Desert Wildlife Expedition Tour

This magnificent Exploration contrasts the sporadic rains of the Kalahari Desert with the always-fertile islands and waterways of the Okavango. It takes place during the Kalahari's most productive season when it receives low rains and wildlife migrates in large numbers into the desert valleys.

This precious water creates a short yet incredibly prolific wildlife-viewing period with concentrations of desert species and their young in the ancient river valleys of Deception Valley. An all-day game drive (or two) in the reserve adds immeasurably to the sightings of this abundance. Then, in a stunning contrast, the vibrant water wonderland of Xigera in the Okavango Delta is explored.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive to Deception Valley Lodge, Kalahari, just north of Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Days 2, 3, & 4: Drive to camp in Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Days 5 & 6: Drive to Maun, then fly to Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta

Day 7: Fly to Maun

Please note: This exploration only takes place between December to mid-May. The addition of a Linyanti and a Livingstone camp after Xigera is highly recommended as it rounds off the impressions and diversity of the country.

Day 1: Deception Valley Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Upon arrival in Maun, we depart by road to Deception Valley Lodge. Deception Valley Lodge is located approximately 25 miles from Deception Pan bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge accommodates 16 guests in private chalets, each with a spacious lounge, en-suite Victorian-style bathroom, outdoor shower, and veranda.

The main area, connected to the units by elevated wooden walkways, boasts dining, lounge, and bar areas. From the deck, wildlife can be seen at the nearby waterhole and there is a curio shop, a small library, a swimming pool, and a boma for evening meals.

A cultural highlight here is the fascinating interaction, through an interpreter, with San Bushmen who will explain their traditions, hunting methods, and natural medicines. Added to this is a short game drive en route to the nature walk with an experienced Bushman guide. We also enjoy a night drive on the reserve.

Days 2-4: 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.

Deception Valley - a prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands - is very appealing after brief rains, when it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract vast animal herds from all over the enormous reserve.

These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by opportunistic predators (including populations of lion, cheetah, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and African Wild cat), all of which makes for outstanding viewing. The rare and seldom seen brown hyena is also sighted from time to time! Bird life is prolific, with over 400 species in the region.

We have specifically allowed for a 3-night stay in Deception Valley; in a journey of this nature and at this time, it is vital to travel guests have the time to relax and unwind, at the same time extended day trips, which affords the opportunity to explore the further reaches of the park not normally accessed and ensuring the best possible wildlife experience.

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.

Days 5-6: 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 Delta personified, 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 camps and where year-round water 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.

Nestled in a soothing riverine forest, Xigera Camp consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and outdoor showers. 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.

The area has the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta and wildlife is often seen on boating trips. Possibilities include spotted-necked otter, elephant, red lechwe, and even leopard on occasion.

Birding in the area is phenomenal, with Pel's Fishing-Owl, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Swamp Boubou, African Pygmy Goose, and Chirping Cisticola some of the sought-after specials. Learn about the ecology of the Delta, and find a painted reed frog - Xigera certainly offers a holistic experience of this wonderland.

Day 7: Light aircraft transfer to Maun

After a last early morning activity and breakfast, we fly back to Maun, where the safari ends.

Adventurer Exploration Includes:

Accommodation on a per person sharing basis, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to the end of the scheduled safari, a reasonable amount of soft drinks, mineral water, fruit juice, house wine, and beer, as well as local spirits such as gin and Amarula while on safari, National Park fees, scheduled activities, guided tour of The Victoria Falls (on the Migration Routes) and all internal charters on a seat-rate basis.

Adventurer Exploration Excludes:

Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary), visas, compulsory comprehensive insurance, all relevant entry and departure Government taxes, all personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.), gratuities, laundry, optional extra activities, pre and post safari tours, all other travel arrangements pre and post the safari and any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control.

1. Please note that various policies apply to each safari in terms of age limits, the number of guests required/accommodated, arrival/departure times, luggage allowance, additional overnights required, etc. Please ensure that you are aware of these when booking a safari or contact us for further details.

2. If a single guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will not be charged. However, if there is no suitable match, the single supplement surcharge will apply.