Flight is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Game drives throughout the program typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.
Taken at the hotel, breakfast will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles are cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water provided.
We will check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach, transferring to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport for our flight to Kasane, Botswana.
Provided in flight.
Upon an early afternoon arrival in Kasane, we will clear Botswana customs and immigration before being met for our transfer in 4x4 game viewing vehicles into Chobe National Park and our lodge. Part of the transfer will take us through the park, so there will be the potential of seeing wildlife along the way. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime game-viewing areas. Here one finds all of the “Big Five,” except for rhino. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world…many of these great grey giants can be seen at this time of year. (Note that seasonality makes a big difference in how much game you will see. If it’s dry you will see larger herds; if it has recently rained the animals will be more dispersed.) The park forms part of Botswana’s northern-most border and is a contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. The Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and many species of antelope find safety in this huge national park. Chobe is one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. After settling into our rooms, we will embark on our first safari game drive of the program, each vehicle with its own local safari expert. We will move slowly through the plains in open-air 4x4 vehicles, searching for wildlife, birds and the unique flora resident in the park.
At the lodge, dinner will be our choice to order from an a la carte menu. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium alcohol will be available for purchase.
This evening, our Group Leader will give us a thorough overview of Botswana, including the cultures, history and politics of the country.