"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right" ...Nelson Mandela
7 Days Chobe National Park & Okavango Delta
Day 1 Chobe (Botswana) Leaving Livingstone Zambia, we cross via the Kazungula ferry into Botswana and set up camp in Kasane, on the edge of the Chobe National Park. This afternoon there is an optional cruise on the Chobe River for your first chance of game viewing. (D)
Day 2 Maun (Botswana) Early morning we head off on a 4x4 game drive inside Chobe for more game viewing. Chobe is renowned for its big game, including elephants and lions and is often a highlight for many passengers. After a late breakfast we depart for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. In Maun we prepare for our Delta excursion tomorrow. You may also visit nearby Crocodile Farm. (B,D)
Day 3,4,5 Okavango Delta (Botswana) This morning we venture into the wild bush of Africa, far from any form of civilisation. Our journey begins by 4x4 and once in the Delta we join local villagers/ guides on mokoros (2 man dug out canoes). We begin our search for abundance of wildlife that inhabits the Delta. Drifting silently through the channels. We set up camp on islands in the Delta. After a breathtaking sunset, relax around the campfire listening to the magical sounds of the night. The days are filled with game walks, tracking different species and exploring the waterways of the world renowned Okavango Swamps. On the last afternoon we return to Maun and enjoy a braai (BBQ). (B.L,D)
Day 6 Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana) After an optional game flight over the Delta for a fantastic overview of the area, we make our way to Khama rhino sanctuary, where we spend our final evening together. The Rhino Sanctuary is a project designed to reintroduce Rhino to Botswana and we get to see how it is working up close while on a game drive. (B,D)
Day 7 Johannesburg (South Africa) Today we drive through southern parts of Botswana, northern province in South Africa and then to Johannesburg. (B)
What you need to know:
7 DAYS PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Tour Cost R3595 per person
Local Payment US$230 per person The local payment is paid in cash on departure and covers camping, food, entrance fees and excursions whilst on tour. Any balance outstanding at the end of the tour is refunded.
Departure Dates Every Monday
Dear Traveller Thanks for choosing Wagon Trails Travel. Below is some general information put together to help you prepare for your trip. If there is anything further you need to know, please give us a call.
BOTSWANA
For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world’s 25 poorest countries, however, with its vast mineral wealth, it now has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world. The Botswana people are proud, with a great respect for their nationality and traditions. In Botswana the immensity, variety and untamed vitality of the old Africa are still to be experienced. The Botswana government has a very clear eco-tourism policy aimed at low impact tourism.
The Okavango Delta The Okavango River comes down from Angola. The flatness of the land in Botswana causes it to fan out into an inland delta covering an area of some 16,000 km2.
Your trip into the Delta should be regarded as much a cultural experience, as a wildlife one. The majority of the polers who will guide you and the people you will meet in this area are a mixture of baNoka and baYei. These people still live on corn, sorghum, melons; herding cattle and goats; fishing and hunting and gathering to supplement their livestock and agriculture.
Your time in the Delta Once again, this should be looked upon as a cultural experience to live in the bush for a few days - the opportunity to “get back to nature” with no showers, toilets and electricity. Take off your watch and relax! Whilst in the Delta the polers are in charge of your day which usually consists of early morning walks, some free time to swim, relax, read a book, explore the bush, followed by an afternoon mokoro and or game walk. Don’t panic when given the time to spend with yourself !
Climate Rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. During the summer month’s temperatures can rise to over 40º C, and usually drop to 25º C in the night. The winter months which last from May to August have beautiful days with temperatures that average 25º C, although the nights can become cold.
LOCAL TIME Local time is the same as South Africa (G.M.T plus 2 hours).
LANGUAGE The national language is Setswana, English is the official language. Each tribe speaks a different language.
HEALTH Botswana is a malaria area. It is strongly recommended clients take anti-malaria medication. Inoculations are currently not required by Botswana except when one is from a yellow fever zone such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda. As requirements can change check with your doctor.
CURRENCY The monetary unit is the pula (which means rain) and the thebe (which means drop). 1 pula = 100 thebe (cents) = R1.40 = GBP 0.20p = US$ 0.30c Travelers Cheques can be changed in banks. These however are quite slow sometimes.
VISA’S
South Africa Visiters entering South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.
Zambia If clients are only transferring to Livingstone on the day of departure we will not be able to obtain a visa waiver for them. It is therefore recommended that clients do spend the night before the trip starts in Livingstone as most of the Backpackers Hostels will try to obtain a waiver for the visa charges for the Zambian visa should you be staying with them. Please supply your passport details when booking your accommodation. This is a typically African system, which a few times a year doesn’t work. In this case you can obtain the visa on the border.
