Conservation, Community & Photography in Zimbabwe

Transcription

1 Conservation, Community & Photography in Zimbabwe September 2016 Zimbabwe: Mana Pools, Hwange Nat l Park, Victoria Falls; Botswana & Namibia: Chobe River, Zambezi River; South Africa: Johannesburg Day 1 Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa Welcome to Johannesburg! Upon arrival at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, you proceed through Customs and Immigration formalities. Following luggage collection, you will continue to the Arrival Hall to meet a representative from African Rock Hotel. Road transfer via hotel shuttle from OR Tambo Airport to African Rock Hotel, transfer time +/- 30 minutes (depending on time of day and traffic). Freshen up and relax at the hotel and recoup from your long flight. One night at African Rock Hotel in a standard suite on a bed and breakfast basis This exclusive boutique hotel is located 11 km from the Johannesburg International Airport, O.R. Tambo in a quiet suburb of Kempton Park away from the flight path of arriving and departing planes. There are 9 rooms. The architecture is contemporary and the interior look and feel is a fusion of African, Western and Oriental design trends and offers a warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. There is a lounge, bar, dining area, outdoor patio and swimming pool. Day 2 Harare, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Early this morning you will depart on your scheduled flight to Harare, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you will proceed through Customs & Immigration formalities (have your passport & ballpoint pen handy!) at which time you purchase your single entry visa for Zimbabwe. You will next proceed to your light air transfer to Mana Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Vundu Camp located in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park along the banks of the Zambezi River. The camp itself is nestled within a grove of a beautiful riverine forest, including trees such as huge old Zambezi figs, ebonys, raintrees, wild mangoes and tamarinds. Mana Pools sits within the lower Zambezi Valley, where the river marks the border with Zambia. The area around Vundu is teaming with wildlife. There are a pair of resident leopards who leave their tracks scattered along the pathways almost every night, the lions come wandering past often and one can hear their distinctive calls most nights. Elephants visit daily to feed on the thick vegetation in camp and to have a mud bath in the pan. Large herds of impala live around the camp and drink at the pan, and this brings in the wild dogs, as they are their preferred prey. Mana has a healthy population of dogs, which are the most endangered of the carnivores in Africa. A troop of monkeys makes the canopy above camp their home and Vundu often gets a family of honey badgers trying to raid the kitchen at night time, so everything has to be badger proof. While at Vundu, enjoy the special privilage of having Nick Murray as your private guide. Currently, Nick is working with National Geographic filming the dogs packs in Mana Pools. Nick is one of the most interesting people you will ever meet! He has a BSC in Zoology and Wildlife Management from the University of Natal in South Africa, has his Dangerous Drugs Licence for use in the capture of wild animals and has captured over 2000 animals for translocation, including the capture and translo 8/26/15

