Orvis Week in Botswana
Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2024 | Starting at $12,290 — Excellent fly fishing paired with accommodations at two exceptional lodges in Africa—join us for Orvis Week in Botswana.
Orvis Week in Botswana
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Orvis Week in Botswana
Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2024 | Starting at $12,290 — Excellent fly fishing paired with accommodations at two exceptional lodges in Africa—join us for Orvis Week in Botswana.
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orvistravel@orvis.comYour trip will be split between two exceptional lodges.
Xugana Island Lodge: Xugana Lagoon is widely accepted as being the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. Xugana Island Lodge, situated on a wooded island abutting the lagoon, takes full advantage of this magnificent site. The thatched common area, comprising cocktail bar, lounge, and curio shop, is still the original building put up in 1974, when Xugana became only the second tourist lodge ever built in the Okavango Delta.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge: An exclusive lodge set on an island in the panhandle of the Okavango Delta, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas in the world. As one of the oldest lodges in the Delta, it has a unique charm and atmosphere. The lodge has seven double chalets and two family chalets. The lodge offers water-based activities, including boating and mokoro trips along the network of channels that make up the area. Nxamaseri is one of the top bird-watching and fishing destinations in the country and specializes in both, with expert and enthusiastic guides guaranteed to make your experience a memorable one.
Day 1:
Arrival in Johannesburg where you are met and assisted with airport procedures and assisted to your overnight hotel across from the international arrivals.
Day 2:
Following breakfast you will make your way back to international departures for your flight to Maun, Botswana. On arrival in Maun, you are met and assisted to your awaiting plane for your flight to Xugana Island Lodge. The flight will take about 20 minutes. On arrival you will have time for high tea before heading off on your first fishing trip. Head back to the lodge for dinner.
Days 3 & 4:
Xugana Island Lodge is situated over the magnificent Xugana Lagoon, which is widely recognized as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola yet never reaches the sea; instead, its immense waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari, where the great thirst of the desert is quenched in a wilderness of freshwater lagoons, channels and islands.
Day 5:
This morning after one final excursion and breakfast you are transferred back to the airstrip for your flight to Nxameseri Lodge. On arrival at the airstrip, you are met by your boatman and transferred to the lodge. Arrive in time for lunch before heading off for an afternoon of fishing. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Days 6 & 7:
In the northwest of Botswana, the Okavango Panhandle is the main watercourse supplying the Okavango Delta from Angola. The Panhandle is not part of a reserve or protected area but there are still huge areas of unspoiled wetlands and papyrus-lined lagoons. Even though wildlife is less abundant here, there are plenty of hippos, huge crocodiles and the shy water antelope species like the Sitatunga. With the region’s tall shady riverine forests, the birdlife is outstanding. In the summer months, large flocks of spectacular carmine bee-eaters can be seen nesting in the vertical banks of the Okavango River.
Day 8:
This morning after breakfast and one last early morning fishing activity, you are transferred back to the airstrip for your flight to Maun. On arrival at Maun Airport, connect with your flight to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg and connect with your home-bound flight and depart Africa.
Angling for tiger fish and bream can be excellent at certain times of the year. The fast-flowing deep waters are ideal for fishing and the annual barbel run of catfish attracts large numbers of predatory tiger fish. September and October are the best months for anglers to experience this amazing phenomenon. All fishing for tiger fish and bream is catch-and-release.
What is Included?
- All regional and scheduled flights as specified – subject to change without notice until paid for
- All accommodation on a shared basis as specified
- Services of Sam Wallace as guide throughout the trip
- Meals and beverages (except premium brands) as specified
- Twice daily game activities at safari lodges and camps, inclusive of park fees where applicable
- All road transfers as specified
- Applicable government taxes—correct at the time of quotation–subject to change without notice
- Meet and greet services as specified
- Laundry at all safari camps (excluding hotels)
What is Not Included?
- Any alterations to this itinerary
- All scheduled international flights to and from Africa
- All items of a personal nature i.e., additional meals, activities not specified, curios, etc.
- All relevant visa fees and departure taxes
- Any new government taxes levied between now and dates of travel
- All gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Communication costs such as phone calls and internet
How many people are on this trip?
8 guests.
What skill level is suggested?
All skill levels are welcome.
How strenuous are the activities?
The trip can be tailored to an individual's fitness level.
What other activities are available?
Fishing - Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a prime destination for fishing from March to December. Tiger fish are indigenous to the area and provide thrilling angling for both experienced and novice anglers.
Bird watching – Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding.
Game Viewing – Guided nature viewing by boat or vehicle.
Guided Nature Walks – Guided nature walks on the various islands allow for the opportunity to track some of the larger species that inhabit this wilderness.
Mokoro Excursions – Explore the crystal-clear waterways by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and enjoy the magnificent variety of bird, plant, and reptile species found in the area.
Motorboat Safaris – Explore the crystal-clear waterways and deeper channels of the Okavango Delta by motorboat and enjoy the magnificent variety of bird, plant and wildlife species found in the area.
All the activities listed are possible with the Orvis itinerary.
Activities are seasonal and water level dependent.
What is the typical weather?
South Africa is a subtropical country, moderated by ocean and the altitude of the interior plateau. Famous for its sunshine, it is a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). Temperatures in South Africa tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes – such as Australia – due mainly to greater elevation above sea level.
SPRING: September to November / Average Minimum: 9°C/48°F / Average Maximum: 38°C/100°F.
What gear do you recommend?
A detailed packing list will be sent to guests upon booking.
Reservations, Deposits & Payments
The deposit is 50% of the trip price unless stated differently in the trip proposal and materials (trip planner and confirmation email). In some cases, deposits are non-refundable, this depends on the destination and will be clearly noted in the trip proposal and materials as well. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. The balance will be charged automatically to the credit card used for the deposit, unless otherwise specified. Any changes made to the method of payment after the final balance has been collected are subject to processing fees.
A reservation form and release are required prior to departure.
All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another.
Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Adventures reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.
Planning information
When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Although cancellation fees may be higher for some trips (stated in the trip proposal and materials), the following minimum cancellation fees will apply:
| Days Prior to Trip | Fee |
| + 90 days | $300 per person |
| 89 days or less | 100% of cost |
For trips that include an Orvis gift card or Orvis merchandise, the retail value of the gift card or merchandise is non-refundable upon delivery. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather.
We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement.
Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees.
Cancellation Insurance
Your planning information includes information for travel insurance covering cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage.
Share policies
Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip.
Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived.
Passports and documents
International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions.
Arrival and Departure
Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day.
Equipment & Clothing
You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information.
Airline reservations
The land cost of your trip does not include airfare.
Limitation of liability
This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully.
Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.
All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.
Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.
Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.
