Join Mowgli Expeditions on an exceptional and affordable Birding and Wildlife Trip to Botswana in July 2019!
If you want to experience an Africa that is still untamed, let us take you to Botswana. This expedition, presented by Mowgli Expeditions, is designed especially for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Okavango Delta, where a river empties itself right into the heart of Botswana, is like no other place on earth!
Dates:
Victoria Falls, North Botswana and Okavango Delta (without Moremi) — 15th July to 25th July – 11 days OR
Victoria Falls, North Botswana and Okavango Delta with Moremi Extension — 15th July to 29th July – 15 days
Cost per person:
$3900 per person ($5400 for extended trip).
Single Supplement – $750 ($1000 for extended trip)
Included: All lodging, most meals, tips for meals only, group airport transfers, all park fees, jeep safaris, boat safaris, mokoro trips, river cruises, ground travel within Botswana and a Travis Audubon donation of $300 per person.
Exclusions – International flights, visa, beverages, laundry, tips for safari guides/driver and other staff, taxi from and to airports that are not part of the group transfer, travel insurance, and items of a personal nature. Excludes flights within Africa, and anything not in the inclusions.
Minimum Group Size – 4; Maximum – 12. If there are more than 6 participants, the safaris and birding shall happen in separate vehicles/groups. Safari vehicles shall be 4X4 jeeps and either be open on the sides or shall have a pop up roof.
Guiding: Sachin Aggarwal, a Travis Audubon’s member, a naturalist and Austin resident who has organized several trips to Africa will escort the trip. Guiding will be provided by local birding guides and safari guides.
Vaccinations Required: Standard childhood shots, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis (to be taken before, during, and after the safari).
To confirm your spot, please contact Mowgli Expeditions at info(@/at)mowgliexpeditions.com or 210-951-0101.
Mowgli Expeditions has been taking people to unique locations, with a focus on birding and wildlife experiences, and took TAS members to India in 2018.
The lodging is mostly in boutique lodges with comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms or large Meeru style tents with ensuite or semi-attached private bathrooms.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 — Mon July 15, Arrive Livingston (D)
Day 2 — Tue July 16, Livingston (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Wed July 17, Kasane/Chobe NP (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Thu July 18, Kasane/Chobe NP (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Fri July 19, Western Chobe NP (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Sat July 20, Western Chobe NP (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Sun July 21, Kasane/Chobe NP (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Mon July 22, Maun (B,L)
Day 9 — Tue July 23, Mobile Camp (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Wed July 24, Maun (B,L,D)
*Day 11 – Thu July 25, Departure for short trip (B)
Day 11 – Thu July 25, Khwai (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Fri July 26, Khwai (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Sat July 27, Khwai (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Sun July 28, Maun (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Mon July 29, Departure
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
*Most photos below are actual photos shot on Mowgli Expeditions safaris*
Day 1 – Welcome to Africa! Victoria Falls – A sight to behold forever.
The spectacular Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, twice the height of Niagara Falls and can be heard from 40 kilometers away and the spray and mist from the falling water can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers. No wonder that the local tribes call the waterfall Mosi-o-Tunya “The smoke that thunders”.
We shall arrive at Livingstone, a historic British colonial city named after David Livingstone, the British explorer who was the first European to explore the area.
After getting some rest from out flights, n the evening we shall walk over to a cafe close to the park from where we can get our first view of the Victoria Falls. We shall have dinner at one of the restaurants in that area and then return to the lodge for a good night’s rest. Stay at Victoria Falls Waterfront or similar.
Day 2 – Livingston, Victoria Falls
On day 2, we shall enjoy the magical Victoria Falls area from the Zambian side. After a delicious breakfast, we shall walk over to the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park to take in the Victoria Falls. We shall have lunch at a cafe near the park. After lunch you shall have the choice of visiting the Livingstone Museum or return to the lodge for some rest.
In the evening we shall go for a sunset and dinner boat cruise and return to lodge after our first evening out on an African river.
Day 3, 4 – Northern Chobe, Botswana
On day 3 we shall transfer over to Kasane, from where we head deeper into the Botswana countryside.
We shall spend 2 days here exploring Chobe Nationa park. The Chobe river area has some of the best birding in the southern part of Africa. Chobe is also well known for its large herds of elephants. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 elephants in the Chobe area.
Look forward to some amazing game drives early in the morning and boat safaris in the evening. We can expect to find the African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Plain’s Zebra, Red Lechwe, Impala, Giraffe, Topi, Waterbuck and many more mammal species.
Other than the abundance of elephants, the Chobe National park is also a birding hotspot with some great birding opportunities. The birds we hope to see include the Hamerkop, African Fish-Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Blacksmith Lapwing, African Jacana and the majestic Saddle-billed stork. Rare birds include the Slaty Egret and the Pel’s Fishing Owl – the largest species of fishing-owl. Our stay shall be at River View Lodge or similar in Kasane.
Day 5 – Western Chobe, Botswana
On day 5 we shall head to Western part of Chobe National Park. Here we shall stay at Thobolo lodge (or similar). This lodge is located overlooking a large marshy salt pan where we shall get to see a large number of mammal species. The species include the African Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog and more.
