Great Wilderness Journey

At the turn of the century, explorers and adventurers made their way leisurely along the dusty paths of Africa. Experience a nostalgic camping / lodge safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers. The Great Wilderness Journey takes time to experience and explore Botswana's scenic northern areas: from the blue-green wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the diverse and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems, ending with the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Jacana Camp, Okavango Delta

After arrival in Maun, you will be met by your guide or our representative and fly by light aircraft over the shimmering water world of the Okavango Delta. The Delta encompasses life at its most fertile: abundant water, sunlight and nutrients fuse to produce a wetland paradise teeming with life.

Lush Jacana Camp is situated in a permanently flooded region of the private Jao Concession of the Okavango Delta. A true water camp, it represents the essence of the Delta, with year-round mokoro safaris as well as island bush walks and, water level permitting, motorboat cruises. In fact, when the flood levels are at their peak we are able to motorboat from the airstrip to the lodge, a truly surreal camp arrival! On one of the full days, we will also enjoy game drives around the productive Jao flats region to the north of camp.

Jacana Camp is set in one of the wetland areas most densely populated with sitatunga and red lechwe. Wildlife concentrations depend on the water flow and volume, thus changing from season to season, but all the large animals can be found in the area including elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Pel's Fishing-Owl is a favourite amongst birders as well as African and Lesser Jacana.

Jacana Camp has 5 Meru-style tents. Each tent is on a wooden deck overlooking the floodplains and has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. The bathroom is enclosed but roofless, allowing for showers by starlight. The camp has a plunge pool for cooling off from the midday sun. The main dining area is on an elevated wooden deck between two magnificent sycamore fig trees and surrounded by dense wild date palms. Downstairs, there is a cosy pub and lounge with an area perfect for an open fire under the stars.

Days 4, 5 & 6: Motswiri Camp, Selinda Spillway

We depart this morning by aircraft to Motswiri Camp located in the south-western sector of the Selinda private concession, in the seasonally flooded portion of the Okavango Delta where it joins into the Selinda Spillway.

Accommodation is in 6.3m x 3.5m walk-in Meru-style tents (maximum of two guests per tent). The tents are airy and designed to recreate the accommodation style of the early explorers, with richly coloured teak director chairs and simplistic camp features. Separate bedside tables with 12v reading lamps, canvas and wood wardrobes, bathrobes, comfortable beds, flushing toilets and mirrors are provided. Camp amenities (conditioning shampoo, soap, shower gel and body lotion) are elegantly displayed for use and private, en-suite separate toilet and shower areas are part of the main structure.

The area in which the camp is located is scenic with generous shade provided by leadwood and russet bushwillow trees. Open floodplains and woodlands spread out in front of camp. Activities concentrate on nature walks and canoeing, providing a superb view from the canoe of big game coming to the water's edge to drink. Game drives (by day and night) are possible and often reveal sightings of the rare roan and stately sable antelopes, in addition to an array of other general game species. Seasonally, "catch and release" fishing is offered as an alternative activity.