Green Desert Expedition
Departure Dates
$3145 per person in double; $385 single supplement
full brochure in pdf
The route takes the time to explore the stunning contrasts of two habitat types: the "petrified" river valley of Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and the fertile green islands of the Okavango Delta and its crystal-clear waterways - all the while enjoying spectacular summer congregations of wildlife.
This Exploration is specifically designed to enjoy the Kalahari Desert at its most productive season, when it receives low sporadic rains and the wildlife migrates into the desert valleys in large numbers. This precious water creates a short yet incredibly prolific wildlife-viewing period with concentrations of desert species and their young in the fertile, ancient river valleys of Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. In addition, the amazing contrasts of Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and the fertile islands and waterways of the Okavango Delta are brought to the fore.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 1: Motsentsela Tree Lodge, Thamalekane River
Days 2 - 5: Travel by road to Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Days 6 & 7: Transfer by road to Maun and fly to Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
Day 8: Fly to Maun
Please note: The addition of a Linyanti and Livingstone camp after Xigera is highly recommended as it rounds off the impressions and diversity of the country.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Motsentsela Tree Lodge, 15km from Maun
Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and transferred by 4x4 vehicle to Motsentsela Tree Lodge where we will be spending the first night of the safari.
Motsentsela is a small lodge situated just 15km south of Maun airport on the western border of a farm on the Thamalakane River. It is perfect for travellers on their way to or from the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari. The Lodge consists of seven large Meru-style tents with en-suite facilities, catering for a maximum of 14 guests. All tents are on decks surrounded by trees, and are well spaced for privacy. The main thatched complex consists of a bar, lounge, entrance hall and dining room. There is a large teak deck in front of the lodge surrounding large leadwood and birdplum trees, the latter giving the lodge its Setswana name. There is a swimming pool, also with a teak deck.
The lodge is situated on a small 200-hectare game farm with a variety of wildlife including Ostrich, zebra, kudu, duiker, black springbok, blesbok, jackal and several nocturnal species, one of which is the aardwolf. A recent bird count tallied over 120 species.
Before dinner, you will be met by your guide, who will, over a relaxed drink give you a briefing of the wonderful adventure that awaits you. He will spend some time answering all your questions and making sure you are fully prepared for the safari.
Days 2, 3, 4 & 5: Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our private Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with lunch en route.
This prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains, as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over the enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing.
On Day 4 or 5 we enjoy extended wildlife game drives (with picnic lunch), taking in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari, as well as the Letiahau and Deception Valleys.
Suggested further reading on the area is "Cry of the Kalahari", by Mark and Delia Owens.
Days 6 & 7: Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast we depart overland to Maun (approximately 6 hours), after which we fly by light aircraft in the afternoon to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate Delta experience, with serene waters flowing through innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal life.
Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has something for everyone, in an area where there are no other Moremi camps and where permanent water all year round allows for a variety of activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways or watch the sunset and birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. The more adventurous can enjoy a scenic nature walk.
Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main area. There is a plunge pool for cooling off and relaxation. Birding in the area is excellent, with Pel's Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, African Skimmers and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers to be found. The area has the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta.
Day 8: Light aircraft transfer to Maun
After an early morning activity and breakfast, we fly to Maun, where the safari ends.
This Exploration has the following unique features:
- Two luxury camps combined with secluded, pre-erected and fully serviced dome tented camps create an exciting journey of contrasts.
- Specifically created to exploit the spectacular desert game concentrations in the Kalahari Desert during sporadic rains with a contrasting Okavango Delta experience (December to March).
- Sightings of abundant desert wildlife enhanced by camping in two different locations within the Kalahari Desert in its most productive season.