Assistance with Nov 07 Botswana Trip
 

Hello,
I've been reading this board for quite some time but have never posted before.

I'm considering a trip (with my husband) to Botswana in Nov 2007. We've been to Africa twice before - to South Africa on one trip and Kenya/Tanzania on the other. We both enjoy active pursuits like walking and would also like to do water activities on this trip. In addition we are amateur birders. Following is the itinerary we are considering:

Fly to Joburg
One night Joburg
3 nights Chitabe Main Camp
3 nights Little Vumbura
3 nights Savuti Camp

I've read good things about the above camps on the message board but are these a good idea in November? Are there better options in the same price range that we should be considering?

And is it worth adding a trip to Victoria Falls at the end?

Thanks for your help!

Hello Maggie,

Given your interests, it looks like you have a nice itinerary. Chitabe is one of the few places in the Delta where you can do walking trails, and has excellent predator sightings as well. LV is a great place to spot Pel's Fishing Owl and has the full spectrum of water and land actvities. It's being renovated now and will re-open with a new lounge and tents in March 2007.

Since you enjoy walking, I'd recommend considering Selinda and Zibalianja for your Linyanti-area camp. Selinda and Zib are the only camps in the Linyanti area which emphasise walking.

http://www.linyanti.com/

Cheers,
Julian

Everything Julian said.

I don't think there is ever a bad time for these camps. Perhaps the height of the rainy season Jan-Mar.

You will have a wonderful trip.

Even Jan-Mar is not bad, just wetter.

You have exactly my itinerary that I am doing in late sept/early oct...some new camps for me (was at the old Vumbura before the rebuild) and from what I hear and read a great mix.
Eric

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I've sent this itinerary to a few agents for quotes and the one I've received so far is $6,500 per person for all acommodations and transfers including the flight to/from Joburg to Maun. Does this seem reasonable? I could find information on the internet about the prices of the lodges, but not many details on how much the transfers cost.

Hello Maggie, i am also going to Botswana in November and have almost the same itinerary, but i am also looking at Kwando.This Uk base operator may be interesting for you.This are the 2 trips i am considering:

http://www.expertafrica.com/safari/Bushbuck_safari.htm

http://www.expertafrica.com/safari/Pangolin_safari.htm

Paco.

fyi - i just booked JNB-MUB flight with an outisde travel agent. it was $214 including all taxes. air botswana direct. i know that wilderness was charging my safari agent $365 (that's what he told me anyway. maybe he was just saying that. in any case, his price was that)..

You can do airbotswana direct on their website. I book it thru my travel agent who does my international flights on SAA.....

You mean they are charging you more for the air bots flights than the actual flight rates? that is ridiculous.....

Hari

Paco,

I saw the link you provided....two nights at Lebala camp, is barely skimming the surface......it is my absolute favourite camp in all of Africa and two nights is not enough!!! ask them to tailor make a trip for you with more time at Lebala......

Hari