You fly to Johannesburg South Africa via Atlanta and on to Maun, Botswana. We’ll visit 3 remote camps in the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and the Zambezi River. After a visit to spectacular Victoria Falls we fly down stream to Mana Pools National Park and 3 days of paddling and camping along the Zambezi R. Our adventure in Africa is specially designed for our group to experience the best of the best in southern Africa in 13 days. You may never want to leave and I’m sure you’ll want to come back.

Please call me personally to discuss this trip. The group is limited to 7 guests and me as liaison to be sure all your needs are met.

To travel to Africa in November call me on my cell at 218 343-3294 or email to steve@piragis.com


Wilderness Safaris is famous for it’s 60 plus lodges and camps in 5 countries of southern Africa. We’ll leave the high priced luxury camps to others and WS will guide us on a true African tent safari as we all visualize it with a bit of luxury of our own.

I hope you find the photos attractive. Please use the links to learn more about our partners in this adventure. I did my first trip to Botswana in October. Driving over 2400 miles we visited the public areas of these same parks. I soaked up some of the most marvelous sights I’ve ever seen on that trip. It all made me want to go back as often as possible. This trip is designed to get much more out of two weeks by flying between locations to save time and staying in extremely comfortable safari tent camps within the private concessions of the parks where we’ll have more freedom and solitude.

If you think you’d like to join me in November in Africa please call anytime or email me with your questions.

Trip Cost per person from Maun $7566.

Estimated Cost of Airfare on Delta from Atlanta $1600 rt

Steve Piragis will be happy to answer questions and talk trips! For questions, please contact him by phone at 1-800-223-6565 or email: steve@piragis.com.

Sample Itinerary

For the Adventurer Explorations, we utilize a spacious walk-in "maxi" dome tent. The comfortable interior has canvas bedrolls, crisp cotton sheets and duvets set out on GI stretchers, complemented with old-fashioned tin finishes, recreating a sense of simple style under canvas. The en-suite bathroom comprising toilet and bucket shower, guest amenities and hand-wash basin, is at the rear of the tent via a zipped doorway. Inviting dining areas offer an atmosphere of understated, serviced camping. These camps are erected prior to our guests' arrival. This, coupled with the wildlife-rich areas visited and the easy mobility of the camps, allow us to explore the most remote areas of the subcontinent.

Adventurer camping features lively campfires, camps lit by hurricane lanterns and a range of exciting and diverse activities, creating a pure wilderness camping experience with a warm atmosphere and camaraderie. High standards in mobile safaris are to be found on Adventurer Explorations, as comfort and experience are redefined.

This nature and wildlife focused Migrations Route safari explores the thundering waters of the Victoria Falls, the continually moving wildlife of northern Botswana within the broad vistas of the Linyanti with its wooded deciduous forests and the crystal-clear waterways and fertile green islands of the Okavango Delta. Staying in private wilderness areas and with a diverse range of activities, we follow the fault lines of northern Botswana, covering these unique and wild areas from the air, by vehicle, on foot and in mokoro, ensuring a close connection with nature and spectacular game viewing. A visit to iconic and resurgent Savute Channel is included.

November 2 Arrive Maun, Botswana - fly to Xigera Mokoro Trails, Okavango Delta
Upon arrival in Maun, Botswana we will be met by our safari guide and fly by light aircraft to the water-filled paradise of the remote Xigera (pronounced Kee-jera) area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate Okavango Delta experience, with serene waters flowing through innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal birdlife. There is no better way to experience the Okavango than to travel through it by mokoro, walking, and camping out on a vegetated island - all essential elements of the Xigera Mokoro Trails. The experience is aimed at highlighting the permanently flooded inner Delta, in the serene waterways and on the islands of trees and bush. Activities include mokoro and walking safaris on remote islands, which enable up-close encounters with an excellent diversity of birdlife (including Pel's Fishing-Owl), frogs, and game species, some specially adapted to water, such as the familiar red lechwe. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo and elephant are all found in this area, as well as excellent concentrations of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and all the plains animals.

