Ameliya's Itineraries
Iconic Botswana: Chobe & Okavango Delta | 6N7D
Iconic Botswana: Chobe & Okavango Delta
Embark on this luxury safari experience in Botswana and experience the best of the country’s untouched wilderness by covering two spectacular locations: The Okavango Delta, a world heritage site and the Chobe National Park, famed for its enormous population of elephtants. With epic game drives, traditional mokoro and high speed boat excursions, wildlife sightings, iconic sundowners, bush-walks and culturally immersive experiences, every moment on this safari promises not only adventure but also a profound connection.
AMELIYA SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
- 6 Nights and 7 Days.
- All meals, drinks and laundry included.
- Game Drives, Signature Sundowner & Bush Walks.
- Game viewing from the comfort of your own tent
- WIFI and holistic dining experiences
- Scheduled charter transfers to & from the camps
$4425
Twin Sharing Room (Per person)
$7880
Single Occupancy Room
$5225
Twin Sharing Room (Per person)
$9060
Single Occupancy Room
Inclusions
- Accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee, evening snacks
- Park Conservancy fees, morning and evening game drives in a shared vehicle, and supplemental walks.
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
Exclusions
- Goods & Services Taxes as applicable
- Tips, international flights & transfers, additional activities, visa fees, travel & medical insurance, exclusive vehicle.
- All other expenses not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the participants.
- Transfers to and from the National Park are not included in this itinerary but can be arranged for an additional cost.
- Any changes in the park fees or taxes.
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
Day 1 - 4
Experience an unforgettable getaway with a private road transfer from Kasane Airport to Ngoma Safari Lodge. For four days and three nights, you will enjoy luxurious accommodations and fully inclusive amenities at this renowned lodge. Nestled in the heart of nature, Ngoma Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views and exceptional service, ensuring a relaxed immersive experience. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in thrilling wildlife activities, indulge in gourmet meals, and unwind in stylish surroundings. This all-inclusive safari allows you to fully embrace the beauty and adventure of the African wilderness while experiencing the comfort of a premium lodge.
Experience & Activities
Expect a vast and diverse array of wildlife as knowledgeable guides take you on safaris through the Chobe National Park.
The expansive Chobe River can be explored in the comfort of a river cruise boat. This full-day safari is a wonderful way in which to absorb and appreciate the scale and splendor of this all-important water system and the many magnificent life forms it supports.
You can also opt for a scenic Helicopter experience. (charges applicable)
DAY 4 - 7
Continue your adventure with a private road transfer from Ngoma Safari Lodge to Kasane Airport, where you will board a scheduled charter flight to Khwai Airstrip, taking approximately 50 minutes. For the next three nights, you will stay at the classy Machaba Camp, fully inclusive of all meals, activities, and accommodations. Located in a stunning natural setting, Machaba Camp offers an authentic safari experience, complete with exceptional service and breathtaking views. During your stay, immerse yourself in thrilling wildlife encounters, relax in comfort, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the African wilderness. Refer to the accommodations tab for photos of the camp.
Experience & Activities
From bird watching to taking an untamed walking safari under the care of a highly trained guide, there is always something to see and do. Activities and experiences at include thrilling game drives, exploring the waterways by mokoro (depending on water levels), and guided safari walks. As the camp is based in a concession, guests can experience wildlife closer with guided walking safaris, relaxed mokoro trips and night safari drives discovering the nocturnal side of the Okavango, ensuring your safari adventure is unique.
You can also opt for scenic Heliopter experiences. (charges applicable)
Experiences
Game Drives
Big-cat conservation
Mokoro Ride
Bush Meals
Night Safaris
Helicopter Ride
Sundowner
Bush Walks
Boat Ride
Okavango Delta
The intricate channels and ever-changing islands of the Delta are home to a variety of species, from elephants and hippos to water-adapted lions and cheetahs. Over 400 bird species, including rare ones such as the Malachite Kingfisher, herons, and African fish eagles, grace its skies, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Chobe National Park
Renowned for its abundant elephant population, large herds of buffalo, and impressive birdlife, Chobe National Park offers an unforgettable experience. Its remarkable riverfront teems with wildlife, undisturbed predators, and breathtaking landscapes. The Chobe Riverfront, the most accessible part of the park, boasts the highest concentration of wildlife. For a predator-rich experience, head to the Linyanti Marshes, or immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Savuti. No matter where you go, wildlife encounters are abundant, making Chobe a true wilderness haven, perfect for couples, families, and seasoned African travelers alike.
NGOMA SAFARI LODGE
NGOMA SAFARI LODGE
All eight thatched river-facing suites have spacious internal and external living areas, a large luxury bath, an inside and outside shower, air conditioning, overhead fans, mini bar, and tea/coffee facilities including a Nespresso machine. In addition, each suite has a private “refresh and relax” pool conveniently located in the external living area. All rooms are equipped with three-quarter beds that can be converted to a king-size bed. Each of the suites has a view of the river and offers the opportunity to see the famous Chobe elephants, migrating zebra or buffalo grazing on the floodplain below.
Amenities
- Private plunge pools
- Relax or mingle
- Eco-friendly kitchen and food storage
- Wifi – Connectivity
MACHABA CAMP
MACHABA CAMP
Machaba Camp is a traditional style camp nestling in the game-rich Khwai area. The Khwai Concession is a 35 000 hectare reserve located in the northeastern section of the world-famous Okavango Delta and it shares its westerly border with the Moremi Game Reserve.Nestled in a riverine tree line, the camp offers privacy, spectacular river views and excellent food – enveloped in a layer of warm hospitality. Should you wander away from the comfort of camp you can spot a wealth of land and water-based wildlife.
