Let s Go to Africa. May 12-25, 2014 (Namibia Extension May 25-June 1)

Transcription

1 Let s Go to Africa May 12-25, 2014 (Namibia Extension May 25-June 1) Drifter Sister - P.O. Box Boulder City, NV ihla@driftersister.com An Unforgettable Journey Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA - Victoria Falls, ZIMBABWE Chobe & Okavango Delta, BOTSWANA + Extension in NAMIBIA SUN MAY 11 Begin your journey to Cape Town, South Africa, from your departing airport. MON MAY 12 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Today we arrive in Cape Town and are met by host representative and transferred to the Vineyard Hotel & Spa, where we check into our mountain-facing suites for 3 nights. We will meet this evening for a Welcome Reception. With over 200 years of history within its walls, the deluxe Vineyard Hotel and Spa is situate in six acres of attractive landscaped parkland on the banks of the Liesbeek River. Located in the lush leafy suburb of Newlands, it is well known for its warmth and efficient service, and is the gateway to all the delights of greater Cape Town. TUES MAY 13 CAPE TOWN Breakfast at the hotel, then a visit to Table Mountain (weather permitting), followed by a City Tour including Jewel Africa and Cape Malay Quarters. Lunch in City Grill and some free time at V&A Waterfront and the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Back to Hotel for dinner. (B,L,D) WED MAY 14 CAPE TOWN Breakfast at the hotel and then off to Hout Bay and T-Bag Designs, Chapman s Peak Drive, and the African jackass penguin colony. Lunch at Black Marlin Restaurant, and then on to Cape Point, a visit to Groot Constantia Wine Estate with Wine Tasting, and early dinner, before transferring back to the Hotel. (B,L,D) Accommodation: Vineyard Hotel and Spa (3 nights)

2 THU MAY 15 VICTORIA FALLS - ZIMBABWE Today we get an early start, as we fly to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg. Lunch will be on our own (light meals on flights, light menu available at Hotel). Transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, where we check in to our standard rooms for two nights. After an enchanting Sunset Cruise, we will have dinner at the Lodge. (B,D) Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometers from the thundering Victoria Falls. Enjoying uninterrupted views of spectacular Africa sunsets and year round game at its on-site water hole, accommodation at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is ideally positioned to offer the most discerning traveler a taste of Africa at its best. FRI MAY 16 VICTORIA FALLS After breakfast at the Lodge this morning we will enjoy a Walking Tour of the largest falls in the world. Then, for a different perspective, we ll take a Flight of Angels Helicopter Ride for a bird s eye view of the mighty falls. After lunch at Mama Africa Eating House we ll visit the Craft Market, and proceed to Lookout Point for optional activities. To round out the day s activities, we will visit Victoria Falls Hotel, enjoy the grounds and have Afternoon Tea. Dinner will be at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. (B,L,D) The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as the grand old lady of the Falls, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage. The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquility and seclusion that many guests seek. The Terrace has been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century. The ambience of the hotel is steeped in that history. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (2 nights) SAT MAY 17 VICTORIA FALLS - CHOBE, BOTSWANA After breakfast at the Lodge, we depart Victoria Falls and transfer across the border into Botswana to Chobe Game Lodge, where we check in for two nights. While at this lodge all meals, refreshments, local spirits and wines, complimentary mini bar, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and national park fees, government levies, and taxes are included. Lunch and Dinner will be at the Lodge today. (B,L,D) SUN MAY 18 CHOBE GAME LODGE ACTIVITIES Day of scheduled camp activities, including morning and afternoon game drives, by boat and land. The lodge accommodates guests in absolute luxury. Rooms are river-facing and include minibars, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities as well as private terraces. Other facilities include broadband internet, billiards, library, gym, beauty salon, a stylish cigar bar overlooking the Chobe River, a large terraced swimming poo l and riverside boma area. All safari activities are tailored to suit individual requirements. Game drives, game viewing by small boats, sunset cruises along the Chobe River, and after-dinner stargazing are offered. (B,L,D) Accommodation: Chobe Game Lodge (2 nights)

