Botswana Special Hosted by wildlife photographers Andy & Sarah Skinner* 7 th 18 th August 2016 11 nights/12 days Special photographic departure 2955 per person Email: africa@wildlifetrails.co.uk
Overview Join wildlife photographer s Andy & Sarah Skinner for an unhurried safari experience exploring the best of Botswana s game rich northern parks. 2 This exciting 12-day adventure takes in some of Northern Botswana s most prolific parks, including Moremi Game reserve, the private Khwai Concession area and Botswana s jewel in the crown; Savute. Before finishing our tour on the Chobe Riverfront in Chobe National Park. All locations offer excellent photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities. Where the predators, including lion, leopard and wild dog are regularly seen. The areas are also a haven for other wildlife, such as elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, lechwe, kudu and many other iconic African mammals and of course a vast array of bird species. The list is endless! It is fair to say that Botswana is both a wildlife lover and photographers dream, with stunning wildlife and spectacular light opportunities. Your hosts will be on hand to offer all photographic tuition where required and to ensure you return with some truly memorable shots and fabulous wildlife experiences. We have carefully selected a wellestablished local operator with which to partner with who have highly rated excellent local guides, together with friendly and efficient support staff in order to offer you a comfortable and exciting safari experience that caters for all of your requirements. Our photographic hosts who have a vast experience in travelling around Botswana have designed our itinerary to ensure plenty of time in each area and providing an unhurried safari experience. In addition we focus on providing a spacious photographic and game viewing experience. The game vehicles used are well equipped for photography with power charging facilities and a maximum of just 4 guests, plus your host in each 8-9 seater vehicle with 3 rows of seats. Providing plenty of room for everyone. Beanbags can also be supplied upon request. The accommodation featured is a mix of fully serviced comfortable mobile-tented camps with en-suite facilities. These camps are positioned right in the heart of the national parks to offer the best wildlife sightings available. At the beginning and end of the tour we use well-appointed lodges, both with beautiful riverfront views to make the most of Botswana s beautiful sunsets. More detail on the mobile camps and a full itinerary can be found within this document. This safari is perfect to anyone with an interest in experiencing Botswana s magnificent wildlife at an unhurried pace and we welcome both photographers and non-photographers on this tour.
Itinerary Please see the following pages for more information about each area we visit August 7 th : You will be met at Maun Airport and transferred to an idyllic lodge located just 15 minutes away and on the banks of the Thamalakane River. It offers a lovely setting with beautiful views of the river and the vast array of water birds that inhabit this area. You will have time to relax, unwind, have lunch and rest at your leisure. Accommodation is in spacious stone thatched chalets with comfortable beds and en-suite shower and toilet. In the evening we will all join for dinner and where Andy and Sarah will discuss the days ahead. Thamalakane River Lodge (Inc. breakfast) August 8 th -10th: Leaving after an early breakfast we head straight into the heart of Moremi Game Reserve. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours with majority of this game viewing en route. After arriving at camp we take lunch, before an afternoon spent game viewing until sundown. We will have two full days to explore this area of Moremi game reserve. Exploring the various pans and cruising along the edge of the delta with both morning and afternoon drives. 3 nights private mobile camp August 11th-13th: We then head toward our next camp for three nights in the wonderful Khwai concession area, a drive of around 2.5-3 hours and game driving en-route. During our time in this area we will enjoy game drives in both the concession area as well as exploring the northern portion of the Moremi Reserve. Here this beautiful area provides excellent opportunities for viewing wild dog, lion and leopard, as well as hippo and elephant and many other species. Depending on group preference we can also take night drives in this area. 3 nights private mobile camp. August 14 th 16 th : We bid a farewell to the Khwai concession area and drive approximately 4-5 hours to the world famous Savute area. A location made famous by many wildlife documentaries and an excellent area for viewing Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Here we have two full days to explore this beautiful area where we may be lucky to see the famous Savute pride hunting buffalo on the marsh and have the opportunity to photograph the magnificent bull elephants at the waterholes. 3 nights private mobile camp. August 17 th : We leave Savute and drive approx. 4-5 hours to the northern part of Chobe National Park to our accommodation on the banks of the beautiful Chobe River. After lunch and then check in we will take a private boat ride until sunset on the Chobe River, providing fabulous opportunities to cruise alongside elephants, hippo and the abundant birdlife. In the evening we will take our last dinner as a group. Overnight: Lodge (room only) August 18 th : The next morning guests are free to have a leisurely breakfast or if you wish a morning game drive or boat ride can be arranged for you by your hosts (own expense) before you are required to check out at 10:30am. The local town is just a short distance away if you wish to stock up on any gifts before departing. An airport transfer is included for those who are flying out from Kasane to connect with your onward flight. 3
