CHOBE’S WATERWAYS & BIG GAME

The first officially sanctioned auction of ivory last week, has sparked a major controversy, worldwide. Although the proceeds of the auction will be ploughed back into elephant conservation schemes, many fear that it will ultimately encourage ivory poaching. Chobe National Park in Botswana has the biggest concentration of elephant in Africa, largely escaping the massive illegal poaching that decimated other African elephant populations in the 1970s and 80s. Chobe is one of the main highlights of Wildlife Worldwide’s small, but adventurous 11-day circuit through Zambia and Botswana. Tours depart London daily from December 2008 to 31st March 2009.

Experience a huge variety of animals and habitats, from the lush waterways to the fabulous big game experience of Chobe National Park, and unmissable Victoria Falls. The holiday commences with a stay at Tongabezi Lodge, an award-winning hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls. From the lodge, guests can take a short boat ride to Livingstone Island, the place where David Livingstone first glimpsed the falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). Next, Impalila Lodge, a small luxury lodge sitting on its own island at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers where four countries meet. The area is unique, comprising an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and woodland, with exceptional birdlife and game viewing. Secluded and remote, the lodge offers guests game viewing by boat and mokoro, along the quiet backwaters. Transfer by boat and road to Muchenje Safari Lodge, situated on the western side of Chobe National Park, for a final three nights. Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, together with huge herds of buffalo. This is thrilling big game country and during the dry season the enormous herds congregate along the fertile flood plains of the Chobe River, stalked by waiting predators. Other major species include Lion, Wild Dog, Puku, Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan Antelope and a multitude of Hippopotamus. Game viewing is by 4-wheel drive vehicles inside the park and boat rides along the Chobe River.

The safari costs from £2,995 p/p including scheduled flights (SAA), transfers, hotel and safari lodge accommodation, most meals and expertly guided game viewing activities.

Click here to see more Botswana holidays.