Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie

Jump Days Friday 12th to Sunday 14th July 2024
(Thursday 11th July, Arrival Day)

Aircraft:

The Casa 235 tailgate aircraft is confirmed for the Boogie, plus a Helicopter
to deliver us to altitude.
Ten jumps are included in the Boogie package.
We will jump the Botswana Defence Force aircraft over 3 FULL days, with a minimum of 1 jump from a civilian chopper. These are amazing jump ships, and so much fun if this will be your 1st exit from any of them (beer!).
Additional smaller aircraft should also be available.
Any jumps over the 10 included will cost just $50 USD per lift.

PLUS a very special LAST JUMP OF THE BOOGIE…. See Below

Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie Hercules 2022

Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie 2022

Organisers:

Load Organising will be led by Milko & Sian. The fact we do not need their surnames says it all. Milko has Organised on every large FS World Record for the last 15 years or so, and Sian is the 2022 Female FS 4-way World Champion. There are other great Organisers out there, but non better than Milko & Sian, they truly are World class.
Whilst this is unashamedly an FS/flat LO event, all disciplines are welcome.

 

Milko

The Casa and C130 at Makgadikgadi Epic were just awesome to launch big groups… it’s such a super fun event

Sian

Yes I agree with Milko, and also love the experience of Chobe national park and it’s amazing game viewing, not to mention the stunning Victoria Falls – It’s just a fantastic overall trip

Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie 2021

Milko’s group, last day, last jump. Vid by Spot, Herc by Botswana Defence Force

BOTSWANA MAKGADIKGADI EPIC BOOGIE DETAILS

Boogie information:

Thursday 11th July

We will be transported from Kasane to the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans near Sowa Town in eastern Botswana as part of the event.

On arrival at the DZ we will be allocated our accommodation, either 2 person Africa tents (including proper beds & mattresses and electric lights) or for an upgrade cost, larger tents with double bed and a tented on-suit bathroom (subject to availability).

After a meet a greet, familiarisation tour of the boogie venue, Kit & Doc inspections, all skydivers will be prepared for their first jump. This process will also include a full safety briefing of all aircraft types, so all the admin is complete allowing jumping to start straight away on Friday.

Later, our sumptuous dinner will be prepared in the purpose-built kitchen facility adjacent to the dining marquee, creating a wide choice in freshly prepared quality food served buffet style.

Non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water will accompany every meal, with alcoholic drinks available on a cash or card basis each evening. Enjoy few cold beers or a glass of wine as you meet up with old and make new friends arriving for the boogie.

One of the many unique features of this event is we share the location and timing with the legendary Makgadikgadi Epic music festival. It’s a great vibe to accompany the boogie, so check it out!

Friday 12th July

Following our tasty choice of buffet breakfast, Lets Jump!
Four are planned for the first day, with some also jumping the chopper or guest aircraft as well.

Our landing pattern will often have the option of a flight path directly over the music festival and can be likened to a “demo” on every jump. It’s great fun flying over the crowds, but having said that, the landing area is huge with many easy outs! Lunch will be served in the dining marquee.

Where operationally viable, non-skydivers attending the boogie may enjoy riding to attitude with us in the tailgates to watch our exits for real, and not just on a video? Dusk will be around 6pm, with time for a shower and drink before we eat.

Following dinner, one of boogies unique highlights will be joining the music festival in time to watch the “day tape” of our skydiving, displayed on 2 ginormous screens either side of the main stage. Expect to become a superhero celebrity in the eyes of the audience and you will probably be asked to join their selfies. To us, we were just jumping out of planes!

Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie Flag Jump 2022

Saturday 13th July

Four jumps are planned for the second day, again with some also jumping the helicopter or guest aircraft.

The evenings excitement will peak with the now famous Parachute Association of Botswana’s Grand Draw. You have to be there to win, with an expected total prize value of $10,000 USD!

And don’t forget to look out for yourself on the Day Tape on the music festival screens.

Sunday 14th July

Rinse and repeat!
(Have you jumped the chopper yet?)

The LAST BOOGIE JUMP will be a VERY EXCITING AND UNIQUE EXPERIANCE!

We will jump into the middle of Makgadikgadi Pans, miles from any civilisation. In addition to dinner around our isolated location camp fire, we then wild camp UNDERNEATH THE STARS. A truly magical experience. This activity is optional, coordinated through a specialist tour company, and will cost an additional $250 USD above the Boogie cost.

Monday 15th July
We will be transferred from either the Pans or the boogie location back to Kasane. A Lodge (hotel) for Monday evening can be booked on your behalf (cost not included), where you may wish to join a final meal with all your boogie buddies before joining any International Flights Tuesday 16th?

