Big Cats of Botswana Safari

Transcription

1 Big Cats of Botswana Safari SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE 10 Days November 23 December 2, 2017 Johannesburg, South Africa Kalahari, Botswana Okavango, Botswana Chobe, Botswana Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Johannesburg, South Africa

2 Big Cats of Botswana Safari SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE 10 DAYS NOVEMBER 23 DECEMBER 2, 2017 Itinerary 23-Nov Thursday Johannesburg South Africa Fairlawns Hotel & Spa 24-Nov Friday Kalahari Botswana Tau Pan 25-Nov Saturday Kalahari Botswana Tau Pan 26-Nov Sunday Okavango Botswana Camp Xakanaxa 27-Nov Monday Okavango Botswana Camp Xakanaxa 28-Nov Tuesday Chobe Botswana Ngoma Safari Lodge 29-Nov Wednesday Chobe Botswana Ngoma Safari Lodge 30-Nov Thursday Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Ilala Lodge 1-Dec Friday Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Ilala Lodge 2-Dec Saturday Johannesburg South Africa Depart $7,403 Per Person This is a sample itinerary and the price is an estimate, used for rough planning purposes only and is subject to change. Actual prices and availability must be finalized by one of our trip planners who will contact and confirm pricing with all accommodations and operators.

3 23 NOV 2017 Johannesburg Start Safari: O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, South Africa (Arrival Location) Johannesburg, South Africa Sofiatown. Joburg. Gold Reef City. This is the commercial capital of one of Africa's strongest economic engines, South Africa. Johannesburg was built on a gold mining town established in the 1800's, and you can still see the slag heaps within the city limits. If you are focused on a wildlife safari, your time should be kept to a minimum in Johannesburg. But if you have time to explore the city, it s definitely worth a stay. Feel the vibe of Soweto, for example (an acronym for South West Township), then we can organize a fun bike ride that takes you through the streets of Soweto and gives you a flavor for this colorful and energetic township. Fairlawns Hotel & Spa Conveniently situated in the Sandton suburb of Morningside Manor, Fairlawns is an award-winning boutique hotel. The conference center, a large fully equipped gym, Balinese spa and an excellent a la carte restaurant are available to ensure a full range of services are on offer. Previously a luxury private residence, the property was transformed into a stylish hotel. It was originally acquired from the Little Brenthurst Trust of Oppenheimer fame, and consisted of 10 acres with horses, stables and rolling green lawns. Portions of the property have been sold off, but it has retained its stately, park-like ambience with huge mature trees and prolific bird-life. The hotel has a total of 40 highly individualized, world-class suites. The chic, upscale suites are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial, each featuring every desired modern amenity. Dining at the Fairlawns is designed to be elegantly smart casual. The candlelit tables and soft music give an intimate and romantic atmosphere to the Italian influenced décor of the terrace restaurant. Included Accommodation, full English breakfast, complimentary wireless internet, 24-hour access to the in house gym, VAT Air Conditioning A la carte dining room where lunch and dinner are served, room service, spa treatments, Pretoria City tour, Soweto Township tour, Apartheid Museum, DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng Cradle of Humankind, Origins Centre, Elephant Educational at Hartbeespoort Dam

4 Johannesburg Maun Commercial Flight (1 hour, 45 minutes) 24 NOV NOV 2017 Kalahari Maun Kalahari Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (55 minutes) Kalahari, Botswana You might have read "Cry of the Kalahari," and that certain mystique exists in this flat, scrub desert. It's the epitome of wide open space and wildness. During the dry African winter (June to September) the animals are present but in relatively low concentrations. This changes dramatically in the African summer (November to March) when sporadic rain showers bring the desert alive and the animals do concentrate. Here you may see impressive black-mained lions, brown hyena, herds of eland antelope, and cheetah, among a wide range of other species. Tau Pan Tau Pan offers truly incredible views from the ridge of an ancient sand dune, an unusual experience in a land as flat as Botswana, and overlooks the famous Tau Pan - recognized for its stark beauty and remoteness. The first safari camp to be built in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Tau Pan is a model of environmental sensitivity. As with its sister camp, Nxai Pan, Tau Pan has been constructed with delicate ecologies in mind. Both utilize only solar power for the generation of electricity, heating of water and pumping of water from deep under the Kalahari sands. Waste water is treated in a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant and the fully treated water is returned to the sands of its origin. Tau Pan accommodates up to eighteen guests in eight specially designed thatched units on raised decks, one of which is a family unit accommodation four guests. Activities offered at Tau Pan are game drives, day trips to the well-known Deception Valley as well as Sunday, Piper and Passarge Pans, star gazing, bush brunches on Tau Pan, and nature walks with Bushman trackers. The daily safari routine usually involves an early morning wake up call, and a gathering around the fireside for piping hot tea and coffee, a bowl of sumptuous porridge and freshly baked muffins. As well as offering fresh, early-morning air and a dazzling sunrise, an early departure greatly increases the chances of unusual sightings, as the majority of mammals are active at the beginning and end of the day when temperatures are lower. Game drives are undertaken in custom-designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating no more than six guests at a time in two rows of three. The use of only two rows ensures that guests are never so far from the front of the vehicle that they are unable to hear the guide or tracker's interpretation, even while driving. Guests are guided by a twoperson team of a professional guide and a tracker - a special feature of the Kwando Safaris wildlife experience. This team enables the guide to communicate points of interest and the complex interrelations that exist throughout the natural world, while the tracker ensures no sightings or tracks are missed.

