Maun
Upon arrival in Botswana you will be met at the airport for your transfer to your accommodation to settle in and rest after the flight.
Maun
Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Maun is the starting point for most expeditions into the Okavango Delta and as a result, has developed into a bustling metropolis that is considered Botswana’s tourism capital. Area attractions include a renowned riverboat that offers cruises up and down the Thamalakane River; the forest groves of the Maun Game Reserve; and Moremi Game Reserve, home to hippos, lions and rhinos. Maun also serves as the jumping off point for many safaris and air charters as well as offers 4×4 rentals. Don’t miss the Nhabe Museum exhibiting the local history, art and culture of the Ngamiland region.
Island Safari Lodge is set on a 300 acre private island reserve, and is just 10 km away from Maun Airport. It is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River under a canopy of beautifully lush and green Okavango trees. The lodge overlooks a floodplain of fields and water that are frequented by an abundance of birdlife and the occasional Hippo. The lodge offers a tranquil bush setting that is complimented by the river view, a pool and the iconic tranquil call of the African Fish Eagle. The accommodation is comfortable and set in the lodge gardens. The lodge comprises of 12 Chalets, 6 Heritage Rooms and 6 Heritage Family Rooms all with en suite showers, WI FI, DSTV and air conditioning.The lodge has a main bar and restaurant area with seating indoors or out in the gardens. You are able to choose from a la carte menu for lunches and dinners accompanied by our wine list. It is an ideal place to relax alongside flowing waters, or beside one of the swimming pools, using the free WI-FI services and ordering refreshments from the restaurant. For those active bush loving visitors who are interested in adventure, there are many recreational excursions and opportunities available
Tiaan’s Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
You will be met at the accommodation and transferred to the camper van depot where you will be instructed about the operation of the camper van. Then your safari adventure can begin!
One Of Botswana’s Hidden Gems, The Boteti River Offers Breathtaking Scenery And Awe-Inspiring Wildlife Sightings As It Makes Its Way Across The Salt Pans.
Located on the outskirts of Khumaga village, Boteti River Camp (formerly Tiaan’s Camp) is easily accessible whether driving from Maun, Nata, Kasane, or Khama Rhino Sanctuary making it a not-to-be-missed and easy addition to any Botswana safaris offering fantastic contrasts with the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. At Boteti River Camp, you will get to explore one of the world’s largest salt pans and observe Botswana’s unique rural culture in a friendly, comfortable and serene setting.
Although you could easily decide to spend most of your time sipping a drink while observing the surroundings perched on our viewing deck above the restaurant, there is a lot to see and enjoy in the area and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any opportunities to expand your true Botswana experience.
The Boteti River and the salt pans are exceptional locations and give a unique insight into Botswana’s culture and natural environment. Book one of the guided game drives or grab the chance to meet the locals on a guided village walk.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Situated in northeastern Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers an impressive 3900 square kilometer area and is brimming with natural wonders including the largest tree in Africa, a world famous 5300-year-old Baobab. Game viewing is at its best during the wet season when the plains teem with an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The rains transform the salt pans into a magnificent lake attracting an abundance of wildlife and, most spectacularly, large flocks of gloriously pink flamingos. The area is renowned for its massive herds of wildebeest and zebra which migrate to the park en masse followed by a variety of predators including lion, cheetah and hyena. Popular activities include game drives, bird watching, exploring the salt pans on 4WD or quad bikes, tours of Gweta Village, and fascinating bush walks to historic sites guided by experienced Bushmen trackers.
An oasis at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park entrance gate at Khumaga, within easy reach of Nxai Pan National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Tiaan’s Camp has 6 en-suite chalets, 8 campsites with water and electricity connections, a swimming pool and an ablution block with warm water showers and toilets. The on-site restaurant overlooks the established garden and on the upper deck where guests can relax and wait for the elephants or the occasional zebra to come and drink at the Boteti river. Activities to enjoy at Tiaan’s Camp include game drives along the Boteti river into the park, where guests can encounter elephants, impalas, kudus, zebras, wildebeest, giraffe, hippos and lots more and daytrips to Nxai Pans NP and Central Kalahari Game Reserve or a village walk in Khumaga. We offer packages that inlcude accommodation, meals and activities.