November 3 & 4 Xigera Mokoro Trails
On safari in the Okavango Delta!
Xigera Mokoro Trails

November 5 Khwai Adventurer Camp, Okavango Delta
This morning after breakfast, we drive to the airstrip for our light aircraft transfer to Khwai Adventurer Camp.
Khwai Adventurer Camp is located in a private concession just north of the Khwai River above the Moremi Game Reserve. The Khwai Concession is one of the most diverse areas in northern Botswana which seldom disappoints when it comes to producing extraordinary wildlife experiences. The life source for this area is the Khwai River - the northernmost "finger" of the Okavango Delta alluvial fan, which provides vital sustenance to numerous animals.

Over time, the Khwai area has metamorphosed into a wide range of exciting wildlife habitats - some of the most varied to be found in the entire Okavango Delta: a blend of forests, floodplain, wetland and grasslands. The narrow Khwai Channel is home to large mammals such as hippo and crocodile with buffalo and red lechwe often seen grazing along the fringe. The beautiful riverine woodland found along the river provides further sanctuary to birds, primates and leopard. Elusive roan antelope often come to the river to drink. Activities focus around day and night game drives, nature walks and seasonal mokoro excursions. Away from the river there is a wonderful mix of acacia and leadwood trees of varying sizes that abuts into mopane woodland; the latter, together with the permanent presence of water, attracts large numbers of elephant to the area. Larger predators include lion, wild dog and spotted hyena, while birdlife found here is just as varied thanks to the colorful palette of habitats.
Khwai Adventurer Camp

November 6 Khwai Adventurer Camp
On safari in the Okavango Delta!
Khwai Adventurer Camp

November 7 Linyanti Adventurer Camp, Chobe/Linyanti
After breakfast, we fly north-eastwards, departing the Okavango, to the Linyanti Concession; after a short game drive we arrive at our private seasonal camp, which is elegantly set up under African ebony and knobthorn acacia trees overlooking panoramic vistas of the Linyanti river system. The landscape of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve varies from floodplains to open, dry savannah and forest with sweeping views, creating a paradise for a high diversity of wildlife and bird species. During our three days here, our activities will include game drives in the private northern region of the concession, exploring a range of habitats, from riverbanks to scrub and forest, which reveal a myriad of wildlife en route to slake their thirst from the river. In particular, large herds of elephants can be found in this region during the dry season. Impressive even in small family groups, when these animals gather together in numbers, it becomes an awe-inspiring sight you won’t soon forget. In addition to the elephants, seldom-seen sitatunga antelope can often be spotted in the waterways, as well as rare plains game, such as roan and sable antelope and of course their predators, the lion and leopard – with the endangered wild dog as an incredible bonus.
Linyanti Discoverer Camp, Linyanti, Botswana

November 8 & 9 Linyanti Adventurer Camp
On safari in the private Linyanti Concession!
Linyanti Adventurer Camp

November 10 Chobe River cruise and drive to Chundukwa River Lodge, Zambia
After a full breakfast, we leave the Chobe National Park in Botswana and enter Zambia by way of the Kazungula border, a point where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe meet. Enjoy a leisurely shaded boat cruise along the Chobe River, with a light lunch. This boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe puku antelope, large herds of elephant, numerous pods of hippo and large crocodiles, as well as enjoying fantastic views of other general game and diverse birdlife. Following the boat cruise we will drive to Chundukwa River Lodge where we will be spending one night. Chundukwa River Lodge is found on the banks of the Zambezi River – 15 miles upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls. The Lodge has elevated open-fronted chalets which blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Stunning views of the Zambezi River, Chundu Island and the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank is enjoyed here. With a maximum of 10 guests in camp at any time Chundukwa ensures a personal and private experience. The area is game-rich and sightings of hippo, crocodile, among other animals are common. There is also abundant birdlife to be found around the lodge and on the river.
http://www.chundukwariverlodge.com
Chundukwa River Lodge L/D

November 11 Victoria Falls tour
This morning after breakfast we will be taken on a privately guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 5600 feet wide, it is the largest curtain of water in the world and drops 340 feet into the basalt depths of the sheer Zambezi Gorge. After touring the Falls, we will take our charter flight to Zimbabwe where we will begin the Mana Canoe Trail on the Zambezi River.
1. Package includes: accommodation on a per person sharing basis, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to the end of the scheduled safari, a reasonable amount of soft drinks, wine, beer, teas & coffees and bottled water while on safari within Botswana, National Park fees, activities, guided tour of the Victoria Falls and all internal charters on a seat rate basis.
2. Package excludes: flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary), visas, compulsory insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes, all drinks in Zambia, all personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.), gratuities, laundry, optional extra activities, pre and post safari tours and all other travel arrangements before or after the safari.
3. For guests over the age of 75, a recent certified medical certificate of full health must be submitted on booking confirmation.
4. Wilderness Safaris reserves the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality at no additional cost.