3 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA We will be spending six unforgettable days and nights in the Okavango Delta, tucked away in lavish tented camps on remote Nxaragha Island. In Camp Okavango, expect GAME DRIVES from this water-based camp in mokoros (canoes) and on foot on the larger islands accompanied by resident naturalists. Camp Moremi, shaded by ebony trees, overlooks the beautiful Xakanxa Lagoon. GAME DRIVES in Moremi will set out on land via Land Rovers in search of elephants, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and buffalo. The Okavango Delta is a unique oasis at the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert. Camp Okavango borders the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, hence includes a diverse habitat that supports a wide variety of animals. Guests may see wild dog, cheetah and leopard. Resident species include lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra, kudu, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope. Guided bush walks to the Delta's islands offer an opportunity to track the larger species that inhabit this wilderness area. Other activities include game drives, mokoro excursions, canoeing and fishing. Papyrus and Phoenix palms flourish here and the waters provide an ecosystem for fish eagles and kingfishers, hippopotamus, crocodiles and tiger-fish. The Okavango Delta is a birder s paradise and bird-watching is fantastic all year round. MON/TUES/WED MAY CAMP OKAVANGO After breakfast and morning activity at Chobe Game Lodge (if time allows), we transfer to Kasane Airport and fly by light aircraft to Camp Okavango, where we check in for three nights, sleeping in permanent African-style safari tents, with en suite bathrooms. While at this lodge all camp activities, meals, refreshments, local spirits and wines are on a fully-inclusive basis. Plus emergency medical evacuation insurance and national park fees, government levies, and taxes are included. Afternoon game drive (if time allows). (B,L,D) Enchanting Camp Okavango sits at the heart of the Okavango Delta on the private and remote Nxaragha Island. Its main lodge features a cocktail bar, lounge and wildlife reference library, with the dining room leading onto an expansive open-air patio where evenings around the fire can be enjoyed. Other facilities include a secluded bird-viewing hide and sundeck with plunge pool. Evening sundowners in surprise locations are a special treat. For guests seeking a true water experience in the heart of the Delta, Camp Okavango is the place to be. It is a bird-watcher s paradise and promises a year round water experience. Camp Okavango consists of 12 luxury east African-style safari tents on raised teak platforms, each with en-suite facilities and private sun decks. All game viewing activities are conducted by experienced guides and include exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro (canoe) and motorboat, and tracking the larger game species on guided nature walks on the many surrounding islands. This camp is very exclusive, as it accommodates only 24 guests. Accommodation: Camp Okavango (3 nights) All photos on this page taken by Drifter Sister on previous tours (2005 & 2010)

4 THU/FRI/SAT MAY CAMP MOREMI After breakfast and morning activity at Camp Okavango (if time allows), we reluctantly say a fond farewell to our guides and other special camp employees we have befriended, and again transfer by light aircraft to Camp Moremi, where we check in for our last three nights in the Delta. We will again sleep in permanent African-style safari tents with ensuite facilities. Just as at Camp Okavango, while at this lodge all camp activities, meals, refreshments, local spirits and wines are on a fully-inclusive basis. Plus emergency medical evacuation insurance and national park fees, government levies, and taxes are included. This afternoon, if time allows we will venture out in safari vehicles for our first Camp Moremi game drive. (B,L,D) Camp Moremi is located on the picturesque Xakanaxa Lagoon. This Botswana lodge is situated in the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta in the Moremi Game Reserve. The elevated Moremi Tree Lodge forms the central point of the camp and features a wildlife reference library, an elegant main lounge, dining area and cocktail lounge. Guests are accommodated in 11 East African inspired safari tents. Each tent is situated on an elevated platform and sleeps 2 guests. The newly remodeled bathroom is located en suite. Guests can enjoy comfortable Botswana lodge accommodation in an elegant surrounding. The Moremi Game Reserve features a diverse habitat, home to a wide range of African wildlife. Guests can look forward to guided game drives where they might spot Wild Dog, Cheetah, Lion, Zebra, Elephant and Buffalo. Accommodation: Camp Moremi (3 nights) All photos on this and the previous page were taken by Drifter Sister on previous tours (2005 & 2010). You too will have the opportunity to take photos like these. I have attempted to portray here the wonderful accommodations, diversity of wildlife & habitat, and activities we will enjoy at these camps. SUN MAY 25 CAMP MOREMI - JOHANNESBURG - HOME or WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA for the Extension After breakfast, depart Camp Moremi and venture south by light aircraft to Maun Airport for your flight from Maun to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, where you begin your journey home... or on to Windhoek to begin our exciting 7-day extension in Namibia.