Deception Campsites, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
You will travel to one of the remotest places in the world, and home to the last remaining San (bushmen) tribes. Many visitors skip this part of Botswana, but it is most definitely worth while.
Situated right in the centre of Botswana, this reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and shrubs in the north, to flat bushveld in the central area, the reserve is more heavily wooded in the south, with mopane forests to the south and east. Rainfall is sparse and sporadic and can vary from 170 to 700 millimetres per year.
The people commonly known throughout the world as Bushmen, but more properly referred to as the Basarwa or San, have been resident in and around the area for probably thousands of years. Originally nomadic hunters and gathers, the lifestyle of the Basarwa has gradually changed with the times and they now live in settlements, some of which are situated within the southern half of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Government is, however, encouraging these people to move to areas outside the reserve in order that they may be provided with modem facilities, schools, clinics, etc. and to integrate them into modern society.
Matswere is the access point for campsites in the region of Deception Valley, Sunday Pan, and Passarge Valley, whilst the campsites at Piper Pan can be accessed from either Matswere or Xade. New tracks and campsites have been opened up along the Passarge Valley, where game viewing can be most rewarding, and south from the Passarge waterhole area through to link up with the Piper Pan/Deception road. It is along this latter route that the new Tau campsite has been opened in an area that well reflects the very spirit of the Central Kalahari.
Deception Camp 1 to 6
Location: 40 km from Matswere Gate.
The camp offers 6 sites well spread out and situated alongside the track from Deception Valley to Sunday Pan. It offers rustic long drop toilets, shade and privacy.
Kori Campsite 1 to 4
Location: 42 km from Matswere Gate.
These four sites are well spread out and situated alongside a side track in Deception Valley. Each is in an area under small Acacia trees and offer a high degree of privacy.
New Kori Camp 3
Location: 43 km from Matswere Gate.
The undeveloped public camping site must be booked in advance. No fuel or food supplies available in the reserve. Visitors to be self-sufficient.
Passarge Valley Camp 2
Location: 96 km from Matswere Gate.
The undeveloped public camping site is situated in the Passarge Valley and has limited facilities.
Passarge Valley Camp 3
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Adventurous travellers seeking a truly remote African safari will be thrilled to discover it in central Botswana. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world and one of the least visited, nothing can prepare you for the sheer wonder of exploring this vast reserve with its wild, untouched beauty. The landscape is dominated by sand veld, acacias, and Kalahari apple-leaf, interspersed with grasslands and dotted with occasional sand dunes, pans and fossil river valleys. While the reserve is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, there is one animal that is rather obviously absent, the human being. It is this lack of human traffic, combined with the park’s lack of infrastructure, that makes for a challenging and marvellously authentic African experience. Visitors need to be entirely self-sufficient but those willing to make the effort will be richly rewarded
The Deception Valley area of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is where most people start from and was made famous by American researchers Mark and Delia Owens in their book ‘Cry of the Kalahari’. Like all campsites in the Central Kalahari the campsites in Deception have pit toilets and bucket showers – no water, you must be completely self-sufficient.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the world’s largest, at nearly 53,000km2. The feeling of space and sheer freedom is magical – a true wilderness experience. Animals such as gemsbok, hartebeest and springbok are common, and predators are frequently seen.
Woodlands Stop-over, Francistown
A long driving day ahead today via mostly tarred roads!
Francistown is a city in the Northeast region of Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. The city is principally an agricultural services hub, however in recent years, as with Gaborone, there has been a retail boom with several shopping malls opening. Francistown has few tourist attractions of note, however there is sizeable tourist traffic, in particular as a halfway stop for tourists travelling between Gauteng and Maun and the Okavango delta.
The campsites are of high quality with modern ablutions, a small shop and WiFi. Be sure to do some shopping to gear up for your Zimbabwe adventure!