2 cation of 60 gemsbok from Namibia to Zimbabwe. Nick also developed a private game reserve and has practical wildlife management, cattle ranching, ostrich farming, fencing and building experience. Since 1997 Nick has spent most of his time canoeing the Zambezi River, and together with his wife Desiree, who is also a Professional Guide and Canoe Guide, run Bushlife Safaris in Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi River, including Vundu Camp, Little Vundu, Ruwesi Canoe Trails and Traditional Tented Safaris to Chitake. If you are lucky, you may also have the opportunity to meet Dr. Greg Rasmussen who is working with Nick on the wild dogs project. Greg was born in London and moved to Zimbabwe with his parents at age 11. After college, he began work on an African wild dog research project in Hwange National Park and became so committed to the painted dogs that he sold all his belongings to live and work for their protection. These days, Greg is a senior conservation biologist who spends almost all of his time researching African wild dogs in Zimbabwe and other African countries. He is the founder and Director of Painted Dog Conservation. Four nights at Vundu Camp in a chalet on a full board basis, including scheduled game viewing activities, park fees, local beverages and laundry. Safari Activities: Activities include guided walks, day and night game drives, canoeing upon request The main lodge area at Vundu Camp was constructed in 2008 and the eight canves-under-thatch chalets were added the following year. There is a beautiful pan behind the camp with a treestand for sitting, relaxing and watching the game come down to drink. All the rooms and the main lodge have a view of the Zambezi River. A typical day at Vundu starts with a cup of coffee and a light breakfast before heading out in the Land Rover. We use the vehicles to get to a predestined area for a walk, or until we cross fresh tracks of something interesting which we can follow on foot; maybe lions, wild dogs, a large herd of buffalo or walk up to some of the big old elephant bulls which Mana is so well known for. After our morning activities we head back to Vundu for lunch, followed by a short siesta. Afternoon tea is followed by canoeing on the river for those who choose to, or another walk/drive. Canoeing is certainly a highlight as it is a unique activity and not many Parks offer the opportunity, especially not with the abundance of wildlife as in Mana. Day 6 Hwange Nat l Park, Zimbabwe This morning you will be transfered back to the Mana airstrip for your flight to Hwange Nat l Park and Bomani Camp. Hwange has always been renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife, and to this day it boasts more varieties of mammal and bird species than any other Zimbabwean National Park. There are over 100 species of mammals, including 19 large herbivores such as buffalo, eland, sable and wildebeest, and over 400 bird species. However, the area is particularly famous for its population of elephant, some 44,000 strong - based on the latest aerial survey - and combined with the elephants of northern Botswana this is the world s largest contiguous elephant population and a flagship for the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). The southern two thirds of the Park are ecologically defined by deep Kalahari sands, which support impressive forests of Zambezi teak and other hardwoods. Scattered within these woodlands are ancient fossil lakebeds and drainage lines, which are now large savannah grasslands fringed with Acacia and Leadwood trees. Just a 15 minute drive from its own private gate into Hwange National Park, Bomani is situated on a 5000 acre private reserve within the Ngamo Forest Area. Here the mix of open grasslands and woodlands provides the perfect mosaic of habitats for the full spectrum of both grazing and browsing herbivores resident in Hwange and then of course the carnivores that prey on them - lion, leopard, painted dog and both species of hyaena - spotted and the seldom seen brown. This abundance of wildlife set in both woodlands and open grasslands provides some of the best year-round game viewing to be found anywhere in Zimbabwe.

3 Imvelo Safari Lodges, of which Bomani is a part, have been working hard to protect and improve the natural areas around their lodges for over two decades. This includes both hands-on involvement with the local communities and protecting and preserving the surrounding fauna and flora. Twenty minutes drive from Bomani, guests have the opportunity to enjoy an actual and unorchestrated look at village life in rural Matabeleland. Hosted by one of Imvelo s local guides, it is a fascinating tour of a variety of typical daily village activities. It is followed by a visit to one of the nearby schools, hosted by the Headmaster, where guests are given the opportunity to hear traditional songs sung by the children and enjoy a class interaction. This great opportunity is encouraged by our teachers as it is a wonderful way for the school kids to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures and countries. For both the children and our guests it is always a heartwarming and inspirational morning. Three nights at Bomani Tented Lodge in a Spurwing tent on a full board basis, including scheduled game viewing activities, park fees, local beverages and laundry Safari Activities: Activities include guided walks, day and night game drives, all day drives and pump runs, game viewing blinds, village visits and school tours At Bomani we do not have rigid schedules and timetables for you, our guests. Instead we prefer to tailor your time around you it s your safari after all! Choose to be woken with coffee in bed, before joining your guide on a sunrise game drive inside the Park. Or, opt for a relaxing lie-in before visiting the nearby village and school for insight into the daily lives of the local people. The main lodge overlooks Bomani Pan and is comprised of an open dining room, bar area and lounge, built on a spectacular viewing platform. There is free WiFi in the main lodge area though connectivity is sometimes slow so please be patient. Bomani boasts 9 tents and one thatched family bungalow. Every tent is comfortably furnished and designed to keep out all creatures great and small and all the tents have a private en-suite bathroom, hot running water and electricity by diesel/solar generator. Day 9 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe This morning you get to experience the brand new Elephant Express rail car! The Elephant Express offers one of the more unique ways to experience Zimbabwe s Hwange National Park. Since it came to fruition in late 2014, this dual-engine single tram has been taking guests back and forth between two stops (Ngamo and Impofu) on the iconic rail line that runs from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. The track between Ngamo and Impofu is on the straightaway that marks Hwange s border on its eastern boundary. Upon departing Bomani Lodge, you will have a short road transfer to Ngamo Siding where you board the Elephant Express heading north. For the next 70 kilometers, you are free to move about the train, try on the conductor s hat, and enjoy a drink and bite to eat. But be sure to keep your eyes peeled because there is often wildlife roaming around the track! And unlike a regularly scheduled train, you can stop anytime. Your conductors will move forward and backward along the track to make sure you get the best photos of any visible wildlife. Upon arrival to the Hwange Main Gate, you will have the opportunity to visit the Painted Dog Project you heard so much about at Mana Pools, before you are then transferred approximately hours to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The remainder of the afternoon as well as the evening are free to explore the Falls and the town on your own. Dining suggestions: The VFSL has a lovely dining room or if you re in the mood for a variety of local foods and music, you might enjoy the Boma (reservation recommended) located on the property. The Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya is the world s greatest sheet of falling water a sight of breathtaking beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The town of Victoria Falls was formed around this spectacular natural attraction, and a diverse array of river-based and wildlife activities, and the Falls themselves, attract hordes of local and international visitors each year. The region has one of the best climates in the world and a rich biological diversity due to its proximity to the temperate south, tropical north and semi-arid west.