5 SUN MAY 25 NAMIBIA EXTENSION May 25 - June 1 MAUN, BOTSWANA to WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA After breakfast, we will be transported by light plane to Maun Airport and on to Hosea Kutako International Airport, where we can be transferred to Windhoek. Time for relaxation and a stroll through the City Centre. A City Tour including a visit to Penduka Crafts Centre will take place this afternoon, time allowing. A Welcome Dinner will be held at a local restaurant. (B, D) The capital city of Namibia, Windhoek, lies in a large valley surrounded by 4 mountain ranges. It is a pleasant, clean and well organised due to its Germanic influence. Whether due to pure luck or a brilliant stroke of Germanic planning, the city is situated in almost the countries epicenter. The Heinitzburg Hotel, is situated in and overlooks Namibia's capital city Windhoek. This beautiful castle is renown for it's attention to detail, emphasized in its four-poster beds and hand-made wooden furniture. Accommodation: Hotel Heinitzburg MON MAY 26 WINDHOEK - SOSSUSVLEI After breakfast we transfer to Eros Airport for our private charter flight to the Namib Desert (~1hr), arriving at the Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa, where we check in for two nights. This afternoon we will enjoy a quad bike excursion, or enjoy an optional spa treatment. (B,L,D) le Mirage Desert Lodge is located only 21 kilometres from Sesriem, the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei. The lodge was designed to be a harmonious blend of luxury and nature with each room offering a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. The highlight of Le Mirage is the wellness centre. It has a jacuzzi and a pool, and specializes in massages, pedicures, manicures, and other spa treatments. In the large courtyard guests can retreat at the swimming pool sheltered from the desert in an oasis of palm trees. There is a restaurant, lounge, pool bar, curio shop and wine cellar. Guests of the lodge can also wine and dine in the outdoor dining area. Accommodation: Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa (2 nights) TUES MAY 27 SOSSUSVLEI Early morning excursion to the world s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei, returning to the lodge at midday and time for relaxation. Afternoon quad bike excursion. (B,L,D) Sossusvlei is part of an ephemeral river system, whose route to the ocean has been cut by the ever advancing dune sea of the Namib Desert. The Namib-Naukluft Park is not only Namibia s largest park, but also one of the largest in Africa. The Namib is considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world - the sand dunes at Sossusvlei are just one excellent reason to visit Namibia. Climbing to the top of Big Mama, as it is known to the locals, is well worth every bead of sweat. Catch your breath, take a drink and try to avoid camera shake before capturing some unique moments in your life. Dead Vlei is at the foot of Big Mama. Its dead camelthorn trees, some over 800 years old, stand helplessly as photographers worldwide attempt to capture that unique, ageless desert shot. Photos of dunes taken by Drifter Sister in 2005

