Botswana
Experience an adventurous safari into Botswana's Kalahari Desert, one of the most remote and unspoiled experiences on the African continent.
Botswana Trip Overview
At over 12 million acres, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world. Located in a private concession bordering the remarkably remote Deception Valley, our camp offers substantial comfort in a remote wilderness. A multitude of antelope species and a variety of large predators call this area home, along with the charming honey badger and endlessly entertaining meerkats, and you’ll have opportunity to get to know them all.
Itinerary at a Glance
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.
DAYS 1-4: Enjoy the beauty of springbok, oryx, giraffe, eland, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest, along with the impressive cheetahs and the exceptionally large black-maned lions that roam the area surrounding Kalahari Plains Camp near the famed Deception Valley in Botswana's Kalahari Desert. Join local bushmen on a tracking walk – an amazing opportunity to learn about the land, the wildlife, and the culture of the desert.
The Boundless Journeys Advantage
Boundless Journeys has partnered with Wilderness Safaris, widely recognized as the best safari outfitter in Southern Africa, to develop a truly unique adventure safari. In addition to experienced guides who seamlessly lead your entire journey, first-class vehicles, and a diverse selection of camp and lodge options, Wilderness Safaris’ conservation efforts and community-mindedness are great matches for Boundless Journeys’ core philosophy.
THE PRIVATE COLLECTION ADVANTAGE
- Independent travel at its best. With your own exclusive party of family or friends, you'll enjoy itineraries developed from our years of experience.
- Your dates, your friends. You chose your dates and traveling companions, and let us do the rest!
- Reconnect in remarkable places. What better way to celebrate important milestones than with family and friends in amazing places, with all of the details handled for you so you can simply relax and enjoy each other’s company?
- Do your own thing. Customize your journey to indulge your most amazing travel fantasies.
- Travel with Trusted Leaders in Adventure Travel. Recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 "World's Best Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter".
Group Size
Trip Rating (1 Easiest - 5 Most Strenuous)
Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. We want to make sure that you choose the adventure that's right for you from our many one-of-a-kind trips. Each trip is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest, and 5 being the most strenuous. A few of our trips have had a “+” added to the number, indicating something that falls in between. Our Trip Ratings may be found on the trip schedule and on our website. Our detailed itineraries provide additional information on what to expect on the trip you are considering (detailed itineraries are available by mail, fax, or e-mail; or you can find them on our website, www.boundlessjourneys.com).We encourage you to call one of our travel experts with any questions or concerns that you may have. We are always happy to assist you in any way that we can.
EASIEST 1
Our easiest trips are generally hotel-based cultural and nature journeys that typically offer light activity. Optional walks and hikes (approximately 2 to 4 hours) through gentle terrain with little elevation gain or loss. Altitude is typically not a factor on these tours. Other activities, such as snorkeling or sea kayaking, are optional. Examples: Indochina, Vietnam, Egypt, Galapagos Islands, Botswana, Tanzania.
EASY TO MODERATE 2
Hotel nights and/or deluxe, safari-style camping. Walking, hiking (approximately 3 to 5 hours), kayaking, or other activities on most days. Trails and paths are through rolling countryside, with occasional steep trails with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Many of our hotel-based walking trips are in this category. Examples: Tuscany & Umbria, Sicily, Morocco, Palau, Iceland, Turkey, Festivals of Bhutan, Costa Rica.
MODERATE 3
Full day hikes (approximately 4 to 6 hours) most days on unpaved trails and paths through hilly terrain with typical elevation gains and losses of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. There may be occasional short steep sections of trail. Examples: Chile, Scotland, Spain, Bhutan & Nepal.
MODERATE TO STRENUOUS 4
Full day hikes (approximately 5 to 7 hours) through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (2,000 to 3,000 feet). Terrain may be rugged with uneven footpaths. The average altitude is generally no more than 12,000 feet. Options are limited. These trips typically involve some camping or simple accommodations. Examples: Tour du Mont Blanc, Peru Trek, Bhutan Chomolhari Trek..
