Chobe National Park is in northern Botswana near the vast, inland Okavango Delta. It’s known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months. Lions, antelopes and hippos inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh. The floodable grasslands of the Savuti Marsh attract numerous bird species, plus migrating zebras.
The Chobe Riverfront (or Serondela area) forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park. It has lush plains and dense forests as well as the renowned Chobe River which attracts huge numbers of elephants, buffalo and general wildlife.
Habitats found in the Park range from floodplains, mopane woodland, baobab trees and acacia woodlands, to verdant flood grasslands and thickets bordering the Chobe River.
The most remarkable feature of the Chobe National Park is its huge concentration of Elephants. This Park supports the largest surviving Elephant populations in the world, currently estimated to exceed 120,000. This population is dispersed throughout much of northern Botswana, as well as parts of north-western Zimbabwe. The Chobe Elephants are migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 kilometres in a circuit from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the south-eastern region of the park, where they gather during the rainy season.
Chobe National Park is home to huge herds of Elephant, Buffalo, and Zebra. There are high densities of predators such as Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Cheetah. The park also hosts more unusual antelope species such as Roan and Sable, Puku, Tsessebe, Eland, Red Lechwe, Waterbuck, and the rare Chobe Bushbuck. The better-known species such as Giraffe, Kudu, Warthog, Wildebeest and Impala also abound in the park.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Chobe National Park is in northern Botswana near the vast, inland Okavango Delta.
It’s known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months.
Lions, antelopes and hippos inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh.
The floodable grasslands of the Savuti Marsh attract numerous bird species, plus migrating zebras.
Botswana is an exciting destination, with about 80% of the country is covered by Kalahari Sands. Located in these sands is the Okavango Delta and River systems to the north including Kwando, Linyathi and Chobe River systems. The abundant water offers a haven for both flora and fauna and is renowned for its great beauty and diversity. Botswana has a rich mix of African cultures the largest tribal group being the Botswana forming about 50% of the population. The original inhabitants some 2000 years ago were the San Bushmen.
Climate
Botswana can be visited at any time of the year – summers are generally hot and winters mild with a few cold spells. Seasons: High July 1 to October 31; Shoulder: March 1 to June 30 & November/December 1 to 31.
Places Of Interest To Explore! SAFARI HOTSPOTS!
Chobe National Park – Famous for large herds of elephant along the Chobe river, excellent birding and game viewing. There are a number of lodges in the northern section at Kasane However, service and standards are varied and it tends to be touristy. Traveling into the Savuti region situated in the heart of the park along the Mababe depression is excellent for predators and other game and more of a rugged wilderness experience.
Magadikgadi National Park – 140,000 sq kilometer ancient sea, formed approx. two million years ago is renown for its beauty and incredible vistas. It is a major breeding site for greater and lesser flamingos. The western grasslands are home to huge herds of migrating zebra and wildebeest and lion prides between February and March.
Moremi Game Reserve – Situated on the Eastern edge of the Okavango Delta offers a wide diversity of habitats and species of wild game and has become a popular tourist destination. Best game viewing time is from April to October.
Okavango Delta – a vast 15,000 square kilometer wetland oasis in the heart of the Kalahari sands. A mired of flood plains, lagoons, islands, a tropical paradise with incredible wildlife and bird life viewing. Exclusive camps and lodges in magnificent settings, a must do!
Tsodilo Hills – In the remote northern western part of the Kalahari is a group of four isolated hills. Among these 800 million old hills are more than 4000 rock paintings by the ancestors of the san people and have deep mythological and religious value. Some paintings are older than 2000 years. A unique and fascinating experience to hike up into the hills and exploring the ancient rock art.
The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park stretches away from the banks of the Boteti River, through its hinterland of scrub and grassland. The river and the nutrient-rich western grasslands supply the essential water and sustenance for the herds that inhabit the park.
The lodge is situated on the western bank of the Boteti River, which forms the boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The Boteti River provides a lifeline for the wildlife which inhabit the arid national park and is a critical link in the annual zebra migration. The lodge is the perfect base from which to explore this truly unique piece of Botswana paradise.
The Zebra and Wildebeest herds migrate in their thousands to the river at the end of winter to access the water. The Makgadikgadi is a harsh, dry environment, suited to Oryx and Kudu, but the river provides a life-giving source of water for the Zebra and Wildebeest utilising the eastern grass plains. After the start of the rainy season, this desert area teems with wildlife as herds of Zebra and Wildebeest graze to their hearts’ content on the wide-open green grassland plains of the Makgadikgadi. During the wet season there is an influx of migratory bird species, while resident desert species welcome their visitors by showing off their breeding plumage.
WHERE TO STAY?
