The not-to-be-missed Namaqualand flowers!

Seeing the flowers!!

Visitors can enjoy self-catering accommodation at the Skilpad Rest Camp or enjoy various camping options along the coast. The main entrance, reception, administrative offices and prime accommodation are all at Skilpad. During the flower season, in spring, they host a temporary luxury camp at the coast that is run by a private operator.

Part of the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. When compared to regions with similar semi-arid environments, the richness of this biome is exceptional.

During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed in to a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers that draw visitors from around the country and from abroad. 

The Breath Taking Augrabies Falls!

Augrabies Falls National Park is a national park located around the Augrabies Falls, about 120 km west of Upington in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. It was established in 1966.

The Park covers an area of 820 km² and stretches along the Orange River. The area is very arid. The waterfall is about 60 metres high and is awe-inspiring when the river is in flood. The gorge below the falls averages about 240 m deep and runs for 18 kilometres. The gorge provides an impressive example of erosion into a granitic basement.

At the Augrabies National Park there is camping, chalets and family cottages availabl... and activities!

The Klipspringer Hiking Trail consists of three days of hiking. The first day is 14.4km long; the second day, 9.9km and the third and last day 11.5km. Even though the first day is the longest, the second day is probably the most difficult regarding the heat, while the third day is the least demanding. As the hike is quite demanding, it is necessary to plan for quit a rigorous trip.

The Dassie Trail is approximately 5km in length and does require a certain level

of fitness as it includes climbing over slippery rocks. 

 

 

Botswana's Famous Jack's Camp

A relic of one of the world's largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth's crust.

Jack's Camp is sited in this prehistoric setting offering just ten bedouin-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and spacious bedrooms with persian rugs and cool cotton sheets.

Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge, on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana, is the best destination for serious game viewers. Situated in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is close to where the borders of four African countries meet - Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia. If you are planning to visit the Chobe area, the majestic Victoria Falls or the Caprivi region, then Chobe Safari Lodge is the ideal choice of accommodation.

Safari Rooms

 Each room has its own patio that gives one the privacy of enjoying views of the river from the comfort of your own room. The rooms are also in close proximity to the main complex.

 

Rondavels

trditional thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. These detached units are positioned close to the river in the lodge gardens.
 

Camping

The famous Chobe Safari lodge campsite offers individual sites scattered amongst the riverine forest close to the Chobe River. Each site has its own power point and is close to one of the modern ablution facilities.

Activities

Game Drives
Boat Cruises
Fishing
Victoria Falls Day Trip

For more information please contact us at at 

res@botswana-reservations.com

www.botswana-reservations.com

The Nata Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is part of the Makgadikgadi Pans Important Bird Area (IBA), and as such is one of Botswana’s premier birding destinations. After good rains, hundreds of thousands of globally threatened Lesser Flamingos, along with Greater Flamingos, Chestnut-banded Plovers, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, and a host of other waterbirds converge on the nutrient-rich waters of the pans. As the pan dries out, the Sanctuary hosts the largest congregation of Lesser Flamingos in Southern Africa – a flamboyant spectacle and a must for any bird enthusiast.

How to get to the Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is situated 170km northwest of Francistown, on the northeastern tip of the great Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The Makgadikgadi was once the site of the largest inland lake in southern Africa, which dried up between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. Today remnants of this great lake exist in the form of two large salt pans, Ntwetwe Pan in the west and Sua Pan in the east, that flood only temporarily in the wet season.

Facilities and activities for birders

Camping

The Nata Sanctuary provides affordable camping in the Mophane woodland near the entrance of the park. Enjoy a private campsite complete with braai place and table. Ablutions consist of hot showers and flush toilets. Luxury tents are under construction at present.

Birdwatching

 

Nata Sanctuary is a birdwatchers’ paradise but varies greatly throughout the year. In order to see the birds at their best, it is advisable to enquire from staff about conditions within the Sanctuary.

Viewing platform/hide

 
A viewing platform/hide provides panoramic views of the pan and sunsets.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Botswana Tours and Safaris

Self Drive Tours
Choose one of our set itineraries for your Namibia Tour or ask us to tailor make your Namibia self drive tour to travel at your own set pace and interest. Namibia Reservations uses reliable car rental companies.

Namibia and Botswana Camping Safari

Short description:

2 Persons - Campsite Kalahari Bush Breaks near Gobabis for 1 Night,

Tautona Lodge Campsite in Ghanzi/Botswana for 1 Night,

Audi Camp campsite in Maun for 2 Nights,

Nata Lodge Campsite for 1 Night inclusive 1 Game Drive into the Pan for 3hrs,

Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite in Kasane for 2 Nights inclusive 1 Boat Cruise and 1 Day Trip to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe,

Nunda Camp near Bagani for 1 Night,

Roy’s Rest Camp in Grootfontein for 1 night,

Namutoni Campsite in the Etosha National Park for 1 Night,

Ugab Terrace Lodge for 1 Night,

Alte Brücke campsite for 2 Nights including 1 Sunsail Catamaran Dolphin & Seal Cruise,

Car Rental - Toyota Hi-Lux D/C 4x4 with camping equipment for 2 Persons (Standard Cover)

Tour Length: 14 Days/ 13 Nights
Validity Period: 01.11.2013 - 31.10.2014

Collecting your vehicle at the International Airport you make your way towards Gobabis. Overnight at Kalahari Bush Breaks.