Francistown
Situated in east Botswana near the border of Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second largest city in the country. Known as the gateway to Maun and Kasane in the north, it serves as an excellent stopover for tourists as it is conveniently located along the main road from Gaborone to Kasane. Dubbed the ‘Capital of the North’, Francistown was originally started as a gold rush and mining town and today it has developed into a thriving urban centre. Visitors can enjoy several attractions including: the Supa Ngwao Museum, exhibiting traditional wood carvings and local cultural displays; the Domboshaba Ruins, a series of centuries-old stone walls and enclosures; and Tachila Nature Reserve, inhabited by abundant wildlife such as hyena, warthog, leopard, kudu and much more.
Woodlands self-catering ( self contained ) – situated on the banks of the beautiful Tati River, 10kms north of Francistown on the Nata/Maun/Kasane A3 route. Woodlands camp is an ideal stopover to break the long journey for those exploring the northern territories of Botswana, or returning home, and for those wanting to be safely off the roads before dark.
At Woodlands we invite you to make make use of our lovely sparkling swimming pool to refresh you after your long journey. Grassed individual campsites have their own braai, water and some have electrical points. Or sleep soundly in cosy tiled chalets, with African cane furniture and three-quarter size beds, each with its own electricity supply.
Perhaps you would prefer to relax in one of Woodlands beautiful cottages – Woodlands, Guinea Fowl or the new River View Chalets. They are all fully equipped for self-catering ( self contained ). Also available for your convenience are braai packs, wood, ice, refreshments as well as other basic food commodities.
A large variety of Botswana bird species can be viewed whilst relaxing on the secluded mukwa deck on the river bank. Experience the call, in the summer months, of the migrant Woodlands Kingfishers who nest here annually, and after which the campsite is named.
Lovely walks along the river bed/bank and within easy walking distance are the Selolwe Ruins – a National Monument site. Although our official name is Woodlands 4×4 we are accessible by normal saloon car.
You will find Woodlands sign post on your right 10 km north of Francistown on the Nata road. At Woodlands we do have a small shop that sells the bare necessities.
Big Cave Camp, Matobo National Park
Surely a small national park, but the biggest World Heritage Site of Zimbabwe and extremely rich in natural diversity and human history.
Cecil John Rhodes was extremely fond of the Matobo Hills, and he set up a trust, which administered the newly formed “Rhodes Matopos National Park”. He also funded a railway line, in his own words “to make a short railway line….So that the people may enjoy the glory of the Matopos from Saturday to Monday”. Rhodes died in 1902 in Muizenberg, in the Cape. His body was brought up via rail, and then the body was transported on the back of a gun carriage drawn by a team of oxen. Also buried at Worlds View as it was better known, is Leander Starr Jameson (Rhodes partner in crime in the infamous Jameson raid), as well as Allen Wilson and the 34 men killed on the banks of the Shangani river, while in pursuit of king Lobengula. Worlds view is also the spiritual home for the Ndebele people and so named Malindidzimu. The Ndebele chiefs requested that guns not be fired at the funeral as tradition would have, but rather sent him on his way with the royal salute “Bayete”.
Matobo Hills gained its World Heritage Status principally on the rich cultural diversity of this area. The Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art found anywhere in the world. This ancient Khoisan art can be viewed in the both the National Park and even within the immediate vicinity of Big Cave Camp. These famous rock art galleries can be visited on foot or by 4×4.
Big Cave Camp is situated just 3km from the main tarred road leading to Matopos and just 2km from the boundary of the Matopo National park.
The campsite is divided into specific sites for the overland trucks, as well as a number of private sites for the 4 x 4 enthusiast.
The campsite has a large ablution block, separated for ladies and gents. Each site has a braai/BBQ area, with firewood, which is included in the rate.
Matobo National Park
Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike. The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa’s largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover
Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a comfortably appointed thatched lodge positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art.
Retire at a day’s end to the natural rock-pool and sundeck, the Leopard`s Lair lounge and bar, a cave-style boma for pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. The seven thatched A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair.
Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks.
Big Cave borders the Matobo National Park, and game viewing is done both on the private property as well as into the Whovi Game Park. The Whovi wilderness area is a specially protected area for both white and black rhino. Matobo Hills has the last significant population of rhino in Zimbabwe, and the best way to view and photograph these rare creatures is on foot, with a professional guide.
Big Cave offers drives into the Whovi Park, with a professional guide-to view not only rhino, but also leopard and a selection of plains game. Guests can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to creep up on these wonderful animals on foot once the correct area has been located by the professional guide.
