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Duba, Zarafa and Jacks

This 9-night luxury safari takes you through Botswana’s Okavango Delta region, the Selinda Concession incorporating the Selinda Spillway, the ancient river linking the Delta and Linyanti wetlands and ends in the Makgadikgadi, Salt Pans, the largest salt flats in the world.

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Your adventure starts here

Days

1-4

Days 1-4

The heartbeat of Botswana

Okavango Delta, Botswana

As old as time, the seasonal flood from the Angola Highlands is the heartbeat of Botswana. Seeping along the panhandle and into the largest inland delta system in the world, the water creates a uniquely beautiful National Heritage Site, the incoming tide of life bringing with it birth, transformation and replenishment. These ancient, cyclical changes provide an exceptional safari experience and the area supports vast herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, as well as numerous antelope, giraffe, zebra and the ever present predators.

From March the waters spread outwards, reaching the inner delta by June and peaking in July and August. The inbound flow creates a buzz of energy as it spans out towards Maun, the country as a whole conscious of the gift the waters bring, and caught up in the primordial movement.

Depending on nature’s temperamental dictates, the flood levels vary each year, never under the control of man. This makes it difficult to assess what will happen in the upcoming season: the Delta may swell up to 3 times its size. Under natural forces, the face of the earth renews itself, the landscape of channels, grasslands, reed islands and lagoons burst with life and vitality. As the levels recede in October, the earth starts to dry altering the scenery and game viewing. The summer months bring life from a new angle, and the November/December rains come, announcing the green season, and a land lush and verdant. Whether flood or rain, water, the very essence of life, plays a vital role in the Okavango Delta.

2 Nights

Duba Plains Camp

  • On a private concession within the Delta, overlooking lagoon, floodplains & verdant landscape
  • 5 luxury tents with the classic African safari-style of the 1920s
  • Intimate camp with panoramic views
  • Complete camera kit & high-definition binoculars for guest use
  • A Relais & Chateaux Camp & National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World
Flight
Flight

Flights from Maun Airport to Omdop Airstrip

Transfers
Transfers

Duba Plains airstrip to Duba Plains Camp: Shared road transfer

Duba Plains Main Area
Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta 2
Days

4-6

Days 4-6

Wide open savannahs and mopane forests

Selinda, Botswana

In the north-eastern region of the Okavango Delta, the Selinda Concession incorporates the Selinda Spillway, the ancient river linking the Okavango, Linyanti & Kwando wetlands. Upstream from the Savute Channel and Chobe, Selinda combines the best of these popular locations, but enjoys the advantage of exclusivity. Dry for 30 years prior to 2009, the river flows in 2 directions, due to the flatness of the land. Selinda is a mesh of floodplains, palm tree islands, wide open savannahs and mopane forests, and is home to year round game – although the area bursts at the seams during the dry months.

Impala, kudu, tsessebe, reedbuck, lechwe and steenbuck make their home here, along with the Southern giraffe and transient herds of buffalo and elephant. In May the Burchell’s Zebra and wildebeest arrive en masse, the waters of the Selinda pulling in the animals, both predator and prey. Cheetah hunt on open floodplains and lion, spotted hyena and wild dog stake their claim. Smaller predators such as jackals, bat-eared foxes, aardwolf and African wildcats make a cameo appearance – usually after dark. Selinda Reserve is home to the hippo-killing lions, made famous in Dereck and Beverly Joubert’s National Geographic films; Ultimate Enemies, Hunting with the Moon, The African Diaries. A highlight for bird-lovers is the Collared Palm Thrush.

2 Nights

Zarafa Camp

  • An exclusive camp in Selinda, shaded by a canopy of trees & overlooking the floodplains
  • 4 luxurious marquis-style tented suites with custom-made furnishings, private decks & plunge pools
  • Evocative of the grand safaris of a bygone era
  • Photography-adapted game vehicle
  • Complimentary use of Swarovski binoculars, Canon camera & zoom lenses
  • A Relais & Chateaux Camp & National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World
Transfers
Transfers

Duba Plains Camp to Duba Plains airstrip: Shared road transfer

Flight
Flight

Flight from Omdop Airstrip to Selinda airstrip

Transfers
Transfers

Selinda airstrip to Zarafa Camp: Shared road transfer

Selinda Reserve Elephants
Zarafa Aerial View
Days

7-10

Days 7-10

Baobabs claw at heated skies

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

Once an ancient lake, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans form part of the Kalahari Basin in central Botswana. The largest salt flats in the world, the area consists of stunning scenery and fascinating, desert-adapted animal species. Written into its history are the archaeological signs of stone-aged habitation. Arid and desolate, much of the landscape looks like another planet, the endless moonscape stretches of white sand continuing on to meet blue horizons. Baobabs claw at heated skies and rock formations dot the landscape, breaking the earth’s profile. Mineral-rich grasslands are completely transformed during summer rains.

Springbok, gemsbok, eland, hyena and meerkats can be found in the merciless desert-scape, but the December to April rains usher in a complete renewal of the land. Sweet grasses and even water-filled pans draw migratory birds and game. Massive flamingo flocks bring colour to the expanses of water, while large herds of zebra and wildebeest add a chorus of noise to the previously soundless environs. Awe-inspiring cloud formations decorate the skies, and at night, a panoramic view of star-studded skies opens up the heavens. From April to October, massive herds migrate to the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi, the Boteti River, for sustenance – their presence producing a frantic cacophony of sound, kicked up dust and activity.

3 Nights

Jack’s Camp

  • Iconic & elegant African camp, overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • 10 spacious canvas tents featuring paraffin lamps, Persian rugs & elevated four-poster beds
  • Nostalgic 1940’s campaign-style camp with stunning desert views
  • Nomadic Persian tea tent, pavilion pool & elegant communal dining
  • Library & renowned Natural History Museum with fascinating local artefacts
  • Panoramic vistas, superb activities & magnificent starlit night skies
Transfers
Transfers

Zarafa Camp to Selinda airstrip: Shared road transfer

Flights
Flights

Flight from Selinda airstrip to Tsigaro airstrip via Maun

Flight from Tsigaro airstrip to Maun Airport

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Your Adventure Ends

Jacks Camp - Hero
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Jacks Camp - Details 4
  • 9 Nights accommodation with selected meals
  • Shared road transfers where applicable
  • Light aircraft flights between Maun and the camps
  • Activities in camp

Trip Summary

Days 1-3
The heartbeat of Botswana

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The largest inland delta in the world is home to its own special kind of magic.

Days 4-6
Wide open savannahs and mopane forests

Selinda, Botswana

Selinda’s vast floodplains and ancient forests offer an authentic and timeless African experience.

Days 7-10
Baobabs claw at heated skies

Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Stretching from the Boteti River, through scrubland and rich grassland to the pans, this area is a magnet for migrating zebra and wildebeest, and their predator followers.

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

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