Join one of the world’s most loved and acclaimed animal communicators, Pea Horsley, on this authentic and unforgettable Botswana Animal Communication Retreat – a fully serviced wild mobile-camping safari – and extend your retreat by including a Zambia extension to witness one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the biggest waterfall on Earth, Victoria Falls.

This retreat is suitable for those who want to feel truly alive and immersed in nature. This is your time to step out of your comfort zone, go way off the beaten track, and come face to face with some of our planet’s most magnificent creatures.

Botswana is home to some of the highest concentrations of lion, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest and buffalo, as well as zebra, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, eland, sable, hyena and various other nocturnal species, plus some unusual antelopes like puku, sitatunga, red lechwe, and around 600 species of birds. The Okavango Delta is called ‘one of the greatest travel experiences on the planet‘ – Telegraph, and has been ranked no.4 of 500 ultimate travel destinations to visit by Lonely Planet.

This retreat focuses on ethical, respectful and meaningful connections with the animals in their natural habit. It is a real back-to-nature experience!

• Connect with the maternal wisdom, patience, dignity and happiness of Elephants
• Understand the royalty, strength, courage, and protection of Lions
• Feel the grace of Giraffes
• Witness Wild Dogs, one of the world’s most endangered mammals (6,600 remaining)
• Sense the freedom and individuality of Zebras
• Learn from the Great Watcher, the Leopard
• Increase your animal communication skills
• Embrace camping in a deeply untouched wilderness
• Adjust to living as part of nature with no fences
• Immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of pure nature connection
• Bathe in ethereal sunsets
• Sleep to the sounds of nocturnal animals passing through camp
• Give yourself time to feel, listen and feed your soul
• Deepen your communion with nature to access your true self
• Accelerate your own personal transformation
• Empower your soul’s potential through the wisdom and energies of wild animals
• Travel with like-minded people through one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa
• Contribute to ethical ecotourism that directly funds conservation

A retreat with Pea is profound and transformative. You will leave with a heart bursting with awe, feeling more alive, and with a rejuvenated purpose. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In Botswana, you will embark on a 8-night fully-facilitated mobile tented safari, venturing deep into unique landscapes: the Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Private Concession, and the renowned Savute area of Chobe National Park. These different ecosystems allow you to enjoy an experience of animals and habitat from all angles – air, land and water. At night there is just your tent’s canvas between you and the animals who may wander through camp, you cannot be any closer to the wildlife than this! Botswana is one of the most exclusive safari destinations thanks to its government’s focus on quality experiences and conservation rather than mass tourism. The national animal of Botswana is the Zebra, where the Burchell’s zebra migrates the longest distance of any terrestrial animal in Africa.

In Zambia, you will transfer across the border to Livingstone staying two-nights at a waterfront hotel for a private guided tour of the world famous Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the ‘Smoke That Thunders‘ – the world’s greatest sheet of falling water on the planet and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes. You will enjoy a relaxing sunset Zambezi river cruise on the look out for hippos and crocodiles, and have the option of a guided walking safari with rhinos. The national animal of Zambia is the African fish eagle.

At A Glance

Botswana

• Met at Maun airport and hotel transfer
• 1 night at the Sedia Hotel
• Transfer to Maun airport
• Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta – a bucket list experience that gives you the opportunity to take in the vastness and beauty from a bird’s eye view
• 8-nights wild camping mobile safari
• Three unique ecosystems: Moremi, Khwai, and Savute
• Abundance of predator and prey animals
• Fully guided – one highly skilled professional safari guide per vehicle*
• Window seat guaranteed
• Game drives
• Boat safari in Moremi
• Traditional Mokoro canoe safari poled by local expert guide in Khwai
• Fully facilitated mobile camping with Back Up Team available 24/7
• Camping: all meals, unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water
• Camping: daily allocation of wine or beer
• National park fees
• Flight Savute to Maun (Botswana only)
• Consciousness expansion with a group of likeminded people
• ‘Amazing once in a lifetime experience with brilliant local safari company‘

*dependent on numbers, maximum two vehicles

Zambia extension

• Light aircraft flight Savute to Kasane
• Air-conditioned land transfer from Kasane airport to Livingstone
• Border crossing support from Botswana to Zambia
• 2-nights at the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel garden view room
• Sunset cruise on Zambezi River on the MV Makumbi, including house drinks and snacks
• Private guided tour of the iconic Victoria Falls – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – another bucket list experience
• National Park fees for the sunset cruise and Victoria Falls tour
• Walking safari with rhinos* (optional at extra cost)
• Transfer from the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel to Livingstone airport

This sounds amazing already!

