Okavango Delta, Chobe & Nxai Pan

BOTSWANA

Okavango Delta, Chobe

& Nxai Pan

Table of Contents

Daily Itinerary ... 5

Tour Facts at a Glance ... 11

Information & Policies ... 14

Traveling To and From Your Tour ... 16

Botswana at a Glance ... 18

Suggested Packing List ... 18

Safari Style

Optimize every minute of your adventure on this CW Fly-in Safari. Traveling on light aircraft, you will have a bird’s-eye view of wildlife roaming through the rugged beauty of landscapes below you. CW Fly-in Safaris minimize travel time to maximize your immersion experience and allow access to some of Africa’s

most spectacular, diverse, and remote wilderness areas. Throughout, you will be expertly cared for by the welcoming camp staff and local guides.

Overview

Flying deep into the heart of Botswana, your pulse thrills as you set foot on this vast and mysterious landscape—the last stronghold for many endangered species. These are the lands where safari legends were born. Limitless space opens to night skies of unsurpassed brilliance, sunsets of unimaginable beauty, and astoundingly rich wildlife viewing. Glide back in time in a traditional mokoro

canoe through swaying walls of papyrus, past crocodile-guarded islands into the unspoiled wilderness of Okavango Delta. Experience heart-racing excitement as you track animals on foot in Moremi Game Reserve. Enjoy thrilling game drives, day and night. Light-aircraft flights maximize your time in each unique camp, for a journey rich in travel adventures.

Daily Itinerary

Nxai Pan

On arrival to Maun Airport, swiftly transfer by light aircraft to Nxai Pan. This amazing natural phenomenon was once part of a prehistoric lake that covered central Botswana. Now transformed into a massive salt pan, it is covered with grasslands and scattered with islands of acacia trees and pockets of water during the rainy season—providing rich resources for wildlife. Species commonly sighted include zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest, giraffe, lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and the occasional elephant or buffalo. Baines’ Baobabs are another highlight. These huge, gnarled baobab trees, named after a 19th-century explorer, sit on a promontory surrounded by the white Kudiakam Pan. It is an unforgettable and otherworldly scene.

Accommodation

Camp Nxai Pan is located on the western edge of the fossil pan, facing east over the open grasslands. The nine, environmentally designed en-suite rooms are desert adapted; thatch roofs and specially insulated walls maintain

comfortable temperatures throughout the year. All rooms have ceiling fans, outside showers, and a private viewing deck to observe herds of zebra and huge elephant bulls as they meander past your room to the camp’s water hole. The main area consists of a dining room, lounge area, curio shop, swimming pool, and large unobstructed viewing deck. Activities offered include game drives, day trips to Baines’ Baobabs and Khama Khama Pan, exceptional stargazing, and nature walks with Bushman trackers.

Great care is taken to preserve the fragility of the desert ecosystem. The camp is 100 percent solar operated. Wastewater is treated and potable water then piped to the water hole for animals, with no impact on surrounding groundwater and soil.

Included:All activities and internal flight / breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Approximate Travel Time:45 minutes (flight)

DAYS 3 & 4

Okavango Delta

After breakfast, your safari continues with a light-aircraft flight from Nxai Pan to Kwara. Here you will experience the stunning beauty of the world’s largest intact inland delta—the Okavango. One of the most renowned wilderness destinations in the world, Okavango Delta affords an unending spectacle of wild Africa. It is a land where the heart-stopping excitement of big-game viewing meets the supreme tranquility of an untouched delta. Its evocative scenes of natural beauty are simply extraordinary.

Situated deep within its desert basin, this “jewel of the Kalahari” is fed by the Okavango River, developed by millennia of sand deposits carried from Angola. Game viewing, walking safaris, birding, and boating, often in the traditional mokoro, give visitors a glimpse of the staggering diversity of wildlife: 122 species of mammals, 71 of fish, 444 of birds, 64 of reptiles, and 1,300 unique species of flowering plants.

