Adventure. A luxury escorted tour from KwaZulu-Natal to Victoria Falls including a two night Chobe River safari 22 nd March to 3 rd April 2017

Transcription

1 an African Adventure A luxury escorted tour from KwaZulu-Natal to Victoria Falls including a two night Chobe River safari 22 nd March to 3 rd April 2017

2 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Phinda Private Game Reserve In spite of all her regional difficulties, Africa still captures the imagination like no other continent. Its varied cultures and peoples, its extraordinary wildlife and perhaps most of all, the majesty of its landscapes cast a lifelong spell on all who visit. Our African adventure begins with a relaxing stay in Durban and, from our hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, you will be able to explore this cosmopolitan city before we head to Isandlwana. A highlight for many, Isandlwana is the location where the Anglo-Zulu-War of 1879 saw its climax. We will not only visit this extraordinary place, where nature and history become one, but stay here overnight in the Isandlwana Lodge which overlooks the now peaceful location where British and Zulu history violently met. Next on the itinerary is a stay at the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge where you will experience beautiful flora and plants as well as the magnificent animal life. Phinda Game Reserve is a 5-star, award winning reserve and a haven for Africa s Big Five and threatened wildlife such as cheetah and black rhino. With two nights here we hope to see all the Big Five species and more. From the Phinda Game Reserve we travel to Kasane in Botswana to embark the five-star Zambezi Queen which will be our base for the next two nights. We are delighted to be able to offer a safari aboard this unique vessel. There can be few natural wonders as synonymous with Africa s raw wilderness as the great Chobe River. These waters divide Namibia s Caprivi Strip from Botswana s Chobe National Park, and its exotic banks boast one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Teeming with life, this National Park sprawls across some 11,000 kilometres of lush African bush and is home to elephants, prides of leopard and lion, huge groups of buffalo, waterbuck, roan, eland, sable, giraffe and, if you are lucky, one of the rare puku, can also be seen. In the river itself watch out for hippo and crocodile, and keep your binoculars at the ready for spotting a rich selection of bird life. We will also make calls at small villages and uncover some truly unique communities, unchanged for thousands of years. As a fitting end to our journey, after disembarking the Zambezi Queen, we will transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, one of Africa s most famous hotels which will be our base to explore the wonder of the Falls and also to relax and reminisce. 2

3 Lilac-breasted roller bird Zambezi Queen safari boat Durban Isandlwana battlefields NAMIBIA Kasane Chobe River BOTSWANA The Itinerary Day 1 London to Durban, South Africa. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. ZAMBIA SOUTH AFRICA Day 2 Durban. Arrive today and transfer to the Beverley Hills Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks for a two night stay. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities or maybe take a walk along the coast before we meet for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Livingstone Victoria Falls Rorke s Drift ZIMBABWE Johannesburg Durban Phinda Private Game Reserve Isandlwana Day 3 Durban. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before exploring Durban on a morning tour. We will travel along the Golden Mile, the revitalised beachfront promenade, continuing through the city, past City Hall and on to the harbour. We will drive past the University of Natal s Durban campus for the view below before we visit the bustling African and Indian markets at Warwick Triangle and the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens. Our tour concludes with a visit to the Moses Mabhida Stadium where we can take the cable car to the top of the stadium for a phenomenal view of Durban. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon before meeting for dinner at a seafront restaurant in Durban. Day 4 Isandlwana. This morning we will drive inland to the infamous Battlefields area from the Anglo Zulu war. In 1879 the British invaded Zululand but came up against strong opposition with a heavy defeat at Isandlwana, rated as one of the greatest military defeats in British colonial history. Soon after around 4,000 Zulu fighters attacked the British garrison at Rorke s drift where 150 soldiers were able to defend the outpost in a battle lasting over 11 hours. More Victoria Crosses were awarded for valour during this battle than any other time. After lunch at the lodge we will enjoy a tour of Isandlwana spending time on the battlefield and seeing where key decisions of the battles took place before returning to our lodge for dinner. Day 5 Rorke s Drift & Phinda Private Game Reserve. After an early breakfast we will make the short journey to Rorke s Drift where we can see the museum, memorials and graveyard as our guide brings the battle to life. We will then make our way to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, 23,000 hectares of prime, game-rich land which is home to the Big Five. Alongside the expert rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, we are assured an exclusive game viewing experience. On arrival we will board jeeps as we transfer to the Phinda Mountain Lodge situated in the heart of the reserve. Enjoy lunch on arrival and settle into our suites before meeting this afternoon for our first game drive. The professionally trained guides will discuss your wildlife preferences and will do their best to ensure that these are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting and getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. Phinda is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide you with an exceptional sighting of all of these animals. +44 (0)

