BOTSWANA, CAPRIVI & VIC FALLS
13 DAYS OF TRUE AFRICAN ADVENTURE WITHIN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
22 DEC 2012 – 3 JAN 2013
SPEND CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SURROUNDED BY
TRUE AFRICAN BEAUTY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
This will be the first time Cederberg 4x4 will facilitate an overland tour to Botswana over the Christmas and New Year period at very affordable prices. On this overland excursion we will be spending 13 days in Botswana and Caprivi, rendezvousing in Ghanzi, the heart of the beef industry of Botswana. The country has three main sources of income, namely; diamonds, beef and tourism. It is also the richest non-oil producing country in Africa and produces approximately 20% of the world’s diamonds. More information about the country and its people will be shared during our visit to this country, well known for its game and exquisite destinations.
All the camps we will be visiting in Botswana are in close proximity to the National Parks or the Okavango Delta. On our visit you will experience from upmarket camping accommodation on the Delta to basic bush camping in the wild, with the possibility of wildlife roaming through the camp at night. These are only a few of the many highlights you will experience on your Botswana Adventure. The climate over much of the country can be described as semi-arid, owing to the long periods of heat and low rainfall. The Kalahari has three seasons – the cool, dry winter months from April to October, the hot dry spring months of October to December and the wet summer months from the end of December to the end of March. The areas we will be visiting on our overland tour have average summer temperatures between 24° - 30°C. In the south of the country the nights can be cold, with temperatures on the odd occasion dropping to below freezing.
Botswana is blessed with a fascinating array of animal species, ranging from the glamorous ‘Big Five” to smaller nocturnal rodents. It is certainly a game-viewer’s paradise, with approximately 20% of the country demarcated as wildlife areas. Part of the attraction of visiting Botswana, especially the northern reserves, is that the game roams free and it is not unusual to see antelope or elephant well outside of the reserves. Do not be surprised to see an elephant walking down the main road of one of these towns. Very few of the national parks are fenced, giving visitors the opportunity to really experience the beauty and greatness of the African Outdoors in Southern Africa. Driving through Botswana one is struck by the apparent uniformity of the vegetation, as nine-tenths of the country is covered by savannah grasslands, intermingled with either bush or trees. In the extreme northeast, in the Chobe Reserve, the country is dominated by thick deciduous forest. Huge areas of Mopane forest, the main diet of the African elephant, occur in much of North-eastern and North-western Botswana. It is however, on the Okavango Delta that the real diversity of plant life becomes apparent. Water Lilies, papyrus, water figs, reeds and grasses all blend to create a lush paradise, with bird life being one of the many attractions of the delta, not to mention the opportunity to fish for Breem and Tiger fish.
During our tour to Botswana we will also visit the famous Tsodilo Hills, situated in the north west of the country. These hills are surrounded by the history of the people, their tribal customs and the many stories about the powers of these famous hills. Another well-known and popular landmark to visit is Kubu Island. It consists of a rocky outcrop in the southern part of the Makgadikgadi Pans, once the largest inland lake in Africa. Proof of earlier inhabitants to the area is secured by the remains of old stone walls found at Kubu Island. Khama Rhino Sanctuary is another unique destination on our tour. Here you will have the opportunity to view white and black rhino in a private game reserve guarded by members of the Botswana defence force.
At all the places we set camp, sufficient time will be made available to partake in the planned activities of the Botswana tour, as well as giving you enough time to partake in the other activities on offer at the various destinations we will be visiting. These may include private birding or fishing trips on the Delta, mokoro (dugout trees) trips on the delta, approximately 80km from the camp, flying over the delta if the plane is available or just exploring the vast openness in your 4x4 vehicle. Much thought and planning went into the various destinations we will visit, as well as the time spent at each one, giving participants maximum time on hand to enjoy what Botswana has to offer. Avoid disappointment, book now and join us on an unforgettable Botswana tour.
