Botswana Birding Safari

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Botswana Birding Safari - TBCW-032

Enjoy the amazing Okavango Delta, Savuti and Chobe National Park on this breath-taking bird viewing safari. You will see the near-endemic Slaty Egrets, the endangered Wattled Cranes and the huge Pel`s Fishing Owl. From the world’s biggest bird – the Ostrich, to the heaviest flying bird – the Kori Bustard, to the most numerous of all birds – the Red-billed Quelea, Botswana has a impressive variety and quantity of bird species.
 
Itinerary
Day: 1 & 2
Upon your arrival into Maun Airport you will be met by a representative from The Booking Company who will welcome you and assist you with your connection onto the light aircraft for your flight to Camp Okavango.

Camp Okavango is located right in the center of the Okavango Delta. Surrounded by channel systems and flood plains which supply water to this ecosystem throughout the year, you will explore this waterworld by mokoro, motorboat, guided walking excursions on the islands and experience some of the 400 species of birds that flourish in this area.

Camp Okavango accommodation is in intimate East African-style safari tents. Each tent are built on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks.
Delta bird life is extensive, with both bushveld and water species found. Summer in Botswana hosts a large variety of migrant birds which use the Okavango Delta as their preferred area for breeding and feeding. The breeding season (December to March) is very vibrant and colourful. Birds in breeding plumage, are spectacular.

You will also visit the heronry at Gadikwe Lagoon. This heronry provides nesting sites for hundreds of birds. This heronry is used by a variety of species. From September the breeding colonies of herons are joined by the shallows. Marabou, yellow and saddle-billed storks, sacred ibis and egrets also make this their home. So you will witness noisy and colourful breeding displays at very close quarters at the Gadikwe heronry.
 
Day: 3 & 4
After an early morning activity and breakfast, you will connect with light aircraft for your flight to Savute Safari Lodge.

Situated in the southern area of Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge accommodation is in local timber and glass suites. Each suite is thatched and beautifully furnished. You will have a private deck, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite facilities.

The rainy season bring hundreds of birds to Savuti, especially a variety of waterfowl which use the Savuti area to raise their young on the many water filled pans. The Savuti Marsh and the surrounding area is also a popular area for visiting migrant birds i.e. Carmine Bee-eaters. Visiting birds can swell Savuti`s 300 resident species and provide a haven for bird-watchers.
 
Day: 5 & 6
After an early morning activity and breakfast, you will connect on to a light aircraft to Kasane Airport. Upon your arrival into Kasane Airport, a representative from Chobe Game Lodge will meet you and transfer you to the lodge, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Birding in Chobe is excellent and you could spend hours in the lodge itself or on the balcony of your room watching the birdlife.

Special birds that you might see in this region include: African Finfoot, White-backed Night and Rufous-bellied Herons, Slaty Egret, Bradfield`s and Trumpeter Hornbills, Narina Trogon, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Racket-tailed Roller, Half-collared Kingfisher, Green-capped Eremomela, Angola Rock Thrush, Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah, Golden-backed Pytilia, Eastern Bearded Robin, Red-faced Cisticola, Collared Palm Thrush, Coppery and Purple-banded Sunbirds, and Pink-throated Longclaw.

Chobe Game Lodge guest rooms are all river facing, have complimentary mini bar, en-suite bathrooms and a private terrace. Chobe offers land and water based activities and game drives are conducted in open sided 4X4 vehicles. Game viewing on the Chobe River is conducted by small boats, ideal for morning or sunset cruises. Cruise along the Chobe River on a double-decker river cruiser and enjoy the game and birdlife along the river banks.
 
Day: 7
After an early morning activity and breakfast, you will transfer to Kasane Airport in time for your onward connection.
 
Notes/Other:
This itinerary is an example only, and can be tailor-made to suit your personal requirements. We can combine this proposed itinerary with other camps in Botswana. Accordingly, no price is indicated, as this will depend upon a number of factors, such as your routing and duration of stay. This itinerary does not include a specialist bird guide – please enquire for this additional cost should you be interested to be accompanied by a specialist bird guide.