4 Giraffes Victoria Falls Hippos, Chobe River Game drive Day 6 Phinda Mountain Lodge. We have a full day at the lodge to be as active or leisurely as you wish. There will be game drives at dawn and dusk to further explore the reserve searching for the cheetahs, white and black rhino or nyala antelope. Alternatively, the lodge will provide optional tours including specialist birding trips in search of the 415 bird species that inhabit Phinda s seven diverse habitats, enjoy a tracking or walking safari or maybe travel to the Indian Ocean to see whale sharks. You may prefer to simply stay put and enjoy the view from your balcony. Day 7 Phinda Mountain Lodge to Johannesburg. After breakfast in the lodge we will transfer by jeep to the reserve entrance enjoying a final chance to see the wildlife on the way. We leave the reserve to drive to Durban airport where we board our flight to Johannesburg. On arrival transfer to the Melrose Arch Hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the Sandton suburb of Johannesburg before we meet tonight for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Day 8 Johannesburg to Zambezi Queen. Return to the airport this morning for our short flight to Kasane, a frontier town situated very close to the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On arrival we transfer to the Zambezi Queen for a safari experience on the Chobe River which divides Namibia s famous Caprivi Strip from Botswana s Chobe National Park. We will traverse one of the most game-rich regions in Africa, providing us with unsurpassed game viewing. Here we can expect to view vast herds of elephant, leopards and lions, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and more while relaxing in the comfort of the viewing lounges and open decks or while in smaller boats that drift along closer to the shoreline. This afternoon, after settling in to your suite, we will enjoy a late afternoon safari by tender boat. This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before night falls. Return to the ship for dinner tonight. Day 9 Zambezi Queen. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant before choosing to be as active or lazy today as you wish. This morning you can choose to enjoy a waterbased safari, a village tour on the Namibian side of the river, a spot of bird watching or maybe fishing instead. You may even decide to remain on board as the Zambezi Queen glides her way along the banks of the Chobe River. Enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on a tender boat where you can get up close to an array of wildlife, including some of the 120,000 elephants for which the Chobe is well known. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your charming suite. Day 10 Zambezi Queen to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast before we make our way via tender boat to the Botswanan side of the river and start our journey to the Zimbabwe border and onto Victoria Falls. Arrive in the early afternoon and after checking into your rooms the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening we will meet for a drink and a lecture from a local historian before continuing to dinner in the hotel. Day 11 Victoria Falls. After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), tons of water plunge over a chasm that is nearly two kilometres wide falling just more than 100 metres to the Zambezi River below. The shower of spray and the thunderous sound of the water can be heard from miles around. The tour takes you to the best view points of this iconic waterfall, one of the seven wonders of the world, allowing 4

5 Zebras Shangaan dancers you to soak up the powerful and enigmatic atmosphere of Victoria Falls. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon or maybe join an optional tour such as a helicopter ride over the falls or a final game drive in the nearby Chamabonda or Zambezi National Parks. Tonight we will enjoy our final night in Africa with a traditional Boma dinner. The menu comprises a range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes whilst the ambience is created by local Shangaan dancers and singers that provide entertainment during the meal. A traditional storyteller adds that extra element of intrigue and drama to the evening. Day 12 Victoria Falls to London. Check out this morning and transfer to Victoria Falls airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 13 London. Arrive this morning. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin Bedded Hotel Rooms and Suite on Zambezi Queen 5195 Twin Bedded Hotel Rooms and Master Suite on Zambezi Queen 5495 Single Hotel room and Suite for sole occupancy on Zambezi Queen 6995 Zambezi Queen Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, two nights accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks on a bed and breakfast basis, overnight accommodation in Isandlwana on a full board basis, two nights at Phinda Private Game Reserve on a full board basis, overnight accommodation in Johannesburg on a bed and breakfast basis, two nights on Zambezi Queen on a full board basis, two nights at Victoria Falls Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, dinners on days 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, Tour Manager, excursions, gratuities, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, optional excursions at Phinda Game Reserve and Victoria Falls. +44 (0)