Day 1 – Arrive into Maun (Sun 22 June)

Land at the Maun domestic airport (MUB), the starting point for safaris in southern Africa. At the airport we are warmly welcomed by our Safari Team and transferred to the Sedia hotel to refresh and relax by the outdoor pool. This hotel is in harmony with nature, lying alongside the Thamalakane River. We will come together in the afternoon for a Meet-and-Greet, followed by supper together, and an evening safari briefing, before turning in for our first night infusing ourselves with the spirit of Botswana.

Day 2 – Transfer to Moremi #1 (Mon 23 June)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta, a vast and varied ecosystem created as the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari desert in Botswana. Rich in wildlife, this World Heritage Site is a sanctuary to some of the world’s most endangered animals and birds. An Okavango Delta scenic flight is a bucket list experience and gives you the opportunity to take in the vastness and beauty of the Okavango Delta from a bird’s eye view. Be sure to look out for hippos in the waterways, buffalo on the move, or herds of elephants meandering through the delta. On landing, we transfer to our custom-build 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle on a game drive to our first camp in the Moremi Game Reserve. Settle in with a welcome drink and orientation session of camp etiquette and safety instructions. There may be time for an afternoon wildlife drive before returning for a refreshing bush shower, sundowner, stunning sunset, delicious dinner and relaxing around the campfire. Tonight will be an unforgettable experience: our first night under canvas in our private campsite listening to the sounds of nocturnal animals all around.

Day 3 – Moremi #2 (Tues 24 June)

Today you will go on a game drive to the boat station, then experience a boat cruise among the channels of the Okavango Delta. It is mesmerising to be up close to animals from the river, coming across elephants along the bank or hippos resting in the water. After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive, then return to camp for a sundowner and delicious dinner, before gathering around the campfire underneath a blanket of stars.              

Day 4 – Moremi #3 (Wed 25 June)

Another early morning wake up with a hot drink and snack breakfast, allowing us to go on an early wildlife viewing when the predators are on the hunt. After the game drive we return to camp, maybe to freshen up with a bush shower. The team have prepared a hearty brunch, enabling us to go on our next game drive as soon as the hot midday sun recedes and the animals come out of their hiding places. There will be more focus on receiving messages from different species and entering into ‘conversation’. This is our last night sleeping among the animals of Moremi.

Day 5 – Khwai #1 (Thurs 26 June)

Today is moving day. We go on a full day’s game drive while journeying to Khwai Game Reserve. In the early  morning we pack our bags, have a light breakfast, and then begin our safari drive with our guides. Our back up team breaks down the camp for us, then goes ahead. On route enjoy morning tea, a picnic lunch, stops for wildlife viewing, and experience ever changing scenery. In Khwai, camp is already assembled and our back up team welcome us with an offer of a bush shower and refreshing drink. After settling in to camp, we enjoy a delicious dinner, and sundowner as we relax around the campfire. As we journey physically, we may notice an inner journey is taking place. Originally the word safari meant «journey» in the Swahili language, which in turn comes from Arabic “safara”, which means travel. Safari time 5-6 hours.

Day 6 – Khwai #2 (Fri 27 June)

Explore the flora and fauna of Khwai from land and water with a game drive and then a complete change of pace with a slow and reflective 2-hour Mokoro safari. Born and raised in Khwai, our experienced mokoro polers take us on a journey deep in the water system. Enjoy the peace of the delta in a Mokoro, the traditional one tree-canoe. Then, on a game drive we spend more time with the wild animals of Khwai in their natural habitat. Another stunning sunset and night under the stars sharing our stories around the campfire.