MOST STRENUOUS 5
Full-day trekking (approximately 6 to 8 hours) through rugged mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents and one or more of the following present: elevation gains and losses of as much as 4,000 feet, altitude that exceeds 12,000 feet, and rugged uneven footpaths. These trips typically offer few options and include camping.
Activity Details
Meeting Point
Departure Point
Traveling to and From
Most Convenient Airport:
- For international flights into Africa: OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)
- For arrival into Botswana on Day 1: Maun Airport, Maun, Botswana (MUB)
Meeting Time and Place:
1 p.m., Maun Airport, Maun, Botswana
Departure Time and Place:
By noon, Maun Airport, Maun, Botswana
Botswana Accommodations
Overview: Permanent tented camp with en-suite facilities and many amenities.
Nights 1-3: Kalahari Plains Camp
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Bostwana
Situated in a remote part of the diverse and productive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Plains Camp offers some of the best summer wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. The camp is beautifully set close to the famous Deception Valley and comprises six Meru-style en-suite tents and a central area with lounge, dining area and bar. The tents and main area are all raised a meter off the ground to catch the breeze and take in the sweeping views across the Kalahari. Solar power provides electricity and hot water, and the innovative insulated canvas walls and roof keep the temperatures inside comfortable.
Botswana Detailed Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.
DAY 1
Maun to the Kalahari
Afternoon game drive.
An early afternoon bush flight brings you to the heart of the Kalahari, where you are greeted by your guide and begin your desert safari experience with an afternoon game drive. The landscapes are awe-inspiring at any time of year, with vast open spaces and rolling low hills.
Kalahari Plains Camp, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
DAYS 2 & 3
Deception Valley and Central Kalahari Explorations
Activities include day and night game drives, and tracking walks with Ghanzi bushmen.
Within this massive Game Reserve and as a result of the diversity of habitats, healthy game populations move seasonally between dune and valley depending on the season. During the summer months (November through to end April) the northern part of the reserve, where our camp is situated, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana. The abundance of herbivores and their predators is perfectly complemented with lush green landscapes, floral displays and beautiful skies. At this time of year these verdant flatlands are alive with large herds of gemsbok, springbok and blue wildebeest. As a result, predator concentrations are also high.
At other times, the Kalahari is more typically a desert-type system: warm and dry. Game viewing remains productive and moves into the vegetated dunal belt and pan systems surrounding the valleys – a series of ecologically placed waterholes further ensure that game viewing remains interesting.
The big game includes the sensational black-maned Kalahari lion, one of the highest concentrations of cheetah in southern Africa, leopard, brown hyaena and even caracal. Small predators include meerkats (suricates), Cape fox, honey badger, black-backed jackal and a myriad of mongoose species. General game viewing is excellent year round. Herbivore species easily seen are oryx (gemsbok), springbok, red hartebeest, grey duiker and steenbok.
After sunset the Kalahari is alive with the sounds of roaring lions, White-faced Scops Owls and the garrulous calls of barking geckos. The avian fauna in the reserve is equally diverse with over 220 species of birds recorded to date. There are significant healthy populations of regionally threatened species like Kori Bustard and Lappet-faced Vulture, but birders will enjoy the opportunity to see a variety of arid-west endemic species such as Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Kalahari Scrub-Robin and African Wren-Warbler. The vivid colours of birds such as Crimson-breasted Shrike and Violet-eared Waxbill provide a startling contrast to the sometimes stark surroundings.
Kalahari Plains Camp, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
DAY 4
Return to Maun
Morning game drive.
After a final morning game drive, we meet our bush pilot to return to Maun by midday.
