African Dreams by Great Circle Publishing Company

WELCOME There is nothing quite life an African safari. Take a poll among your friends and for certain most of them will list a safari as a must-do before they die. And for good reason. It can be a life changing experience. To walk in the wild and connect on a visceral level with the people that call the southern part of the African continent home is something that you will never forget. It will touch your

COVER PHOTO Thuto Moutloutse

very soul.

Better yet it’s generally agreed that Botswana is the best place in Africa for a safari, and for many reasons. First

PHOTO CREDITS Brian Hancock, Thuto Moutloutse, Thalitha Moutloutse

and foremost it’s safe. Botswana is a progressive coun-

EDITED BY Brian Hancock

thick bush of the Okavango Delta to the grassy plains of

TEXT Thalitha Moutloutse, Brian Hancock COPYRIGHT Great Circle Publishing Company March 2011

try with a modern, proactive government. The variety of wilderness from the stark Kalahari Desert to the lush, Savuti, it’s a veritable feast for the senses.

Best of all, though, is that if you are looking for an organisation that can provide you with everything you need for an amazing experience, you don’t have to look any further than African Dreams Botswana. Owned and operated by people who grew up in the Okavango Delta and who have spent the last decade leading safaris across Botswana, African Dreams will custom tailor a safari that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations.

We invite you to enjoy this magazine. Picture yourself in one of our luxurious lodges watching elephants drink a few hundred feet from where you sit sipping your favorite beverage. As night falls you wil hear the cry of creatures as they set out for the evening hunt. It’s a sound as old as time; it’s pure Africa. It’s African Dreams Botswana.

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A Typical Safari

Destinations - the Heart of a safari

Destination Okavango

Destination Savuti

Destination Kalahari

Destination Chobe

Highlights of an African Dreams Safari

Lodges - the Soul of a safari

Savuti Safari Lodge

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Camp Moremi Lodge

Camp Okavango Lodge

Experiences - the Memories of a safari

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“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” Rachel Carson

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wild dogs, elephants and many other animal species.

We can take a short break for a hot beverage and time to stretch our legs before we continue again looking for wildlife. Around noon we return to camp, where our chef will be waiting to serve us a delicious lunch/ brunch, before you retire for a wellearned siesta in your tents, or to catch up on some reading, chatting or relaxing. This is also the best time for showers as there is

better sunlight now. day on safari starts early in the morning, with your guide waking you around 5a.m. with a gentle â&#x20AC;&#x153;kokoâ&#x20AC;?

(the Tswana wakeup call). Fresh coffee/ tea and a light breakfast (juice, rusks, fruit, yoghurt, cereals, toast and jams) will be served around the campfire. After which we set out for a morning game drive, where there is the chance to see lion, buffalo, leopard,

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After high tea in the afternoon we will start the afternoon game drive. During the game drive we may take a break for a sun-downer at a scenic spot to watch the African sun disappear over the horizon turning the sky crimson red, whilst enjoying cold drinks.

After the sundowners, we will head back to camp, and may be just in time to catch any nocturnal animals as they start to become

active. This is the transition period where

have the opportunity to watch or take part

the diurnal animals wind down from the day

in the making of these meals cooked in the

and the nocturnal creatures come alive. You

bush. Then we can recap on the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events,

may have the opportunity to see the secre-

perhaps recalling or recording our bird and

tive creatures of the night under a spot light;

animal sightings. You will later retreat to the

possibilities are porcupine, honey badgers,

comfort of your tent after enjoying a night-

spotted or brown hyena and the rarely seen

cap around the campfire, and fall asleep to

aardvark.

the calls of the wild.

turn the vehicle engine off to give you time

and the camp hand will pack up the equip-

to get in touch with your surroundings, by

ment then travel to the next camp-site and

listening to the call of Africa and watch the

prepare the camp at the next location (For

night skies. With very little light pollution

the affordable safari guest will be required

and a vast sky the stars and constellations

to help). When traveling between locations,

will leave you in awe.

the route is often through the parks and re-

On this return drive the guide may stop and

On arrival at camp you will be warmly wel-

On the days that we move camp, the guide

serves and is therefore an extension of your

comed by camp staff. We then sit around

daily game drives. A picnic lunch can be en-

the fire, for pre-dinner drinks. All meals are

joyed en-route.

cooked on an open camp fire and guests

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Botswana is as diverse and any place in Af-

southern Africa it attracts the most game.

rica when it comes to scenery and attrac-

As they say, in the bush you just need to find

tions. From the Makgadikgadi Pans in the

water and wait. All animals need to drink

heart of the Kalahari Desert to the Chobe

and sooner or later they will come to you.

