Kalahari Botswana Mobile Camping Safari - 4 nights

Overview:

Deception hosts huge herds of gemsbuck, springbuck, wildebeest and hartebeest attracted to the area by the flush of sweet grasses that flourish in the ancient valley following the rains. There is also a good chance of seeing the Kalahari lion, cheetah, brown hyena and meerkat. The area is well known from the writings of Mark and Delia Owens who undertook an eight year research programme into the desert predator ecology of the valley. As such, their book, the 'Cry of the Kalahari' makes essential reading for anyone undertaking a trip to this little known and remote part of Botswana.

Day 1:

Fly to Deception Pan. On arrival, you will be met by your Zoologist/Biologist Guide. Transfer your baggage to your private vehicle and set off for a slow meander/game drive to familiarise yourselves with the area and then into your dune-top camp at Sunday Pan.

Uncharted Africa Safari (Mahlatini's partners in Botswana) vehicles are top-of- the-range, Toyota Landcruisers, extremely comfortable with multiple thoughtful details that make them perfect for game viewing such as roof-top seats, leather bean bags for photography and ponchos to keep one warm on sunrise game drives.

Arrive in good time to shower and unpack before an explanation of the formation of the Kalahari valley and the transporting sight of an incredible Sunday Pan sunset. Camp will be comprised of large tents equipped in a luxurious fashion unequalled on any other mobile safari. Real beds, down pillows, pure cotton sheets, bone-handled silver cutlery, damask table linen and wood and brass campaign-style furniture combine style and comfort. The only concessions to roughing it are the bucket showers and bush loos, which are private and en suite.

1 x overnight at Sunday Pan Camp in Deception Pan

Day 2:

An early start and a drive up to Leopard pan in the cool morning light. Watch honey badgers, jackal and look out for elusive predators. Lions and cheetah are around and there has recently been the discovery of a population of wild dogs in this peaceful and isolated wilderness area.

Back to camp for a sumptuous lunch... Uncharted Africa Safari Co. is renowned throughout the industry for menus that emphasise fresh tastes and originality. Three course meals under the stars include such treats as fresh tomato and basil soup, ostrich piccata, roast Botswana beef, delectable orange tarts and impossibly rich, but light, chocolate puddings. Teas are indulgent affairs with treats like triple layer, banana caramel cake, tangy lemon curd biscuits and the best brownies in the bush! All bread is baked daily in a trunk oven on the coals of an open fire, and full cooked English breakfasts are on offer every morning.

In the afternoon you will take a trip up to the famous Deception Valley campsite of the unorthodox Owens during their research and where their book (The Cry of the Kalahari) was written. The valleys are a unique ecosystem within the Kalahari and one can expect to find large concentrations of springbuck and gemsbuck on the verdant beds of sweet desert grasses. Meerkat abound and there is always a good chance of brown hyaena and some unexpectedly good birding. Back to camp and an early night to prepare for tomorrow's day out...

1 x overnight in mobile tented camp

Day 3:

All day Passarge Valley trip. A packed lunch mission down the Passarge Valley looking for predators and prey. An in-depth immersion into the Kalahari ecology and wildlife including behavioural observations of cunningly desert- adapted mammals and birds. Return to camp for a delicious dinner and a cosy evening under canvas.

1 x overnight in mobile tented camp

Day 4:

A lazy day enjoying your last day in the desert. A drive into the stabilised dune area to examine the floral and faunal variations between the valley and dune ecologies. Sprawling acacia forest cedes to thick dune grasses and hardy bushes. Fleeting herds of gemsbuck, the elusive Kalahari giraffe and the ever-present steenbuck keep us company. The scenery is unlike any you will have experienced and a biological experience sure to exceed your expectations.

1 x overnight in mobile tented camp

Day 5:

Drive to the airstrip at Deception, where you will be collected by private charter to continue your journey.

Cost:

£800 per person sharing excluding international flights (Based on a group of 5 staying 4 nights)

Notes:

The mobile safaris run on a min of 20 bed nights, which translates to 5 guests for 4 nights or 4 guests for 5 nights minimum. This includes 6 Twin tents, en-suite outdoor bucket shower & flush loo All ages welcome, full rate applies to all ages.
Zoologist/Biologist Guide included in the nightly rate

Includes:

• All meals and drinks
• All activities
• Return Flights from Maun

Excludes:

• International Flights into and out of Maun
• Premium beverages
• Discretionary tips/gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Personal Travel Expenses

speak to a specialist about mobile safari in the Kalahri Desert