Activities on the Big Cave 2000 acre private wilderness area include game walks, game drives (approximately 1.5 hours) , and the not to be missed sundowner drive to get the Matopos Hills at its very best!
Night drives on the Big Cave wilderness area can be enjoyed on the private property (depending on the time of the year) to view the nocturnal creatures of the Matobo Hills.
Hwange Main Camp, Hwange National Park
These sub-tropical thorn and sand flats on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, were once home to the nomadic San (bushmen) who lived off the land and feasted on great herds of migrating game. They were displaced by stronger African tribes, who in turn had their day. Chief Hwange of the Rozi tribe was ousted by the Matabele chief Mzilikazi, and his lands taken over as a royal hunting ground.
Through a twist of fate, the land gained National Park status and Hwange National Park became is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, noted for its massive population of elephants.
Hwange has Africa’s Big Five and plenty of them! There are thousands of elephants and buffalo. Lions are commonly seen, but the elusive leopard and rhino are always a bonus to see. This park has such variety that one hundred different species have been recorded.
Main Camp
Main Camp is situated at the main entrance to the Park. There are numerous pans and pumped waterholes around Main Camp and the area is rich in game.
Main Camp has facilities including self-catering lodges, cottages and chalets, a camping and caravan site, bar and restaurant, grocery store, curio shop and petrol station.
Attractions & Activities
– Ngweshla Pan – the loop road is a pleasant day-drive
– Nyamandhlovu Platform – prime game viewing area at a pumped water hole
– Dom waterhole – an exceptional view of the African Sunset
Hwange National Park
Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan
Main Camp is situated at the main entrance to the Park. There are numerous pans and pumped waterholes around Main Camp and the area is rich in game.
Main Camp has facilities including self-catering lodges, cottages and chalets, a camping and caravan site, bar and restaurant, grocery store, curio shop and petrol station
Thebe River Camp, Kasane
A visit to Zimbabwe has no meaning without visiting the famous Victoria Falls, discovered by David Livingstone.
One of the greatest attractions in Africa and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa, which is also defining the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than hundred meters. It is also considered to be the largest fall in the world.
The noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from a distance of 40 kilometers, while the spray and mist from the falling water is rising to a height of over 400 meters and can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers. No wonder that the local tribes used to call the waterfall Mosi-o-Tunya “The smoke that thunders”. There are many activities possible in Victoria Falls. Make sure you make the most out of it before crossing the border with Botswana again.
Thebe River Safaris Lodge is situated along the banks of the river near Kasane. The spacious camping areas has a covered cooking area and 2 large communal ablution areas. There is also a small number of made-up tents erected in the camp with twin beds. The Camp forms the base for Thebe River Safaris. They do day trip and overnight trips with campsites located beside the river. Facilities include flush toilets, hot/cold showers and electricity power points on almost all the sites.
Kasane
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Recommended
Victoria Falls – The Falls
Victoria Falls – The Falls
One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is breathtaking and not suprisingly a World Heritage Site. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Unlike other waterfalls Victoria Falls has a natural catwalk across from the falls which provides for spectacular viewing.
Camp Accommodation
Campsite and Overland Accommodation
Thebe River Safaris camp offers spacious camping areas with shaded cooking/braai areas. Ablutions are shared and we have 2 large communal ablution blocks with showers with loads of piping hot water, basins, mirrors and toilets. Most of our sites have water tap and a power point on campsite.
Made Up Tents (Coming Soon)
A small number of made-up tents erected in the camp with twin beds. All beds in the tents are mosquito netted ensuring a peaceful nights sleep
Camp Savuti, Savuti – Chobe National Park
The Savuti (also spelt Savute) area borders the Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east and is one of Africa’s best known big game areas. Savuti is a place of enchantment, of beauty, and boasts one of the greatest concentrations of animals in Southern Africa.
Savuti is famous for its mysterious and fascinating channel. It runs a distance of 100 kilometers from the Chobe River, through a gap in the sand ridge, to the Mababe Depression. Falling only approximately 18 meters, this channel brings water from the Chobe to Mababe, creating a small marsh where it enters the Depression. Flowing in Livingstone’s time, the channel was dry in 1880, and remained dry for about 70 years. It flooded again in 1957. Savuti Marsh has been dry for the past 18 years.