6 WED MAY 28 SOSSUSVLEI - EPACHA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, ETOSHA Private charter flight via Windhoek (to refuel), and on to the Epacha Private Game Reserve in Etosha (~3hr). Arrival at the airstrip and transfer to the lodge, where we will check in for three nights. Afternoon Epacha game drive. (B,L,D) Epacha Game Lodge & Spa is situated in Epacha Private Game Reserve. In keeping with the Victorian era in Africa, all chalets are furnished with antiques and are decorated in subtle relaxing colors. Each of the individually decorated chalets has its own private balcony, complete with a breathtaking view across the valley. The large en-suite bathroom has double basins, a bathtub with a view, shower, WC and an additional outdoor shower. The main building houses a spacious lounge overlooking a water hole, a reading room, a smoking room, a billiard room and a restaurant serving 5-course cuisine at candle light. Guests can unwind on the pool deck with its sparkling swimming pool and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the pool bar. The Epacha Spa is idyllically situated to capture the peace and tranquility of the African bush making it a peaceful haven of relaxation a rare quality of life experience. Accommodation Epacha Game Lodge & Spa (3 nights) Epacha Private Game Reserve is a wildlife paradise of 21,000 ha bordering on the world-renowned wildlife conservation area, Etosha National Park. This private reserve was created as a wildlife sanctuary committed to wildlife preservation and nature conservation. Epacha Private Game Reserve is home to the Black Rhino custodian program and hosts the endemic Black Faced impala, the Tsessebe, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hartebeest and the endangered Sable Antelope amongst many other species. THU MAY 29 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK After breakfast we head out on an excursion to Etosha National Park, returning to the lodge and time for relaxation and to use the pool or Spa. Afternoon Epacha game drive. (B,L,D) FRI MAY 30 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK This morning it s one last excursion to Etosha National Park, returning to the lodge for relaxation and time to use the Spa. This afternoon we take our one last game drive of our African Safari. (B,L,D) SAT MAY 31 ETOSHA - WINDHOEK Final private charter flight, back to Windhoek (~1½hrs), arriving at the Eros Airport and transferring to the Heinitzburg hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and for souvenir shopping [or City Tour and visit Penduka Crafts Centre if not able to do it on first day.] Overnight at Hotel Heinitzburg. Farewell Dinner at the Hotel. (B,D) Fine wining and dining is at Leo's at the Castle Gourmet Restaurant, which overlooks the skyline of Windhoek. It is one of the best restaurants in Namibia. The cuisine is varied, ranging from International to French à la carte. The Garden Terrace, along with superb views over the city and the surrounding mountains, is the place to go for meals, coffee, and cakes. For something lighter, snacks and sundowner cocktails are also served here, and is the venue for stunning views and spectacular sunsets. Accommodation: Hotel Heinitzburg SUN JUNE 1 WINDHOEK - HOME Transfer to the Hosea Kutako International Airport, on to Johannesburg, and home.