Accommodation

Kwara Camp, in the remote northern reaches of the concession, fronts onto a huge floodplain adjacent to the permanent waters of the Okavango Delta. This magnificent wilderness area of more than 21,235 square miles borders the Moremi Reserve. The camp consists of eight traditional safari tents set on raised decks, within a grove of huge and ancient African ebony and

mangosteen trees. The main guest area, constructed of thatch, reed, and canvas, overlooks a lagoon that is home to buck, hippo, crocodiles, waterbirds, and other species. It is the perfect base from which to explore the Kwara concession’s diversity of habitats, ranging from the clear delta waters with reed-lined lagoons and channels to wide-open grasslands, mopane woodlands, and palm-fringed islands. An intimate camp run by a team of enthusiasts, Kwara provides the ultimate wildlife experience.

Included:All activities and internal flight / breakfast, lunch, and dinner Approximate Travel Time: 45 minutes (flight)

DAYS 5 & 6

Kwando Concession

A scheduled flight by light aircraft wings you from Kwara to Kwando Lagoon, a teeming wildlife preserve situated in the northern section of the enormous 573,000-acre Kwando concession. The Kwando concession offers exclusive access to one of the most remote and unexplored wildlife strongholds left in Botswana, including 50 miles of river frontage. It incorporates the Linyanti wetlands, huge tracts of mopane forest, and vast open plains.

Here, in classic big-game country, herds of buffalo and elephant attain legendary proportions rivaled only by large prides of lions. During migration season, great herds of zebra and wildebeest are shadowed by their predators. Almost immediately on your arrival, enthralling big-game sightings begin—with once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and rare opportunities for close-up photography. Beyond the big game, African wild-dog viewing here is considered the best in Africa.

Activities focus on open-vehicle game drives day and night, and boat cruises on the river that are ideal for birding. Walks are offered at the guide’s discretion, depending upon proximity of elephant.

Accommodation

Kwando Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the meandering Kwando River among tall, ancient African ebony and marula trees. With just eight safari tents, Lagoon Camp has the charm and relaxed calm that only a small camp can offer. Its twin-bedded tents provide safari-style luxury with water views, private en-suite facilities, open-air showers, and modern amenities. Renowned among travelers for its beauty, the shady, treed environment hosts a great variety of birds as well as hippo and elephant.

Included:All activities and internal flight / breakfast, lunch, and dinner Approximate Travel Time:30 minutes (flight)

DAYS 7 & 8

Chobe National Park

Once again you are swept by light aircraft from Kwando Lagoon to Kasane Airport. You will be greeted on arrival and accompanied by your guide on a road safari to Muchenje—a journey that brings you to the western side of Chobe National Park.

Safari activities in this extensive preserve—called “the last Eden in Chobe”—are many and varied. Cruise by boat along the lush Chobe River, enlivened by pods of hippo; take thrilling game drives in open safari vehicles by day or night; get up close to nature and explore the habitat in detail on walks in the company of experienced guides. Sightings may include large herds of elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, impala, and the elusive leopard, as well as many species of native and migratory birds. If you have a passion for local culture, participate in an excursion to a nearby village and school where you will gain insights into traditional tribal life. Fishing safaris and excursions deeper into Chobe National Park may also be arranged.

Accommodation

Muchenje Safari Lodge, bordering the western side of Chobe National Park, is the exclusive lodging in this remote and pristine area. Set high on an escarpment, its design takes full advantage of breathtaking views across the floodplains of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. Twenty guests are accommodated in twin-bedded thatched chalets, all with en-suite facilities and private balconies

providing unique views. Simply and comfortably furnished, the chalets are equipped with mosquito nets, overhead fan and electrical plugs. The thatched main lodge includes a dining area, lounge, bar, and viewing platform overlooking a waterhole. A swimming pool, built among natural rock formations, offers yet another African vista and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation in the heat of the day.

Included:All activities and internal flight / breakfast, lunch, and dinner Approximate Travel Time:40 minutes (flight)

DAY 9

Kasane

Bid farewell to your hosts and travel by road transfer to Kasane Airport. Continue on with your own arrangements for your return home or further travels.

