KALAHARI, BOTSWANA, NXAI PAN NATIONAL PARK To get to Nxai Pan National Park, a unique Kalahari reserve that encompasses ancient pan systems that used to be the floors of prehistoric lakes and classic African savannah and grasslands, you and your family will meet your safari representative in Maun, Botswana's second city and the gateway to its northern regions.   Predators may often be seen at Nxai Pan, including brown hyena, black-backed jackal, lion, and perhaps cheetah if you're lucky. Between November and April, during the Green Season, the region is a twitcher's paradise with hundreds of different bird species.   There are nine thatched rooms at this camp, each with its own en suite bathroom and a veranda perfect for taking in the scenery. Keeping rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the thatch is highly adaptable to Botswana's fluctuating climate.   You will go on nature walks, mokoro rides, and birding excursions in addition to wildlife drives in custom-built cars with a knowledgeable guide and tracker team. When you return to camp, you may relax in the huge pool or lay on your verandah with an iced drink and a pair of binoculars. The trek to the 'Baines' Baobabs,' a group of seven of these giant trees that painter Thomas Baines slept under and captured on canvas in 1862, is a highlight. These so-called "upside-down trees," whose roots appear to be expanding upwards, are so strong that they can withstand the intense gouging of elephants.  

BOTSWANA; OKAVANGO DELTA You will be transported from Nxai Pan to the nearest airfield, where you will board a small aircraft for the quick journey to the Kwara Concession in the Okavango Delta. The landscape below transforms from the Kalahari's flat, grassy plains to the Okavango Delta's wetlands, lakes, islands, and azure lagoons.   You will be picked up at the airport and taken to Kwara Camp. Its location in a concession means that you are less likely to share good viewing areas with other visitors and their cars. There are just eight tents in the camp, but each one has a stunning view of the Kwara Lagoon. Travelling through the Delta's rivers in a traditional mokoro, a dug-out canoe, will be a highlight of your vacation. Keep an eye out for passing elephants or hippos as you are discreetly poled along, and listen for the call of African fish eagles.   Kwara offers the opportunity for photographers to see animals without being seen during game drives and other safari activities. Of course, you may also enjoy 'Bush TV' while relaxing in your solar-heated outdoor shower or on your terrace.

BOTSWANA, LINYANTI The Linyanti Channel's Kwando River is where visitors go to see the critically endangered African wild dog, so after a hearty breakfast cooked over the campfire you'll be whisked away. In order to give a cool haven from the afternoon sun, eight tents have been set up in the shade of the towering marula and ebony trees. All the traditional safari activities, such as excellent birdwatching, are available once again. The region is well-known for its raptors, and game watching is excellent during the dry season (from May to October). One possible farewell activity is a tranquil sunset sail, during which you may take in the peach glow of the setting sun. After a last bush breakfast and some time to reflect on your eight days in Botswana, you'll need to pack up your belongings and make your way down to the airport so that you can catch your aircraft back to Maun.