4 Two nights at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis Set high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views of unspoilt bushveld, spectacular African sunsets and an onsite waterhole. A complimentary shuttle service transports guests to Victoria Falls and town centre on an hourly basis throughout the day. The Victoria Falls lodge offers guests 72 en-suite bedrooms to choose from, consisting of standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and a lavish king suite. All of the rooms include balconies boasting outstanding views, and are air-conditioned. Facilities include a swimming pool with sun deck, a TV lounge, free Wi-fi, a guest library, curio shop and a handy activities desk. Day 10 This morning at 8am, a representative from Wild Horizons will pick you up at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. You will have the vehicle and guide at your disposal for the entire day. First, you will visit Victoria Falls in the morning (entrance fees to be paid directly), followed by lunch (not included) and a visit to a local market by 1pm - as you will then continue on to Rose of Charity s new location and visit a homestead! At the market, we suggest you purchase some food items (e.g. $20 worth of mealie meal, sugar, cooking oil and salt) to thank those sharing their homestead with you. Rose of Charity is the GS Giving Circle s partner in Victoria Falls. During your visit you will meet Sima Simangele Moyo, the Director, and learn about the work they do for disadvantaged children in the high density suburb of Victoria Falls. Learn about the girls empowerment workshops and you may have a chance to chat with some of the girls in the program. About 3:30pm you will depart Rose of Charity and return to your hotel. Day 11 Chobe & Zambezi Rivers, Botswana & Nambia Today you will collected by Wild Horizons and transferred from your hotel to Kasane Immigration, clearing Customs and Immigration formalities enroute. Motorized boat transfer from Kasane Immigration to the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat with a stop at the Namibia Immigration office. Have your passport and pen handy (no visa required)! Spending time on the houseboat on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers is one of our favorite things to do in Africa, and the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat is our new favorite! Newly acquired by Pangolin Photo Safaris in 2015, the Voyager Houseboat journeys along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers throughout the year hosting guests in absolute luxury and comfort as you drift gently through one of the most game rich environments in Africa. During the day there are a multitude of activities on offer. Pangolin has two custom built photo boats with fully rotating chairs and fitted with state of the art camera mounts. These boats are normally available twice a day and are moored alongside should any photographic opportunity present itself as you cruise along the river. They also have several other tender boats for general gameviewing, Tiger fishing or for transporting you to a local fishing village perhaps to meet the locals and learn a bit about their lives along this iconic river. All of the guides on the Voyager are highly trained with an encyclopeadic knowledege of the river and its inhabitants and are only too happy to help seek out specific photographic subjects for our guests. Three nights on the Pangolin Voyager Houseboat in standard cabins on a full board basis including local beverages, scheduled game viewing activities and park fees. The Voyager is spread over three levels affording plenty of space for up to 10 guests at any one time. On the lower level the houseboat has five well appointed en-suite cabins with double or twin beds available depending on the required configuration. The beds are fitted with the finest linen and specialist mattresses. The cabins have built-in cupboards, a cooling fan and the windows are fitted with mosquito net to allow the gentle breeze from the river and the nightime sounds of the Chobe National Park to permeate the rooms.