To see photos taken in Botswana, go to http://www.cederberg4x4.co.za/photos/botphotogallery.htm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles: Only vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers: Off-Road trailers and caravans can be accommodated. Contact Coenie in this regard.
Nearest Towns: Ghanzi, Shakawe, Katima Mulilo, Kasane, Nata and Serowe.
Guide: Richard, Ethelia and Jake White.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : THAKADU GAME RESERVE in GHANZI. (See directions below).
DATE : SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2012.
TIME : ARRIVE any time during the day, but please before 17h00.
Should you be running late, please contact Thakadu Game Reserve in this regard.
NB. Consider arriving early, allowing you enough time to do your final beef (meat), food and fuel
replenishments, before checking in at Thakadu Game Reserve.
DIRECTIONS TO RENDEZVOUS
Rendezvous is at the Thakadu Game Reserve, situated approximately 2km before Ghanzi on the road from Kang. From Cape Town you have the option of driving over McCarthy’s Rest and Tsabong or via Gobabis in Namibia to Ghanzi. Participants from other parts of the country have many options via the numerous border crossing points available between Botswana and South Africa. We will discuss the various options and directions to the rendezvous at the pre-trip briefing.
EARLY ARRIVAL AT THAKADU GAME RESERVE
Should you plan to arrive early at Thakadu Game Reserve, please inform them upon your arrival that you are part of the Cedeberg 4x4 group. This will ensure we all camp together on Saturday 22 December 2012.
DESTINATION 1
The Thakadu Game reserve, just south of Ghanzi, where we rendezvous and set camp for the first evening, offers a Lapa overlooking a pan with permanent water, surrounded by ancient “Motswiri” or Lead trees, attracting a number of Kalahari game. The restaurant and pub are fully licensed and overlook a water-hole visited by many different game species. A bonus of this campsite is the swimming pool to be enjoyed by all. Here you already have the option of private game drives in your own vehicle through the game reserve.
We suggest that you allow yourself enough time to replenish supplies at the two local supermarkets in Ghanzi, as well as refuel your vehicle. This will enable us to make an early start the next morning. Supermarkets and garages are now open 7 days a week in Botswana. More details about stock replenishment will be discussed at the pre-trip briefing.
Facilities
The camp offers limited shade with 2 x ablution blocks in the camp. Each ablution facility offers Hot/Cold showers & Flush toilets. There are electrical power points at all campsites.
DESTINATION 2
The next three nights we will set camp at Drotsky Cabins, under large trees offering sufficient shade, on the bank of the Okavango Delta. The campsite is very spacious, tidy and clean, with sufficient ablution facilities, offering Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. During our stay at Drotsky Cabins you will have the option of many activities. A group visit to the most visited and famous destination in Botswana, namely Tsodilo Hills, will take place on one of the days we spend at Drotsky Cabins. Further options are hiring a boat and trying your hand at Tiger or Breem fishing. This can be done on an individual or group basis. Your river guide will put out fish for the Fish Eagle to catch right alongside your boat. That majestic bird swooping down and picking the fish up out of the water, only a few meters away, is something you cannot put into words, you have to experience this first hand. A further option would be is to visit the Mohango Game Reserve in Namibia, approximately 20km from our camp, where an abundance of game can normally be spotted. Alternatively you may well decide to let your hair down and just relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the lodge. As a group we may decide to enjoy a late afternoon sunset cruise on the river, possibly spotting hippos, crocs and viewing the many species of birds this area is well known for. Seeing the sun set over the delta is not something that any photo or words can do justice to and will stay with you for many moons to come. All these additional activities are for your own account.
Facilities
The campsite is spacious, tidy and set under large trees offering sufficient shade. The ablutions are clean with Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. Power points are available at all the campsites.
