Machaba Camp and Chief's Camp Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Maun Airport where you will clear customs and collect your luggage. You will be met in the Arrivals Hall and assisted to the light aircraft for your flight into Machaba Camp, 30 minutes away. Machaba Camp is located along the Khwai River on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, which is one of the most beautiful reserves in southern Africa, and offers spectacular game viewing. Elephant abound, often passing by the camp in search for acacia pods on their way to the waters of the Khwai River. Machaba's tents are on the ground amidst a riverine forest, with old knobthorn, red bushwillow, raintree and leadwoods above and around it. The camp is built in the classic 1950's style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All 10 luxury tents are situated in the beautiful riverine tree line on the Khwai River, overlooking the famous Moremi Game Reserve. From these tented verandas one can watch the daily parade of animals coming down to drink at the river in front of camp. Machaba Camp has two family tents. There is a swimming pool, with loungers, a tented main area, and a camp library. |
Day 2
Activities at Machaba centre around two game drives per day, including night drives, and bush walks. Short mokoro excursions are also offered, year round. The Khwai area is a big game experience - Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe and many different species of antelope abound. The area offers a blend of open grasslands, seasonal floodplains and the permanent water of the Khwai River system. You may even see the elusive leopard and a profusion of smaller nocturnal animals. At dusk, the sand grouse fly down to the banks of the river and the hippos leave the water in search of the night's pastures. A night drive at Machaba reveals another world -- bush babies, hyenas, jackals and genets will all show themselves, as well as nocturnal birds. Khwai is truly one of Botswana birding hotspots. The western reaches are prime habitat for the uncommon Rosy-throated Longclaw. The entire length of the river is hunting domain for the Bat-Hawk. Other interesting raptors here are Cuckoo Hawk (rare), Long-crested Eagle and Black Sparrowhawk. |
Day 3
After your morning activity and brunch at Machaba, you will be chartered to Chief's Camp, 20 minutes away, across the Okavango Delta. Chief's Camp lies in an area renowned for its abundance of wildlife - the area is particularly well known for its large concentrations of elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and Wild Dog. The Chief's Island region is unique in that large numbers of plains-game and predators are found here throughout the year. Recently, white rhino have been introduced to this concession, making it one of the few places in Botswana where these magnificent animals can be seen in their natural habitat. The area is thus home to the Big Five. Chief's Camp offers luxury, providing all the necessary modern conveniences whilst maintaining an air of subtle and understated elegance. Twelve accommodation units are offered as well as a spacious public and dining area and a swimming pool, all of which have been designed to make the most of the natural landscape. Each pavilion boasts a spacious seating area and private game viewing deck with hammock. En-suite facilities include an indoor and outdoor shower. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe, emergency intercom and mini bar. The main lodge complex houses the dining area, bar, curio shop, library and reception area. This structure was built into the existing landscape, under a heavy canopy of mature trees. The main deck area is split-level and offers views over the floodplain to the north. The lower level of the deck houses the swimming pool. |
Day 4
The Camp is situated on the north-western tip of Chiefs Island, in what is termed seasonal delta. The area is therefore seasonally suffused with floodwaters. Generally, the floodwaters infiltrate the area in June / July and remain for a period of 4 to 5 months. Game viewing opportunities include daily excursions in open four-wheel-drive vehicles and quiet Mokoro trips along narrow Delta channels during the flood season (Late May / June until November). Expert guides are always on hand to offer a wealth of wildlife knowledge, to help you make the most of these rare and wonderful opportunities. Apart from its predators, the area is also renowned for its large concentrations of plains-game, elephant and buffalo. Both white & black rhino were introduced in 2001 and 2003 respectively. Game-drives are conducted in custom built open 4 X 4 vehicles, which offer individual seating. The accompanying professional guides are among the best in Botswana. Mokoro (dugout canoe) activities explore water safaris at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro (this excursion is offered subject to water levels). All game drives are conducted in high open Land Cruisers accompanied by professional guides, offering a better vantage point from which to view the surrounding wildlife, and are equipped with picnic hampers containing the essentials for morning coffees and sundowners. |
Day 5
After breakfast and an early morning activity you will be transferred by light aircraft from Chief's Camp to Maun Airport (30 minutes), in time for your onward arrangements
Included in this itinerary:
• Air charter from Maun Airport to Machaba Camp
• 2 Nights at Machaba Camp in an en-suite tent
• All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
• Air charter from Machaba Camp to Chief's Camp
• 2 Nights at Chief's Camp in an en-suite tented chalet
• All meals, non-alcoholic drinks, guided activities and laundry
Not included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Drinks and park fees at Chief's Camp
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature
After breakfast and an early morning activity you will be transferred by light aircraft from Chief's Camp to Maun Airport (30 minutes), in time for your onward arrangements
Included in this itinerary:
• Air charter from Maun Airport to Machaba Camp
• 2 Nights at Machaba Camp in an en-suite tent
• All meals, local drinks, guided activities, park fees and laundry
• Air charter from Machaba Camp to Chief's Camp
• 2 Nights at Chief's Camp in an en-suite tented chalet
• All meals, non-alcoholic drinks, guided activities and laundry
Not included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Drinks and park fees at Chief's Camp
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature