ITINERARY:

May be in run in reverse.

Day 1, 2 & 3: OKAVANGO DELTA (Pom Pom Camp – click here)
Upon arrival at Maun International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your light aircraft for a scenic flight to Pom Pom Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Flying over the delta by light aircraft gives you a unique perspective and it will allow you to see how vast the delta is and how the system of channels, lagoons and islands combine to make this one of the worlds last true wilderness areas.

One of the largest Inland water systems in the world, the Okavango Delta covers an approximate area of 16 000 square km of the Kalahari and rates as one of the most spectacular travel destinations in the world. The Kavango River rises in Angola’s highlands and flows through Namibia, before flooding onto the soft sands of the Kalahari creating the world’s largest inland delta. The floodwaters of Angola take approximately three months to reach the borders of Botswana, and may only reach the southern end of the Delta in June. This creates a unique source of water in this region during the dry season – as the surrounding game reserves are drying out, the Okavango’s waters are rising and attracting a huge array of wildlife that remains in the area from May to October.

In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Pom Pom camp is another jewel in Botswana’s crown. Here, hippo grunt and frolic in front of the camp’s lagoon that is surrounded by miles of reeds. An 18 – bedded safari camp, built and designed in the style of safari camps of old.

Thoughtfully designed, the tents overlook a scenic lagoon and are quietly nestled under a grove shady tree. The camp has 9 large walk-in luxury tents, all with en-suite showers, flush toilets and although roofless, the bathrooms are enclosed for privacy, security and importantly offer you a truly unique bush adventure.

This is a camp for the safari traditionalist. In the main thatched building, you will find a cosy bar, lounge and table settings for imaginative meals prepared by our safari chefs. Pom Pom is known as much for its “soul” as for the game and wildlife in the area. Camaraderie prevails around a campfire each night as bush lore anecdotes are recounted whilst a gracious meal is prepared and elegant wines uncorked. Over hot coffee and perhaps a fine cognac, you will re-live the day’s events and compare notes on fishing and photography – and of course plan for another day that will be remembered long after your return to civilization.

During your stay at Pom Pom you’ll explore this magnificent area on morning, afternoon & night game drives with a guide & tracker. As Pom Pom is in a private concession the guide is able to drive off-road in search of sightings and also it means the afternoon game drives are extended into the night with spotlights – after a sundowner drink or two.

Fishing is also offered at Pom Pom for 10 months of the year but is prohibited in January and February as this is peak breeding season. Basic equipment is supplied, but avid fly-fishers are advised to bring their own equipment.

The mokoro trip is the quintessential delta experience. There is nothing more relaxing than poling along the lagoon and channels with your guide, soaking up the atmosphere and seeing things from a totally different perspective. There is a boat available to go out for a short sunset cruise, the perfect way to spend an afternoon, meandering the waterways. It is also possible to do guided walks year-round. An area is chosen at the guide’s discretion and in keeping with safe distances from large herds of elephant and buffalo. The distance and area for each walk may vary seasonally at the guides’ discretion.

Pom Pom is big game country and there are frequent sightings of large herds of elephant and buffalo. Predators are also in abundance and there is a very good chance of seeing lion, leopard, wild dog, cheetah and spotted hyena. For the birders out there, this is a paradise, especially from November to May when the migrant species are still present.

Day 4, 5 & 6: MOREMI GAME RESERVE (Mma Dinare – click here)
Leaving Pom Pom camp after breakfast, we have a short light aircraft transfer to Mma Dinare Camp located on the border of Moremi Game Reserve.

Since this area normally receives floods last it contains some of the closest dry-season watering points for the game that spreads out towards Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans during the rains. Around this, there is a high density of game in the dry season but since quite a lot of the reserve is mopane woodlands (a favourite location for animals during the rains and early dry season) good game viewing is expected all year round.

This river system attracts a wide variety of game. Familiar favourites include Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Kudu, Impala, Tsessebe, Hippo, Crocodile, Genet, Honey Badger and a host of Plains Game. Rare Antelope breeds including Roan, Sable & Eland, not normally seen in the Okavango region, occur here.

As the Gomoti is the main water source in the area, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog come down to the riverside to drink and hunt, of course!

The locations and views are spectacular with the classic flooding of the Okavango across the adjacent seasonal floodplains. For those keen on bird-watching, the combination of the wetlands and the drier Acacia and Mopane veldt provide a perfect habitat for a variety of aquatic species including Open Billed Storks, Hammerkops, Egrets, Ibis and forest/savannah dwellers including Raptors, Shrikes, Drongos, Sunbirds, Ground Hornbills and so on.

Mma Dinare is in a private 67,000 acres concession area alongside the Gomoti River and its flood plains. The lodge has been designed to embrace the natural surroundings of the riverine forest.

Each of the nine spacious luxury en-suite tents overlooks the Gomoti River floodplains and allow for game viewing from the private decks or lounge area. Each luxury tent is identical in footprint with an en-suite bathroom and shower, suitable for twin beds or one double bed. The central area has been built with an open, thatched space allowing you to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, whilst watching wildlife and birds from the comfort of an armchair or the bar. The swimming pool and curio shop complete the luxurious, relaxed feel of Mma Dinare.

The game drives from Mma Dinare are with a guide and tracker, this adds to the experience on two levels. You have two sets of eyes searching out the action, looking for tracks– this ensures a good chance of sightings, especially predators. In addition, having the tracker out front, concentrating on tracking, means that the guide is more able to talk to you, and answer any questions you may have. It leads to a more relaxed, convivial game drive atmosphere.

As Mma Dinare is in a private concession you can drive off-road in search of sightings and also it means you are able to enjoy night game drives with spotlights.

In addition to the game drives, it possible to go on mokoro excursions (season dependant) and guided bush walks with the guide and tracker.

Day 7: Maun Airport – Safari Ends
There is time for one last morning game drive or you can enjoy a relaxed morning in camp as you get ready to end your amazing safari to the Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve