transfer between the airport and your hotel. 

The Peech Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg boasts elegantly designed bedrooms and suites located in the main house and garden annexes.  A private residence built in the 1950’s The Peech was conceived, built, and is now ran and owned by James Peech. His attention to detail paired, wealth of experience and team of dedicated staff create a one of a kind stay. The Boutique Bistro overlook's the hotel's pool and landscaped gardens, and features sandstone floors, deep leather couches and a walk-in wine cellar, and most importantly, culinary masterpieces.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Kasane - Savute

Enjoy a private airport transfer between the airport and your hotel. 

Board a flight in Johannesburg with direct service to Kasane, Botswana. Approximate flight time is two hours and 30 minutes.

Please note, luggage restrictions apply to this regional flight: 1) Maximum of one checked bag, weighing up to 44 lbs (20 kg); Checked baggage cannot be larger than 35”x28”x17” (90cm x 72cm x 45cm). 2) Guests can also bring one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 17lbs (8kg); carry-on luggage cannot be larger than 22”x13”x9” (56cm x 34cm x 23cm). Guests may also bring one slimline laptop bag.

This flight departs the Kasane airport and travels to Savuti, Botswana.

Passengers weighing over 110kg will need to purchase an additional seat.
Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.  Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

Activities are centred around game drives throughout the Savute area in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Many trips will incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh for your chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel at the marsh against a teeming backdrop of wildlife. Guests will also enjoy a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills – a small hilly outcrop which forms a remarkable landmark in the otherwise flat landscape.

Savute lays claim to the second biggest summer zebra migration in Africa, which is determined by the rains but usually occurs between November and December and again between February and April when the zebras move from the rivers in the north in search of the rain-ripe grasslands and full waterholes in the southeast of the park. Often followed by a myriad of predators, the zebra migration is a must for visitors.

Situated on the banks of Botswana’s fabled Stolen River, Savute Safari Lodge is a traditional thatched safari lodge in a setting of singular beauty. But just as awe-inspiring is the decades old story of how the river was stolen… and in an unexpected twist, how it was given back. To ensure a private and relaxing environment, Savute Safari Lodge accommodates just 24 guests in 12 local timber and thatched chalets. The chalets have been elegantly furnished in calm neutral tones to compliment the natural environment and feature expansive private decks, a combined bedroom and lounge area plus en-suite facilities. The signature expansive glass sliding doors and viewing decks at Savute Safari Lodge were inspired by the striking panorama, and have been further complemented by the Savute Channel which now flows just 50 metres from the lodge.

Day 3: Savute

Like the remainder of the Chobe National Park, Savute has large numbers of elephant, which are attracted to the many artificial water sources. During the drier season, elephant bulls dominate the water holes, while breeding herds may move to areas where water is more readily found. Such herds rely upon their matriarch to lead them to the best feeding and water sites, with individuals seldom straying from each other and ready to come to the aid of a family member who is in trouble.

Rainy season: Rains arrive from November to April, at which time the animals make their way to pastures rich in new grass. Sometime in November or December thousands of zebras migrate from the Linyanti in the north and move south through Savute to the grasslands of the Mababe Depression. In February they start heading northwards again. Humidity and heat is high.

Dry season: From May to October the water pans dry up and the animals are attracted to three artificial waterholes. Elephants dominate these while other animals have to wait their turn. September and October can be extremely hot but game viewing is very rewarding as predators are concentrated around the waterholes.

Savute Specialties Include:
· Rare and endangered wild dog are a pleasure to observe
· Thousands of zebras moving slowly across the plains in their twice yearly migration, is a sight to behold
· Hyenas have the most complex social system of all African animals and are fascinating to watch at their den when youngsters are around
· Sit for hours watching elephants at waterholes
· Safari lodges offer luxury in a completely different environment from Chobe or Linyanti
· Quelea finches gather in flocks of tens of thousands
· The sage bush (or bitter bush) releases its herbal aroma as it is crushed by foot or vehicle

Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles are conducted in the Savute area, including the Savute Marsh, and a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills. You will most likely see nearly all the major species in the area, such as giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland, as well as predators including lion, hyena, jackal, cheetah and possibly wild dog.

Day 4: Savute - Linyanti

This flight departs from Savuti and travels to Linyanti, Botswana.