Day 7 – Savute #1 (Sat 28 June)

Today is moving day to Savute (pronounced ‘Savuti’), a remote corner of Chobe National Park renowned for its big game viewing and its mysterious and fascinating water channel. The Savute Region is known for its exceptional predator sightings and less crowded with tourists than Chobe. Famously large prides of lion and packs of hyena hunt on the open grasslands, leopard patrol the woodlands, cheetah prowl, and it’s one of the best places to see wild dogs. This is our longest safari, but there is great bird and animal viewing along the way, a picnic lunch stop, and an interesting change of scenery from green bush to savanna. Our team go ahead and prepare camp, there may be time for a shower followed by a short game drive, before dinner and campfire in our new habitat. Safari time 6-8 hours.

Day 8 – Savute #2 (Sun 29 June)

We go on two game drives today, perhaps focusing more on communicating with a pack of hyena or pride of lions, we surrender to the animals agenda and what they wish to bring to the shared experience. We may encounter African Wild Dogs or Bat-eared Foxes, perhaps a Jackal pair pass by. In the evening, we sit around the warming campfire, sharing our stories, as the sun sets and the moon and stars become visible. There are about 6,000 or so stars that are visible with the naked eye, and the vast majority of them are within about 1,000 light-years of the Sun.

Day 9 – Savute #3 (Mon 30 June)

Two more game drives today in communion with the wild animals of Savute. Around the campfire this evening we will bring our Botswana Retreat to a close with gratitude from our hearts. It will be hard to say goodbye to the new friends we’ve made but if this is where this journey ends for you there will be big smiles and hugs shared. When you return home you will have many incredible stories to share and there will always be a little bit of the Botswana wild that remains in your heart. Embrace the nocturnal sounds of Savute animals for the final time, reflecting how far you have travelled from your modern human life to embrace your intuitive, wild nature in connection with all Life.

Day 10 – Savute to Maun (Tues 1 July)

After a light breakfast, we will all take an early transfer to Savute airstrip and say goodbye to those ending their retreat in Botswana, you will fly back to Maun for your onward flight home. The Botswana retreat will finish at Savute airport and you will be unaccompanied on your return flight to Maun. Pea will be flying on to Kasane with those taking the Zambia extension.

Please note: Zambia can only be booked as an add-on to Botswana and not on its own. This schedule is subject to flow and fluidity at any time due to weather and other factors beyond our control.

Important: Pea will provide some intuitively led interspecies communication sessions, but there will be no formal workshop teaching on this retreat. You are advised to complete Pea’s online course or read her book Animal Communication Made Easy beforehand in order to understand the necessary basics.

Next up: Included

Day 10 – Savute to Livingstone #1 (Tues 1 July)

For Zambia, we will take our second light aircraft flight from Savute Airport to Kasane Airport to be met by our driver who will transfer us across the Zambia border and on to Livingstone, assisting us through the simple border formalities, currently no visa is required for Zambia. In Livingstone, we stay two nights in a garden room at the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel. On arrival, there will be time for a nap or to nip into town by taxi to visit the Livingstone museum. Late afternoon, we take a 2-hour sunset river cruise along the Zambezi river on the look out for hippos and other wildlife. The boat departs directly from the hotel and ‘house’ drinks and light snacks are included. There are many animals in this part of Zambia including baboon, impala, giraffe, cape buffalo, elephant, crocodile, warthog and the babbling goshawk.

Day 11 – Livingstone #2 (Wed 2 July)

After breakfast we are collected from our hotel by our new guide and taken on an easy paced walking tour of the impressive Victoria Falls to witness the power of nature. The Victoria Falls possesses a beauty that is impossible to replicate through any man-made efforts, and a trip to Southern Africa would not be complete without seeing it. It is a natural wonder of the world, created by nature to remind us of just how powerful and complex she is. Water levels are very high so expect to get showered by the spray. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and, if you are bringing a camera, a watertight bag to keep it dry. We will enjoy a private guided tour to really savour some viewpoints at our own pace. This is one of the best times of year to see the Falls in her full glory, just don’t expect to keep dry!

