The Cry of the Kalahari

Scheduled safaris in Botswana

Each year towards the end of the summer - in February and March - herds of animals congregate as they have done for millennia in the hidden valleys and remote plains of the Botswana's central Kalahari where the grass is plentiful and the rains have left ephemeral pools to provide water. It is one of the great sights of the African wild, but rarely witnessed by outsiders.

We offer a programme designed to follow the vast herds across the unspoilt landscape of this primeval lost world. The Cry of the Kalahari Safari provides an ideal combination of the Kalahari and Okavango/Moremi in the first half of the year.

Deception Valley in the central Kalahari is home to desert species such as springbok and oryx, brown hyena and cheetah, as well as a variety of small mammals, in particular meercats, ground squirrels, cape fox, jackal and bat-eared fox. As the herds become plentiful, they are followed into this primordial Garden of Eden by predators - leopard, cheetah and the dark-maned Kalahari lions. The desert birds include ant-eating chats, buttonquails and pale chanting goshawks.

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi, by comparison, is a mosaic of forest and riverine grassland. The mopane woodland are ideal for elephant, kudu and other browsers, whilst the grassy open country is home to herds of wildebeest, plains zebra, tsessebe, lion and large grazers like the Cape buffalo as well as a mass of birds - kingfishers, bee-eaters, and varieties of eagles.

The Okavango Delta

In contrast, the Okavango is a haven of tranquil waterways and wooded islands, the haunt of red lechwe and sitatunga amid beds of papyrus and water lilies. But the Okavango offers more than a quiet few days among its backwaters. Here there are large nesting colonies of spoonbills, sacred and glossy ibis, varieties of herons and storks. It is truly an ornithological extravaganza.

Using our own camp, open Land Rovers and boats this tour offers the very best variety of wildlife and bird watching. Our safaris touch the real African wild accompanied by Kalahari experts.

Typical safari itinerary

• Day 1. Flight from country of departure to Maun at the gateway of the Okavango Delta.
• Day 2. Late morning arrival in Maun, northern Botswana, where the flight will be met by Ewan and Sallie. Transfer for lunch to the Crocodile Camp on the Thamelakane River. After a rest there will be time to shop for books and curios in Maun. Dinner and overnight in Maun.
• Day 3. After an early breakfast, drive south into the central Kalahari arriving in Deception Valley in the afternoon. After settling into camp and meeting the rest of the staff, afternoon game drive until dark. Overnight in Deception.
• Day 4 - 6. Rising just before dawn each day, there will be a game drive until mid-morning. Mid-day brunch and siesta before afternoon game drive until sunset. One day may be a full day drive to Piper Pans or Sunday Pans. Each night in Deception.
• Day 7. After breakfast, return across the Kalahari to Maun. A chance to clean up at Crocodile Camp before dinner and overnight in Maun.
• Day 8. Early morning drive into the eastern edge of the Delta to Xakanaxa on the edge of the permanent waterways of the Okavango where the camp has been set up in readiness.
• Day 9 - 10. In Xakanaxa, part of the Moremi Reserve. The area is one of mopane forest and water glades with elephant, buffalo, zebra, tsessebe etc. Our own boat allows visits into the heart of the Delta, with island walks, lagoon cruises for bird watching including jacanas, nesting marabou and storks, gallinules etc.
• Day 11. Drive to the eastern part of Moremi Game Reserve to Khwai River, with open flood plains which are home to hippo, wild dog, giraffe, kudu, lechwe etc.
• Day 12-13. In Khwai. There is a wide variety of African game in Moremi, and a mass of bird life.
• Day 14. Return flight to Country of departure.
• Day 15. Arrive at your final destination.

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A Typical Day on safari...

All safaris are wholly dedicated to game viewing and bird watching. The usual pace of the day is to rise at dawn, with hot water to wash. Tea, coffee and a simple snack are available before leaving for a game drive until about 11.00, returning to the camp for an extensive brunch. After a siesta until about 3.30 in the afternoon, tea and cake are served before the evening game drive until dark. On one occasion in Deception, a full day drive will be made to Piper Pans or Sunday Pans, leaving at about 8.30, taking lunch, and returning at about 4.30. All travel is by Land Rover and game viewing in open vehicles.

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