Next morning travel towards the Ghanzi area in Botswana, overnight at the Tautona Lodge at their campsite. Enjoy the sounds of the night while sitting around the campfire.

From Tautona your journey takes you to the Nata Lodge. Here you will have the chance to go on a 3 hour Game Drive in the Pan enjoying the photographic opportunities.

From Nata Lodge you will travel onwards to Chobe Safari Lodge. Enjoy a Boat Cruise on the river. The next day you will go on a day trip to the mighty Victoria Falls. At the end of the day reminisce of all that you have seen and experienced.

Today you will travel back to Namibia and overnight at the Nunda Camp, visit the rapids and enjoy the birdlife of the area.

Early morning wake-up and continue towards Grootfontein. Relax at Roy’s Rest Camp spending time with the tame wildlife and enjoying the surrounds.

The Etosha National Park is next on your list , here is an abundance of wildlife that you will be able to see from close-up. 

Traveling through the Etosha National Park enjoy the animals alongside the road. Continue onwards to Ugab Terrace Lodge. Relax at the fire.

Next day you will continue onwards towards Swakopmund enjoy the ever-changing scenery. You will stay 2 nights in the coastal town giving you time to see the German architectural houses and the history of Swakopmund. You will have the chance to go on a Boat Cruise and see the seals and maybe even a dolphin.

After 2 days your travel ends when you go back to Windhoek.
For more information please contact us via email at info@botswana-reservations.com

Tourists with Disabilities - Making it Simpler

South Africa has, in general, become much more aware of travellers with special requirements and most major attractions and facilities across the country can be counted on to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Visitor attractions:
Major attractions, airports, service stations, public buildings, game reserves and shopping centres have appropriate access, ablution facilities and parking.

South African National Parks' camps and visitor destinations, for example, provide ramped access into their main facilities. In many cases, accessible public ablution facilities are provided, including those at the camping sites. Many short trails also have Braille-interpretation plaques.
There are also selected units in many of the camps that have been adapted for use by mobility impaired guests (people in wheelchairs, using crutches, with prams, with frailty or reduced energy levels).

If you have specific accessibility requirements, your best bet is to request appropriate accommodation when you make a booking.

Most visitor facilites at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are wheelchair friendly. However, it is set on a very steep slope and not all areas of the garden are accessible. There are parking bays for the physically challenged at the main gates.

Making it simpler

Compiled by an occupational therapist, Disabled Travel lists facilities, accommodation and restaurants that have been evaluated with travellers with special needs in mind. Especially useful are the photographs of the facilities' bathrooms.

This is just a few of many places in South Africa which is disabled friendly:

Kgalagadi Camping sites
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape

Twee Rivieren and Nossob The environment in the camping sites is very sandy and uneven, especially in Nossob. Power points are available. Level access and paved area at the Nossob ablution. Paved ramp and no landing at the door of Twee Rivieren bathroom. Spacious bathroom for manoeuvring of wheelchair. Doors open to the inside. No bath available. Open space roll-in shower with a standard taps and large shower seat with height of 490 mm. In Nossob shower the adjustable shower head and tap is situated behind the seat. Height of adjustable shower in Twee Rivieren is 1120 mm. No horizontal grab rails. Leg space of 710 mm underneath the basin with standard taps and mirror within reach. No shelf present. Adequate space next to the toilet for side-ways transfer. Measurement from wall to front of toilet is 690 mm and height of toilet seat is 470 mm. Height of wall grab rail in Twee Rivieren is 820 mm and cistern rail is 520 mm. No wall grab rail within reach in Nossob. Height of cistern rail is 770 mm.

Self-catering Chalet no.427
Upington, Northern Cape No access to reception with 3 steps at the entrance. A ramp will be provided in the near future. Access to the undercover patio of the chalet via a suitable ramp from the paved parking area. Level access to the chalet from the patio. Level access to the kitchen and barbecue facilities on the patio.

Width of entrance to spacious bedroom is 900 mm. Height of bed is 640 mm. Leg space of 770 mm at the desk. Bedroom cupboard and lowered hang rail within reach. Adequate space in bathroom for manoeuvring of wheelchair. Width of entrance is 740 mm. No bath available. Roll-in shower with large shower chair. The adjustable shower head with lever taps is located on the opposite wall. No grab rails within reach of the seat. Width of shower is 1020 mm. Leg space of 720 mm underneath the small basin with lever taps. Shelf and mirror within reach. Adequate space next to the toilets for side-ways transfer. Measurement from wall to front of toilet is 760 mm and height of toilet seat is 470 mm. Height of grab rail is 815 mm. Restaurant has 3 steps at the main entrance. Side entrance access via a ramp and gravel area.