Day 6 – Game Drive to Savuti, Botswana
On day 6, depending on wildlife movement, we may choose to stay in Chobe or visit Savuti – which has a high concentration of animals and lots of open spaces that allow for some great game drives. Savuti is famous for it large prides of lion and huge herds of buffalo. There are also chances of spotting the Leopard and the Cheetah.
The world’s heaviest flying bird – The Kori Bustard can be found here. Other birds found here include Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Brown Snake-Eagle, African Spoonbill and the Malachite Kingfisher.
Day 7 – Chobe River
On day 7 we shall head back to Kasane. We shall be in the Chobe area on the way to Kasane and so we can expect to see a lot of game on the way back. After lunch we shall go birding on Chobe river via a boat. Stay at River View Lodge or similar.
Day 8 Sunday, July 21– Maun
On this day we shall take a short flight from Kasane to Maun. We shall spend the evening at a friendly camp next to the Thamalakane river and also have dinner here. The night stay shall be at Tshima Camp or similar.
For wildlife, while you can find crocodiles at the Thamalakane river, you shall be surprised at the amount of amazing birdlife found in Maun. The bird species include Pied Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted Roller, Lesser Jacarana, African Jacana, Coppery-tailed Coucal and many more.
Internal Flight – Air Botswana – Flt BP 35 – 11:30 – 12:30 $70*
Day 9 – Okavango Delta
On Day 9 we shall head to the Okavanga Delta for a Mokoro ride to one of the islands in the delta. The original mokoros were made of a single piece of ebony.
A mokoro ride is really special as it allows one to experience Africa in all its splendor in the most peaceful way. Mokoro safaris provide an opportunity to observe the sights and sounds of nature at water level – all without running the risk of scaring off the animals and birds. A mokoro is able to easily traverse reed filled channels and waterways and being able to get close to birds and animals.
In the reads we can find some unique fauna species – the Painted Angolan Reed Frog and the Pied Spot Dragonfly. We shall glide along in the channels watching the hippos and reach our camp.
In the afternoon, we shall go on a walking safari in the Okavango delta with chances to see zebras, giraffe and hippos. In the late afternoon you take another mokoro ride back to the base of the Okavango delta from where you are driven to the camp in Maun. The night stay is at Tshima Camp or similar in Maun.
Day 10 – Boat Safari
On this day we shall go on a boat safari for a full day of birding and game viewing. This adventure up the winding Okavango channels will be interspersed with pauses for our viewing of the flora and fauna of Okavango.
Around midday we will reach the turning point where our guide will take us for a one-hour game walk. Once back at the boat landing our guide will set up a picnic lunch with table and chairs. After lunch we shall rest in a shady, beautiful setting to soak up the peace and serenity of the Okavango delta. We shall then depart for the downstream return trip in the afternoon, pausing for more bird sightings, arriving back by evening. The night stay is at Tshima Camp or similar
Day 11 – Birding in Maun
On this day we shall go on a morning and evening birding walks in around the wooded areas of Maun – some along the Thamalakane river. We are sure to find many species of birds like the Southern Yellow-billed hornbill, Southern Red-billed hornbill, Gabon Boubou, Burchell’s Starling and many more. The night stay is at Tshima Camp or similar.
Day 12, 13 – Edge of Chiefs Island, Moremi Game Reserve
On Day 10, we shall take an amazing 25min scenic flight to Oddballs Camp deep in the Okavango on the edge of renowned Chiefs Island.
Accommodation is in 3m x 3m dome tents, fully equipped, and set on elevated wooden decks shaded by reed shelters. Each tent has its own, semi-detached bathroom with hot and cold running water and bucket showers in true safari style.
The camp offers a private safari experience with breath-taking views and sunsets in the Okanvago – what Botswana is known for. The safaris here are non-motorized. The guide shall take you gliding in his mokoro (genuine wooden ones) through the Okavango to nearby islands to view birds and game.
Day 14 – Head back to Maun
Having spent 2 days and nights in an amazing setup among in the heart of Okavango, we shall take a scenic flight over the delta, heading back to Maun. The night stay is at Tshima Camp or similar.
Day 15 – Departure from Maun to Johannesburg and onwards
You can catch your flight back home or head to your next destination.
International Flight Options
Option 1:
AUS-IAH(Houston) 5:00 pm – 5:50 p.m $200 round trip.
Emirates Houston-JNB 7:55 PM – 5:30 AM+2 1 stop $1450
JNB – Livingston – British – BA 6291 11:00 am – 12:45 $115*
Maun to JNB Air Botswana – 1:00 pm departure – $200*
Option 2:
Delta AUS–JNB 3:14 PM – 5:35 PM+1 19h 21m 1 stop in ATL. Approx $2200
JNB – Livingston – British – BA 6291 11:00 am – 12:45 $115*
Maun to JNB Air Botswana – 1:00 pm departure – $200*
Come join us for this adventure!
Your membership builds the nest, providing the stable foundation that keeps our organization running.