DESTINATION 3
Our departure from Drotsky Cabins will take us across the border into Namibia. Once across the border we will cross the Okavango River and head east through the Caprivi for Katima Mulilo. Kalizo Lodge, our next destination, is set on the bank of the Zambezi River, where we will set camp for two nights. Here you can once again spoil yourself to Tiger or Breem fishing, this time on the Zambezi. This can be done from either the luxury of a boat or from the bank of the river. The lodge, overlooking the river, has a beautiful lapa/bar and pool table, as well as a well maintained swimming pool to cool in off during the warm days. Here once again you have the option of exploring the surrounding country in your own vehicle.
Facilities
The spacious campsite offers limited shade with grass underfoot as well as good clean ablution facilities with hot/cold showers and flush toilets. Kalizo Lodge is now officially connected to the national electricity grid and offers electric points at all camp sites.
DESTINATION 4
Departing from Kalizo Lodge we will head for the border of Botswana, where we will enter at the Ngoma Bridge, on our way to Toro Lodge, just outside of Kasane, where we will set camp for three nights. En-route to Kasane we will travel through to top section of Chobe National Park, where game congregates in large numbers due to the availability of the water in the Chobe River. It is specifically this section between the tar road and the Chobe River that we recommend you visit on one of your day trips from the camp. The main reason for setting camp here for three nights is to give people sufficient time to visit Victoria Falls. You might even want to consider flying over the falls in a fixed wing plane from Kasane. You might even want to consider driving a section of the Old Hunters Road on the boarder with Zimbabwe. This route also offers good game viewing opportunities. A further option would be to just relax at the camp. Here we could also consider a sunset cruise as a group on the Zambezi.
Facilities
The campsites have sufficient electricity and water points. Limited shade is available at the various campsites. The ablution facilities offer Hot/Cold Showers and flush toilets.
DESTINATION 5
Leaving Toro Lodge we will head south for Nata where we will set camp at the Nata Lodge for one night en-route to Khama Rhino sanctuary. Nata lies on the main road linking Francistown and Kasane. The lodge is home to a large number of bird species, many of which can be seen from the pool deck, making it a haven for bird watchers. For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle, three hour excursions into the Nata Sanctuary. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as springbok, as well as springhares, jackals and foxes. However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life. Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded. If you are not a bird watcher you can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the lodge and enjoy all the amenities of offer.
Facilities
The campsite is spacious, tidy with trees offering shade. The ablutions are clean with Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. Power and water points are available in the campsites.
DESTINATION 6
Departing form Nata Lodge we will head for Khama Rhino Sanctuary, approximately 30 km north of Sorowe, where we will set camp for the last two evenings of our adventure through Botswana. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary camp is spacious, offers sufficient shade and is set in typical Kalahari sand veld, close to the Serowe Pan, where the white and black rhino, as well as 28 other animal species, roam free. A game drive through this reserve in search of the white and black rhino is a must. Hopefully, with the sighting of the rhinos, you will complete your Big Five sightings. There can be no better way to complete your tour through Botswana. Khama Rhino Sanctuary boasts a fully licensed restaurant. You might even consider enjoying breakfast there before you depart for home. The Botswana Adventure officially ends at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. You may well decide to stay longer in Botswana or depart via the many route options on your homeward journey. You may depart in a group or as individuals and are welcome to depart at your own leisure. It is here we will say our last official good-byes before we all head for home.
Facilities
The spacious campsite offers a reasonable amount of shade with well-equipped ablution facilities, consisting of Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. Hot water for the showers is limited due to installation of electric geysers having replaced the old faithful donkey system. Plan your showers well.
FUEL STOPS
Ensure your vehicle is refuelled at GHANZI upon your arrival before setting camp at Thakadu. We require that all vehicles be able to complete a maximum distance of 450km of tar and gravel road driving before needing to refuel. Calculate your vehicles fuel consumption and requirements accordingly.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of the Botswana Adventure. Sufficient stops will be made en-route to replenish food supplies. Further options of eating at some of the lodges will be discussed at the pre-trip meeting.
PRE-TRIP BRIEFING/MEETING
A pre-trip briefing/meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 December 2012. The venue will be announced closer to the time. Please try and attend this meeting, as it is very informative.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• As we will be visiting Northern Botswana, precautions with regard to MALARIA will be required. More information will be shared at the pre-trip briefing or contact your doctor.
• Electricity – Some camps have electricity available. Bring long and short electric leads.
• No handguns are permitted into Botswana.
• No wood is allowed over the border.
• Sufficient stops en-route will be made to replenish food, fuel and wood supplies.
• The transport and border crossing of red meat, dairy products and maize meal will be discussed at the pre-trip briefing. More information will also be made available upon confirmation of your booking.
• An awning or umbrella is advisable for this Botswana Adventure.
• Water for washing and/or shower is available at all the campsites we will be visiting.
• Drinking water – Always advisable to carry your own drinking water.
• The evenings could become cold while the days could be warm. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear closed shoes or boots.
• Remember to take along the spare keys for your vehicle.
• Remember your video, camera and binoculars as well as spare batteries.
• Please note that no pets are allowed.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• Please ensure that a fire extinguisher is mounted in your vehicle.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VEHICLE DOCUMENTS
• Please remember your passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from date of departure out of Botswana and Namibia. Ensure that your passport has TWO blank pages.
• South African passport holders do not require visas for Namibia / Botswana.
• Any other nationality passport holders need to check with their embassy with regard to the visa requirements (Botswana Consulate General - 021 421 1045/ Namibia High Commission – 012 481 9100)
• Vehicle registration documents will be required as well as a letter from your financial institution, should your vehicle still be under finance.
• All 4x4 vehicles, Off-Road trailers and Off-road caravans must display a “ZA” sticker.
• All vehicles are required to have one/two warning/hazard triangles on your vehicle.
• People planning to visit Victoria Falls must have at least 2 x warning/hazard triangles.
• Please ensure that your number plates are properly secured. You do not want to loose a number plate.
29 MHz TWO-WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on the Botswana Safari is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on the Safari, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation, not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants taking the boredom out of the long distances we need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R400-00 for this Botswana Safari.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have a double adapter handy as well as spare fuses.
NB. Should you intend hiring a radio, it is very important to confirm your intent as soon as possible to ensure availability, as it is school holidays and radios are in very high demand.
Should you wish to make a once-off investment and purchase a 29MHz. radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Marina on 021 913 4632.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz. radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
NAMIBIA / BOTSWANA TWO-WAY RADIO REQUIREMENTS
Should you be hiring or taking your own TWO-WAY RADIO into Namibia and Botswana, please ensure that you have the correct documentation and license on hand. This is your own responsibility. More details will follow upon booking or contact Coenie in this regard.
EXCLUDED
• Any additional activities not listed on the agenda.
• Two-way radio license for Namibia / Botswana.
• Two-way radio hire from Cederberg 4x4.
• Road transportation tax/levy at the borders.
INCLUDED
• All camping, Cederberg 4x4 guide and trail fees.
• Game drives at Thakadu Game Lodge, Old Hunters Road and Khama Rhino Sanctury.
COST
Adults: R4750-00 per adult.
Children 13yrs and older: R4750-00 per child.
Children 6 – 12yrs: R1850-00 per child.
Children 5yrs and younger: FREE.
Radio hire: R400-00 per radio should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29 MHz radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this overland adventure, please contact Marina on 021 913 4632 immediately to obtain the booking form and bank details for the Cederberg 4x4.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 vehicles on this overland adventure.
• All Cederberg 4x4 excursions are subject to a minimum of 8 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Cederberg 4x4 only confirms a booking upon receipt of your completed and signed booking form via e-mail or fax.
• Your completed and signed booking form is conformation of your booking and therefore subject to the condition on page two of the bookings form.
• To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of R500-00 per person is payable within seven (7) working days after receiving the booking from Cederberg 4x4.
• The total outstanding cost for this excursion is payable on or before Tuesday 4 December 2012.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
COENIE on 083 675 6194 or MARINA on 021 913 4632
E-MAIL: info@cederberg4x4.co.za
.. Top of Page