ITINERARY CHANGES

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary, since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance and unforeseen circumstances may arise that mandate change. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Tour Facts at a Glance

Trip Length

9 days/8 nights

2015 Tour Price

From* $5,898 per person (SS +$2,115)

Internal airfare included. Pricing based on double occupancy and includes park fees. Child pricing available on request. Minimum ages may apply.

*Please refer to our website or phone our office for complete pricing details.

Departure Dates

This tour is available daily, on request. This itinerary is best experienced from April-October, though Botswana is an ideal destination year-round with each season having its own benefits.

Meeting Point

Maun, Botswana

Departure Point

Kasane, Botswana

Transport

Land arrangements utilize private 4x4 safari vehicles, motorized boats and traditional canoes. Internal flights on light aircraft included.

Guides

This safari is not guided by a dedicated CW Safaris guide. Rather, given the unique regions we will visit, you will be accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide at each camp, and local representatives.

Your CW safari Includes

»Experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable guides »All meals and drinks included

»Safari lodges and premium tented camps (with private baths) »Airport meet-and-greet service

»Transportation from the meeting to the departure point »Internal flights

»Laundry

»All park fees and special events as noted in the itinerary

»The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW Safaris staff

Not Included

»Visas and related costs; see “Travel to and From” section for more information »Gratuities, telephone calls, and items of a personal nature

»Trip cancellation and personal accident insurance »Optional excursions and activities

Activity Level

Limited easy walking with travel and safari days interspersed. Activity options include game viewing by vehicle and on foot, nature walks, birdwatching,

mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) rides, and boat cruises.

Gratuities

Tipping is customary in most parts of Africa based on your satisfaction and discretion. Due to the nature of how tips are distributed on safari, it is not possible for us to prepay tips. Should you wish to provide a gratuity to your CW Safari guide, the standard in the industry ranges from $10 to $15 per person, per guide, per day. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or USD. To ensure that tipping is fair for all staff, many lodges and camps use a communal tipping pot (standard is $10 per person for a two-day stay). In general, safari guests tend to tip their rangers/trackers separately; $10 per person, per day for rangers/trackers is standard. For city and airport transfers, a nominal tip to your driver is

appreciated, similar to taking a taxi. Please refer to the currency guidelines included in the country facts “At a Glance” section of this itinerary in order to assist in preparing your monetary needs.

Internal Flights—Luggage Restrictions

Please note that the checked baggage allowance on your internal flights is 44 pounds per person for checked and carry-on luggage combined. The airlines request a fully soft-sided bag or duffle without frames and wheels. Passengers who do not adhere to this baggage regulation may be charged an additional fee or may delay takeoff, as the pilot will have to make alternative arrangements for excess baggage or hard suitcases to be transferred by another aircraft. Aircraft size may vary from small 4-seater to 12-seater.

Information & Policies

Guaranteed Departures

Country Walkers guarantees the departure of every tour*—no exceptions and no disappointments! From the moment that you make your deposit, you can start preparing for your adventure. We take care of all the details to ensure a seamless experience. For best availability, reserve your trip today!

* except in cases of force majeure

Guest Responsibilities

Each guest is responsible for selecting a trip that matches their abilities and interests, and to prepare for the trip by carefully reading the confirmation materials. To join this trip, you must be in good health and capable of completing activities as described in the day-to-day itinerary. Our in-house experts welcome the opportunity to discuss the tour in more detail. In order to help us meet your needs and preferences, please note any health or physical condition issues on your Guest Questionnaire and return it to CW Safaris by 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received 91 days or more prior to the tour start date will incur a loss of the full 20 percent deposit per person (and any additional services booked, including special permits and flights); cancellations received 90 to 61 days prior to the tour start date incur a loss of 50 percent of the tour price (and any additional services booked, including special permits and flights); there are no refunds within 60 days of the tour start date. You may transfer your reservation, depending on availability, from one departure to another (on the same itinerary, in the same calendar year) by notifying us in writing 91 days or more prior to the trip for a transfer fee of $50 per person plus any penalties related to internal airfare and/or seasonal price variations, after which our cancellation policy applies.

