From tracking elephants deep in mopane woodland to the crystal clear lagoons of the Okavango Delta and the eerie calmness of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, there are few finer places to go on a private guided safari. The safaris are run by Clint Gielink and his team who have 17 years experience of guiding and running mobile camping safaris in Botswana. They guarantee small private arrangements to remote safari locations, so that you can escape and really enjoy the peace and beauty of Botswana's wilderness. Clint is well aware that probably the most important component of a first-class safari is the guide. He will ensure that you have an experienced guide with a passion for Botswana - both its wilderness and its people. There are two types of safari offered – the Matshwane Serviced Safari and a Participation Safari (more suitable for the adventurous and cost consious). The formers accommodation is more comfortable and is supported by a cook and full camp staff. The latter offers a chance to get involved in setting up a simple private bush camp in the wilderness. Both safaris are tailored to suit your needs dates and party size normally 2 - 6 to a vehicle. Whichever safari you opt for, you will have a first rate guide, excellent food, dramatic landscapes and amazing wildlife sightings. We recommend The Matshwane Safari for it is highly mobile, private and is professional guided and hosted. All water, wood food and supploes are driven in. The tents are complete 2.4 metre Bow tents with high roofs and a 9 foot covered "terrace" in front of the tent. The tents are furnished with full height camp beds made up with mattresses, coton sheets, duvets and pillows.  The tents have an en‐suite loo and basin at the rear of the tent.  Showers are separate to the tent and are in the form of delightful bucket showers hung from a tree contained within a canvas screen. Showers can be ordered as hot, cold or warm and the water is heated in a bucket on the fire. The same support team will stay with you for the duration of the safari and will be responsible for all the camp duties, including erecting and dismantling the camp on daya that it moves, cooking excellent bush cuisine and keeping you well entertained. There is a dining tent where meals are served but due to the generally excellent weather and clear night skies dinner is often served under the stars. All meals are served at table and dinner is 3 delicious courses with wines. The safari can be experienced in both a vehicle, a boat or mekoro punts. These safaris are prefect for a family party or group of friends. Going on a safari with Okavango Expeditions is about much more than just the opportunity to see stunning wildlife in its natural setting. It’s also about sitting around a camp fire in the middle of the bush, having just eaten a delectable meal, listening to the distant roar of a lion, smelling the indescribable scent of the bush at night and sleeping in a comfortable tent. We highly recommend this type of comfortable, down to earth safari which is enthusiastically led, gets you very close to nature and completely away from "it" all. Combining this with a couple of nights staying at a permanent camp works extremely well. This Safari includes:  • Licensed and experienced professional guide • Camp assistant to do camp chores (staff will travel with guests in same vehicle to 1st camp) • All meals & drinks: wine, beer, G&T, cool drinks, bottled water – no other spirits • Open game drive vehicles with shade roof, game viewing seats and long-range fuel tanks • Trailer with all camping equipment • Walk-in tents (2.4 m bow tents) with built-in floors, mosquito gauze on door and windows and attached private loo.  • Full linen and towels • Separate private hot/cold bucket showers • National Park entry and camping fees • Private campsites wherever possible, depending on availability of specific campsites The Matshwane Safari rates 2011 2 guests US$ 499 per person per night sharing 3 guests US$ 435 per person per night sharing 4-6 guests US$ 399 per person per night sharing 7-12 guests on application Budget Participation Safari rates 2011 2 guests US$ 375 per person per night sharing 3 guests US$ 290 per person per night sharing 4 guests US$ 235 per person per night sharing 5 guests US$ 215 per person per night sharing 6 guests US$ 190 per person per night sharing 7-12 guests on application Style Private Mobile tented safari Air/Con No Dining Yes, all meals included Children Yes, 12 and over is recommended but younger by arrangement. No. of Bedrooms 4 double tents Pool No Activities Game drives, mekoro trips, bush walks and an independent safari ideal for the discerning traveller Price Range From about £2100 (low) to £3500 (high) per person for a 6 night safari with UK return economy class flights - dependant on season, itinerary and size of the party. Botswana Hotel/Lodge/Camp Directory