5 The middle level is occupied by the lounge and dining area along with a deck at the rear which accommodates the Braai (barbeque). The comfortable loung area is stocked with reference books and binoculars which are yours to use as we drift between our private moorning points. Meals are served on the large dining table and the menu varies depending on what ingredients can be locally sourced throughout the seasons. There is a comprehensive selection of alcoholic and soft drinks for you to enjoy throughout the day from the bar. The upper level hosts a viewing deck equiped with table, chairs and sunloungers perfect for topping up those tans inbetween activities and for witnessing the majestic African sunsets the grace us every evening. Day 14 Departure for US Today you will say good-bye to your lovely safari boat and transfer to the Kasane Airport (clearing Immigration first) where you will fly to Johannesburg and connect with your flight back to the US. For those who wish to continue on to Cape Town, please contact us. End of Services

6 Prices starting at $9195 per person (based on a minimum of 6 travelers) Please read carefully through what is and is not included INCLUDES Locally hosted All transfers as outlined in the itinerary One way train transfer on the Elephant Express One way light air transfer between Mana Pools and Hwange 1 night in Johannesburg on a bed and breakfast basis 4 nights in Mana Pools on a full board basis (3 full days of guiding with Nick Murray) 3 nights in Hwange on a full board basis 2 night in Victoria Falls on a bed and breakfast basis 2 nights in a houseboat on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers on a full board basis Local brand drinks at the safari camps only Activities as offered by the safari camps and houseboat Full day with private guide in Victoria Falls Visit to Rose of Charity - Global Sojourns Giving Circle partner EXCLUDES All items of a personal nature Meals other than those specified Gratuities Visa fees Laundry Scheduled commerical flights and departure taxes Any flights not specifically mentioned in itinerary Excess baggage fees Travel and health insurance

7 Mapping Your Trip Johannesburg, South Africa 2. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 3. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe 4. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 5. Chobe & Zambezi Rivers, Botswana & Namibia

8 NOTES South Africa Entry Requirements If you are traveling through South Africa, you must ensure that your passport has 3 consecutive blank non-endorsed pages in it. Passports must be valid for 6 months after the intended date of departure. Visitors to South Africa with foreign passports who do not comply with these requirements will either be stopped from boarding their aircraft at their point of departure or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa. All travelers entering, or re-entering, South Africa from Zambia must have a yellow fever inoculation unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate. Those without a valid vaccination certificate or waiver will be refused entry, quarantined until their certificates are valid, or for a period not more than 6 days. Visas & Entry Requirements Please be sure that you have the appropriate visas for all countries that you will be traveling to. Global Sojourns cannot be held responsible for entry refusal for any traveler. Visas can be purchased upon entry or in advance. Please note that visa costs can change without notice. Single entry visa for Zimbabwe currently $30 Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, though it is customary. Only tip if you are happy with the services! Tips can be given in the local currency or US dollars. Below is a guideline to assist you: Medical You will be traveling in some malarial areas. Therefore, be sure to take precautions against malaria prior to the commencement of your holiday. Follow your doctor s advice regarding prophylactics and be sure to cover up in the early mornings and evenings and apply repellent. Consult with your physician, travel clinic and the CDC website for recommendations on health issues in each region. Cash & Currency Please make sure you carry plenty of USD in small bills for visas, airport taxes, tipping, and any unforeseen expenses. Credit cards are accepted at many (but not all) lodges and hotels. If you are spending some time in the region outside of a safari lodge (for example, in Johannesburg), you will need to get local currency. The best way to do this is typically by using your ATM card. Be sure to contact your credit card company and bank to let them know you will be traveling outside the US and will likely be using the card. Insurance Be sure to carry proof of insurance with you. It is strongly recommended that guests have insurance for cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and personal belongings. Cancellation Policy It is very important that you are aware of our cancellation policy, which comes into force as soon as a booking is deposited and confirmed. (see Terms & Conditions). Surcharges All rates quoted are based on tariffs and the value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar at the time of our calculation and we do our best to keep prices as quoted. However, occasionally increases (e.g. National Park fees, taxes) are forced on us by governments, airlines, exchange rates, etc. In these instances, we reserve the right to fairly pass on a surcharge to our travelers.