Safety and Security

The safety and security of our guests is paramount. We will exercise utmost care in assuring a safe and enjoyable trip, but you should be aware that there are certain risks associated with all adventure travel as stated on our Terms and Conditions form. This form will be mailed to you with complete confirmation details upon receipt of your tour deposit, and may also be found on our website. You must confirm your acceptance of these terms and conditions to participate in your tour. If your signed acceptance is not received in our office by your tour’s start date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation. In addition, you may be asked to sign a separate release or indemnity form by our local partners on the ground.

Deposit Requirements

A 20% nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm your safari. Exceptions to this nonrefundable deposit policy cannot be made for any reason, including personal emergencies, illness, or weather.

Travel Insurance

We offer guests the opportunity to purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please contact us for details.

Travel Arrangements

Air or other travel arrangements to and from your tour are not included in the price of your trip. We encourage you to contact your local travel agent or the airline(s) directly for any arrangements you may need.

Traveling To and From Your Tour

Tour Meeting Point and Time

You will be met at the airport upon arrival in Maun, Botswana and transferred to your chartered flight to your first camp. Please note that our aircraft to your first camp will not fly after dark. We suggest arriving into Maun by mid-day. Once we have received your international flights, we can schedule your flight to the first camp. Depending on your time of arrival, you will be welcomed to camp, allowed time to refresh, and then welcomed out on your first safari experience.

Please refer to the “Botswana Facts at a Glance” section for specific entry requirements.

Most Convenient Airport

Maun International Airport (MUB), Maun, Botswana Maun International Airport (MUB), Maun, Botswana Maun International Airport (MUB), Maun, Botswana Maun International Airport (MUB), Maun, Botswana

There are no direct flights from North America into Maun. The most direct route is with a connection through South Africa on Air Botswana or South African Airways. Daily flights are available.

Getting to the Meeting Point

As you exit customs and baggage claim, a representative will be holding a sign with your name on it and will accompany you to your charter flight (provided we have your travel information on file at least 30 days prior to the tour). You will be met upon arrival to your camp’s airstrip by lodging staff and transferred to your camp.

Pre-tour Accommodations

If you plan to arrive in advance of the tour and would like assistance booking pre-tour accommodations, please contact our office.

Delays and Late arrivals

If you are delayed while traveling or for any reason miss your scheduled flight into the country, please phone or email our partners and/or phone our office so that your transfer may be rescheduled. Emergency contact details may be found in

Tour Departure Point and Time

Following breakfast on the last day, you will be transferred to the Kasane Airport for your departure flight. Transfers will be arranged based on your departing international flight. If your plans include our Victoria Falls experience, we will arrange for your transfer by road and boat.

Most Convenient Airport

Kasane International Airport (BBK), Kasane, Botswana Kasane International Airport (BBK), Kasane, Botswana Kasane International Airport (BBK), Kasane, Botswana Kasane International Airport (BBK), Kasane, Botswana Kasane International Airport is primarily serviced by Air Botswana.

Botswana at a Glance

The Land …the People

Population about 2,000,000

Perhaps best known for its !Kung San bushpeople of the Kalahari Desert and the

No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series of books, this flat, landlocked southern African country is comprised of a diverse, hospitable, and sparse population. The Kalahari Desert makes up the majority of its topography, making it one of Africa’s premier wildlife areas. With 38 percent of its total land area protected as national park, reserve, or wildlife management area, its numerous species of animals roam unhindered over desert and savannah, as well as the lush Okavango Delta that is classified an important birding area. Welcome…and let the serenity of this peaceful and prosperous African country take hold.

Botswana tourist board official website: www.bostwanatourism.us

Entry Requirements and Visas

U.S. citizens: Passports are required and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens for stays of up to 90 days. For most up-to-date visa information, and for non-U.S. citizens, see the Embassy of Botswana website: www.botswanaembassy.org.

For visa and passport assistance services, we recommend Travel Document Systems: www.traveldocs.com.