River on the border of Zambia, there is an

For those armchair adventurers that watch

abundance of wildlife, breathtaking scenery,

National Geographic programming on TV,

and a wilderness playground ripe for new

the very best footage is shot in Botswana, in

memories.

Savuti. From dramatic lion kills to the scav-

Consider this: the Makgadikgadi is one of the

enging antics of hyenas to the amazing bird

largest salt pans in the world and for most of

life, Savuti has it all. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raw Africa, wild and

the year is a dry, dusty destination that offers

untamed.

its own kind of stark beauty. But in the rainy

season the whole Kalahari turns into its own

buffalo roaming the great plains you have

garden of eden. For a few short weeks the

to visit Chobe National Park. The Chobe

region is alive with game, wild flowers and an

River attracts large herds of both elephant

abundance of colour and energy.

and buffalo and is one of the rare places

Further north the Okavango Delta is one of

you love the thought of huge herds of

on earth where you can see these animals

The Delta is

in such great numbers. Like the Okavango,

fed by rainfall from the Angolan Highlands

the Chobe River attracts wildlife from across

and it spreads out over a massive area at-

Botswana and is rich with diversity from tiny

tracting wildlife from across Botswana. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

dung beetles to the birds of prey that perch

an inland delta formed by one of those rare

high over the river waiting and watching.

the natural wonders of Africa.

occasions when a river flows away from the sea. As the area of most abundance in

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Botswana is a true feast for your senses.

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he Okavango Delta is where you will see the Delta itself, being a he Okavango Delta is where you will see the Delta itself, being a mosaic of channels, waterways, floodplains, swamps and woodlands. mosaic of channels, waterways, floodplains, swamps and woodlands. The most diverse flora and fauna occur here. This is where you will The most diverse flora and fauna occur here. This is where you will get to see birds, elephants, elephants,waterbuck, waterbuck,and andred red get to see an an abundance abundance of of water water birds, lechwe, and palm palm trees. trees. lechwe,islands islandscovered covered in in riverine riverine vegetation vegetation and Moremi Reserve Game Reserve ReserveininAfrica Africainin 2008. MoremiGame Game Reservewas wasvoted voted the the best best Game 2008. ItItisisaawell-known endangered Africa Africawild wilddog dogand andisisone one well-known habitat habitat for for the the endangered ofof the boastingone oneofofthe therichest richestand and most thetop topwildlife wildlifedestinations destinations in Africa, Africa, boasting most diverse diverseecosystems ecosystemson onthe the planet. planet.

9 13

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f you have ever watched a National Geographic program or a program he Okavango Delta is where you will see the Delta itself, being a done by the BBC that features african wildlife, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely to have been mosaic of channels, waterways, floodplains, swamps and woodlands. filmed in Savuti. This area of grasslands and majestic boabab trees is The most diverse flora and fauna occur here. This is where you will raw purean and unspoiledofand most definitely untamed. It is the getand to see abundance water birds, elephants, waterbuck, and heart red of lechwe, Africa and a place to watch lions on a kill, hyenas trying to get in on the islands covered in riverine vegetation and palm trees. killMand vultures confusion. The sights, sounds and oremi Game taking Reserveadvantage was voted of thethe best Game Reserve in Africa in 2008. experiences of Savuti will stay withendangered your forever. It is a well-known habitat for the Africa wild dog and is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

AFRICAN AFRICAN DREAMS DREAMS

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he Central Kalahari Game Reserve covers about 52,000sq km, covering about 1/16th of Botswanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total area, and is second the largest protected area in the world. Central Kalahari Game

Reserve is located in the Kalahari, right in the center of the country with the Kuke fence running along its northern border and the Khutse bordering it in the South. Here you will find unique wildlife experiences where the Kalahari has transformed its sand dunes into harsh savannah plains. Penetrate the remote corners of the Kalahari and see it bursting with springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, hartebeest, the black manned lions of the Kalahari, cheetahs, leopard and other wildlife. Catch a glimpse of the rare Brown hyena.