5 Included Accommodation with all meals and beverages, including premier brands, all game viewing activities: game drives, nature walks, stargazing, outdoor dining, daily laundry, emergency medical evacuation cover (all guests must have their own travel and health insurance), meet & greet in an out of Maun airport in our private guests lounge if being transferred with Moremi Air Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities Private vehicles, private guides, curio shop items, day trips to Deception Valley, Sunday, Piper and Passarge Pans 26 NOV NOV 2017 Okavango Kalahari Maun Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (55 minutes) Maun Okavango Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (45 minutes) Okavango, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a safari icon, and in 2014, it was named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its unique habitat and remarkable wildlife densities. Its landscapes are awe-inspiring: yellow grasslands, pristine papyrus filtered rivers, ivory palm trees standing tall above the savannahs, red sunset skies punctuated by fish eagle cries and great game viewing. It is a resilient system where drainage basins in Angola capture rain water in the African summer (December to March). But because Botswana is so flat, it takes months for that water to make it down the Okavango River and flood into the Kalahari Desert. The timing is perfect - it brings water to the Kalahari during the dry season (May through October) and becomes a key attraction for wildlife at this time of year. Camp Xakanaxa As the custodians of one of Botswana s very first safari camps, the owners of Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced Kaka-na-ka) have gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve its original African bush camp character, while always providing guests with every comfort. Camp Xakanaxa is located on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. Rated as one of Africa s most beautiful game

6 reserves, Moremi Game Reserve ensures that it is one of the only safari destinations which can provide guests with an authentic, year round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience. The reserve offers sanctuary to abundant herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbucks, sable and more. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas complete the picture. Birding is also quite spectacular, especially during spring and summer when the migrants breed. The stylish main buildings extend over the Khwai River and are set on raised platforms to maximize the views over the surrounding lagoons and islands. Constructed of local timber, reed and thatch, the elegant lounge contains a small but comprehensive library, dining room, expansive sundeck, plunge pool and sala with day bed as well as a fire-deck set under giant Jackalberry trees. Camp Xakanaxa is able to accommodate 24 guests plus tour leader with 12 guest tents and 1 guide / pilot tent. Accommodations are canvas, Meru-style classic luxury safari tents on raised decks. Canvas window covers can be closed as desired or left open to view the surroundings through a mesh screen at each window. Each tent boasts en-suite facilities, fans, a unique water sprinkler system which aids cooling in the midday heat, electrical outlets, safe, soaps, shampoos and insect repellents, and hairdryer. Camp Xakanaxa s staff creates a camp environment in which guests experience a seamless service in the warm, friendly style for which Africa is famous. The camp operates on generator power, but at night all lighting is supplied by battery powered lamps, candles and paraffin lanterns, giving the camp an authentic African ambience. Guests are offered two activities of their choice per day, or an all-day outing can be arranged. These activities are included in the accommodation cost and include: morning and afternoon game drives, and water game viewing in powerboats. Included Accommodation, all meals, refreshments, house spirits and wines, laundry service, scheduled activities: power boating or game drives with licensed guides, outdoor dining, park fees, government levies and taxes Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities Premium spirits or wines, scenic helicopter tours, curio shop items, premium brand drinks 28 NOV NOV 2017 Chobe Okavango Chobe Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 20 minutes) Chobe, Botswana Famous for its population of 30,000 elephants, Chobe allows visitors to get close to these animals by boat or by vehicle. Choose from a wide variety of elegant lodges within an hour s drive of Victoria Falls.