Immunizations and Health

No immunizations are required to enter Botswana with the exception that proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers if traveling from, or transiting through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Always consult a travel clinic at a local university, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, and/or your personal physician for the most up-to-date recommendations and routine vaccinations. Malaria medication, hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella

malaria, you should consult the CDC or your physician for the most current information. Importantly, plan ahead for immunizations because some require administration several months prior to departure. The CDC provides the most current medical requirements and recommendations. Recommendations change frequently, so you must check directly with the CDC, a traveler’s clinic, or other medical authority.

Visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/travel or call 877.394.8747.

Currency

Botswana uses the pula, which is divided into 100 thebe. As of August 2014, $1 US = 8.746 pula. For up-to-date exchange rates, see www.oanda.com. Foreign currency (USD, British pound, and South African rand are easiest to exchange) is recommended for use and can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and authorized hotels. It is unlikely that you will be able to access cash once outside of Maun and Kasane. ATM machines and credit cards can be used only in larger towns, cities, and some lodgings. Credit cards are accepted only at travel agencies, major lodges, and hotels (for your incidental or personal charges). Please see the “Accommodations Information” for the hotels on your tour that accept credit cards.

Important

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Contact your credit card company for details on fees and card use when Contact your credit card company for details on fees and card use when Contact your credit card company for details on fees and card use when Contact your credit card company for details on fees and card use when traveling, especially for availability and restrictions by country. All major traveling, especially for availability and restrictions by country. All major traveling, especially for availability and restrictions by country. All major traveling, especially for availability and restrictions by country. All major credit cards are accepted, but Visa and MasterCard are preferred. credit cards are accepted, but Visa and MasterCard are preferred. credit cards are accepted, but Visa and MasterCard are preferred. credit cards are accepted, but Visa and MasterCard are preferred.

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Phone and Internet

Botswana country code: +267

International access code calling out of Botswana: 00

Travel Tip

Refer to the suggested packing list for comprehensive packing advice, but most importantly do not forget these essentials for:

• Sun and heat: wide- brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Mosquito bites: long sleeves, socks, insect repellent, and closed-toe shoes

»Cell-phone coverage throughout Botswana is extensive, but cannot be guaranteed at all times, especially in remote areas.

»Internet access is generally very good in towns and villages, but it is not guaranteed at all accommodations used on the tour. For more details regarding Wi-Fi or computer availability, please see the Accommodations Information.

Time Zone

Botswana is in the Central Africa Time Zone, Eastern Standard Time plus 7 hours.

Electricity

Alternating current of 220/240v and 50Hz is used in Botswana. Plug types are typically the South African M plug and the British G plug.

Weather and the Elements

Botswana has a predominantly subtropical climate and is mainly arid to semiarid with average daily

temperatures of around 90 degrees F and a minimum of 64 degrees F. The hottest (summer) months are typically December and January, and the coldest (winter) months are June and July. Rainfall can occur in brief thunderstorms throughout the year, but the driest season is May to August, and the rainiest season from November to March, during which time the Okavango

Delta completely floods and can be accessed only by boat travel.

Botswana is ideal year-round, with some months standing out for: birding, November-March; botany, December- May; mammals, July-October; diversity, May-June.

Language

The official language of Botswana is English and the national language is Setswana, a Bantu language spoken by around 80 percent of the population.

Travel Tip

• Bringing your own hair dryer or other electrical device? You’ll need a converter set, available at most hardware stores. For laptops or an electronic device with a dual voltage switch, you need the adapter plug but not a converter.

Local Traditions Botswana has a predominantly rural population of diverse ethnic groups, each with their unique traditions and customs. A large proportion of the population (around 70 percent) identify themselves as Christian. While knowledge of the local language is not necessary, learning a few words of greeting and thanks is always welcome when traveling. Your guide(s) will be happy to assist with language tips.