Passengers weighing over 110kg will need to purchase an additional seat. Passengers travelling on a seat in plane basis with Mack Air may have up to 2 stops en route to their camp.
Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.  Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

The Linyanti Swamps are one of the most spectacular areas in the park as it is the only source of water during the dry months where a lot of the wildlife moves to, hence offering a great diversity of game. The area's relative remoteness makes it an ideal safari destination. The area around Linyanti Bush Camp is known for its large populations of elephant and buffalo. Guests can expect to see lion, sable, roan, leopard, wild dog, and a number of plains game, the rare and elusive sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, hippo and crocodile can be found in the surrounding marshes. The area also offers spectacular birding all year round. Activities include game drives, guided walks, spot lighting and hides

Linyanti Bush Camp is a small, intimate 12 bedded tented camp on the banks of the Linyanti marshes in a private reserve, which borders the western boundary of Chobe in the Chobe Enclave. The magnificent area boasts of an unparalleled wilderness with highlights of big herds of buffalo in the dry season and regular close encounters of unique wildlife species. The endless vistas of the Linyanti marsh makes an incredible playing field for the avid bird watcher, combined with breath taking views of a scenery carved by defiant forces of nature. The personalised service and unique experience is afforded to a maximum of 12 guests at a time. Linyanti Bush Camp provides the perfect atmosphere for an authentic and wild safari experience. Combining simple design with modern comfort and a measure of African elegance, the camp offers a relaxing environment amidst the Wilderness.

Day 5: Linyanti

The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is considered one of the few remaining "untouched" game viewing gems of Africa. This absolutely superb safari area boasts similar characteristics as the nearby Okavango in terms of geographical trademarks and of course, wildlife.  The truly gorgeous waterways and lagoons are ideal for attracting some of Africa's Big 5 species amongst the thousands of birds whom inhabit these lands.  During the dry season, June to October, a variety of game including elephants, buffaloes, lions and wild dogs gather around the various watering holes and rivers in large numbers.  During the green season, November to May, the game extends their reach further throughout the reserve into the blooming bush.  Equally exciting morning or evening game drives through the reserve will provide an almost unreal game viewing experience during both the dry and wet seasons.

Day 6: Linyanti - Okavango

This short flight travels from Linyanti to Okavango, Botswana.

Passengers weighing more than 110 kg (264lb) must purchase an additional seat.

Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

Shinde offers a diverse range of activities, courtesy of its location which affords both water and land activities year round. Motorboats or Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.

Following is a summary of the included activities at Shinde:

•Fishing and Fly-fishing. Permanent waters of the Okavango Delta allow year round fishing

•Game drives, the area's wet and dry habitat ensures a wide variety of wildlife is consistently found in the area, including regular sightings of the rarely spotted Sitatunga antelope

•Delightful guided walks

•Birding

•Boat excursions including exclusive motorboat access to the Gadikwe Heronry

•Mokoro trails

Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate, classic camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camps unique main area comprises a multi-tiered dining room and lounge which is set under canvas under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees. Shinde was refurbished in 2015. The elegance and historical charm of the iconic Shinde camp has been enhanced by enlarging the eight classic safari guest tents to incorporate a spacious bathroom with a large walk in shower and luxurious fittings. The larger bedroom with new linen and furniture in tasteful colours provide the perfect retreat. Wide sliding doors leading onto the extended front decks afford breath-taking views over the open floodplains or the mysterious waterways of the Delta.

Day 7: Okavango

The Okavango Delta is home to some of the most spectacular and varied wildlife on Earth. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. You'll have the opportunity to see animals up close when expert guides accompany you on your daily included activities. The area also boasts a diversity of landscape with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps in close proximity – cheetah, crocodile and elephant can frequently be seen.

In the Okavango, you will typically you will have a morning activity, coming back to your camp for lunch and some down time. Later in the day, you will head out for your afternoon activity.

Day 8: Okavango

Enjoy breakfast in the first light of day and head out to explore more of the fascinating Okavango Delta. Today, you might encounter impala and predators such as cheetah or the endangered wild dog. Return to the camp for lunch and perhaps a siesta, before heading out for an afternoon activity.

The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

Day 9: Okavango - Maun - Makgadikgadi

Sit back and relax during this short hopper flight that departs the airstrip in Okavango and arrives at the airstrip in Maun.

Passengers weighing over 110kg will need to purchase an additional seat.
Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.  Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

This short charter hop flight departs Maun and travels to Makgadikgadi, Botswana. 