6 YOUR ACCOMMODATION We have carefully selected the most idyllic and exclusive accommodation where your every need will be catered for and you can unwind after the eventful days and enjoy the wonderful African hospitality. From a luxury seaside hotel to historic lodges set amidst the African wilderness, our choices will leave you refreshed to enjoy the next day s activities. Enjoy game viewing from the Zambezi Queen, a boutique floating hotel offering comfort and elegance from which to explore the great Chobe River and, to end our tour, Zimbabwe s grandest and oldest luxury hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel, with spectacular views over the falls. Beverley Hills Hotel, UMHLANGA The award-winning Beverly Hills Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1964, has become synonymous with elegance, gracious hospitality and intuitive service. There are 89 beautifully appointed rooms each with a private balcony and an uninterrupted view of the ocean. The hotel features a fitness centre, heated pool, and two restaurants with an al fresco dining option. During your stay you can be assured of comfort, privacy, and rooms that reflect a philosophy of gentle luxury with distinctive finishes. Additionally, each guest room offers a range of amenities including an executive desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, flat screen TV and DVD. This is one of the finest luxury seaside hotels in South Africa. Isandlwana Lodge Isandlwana Lodge is carved into the inyoni rock formation on top of which the Zulu commander stood during the battle of Isandlwana on 22 January All 12 rooms face the historic and scenic Isandlwana plain and are furnished in a mix of modern and traditional style. The rooms either feature king or twin beds and bathrooms are shower only. The hotel features a library, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the area and the food that is provided is some of the best food in KwaZulu-Natal. Enjoy the beauty of the African sunset from the pool built among the rocks or from your private balcony which all cabins feature. Phinda Mountain Lodge Poised majestically on the crest of a mountain, Phinda Mountain Lodge commands dramatic vistas over the surrounding landscape. The guest area is a magnificent u-shaped building with a central al fresco courtyard which provides seductive comfort between exciting game drives. There are 24 suites and each features a private outdoor shower and plunge pool allowing you to savour the outdoors and the fresh mountain air. After a day full of activities you may wish to seek solitude in your suite s personal sitting room or to relax in the spacious guest areas. Mealtimes may mean an al fresco dinner, a mouthwatering spread in the covered dining room or perhaps even a feast in a surprise bush location. Victoria Falls Hotel Popularly known as the grand old lady of the falls, the Victoria Falls Hotel is a luxurious 5-Star hotel on a World Heritage site overlooking the magnificent Victoria Falls. Established in 1904, and recently redecorated, this gracious colonial style hotel is set in the lush tropical gardens and epitomises the romance of grand travel. The hotel restaurant provides some of the finest cuisine in the country and with renowned veteran chefs you are guaranteed an exquisitely prepared meal. Echoing its glorious past, the hotel s traditional rooms and suites are truly a five-star experience. All rooms are air-conditioned with every modern amenity including digital satellite television and a personal safe. 6

7 Zambezi Queen Built and launched in 2009, the elegant and unique Zambezi Queen accommodates 28 passengers in 14 cabins all of which have their own private balcony and have been tastefully furnished with either a double bed or two single beds. Of the 14 suites, four are master suites with their own private outdoor area. The top deck consists of the dining room, the lounge including a wood burning fireplace, a bar and a sunbathing area complete with pool. The interior furnishings have been designed by one of South Africa s top designers and this is evident in the timeless look that has been created. No expense has been spared to create a vessel of world class standard. On the third deck with unobstructed views on three sides, guests can dine in absolute opulence whilst taking in the unique African surrounds. In order to create a menu that reflects the flavours of Africa, the owners have commissioned Pete Goff-Wood, one of South Africa s top chefs. He has long been involved in all things pertaining to the African palate and has huge experience in authentic cuisine. All sous chefs and waiters have been specially trained at his Cape Town-based training centre. The bar on board contains both local and imported spirits, wine and beers. A dedicated team of experienced guides, chefs and hands-on staff will ensure a memorable experience for all guests. Whether you are dining in the restaurant watching the animals gather at the water at dusk, game viewing from one of the private boats, or attempting to land your first tiger fish, the professional team will be on hand to meet your every need. The option to use the Safari boats will also be available. These custom designed game viewing boats are fully equipped to carry 18 passengers each, with an onboard toilet as well as a fully-stocked mini bar. These game viewing boats are a great opportunity to get even closer to all things great and small within the Chobe National Park. +44 (0)

8 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Itinerary subject to change. Cover image: Lion cub NC050716_S