Food and Drink

There is no singular native cuisine in Botswana encompassing all ethnic groups, although sorghum comes closest to being the main crop, served porridge-style and, for lunch and dinner, accompanied by savory vegetable, meat, or fish stew. African lager-style beers are widely enjoyed and available throughout the country. Local dishes are almost always available at your accommodations for you to try. Menus and meal locations vary greatly by accommodation and venue. You may enjoy a “bush” breakfast, a lodge brunch, occasional picnic lunch, and dinner may be under the stars at your tented camp. Special dietary requests may be accommodated with advance notice. Please note your restrictions on your Guest Questionnaire and return it to our office by 90 days prior to your tour.

Bottled and/or boiled and filtered water is available at all accommodations and is recommended at all times throughout the tour, including for brushing your teeth.

Traveling in Botswana

Security While on tour, guests are entirely in the care of CW Safaris guides and tour accommodations. Please follow guide and lodging staff guidelines about securing valuables and awareness about animal activity at your lodgings and in the countryside.

For independent travel, Botswana requires the common sense and exercise of slightly above-normal precautions for personal safety that apply in many countries and cities worldwide; in addition to being aware of your

Travel Tip

Dust: Dust:Dust:

Dust: Have a bandana handy and ready to moisten and use, mask-style, to protect against the inevitable dusty ride.

surroundings, keep your valuables close and hidden while in public (avoid dangling cameras or other “tourist bait”), and avoid walking alone at night. We suggest registering with the U.S. Embassy at step.state.gov. Tipping is practiced and appreciated in Botswana (but see tipping guidelines for guides and lodging for your safari in your tour details). Specific

recommendations: for airport luggage assistance, 4-5 pula per person; in restaurants and bars, around 10 to 15 percent of the bill.

Shopping opportunities are likely to be at small local craft markets, small shops in towns and cities, and gift shops in hotels and lodges. Bargaining at markets is a generally accepted and even expected practice; once in Botswana, you will develop a sense of a fair price for the item you want, both for yourself and the vendor. It

is best practice to purchase an item once a fair price has been reached. What to look for in Botswana: baskets, woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, tapestries, fabrics and clothing, glassware, and San crafts.

Some suggested travel guidelines

Do Do Do

Do Don’tDon’tDon’tDon’t

»Ask your guide(s) about the most appropriate local crafts or products to purchase.

»Ask your guides about when and where taking photos is appropriate. »Refer to the suggested packing list

for appropriate clothing for both climate and culture.

»Bring used batteries and the like home with you to recycle.

»Remove pieces of the landscape. »Touch plants or animals, to prevent

injury—if you have any doubts, ask your guide.

»Give handouts to street children; donations to nongovernmental organizations can better target a region’s needs.

»Wear shorts (women) in villages for cultural reasons.

Travel Tip

If you see something you like, buy it! You probably won’t find the exact same thing again!

Suggested Packing List

YOUR MAIN BAG

We suggest a soft duffle-type bag, not a hard suitcase—these fit more easily into small aircrafts as well as the safari vehicles. If your itinerary includes internal flights,,,, luggaluggaluggaluggage limits do not exceed 44 lbs including checked and carryge limits do not exceed 44 lbs including checked and carryge limits do not exceed 44 lbs including checked and carry----on ge limits do not exceed 44 lbs including checked and carryon on on bags

bags bags

bags (excess luggage will only be allowed on the flight if there is space – if too heavy, it may be left behind or cause delays!).

YOUR DAY PACK

Pack essentials in your carry-on: valuables, documents, prescription medication and a change of clothes. We also suggest that you keep cash in more than one place.

PACKING CHECKLIST

Many lodges and camps have laundry service – so there is no need to bring too much.

Color on Safari

Acceptable bush colors for game activities are khaki, green, brown, or grey. We do not recommend you wear blue or black during the day—this may attract tsetse flies. Bright colors, especially white, stand out to animals and may be dangerous; however, they are fine at your lodgings, in towns, and on village visits.