GENERAL INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation on a shared basis;
Meals as specified;
Excursions and transfers as included in the quote;
Services of the lodge guides and staff;
Relevant park fees;
Drinks as specified
Air transfers as specified;
Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST).

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:
Meals not specified in the quote such as lunch and dinner in city hotels;
Drinks, entrance fees, porterage, tours/excursions and transfers not specified in the quote;
Any scheduled flights and related taxes;
Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance;
Staff gratuities;
Any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control;
Visa fees where relevant. If a visa payment is required, then this must be made in US Dollars cash. Change is often not provided and so the exact amounts payable are required. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not accepted for this purpose.
International airport departure taxes applicable from manned airports only, which is to be paid in US$ cash on departure unless included in your ticket cost;
Zambian international airport departure tax of US$25 per person and US$8 Domestic departure tax per person (applicable at manned airports only), to be paid in US$ cash on departure;
Any items of a personal nature.

Zambezi River Canoe Trail

This Exploration is perfect for adventurous travelers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos on the way! Two nights camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, ultimately finishing 40 miles downstream with many adventures to recall. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff assist guests and set up camp each day.

Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Ruckomechi airfield, afternoon game drive in Mana Pools National Park
Day 2: Full day canoeing and walking in Mana Pools
Day 3: Full day canoeing, walking through wilderness areas of Mana Pools
Day 4: End canoeing, arrive Chikwenya airfield for flight out

This Exploration has the following unique features:
•One of the most exciting ways to safari in Africa, for guests with a sense of adventure
•Abundant up close wildlife viewing and spectacular birding
•Strong and stable Canadian canoes enhance experience and comfort
•A wonderful sense of being close to nature in the heart of Africa
•One of the best walking areas in southern Africa, including awe-inspiring 'on foot' interactions with elephant
•Enjoy optional additional nights at Ruckomechi Camp after the safari

Day 1 Charter flight to Ruckomechi, afternoon game drive, overnight tented camp on Zambezi
After our private tour of Victoria Falls, we will be transferred to Livingstone airport for our charter flight to Ruckomechi. Upon arrival in Ruckomechi in the late afternoon we will have a game drive in Mana Pools National Park. Later in the evening we will arrive at out tented camp on the banks of the Zambezi River where we will enjoy dinner and drinks and get sorted for canoeing which starts early the next morning.

Day 2 & 3 Zambezi River canoeing and wild camping
We are awakened before dawn with tea/coffee and biscuits and we try to get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquility is amazing.

After paddling for usually about two hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around midday. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad and cold meats.

We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on arriving at the next camp at dusk. The camp, and all the luggage, will have been moved by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 15 miles and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movements.

Day 4 Transfer to Chikwenya Airstrip
After breakfast by the river, we will either be transferred by Land Rover or a walk to the nearby Chikwenya airstrip for the flight out, or you can take a short drive to Ruckomechi Camp for an additional night or nights stay if you wish to spend more time in the wonderful Zambezi Valley.

Costs per person sharing for Extra Night:
$408 per person per additional night at Ruckomechi Camp
http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/zimbabwe_mana_pools/ruckomechi_camp/introduction/

GENERAL INCLUSIONS:
Charter flight from Livingstone to Ruckomechi to start the Mana Canoe Trail
Flight from Ruckomechi to Harare for flight home (OR)
Flight from Ruckomechi to Victoria Falls for flight home
All accommodation on a shared basis;
Meals and drinks on Mana Canoe trails
Services of the camp guides and staff;
Relevant park fees;
Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST).

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:
Any scheduled flights and related taxes;
Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance;
Staff gratuities;
Any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control;
Visa fees where relevant. If a visa payment is required, then this must be made in US Dollars cash. Change is often not provided and so the exact amounts payable are required. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not accepted for this purpose.
International airport departure taxes applicable from manned airports only, which is to be paid in US$ cash on departure unless included in your ticket cost;
Any items of a personal nature.

Cost per person sharing:
$7566 from Maun, Botswana

Call Steve Piragis at 1-800-223-6565 to reserve your space today.