After drying off, there is the option of a guided walking safari with rhinos (there are no big cats). Other activities can be booked through the tour office at the hotel (helicopter ride, microlight flight etc). This is our final night together and it will be hard to say goodbye after this incredible shared experience. Over dinner, we will reflect, share, and give gratitude. Pea will be open to the animals who may share specific messages for us to take home.

Day 12 – Livingstone #3 (Thurs 3 July)

This is the last day of the Zambia retreat. After breakfast, we will be transferred to Livingstone Airport for you to catch your onward flight home. This is where the retreat ends. Wow! What an experience! Africa will forever live in our heart, back home we are forever changed.

Please note: This schedule is subject to flow and fluidity at any time due to weather and other factors beyond our control.

Next up: Included

What This Retreat Includes

Accommodation

• 1-night Maun Sedia Hotel standard double or twin share room with garden view B&B. 22nd June
• 8-nights luxury* wild camping dome-tent accommodation, twin share basis. 23rd – 30th June
• 2-nights Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel garden room twin share B&B, 1st – 3rd July (Zambia only)

*Classified as a luxury mobile safari – this involves a support truck or ‘go ahead’ vehicle that sets up the tents and the site before the guests arrive in their game-viewing vehicle. Guests can expect to see a fire lit, welcoming drinks, uniformed staff and, probably, the aroma of freshly cooked food emanating from the bush kitchen with an evening of good food dining ahead.

Tours

At the start of the retreat, you will gain a stunning overview of the globally acclaimed Okavango Delta by plane; this is a wetland area covering 16,000 square kilometers, making it the largest delta in the world.

In camp, you will stay in dome tents, boasting a private en-suite bathroom. Led by a highly skilled professional safari guide, each exciting game drive ensures a safari experience of unparalleled excellence.

• Fly from Maun to Moremi over the Okavango Delta
• 8-days drive safari with 1-2 game drives per day
• Boat safari in Moremi
• Mokoro safari in Khwai
• Safari jeep with sun shade cover, no windows for clear view
• Window seat guaranteed
• Local professional highly qualified guide for each vehicle
• Back-up Team, non-participatory camping/fully facilitated – tents erected by camp crew
• Camp cook – meals cooked by experienced camp cook
• Road transfer from Kasane airport to the Victoria Falls Waterfront hotel in air-conditioned bus (Zambia extension)
• Return transfer to Victoria Falls in air-conditioned bus (Zambia extension)
• Victoria Falls 2 hour private guided tour + soft drinks (Zambia extension)
• Sunset cruise on Zambezi River on the MV Makumbi, includes all drinks & snacks (Zambia extension)
• Walking safari with rhinos* (Zambia extension, *optional, extra cost)
• Transfer from the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel to Livingstone Airport (Zambia extension)

Domestic Fights

• Light aircraft flight from Maun to Moremi Game Reserve (Botswana)
• Light aircraft flight from Savute to Maun (Botswana)
• Light aircraft flight from Savute to Kasane (Zambia extension)

Please note: Depending upon the size of our group we may have to travel in two planes, each aircraft will be accompanied by Pea or a member of her team

Pea’s Facilitation

• 1 Pre-retreat group call on Zoom
• Interspecies Communication guidance
• Meditations
• Led communications
• Sharing Circle
• Private Facebook group for connection pre/post retreat
• 1 Post-retreat group call on Zoom

Pea’s Team

• We have two lovely team members offering you additional support: a dedicated safari escort with experience in Botswana/Zambia safaris and animal communication, and an experienced retreater providing support wherever it is needed.

Meals

• Breakfast, Sedia Hotel
• Camping: all meals
• Camping: unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water
• Camping: half bottle of red or white wine or 3 beers, daily allocation per person
• Camp Cook – vegetarian and vegan meals can be requested
• Mokoro safari lunch
• Two Breakfasts, Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel (Zambia extension)

Please note: Taking duty free alcohol into Maun is a problem since there is a regional agreement between southern African nations that does not permit duty free alcohol to enter one nation from another by air unless you have a diplomatic passport.

