CAPRIVI PREMIUM FLY-IN SAFARI

Fully guided with own pilot & plane

2 travelers $3,445* p.p. sharing / 4 travelers $2,085* p.p. sharing

Day 1                            Departure Windhoek

Day 1&2                        Namushasha Lodge, Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Day  3                           Tsumkwe Lodge, Tsumkwe, Namibia

Day  4                           Arrival Windhoek

The Caprivi Strip is a narrow strip of land in the far northeast of Namibia, about 400 kilometers long. The East Caprivi bordered by the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi Rivers is a region of swamps and flood plains. It was obtained from Great Britain by Germany in 1890 to give German South West Africa (now Namibia) access to the Zambezi River west of Victoria Falls. The Caprivi is the wettest region in Namibia with its high rainfall and a number of major rivers like the Okavango, Kwando and Zambezi; all of them originating from Angola and draining an enormous area. There are also some smaller rivers like the Linyanti and the Chobe.

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Arrival day/ Day 1

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and escorted by your guide and pilot to your charter plane. (These arrangements will be adapted according to your final international arrival time). Depart from Windhoek to fly across Namibia’s scenic central, into the lush bushveld of the Caprivi.

The abundance of water in the Caprivi sustains a large variety of animal and bird species. Especially numerous are the elephants, though not easily spotted through the dense vegetation. The wildlife is being protected in a couple of reserves (Bwabwata, Mudumu, Lizauli, Mamili). There are no fences, so the animals can roam freely across the borders of the neighboring countries of Botswana and Zambia.

Wildlife is typical of central Africa rather than southern Africa. It includes African buffalo, common impala, red lechwe, roan, sable, sitatunga and tsessebe. Sometimes reedbuck and waterbuck are also seen.The reeds support chirping cisticolas, coppery tailed coucals, greater swamp warblers, Hartlaub's babblers and swamp boubous among other tropical birds at the southern limit of their range.

The dense vegetation along riverbanks are home to Pel's fishing owls, African finfoots and whitebacked night herons. The African fish eagle is often seen along the rivers.

Wildlife is typical of Central Africa rather than Southern Africa. It includes African buffalo, common impala, red lechwe, roan, sable, sitatunga and tsessebe. Sometimes puce, reedbuck and waterbuck are seen.The only hippopotamus in Namibia and Nile crocodile in substantial numbers are found in the Caprivi. The rivers also hold over 70 species of fish, among them tiger fish, bream and sharptooth catfish.Prolific birdlife is attracted to the waterways and woodlands, with over 400 species recorded a diverse mixture of wetland and passerine species. The protected areas are particularly rich, with the highest diversity in Mahango.The swamps and floodplains provide breeding sites for waterbirds with a limited range elsewhere in southern Africa. They include the rufousbellied heron, saddlebilled stork, slaty egret, wattled crane and whitecrowned Pover.The reed and bulrush beds support chirping cist colas, coppery tailed coucals, greater swamp warblers, Hartlaub's babblers and swamp boubous among other tropical birds at the southern limit of their range.

The abundance of water in the Caprivi sustains a large variety of animal and bird species. The wildlife is being protected in a couple of reserves (Bwabwata, Mudumu, Lizauli, Mamili). There are no fences, so the animals can roam freely across the borders of the neighboring countries of Botswana and Zambia.

Game viewing on the Kwando River

Board a flat-deck boat with sunshade for a leisurely cruise on the slow, meandering Kwando River. The Kwando River is a permanent flow of water, which nourishes a delicate ecosystem and sustains magnificent game, bird (over 430 species) and fish life. Along the Kwando River there are extensive floodplains, reed and papyrus beds and riverine forest. The Kwando River is the border between Eastern and Western Caprivi. The area west of the river is known as Bwabwata National Park. Your local river guide will also show and explain traditional uses of some of the plant species found in this area.