Please note: Luggage is restricted to 20 kg on air charters in soft bags ONLY including hand luggage.

During your stay at San Camp enjoy guided morning walks and game drives. Offering a window into the past, the Bushmen teach us how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using ancient knowledge of plants, animal behaviour and survival skills. The cunning tricks and survival struggles of the feisty inhabitants of the Makgadikgadi are not certainly without drama and, here, the emphasis is on observing the intricacies of a truly unique ecosystem. The ancient lake has run dry but, the imagination runs wild.

Situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the midst of the Kalahari Desert, is one of Botswana’s most romantic camps, San Camp. The camp lies amongst sparsely dotted fan palms and grasslands, with 360 degrees of nothing-ness crossing the eye but the bowl of the sky and curvature of the earth. In keeping with the tradition of a by-gone era lighting is simple with traditional old spirit lamps. Open-sided with billowing white curtains adding to the romance the mess tent contains a small natural history museum and library, there is a nearby tea tent spread with cushions and providing a sheltering sanctuary and a tented yoga pavilion.

Day 10: Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located to the south-east of the Okavango Delta and surrounded by the Kalahari Desert. The name Makgadikgadi implies of a vast open lifeless land.

The pans are located in large areas to the south, east and north-eastern regions of the park. Widely believed to be one of the largest salt flats in the world, it is not always dry. Torrential rains fall from mid-November filling the dry, salty, clay crust with water and grass, which is retained until April or May. The vast open lifeless land now becomes a fascinating refuge for birds and animals. In the wet season, this reserve can offer good wildlife viewing, particularly when large herds of zebra and wildebeest begin their westward migration to the Boteti region. Other species include gemsbok, eland and red hartebeest, kudu, bushbuck, duiker, giraffe, springbok, steenbok, and even elephant, with all the accompanying predators, as well as the rare brown hyena.

Very little wildlife can exist at Makgadikgadi during an inhospitable dry season of strong hot winds and only salt water. During the dry winter months, the migrations head westwards to the Boteti River to scoop up any remaining water, but many desert-adapted creatures remain resident. These include aardwolf, African wildcat, caracal, genet, honey badger, spring hare, jackal, kudu, meerkats, yellow mongoose, porcupine, ground squirrel, steenbok, brown hyena, suricates and occasionally lion.

Day 11: Makgadikgadi

In the early morning, you will meet up with the other guests from the lodge for your game drive in Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi Pan is a series of large salt pans in the middle of the dry savannah of Northeastern Botswana. It is one of the largest salt flats in the world and interspersed between the pans are sand dunes, rocky islands and peninsulas, and desert terrain. The pan is all that remains of the formerly enormous Lake Makgadikgadi, which once covered an area larger than Switzerland, but dried up several thousand years ago. The Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve has an area of 3 900 sq. km and is the scene of large migrations. In the wet season, this reserve can offer good wildlife viewing, particularly when large herds of zebra and wildebeest begin their westward migration to the Boteti region. Other species that can be spotted here include gemsbok, eland and red hartebeest, as well as kudu, bushbuck, duiker, giraffe, springbok, steenbok, and even elephant, with all the accompanying predators, as well as the rare brown hyena. Your afternoon is guaranteed to be full of excitement, spectacular views and amazing experiences.

This afternoon you will meet up with the other guests from your lodge for a game drive in Makgadikgadi. An expert game tracking guide will escort you through the salt pan with the intent to spot intriguing wildlife during your excursion. From grazers to predators, each game drive is entirely different from the last, as nature refuses to operate on a loop. Be sure to bring your camera along!

Day 12: Makgadikgadi - Maun

Sit back and enjoy the view during this charter hop flight travel between Makgadikgadi and Maun, Botswana, today.

Passengers weighing over 110kg will need to purchase an additional seat.
Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.  Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

Enjoy a direct flight today between Maun and Johannesburg. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flight scheduled to depart Maun at 1h45pm and arrive into Johannesburg at 330 pm. Please Note: Flight times may vary.

Luggage restrictions applicable to this flight: The general free allowance is 20Kg in Economy Class. 90cm x 72cm x 45cm (including handle, wheels and pockets) total dimensions 207cm.

Hand luggage: One bag allowed in addition to one slimline laptop bag. No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115 cm including handles and wheels) weighing not more than 7Kgs.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.