Kaie Tours
Bushman Kalahari tours and Botswana safaris

SAFARI 3 - A walk through rural Botswana

(Duration anything from 1 day to a 6-day hike)

Itinerary for a 6-day walk

On the first evening we stay with a family in a picturesque village about an hours drive from Gaborone. The accommodation is simple but adequate. We carry in mattresses and bedding . The evening meal is a traditional dish and while that is being prepared you may take a stroll around the village with a guide. Back at the homestead we join our hosts sitting under the stars eating and chatting. Visitors usually seem to slip easily into the pattern of village life, falling asleep early.

You will be woken up with a hot drink and after breakfast, again prepared on the fire, set off on foot into a rugged gorge and then onto the Lohawa Hills which loom over Ranaka. At least most of the uphill work is done in the cool of morning!

The Kolobeng river rises in the valley beneath the prominent Pyetle Hill. Even during the dry season this area is moist and is a habitat for rare orchids. Your guide will point out plants, animal life and other things of interest. Following the river valley through a well-wooded landscape we make it to the days destination, an old cattle post, soon after midday.

Later in the afternoon your hosts will show you around the cattle post and explain some of their farming techniques. You may, depending in the season, be invited to join them in doing some farm work. Following that there is an opportunity to walk up to a viewing point and watch the sun go down while collecting firewood. That evening, apart from our tented camp,there is little sign of the 21st century. This is a setting in which little has changed for generations. [Distance 14kms]

The third day starts early with the sounds of cows being milked and bird song. The route continues mostly along the river valley passing through a changing landscape of woods, bush, fields and rock outcrops. Manyana village makes a convenient stopping off point for cold drinks and lunch. It is also well known for its Bushman rock paintings which the museum guide will show you. [Distance 10kms]

On day 4 there is a choice of routes. The more strenuous route takes you over Dimare Hill, the site of the battle in 1852 between the Boers and Sechele the Bakwena chief. This hill complex which was both hideaway and lookout point for the local people contains the stone circle remains of an early settlement and offers superb views over the surrounding country. The easier route follows the old dirt road to Mangkodi village. Another place of interest in Mmankodi which can be visited with a short detour is a traditional doctor and herbalist. Mma Mopheme, the doctor, finds all the ingredients for her wide range of medicines in the bush. Your destination for the day is the Bahurutse Cultural Lodge. Run by local people of the Bahurutse tribe the rondavel accommodation is laid out in a traditional village style. A reception will be arranged for you with traditional entertainment and you can sample the local brew as the afternoon shadows grow longer. [Distance 10kms or 12kms]

Day 5 takes you back across the Kolobeng river which you follow a short way downstream towards the site of Dr David Livingstones’Mission. Over this section you are following Livingstones footsteps as he used to walk from the Mission to Manyana to preach. We leave the valley to follow a cross country route leading to the small settlement of Tlone. Just out of the settlement and tucked away under the hills you will find your camp set up for a last night under the stars. If you explore a bit above the campsite there are rock platforms which provide the perfect place for star-gazing and give stunning distant views. [Distance 12kms]

It is a short distance of about eight kilometres on day 6 into Gabane village. For those interested in seeing local craftwork Manyana has a pottery, an artist’s studio and a glassworks. Your guide will find a village bus travelling to Gaborone Once back in Gabs you will be transferred to the airport or to your accommodation.

Discover the peace and tranquility of rural Botswana.

Safari 3, ‘Walk through rural Botswana’for 6 days / 5 nights, rates per person:

• US$509 - 2 people
• US$369 - 3 or 4 people
• US$296 - 5 or 6 people

Safari 3, ‘Walk through rural Botswana 3 days / 2 nights rates per person:

• US$336 - 2 people
• US$236 - 3 or 4 people
• US$174 - 5 or 6 people

Please enquire for rates for a walk of a different duration.

• Children aged 5 to 12 travel half-price
• Rates for larger groups are available on request

INCLUDED: Transfers and vehicle backup to carry the equipment, local guide, accommodation, mattresses and bedding, meals with limited wine and beer. Breakfast and the evening meal are traditional Tswana dishes and picnic lunches are provided.

NOT INCLUDED: Hard liquor, fizzy drinks and gratuities.

GRADING: There is some hill climbing but the slopes are not steep. Care needs to be taken in places with loose rocks on the path. Distance covered each day about 14km. Suitable for anyone of average fitness.

WHAT TO BRING: Strong walking shoes, sunhat, sun-block, lipsol, torch, one litre water container, your favourite nibbles or extra snacks, fleece/jumper for the evenings. All that you need should fit into a 20ltr day pack. Any clothing which is washed along the way will dry overnight. Alternatively, a change of clothing can dropped off for you at certain points on the route.

All clients must have travel insurance - both in case of cancellation penalties and also for medical cover while on safari.

For further information contact Christopher Toye: Tel 3973388, Cell 72261585, email toye@it.bw