Okavango Delta

For the initial segment of the safari, we venture into the Okavango Delta, staying at the remarkable Cha Cha Metsi Camp. From here, daily horseback rides through the Delta offer a chance to explore the surroundings. With no fixed schedule, our rides adapt to wildlife movements and water levels, ensuring an optimal and personalized experience.

A typical day commences with an early wake-up call and a light breakfast around the campfire at dawn. Mount up and spend the morning on horseback, navigating old elephant paths, observing diverse wildlife, enjoying the rich birdlife, and galloping through recently flooded plains. Buffalos may graze nearby, giraffes may wander by, and red lechwes might splash through the water, with kudus peeking out from the thickets.

Return to camp for lunch and a siesta in the shade of towering jackalberry or leadwood trees. In the afternoon, relish a leisurely evening ride, soaking in the tranquility of the Okavango, listening to the sounds of the bush, accompanied by the snorts and splashes of your horses. Conclude the day with dinner under the stars.

At times, you may desire a break, for both you and the horses. In such moments, embark on a serene ride in a mokoro, the traditional means of navigating this enchanting waterland. Alternatively, venture on foot in search of smaller creatures in the bush, acquiring tracking skills before witnessing another breathtaking African sunset.

Kalahari Desert

Embark on a relaxed start, and journey back to the outskirts of the Okavango Delta, where a safari vehicle awaits to transport you back to Maun. From Maun, you have the option to either take a 50-minute flight by a small plane to Camp Kalahari on the fringes of the Makgadikgadi Pans or opt for a 3-hour car drive. This camp will serve as our base for the next three days, nestled amidst acacia trees and Mokolwane palms on Brown Hyaena Island, situated at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai-Pans National Park in Botswana.

Featuring a thatched central library, a living and dining area adorned with a diverse mix of original African furniture and textiles, alongside traditional campaign-style pieces and colonial-era antiques, it provides the perfect space to unwind and soak in the tranquility of this captivating area. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a siesta in the thatched pavilion!

Following afternoon tea, embark on an introductory ride in the beautiful afternoon light – primarily designed to acquaint both horse and rider and offering your initial opportunity to revel in the beauty of this magical region. Return to camp for sundowners, followed by dinner before the Kalahari lions commence their nightly roam.

Kalahari Desert

As the dawn breaks, a long morning ride through the “Land of a Thousand Islands” follows a light breakfast. These palm-covered sand dunes, resting on the ancient lake bed, stand as some of Botswana’s most beautiful and captivating wilderness areas. During the peak migration season, the islands and adjacent grasslands are bustling with zebras, wildebeests, springboks, and ostriches – accompanied, of course, by their corresponding predators! The white-crusted pans between the islands provide excellent terrain for the horses. Return to camp for lunch, where you can rest during the midday heat in the welcoming shade of camelthorn trees or cool off in the camp’s pool.

After tea, set out in a vehicle to seek the elusive Brown Hyaena, desert specialists thriving in arid regions where both food and water are scarce. Enjoy a nocturnal game drive back to camp, using spotlights to observe nocturnal desert dwellers such as aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes, porcupines, honey badgers, and perhaps even a Kalahari lion with a black mane.

In time for dinner, return to Camp Kalahari.

Kalahari Desert

Awaken to the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee and indulge in a light breakfast, setting the stage for a captivating journey into the realm of the Kalahari’s most intriguing inhabitants—the meerkats. With horses securely tethered, we approach the group on foot, facilitated by the ongoing habituation program of Uncharted Africa Safari Co. This unique initiative grants us an intimate encounter with these enchanting creatures, allowing us to witness firsthand their intricate social dynamics and finely-tuned adaptations. Spending considerable time observing their interactions with one another and their surroundings offers a profound insight into their fascinating world.

As the day unfolds and the sun warms the landscape, allow the meerkats to continue their foraging while you transition to horseback riding. Follow well-established trails leading to resident zebra herds and sizable gatherings of ostriches, drawn to the area by concealed waterholes. Return to the comforts of Camp Kalahari for a satisfying lunch and a rejuvenating shower, preparing for the next phase of exploration.

In the late afternoon, embark on an exhilarating quad bike adventure, venturing into the heart of the ancient lake bed—an area inaccessible by horse. At some juncture, all that meets the eye is the expansive flatness extending in every direction. Bear witness to the mesmerizing sunset and the gradual emergence of stars in the vast sky. This locale stands as one of the rare places on Earth where the silence is so profound that the circulation of blood through your ears becomes discernible. With no visual reference points and a swift loss of perspective, 16,000 square kilometers of powdered emptiness become the exclusive domain of you and a myriad of invisible salt shrimps, creating an otherworldly experience.

Kalahari Desert

Our partner has cultivated a close working relationship with the Zu/’hoasi people of the West Kalahari over many years, enjoying the privilege of collaborating with Bushmen and Bushwomen spanning four generations. Through our initiative, the community engages in collaborative efforts, sharing their knowledge not only amongst themselves but also with our guests, facilitating the transmission of wisdom from the older generation to the next.

Following a satisfying breakfast, you ride through the bush to reach the traditionally constructed Bushman village, where the community gathers during daylight hours. While the huts provide refuge from the challenging Kalahari environment, they do not serve as the permanent residences of the community. A two-hour stroll with these remarkable individuals provides a gentle introduction to the Kalahari and Bushmen way of life. The group will enlighten you about the distinctive ecological features of the area and its diverse animal and bird species.

After concluding the walk, return to the camp in time for your transfer, either by road or plane, back to Maun.