THE LODGE & ACCOMMODATION The lodge features twelve luxurious thatched and glass-fronted suites with en-suite bathrooms, each unit raised on a wooden platform overlooking the Boteti River Valley below. With the lodges unique location poised on the edge of the Boteti River enjoying the zebra migration and abundant wildlife that access the river is possible from various vantage points including the guest rooms.
The main lounge and dining area, with its inviting wooden and thatch finish, allows you to relax at the bar while listening to the wide variety of night sounds so characteristic of the African bush. Alternatively you can lounge around the swimming pool or enjoy the panoramic river vista from the game-viewing hide built into the bank of the river.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The lodges and camps are located, for the most part, in remote areas and travellers are linked from one camp to the other by means of light aircraft. Ensuring the crucial links from the hubs of Maun and Kasane to the network of lodges and camps is performed with ease; offered is a fully integrated air charter service.
All of the properties are in close proximity to airfields and some of our lodges have their own private airstrips. Unless a private charter is requested and booked as such, your flight transfers have been booked on a ‘seat on plane’ basis. Flight times are arranged according to each day’s requirements to fit in with activities and the movements of all our travellers on any given day. Therefore, aircraft and the day’s scheduling may pick up and drop off other guests en route to your destination. Times will vary from day to day and will be communicated to you the afternoon before departure.
Please note: Owing to their remote location within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans themselves are not visited on daily scheduled activities from Lodge.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Home to the second largest zebra migration in the world, where over 25,000 zebra migrate to the Boteti River in the dry winter months (May to October) from their summer grazing ground along the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
The Makgadikgadi Pans National park includes a portion of the 12000km2 Makgadikgadi Pans, a massive pan which was once believed to be the bed of a massive inland lake. With a three night stay at Leroo La Tau you can enjoy a sleep out on the salt pans for a truly unique Botswana experience.
The Boteti River system is another unique ecosystem in Botswana and like other east flowing water sources in the country has a reputation for drying up for many years before it commences to flow again. Animals in this area are dependent on the Boteti River for their daily sustenance.
Focussed conservation work by the Botswana Government and the private sector partners have seen the successful re-introduction of White Rhino into this region and this has resulted into positive population growth over the past five years.
Tanzania is situated on the southern boundary of Kenya over looking the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilmanjaro. Follow ancient migratory patterns in the vast wilderness capturing unforgettable memories, long undisturbed journeys and just feel Africa beneath your feet. The country offers excitement and awe of being on safari in this country. The people are really special, genuinely friendly, always welcoming and proud of their cultural heritage.
Climate – When To Go?
Tanzania has no summer or winter but two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. This change is determined by the Indian Ocean and Monsoon. Every season brings its rewards in the bush. Tanzania is East Africa’s largest nation, a rewarding place to visit whatever the time of year.
Where To Go? Northern Circuit – National Parks & Conservation Areas of Tanzania
NORTHERN TANZANIA
Arusha National Park – 400 species of birds, and a wide variety of mammals including leopard, buffalo and elephant. Three spectacular features; Momela lakes, Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater. On clear days the magnificent Kilimanjaro can be seen.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park – the tallest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa at 5 895mt high.
Manyara National Park – the tree climbing lions and pythons, prolific birdlife over 400 species at the base of the Rift Valley.
Mokomazi Game Reserve – 90% of all botanic species found in Tanzania. Also home to the Rhino conservation project
The Serengeti National Park – famed for the largest migration of mammals on earth – 1.4 million wildebeest.
Ngorongoro Crater – excellent wildlife viewing opportunities is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Home to up to 30 000 animals.
Olduvai Gorge World Heritage Site – the discovery of homo habalis regarded as mankinds first steps up the evolutionary ladder. Many more fossils including prehsitoric elephant.
Rubondo Island National Park in Lake Victoria – one of the best places in the world for bird watching.
Tarangire National Park – an unspoilt wilderness, the heart of the African bush – 550 species of birds.
Where to Go? Southern Circuit – Tanzania
The sheer vastness of southern Tanzania makes for some spectacular game viewing and superb African vistas. An additional benefit is the remoteness of the location, which means that most visitors rarely see another car during their long game drives. Whereas wildlife and big game are the focus of the northern circuit, a trip to the parks of southern Tanzania allows visitors to learn in-depth knowledge about complex ecosystems and diverse living creatures that are usually skimmed over in more crowded areas. A visit to the southern circuit is a trip into an unexplored and wild Africa.
Gombe Stream National Park- an untamed place of lush forests and clear lake views. The main attraction is the chimpanzee families – an incredible experience and one that is the highlight of many a visitors trip to Africa. Aside from chimpanzee viewing, many other species of primates live in Gombe Stream’s tropical forests. Vervet and colobus monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and small antelope inhabit the dense forest, in addition to a wide variety of tropical birdlife.