Tourism & adventure:

Expect to be stunned by the game viewing in Botswana’s coveted Chobe National Park, near Kasane, famous for the density of wildlife. Lion, elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo leopard, baboon, hippo, crocs…. and so many stunning birds to see. This is an easily accessible option pre or post Boogie. The sunsets are totally amazing, as you maybe enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River?

(This is not part of the boogie and should be arranged independently)

Travel, Dates & Timing:

Arrival: For the international traveller, you should plan to arrive in Kasane, northern Botswana, by 11:30am Thursday 11th July for the PM shuttle to the DZ. It’s expected the majority will arrive earlier that week to take advantage of the amazing tourism and adventure opportunities (not part of the boogie package).

Departure: Return Flights home should be no earlier than Tuesday 16th July.

Airports: Various International airports are accessible, including of course, Kasane.

Cost:

  • 10 jumps are included from the Casa 235 tailgate & helicopter 
  • World Class FS Load Organising led by Milko & Sian
  • Accommodation – 3 or 4 nights in walk-in tents with beds and electric lights
  • Freshly prepared quality food served 3 times a day
  • Transfers – Shuttle to and from Kasane to the DZ
  • Free entry to Makgadikgadi Epic music festival
  • Free inclusion to Boogie Grand draw

Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic,
the BEST VALUE LARGE AIRCRAFT BOOGIE…. EVER!

4 days of excitement, 10 jumps, all your food and shared tended accommodation for ONLY
Early Bird Special (Until End MARCH 2024) – $1 650.00
Normal Registration (From 1st APRIL 2024) – $1 950.00
AND ONLY $800 for Non-Skydivers in shared tented accommodation
Upgrade Meru “on suit” tent – $1 000.00

PLUS, A UNIQUE Last Boogie jump experience
including Dinner & Camping under the stars + $250 USD

Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie Registration Process:

We expect 2024 demand will again exceed capacity given this extraordinary boogie experience of aircraft, LO’s and tourism & adventure opportunity at such fantastic value.

Event Registration Request is NOW OPEN.

Registration Process:
1. Complete your Registration Request now via the link below.
2. When you receive your reply please Pay a $500 deposit** (see below).
3. Conformation of received funds and your Registration slot will be sent.
4. Pay your balance on or before April 1st to enjoy the Early Bird Special price.

** Deposit

Of your $500 USD Registration deposit, $450 is fully refundable in the unlikely event of a change in details above around the Dates, Aircraft or the Organisers at the boogie.

 

Previous attendee’s comments:

What an epic adventure, one off the best trips I’ve ever had with so many memories. A massive thanks to Jim and everyone on the event for all their hard work organising it and I’ll 100% be doing it again in 2023. Thanks again.

David Cunningham, UK, 800+ jumps

A fantastic experience I’ll always remember, from the camping safari and game drives with experienced guides, to the skydiving out of a Casa and Hercules with amazing organisers. Thank you everyone x

Madeline Daly, UK, 600 jumps

The camp that beats them all. The jumps from a Hercules, a Casa and a chopper were spectacular but there was so much more too: the varied locations (salt flats, wild bush, Victoria Falls and more), the breath taking wildlife, the stunning night skies and the wonderful people of Botswana. This was Africa in the raw and truly the jumping trip of a lifetime.
Griff Jones, UK, 600+ jumps

My time in Africa was literally life-altering. It wasn’t just the phenomenal skydiving or stunning, almost desolate beauty of the Sowa Salt Pan. It was the people who welcomed us into their country with open arms. It was the joy of watching a newer jumper complete a 4 way star for the first time ever. The unexpectedly delicious food at every single meal. It was hanging out at with my fellow jumpers after dinner telling stories and having some wine. It was the early morning game drives and sunset river cruises where we all got to see animals out in the wild. This boogie is unforgettable.
Angela L. Bates, USA, Over 500 jumps

Visiting Africa for the Botswana boogie was a great experience. Skydiving I added 3 new jump planes to my log book and first beach landing. Visiting Victoria Falls and the variety of animals we viewed in their natural habitat was definitely a thrill as well. So happy I was able to attend!
Diana Kruchten, USA, 2680 jumps

The very best skydive trip I’ve ever been on! Where else can you have a ride in a big plane and watch skydivers jump out of it.
Sarah Bradwell, UK, Non Skydiver

CONTACT

botswanaepic@gmail.com

Read British Skydiving’s “Skydive The Mag” for a Botswana Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie review