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Okavango Kujwana Safari

6 days - Maun to Maun

The Okavango, a vast inland delta, is one of Southern Africa's most enigmatic river systems. It lies like an emerald jewel on the edge of the great Kalahari desert, an astonishing maze of papyrus lined waterways, meadows and woodland rich in birdlife and game.

Imagine yourself mounted high above the long grass and reeds watching great herds of zebra, wildebeest and lechwe as they move across golden floodplains and the breathtaking excitement when your silent progress along game trails used only by the animals brings you upon a herd of buffalo or a family group of elephant. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget and the only sounds you will hear, as the wind soughs though the long grass and rattles the palms, are the fish eagle's haunting cry, the splash of a disappearing crocodile and the faraway drumming of hooves

This highly personalised safari is run, by owners PJ and Barney Bestelink, in a private concession of 2,500 sq. kms situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta bordering on Moremi Game Reserve. The area, in which you ride, includes three major river systems of the Okavango Delta, the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri. The itinerary featured is for a 10 night riding safari but shorter safaris of 5 and 7 nights are also available. The fly camps may be used in a different order to that shown.
Day 1 (L,D)
You are met at Maun Airport by a local representative and transferred by light aircraft to Xaxaba airstrip. You are then transferred to a helicopter for a scenic flip over the delta and dropped off at Kujwana camp. Occasionally the helicopter transfer is used on departure instead, in which case you will be transferred into the camp by vehicle, which takes approximately 1 hour. After a late lunch and an introduction talk on game viewing from horseback enjoy an orientation ride, which will give you a chance to become acquainted with your horse.Botswana
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wake up before dawn to ensure the best game viewing. Wade through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island. Surprise a timid bushbuck out of dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta. Late afternoon game drive with sunset drinks returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Move to Qwaapu camp. The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mopane forests and acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water zebra, wildebeest and buffalo will also be found. Animal tracks abound telling you of what has been and gone - or what you might still find. Arrive at the fly camp in time for a late lunch. During the afternoon take a bird walk with your guide.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Ride north east towards Moremi game reserve. This area forms seasonal marshland and hosts a variety of exceptional bird life. Wildlife moves freely to and from the national park. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and evening night drive with a spot light.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
A full days ride back to Kujwana camp. A picnic lunch is set up on a shady island. Return to Kujwana camp in the cool of the late afternoon.
Day (B)
A final morning???s ride returning to the camp for breakfast. A chance to freshen up before transferring back to Maun.
This ride can be five, seven or ten nights. On the 5 and 7-night safari you will visit either Moklowane or Qwaapu as well as Kujwana. On the 10-night safari you will ride from Kujwana to both other camps so you are able to explore a larger area of the Okavango. The 5-night safari can be the first or second half of the 10-night safari.
Botswana
Botswana
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only:
  • 01 Mar to 31 May, Nov:

    5 night safari: £2,020

    7 night safari: £2,740

    10 night safari: £3,820
  • 01 Jun to 31 Oct:

    5 night safari: £2,245

    7 night safari: £3,055

    10 night safari: £4,270

  • Includes: Return transfers from Maun, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks, laundry, horse riding, guiding, game drives, walks, mokoros and concession fees.
  • All Inclusive: From £3,160 depending on season based on a 5-night safari.
  • Includes: Flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks, laundry, horse riding, guiding, game drives, walks, mokoros and concession fees.
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. If unwilling to share 50 per cent of ride only price.
  • Departure Dates:

    5-night safari: 01, 06, 14,19, 27 Mar, 01, 09, 14, 22, 27 Apr, 04, 09, 16, 21, 26 May, 03, 08, 16, 21, 29 Jun, 04,12, 17, 25, 30 Jul, 07, 12, 20, 25 Aug, 02, 07, 15, 20, 28 Sep, 03, 11, 16, 24 Oct, 03, 08, 16, 21 Nov. Departures from the UK are one day earlier.

    7-night safari: 01, 14, 27 Mar, 09, 22 Apr, 04, 21 May, 03, 16, 29 Jun, 12, 25 Jul, 07, 20 Aug, 02, 15, 28 Sep, 24 Oct, 03, 16 Nov. Departures from UK are one day earlier.

    10-night safari: 01,14,27 Mar, 09,22 Apr, 04, 21 May, 03,16, 29 12, 25 Jul, 07, 20 Aug, 02, 15, 28 Sep, 11 Oct, 03, 16 Nov.Departures from UK are one day earlier.

  • The Accommodation: The base camp, Kujwana is situated on the Xudum river, south-west of Chiefs Island, in the Okavango Delta. The camp accommodates a maximum of 8 to 10 guests in spacious safari tents, each with bathroom en-suite. Moklowane Camp is situated on the Matsibi River and comprises of en-suite tree houses, which are situated 10 feet off the ground, giving the guests a unique experience of sleeping in the open but being perfectly safe. Qwaapu Fly Camp is south-east of Kujwana camp on the Qwaapu River. This camp is temporary and the site moves according to access with water levels. The camp consists of walk in 'Chobe' tents with adjacent private ablutions and a mess tent. The term Fly camp means a temporary camp that is easily moved.
  • Food & Drink: Good and plentiful home cooking. Saddlebag breakfasts are a feature of the safari. On a full day's ride a picnic lunch is provided. This is usually brought by vehicle and staff who set up the picnic on a shady island. Dinner is a 3-course candlelit meal. All locally made drinks are included.
  • Laundry: Can be done whilst at Kujwana and is included in the price. Women's underwear is not done but washing powder is provided.
  • Children: Are accepted. Ability is more important than age. Children must be strong competent riders and have a certificate from a pony club or qualified BHS instructor to attest this.
  • Non-Riders: Non-Riders are welcome and will have their own guide for game drives, walks and excursions by mokoro. They will move with the riding guests to the various fly camps and join non-riding activities and picnics.