Luggage Weight and Type

• There is a very strict policy on the light aircrafts*
• Luggage weight limit per person 20 kg’s – inclusive of hand luggage and camera equipment
• Luggage type: Soft sided, non-rigid bag
• Luggage dimensions: 25cm wide x 30cm high x 62cm long
• This is a safety requirement due to the sensitive weight and balance checks on the small aircraft and must be strictly adhered to
• Routing: It is important to note that due to the number of movements operated by the small craft airline, guests may make up to three stops when transferring

*’Handling of incorrect luggage: Guests who have not adhered to the luggage guidelines will not be able to depart on the scheduled charter. They will be given the option to book a private charter at additional costs, subject to availability. There are no refunds for missed scheduled charters, accommodation, transfers, and missed elements of the retreat. Additional costs are at your own account.’ – Safari Air

Toiletries

• At camp, you are provided with a small, lightweight towel for rapid drying, shampoo and body wash.

Electricity

• Bring an appropriate adaptor for the hotels
• There is no electricity in the bush! When camping there is access to a universal charger to charge phones when phone cameras are used to take pictures, and standard camera batteries can also be charged
• It is advisable to take your own portable charger if you are reliant on your camera/phone camera
• Hotels provide an electric kettle, but generally no hairdryer

Wifi

• Wifi is complimentary, where available

Park Fees

• Moremi Game Reserve included
• Khwai Private Concession included
• Savute (area of Chobe National Park) included
• Sunset Cruise National Park included
• Victoria Falls included

Taxes

• Safari taxes included
• Light aircraft taxes included

What’s Not Included

• International and regional scheduled flights: Travel to/from Maun airport in Botswana (airport code MUB) or to Maun/from Livingstone (LVI) for the Zambia extension. Please fly with an airline that allows Airlink on their tickets to ensure easy transfers. Airlines that don’t, mean you will need to clear immigration and customs, collect your bag, and then check-in to South Africa Airlink. We are happy to advise you with your flights.
• VISAS: British citizens, Americans and Australians currently do not require a visa for South Africa, Botswana or Zambia. It is your responsibility to obtain the correct travel documentation. Please note visa conditions can change without notice.
• Gratuities: approx. US$270-$300 per person Botswana. Tipping is a normal part of the Botswana service industry and US dollars are welcomed. Just remember that relatively affluent visitors can have a big impact on the local economy: tipping does influence the economic and social balance, overtipping is as problematic as under tipping– so keep that in mind when you tip the staff during your safari in Botswana. We’d recommend that for good service, tip around:

  • US$10 per day for a guide

  • US$5 per day for mokoro polers, boat skipper, camp assistant

  • US$5 per day for the general/operational staff

• TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MANDATORY: in case of cancellation for any reason including Force Majeur. This must include Emergency Evacuation, personal or medical cover abroad, medical expenses. We highly recommend ‘cancel for any reason’. Please read the strict refund/cancellation policy and ensure you have adequate insurance cover to make a claim if needed. It is a strict condition of booking that travel insurance is taken out, without it you will be refused a place and there will be no refund.
• Meals and drinks other than specified
• Walking safari with rhinos (approx. US$140-150 per person, optional)
• Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, laundry, taxi/shuttle drivers, hotel room etc
• Any attractions or activities not specifically listed
• Snacks, toiletries, alcohol drinks, and other incidentals not listed
• Any additional expenses if you come in early or leave later, miss a flight or transfers, or find your flight delayed
• Any additional costs if your baggage is incorrect and you are refused to fly
• Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases or surcharges which are beyond our control
• No refunds for any unused part of the retreat, Botswana only and Zambia extension

Note: Please ensure you have a minimum of 6-months validity remaining on your passport at the time of leaving each of the destination countries.

Trip Leader

Investment

PRICE INCLUDES RETREAT GAME DRIVES + SPECIFIC FLIGHTS + TRANSFERS + HOTELS + FULLY-SERVICED MOBILE CAMPING + CAMPING MEALS + DRINKS + BOAT SAFARI + TRADITIONAL MOKORO + PARK FEES + PROFESSIONAL GUIDES + CAMP BACK UP TEAM + PEA’S FACILITATION + SUPPORT TEAM + MORE

This intimate retreat is limited to 10 spaces, reserve your spot now. To register – £800 Declaration of Interest deposit or pay in full

How to Register

To reserve your place: £800 / approx. US$1015, declaration of interest deposit or Pay in Full.