Botswana Requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. As a guideline the following countries DO NOT require visas at time of printing: Nationals of all commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.
Visas are the responsibility of the client when required.
MONEY TO BE COLLECTED Your money will collected by your driver in cash at the point of departure.
DEPARTURE POINT Jollyboys International Backpackers 34 Kanyanta Road Livingstone, Zambia Tel: + 260 3 324229
www.backpackzambia.com
Jollyboys offer a package deal for US$20 that includes airport pick up, 1 or 2 nights dorm room accommodation, 2 meals and the visa waiver. This can be booked either directly with them or through our office.
PRE – DEPARTURE MEETING Your Guide will meet you at Jollyboys the day before departure at 17h00. The first day of you tour has a free morning, should you wish to do any optional activities in that time the guide will help you arrange these during the meeting. You will also have time to discuss the next days arrangements such as pick up time and ask any questions that you might have.
FOOD & MEALS Included in the tour cost are the following meals:
Days
Meals
1
D
2
B,D
3,4,5
B,L,D
6
B,D
7
B
Dinners are camp meals prepared by your guide with your assistance. In the Delta everyone helps to carry in the cooking equipment and food. On days where lunches are not included we stop at places where you can buy food at a reasonable cost.
PARTICIPATION Our tours are based on client participation and as an active member of the group, everyone helps out with the running of the tour, e.g. Making campfires, cooking, setting up camp, dishes etc. Its all part of the African experience. Remember the more you put in, the more you get out!
CAMPSITES We stay in a variety of campsites, from basic facilities only to ones with restaurants, swimming pools, bars etc. All campsites have shower and toilet facilities, although it is advisable to bring a small supply of your own toilet paper.
In the Delta you “camp out” in the bush at sites selected by the polers (guides). They light a fire for warmth and safety. In the Delta there are no facilities such as toilets and showers as you are in the wilderness. You can swim in the Delta at spots selected by the polers, however for conservation reasons no soap may be used for washing.
VEHICLES & GROUP SIZE We offer budget tours, whilst trying to keep group sizes small and personal. For this reason we travel in a microbus with a trailer for luggage. The vehicles have either 2 rows of seats (seating up to 4 across) or 3 rows of seats (seating max 3 across). This varies according to group size. The vehicles do not have air conditioning, but do have opening windows.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
Chobe game drive
Chobe District
Kazangula Ferry
3 Day Okavango Delta
Maun
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Activity
Price USD
Delta game flight
$ 55
Chobe river cruise
$ 30
Please note that these prices are meant only as a guideline as they change seasonally, although we do make every effort to keep up to date with the changes.
EQUIPMENT You are provided with the following equipment: 2 - person dome tent. These tents are very easy to put up and down. The tents have mosquito netting over the entrances. You may choose to bring your own mosquito netting if you wish. If travelling on your own you may share with another single person of the same sex. Thin sleeping mat. All cooking equipment for the group and utensils etc. Camping stools. Sleeping Bags may be hired for R50 per tour. Please notify us in advance if you will require one.
WHAT TO BRING For comfort reasons luggage is limited on each trip to 1 small bag, sleeping bag and camera per person. Soft Bags only may be used (i.e.: no suitcases) Please note that there are storage facilities at the Backpacker Ritz. We provide you with your tent, sleeping mat and cooking equipment.
Binoculars
Torch & Batteries
Sun Screen, Hat & Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Rain Coat (if traveling in rainy season)
Anti malaria Medication
Camera and films
Personal First Aid Kit
Dark colored clothing for game walks
Roll of Toilet Paper
Warm jacket for evenings
Sleeping Bag
Swimming Gear
ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Due to unforeseen problems we recommend onward travel arrangements be made only for the day after the tour ends. If arrangements are made for the same day the tour ends, we cannot be held responsible for any delays, and the clients must take the risk for themselves. If you are making further bookings for busses/trains/flights the day the tour ends we strongly recommend you make them the latest time possible and that you inform our reservation staff and the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
Leaving Livingstone Zambia, we cross via the Kazungula ferry into Botswana and set up camp in Kasane, on the edge of the Chobe National Park. This afternoon there is an optional cruise on the Chobe River for your first chance of game viewing. (D) 
Day 3,4,5 Okavango Delta (Botswana) 
Day 6 Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)
