OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Okavango Horse Safaris
Okavango Horse Safaris is the ultimate adventure for horse lovers, following elephant and hippo paths to explore the wide-open plains and waterways of the Okavango on horseback. The horses are in excellent condition and are cared for by fanatics Barney and PJ Bestelink, arguably the best horse safari operators in Africa. Prepare to gallop alongside zebra and wildebeest and view big game. Trails for 12 guests are for 3 or 10 nights on set departure dates between March and October. Game drives, walking safaris, fishing and mokoros are also available. Competent riders only.

Jack's Camp and San Camp
Jack's Camp (16 beds - open February to December) and San Camp (12 beds - open April to October) are situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans and offer a chance to explore and understand the Kalahari. The Makgadikgadi National Park is known for its endless vistas of rolling grassland, desert palms and the huge saltpans. In the dry season exploring the pans by quad bike is amazing and in the wet season a wildebeest and zebra migration is often seen. Accommodation is in traditional elegant East African 40's style safari tents, with a Persian carpeted tea tent! Private guiding with Ralph Bousfield is on a request basis. New is the Kalahari Surf Club and Planet Baobab offering tribal accommodation for the intrepid!

Kubu Island Expedition
The Kubu Island Expedition is a 5-night trip exploring the Makgadikgadi area with 3 days spent on quad bikes across the main pan en-route to Kubu Island. Kubu is a granite extrusion island studded with baobabs and is one of the most beautiful and intriguing spots in Botswana.

Uncharted Africa Mobile Safaris
Uncharted Africa Mobile Safaris aims to provide an original, intellectually stimulating, stylish and adventurous experience of both the Okavango Delta and Kalahari. Comfort is uncompromising with crisp damask and spacious tents offering portable elegance. Guides are knowledgeable and have degrees in biological sciences and are often on postgraduate research projects. There are set departures between March and October or private safaris where, 7 nights are split between 3 campsites exclusive to guests. 6 night Bushman Safaris are also available on request.

Map Ives Private Mobile Safaris
Map Ives Private Mobile Safaris are ideal for parties and families of 2 - 6 people who really want to experience the bush and everything about it first hand. Map is one of the most respected and acclaimed professional guides in northern Botswana and offers a holistic view of the entire ecological region. Each safari is customised and we suggest spending 6 days in a luxury private tented camp based in the Moremi. Map's dedication and passion for wildlife makes his trips highly informative and great fun. Having one on one contact with a guide offers the ultimate experience and also allows children to participate in the adventure.

Abu's Camp Elephant Back Safaris
Abu's Camp Elephant Back Safaris is for many the ultimate safari. Six days are spent in total comfort with a herd of 13 African elephants, led by Abu the legendary tusker star of "White Hunter, Black Heart". Elephants are complete hedonists and have a routine of relaxed enjoyment, eating, bathing, meditating and going for long walks through the bush. Participating in these activities to understand these legendary creatures is exactly what the safari is all about. Accommodation for 10 guests is in luxurious custom designed tents on teak deaks, individually furnished with mahogany four-poster beds and proper bathrooms overlooking the lagoon beyond. Safaris start on Wednesdays between March and December for 5 nights and cost $6000 per person sharing ex Maun, but book early. Totally magical!