Seven-Day Safari-Khumaga (Makgadikgadi Pans) & Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Overview
This 7-day adventure combines the riverine wildlife corridor of Khumaga along the Boteti River in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park with the vast, remote wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)—the world's second-largest wildlife reserve. Khumaga's Boteti River swells with water, drawing zebra, wildebeest, elephants, and predators for drinking scenes, while CKGR's dunes and valleys burst into lush emerald grasslands teeming with springbok, gemsbok (oryx), wildebeest, giraffes, and iconic black-maned Kalahari lions.
Tour Overview
Included
- Park fees
- Excluded All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Excluded Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- Excluded Roundtrip airport transfer
- Excluded A professional driver/guide
- Excluded All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Excluded All Taxes/VAT
Excluded
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Excluded Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Excluded Tips
- Excluded Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Excluded Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Itenary
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Day 1: Arrival in Maun – Transfer to Khumaga (Boteti River)
Arrive Maun; road transfer (~3-4 hours scenic drive) or short flight to Khumaga area. Afternoon game drive along the Boteti River – spot zebra and wildebeest drinking, elephants, hippos, and lions patrolling the banks. Settle into camp (e.g., Khumaga Campsite or nearby lodge like Boteti River Camp); sundowners overlooking the riverbed. Campfire dinner with nocturnal sounds.
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Days 2-3: Khumaga & Boteti River Exploration
Dawn and dusk game drives – high-density action at waterholes: zebras migrating or gathering, buffalo herds, elephants bathing, and predators (lions, hyenas). Optional boat cruise (if water levels allow) for hippos/crocs; birding paradise with migrants. Relaxed midday; evenings with river views and possible zebra crossings.
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Day 4: Transfer to Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Northern Section)
Morning drive/activity; transfer south (~4-6 hours, game viewing en route) to Matswere Gate and into CKGR. Afternoon game drive into Deception Valley – lush green pans attract springbok, oryx, and predators. Arrive at private campsite, bush dinner under stars.
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Days 5-6: CKGR Full Exploration
Early morning and afternoon game drives in Deception/Passarge Valleys – track black-maned lion prides, cheetahs on open plains, gemsbok herds, and brown hyenas. Waterhole viewing for close action; optional bush walk for tracks/plants.
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Day 7: Morning Activity & Departure to Maun
Final dawn drive for lingering herds/predators. Exit via Matswere Gate; transfer back to Maun (~6-8 hours) for afternoon flights.