7 Ngoma Safari Lodge Situated in northern Botswana, within the Chobe Forest Reserve, Ngoma Safari Lodge features panoramic views overlooking the Chobe River and Caprivi Floodplain. Ngoma Safari Lodge offers accommodation in eight luxurious river-facing suites with spacious internal and external living areas, a bath, an inside and outside shower, overhead fans, air conditioning, mini bar, tea/coffee facilities and an open lounge. Each of the suites has a view of the river and offer the opportunity to see the famous Chobe elephants, migrating zebra or buffalo grazing on the floodplain below, depending on the season. Two of the eight suites have Indian day beds and can be used as triples. The central guest area is built adjacent to a magnificent Baobab and overlooks the Chobe River. It includes the reception area, guest sitting room, dining room and bar area. Also centrally located are the swimming pool, sundeck and adjacent viewing platform. Cultural experiences and interaction with the community are paramount and these include visits to the local school, the clinic and the village. As Ngoma Safari Lodge is situated in the Chobe Forest Reserve, both walking and night drives are permitted. Other available activities include: game walks on the concession, escorted by an armed professional guide, full-day game activity includes cruising on the Chobe River, driving within the Chobe National Park and a sumptuous picnic lunch and drinks, day game drives are into Chobe National Park and night drives on the concession or birding. Included Accommodation, meals, all house beverages, laundry, road transfers from Kasane Airport or Kazangula Borders, park fees and community levy, scheduled activities: morning or afternoon drive, full day safari inclusive of drive and cruise, cultural/community tour and night drive, outdoor dining Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi Premium beverages, curio shop items, private vehicle activities Chobe Victoria Falls Private Road Transfer (2 hours) 30 NOV DEC 2017 Victoria Falls Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe While David Livingstone named the falls on his visit, he didn t realize it already had a more fitting name Mosai-Oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders. The mighty Zambezi River drops off in spectacular fashion, creating a powerful spectacle that is the most notable of the seven natural wonders of the world. If you want to take part in any of the hundreds of activities that the Victoria Falls area offers (from river cruises to bungee jumping), you ll need more than one day. We can also lay on a wonderful historical tour that highlights the life of Dr. David Livingstone.

8 Ilala Lodge Ilala Lodge is situated on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and is the closest hotel to the Victoria Falls as well as the Vic Falls town center. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view the falls, and he named them Victoria Falls, the name still used in Zimbabwe. The older, indigenous name of Mosi-oa-Tunya is the name in official use in Zambia. The World Heritage List recognizes both names. While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is claimed to be the largest. This claim is based on a width of 5,600 ft and height of 360 ft, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Ilala Lodge offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in warm elegant surroundings. The decor evokes an era of early adventure and the quest for discovery in Africa. The national park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns, with the spray of the falls in the background. Ilala Lodge offers 32 standard rooms and 2 standard suites as well as 20 deluxe rooms and 2 executive suites. All rooms have en-suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV and have individual coffee and tea facilities. The rooms are spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either an open lawn or a balcony where you are afforded a view of the spray of the falls from the upper level rooms. Victoria Falls is known as Africa's adventure capital and has a lot to offer visitors, from high-adrenalin activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting to more sedate pastimes like fishing or elephant back safaris. Included Accommodation, breakfast, complimentary wireless internet, VAT & tourism levy Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi Restaurant dining, room service, all drinks, curio shop items, spa treatments, laundry, sundowners, Guided Tour of the Falls, Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi, Village Visit, Canoeing, Fishing the Zambezi, Horseback Riding, Helicopter Flight over the Falls, Helicopter Flight over the Falls/Gorge/Game Park, Half Day Game Drive in Victoria Falls National Park, Mists of Time Private Tour of Victoria Falls, Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi, Zambezi River Boat Safari, Whitewater Rafting, Golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course Victoria Falls Johannesburg Commercial Flight (1 hour, 40 minutes) 2 DEC 2017 Johannesburg Johannesburg, South Africa (Departure Location)

9 Johannesburg, South Africa (Departure Location) End Safari O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, South Africa Sofiatown. Joburg. Gold Reef City. This is the commercial capital of one of Africa's strongest economic engines, South Africa. Johannesburg was built on a gold mining town established in the 1800's, and you can still see the slag heaps within the city limits. If you are focused on a wildlife safari, your time should be kept to a minimum in Johannesburg. But if you have time to explore the city, it s definitely worth a stay. Feel the vibe of Soweto, for example (an acronym for South West Township), then we can organize a fun bike ride that takes you through the streets of Soweto and gives you a flavor for this colorful and energetic township.