About the areas we visit Moremi Game Reserve Khwai Community Area Chobe National Park 4 In 2008 Moremi Game Reserve was voted the best game reserve in Africa by the prestigious African Travel and Tourism Association at South Africa s premier tourism fair, Indaba. The area also holds tremendous scientific, environmental and conservation importance. Located on the edge of the world-renowned Okavango delta Moremi ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent. This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all major naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region, and over 400 species of birds, many migratory. Lion, wild dog and elephant, hippo and large herds of buffalo and many other plains game species are regularly seen in this area. The area is also a great place to see lechwe, Kudu and waterbuck. Cheetah can also be seen on occasion hunting on the plains that surround the pans and beautiful lagoons in this area. Being close to large tracts of water also means that the area attracts a large amount of water birds. The private Khwai Concession is situated adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve, at the northern end and close to the north gate entrance of Moremi. This area, formally a hunting reserve is now a wellestablished conservation area. Formed by the local community and under management by the Khwai Development trust. It has quickly established itself as a renowned location that provides excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Wild Dog are often found denning in this area and the area is renowned for excellent leopard sightings, as well as lion. The area is beautiful and very scenic and made up of Mopane forests, a favourite for the elephants. In addition, the vast floodplains provide a haven for a vast array of mammal and bird life. The rare sable and roan antelope can also sometimes be found in this area. Night drives are also allowed in this area allowing guests to explore the nocturnal species. Chobe National Park covers a vast area and encompasses floodplains, swamps and woodland. There are four distinct geographical areas in the park: the Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuté and Linyanti. This tour visit s both the Savute and riverfront area. Savute area is one of the best areas to view lion and Elephant. Many wildlife documentaries have been filmed in this area and where the famous Marsh Pride of Savute regularly hunts buffalo. At certain times of the year the Savute channel flows through the heart of this area and attracts a vast array of bird life, together with large herds of Buffalo and Zebra who come to feed on the lush Savute Marsh. The Savute area is also home to many ancient San Bushman rock paintings and magnificent baobab tress, some over 2000 years old. Further north the Chobe riverfront allows you to take a river cruise where you can experience the park, and view the animals from another vantage point. Here you may get up close and personal with hippo, elephant, crocodile and a vast array of water birds. Making it one of Africa s premier venues for bird Safaris.
The private mobile camp Experience Botswana s wilderness under canvas Wildlife trails have partnered with an excellent ground operator within Botswana with a vast experience of mobile camping safaris. Each camp is located in areas with the best wildlife sightings and provides a crew of experienced camp staff and guides. Read below for more detail of what to expect from your mobile camp. The private mobile-tented camp Our fully serviced private mobile-tented safari is the authentic safari experience where you will spend your nights under the canvas in our private campsites in the heart of the wilderness. Each camp location is carefully chosen and centrally located. Ahead of our arrival to the camp and all tents are set up by a team of dedicated support staff to ensure the camp it is ready upon arrival with comfortable tents, washing facilities and a dining area in which to enjoy lovely meals under the African sky. Accommodation Your accommodation for the mobile-tented portions of the safari will be in a 3 x 3m (9.8 x 9.8ft) dome tents. Behind your tent you will find your own en-suite long drop toilet plus a shower that is filled up with hot water upon your request. Single travellers will have their own tents. The tents have flaps on all sides to enable ventilation and you are provided with foldable camping beds with proper mattresses and bedding, plus a small table with a lantern. Providing you with the comfort required after an exciting day s safari. In front of the tent, you have a basin for washing your hands that is filled with clean water every morning, lunch, and evening. Food Your private mobile safari includes a private chef to cook wonderful food for you over an open fire. The day starts with coffee, tea, biscuits, yoghurt, and cereal and we stop for a coffee break out in the bush. Unless we are out all day brunch is often served in camp and comprises of salad complete with eggs, meat, and vegetables and freshly baked bread. Before the afternoon drive you will be offered coffee and tea with biscuits and fruit. Dining Area Meals are served in a spacious gazebo whereby guests can relax and sit in the shade during the heat of the day. Providing an area to catch up on your photo downloading or simply reading a book. Nearby a hammock is erected where after lunch you can indulge in an afternoon nap. 5
Your photographic hosts Wildlife photographers Andy & Sarah Skinner Andy and Sarah are a friendly husband and wife photography team whose love of wildlife runs deep and their passion for Africa infectious! Wildlife Trails are delighted that they have joined this safari as guest photographers to provide photographic tuition where required and to ensure you return home with many memorable images. Together over the last ten years they have travelled the globe photographing some of the world s most impressive wildlife and their stunning images can be found on their website they share together (www.imagesofwildlife.co.uk). They both have a particular passion for Botswana, an area they have visited many times. They have a vast experience of photographing in this region, as well as an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the endemic wildlife. Andy has an intimate understanding of wildlife and animal behaviour gained through his vast field experience and Sarah is also a qualified FGASA Level 1 South African Field Guide. Together with their photographic skills this makes them well placed to provide guidance in the field where needed. Sarah has also worked as a volunteer on a number of conservation and research projects and as a wildlife spotter for the Disney Nature feature film African Cats, filmed on location in the Maasai Mara. In the winter months Sarah works in Sweden as a Northern Light photographic guide. Both Sarah & Andy have had their photographic work published in a number of magazines and press publications; including Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife, The Times, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express and many other commercial publications. Sarah has recently won a prestigious award in the globally recognized Natures Best Africa competition with the image currently exhibited in the Iziko Museum of South Africa, located in Cape Town. In addition Andy s photographic skills have been recognised with two years of reaching the finals stage of the world renowned Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. 6 Andy & Sarah will each join a safari vehicle on your tour* along with one of the highly qualified guides to ensure your maximum enjoyment and to provide photographic tuition required. Around the dinner table Andy and Sarah have many a funny story to tell from their self-drives tours across Africa and beyond *Please note - one photographic host plus one guide will accompany groups of 4 or less.
