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The Roller Safaris offer comfortable camping in intimate, exclusive semi-permanent camps across the
wilderness highspots of Botswana.
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Currently there is just one scheduled Roller Safari operating in Botswana – The Lilac-breasted Roller
Safari. Further safaris are in the offing, and they will appear here in due course. If this itinerary
appeals to you but you want a more exclusive safari, travelling with a small group of family or friends, and
guided by a top local expert, then discuss a private guided safari to Botswana with us.
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From the beginning of January up until May 2008, the Lilac-breasted Roller Safari will utilise spacious
(3 x 3 metre) walk-in dome tents, each with a small veranda. The simply styled interior is made up of
comfortable twin camp beds with a canvas bedroll, crisp bed linen and duvet, towels, small side table,
luggage rack and 12v reading lamp. The tents are large enough to stand and move in easily. Hot water bottles
and blankets are offered during the winter months.
Private hand basins are set up outside each tent. For every four guests there is one spacious shower
enclosure with a tin bucket shower and a large toilet enclosure with flush toilet. Each enclosure has a table
with hand basin, mirror, soaps and toiletries.
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In June 2008 an upgrade to 4 x 4 metre walk-in tents with en-suite bathrooms is planned. Full-size beds with
pure cotton linen, soft down duvets and pillows raise the comfort of camping to a new level. Bedside lamps,
canvas wardrobes, dressing gowns and grooming amenities will create style and comfort rivalling those in some
of Botswana’s most elegant lodges. Each tent will have an en suite bathroom with flush toilet, hand basins,
water jugs, mirror, towels, soaps and other toiletries. A romantic al fresco bucket shower is filled at your
request with hot, warm or cold water heated over the camp fire.
In the central area, a much larger marquee tent with metal and canvas camp chairs is set up to provide shade
and sheltered dining in the unlikely event of rain. Delicious three-course meals are prepared by the camp
chef and served on a beautifully laid dining table in the open, allowing you to enjoy dinner under the stars.
When night falls, paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the evening ambience.
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Most drinks such as soft drinks, mineral water, local wine, beer and local spirits are available from a well
stocked bar. Premium-brand drinks are not included but special requests can be made in advance of your
departure for a nominal fee. There is also a small library containing flora and fauna reference books.
Although the Roller Safari style offers all the comforts you may need, it also aims to give a true
back-to-nature experience, through the location of the tents and atmospheric touches such as the nightly
campfire and lanterns.
These Botswana safaris are conducted in custom-built open 4WD safari vehicles that take a maximum of 6
passengers. Each vehicle has roll-down canvas sides for optimal game viewing and is fitted with individual
bucket seats, each situated by a window. Each vehicle comes complete with onboard same and charge points for
digital cameras and equipment. Snacks and ice-cold drinks are available on all drives.
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For practical reasons, the minimum age limit is 12 years. The maximum age limit is 70 years, however, an
exception may be made for travellers between the ages of 70 and 75 provided a medical certificate stating
you are fit to travel is produced.
On our Roller Safaris, the light-aircraft transfers from Maun to the Okavango Delta are charter flights, and
the luggage limit is 20kg per person including reasonable camera equipment. All luggage must be packed in
soft squashable bags. This is seldom a problem as light, casual clothing is all that is needed except in the
winter months (mid June to early September) when at least one warm jacket or fleece is recommended. If
require a higher luggage limit for additional specialised camera equipment talk to us, as for an extra
charge we may be able to organise this for you.
The Lilac-breasted Roller Safari concludes in Zimbabwe. Passengers travelling on a British passport
will require a visa for Zimbabwe which can be bought on arrival. We understand the cost is about US$70 per
person.
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