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hobe National Park is Botswanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top wildlife destination and in the dry season home to the largest elephant population in Africa. Here there are a lot of activities that one can opt for: boat cruises, game

drives, fishing, birding etc. We can also take you to the Victoria Falls, only 80km way from Kasane for a tour of this spectacular sight, Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only one of the seven natural wonders of the World. In the western side of Chobe National Park, we can take you through a desert-like landscape of the Savuti where the channel has recently started flowing for the first time in many years.

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NORTHERN BOTSWANA • Take an enchanting mokoro ride (dug out canoe) through the Okavango delta • Experience the haunting feeling of Tsodilo Hills and its rock art and the spelunking caves at Gcwihaba.

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• Enjoy a safari from the luxury of lodges or camp • Travel through Important bird areas and enjoy fantastic birding • Enjoy a bird eye view of the delta by a scenic flight • Discover the big five and great wildlife sighting • Cruise by boat on the Chobe River, enjoying the scenery and sunsets • Kayak Along the delta whilst enjoying the thrill of the water • Experience the thrill of a large Tiger fish on your line • Ride into the wild on horse or elephant back • Take wild walk in the wilderness • Excellent self drive opportunities

KALAHARI/CENTRAL BOTSWANA • See sightings of the rare black manned Kalahari lion and other desert animals • Enjoy vastness of the Makgadikgadi on quad bikes and feel so alone here • Witness the flamingo migrations • Enjoy amazing birding experiences • Witness the largest zebra migration in the Southern hemisphere during the rainy seasons • Meet the Kalahari “Kool Kats” getting unbelievably close and personal with a gang of incredibly friendly, habituated meerkats. • Take a walk with the san • Explore archeological/historical site at Kubu Island • Enjoy a village tour of Gweta

ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE • • • • • • • • •

Bungee jump and free fall into the Zambezi Experience the showers of the Zambezi Water raft on one of the best water rafting spots in the world Indulge in arts and crafts shopping at local markets Take a scenic and get a bird eye view of the falls Enjoy a walk amongst habituated lions Experience the rush of gorge swing in Livingstone Take a dip at the Devils pool & enjoy a stylish Island lunch on the banks of the Victoria Falls

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It’s

hard to imagine that deep in the Afri-

home. The juxtaposition of a simple tent life

can bush you can find pure luxury that ri-

and the sumptuous accommodation of the

vals the very best accommodation found in

lodges makes for a memorable, and if it’s

“more civilized” parts of the world. But it’s

what you desire, a romantic experience.

true. Some of the lodges in Botswana are truly world class and you will feel as if you

vvvvvvv

have not only stepped back in time to an

Take a journey of the heart and listen to the

earlier, more simple age, but that you have

call of the wild.

stepped ahead to new heights of pampering

Hear the sound of a crackling campfire and

and luxury.

feel the joys of having a bucket shower.

life in the bush, living in tents and cooking

fresco and feel completely alone and at one

over an open fire, there are those that like

with the wilderness.

While many on safari love the simplicity of

Savour the taste of a dinner cooked al

on the road camping “rough”, and then a day

Immerse yourself in African cultures. Travel beyond the limits of your imagina-

or two back “at the lodge” as the settlers of

tion on a journey that will change your life

old used to refer to it when they returned

forever.....

to combine their time in Africa. A few days

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avuti Safari Lodge peers out from ancient Camel thorn trees on the shore of the Savute channel, Botswana’s fabled ‘stolen river’

which dried out more than 20 years ago, in the heart of Chobe National Park. The Savute channel forms part of the dynamic Savute eco system renowned for its large concentration of elephant and lion and their extraordinary relationship.

The lodge has twelve tastefully furnished twin bedded suites, with spacious interiors offering a lounge area, ensuite bathrooms, private decks and large glass sliding doors and windows, which set the lodge apart from typical safari accommodation. The lounge, library and cocktail bar are situated in the thatch and

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timber main building overlooking the channel as well as a viewing deck, outdoor dining area and swimming pool.

Activities focus on game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Savute area including the Savute Marsh and the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills.Â Being situated in the National Park, no night activities are permitted, with the afternoon drive returning just after sunset. The dry winter months offer incredible game viewing as the parched wildlife congregates at the water holes to drink â&#x20AC;&#x201C; here you may witness the famed elephant hunting lion in action. The summer rains in Savute bring a fresh feast for lion, hyena and cheetah as thousands of migrating zebra and wildebeest arrive in search of the rain rich grasslands of the Savute Marsh.

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he lodge accommodates just 24 guests in stylish thatched chalets, all with private decks, a combined bedroom/lounge area

and en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have complimentary minibars.

Facilities

include a swimming pool, gazebo ideal

for small group lunches and an open boma area (place of eating), on the banks of the Chobe River, where guests are treated to panoramic views.

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The

emphasis is on complete relaxation and solace.Â All

activities are conducted by resident professional guides, whose intimate knowledge will make for an unforgettable experience.Â Guests have a choice of boat excursions in small maneuverable boats, ideal for close up encounters with wildlife along the rivers edge.

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amp Moremi is situated on the picturesque Xakanaxa Lagoon in the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta, within the Moremi

Game Reserve. The area is a wildlife haven with incredible game viewing opportunities year round.

C amp

Moremi accommodates twenty two safari

guests in beautifully furnished East African style safari tents with private facilities, each tent with a private deck. The elevated Moremi Tree Lodge is the dazzling central point of the camp and houses the luxurious main lounge, a wildlife reference library, dining room and cocktail bar, shaded by giant Ebony trees and overlooking the Okavango

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Deltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Xakanaxa Lagoon. Facilities in the camp include a curio shop, swimming pool, shaded boma and elevated observation platform.

Activities

offered are game drives in open safari vehicles

exploring the diverse range of habitats within the reserve â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from open floodplains to belts of mopane woodland. Guests can also venture out onto the open waters of the Okavango by motorboat, visiting the Xakanaxa Lagoon and beyond up to the seasonal heronry at Gadikwe. Moremi Game Reserve offers some of the most spectacular game viewing in Botswana and guests may encounter breeding herds of elephant, a hunting lioness or a sleeping pride of lion, grazing impalas and kudus and much more.

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amp Okavango is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assuring a year-round

water wilderness experience. Camp Okavango is a romantic and peaceful haven, offering an idyllic getaway.

Camp Okavango accommodates twenty four guests in intimate exclusivity in East African-style safari tents individually situated on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private sun decks. In addition Camp Okavango boasts the “Okavango Suite” a thatched cottage offering complete privacy and the option of private game-viewing activities and dining options – ideal for honeymooners.

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T he thatch and lethaka main lodge building features a cocktail bar, lounge and wildlife reference library, open-air patio for evenings around the open boma. Other lodge facilities include a secluded bird-viewing hide, shaded hammocks, a delightful sun deck and plunge pool for relaxing during the hot midday hours.

All game-viewing activities are conducted by experienced professional guides and include exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro (traditional canoe) and motorboat. Guided nature walks on the various islands afford an opportunity to track some of the larger species that inhabit this water wilderness. Bird watching opportunities are outstanding, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an activity at Camp Okavango.

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or a truly unique African experience consider an elephant safari. You wil not just ride atop a majestic elephant, but you will come to know these amazing animals on a deep and very personal level. You will learn their his-

tory and begin to understand a little of what makes these grand, wise creatures what they are. Watch the interactions of the herd, how they walk silently and majestically along through the bush, trunks swinging, ears flapping. It will be an experince that you will never, ever forget.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;To see ten thousand animals untamed and not branded with the symbols of human commerce is like scaling an unconquered mountain for the first time, or like finding a forest without roads or footpaths, or the blemish of an axe.â&#x20AC;? Beryl Markham (West With the Night)

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BOTSWANA OFFICE

UNITED STATES OFFICE

Thalitha Moutloatse Rita Ridge

Brian Hancock

African Dreams Botswana, Ltd Po Box 1264, Maun, Botswana

African Dreams Botswana, LLC 33 Waterside Road Marblehead, MA 01945 USA

Tel: + 267 71635522 skype - thalitham

Tel: + 1 617 314 4468 skype - callbrianhancock