Walking Safari in Botswana & Zimbabwe

Transcription

1 Walking Safari in Botswana & Zimbabwe SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE 13 Days July 21 August 2, 2018 Johannesburg, South Africa Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti, Botswana Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Hwange, Zimbabwe Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Johannesburg, South Africa

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3 Walking Safari in Botswana & Zimbabwe SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE 13 DAYS JULY 21 AUGUST 2, 2018 Itinerary 21-Jul Saturday Johannesburg South Africa So Sun OR Tambo Int l Airport Hotel 22-Jul Sunday Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Botswana Selinda Explorers Camp 23-Jul Monday Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Botswana Selinda Explorers Camp 24-Jul Tuesday Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Botswana Selinda Explorers Camp 25-Jul Wednesday Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Ilala Lodge 26-Jul Thursday Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Ilala Lodge 27-Jul Friday Hwange Zimbabwe Little Makalolo 28-Jul Saturday Hwange Zimbabwe Little Makalolo 29-Jul Sunday Hwange Zimbabwe Little Makalolo 30-Jul Monday Mana Pools Zimbabwe John's Camp 31-Jul Tuesday Mana Pools Zimbabwe John's Camp 1-Aug Wednesday Mana Pools Zimbabwe John's Camp 2-Aug Thursday Johannesburg South Africa Depart $13,172

4 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.

5 21 JUL 2018 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. So Sun OR Tambo Int l Airport Hotel The Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel has a superb location, and is a mere 500 meters (approximately 1650 feet) from South Africa s busiest airport, making it an ideal choice for leisure travelers. It is a landmark hotel in the area and as a Southern Sun hotel, has garnered an excellent reputation over the years. While this may be a bustling area, the hotel offers a relaxed setting but with all the modern technology that many travelers require. The 366 guest rooms are spacious and offer a haven of comfort for travelers. Comfortable, spacious hotel rooms are furnished to include all modern comforts. Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel allows guests to enjoy a peaceful night s sleep without disturbances from the airport or nearby traffic. Guests can choose from a selection of rooms including luxurious Executive Suites that include a comfortable working area. Smoking rooms and wheelchair accessible rooms are available on request. The popular Bernoulli s Restaurant is renowned for its good food and diners have a choice of a delicious buffet or an a la carte menu, while the attractive wine bar with its 24-hour buzz is the perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink. Numerous activities are available, at additional cost, while in Johannesburg. Tours of Pretoria and Soweto are available as well as visits to the De Wildt Cheetah Center, the Apartheid Museum and Sterkfontein and Maropeng. Please advise if any of these activities are of interest for further descriptions, availability and pricing. Included Accommodation, breakfast, 500mb per day of complimentary wireless internet service, airport shuttle Amenities Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi, Workout Room

6 Available at an Additional Cost Restaurant dining, bar, day spa and salon, room service, laundry (next day), Pretoria City tour, Soweto Township tour, Apartheid Museum, DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng? Cradle of Humankind, Origins Centre, Elephant Educational at Hartbeespoort Dam 22 JUL JUL 2018 Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Johannesburg Maun Commercial Flight (1 hour, 45 minutes) Maun Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 15 minutes) Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti, Botswana Located between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the Linyanti and Selinda private concessions, and the Savuti Channel are characterized by a lagoon system similar to the Okavango Delta s. The Linyanti and Selinda concessions are located in close proximity to two permanent rivers: the Linyanti River (Linyanti) and the Kwando River (Selinda). The rivers are prized sources of water for the surrounding wildlife, drawing migrations from drier areas for fantastic game-viewing. Slightly south of Linyanti and Selinda is the Savuti Channel a famously unpredictable channel which is by turns flowing and dry independent of rainy seasons. Since the last dry spell, which ended in 2008, the Savuti has been restored to a watery haven for elephants, water birds, and aquatic life. Each of these three regions is surrounded by open grassland, riverine forest, mixed woodland, and water which draw and sustain a variety of wildlife such as impala, kudu, giraffe, zebras, reedbuck, steenbok, warthog, baboon and vervet monkeys, lion, spotted hyena, and leopards. Enormous herds of buffalo and elephant are also a highlight of this area. Game drives in open four-wheel-drive-vehicles with naturalists and game cruising on the river by boat provide opportunities for excellent wildlife viewing and birding, as well. Selinda Explorers Camp Selinda Explorers Camp is poised in a remote, treasured location on the famous Selinda Spillway. As the lifeline of the Selinda Reserve, the Selinda Spillway is a crucial gathering point for the wildlife of this pristine 320,000- acre reserve. The intention of Selinda Explorers Camp is to offer a quality wildlife experience, while allowing guests to explore outside of the vehicle, by foot and canoe. This classic camp, consisting of four customdesigned tents, transports us back to authentic safaris, but with a modern twist and hospitality. Subtly placed under the shade of the riverine forest, the camp is designed in the style of the early explorers both in philosophy and practice. Whiling away afternoons under the canopy of jackelberry and mangosteen trees, interspersed with walks and canoeing, make this a respite from the daily grind of a traditional safari. Each of the four