Botswana Early-Bird Participant expires 1 October 2024, save £400 off!

£3000 due 20 October 2024, £3000 due 20 January 2025, final balance due 20 March 2025.

The Botswana fee is based on twin occupancy accommodations. Botswana single occupancy upgrade £425.

Zambia can only be booked as an extension to Botswana, twin or single occupancy options available.

We have a very strict cancellation/refund policy. Please ensure you have adequate insurance to cover cancelling your retreat.

Important note: The only variable is if between now and the departure date either Botswana or Zambia raise the cost of park entry fees. This is beyond our control and will unfortunately need to be added to your cost.

Rooms/Tents

Rooms/tents are allocated on a twin share basis unless single occupancy is selected at the time of booking. If you are travelling alone, we will introduce you to your roommate prior to arrival. We need to address the delicate issue of snoring. If you snore, please consider an anti-snoring device or single occupancy upgrade.

Twin Share Policy:

• You will be matched with the same gender.
• Male and female friends are able to opt for a twin share.
• Please let us know if you are a couple or family members who wish to share together.

* Single Supplement Policy

• Single occupancy upgrades are available for both Botswana and Zambia at the time of booking.
• You will need to pay the single occupancy balance when there is no other person of the same gender to twin share with you.

Important Terms & Policies

By making payment for a place on the Botswana Animal Communication Retreat (+ Zambia extension) you agree to the following important terms & policies:

• Payment Policy
• Reserve List
• Payment Dates
• Cancellation Dates & Refund Policy
• Retreat Terms & Conditions

Please review them here.

Next up: Location

Botswana

Home to a number of the world’s most threatened species and the largest elephant population in the world, Botswana has become a wilderness safe haven.

This fully-serviced safari means you can enjoy the sensory experience of being in the bush while the logistics are handled by our support crew. A back up team will strike camp, then drive ahead to ensure that everything is set up and a welcome drink is ready for you on arrival. On this authentic mobile-camping safari you will cover distances, view animals from the land, water and air, and be able to appreciate how the landscape changes.

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and east, by Namibia to the west, and by Zimbabwe to the east. The country is smaller than the state of Texas and the name means “Land of the Tswana“, referring to the dominant ethnic group in Botswana.

Moremi

Moremi Game Reserve, in the Okavango Delta, is one of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing destinations. Aside from the wetlands, it consists of a dry peninsula, which is excellent for classic game-drive safaris and wildlife sightings. All the ‘Big Five’ are present – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, but rhino sightings are a bit hit and miss because having been recently reintroduced they are still in very small numbers. Aside from these species, there are large concentrations of red lechwe, impala, blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra.

Khwai

Khwai in northern Botswana is one of the most scenic reaches of the Okavango Delta, offering the luxury of game drives and the silent glide of a mokoro through the thick reed beds of Botswana’s pristine waterways. Surrounded by lilies and with only the gentle splash of the expertly guided pole the motion is almost hypnotic, these traditional dugout “canoes” follow ancient elephant and hippo paths through the reeds and grasses at a sedate pace that makes the experience even more absorbing. Brief flashes of colour draw the eye to tiny, flamboyant malachite kingfishers and dancing dragonflies hovering over the surface. And the occasional elephant could loom large from a neighbouring bank or wade through the shallow floodplains in front of view. Khwai is renowned for its wild dog sightings, and these lithe, athletic canines regularly give birth in known den sites in the area during the dry winter months. Khwai is a Botswana safari gem.

Savute

Savute has a high number of predator animals. The Savute pride of lions has earned a fearsome reputation for their unparalleled skill in hunting elephant. Other predator sightings may include resident Leopard, enigmatic African Wild Dog, endearing Bat-eared Fox, Spotted Hyena, Jackal and Cheetah. The area also has some interesting and unusual features: rocky outcrops – one aptly named “Leopard Rock” dot the northern part of the area, some with primitive rock art, thought to be by the San people, and the ‘Baobab Gallery’ – a collection of these trees may also be found to the north.  The range of geology and ecosystem is unique.

