Chobe National Park Chobe borders the upper reaches and islands of the mighty Zambezi River where four countries meet at the confl uence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. The area is a unique mosaic of bush, waterways, fl oodplains and woodland offering exceptional wildlife viewing. It is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa and huge herds of buffalo which congregate in the dry season along the fertile fl ood plains of the Chobe River. Other major species include lion, wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope, and huge numbers of hippos. There are over 450 bird species recorded here too. Chobe Safari Lodge HIGH Chobe Safari Lodge offers a choice of air- conditioned rooms as well as special family rooms. A central pool, bar and restaurant overlook the river, and activities include game drives and boat rides. Scenic fl ights and day trips to the Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta area are also possible from here. Muchenje Lodge MID OUR CHOICE This is situated to the west of Chobe in a quieter area of the park. This intimate lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in comfortable chalets overlooking the rivers' fl oodplains. Activities here include day and night game drives and boat cruises. The guides here are superb. Garden Lodge MID This lodge, unlike others in its immediate locality accommodates 24 people - others, accommodate far more. Each of its eight rooms has beautiful views overlooking the Chobe River. Game- viewing is by road and of course boat, but the lodge has beautiful gardens ( rich with birdlife) and a welcoming swimming pool. AFRICA | BOTSWANA 33 Fact! Some camps offer the chance to sleep out in the bush - a fabulous way to experience the wilderness as you sleep under the stars in elevated hides. Nothing compares to the thrill of hearing the roar of a lion as the glow of the camp fi re dims, nor waking up to the African dawn! SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun ( via Johannesburg) Day 2 Makgadikgadi, 2- nights, Mena a Kwena Camp. A real desert wilderness experience ( BLD) Day 4 Maun, 1- night, Crocodile Camp ( BLD) Day 5 Moremi, 3- nights, Kwara Camp. Day and night- time game drives ( BLD) Day 8 Chobe, 2- nights, Garden Lodge. Game drives and boat cruises for great photography ( BLD) Day 10 Livingstone, 3- nights, Bushfront Lodge ( BLD) Day 13 Depart for the UK ( via Johannesburg) ( B) Day 14 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, January to March Cost per person From £ 3559 ( Jan - Mar), £ 3399 ( mid - end Mar) What's included Flights ( fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation, guided activities TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com BOTSWANA WITH A TWIST This is a fabulous combination of northern Botswana's watery wilderness, the drylands of the Kalahari Desert and the wonder of Victoria Falls. We've used our expertise to plan this itinerary to take advantage of better property prices during less- popular times to travel, albeit still with excellent wildlife and brilliant birding.

Kalahari Desert The Kalahari Desert is a giant arid region scored with the beds of dried up rivers and vast salt pans. However, this harsh environment also provides the setting for some of Africa's fi nest game- viewing. Wildlife here includes gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, ostrich and cheetah, and the area also supports around 200 species of bird. The Kalahari is possibly best known for the San people ( or Bushmen) - hunter- gatherers whose long history is told in ancient rock paintings throughout the area. Their way of life is seriously threatened but they survive in a few places. Edo's Camp MID This small tented camp on a private concession in the western Kalahari is one of the few places where the San Bushmen still reside. Each tent has a high thatched roof and a wooden deck overlooking a waterhole. The concession is home to six white rhino. Game- viewing is both by vehicle and on foot. Tau Pan HIGH Situated on a beautiful sand ridge overlooking Tau Pan, the camp has stunning views of the permanent Tau Pan water hole and the endless Kalahari horizon - its spectacular location is why we recommend it. Guests are accommodated in eight custom- built desert rooms under thatch, while the main area consists of dining room, lounge area and a viewing deck. 34 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun ( via Johannesburg) Day 2 Maun, 1- night. Crocodile Camp. Day 3 Okavango Delta, 2- nights. Oddballs Enclave. Safaris on foot and by mokoros ( BLD) Day 5 Maun, Crocodile Camp, 1- night. Scenic fl ight over the Delta ( BLD) Day 6 Moremi, 2- nights. Mankwe Bush Lodge. Day and night- time game drives ( BLD) Day 8 Chobe, 3- nights. Garden Lodge. Game drives and boat cruises for great photography ( BLD) Day 11 Depart for the UK ( via Johannesburg) ( B) Day 12 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3195 ( Jan - Mar, Apr - May), £ 2999 ( mid - end Mar), £ 3295 ( June - Sept), £ 3395 ( Sept - Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fi ve nights lodge accommodation and four nights tented camp, guided activities BOTSWANA ADVENTURE This is a really exciting and well- priced itinerary to the key wildlife areas of northern Botswana. The accommodation is good ( but not over the top), and the guiding is excellent. Sitatunga, red lechwe, cheetah, leopard and elephant are all possible sightings. TAILOR- MADE Just to let you know that our trip to Botswana was a wonderful experience with memories that will stay with us forever - and if not, my 3,000 photographs will take care of that! The main highlights for us were to see the lion kill, the leopard kill and the wild dog kill. " AM, London. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982