Natural Migrations AFRICAN SAFARI Botswana

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Black-maned lion © Mike Myers / Cheetah © Michael Poliza

The Parched Kalahari Exploration is recommended as a contrasting add-on to Migration Route or a lodge-based itinerary through the Okavango and Linyanti.

Discoverer Explorations are a luxurious range of mobile safaris that have the advantage of superb locations, taking guests on a select, spectacular journey through the most remote wilderness areas to enjoy outstanding wildlife viewing in Africa. The itineraries provide exciting encounters with the most diverse, renowned and scenic areas in each country.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa, is seemingly lifeless, yet provides sightings of thriving herds of springbok and gemsbok and the iconic black-maned lion. Thanks to its habitat diversity, healthy game populations move through the area and are present to a greater or lesser degree all year long. In the summer months the desert comes to life with huge convergences of plains game such as springbok, gemsbok and wildebeest coming to feed, followed by predators such as lion and cheetah. Exploring the Kalahari unlocks the fascinating wildlife treasures found in this wonderful area with excellent cheetah viewing a regular feature. San Bushman experiences provide insights into the unique culture of this fascinating people. A three-night stay here provides a perfect contrast to the Okavango and Linyanti regions and rounds off the diversity of northern Botswana.

An innovative Meru-style tent has been designed for the Discoverer trails camps. This design, with its hexagonal shape, walk-in structure and en-suite separate toilet and shower areas, allows for a sense of space, views and privacy. The interiors of the tents have been redesigned to create comfort, with flowing linen of pure cottons and essential "old style" finishes. Paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the evening ambience. Fresh, sumptuous meals are usually prepared around a fire by safari staff, and the dining area is under stars (although a canopy dining tent is always erected), creating that perfect 'camping wilderness' experience. A small reference library is also provided. Discoverer camps are designed to bring the guest closer to nature; they are specially outfitted to ensure the camping feel with a clear emphasis on necessary and stylish comfortable interiors. This warm, inviting atmosphere, with its lantern-lit meals and cheerful campfire, is complemented by the comfort and added luxury of the permanent lodges visited.

Day 1: Deception Valley Lodge
Upon arrival in Maun and once all guests are assembled, depart overland to Deception Valley Lodge which is located approximately 40 kilometers from Deception Pan in the Kalahari Desert. The lodge accommodates 10 guests in private units, each with a lounge, Victorian-style bathroom with outside shower and a deck with a view of the vast Kalahari bush. This is a cultural destination where direct interaction, through an interpreter, is undertaken with San Bushmen who will explain firsthand their traditions, hunting tools, natural medicines and history. Other activities include game drives and game walks with experienced guides. The wildlife to be experienced in the area includes gemsbok, kudu and springbok, as well as cheetah, leopard, and hyena. Bird life is prolific, with over 400 species in the region. The main complex boasts a dining room, lounge and bar area making use of San and other African artifacts. Wildlife coming to drink at the nearby waterhole can be watched in comfort from the deck. There is a curio shop, small library, swimming pool and boma for evening meals.

Days 2 and 3: Kalahari Plains Camp
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the 'authentic' Kalahari Bushman way of life. After this fantastic experience, depart by road on a game transfer to Kalahari Plains Camp where you will spend the next two days exploring the fossilized river bed and observing the unique fauna and flora that this starkly beautiful region has to offer. Kalahari Plains Tented Camp is situated in a remote part of the diverse and productive Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and offers some of the best summer wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. Located in the Kalahari Desert biome in the central part of Botswana, this reserve is the largest conservation area in this country and at 5 million hectares (12 million acres), one of the largest in the world. The camp is beautifully situated on top of a dune just 5.6 km from Deception Valley itself and comprises six Meru-style en-suite tents with a relaxing lounge, dining and bar area. The tents and main area are all raised off the ground to catch the breeze and take in the sweeping spacious view across the Kalahari. Solar power provides electricity and hot water, and the innovative insulated canvas walls and roof keep the temperatures inside comfortable. Thanks to the diversity of habitats, healthy game populations move through the area and are present to a greater or lesser degree all year long. But it is the summer months (end-November to April) with the advent of their rains that the desert truly comes to life. Short grasses sprout in the pan systems and fossil riverbeds and plains game such as springbok, gemsbok and wildebeest converge in their hundreds and thousands here to feed. This of course attracts predators such as lion and cheetah; in fact the abundance of game at this time of the year also leads to thrilling lion and cheetah hunts. Guided game drives unlock the fascinating wildlife treasures found in this wonderful area with excellent cheetah viewing a regular feature.

Day 4: Road transfer to Maun
After an early breakfast, travel by road back to Maun, arriving in time to bid farewell and board your departing flight.