9 TERMS & CONDITIONS PAYMENT TERMS: We require a 20% nonrefundable deposit per person. The balance is typically due 75 days before commencement of the arrangements, unless additional funds are required by specific hotels, airlines, etc. If this is the case, we Global Sojourns will inform you with sufficient notice. If the balance is not received prior to 75 days before departure, Global Sojourns L.L.C. reserves the right to treat the trip as cancelled. All payments may be made by check, bank transfer or major credit card (Visa/MC). Upon agreement of the itinerary, you will be sent detailed travel information and a couple of forms to fill out. Please review the information and send in a signed liability waiver with your deposit. CANCELLATION POLICY: It is very important that you are aware of our cancellation policy which comes into force as soon as a booking is made definite. These policies are based on those of the suppliers we are using for this itinerary. Cancellations are only effective on receipt of a written cancellation. Cancellation charges will be levied when travelers cancel their confirmed reservations. Cancellations made after the due date of full payment carry a charge, expressed as a percentage of the total booking value, and are as follows: within 45 days = 30% ; within 30 days = 50% within 20 days = 60% within 15 days = 100% Please note that we contract services and accommodation of third parties who have their own cancellation policies that may differ from ours and on occasion these must be adhered to. Some parties may require partial or full payment up front in order to confirm a booking - on cancellation this larger deposit may therefore be forfeited as per the third party s cancellation policy. TRIP INSURANCE: Global Sojourns, L.L.C. strongly recommends that each participant take out trip insurance- trip cancellation/interruption coverage as well as medical expense and evacuation coverage. This is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you in case of unexpected events such as a medical emergency or if you lose pre-paid, non-refundable trip deposits and payments because of cancellation or trip interruption due to illness, injury, or death of someone in your traveling party, an immediate or extended family member, or a business partner. Typically, these services and expenses are not fully covered by your credit card company, homeowner s policy, and/or medical insurance. We can recommend some companies if you do not already have a company that you use. It is important that you are clear on what exactly they will be covering thus is it recommended that you speak to the insurance company directly. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Each client is entirely responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity after departure from the host country and with sufficient blank pages for each country s immigration stamps and visas requirements), valid visas, air tickets that have you arriving in time for the start of your trip and valid vaccination certificates. For visas, the cost, currency, accepted method of payment and type of visa (i.e. single, double or multiple entry visa) should be checked in advance. This is of particular importance if you are re-entering Zambia from other countries. Border officials in some countries are not in a position to issue visas on the spot hence the need for obtaining visas in advance. Neither Global Sojourns nor our ground operator can be held responsible should the necessary visa not be fulfilled. MEDICAL INFORMATION: It is each client s responsibility to make sure they are fit enough for the intended trip. It is essential that persons with any pre-existing medical condition(s) and/or dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure. Be aware that you are traveling in remote geographical areas which may have limited standards of hygiene, sanitation facilities, medical treatment and that medical services, including the presence of a physician or any other trained medical professional and availability of prescription type drugs may be limited or altogether absent. Please note that many areas of travel within Africa are malarial areas and all travelers must consult their doctors before traveling and ensure that all anti-malarial precautions are taken, followed and advised upon at the time of travel.

10 WILD ANIMALS: Please be aware that your trip may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no trip into the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. We cannot be held responsible for any injury or incident on your trip by wild animals or otherwise. Please note that the majority of camps are unfenced and wildlife moves freely in and around the camps. Always follow the safety instructions from the guides and camp s staff with regards to moving to and from your lodging and while on game activities throughout your trip. RESPONSIBILITY: Global Sojourns L.L.C. and its owners act only as agents for the clients with respect to services provided, including but not limited to accommodations, activities and all forms of transportation. All tour services are provided by independent contractors who are not controlled by Global Sojourns L.L.C.. Global Sojourns L.L.C. assumes no responsibility or liability for injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or change in air or other services howsoever caused, irregularity, inconvenience or additional expenses which may be occasioned directly or indirectly by quarantines, strikes, weather, sickness, civil unrest, wars, theft, pilferage, force majeure, wild animals, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled. Over booking, travel advisories, discrepancies or changes in transit, hotel and other services over which it has no control, or any act of God occurring in either the country of origin, destination or through passage, or for any reason whatsoever. On advancement of deposit to Global Sojourns L.L.C. the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions.