Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: Madikwe Private Reserve, South Africa

Start your adventure at Johannesburg airport where you are met and assisted to the quick light aircraft flight to Madikwe Game Reserve. One of South Africa’s newer and prime safari destinations, the Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the malaria free North West Province, bordering Botswana. This “Big Five” Reserve spans 75,000 hectares, making it one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. It is particularly renowned for its wild dog reintroduction in the east, as well as the unusual gemsbok, tsessebe and springbok. The lions in Madikwe originate from Etosha in Namibia, and are known to hunt very large prey such as giraffe and eland which requires immense strength and makes for impressive sightings. Overnights Jaci's Safari Lodge in a Family Room. Includes all meals, game drives, walks and child's jungle drives.

Day 3, 4 & 5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

After breakfast you set out for Botswana, arriving in Gaborone for your connecting flight to Maun. You are met and assisted to the light aircraft in Maun for the short hop to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Botswana is a land-locked country, bordered by Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, Namibia to the north and west, and South Africa to the south and east. Botswana has placed strong emphasis on its deliberate “high price – low impact” policy in order to successfully preserve its fragile eco-systems and rich wildlife. This makes the country a highly sought after, truly African wildlife experience, living up to its status as the “Gem of Africa”. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is situated right in the center of Botswana and is characterized by vast open plains, saltpans, ancient riverbeds and the world renowned Deception Valley. The San Bushmen have been resident in this region for thousands of years, remarkably surviving in this harsh climate.

Morning and evening game drives are conducted in open vehicles and walks are guided by local San Bushmen who take great pride in explaining their survival in this region, which is known as the place where the waters of the Okavango come to rest. Three nights Tau Pan in a Family Chalet with an exclusive vehicle. Includes meals, drinks, game viewing activities and laundry.


Day 6, 7 & 8: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Return to the airstrip to day for the flight back to Maun to meet the light aircraft transfer to your private camp, Footsteps Across the Delta. At this unique camp you enter one of the great, untamed regions of Africa, the spectacular Okavango Delta, and experience the astonishing contrasts created when the mighty Okavango River flows into the arid Kalahari Desert. The result is a variety of habitats, riverine forest, palm islands, permanent swamps and dry sandveld all with an unparalleled wealth of animal diversity. Spend the next few days exploring this breathtakingly beautiful and diverse environment with your renowned private guide, Paul Moleseng.

The emphasis on your stay at Footsteps is on guided walks where you have the time to focus on learning about tracking wildlife and understanding animal movement, patterns and behavior. Immerse yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of the bush as you learn about the trees, grasses, butterflies and insects. Being on foot offers a unique perspective of the bush often missed from a vehicle. Other possible activities include game-drives, mekoro trips or fishing, which vary throughout the year. Overnights private safari camp. Includes all meals, local brand drinks, safari activities, park fees and laundry.

Specialist Guide: Paul Moleseng

Paul was born and grew up in Gaborone, although his family hails from Serowe. From a young age Paul has always been interested in all things related to wildlife and after school he served a year's national service in a remote area of the Gemsbok National Park, with the Department of Wildlife & National Parks as a game scout. He was one of the first people at the reserve to receive his guiding license and was swiftly promoted to Environmental Educator. The main function of the reserve as a charitable foundation was to raise funds through tourism, in order to enable under privileged children to experience wildlife. Paul found this to be his life's passion and his job evolved to overseeing all operations of the reserve's education center. In 2000 he left the reserve to further his own life experiences in Botswana's northern regions. Paul next worked as a guide in the Selinda for 3 years becoming well known for his friendly nature and excellent guiding skills. He never lost the desire to be involved with kids and was in charge of the company's community projects, spending a period of each year visiting village schools to teach the children about their natural heritage. In 2004 he joined Footsteps Across the Delta to introduce families on a personal level to his remarkable country and the wilderness.


Day 9 & 10: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Bid Paul and the camp staff farewell and fly from the Delta airstrip to Kasane, where you pass through customs and then continue on to Livingstone Airport. You are met at the airport and transfer by road to Waterberry Lodge. Livingstone is a historical town which was founded by the first European explorers to ‘discover’ the impressive Victoria Falls, and is today the tourism capital of Zambia. Mosi-Oa-Tunya is directly translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’, the local name for the Victoria Falls. Included in your stay is a guided tour of Falls, sunset cruise, daytime cruise, fishing, island picnics, guided birding, guided village walk, guided tour of the town and local markets. Livingstone is rated as one of the world’s top destinations for adrenaline and river activities. The most popular of these include (at additional cost) seasonal white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing, micro-lighting over the Falls, brunch and breakfast canoe trips on the Zambezi and Falls edge dining. Two nights Waterberry Lodge in a Family Room. Includes all meals, local drinks, two in house activities and laundry.


Day 11: Depart

Take your last looks and photos today before you are transferred to the airport midmorning for your departing flights. You leave Africa behind with a renewed sense of wonder and an appreciation for the amazing wilderness and wonderful people you’ve met as well as lifetime of memories of this special family adventure. Breakfast.

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