Detailed 10 Day Footsteps of the Explorers

Day 1

Your adventure starts at Maun Airport, where you will be met by our representative and assisted onto your light aircraft flight to Deception Valley Lodge. You spend you first night at the Lodge. After a light lunch, you will be given the opportunity to settle in before going on a late afternoon bush walk or game drive. This is followed by Sundowners around the campfire, followed by dinner under the African skies. Situated about 120km due south from Maun, adjoining the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and not far from the famous Okavango Delta, lies a unexpected luxurious lodge that provides a unique African experience for those who wish to soak up the true atmosphere of the bush in one of Africa’s remote areas. The main complex boasts a dining room; lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colours making use of San (Bushmen) and other African artefacts. From the deck you can view activities at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms part of the complex. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was build to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour. Accommodation consists of eight private units, each consisting of a twin bedroom, a lounge and a Victorian style bathroom with an outside shower. Each unit has a deck where you can sit and gaze at the vastness of the Kalahari bush, stretching for miles in front of you. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was built to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour. To feel the pulse of Africa, guests go on game drives and track wildlife in an open four-wheel-drive vehicle or take to the bush on foot with experienced San guides who share their knowledge of game in the region. A cultural experience with San Bushmen is some of the experiences that will never fade.

There is an early start this morning, as you depart the Lodge at 06.00, for a drive to Haina Safari Lodge where you will board the vehicles for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The driving time is approximately 2 hours to the Park. We explore as we travel and meals are served either en route or at the campsite depending on the game viewing opportunities. Your camp is set-up for your arrival.

Today you journey south from Deception Valley to Deception pans, where you visit the camp where Mark and Delia Owens, the authors of the book “Cry of the Kalahari”, were based. Today is all about the African bush and the animals – we go where the animals lead. Overnight at Kgori campsite.

Early morning drive to the edge of Deception “Valley” to simply soak up Africa before departing for Deception Valley Lodge, arriving back at around midday, for your onward light aircraft charter to Shinde in the Okavango Delta. Shinde is nestled on a lush palm dotted island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta. Located at the edge of a lagoon, it is surrounded by clear waterways, which flow over yellow sands and past palm-fringed islands teeming with birdlife and game. The island is especially favoured by members of the antelope family, including the elusive sitatunga whose elongated and splayed hooves enable it to walk on the unstable beds of reeds floating on the water. Your guide will arrange walks; show you insects, as well as a wide variety of bird life and game. Shinde’s abundant wildlife and the silent waters of the Okavango combine to make your stay a rare experience indeed! Accommodation at Shinde Camp: Nine large, twin-bedded safari style tents with windows. Each Tent has a private en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, shower, and flush toilet. Activities include game drives in open vehicles, mekoro (dug-out canoe) excursions, game walks, and boat trips. Two overnights at Shinde in a standard twin bedded tent with private en-suite facilities inclusive of all meals, all local brand drinks, teas/coffees, snacks, game-viewing and laundryy

You will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft charter flight to Kasane Airport where you will be met by your driver and transferred to Kasane Immigration. From here you cross the River to Namibia, and to Ntwala Lodge – in the eastern Caprivi strip. Ntwala Island Lodge is situated in Namibia on an unusual group of islands within the Mambova rapids of the Zambezi River, where it meets the Chobe River. These small islands offer complete exclusivity and isolation, and boast an amazingly rich biodiversity, and overall tropical feel with palm trees and white sands. Ntwala Island Lodge has four large, suite styled rooms, each with private plunge pool; en suite facilities with feature bath in atrium; indoor and outdoor shower; his and hers feature basins and private sala over the water. In addition to indoor/outdoor lounge and dining facilities with open fireplace, the main complex will have a sunken theatre style kitchen for chef interaction, and a walk-in wine cellar. Activities at Ntwala are predominantly water borne and privately guided, and the close and convenient proximity to Chobe National Park ensures guests will have exclusivity and a comprehensive wildlife experience. Each suite has a boat and guide to ensure individual choice, flexibility and privacy. Two Overnights at Ntwala Island Lodge in a standard double suite with private en-suite facilities inclusive of all meals, all local brand drinks, teas/coffees, snacks, nature activities and laundry

You will be transferred by boat back to Kasane Immigration where you will clear customs into Botswana and transferred by road to Stanley Safari Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia. The transfer will take approximately two hours. Stanley Safari Lodge is located on a hill overlooking the spray of the Victoria Falls, and bordering the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park. The lodge has superb chalets, each individually designed and built in traditional African materials and offering some of the best sunsets in the world. Stanley Safari Lodge offers 7 spacious and comfortable cottages with 2 members of staff for every client. A highly personalized service is offered at the lodge, with focus on individual attention. Accommodation varies from double rooms to the honeymoon suite, which has its own fireplace and plunge pool. Each of the cottages is individually designed, decorated with local materials and all rooms are entirely different, catering for the discerning traveller. The main house provides a restaurant with French style cuisine but if you wish you can also dine under the stars on the lawn or in the privacy of your own cottage. Evenings can be spent sampling wine from the cellars or unwinding by the hearth, with the matchless African skies providing an unforgettable backdrop. Guests here can enjoy the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River on a peaceful and serene setting away from the crowds. Only 3 km from Stanley Safari Lodge is the 800-year old traditional village of Chief Mukuni, ‘Monarch of the Victoria Falls’. Two overnights at Stanley Safari Lodge in a standard double suite with private en-suite facilities inclusive of all meals and all local brand drinks while in camp.

There are a number of excursions in and around Livingstone. These can be pre-booked, or arranged upon arrival. Such activities include horse riding, bush walks, trips to the Victoria Falls, game drives, river boarding, fishing trips, bungee jumping, helicopter flights above the Victoria Falls and fishing and Sundowner trips with a beautiful view over the mighty Zambezi.

You will be collected by your driver and transferred to Livingstone Airport in time for your onward flight.