7 TOUR INCLUSIONS BASIC TOUR (Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Botswana: Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta) May Included - 13 Nights Lodging, double occupancy - Welcome Reception - Meals per itinerary - 3 meals daily, 11 days - 2 meals daily, 1 day - Breakfast only, last day - Afternoon Tea, Victoria Falls Hotel - Guide Gratuities - Entrance fees - Tours and Activities as mentioned in Itinerary - Local Wines & Spirits while at Chobe Game Lodge, Camp Okavango, and Camp Moremi - Ground Transfers - Ground Transportation - Visa for Zimbabwe - Charter Flights - Kasane Airport to Camp Okavango - Camp Okavango to Camp Moremi - Camp Moremi to Maun Not Included - *Flights - International Flight JFK to Cape Town & Johannesburg to JFK - Cape Town to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg - Maun to Windhoek or Johannesburg on last day - Extra entrance fees to tourist attractions, activities or attractions not mentioned in itinerary - Extra transport or transfers, taxi fares, after hours transport - Extra optional activities while in the game reserves - Alcoholic Beverages other than when at lodges - Personal Items - Housekeeping Tips (~$1/day) - Meals not covered above - Trip Insurance (Highly Recommended ~5% of trip cost Travel Guard available w/10% discount) *NOTE: Several flights are included in the package, however a few are not, as they are best paired with the African Airways international flight. The flights not included in the package, for the entire 3 week tour including Namibia are estimated to be $2,500, based on 2013 fares with a 10% calculated increase. This includes the R/T international flights, from/to JFK on South African Airlines. If you do not take the Namibia extension, this amount would be decreased by an estimated $335. POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO NAMIBIA May 25 - June 1 Included - 7 Nights Lodging, double occupancy - Meals per itinerary - Welcome & Farewell Dinners - 3 meals daily, 5 days - Breakfast only, last day - Namibian VAT - NTB Tourism Levy - Full Private Air Charter - Windhoek to Namib Desert - Namib to Epacha Private Game Reserve - Epacha to Windhoek - Gratuities - Entrance fees - Tours and Activities as mentioned in Itinerary - Local Wines & Spirits while at Epacha Game Lodge & Spa - Transfers - Ground Transportation Not Included - *Flights - Maun to Windhoek (possibly via Johannesburg) - Final Day flight from Windhoek to Johannesburg - Alcoholic Beverages other than when at Epacha - Personal Items - Housekeeping Tips (~$1/day) - Meals not covered above - Trip Insurance (Highly Recommended ~5% of trip cost Travel Guard available w/10% discount) CONTACT Ihla Crowley (a.k.a. Drifter Sister) P.O. Box Boulder City, NV driftersister.com ihla@driftersiser.com Ground Operator: Ntaba Tours

8 PRICE SCHEDULE BASIC TOUR: $8,390* per person, double occupancy (6 min/16 max passengers) Includes: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Botswana (2-weeks land, plus 3 charter flights between camps) Single Supplement $380 (restrictions apply - the Okavango camps accept only a limited number of singles) EXTENSION: $5,010** per person, double occupancy (6 min) 7 Days in Namibia - Sossusvlei Dunes, Etosha Pan (1-week land, plus 3 charter flights between camps) Single Supplement $485 *reduced to $7,990 if we get to 10 or more passengers (maximum 16) **reduced to $4,510 if we get to 8 or more passengers (maximum 16) PAYMENT SCHEDULE (Make checks out to Drifter Sister) Deposit: A non-refundable* deposit of 25% of the total cost of the booking is due by September 10, 2013, or upon sign-up after this date. ($2,098 Basic, $3350 Basic w/extension) Second Payment: A second payment of 30% of the total cost of the booking is due 4 months prior to departure (January 1, 2014). A separate invoice will be sent to you for this payment. Balance: Final payment is due 2 months prior to departure date (March 1, 2014) Early Bird Discount: You will receive an Early Bird Discount of $100 if you sign up before September 10, 2013 (to be reflected in final payment invoice) REGISTRATION DEADLINE/LATE REGISTRATION The Registration Deadline is 3 months prior to departure date (February 1, 2014). Registrations made after that date will be treated on an individual, space-available basis, with no guarantee of acceptance. The quoted price cannot be guaranteed for Late Registrations and is subject to change. CANCELLATION POLICY Because the operation of international programs requires extensive long-term planning, costs are incurred long before the actual departures. Keeping this in mind, and in the interest of our clients, the following Cancellation Penalty Policy will apply in addition to airline cancellation penalties: Cancellation Dates Cancellation Penalty Prior to 90 days before departure 25% non-refundable deposit days prior to departure 50% of the total tour price Less than 60 days prior to departure 100% of the total tour price FLIGHTS Several charter flights are included in the package, however a few are not, as they are best paired with the African Airways international flight. The flights not included in the package, for the entire 3 week tour including Namibia are estimated to be $2,500, based on 2013 fares with a 10% calculated increase. This includes the R/T international flights, from/to JFK on South African Airlines. If you do not take the Namibia extension, this amount would be decreased by an estimated $335. *Travel Insurance is highly recommended, and can be purchased through Drifter Sister at time of registration, with a 10% discount from brochure rates.