The Fish Eagle 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. This safari is ten nights long and is ideally suited to adding one or two extra nights at Victoria Falls at the end.

This is a camping safari using spacious bow tents (big enough to stand in) with mattresses. Specially adapted 4WD safari vehicles are used and groups are limited to 12 people. Led by a professional guide and a camp assistant, guests are responsible for putting up and taking down their tents. All transfers, activities, park fees and most meals are included.

Itinerary

Please note: Participants will have to spend the night in Maun before the safari due to early departure to the Okavango Delta on the first day. We can assist you with this.

Day 1: Okavango Delta: The group meets at 08h00 in Maun and after introductions and a short briefing, we head into the western Okavango Delta,

Days 2-3: Okavango Delta: After transferring our equipment to motorboats, we continue along narrow papyrus-lined channels heading further into the wetlands. The boat journey provides some excellent birding as well as showcasing the stunning landscape of this area. Deeper into the Okavango we meet with our mekoros (traditional dugout canoes) and local polers and enjoy a tranquil ride to an island. The next two days are spent camping on the island, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro. We camp wild with bush ablutions.

Day 4: Maun: Inspired by the beauty of the Okavango, we retrace our route to Maun. You have the option of taking a scenic flight across the Delta to return to Maun (not included). Back in Maun, we spend the night at a private camp with permanent ablution facilities.

Days 5-7: Moremi Game Reserve: The big game aspect of the safari commences today as we enter Moremi Game Reserve. The park covers swamp

Days 8-9: Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park, with its diverse landscapes and prolific game, is our next destination. Continuing our search for wildlife, we traverse the drier region of Savuti, renowned for its elephants, before heading northwards to the Chobe River, where our game drives will meander along the banks of the river. Camping is in private designated areas with bush ablutions.

Days 10-11: Zambezi Waterfront Lodge: Crossing the Zambezi River by ferry, we drive to the town of Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, spending the night at the comfortable Zambezi Waterfront Lodge (or similar). In the afternoon there is plenty of time for souvenir shopping and to visit the thunderous Victoria Falls. Dinner is at your own expense at the lodge. The safari officially ends after breakfast on Day 11, however you have the option of staying on for some extra days, either to wind down after the safari or to participate in one of the many adventure activities on offer in the area. These include white water rafting down the Zambezi gorge, canoeing on the upper Zambezi, elephant rides and helicopter flights over the falls.

2008 Price: £1,087 low season, £1136 high season. (Single supplement: £85)

Price includes:

All accommodation (spacious bow tents with mattresses), chalets at the lodge in Livingstone, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, most meals, teas & coffees, services of a professional guide and camp assistant, all Botswana and Zambia park entry fees and levies for activities included on itinerary, transport in specialised safari vehicles.

Not included:

International flights (from London to Maun, via Jo’burg, and from Livingstone back to London, also via Jo’burg - prices depends on time of travel), Restaurant meals (at Victoria Falls), visas, airport transfers, tips, curios, optional excursions (scenic flight over the delta and activities in Victoria Falls), beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water), holiday insurance (to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation) sleeping bag, pillow (we suggest you bring a small pillow)

Vehicles, Equipment and Guides:

VEHICLES: The safari uses custom-built game viewing vehicles, specially designed for this type of safari. Each vehicle takes a maximum of twelve passengers, which ensures excellent game viewing and mobility (Please note that on small group safaris we may use alternative vehicles). Each vehicle has a 12volt DC cigarette lighter fitting to recharge batteries for video cameras; you will need to bring your own charger. A custom built safari trailer, containing a mobile kitchen and space for all camping equipment and luggage, accompanies each safari.

GUIDES: All our tour leaders are qualified as professional Botswana safari guides. Each guide has many years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the flora and fauna of the area. They are dedicated to their profession and are keen to share their passion for wildlife and nature with you.

EQUIPMENT: On our semi-participation safaris, we provide user-friendly two-man safari dome tents, comfortable mattresses and camp chairs. Sleeping bags are available for hire. 

TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI: On a typical day we get up at first light. After a warm brew (tea or coffee) and light morning snack (rusks or fruit), we head out on a morning activity (game drives in the national parks and mekoro excursions in the Okavango). We return around 11h00 (flexible with each day). During the middle of the day we stay in camp, enjoying a refreshing brunch/lunch and bush shower. This is a time to relax, read a book, write postcards or have a siesta. In the afternoon we head out for a game activity, returning by sunset for our evening meal around the campfire. On travel days, the above routine naturally changes to fit in driving from camp to camp. When travel distances are particularly long we prepare a picnic lunch to eat en-route.

For more information Email us or telephone 44 (0) 207 622 5114