Day 2

Game viewing in Bwabwata Game Reserve

From the lodge, board a boat to cross the Kwando River (+/- 2½ km boat trip), where your open 4x4 game drive vehicle with roof awaits you inside Bwabwata National Park (formerly Caprivi Game Reserve), the largest park in the Caprivi Strip. This water-rich region of swamps and flood plains is home to Red Lechwe, Southern Reedbuck and the elusive Sitatunga.

This water-rich region of swamps and flood plains is home to Red Lechwe, Southern Reedbuck and the elusive Sitatunga. Other game species include impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, buffalo, sable, roan, Tsetsebe, elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodiles, and baboon. Game viewing can be exceptional, particularly in the dry season (June to Mid November), with huge herds of Elephant & Buffalo present. Expect to see bird species such as the Black crowned night heron, African jacana, Lesser jacana, Purple heron, Common Squacco heron, Purple Gallinule, Black crake and Carmine bee-eater. Possible sightings of larger animals such as Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Tsetsebe, Kudu, Reedbuck and Crocodile are also possible (best during dry season, June to Mid November)

Tiger Fishing

Enjoy fishing trips on the Kwando river, trawling or spinning for species such as Nembwe.

Namushasha Lodge is a luxury bush lodge with 27 en-suite bungalows, situated on the banks of the Kwando River.

2 Night at Namushasha Lodge(Fl)

Day 3

Morning breakfast is folloed bu another scenic flight back across the caprivi strip in a south westerly direction. Arrive aat Tsumkwe Lodge - in the heart of bushmen country!

Located in the North Western block of Namibia – Tsumkwe is a in the centre of one of the many Ju/`hoansi (Bushman) villages!

The big thatch roof in the centre of the lodge offers cool retreat to guests returning from an excursion to the Nyae Nyae Pan system with its abundant wildlife. The lodge property is enclosed to keep elephant and other wildlife out, making it a safe environment for families with children. 25Twin units built from modern material, steel, corrugation and canvas covered walls. The units form clusters, enhanced by lush indigenous foliage creating a natural environment.

The San Bushmen have inhabited Southern Africa for at least 30 000 years, proof of this habitation can be found in the wealth of rock art that can be found in numerous locations throughout the country. The Bushmen are one of the most fascinating people on earth, unfortunately their hunter gatherer lifestyle has constantly come under threat from all the other residents of the regions.

Traditionally the San had no leaders or chiefs, personal decisions were made individually and group decisions were left to the group. When times were good groups could swell to over one hundred people but during drought times groups might dwindle to family units of less than 10 people.

The Bushmen followed water, game and edible plants, and were always mobile. They did not farm or keep animals and carried everything they possessed with them as they moved. Traditionally San women gathered edible plants, for food and sources of water, while the men hunted.

Enjoy a half day excursion to the bushman tribe! Open 4x4 vehicles game drives to the Nayea Nyae Pans, Holboom and Bushman villages. Take a refreshing dip in the small swimming pool encircled by a green patch of lawn. The restaurant & bar also form part of the lapa under thatch with ample space to sit and relax, perfect for socializing and meeting other guests who share a passion for the wilderness and adventure.

1 Night at Tsumkwe Lodge(Fl)

Day 4

You will be transported to and back from the lodge by private light aircraft. This flight’s duration is approximately 3 hours.

Please note that this is not a normal Air Charter. All Fly-in Safaris as a holistic experience from beginning to end. The Pilot is an experienced, knowledgeable and qualified Safari Guide that will guide and provided information throughout the trip, both in the air and on the ground during excursion and activities. Full intercom headsets are provided in the aircraft so as to communication with the Guide as well as each other.

During flights from area to area the routing follows scenic landscape and other highlights so as to provide a complete experience, both from the skies and on the ground. Guests can enjoy complete flexibility with regards to departure and arrival times as the pilot/guide always accompanies the guests.  The aircraft also stays with the group for the duration of the Safari, providing additional evacuation possibilities or change in Safari plans as may be requested by the guests.

They say that all bugs in Africa bite … but the safari bug is the worst of all!