MOBILE TENTED SAFARIS

Reminiscent of the expeditions undertaken by the early explorers, a Mobile Safari is lead by a professional guide who is accompanied by a small convoy of camp staff and equipment necessary for a self contained journey through the wilderness.
 
The flexibility of a mobile safari allows travellers access to remote wilderness areas within Botswana's national parks and reserves, far beyond the reaches of a morning game drive out of a lodge. A typical mobile safari itinerary may vary between 6 and 10 nights in length, visiting various different areas within the national parks and reserves, spending 2 to 3 nights at any one location.
 
Long driving distances between camps are typical on a mobile safari, varying between 2 and 6 hours However, it should be noted that these are commonly within the national parks and reserves, and are incorporated into daily game drives with a picnic lunch en route. This type of travel allows you to fully appreciate the subtle changes in the environment as you move from one area to the next by land, and learn about the forces which drove these changes and shaped the contrasting landscape around you. The thrill is not only in the destination, but the journey itself.
 
Botswana is especially fortunate in that the Hospitality and Tourism Association (HATAB), in conjunction with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks have set aside private wilderness sites, for the exclusive use of licensed mobile operators, ensuring travellers a truly exclusive bush experience.
 
There are a large variety of mobile safaris available, from basic, participation safaris, were guests are required to partake in daily camp chores, to luxury safaris, with all the comforts of a lodge and a service team to manage the camp. Whatever grade of safari you choose, one thing is certain, camping no longer means having to rough it. Infact, even a budget, participation safari offers a level of comfort that most people would not associate with camping in the wild. There is something magical about the atmosphere created by the soft, warm glow of a paraffin lantern, showering under the starry night sky, and the flicker and warmth of a campfire.
 
In addition to daily game drives, a variety of activities are generally offered over the course of your itinerary. These include walking trails, boat trips, nights drives, scenic flights, as well as a host of optional activities in Victoria Falls or Livingstone (a popular finishing point for any visit to Botswana).
  
In contrast to the constant comings and goings of the lodges, a mobile safari offers the traveller a welcome sense on continuity, and an opportunity to get to know your guide and fellow travelling companions, enhancing your experience.
 
Small groups (usually 6 - 12 guests) ensure that you enjoy exclusivity and personal attention.
 
Being totally immersed in the wilderness, 24hrs a day, a mobile safari allows you to fully appreciate the true essence of Africa. On safari, there are no alarm clocks, newspapers or mobile phones. Your sense are awakened by the calls of the wild, the smell of first rain, soothing African breezes and breath-taking sunsets.
 
A mobile safari is the ultimate safari experience in one of Africa's last true wildernesses.

A TYPICAL DAY ON A MOBILE SAFARI

The day starts with the rising of the sun. Your wake-up call will be between 5am and 6am - a gentle koko (knock knock in Setswana) at the entrance of your tent. The camp staff will be on hand to fill your wash-hand basin with steaming hot water and freshly made tea and coffee will be served around the campfire.  Wake up to the warmth of the morning sun at the dawn of a new day.

A light breakfast will be served before the early morning game drive. The best time of day to enjoy game viewing is in the early morning and late afternoon as most animals retreat to the shadows to rest during the heat of the day.

Having spent the morning exploring the surrounding wilderness in search of Botswanas hidden treasures, you will return to camp for a sumptuous lunch under the shade of a Marula tree (subject to availability). Just as the animals retreat to escape the heat of mid-day, so will you. This is your time to enjoy reading, chatting, relaxing or taking a nap.

Later in the afternoon you will head out into the wilderness once more as the animals awake from their days slumber and gather at the watering holes to quench their unforgiving thirst. As the sun sets on the horizon, one can only marvel at the sheer splendour of an African sunset and with refreshments in hand, toast to the wonder of nature.

On your return to camp, you can enjoy a hot shower under the starry night sky and gather around the warmth of the campfire with your fellow companions to relive the days events and excitement. Enjoy a three course dinner fit for a King served with a selection of fine South African wines against the magical backdrop of the African night sky. Retreating to the comfort of your tent after enjoying a night cap around the campfire, you can fall asleep to the calls of the African wild. Good night.

On moving days, the safari team will pack down the camp, travelling ahead in the supply vehicle to prepare the camp for your arrival at the next location. When travelling between locations, the route is most commonly through the parks and reserves and is therefore an extension of your daily game drives. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed en-route.

MOBILE SAFARI PACKAGES

AVAILABLE HOLIDAY PACKAGES TO THIS REGION:

Botswana Buffalo Safari (BWB) - 6 nights holiday package 6 Nights / 7 Day Tour. This trail is perfect for those with limited time, still wishing to visit the best wilderness areas in Botswana. BUFFALO SAFARI DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 6 Nights from $1,451.00

Botswana Elephant Safari (BWE) - 14 nights holiday package This 14 night / 15 day trail forms a circular route around the Okavango Delta, starting in Kasane and ending in Victoria Falls, Zambia.  The Elephant Trail offers a great value camping adventure through three countries - Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. ELEPHANT SAFARI DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 14 Nights from $2,620.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Fish Eagle Safari (BWF) - 10 nights holiday package 10 Night / 11 Day Trail.  This adventure trail starts in Maun and ends in Victoria Falls.  It explores the fascinating Okavango Delta water system and passes through some of the best wilderness areas of Botswana. FISH EAGLE SAFARI DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 10 Nights from $1,992.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Kalahari Safari (BWK) - 6 nights holiday package 6 Night / 7 Day Trail. This safari offers an insight into the culture and history of the Kalahari's oldest inhabitants. It is ideal for the adventure enthusiast offering breathtaking scenery, desert wildlife and the privilege of an introduction to the traditional lifestyle of the San Bushmen. KALAHARI SAFARI DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 6 Nights from $1,729.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Leopard Safari 2008 (BWKF) - 16 nights holiday package 16 Night / 17 Day Trail. The combination of the Bushman and Fish Eagle Trails provide a comprehensive and broad traveling experience in Botswana  introducing you to one of the oldest cultures in the world, the Bushman, as well as witnessing one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Rate : 16 Nights from $3,006.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Lion Safari (BWL) - 14 nights holiday package 14 Night / 15 Day Trail.  This grand tour covers some of the best wilderness areas in Botswana, from the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans through the unique Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.  Starting in Kasane and ending at the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, it offers unbeatable value for money. LION SAFARI DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 14 Nights from $2,620.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Northern Explorer Safari - 10 nights holiday package 10 Nights / 11 Days Maun to Kasane or Kasane to Maun Maun, Kasane, Livingstone or Victoria Falls Airport Camping On An Authentic Mobile Tented Safari NORTHERN EXPLORER DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 10 Nights from $3,300.00 [per person sharing]