Savuti is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations. Only 38 kilometers northwest of Savuti and off the main tourist track lies Botswana’s best kept secret: Linyanti and the western reaches of the Savuti Channel.The Linyanti and upper Savuti areas are among the most beautiful in Botswana. The game-viewing can be exceptional, and the wide variety of activities make this an area not be missed. Linyanti hosts large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant. Because this area is a private game reserve, the vehicle concentrations are very low and the wilderness experience is one of the best in Africa.
The 4×4 2-spoor tracks are not always easy to navigate, so some experience in 4×4 driving is recommended. You can also opt for a guided mobile safari.
Savuti – Chobe National Park
Savuti, also known as Savute lies in the heart of Botswana’s beautiful Chobe National Park. This dynamic wilderness is a sweeping expanse of savannah brooded over by several rocky outcrops which guard a relic marsh and the dry channel that was once its lifeline. The Savute goes through wet and dry cycles, where wild dogs hunt in the dry river channel where crocodiles swam only twenty years ago. Visitors to this spectacular area can spot abundant wildlife including: a variety of birds, elephants, antelope, lion prides, black-backed jackal, bat-eared foxes, tsessebe, kudu, hyena, cheetah Cape buffalo herds, and thousands of migrating zebra and wildebeest.
Camp Savuti has become famous for its exceptional game viewing opportunities. In particular, it is famed for lions that hunt and prey on elephants, which are found in abundance in the area. Award-winning documentaries have been shot in the Savuti area, cementing its reputation as a prime wildlife destination.
Camp Savuti overlooks the dense Savuti marsh area and all 5 of the Meru-style tented rooms have elevated balconies taking advantage of these views. The large, spacious tents are located in such a way that they enjoy privacy and exclusivity. For the adventurous, there are outdoor showers where you can cleanse while enjoy the tranquillity of the African bush.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities from game drives through the Chobe National Park and exploring the fringes of the channel and the marsh. The area is diverse and guests will delight in the superb game viewing on offer. From photography to bird watching and predator sightings, Camp Savuti is the authentic safari gem of the Chobe region
Third Bridge Camp, Moremi Game Reserve
Third Bridge camp site is located on the Western side of Moremi Game Reserve along the off stream of Moanachira River. Third Bridge camp site can be accessed along a 58 km route in north-western direction through some very diverse scenery across first and second bridge. Another route from the South Gate (Maqwee) goes through the Mopane forest 60 km long via Xakanaxa. Third Bridge area that borders on the delta and Mboma Island enjoy heavy concentration of wildlife in the dry season. Third Bridge offers much more of the wilderness experience than most of Southern African camping grounds with unspoiled wilderness and top destination. A boat station has been developed development to provide boat activities and transfers to Gxhobega & Gcudikwa lagoons where the heronry of migratory birds are located.
Third Bridge site is quite large, and the pitches are spread out. There is an ablution block, with two flush toilets and two showers for each sex. Outside these are the two wood-fired ‘Rhodesian’ boilers and a water tower.
Moremi Game Reserve
Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, and the varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. This diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.
3rd Bridge Camp is a small, intimate camp of 5 Meru tents accommodating a maximum of 10 guests in comfort and style. The guest area consists of a central mess tent, outside fire-pit, reminiscent of a bygone age, cuisine is tasteful safari fare- simple, yet delicious, often prepared on the open fire.
The tents have been positioned to ensure privacy and a modest level of exclusivity throughout the camp and each tent sits on a platform, with stunning views over the Channel. The tents are large and spacious with en-suite facilities including flush toilet and safari shower.
3rd Bridge offers a boat cruise into the waterways exploring the deep water lagoons, the sinuous channels passing numerous islands. Experience guides who will take you on game drives in this game rich area conduct activities. Due the very diverse vegetation (riverine forest, floodplain, Mopani forests) the wildlife is spectacular; elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, lechwe, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog to name a few.
The Old Bridge Backpackers, Maun
Today you will continue further to Maun, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and memorising your memories of your own African 4×4 safari experience
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