Suggested Trip Length
When to Go
Upcoming Trips:
2012 Land Cost
From $2,495 per person
2012 Land Cost Details
1 guest: $2,795 (plus Single Supplement)
2+ guests: $2,495 per person
Single Supplement
Single Supplements:
Accommodations (hotels, tents, cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 90 days ahead and a roommate is not available, you will only be charged a “forced” single supplement in the amount of 50% of the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary).* Single accommodations are limited so you are encouraged to reserve early!
* This does not apply to cruises in the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica. Please see these trip pages for more details.
Internal Airfare
What's Included
- Expert naturalist guide
- Services of safari camp staff and camp gratuities
- All accommodations
- All meals and select alcoholic beverages
- All activities noted in the itinerary, such as daily game drives, night drives, and tracking walks.
- Bush flights from Maun, Botswana - Kalahari Plains Camp - Maun
Please complete the following information to request a reservation. A trip deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation (payable by check or major credit card). Once we receive your request we will contact you within one business day to confirm availability and answer any questions you may have.
Picture Yourself Here:
Wildlife tracking walks with local bushmen
Awe-inspiring desert landscape
Possibility of viewing black-maned Kalahari lions – known for their exceptional size
Kalahari wildlife, including cheetahs, diverse antelope species, and enchanting meerkats
Upcoming Trips:
You may also be interested in:
Zanzibar: The Spice Island Trip ExtensionPrefer a group departure:
Please see Botswana & Zambia: Wilderness Safari
Latest Blog Posts About Botswana
Two Wilderness Collection Destinations in Robb Report's Top 100 ResortsFrom http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
Wilderness Integrated Report 5th in Corporate Register Worldwide Reporting AwardsFrom http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
Wilderness Announces 4Cs Hero for 2012: Mpho "Poster" MalongwaFrom http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
Wilderness is thrilled to announce that the 4Cs Hero of 2012 is Mpho Malongwa of Botswana, fondly known as "Poster" to guests and staff alike.
The 4Cs Hero Awards this year were characterised by a really high standard of nomination with outstanding efforts and achievements by all the individuals.
Community Outreach Programme - Selinda CampFrom http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
Tragedy Strikes Mombo LeopardFrom http://www.wilderness-safaris.com
Testimonials
"I cannot say enough good things about our guide, Kinley, and our driver, Tsering. Kinley was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Bhutan, Buddhism, the culture and life in general, he also took our personal interests into consideration to make the trip a richer experience."
- Erika Jaeggli, Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom in the Himalayas Private Collection
Activities
Nature & SafarisCultural EncountersTrekkingHiking & WalkingExpedition CruisingFamily Friendly
Destinations
PalauChinaIndiaMongoliaBhutanBhutan & NepalBotswanaTanzaniaMoroccoIcelandItalyIrelandFrance, Italy, SwitzerlandTurkeySpainPeruEcuadorChileCosta RicaEgyptNepalZanzibarNamibiaSeychellesEcuador & PeruScotlandVietnamAntarcticaCambodiaJordanTanzania & KenyaTibetLaosRepublic of the CongoChile & Argentina
Classic Adventures
Oceania OdysseyThe Silk Road from Yunnan to TibetRoyal RajasthanLand of the NomadsA Journey into the Peaceful KingdomThe Chomolhari TrekWilderness SafariMigration SafariThe Land of Fire and IceAncient SicilyA Taste of Tuscany & UmbriaGems of the Emerald IsleTour du Mont BlancIstanbul to the Turquoise CoastVintage RiojaThe Sacred Valley & Machu PicchuTrekking the Hidden Inca TrailThe Galapagos IslandsLake District & PatagoniaNature's Richness RevealedHighlands to the Coast Family AdventureDesert Flying SafariThe Skeleton CoastThe Highland WayBeyond the SerengetiCultural ExplorerAntarctic ExplorerCultural Explorer Private AdventureCoast to Coast MultisportThe Amalfi Coast & Capri The Best of East AfricaThe Roof of the WorldPrivate Migration SafariAntarctic ExpressSouthern Patagonia