Botswana Safari 1- The logistics

A lot of forward planning, co-ordination and organization goes into one of our Mega Safaris. Tommy and Neil are the "Big Picture" planners and start working on things more than a year in advance. Getting the group on board and making crucial bookings is the next step. Gail's forte. Everyone's itinerary is a little different..
Matamba Bush Camp - Vaalwater - 1 night
Stockpoort Border Crossing
Okavango River Lodge  - Maun - 1 night
Xakanaka Camp, Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango - 5 nights
Okavango River Lodge - Maun - 1 night
Leopard Pan Camp, Central Kalahari Game reserve - 4 nights
Kubu Island - Magadigadi Pans - 1 night
Khama Rhino Sanctuary - 2 nights
Martin's Drift Border Crossing
Mapungupwe Game reserve -Alldays - 2 nights

 Emails do the rounds and plenty of discussion regarding essential equipment and camping gear takes place. Trailer or no trailer? Caravan or roof top tent? How many jerry cans of extra diesel? Recovery equipment? What sort of bucket makes the best loo? This is the camp in Central Kalahari. Can you spot the bucket?

Fridge or Freezer? Solar panels? Then meal and cooking allocations.
The Pro

The quick learner

Checklist checking.Shopping and ammo box packing.
(Andrew had no time to sort out his stuff before the trip, so he spent all his spare time on the roof opening ammo boxes and discovering things like mayo with a 2007 expiry date! Note the expandable ladder that made it onto every guy's " buy as soon as I get home" list!)

Are we ready for border crossings? Camping without facilities( even bringing in all your water ) for four nights in Central Kalahari? With three course dinners and ice and fresh lemons for the G and Ts at all times!

Actually, this team is totally pro at all this! Newbies are very welcome but the learning curve is steep!(Danie and John resting after erecting the Oz tent for the first time.)