The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, as well as romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.
Amenities
- Tented dining and social area
- Plunge pool
- Spa Therapist
- Curio shop
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Solar energy
- Airstrip access
Per Person Sharing: $ 4,205
Per Single: $ 5434
Per Person Sharing: $ 5,736
Per Single: $ 7,578
Per Person Sharing: $ 3,756
Per Single: $ 3,762
Per Person Sharing: $ 6,026
Per Single: $ 7969
Per Person Sharing: $ 8,388
Per Single: $ 11,274
Per Person Sharing: $ 6,026
Per Single: $ 7,969
Inclusions
- Accommodation, all meals, drinks, laundry and wifi
- Domestic beer & wine and select liquor, safari sundowners, bush breakfasts.
- Park Conservancy fees, morning and evening game drives in a shared vehicle, and bush walks.
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Scheduled air charter transfers to and from the camp
Exclusions
- Goods & Services Taxes as applicable
- Any changes in park fees, or taxes have to be borne by guests
- Tips, personal items, travel or medical insurance.
- Exclusive Vehicle: $550 per day
- All other expenses not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the guest
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
GENERAL QUERIES
WHAT ARE THE MODES OF PAYMENT?
We accept wire transfers, debit/credit cards, and UPI payments. Please note that a 2% gateway fee is applicable for cards.
Can I customize the experiences I've seen on your website?
Yes, please feel free to reach out to us in case you want to get a customized itinerary according to your preferred destinations, accommodations, interests, and requirements. For e.g. number of days or friends and family members you want to travel with.
How far in advance do I need to book a safari?
While Ameliya’s travel advisors do their best to accommodate our guests’ last-minute needs and requests, we strongly advise booking as far ahead in advance as possible to ensure the availability of accommodations. The best thing to do is to get in touch with us as soon as you think of a safari experience, whether it is this year or the next. Here’s a general advisory that will help you with the decision-making process:
For Indian parks, we recommend at least 4 -12 months notice, especially for a tiger/snow leopard experience, but lower lead times are possible depending on the locations and activities. Parks in India are regulated by the government and each reserve has a cap on the number of vehicles that can enter the park. If tickets are sold out, we are unable to book the safaris.
For Africa, we recommend 6-10 months for the high season (June – October), and 2-4 months for the low season (November – April).
Is it safe to travel to Africa?
Despite most African stereotypes of a warn-torn, poverty-stricken continent, Africa is as safe as any other international travel destination. Just remember that African countries are poorer in contrast to first-world countries and therefore you should be conscious of flashing or leaving money & jewelry lying around.
Guests are advised to leave valuables in a safe or with the camp/lodge manager for safe-keeping. African people are very friendly, warm and hospitable and their guests will always feel safe in the care of the camp/lodge staff.
Their job is to ensure the safety and comfort of their clients at all times. Properties in Africa will always have an emergency/ evacuation plan if anything were to go wrong
Should I purchase travel health insurance?
We strongly recommend that our travellers buy comprehensive travel and health insurance prior to coming on an Ameliya Safari experience. Should you require any assistance with purchasing such policies, our travel advisors will be happy to assist you.
What vaccinations are required?
Certain vaccinations may be required for travel to Africa, for example, often you will need a yellow fever vaccination. To be sure, consult your local Travel Clinic to obtain the latest health travel advisories.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
All of our camps do have basic Wi-Fi available in certain areas.
It is important to note that while wifi is available, it is more than likely not at the same fast speeds that you may be used to, but sufficient for checking emails and keeping in touch with home.
What does a typical day look like on safari?
Your mornings will begin with a wake up call before sunrise – classic for any safari experience. Once you are fresh and ready, you will be met by your guide for a briefing over a hot cup of coffee, and a light breakfast, before you head out. The crisp and cool air of the early morning will flow through you as you drive into the bush, the sun coming up from the horizon, casting a godly glow on the savannah and the everything around you coming to life – Africa in all its glory.
During the safaris, you will learn how to identify and track different species of animals, learn their behavior and best ways to observe/photograph them, conservation communities that live in the area, and much more.
After the morning safari, you have some time to unwind, enjoy the bush library, get a massage, or just take in the sights and smells of Africa from your deck.
In the evening you will head out for another game drive, and have an iconic African sundowner. In most locations, we drive back after the sunset for a night safari experience looking out for nocturnal creatures.
Back at camp, a hot fire awaits along with drinks and a three course meal.
What to pack on safaris in africa
Safari Shirts x 3
T-shirts × 3
Pants x 3
Shorts x 2
Rain Coat x 1
Warm Jacket × 1
Light Sweater × 1
Light Safari Boots x 1
Room Slippers x 1
Undergarments / socks
Cap, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
Personal Medication & Toiletries
Personal electronics, camera equipment, binoculars etc.
Mornings and evenings can be cold while afternoons will be warm and sometimes rainy. We recommend carrying a comfortable jacket and raincoat.
Please wear neutral colors in the bsuh: black, navy blue, khaki, green, beige, grey etc. Please avoid bright colors. Please also avoid strong perfumes.
Please carry comfortable shoes/boots that you can walk in.
National Parks vs Private game reserves/Concessions/ Conservancies.
- Africa, unlike India, has many great private game reserves and private concessions. Parks in Africa are pretty large so sections of these parks are given to private companies or communities.
- All areas offer good wildlife experiences but private concessions & conservancies offer greater exclusivity, less crowd, off-roading, and even night safaris. For this reason, camps located in these areas are often more costly.