Courtyard Port Elizabeth Hotel
Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Access to the main entrance via a small step from the designated parking bay. One flight of stairs between reception and the rest of the hotel facilities. Access to hotel facilities via outdoor, undercover ramp and pathway.

Access to the outdoor room in covered walkway via a threshold ramp. Spacious bedroom with access to the cupboards and lowered hang rail. Height of bed is 560 mm. Leg space of 690 mm at the desk. Adequate space in bathroom for manoeuvring of wheelchair. Sliding door access. Height of bath is 500 mm. Roll-in shower with a handheld shower and overhead shower. Height of large shower seat is 520 mm. Width of entrance is 720 mm and door opens to the inside. Leg space of 840 mm underneath the basin with lever tap and vanity shelf. Mirror not within reach. Adequate space next to the toilet for side-ways transfer. Measurement from wall to front of toilet is 860 mm and height of toilet seat is 490 mm. Grab rails not within reach. One threshold step at wheelchair entrance to lounge, dining room and bar. Access to the patio via the ramped pathway. Four steps to access the pool and garden.

Addo Elephant National Park Main Camp
Addo, Eastern Cape
Chalets Access from the tarred parking bay to the chalet via a slight downhill pathway and ramp Access to the cottage via the patio. One step at the entrance of the cottage. Limited space in bathroom for maneuvering of wheelchair. Roll-in shower with limited space, collapsible seat, adjustable shower handle and a grab rail for transfer.

 

The shower handle and tap are not within reach of the seat. Space available next to the toilet for transfer. The grab rails are placed above the level of the cistern and the basin. Adequate space next to the bath for transfer on the opposite side of the regular taps. Leg space underneath the basin with lever taps. No mirror or shelf available at the basin. Adequate space in the bedroom with cupboards within reach. Assistance is needed to use this facility. Not recommended for motorised chairs.

Olifants Camp No. 76
Limpopo - Kruger National Park, Limpopo
Bungalow no. 76 Unit: BG2Z Access to the main buildings, two bungalows and parking areas via ramps and paved pathways. Spacious bathroom for manoeuvring of wheelchair. No bath available. Adequate space next to the toilet for side-ways transfer. Measurement from wall to front of toilet is 660 mm and height of toilet seat is 510 mm. Grab rail not within reach of seat. Large roll-in shower with a lever tap and adjustable shower head. Height of large shower seat is 450 mm. Overhead shower present. Leg space of 720 mm underneath the basin with lever taps. Height of shelf is 840 mm. No mirror within reach. Width of space in front of basin is 950 mm. Adequate space in bedroom with access to cupboard and lowered hang rail. Height of bed is 510 mm. Access available to the kitchen facilities on the veranda. Height of kitchen shelf is 900 mm. Communal cooking facilities available. Access available to the restaurant, shop and patio. Access to the River View lookout point via a pathway.

Mopani Camp No. 17, 65
SANParks, Limpopo - Kruger National Park, Limpopo
Bungalows no. 17, 65 (Code BD4Z) Level access to the main buildings and the 2 bungalows from the paved pathways and parking areas. Sliding door and adequate space in bathroom for manoeuvrings of wheelchair. Adequate space next to the toilet for side-ways transfer. Measurement from wall to front of toilet is 750 mm and height of toilet seat is 440 mm. Height of wall grab rail is 800 mm. Roll-in shower with regular taps and adjustable shower handle not within reach of seat. Height of seat is 450 mm and width of shower is 1040 mm. No bath available. Leg space of 640 mm underneath the basin with lever taps and mirror within reach. No shelf available. Adequate space in main bedroom with access to cupboard. No lowered hang rail. Height of bed is 480 mm. Bunk bed available in alcove. Access available to the kitchen facilities on the veranda. Height of kitchen shelf is 920 mm. Leg space of 710 mm underneath the dining table. Access available to the restaurant, shop and patio. One small step to the bar. Access to Pioneer Dam bird hide.

Know me for my ABILITIES, not my DISABILITIES

For more information you can contact us at: info@southern-africa-travel.com

Know me for my abilities, not my disability.

Ebola Updates & Important Information

No Entry to Botswana or Zambia for tourists from Ebola infected areas

The Botswana and Zambian Ministries of Health have announced new measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Any tourists who have been to an Ebola infected area (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria or Liberia) in the past 30 days will be denied entry into Botswana and Zambia and returning residents from Zambia and Botswana may be subject to quarantine if they have travelled through high risk countries. Please note the list of high risk countries may increase should circumstances change.
It is therefore recommended that guests planning to visit Botswana or Zambia avoid these high risk countries at this time. It is important to remember that these measures are to prevent the disease from coming into the respective countries, and not to contain any infection on the ground.

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There is no better way to connect with the bush than by making camp and falling asleep under the African Stars. Sitting around the campfire listening to the crackling of the fire and the sounds of nature and enjoying a complete ‘back to nature’ experience – this is camping in Africa.

Namibia & Botswana Self-Drive Camping Safari

Book your Camping Safari today!!!

www.namibiareservations.com