CLOTHING

Day Wear

»1 pair of light walking boots/closed shoes/sneakers »1 pair sandals

»1 wide-brimmed hat and/or baseball cap »1 pair sunglasses

»2 pairs long pants »2 pairs shorts or capris

»2-3 T-shirts

»2-3 long-sleeve shirts Evening Wear

»1-2 sets of casual evening clothes (long trousers & long sleeves to reduce insect bites – any color)

»1 medium-weight sweater or fleece »1 pair of jeans (optional)

»1 pair of casual shoes

For Winter (June, July & early August)

»1 warm/windproof jacket

»1 warm hat (invaluable on a cold morning’s drive)

»1 pair of lightweight gloves (warm on a cold morning’s drive) »1 scarf/wrap

Other Clothes

»3-4 pairs of lightweight socks »3-4 pairs of underwear

»1 pajama/something to wear in bed

»1 swimsuit (when swimming is available at camps/lodges)

OTHER PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS

Cosmetics & Medicine

»High factor suntan lotion, moisturizer, and lip balm »Antihistamine cream, antidiarrheal drugs, and pain relievers »Eyedrops

»Toothpaste and tooth brush

»Razor (not electric) and shaving foam/gel

»Own personal toiletries and medication; any personal medication should be carried with you at all times.

Optional (but recommended) »A pair of binoculars »Flashlight

»Prescription glasses, plus a spare pair

»Contact lenses and spares (bring glasses too—dust can be a problem) »Ladies: a sports bra—for the bumpy roads

»Reading matter and guide/identification books »Zip-lock bags—always useful

»Adapter plug »Sewing kit

»Earplugs—for hippo grunting at night!

Camera Equipment

If not a keen photographer, then a small film or digital camera will suffice. But if you are an avid photographer, we suggest bringing the following equipment:

»1 camera body—make sure you know how to use it before you leave home »1 wide-angle (zoom) lens (35-80mm)

»1 telephoto lens (zoom) (80mm up to 500mm, but 200/300mm will suffice) »Lots of spare memory cards (1 to 4 GBs) for digital or, if still on film, lots of film

(from 50-800 ASA) »Spare batteries

»Camera cleaning equipment

»Beanbag/monopod/small tripod (your travel pillow can also substitute) »Dust-proof, padded camera bag

»Video camera – with lots of film/memory plus spare batteries (optional) »Laptop for burning CDs/DVDs – image storage/backup (optional)

OTHER INFO

Apps for Your Phone

Guests with smartphones might want to check out the following apps or search on iTunes for any useful safari apps:

My Digital Earth: African Mammals, Birds, Wildlife & Trees Pocket Universe: Stars

If you wish to stay connected with home during your safari, you might consider some of the great apps available such as SkypeSkypeSkypeSkype (prepurchase credits before you leave and call home for just pennies, or free if calling another Skype address) and WhatsApp

WhatsApp WhatsApp

WhatsApp (just get others to load the same app and you can text back and forth for free – and share a photo or two!). Just bear in mind that these apps will only work when Wi-Fi is available.

Accommodations Information

Nxai Camp

Nxai Pan, Botswana email: info@kwando.co.bw ph: +267 686 1449

No internet available. Credit cards accepted. Laundry service included. No hair dryer available (central charging available, no power outlet in room).

NIGHTS 3 & 4

Kwara Camp

Kwara Private Concession, Botswana email: info@kwando.co.bw

ph: +267 686 1449

No Internet available. Credit cards accepted. Laundry service included. No hair dryer available (central charging available, no power outlet in room).

NIGHTS 5 & 6

Kwando Lagoon Camp

Kwando Private Concession, Botswana email: info@kwando.co.bw

ph: +267 686 1449

No Internet available. Credit cards accepted. Laundry service included. No hair dryer available (central charging available, no power outlet in room).

NIGHTS 7 & 8

Muchenje Safari Lodge

Chobe National Park, Botswana email: info@muchenje.com ph: +267 620 0013

Wireless Internet available. Credit cards accepted. Laundry service included. Hair dryer provided in room.

GENERAL EMERGENCY CONTACT - OUR PARTNERS, M&M SOLUTIONS:

ph: +27 (0) 21 447 88 07 cell: +27 (0) 82 450 31 06