7 custom-designed, walk-in tents is expansive; however, in keeping with a bit of traditional safari, the en-suite flush loo and shower are attached and enclosed, but under the stars. Hot/Cold water are provided by jug on demand. Stylishly decorated with campaign-style furniture, decanters of cognac and Persian rugs, the décor pays homage to the roots of safari. As a romantic touch, brass hipbaths can be portered to a nearby sand bank on the banks of the Spillway. And personal hammocks adorn each verandah. In balance with the wild location of this camp, the camp is ecologically sensitive with 100% solar power, grey water treatment, bore-hole water for drinking, and activities that concentrate on getting back to nature: guided walking and canoeing a focus, but day and night game drives available exploring the eastern reaches of the Selinda Reserve where there is an extensive networks of tracks. It is a wildlife hot spot, with huge herds of elephants and buffalo, lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope all frequently spotted. On safari it is possible to see a tremendous diversity of species, with particular emphasis on the smaller things only seen outside of a vehicle. Included Accommodation, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brand spirits and Champagne), scheduled wildlife activities: game drives, night drives, off-road game drives, guided walks, canoeing, fishing, conservancy fees, return airstrip transfers, conservation levy Amenities Ensuite Bathrooms, Local Drinks Included, Recharge Facilities Available at an Additional Cost Premium brand spriits and Champagne 25 JUL JUL 2018 Victoria Falls Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Chobe Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (35 minutes) Chobe Victoria Falls Private Road Transfer (2 hours) 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, complimentary Wi-Fi, VAT & tourism levy Amenities Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi Available at an Additional Cost 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 Hwange Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour) 27 JUL JUL 2018 Hwange

9 Hwange, Zimbabwe Hwange offers classic wildlife landscapes full of tall grasses and mopane woodlands, pans and waterholes. It has wonderful herds of elephant, with big tusker bulls, and is excellent habitat for one of the most majestic antelope - the sable. There are plenty of giraffe, as well as the big cats such as lion, cheetah, and leopard. In short, Hwange has some great game viewing, can be visited all year round, is not crowded, and has some excellent lodges located right inside the national park. Little Makalolo Little Makalolo Camp lies in the heart of Hwange National Park, in one of its best game viewing areas, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 5,600 square miles with varied habitats and vegetation types. The park is predominately Kalahari sandveld (land characterized by dry, sandy soil) supporting teak and mopane woodlands, dry Acacia scrub and is interspersed with saltpans and grasslands that support enormous species diversity and provide a true wilderness experience. The camp's six rooms have en-suite facilities, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Solar power is used for electricity ensuring a lighter environmental footprint. The living areas include a dining room, lounge, plunge pool and an open fire area for those convivial evening fireside tales. There is a log pile hide overlooking the waterhole in front of camp where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing during the siesta hours. Activities at Little Makalolo Camp center on open 4x4 Land Rover game drives and guided nature walks throughout the Makalolo concession. The area's large number of waterholes attracts game in both quantity and variety, especially in the winter months when Hwange is home to a Noah's Ark parade of animals as they come down to quench their thirst. There is a platform available for guests to have the opportunity to sleep under the stars. The platform is equipped with bed rolls, mosquito nets and a long drop toilet and can accommodate a maximum of 4 guests at one time; the guide will be in a tent not far from the platform. Guests are typically transferred to the platform after dinner and returned to camp early the next morning before breakfast. For greater flexibility with timing, guests can hire a private vehicle. Sleep outs are weather dependent and are operated t the discretion of the camp manager. Makalolo is one of the best areas for seeing impressive herds of buffalo and elephants as well as apex predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs and cheetahs. Other general game is very abundant in the park. Included Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities: game drives in open Land Rovers, morning walking safaris, evening drives with spotlight, game viewing hides, outdoor dining, laundry, house drinks (premium exported brands excluded), park fees Amenities Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool Available at an Additional Cost

10 Premium exported brand drinks and Champagne, visit Ngamo school near Hwange that caters for a number of children from surrounding villages 30 JUL AUG 2018 Mana Pools Hwange Mana Pools Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (2 hours, 20 minutes) Mana Pools, Zimbabwe If you ask a Zimbabwean about her favorite national park, she will often say Mana. Mana means four in Shona and refers to the four large pools formed by the winding river. It is very scenic. The back drop is the blue Zambezi escarpment which lies to the north. In the foreground is the Zambezi River which is a mile wide in places and full of hippos and crocs. Along the banks of the river are beautiful acacia albida trees under which big bull elephants hang out with herds of buffalo and impala. You can game drive here, but the best is walking through the riverine forests with your professional Zimbabwean guide and seeing big game on foot. You can take boat trips and canoe safaris on the Zambezi and capture water-level photos of elephant antics. This is also excellent leopard country. John's Camp Mana Pools National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Here John's Camp is nestled among canopies of trichelia and mahogany trees. It is a truly natural wilderness and the only wild walking national park in Africa. Across the vast floodplain one can walk with the giants - African bull elephants, dine amidst herds of buffalo, gaze upon prides of lions, enjoy sundowners with hippos on the banks of the Zambezi River and bird watch over 400 species of birds. The semi-permanent camp is comprised of 10 beds, made up of 5 twin or double en suite Meru style tents. Each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with flush toilets and overhanging safari-style bucket showers. Inside the tent is a lit changing area complete with a running water basin. With privacy in mind, the tents are generously spaced out along the floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River. The dining area is centrally located between the tents, positioned in thick shade, and there is a campfire overlooking the floodplain for evening cocktails and snacks before dinner. A common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform for the more adventurous safari traveler complete the common areas. Included activities are game drives conducted from Toyota Landcruisers and walks led by professional, armed and licensed guides who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Guests can enjoy a night under the stars sleeping in a 'mozzi dome' tent, away from the main camp, or spend an evening under the wild and magical African skies on the rustic platform. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared in the main camp and set up in a remote and beautiful part of the park, overlooking either the Zambezi River, one of the many inland pans, a gully or the majestic floodplain itself.

11 Included Accommodation, all meals, all drinks available locally, activities: game drives & walking, laundry, park and conservation fees Amenities Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Recharge Facilities Available at an Additional Cost Champagne, premium alcoholic beverages 2 AUG 2018 Johannesburg Mana Pools Harare Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 30 minutes) Harare Johannesburg Commercial Flight (1 hour, 40 minutes) 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.