Botswana and Zambia Migration Safari
Days 1, 2 and 3 – Makgadikgadi Pans
From Maun it is a short flight east to the magical Makgadikgadi Pans and the start of your migration safari to Botswana and Zambia. Set on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans with sweeping views across the expansive salt pans.
During the rainy season of December, January, February and March huge herds of zebra make their way across the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park from the Boteti River to the area around Jack’s Camp and Camp Kalahari. They are drawn there by the sweet grasses that sprout shortly after the first rains have arrived.
Aside from the zebra migration, there is so much more to do in the area. This is one of the best places to see meerkats which are habituated, allowing guests to spend the morning with them as they warm up in the morning sun before heading off to forage for the day.
If you are looking for more of a cultural experience, then heading out with the San Bushmen on a walk will certainly be something you remember. The San Bushmen have been living off this desolate land for centuries and so heading out with them on a walk and learning about their culture and way of life is an eye opener. Learn how they find food and water in the desert and more about the medicinal uses of the plants around them.
Days 4, 5 and 6 – Okavango Delta
From the desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans you head to the waterways of the Okavango Delta and your next safari camp. Kanana is a beautiful camp set on an island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Being on a private concession ensures our guests get the exclusive safari experience that Botswana is renowned for. Being in the Okavango Delta has its limitations in terms of wildlife viewing as the animals prefer to avoid the deep water channels, but Kanana is lucky to have the best of both worlds with large islands teeming with wildlife and deep channels, rivers, lagoons and wetlands that make up the Okavango Delta. Explore this huge private concession by traditional mokoro, gliding silently through the waterways allowing you to get close to animals and birds hiding out in the reeds. Head deeper into the Okavango Delta in a speedboat and explore the famous heronries and further flung islands. For the land lovers, Kanana offers day and night game drives as well walking safaris with experienced guides. Other than the incredible diversity Kanana offers, one of the other reasons we love this camp, is because they only allow a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle, ensuring a personal and exclusive safari experience. The camp is set on stilts overlooking a typical Okavango Delta lagoon. The main area is built around a huge termite mound and extends out towards the lagoon with the firepit almost sitting at water level. Kanana has a sleepout platform away from the camp, where adventurous guests can sleep under the stars surrounded by animals and the night sounds.
Days 7 and 8 – Victoria Falls
After 6 nights on safari in Botswana you fly to Kasane and transfer across to your lodge situated on the Zambezi River on the Zambian side of the mighty Victoria Falls. You have 2 nights to explore and enjoy the area around Victoria Falls. There is so much to see and do while you are on a Zambezi safari. Aside from visiting the mighty Victoria Falls, most of the lodges along the Zambian side of the river include sunset cruises along the Zambezi, tracking the white rhino of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, canoeing the upper Zambezi and island picnics.
For the more adventurous, there is a lot more to do including helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls, microlight flights over the Victoria Falls, bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
Days 9, 10 and 11 – Liuwa Plains National Park
From Livingstone (or Lusaka – depending on the season) you fly to Kalabo Airstrip where you will be met. From here it is a 15-minute helicopter flight direct to King Lewanika Camp, the only permanent camp inside Liuwa National Park. This is the perfect camp and location to end your Botswana and Zambian Migration Safari. Liuwa National Park is home to one of the least known migrations in Africa. Thousands of wildebeest move through the Liuwa National Park following the rains and avoiding the wetlands that fill up with the rains.
From the comfort of King Lewanika Camp, guides take guests out on morning, afternoon and night game drives as well as walking safaris and canoeing safaris (seasonal) in search of the wildlife of the grass plains. For the more adventurous (yes, please do it), the camp offers an incredible fly-camping option for a night under the stars.
Aside from the thousands of wildebeest, Liuwa Plains is home to a growing population of cheetah. Other predators include a healthy population of spotted hyenas and the famous pride of lions originating from Lady Liuwa.
This is one of the remotest camps and areas in Africa. Enjoy the solitude and wildlife experience without another sole insight.