What to expect on safari We welcome both photographers and non-photographers on this safari. The trip will be characterized with some early starts in order to capture the predators at their most active and flexibility needed throughout the day to ensure we maximize photographic opportunities and wildlife sightings. Our focus is to provide an unhurried experience, rather than a whistle stop tour. With plenty of time provided at camp to relax in the afternoon. Each safari vehicle will provide plenty of room for all guests, with a maximum group size of 8 people, equating to no more than 4 people, plus your host in each 8-9-seater vehicle. This is where this tour differs from other tours, which can often seat up to 9 people in each car. Charging facilities will be provided for charging your camera equipment and a cool box with drinks will be provided for each drive. Beanbags can also be provided on request (advance notice required) Our camps are set up ahead of our arrival, which means we do not have to tow a trailer, providing a better and generally more flexible experience for all guests. When at mobile camps we camp in areas unfenced and in the heart of the reserves, where game can roam freely and so it is not unusual to have wildlife wandering in and out of camp. Making a safari that little more exciting and one of the best ways in which to experience Botswana s national parks. However, your safety is of paramount importance and your guides will ensure this at all times. Andy and Sarah will also put out remote cameras at night in camp, which provides an exciting and fun addition on this safari to see what may have visited during the night! Guests can be provided with copies of these images if they wish, making for a great story to tell your friends back home! Camping in the bush also gives us a great opportunity to do some stargazing at night. More details of the mobile camps are listed here on page 5. There are some long drives in between the areas we visit that involve long and dusty roads, these are detailed in the itinerary. However, much of this allows game viewing en-route and allows you to experience the beautiful wilderness of Botswana and are all part of the adventure!. We take rest stops where needed to ensure the utmost comfort for all of our guests. As photographic hosts Andy and Sarah will be on hand to provide tuition where needed and to ensure you return with some memorable images. Together with the addition of an experienced safari guide, (also keen photographers) in each vehicle you are ensured of a safari that provides all needed to answer any questions either animal or photographically related. 7 For those booking this safari a recommended kit and clothing list will be supplied in advance.
Tour cost & what s included? Cost: 2955 per person (Single Supplement: 160) *All single travellers will be provided with their own tent whilst mobile camping at no extra cost. The single supplement payable above will provide sole occupancy for single travellers in the lodge accommodation (early booking suggested to guarantee). Secure your place with just 30% deposit ( 887) remainder payable 12 weeks prior to departure 9 nights mobile camping in comfortable 3 x 3m (9.8 x 9.8ft) dome tents, including beds, bed linen and towels, with private bathroom tent. 2 nights in a well appointed mid-range lodge (shared/room only unless stated) Breakfast included at Thamalakane River Lodge All breakfasts, lunch and dinners during mobile camping portion of safari (9 nights) All drinks during mobile camping portion (e.g. water, soft drinks, wine, beer and G&T) Game drives in spacious game viewing vehicle limited to 4 people per vehicle plus your host All park entry and camping fees Flying doctors emergency medical assistance with Okavango Air Rescue All fuel for the duration of your safari All activities as specified in the itinerary Airport transfers in Maun & Kasane Services of all local guides and photographic hosts (*please note for groups of 4 or less your tour will be accompanied by one photographic host) Services of a back-up vehicle, chef and camp assistant during mobile camping portion. Not Included: International flights to Maun/Return international flights from Kasane. All meals & drinks and extra excursions whilst at the lodge in Kasane. Lunch, dinner and drinks at Thamalakane River Lodge, visas, travel insurance and items of a personal nature. 8
About Wildlife Trails Wildlife Trails, a UK based private company was founded in 1999 by Allan Blanchard, a biologist and conservationist. Since this time the company has expanded, offering both tailor-made and group safaris to wildlife prolific destinations across the globe. The company employs a team of staff who have both a genuine passion for wildlife and also extensive experiences of visiting the areas offered within their travel portfolio. Financial protection Wildlife Trails, (www.wildlifetrails.co.uk) are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO www.aito.co.uk). Every AITO holiday is backed not only by AITO's Quality Charter but also by full financial protection (AITO Assured protection). We also hold a Small Business Air Travel Organisers' Licence (ATOL no: 10129) monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with Wildlife Trails Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Wildlife Trails Ltd. This Insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates (please visit www.ipplondon.co.uk) To secure a place on the tour please contact Wildlife Trails below. Email: africa@wildlifetrails.co.uk Tel +44 1946 841495 Freephone: 0800 999 4334 www.wildlifetrails.co.uk