Botswana

24 September 2010 to 2 October 2010

Botswana , a country better known for peace and tranquillity, diamonds and beef, holds a lot of surprises for you.

This largely road less wilderness of vast spaces requires time, effort and, above all else, a love of nature to enjoy it to its fullest.

Come and explore the diverse cultures of its people and nature at its best.

We wil meet each other at the Bray border post. From there we will depart as a group to Cornwall Lodge where we will spend our first night in the lodge. Dinner and breakfast the next morning is included.

A short description of tour plan:

Day1 (25th)

We will depart on our journey for the next 7 days, six nights. The concession area is next to the Kgalagadi Trans frontier Park with no fences adjoining. Everything is wild and roaming free.

Day 2 (26th)

We will take a game drive through the bush and will return to camp. You will have some time for yourself.

Day 3 (27 th)

After breakfast we will leave for the KD 12 Concession area.  This area is situated at Heinie’s Pan about 20 km from the Mabuasehube gate. A sun downer at Heinie’s Pan is always a winner.

Day 4 (28th)

Today we are going to explore the area before we again return to camp. The day will end with a dinner at Heinie’s Pan

Day 5 (29th)

Again we will pack and depart to our next destination. (KD2 concession)

Day 6 (30th)

After a late breakfast we will pack our lunch baskets and head for the bushes. We will see a lot of pans and if nature is on our side, a lot of game.

Day 7 (1st Oct)

All good things come to an end. After breakfast we pack and head for Cornwall lodge where we will spend the last night together. You will have a option to stay in lodge at a additional cost of R500.

Day 8 (2nd)

Each one departs at his/her own time.

Take note

Everyone must be totally self-sufficient: Own camping gear, meals and drinks.

A valid passport will be required but no Visas.

Everyone must have sufficient fuel and water to last your for the entire trip. No wood or any natural elements may be removed for private use anywhere at anytime as it is used as ground cover and returns nutrients back into the soil. It is easier to carry gas burners. Remember that the water in the Kalahari is very salty so take at least 100 liters of water with. Travel as light as possible as you could leave excess baggage at the initial camp.

Although days are normally clear, warm and sunny, it can become very cold at the night.

Do not roof pack any heavy goods as it could overturn the vehicle in the sand. Try and pack all inventory evenly distributed as you travel dunes at 45 degree angles. It is wise to take with you: two spare tyres, spark plugs, jump leads, a few litres of oil, insulated wire, electrician's tape, lamp, fire extinguisher, and a complete tool-kit. Remember to pack in a tyre pressure gauge, vehicle jack, wheel spanners, a shovel, motor winch and air pump. You will also need a base plate for the jack, as there is no level ground. It is advisable to pack gauze sheet to fit to the radiator of your vehicle so that the grass does not clog the radiator fins.

Each vehicle must be equipped with proper front and rear recovery point.

Each vehicle must supply his own recovery straps. (8000kg break strength and 10 meter long is recommended)

Everyone must be willing to take part in recovery of other vehicles if so required. We are a group and we will travel as a group and help each other.

Maranata Tours can not be held responsible to damage to your vehicle or injury to any person.

The tour price of R3100 pp includes:

First night in lodge with dinner and breakfast next morning

Concession fee for 7 days and camping

Last night camping at Cornwall

Tour guide

Two way radio for each car

Seeing that only 10 vehicles will be taken on the tour, you will have to book early and pay your 50% Non refundable deposito. If the tour for what ever reason does not take place your dep. will be refunded.

At least 6 vehicles or 12 people must take part before tour will go ahead.