Zambia

Zambia is to the north-east of Botswana, a few kilometers from the Zambezi River and the border with Zimbabwe, it is slightly smaller than Turkey. Zambia was renamed in 1964 on its independence from British rule. The name Zambia derives from the Zambezi River, Zambezi means “the grand river“. Livingstone is a town with an old-world charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and the Livingstone Museum traces local history and archaeology, and the life of the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, after whom the town was named. The Zambezi river is home to hippos, the Nile crocodile, and, a few kilometres up the river, the bull shark which is known to most South Africans as the Zambezi shark.

Maun: The Sedia Riverside Hotel

The Sedia Riverside Hotel is situated in Maun, just 10 minutes from the airport. It features a sun terrace with a swimming pool, restaurant and garden, free WiFi, offers 24-hour front desk and room service, and each room has a ceiling fan and air-conditioning.

Wild Camping – Dome Shaped Tent (single occupancy available)

Exclusive private camping in cosy 2.5×2.5m² dome tents with twin stretcher beds, pillows and duvet blankets and private en-suite bush-bathroom with long drop toilet and ‘bucket’ shower. Additionally, a small lightweight quick drying towel, shampoo and body wash. All tents are allocated as twin-share, unless single occupancy is requested in advance. None of the roads are sealed and can be very slow due to soft sand or bumpy due to corrugations. Breakdowns can occur and our team is prepared and experienced in getting us moving again.

Livingstone – Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel

Situated on the Northern banks of the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls Waterfront hotel is an out-of-town lodge featuring an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, beautiful gardens and a large deck with a restaurant and bar overlooking the river. It also has a shop, internet café, free WiFi, and shared TV lounge. Rooms have air-conditioning. The hotel boasts lush green gardens where some wild animals occasionally wander freely, so always keep a watchful eye out for hippos, monkeys and other animals.

Your Meals – Botswana

Breakfast at the Sedia Hotel in Maun

Included during the wild mobile-camping safari:

• All meals – including vegetarian or vegan
• Unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks
• Unlimited drinking water
• Half bottle of red/white wine or three beers daily per person

Top Tips from the Locals

Suitability

Sleeping in the wild on a mobile safari, with nothing but a piece of canvas between you and Africa’s wildlife, may not be for everyone, but it makes for a fully immersive experience.

For an authentic safari, it is difficult to beat a mobile – the original form of this quintessentially African adventure. This is how the old pioneers used to go on safari, back in the days before there were permanent lodges with flush toilets and wifi connections in the bush!

Despite the changing ideals of the African safari it is still possible to experience a wild, proper, back-to-earth safari in Botswana.

On this retreat you can experience true wilderness and some of the soul of the bush.

If you are the adventurous, nature-loving type and you are willing to roughen it up a little, Botswana has a unique and authentic safari experience lined up for you. Without any fences or boundaries you can camp in relative comfort deep in the untouched wilderness far away from civilisation.

You cannot get any closer to the wildlife than this.

You need to be able to:

• Get in and out of a small plane
• Get in and out of a 4×4 jeep
• Travel on rough sandy roads, the movement maybe jarring at times, the conditions hot (there is only nature’s air-conditioning)
• Get in and out of a wooden canoe (mokoro)
• Get in and out of a water boat

Please note: This retreat may not be suitable if you have existing neck or back problems or are pregnant.

It is vital that everyone follows every instruction given by the guides and back-up team. They are there to take care of your safety and will be knowledgeable about many factors of which you are unaware.

Our retreat allows you to fully let go and surrender to the experience, thanks to our professional and highly trained local crew who provide a high level of care, nourishment and safety at all times.

Expectations

This is a wilderness retreat and therefore not for just anyone. If you are expecting a luxury lodge style safari with flushing toilets, this retreat is not for you.

The water elements of Mokoro and Boat safari are optional, you can remain in camp with the Back Up Team and relax instead. In fact, on most days, if you feel you’d rather be still and miss one of the game drives, that is also an option for you. This will not apply to ‘moving’ days.

If you are in any doubt about your suitability for this retreat please make contact.