Katavi National Park– one of the most untouched areas of the entire country. It offers unspoilt wildlife viewing in the country’s third-largest national park, in a remote location far off the beaten track. The park is Africa at its most wild – unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife. A must-see for the visitor intent on exploring the wilds of the continent.
Mahale Mountains National Park – located in one of the most remote locations in Tanzania, on the western border with the Congo, against the dramatic shores of Lake Tanganyika. Accessible only by small aircraft, the park is the home of a large chimpanzee population that is well acclimatized to human contact. Although remote, a chimpanzee safari to Mahale Mountains NationalPark is well worth the effort. Hikes to their habitation areas are accessible and not strenuous, observing the endangered primates is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mikumi National Park – the fourth largest park in Tanzania has all the ‘big five’. The Selous Game Reserve and UdzungwaNational Park, and the three locations make a varied and pleasant safari circuit.
Ruaha National Park – second-largest national park after the Serengeti, Ruaha is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breath taking scenery. With herds of more than 10,000 elephants, vast concentrations of buffalo, gazelle, and over 400 bird species, For the intrepid wilderness lover and the avid safari explorer, a trip to Ruaha is uniquely rewarding and a perfect piece of Africa.
Udzungwa Mountains – view several species of primates and endangered birds in a beautiful African rain forest. Five distinct trails cover the forests and mountain peaks within the park, and offer varying levels of difficulty for everyone from novices to experienced trekkers. Better yet, there are no roads through the Undzungwa MountainsNational Park, so hikers have the area all to themselves.
Selous Game Reserve – Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve and covers more than 5% of Tanzania’s total area. It’s rivers, hills, and plains are home to roaming elephant populations, the area’s famous wild dogs, and some of the last black rhino left in the region. Due to its remote location, and because it is most easily accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, and offers visitors a chance to see a wild and expansive Af
Mammals
A wide variety of mammals. For further reading refer to the Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdom and The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Estes
Birdlife Hotspots!
East Africa consisting of the the following countries, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania is one of the worlds most exciting birding regions and claims the title of the world’s ultimate birding destination. The regional tally with a checklist is more than 1400 species.
Kigosi Game Reserve – is an important breeding area for rare water birds including the Wattled crane and Shoebill stork.
Udzungwa National Park – the Mountains rise up from the western edge of the Selous Game Reserve. The park is host to a large number of endangered bird species in a beautiful African rain forest.
Rubondo Island National Park Rubondo Island – south-west shores of Lake Victoria, a rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lakes
Lake Eyasi – a salt lake situated between the Rift Valley’s Eyasi escarpment and the Kidero Mountains, the area around Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe bushmen, some of the last remaining hunter-gatherers on the continent. The Hadzabe have inhabited the acacia forests and scrubland around Eyasi for over 10,000 years and visits to nearby clans can be arranged through local guides in the area.
Lake Manyara – is home to millions of flamingos, pelicans, storks and other plentiful bird life, as well as hippos that can be observed at close range. Hot springs trickle into the shallow waters and during the dry season, the lakeshore retreats to leave striking white soda deposits in its wake.
Lake Natron – a soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.
Lake Nyasa – also known as Lake Malawi, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa borders the Livingstone Mountains and stretches out towards Malawi and Mozambique. The towns of Kyela, Itungi, and Matema make good bases from which to visit the lake, which contains almost a third of the known cichlids – a species of freshwater tropical fish ? in the world.
Lake Tanganyika – mostly centred around visiting Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. The lake’s dark waters form the word’s largest and second-deepest freshwater lake, and the area is a regional centre for building dhow fishing boats that sail through its rugged waters.
Lake Victoria – the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s fishing industries and the agricultural land around its shores have made the area an economic centre of Tanzania. Attractions include trips to Rubondo Island National Park and participating in various cultural tourism programmes on offer around the area. The lake has some spectacular varieties of freshwater tropical fish, many of which are exported to aquariums all over the world. It’s shores are peaceful and pristine, and offer a quiet alternative to the constant movement and bustle of a safari itinerary.
What to Do?
Ballooning – a unique way to explore the Serengeti Plains.
Birding – East Africa has more than 1000 species.
Culture – there are approximately 126 tribes in Tanzania. This wide diversity of tribal peoples each with their interesting traditions and ceremonies reflecting their heritage. The most famous being the ‘Ancient Warrior’s Maasai Tribe.
Game viewing/Game Drives – these are operated in open vehicles usually at dawn and dusk to seek out the most interesting wildlife. Night drives are also arranged in certain areas, only where permitted, enabling visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world.
Horse Treks – a unique way to explore the African bush and observe the wildlife.
Walking Safaris – there is no better way of getting really close to nature than this. Lead by experienced armed guides/rangers/trackers, walkers are able to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the bush in harmony with their surroundings. On some treks you may be exploring areas untouched.
For travel to this special part of real Africa Contact Plains of Africa and we will ‘Talor Make’ your safari.
