12 DAY KRUGER NATIONAL PARK & BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS TOUR WEDNESDAY DEPARTURE

Transcription

1 12 DAY KRUGER NATIONAL PARK & BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS TOUR WEDNESDAY DEPARTURE

2 ITINERARY 12 DAY KRUGER NATIONAL PARK & BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS TOUR ITINERARY IN SHORT Day 1: WEDNESDAY Gauteng (after Pickup) across border to Goo-Moremi Lodge (Botswana) Day 2: THURSDAY Goo-Moremi Lodge to Elephant Sands near Nata (Botswana) Day 3: FRIDAY Elephant Sands across border to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Day 4: SATURDAY Full day at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Day 5: SUNDAY Victoria Falls across border to Kasane, Chobe National Park (Botswana) Day 6: MONDAY Kasane to Nata Lodge (Botswana) Day 7: TUESDAY Nata Lodge across border to Matamba Bush Campsite (SA) Day 8: WEDNESDAY Matamba Bush Campsite to Gauteng (SA) Day 9: THURSDAY Gauteng to Selous Safari Lodge near Kruger National Park (SA) Day 10: FRIDAY Selous Safari Lodge into Kruger National Park (SA) Day 11: SATURDAY Selous Safari Lodge into Kruger National Park (SA) Day 12: SUNDAY Selous Safari Lodge to Gauteng via Blyde River Canyon (SA) THE IMPORTANT STUFF DURATION: DEPART EVERY: DEPART FROM: END IN: 12 days - 11 nights 1 st and 3 rd Wednesday of every month a selected list of accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria (Gauteng) a selected list of accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria (Gauteng) INCLUDED: All transport (if you stay at one of the selected accommodation on our list) All camping accommodation & other equipment Qualified and registered guide Meals as specified in this detailed itinerary Entrance fee to Rain Forest at Victoria Falls Entrance & Conservation fees to Chobe National Park & Kruger National Park Chobe National Park Game Drive (open vehicle) Sunset cruise on Chobe River Entrance & Conservation fees for Goo-Moremi Gorge Hike Entrance fee for Nata Sanctuary Game drives in Kruger National Park (open vehicles) Wine & Cheese sundowner Blyde River Canyon (Three Rondavels view point) EXCLUDED: All drinks (except coffee & tea with meals) Meals not specified in this detailed itinerary Lunch at The Baobab Restaurant (Day 9) Visas, if required clients should determine if it would be required Optional upgraded rooms to be arranged (if available) on arrival by client. ACCOMMODATION: Day 1-7: Tented Camping with ground-mattresses. Sleeping bags available for hire at a set fee of R100 for the entire tour Day 8: In a pre-determined backpacker cost included in the price Day 9-11: Tented Camping with bed, mattress, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket Option: Upgraded rooms (if available) to be booked on arrival at client s cost 2 Long Driving Notice: The total distance to travel for this tour is approximately 3000Km. Please be especially aware of the long distance-to-travel on Day 1 and Day 7 - each are combined with a border-crossing, with the result of long hours of travelling time which might be strenuous, become uncomfortable and even boring to some. However, we can promise you that all of the rest of your tour would be most enjoyable!

3 DAY 1 WEDNESDAY: GAUTENG TO GOO-MOREMI LODGE (BOTSWANA) This is one of the two very long travelling days. Pick-up starts from approx. 05:00am around Johannesburg and Pretoria to ensure we will be on the open road around 07:30am (an exact pick-up time will be confirmed the evening before). We will stop at Lephalale for en-route refreshments, lunch or take-aways (depending on the timing) at own cost, foreign exchange and last minute shopping while still on the South African side of the border. From there we head north, entering Botswana at Groblers Bridge Border Post. Another 120Km further and we arrive at Goo-Moremi Lodge (campsite) near the small village of Moremi where we will spend the night. Dinner is prepared by your guide. DEPART: 06:30 ARRIVAL: 14:00 Driving, including stoppages: 8h30m Driving: 670km (from PTA) Included meals: Dinner DAY 2 THURSDAY: GOO-MOREMI LODGE TO ELEPHANT SANDS (BOTSWANA) We will start the day early with coffee, tea and rusks, while getting ready for a short hike to the Goo-Moremi Gorge. The Gorge hiking trail lies within the Tswapong Hills of Botswana, where endangered Cape Vultures breed on the outcrops above the ancestral waterfalls. Equipped with a walking stick, we criss-cross several mountain streams amongst the shaded, bushy and rocky canyon, passing several waterfalls to end up at an approximate 12 meters high waterfall, in a beautiful majestic setting. The brave can spend a little extra time in climbing the rocky outcrop to the top from where they will have a magnificent view of the gorge. After spending about two hours there, we head back to our campsite for a light breakfast. We then take the road further north, stopping at Francistown for foreign exchange, en-route refreshments and lunch or takeaway (at own cost), up to Elephant Sands which is a lovely lodge a short distance past Nata. There you ll be able to relax at the swimming pool and bar while watching animals 30 meters away drinking at a close-by waterhole (such as large herds of elephants and others animals including lion and leopard sometimes.) A lovely buffet-dinner is prepared by the venue and served in their restaurant. DEPART: 10:00 ARRIVAL: 15:45 Driving, including stoppages: 5h45m Driving: 450km Included meals: Coffee, tea & rusks, Light Breakfast, Dinner 3

4 DAY 3 FRIDAY: ELEPHANT SANDS TO VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE) Due to a normally very hectic border crossing late mornings (especially during school holidays) at Kazungula Border Post into Zimbabwe, and to optimize the time spent at Victoria Falls, we leave early coffee, tea & rusks available while packing. We drive even further north, cross-border to the vibrant town of Victoria Falls in the Zambezi National Park where we will be staying for the next two nights at Victoria Falls Rest Camp. This route takes us through the Sibuyu, Kazuma and Kasane Forest Reserves where we always see herds of elephants and often a variety of antelope and sometimes lion, hyena and wild dog. The campsite is situated in the middle of town, within 10 minutes walking distance of just about everything, and has a pool, bar and restaurant or take-away facilities. Your guide will assist you with exchanging currencies and bookings for optional activities that you would like to do the next day. After enjoying a very welcome lunch on arrival, we enter the Rain Forest during the afternoon, strolling (in normally very wet conditions due to spray from the waterfalls) along the pathways, enjoying sightseeing and the magnificent Victoria Falls, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is 1700 meters (1.1 mile) wide, making it the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The Zimbabwean side is the best side to view the waterfall from, as 1400 meters of the waterfall is on that side, as well as the main falls, and flowing throughout the year, while the Zambian side consists of only 300 meters, and has no water-flow during the winter months. A delightful evening meal is prepared and served by your guide. DEPART: 07:30 ARRIVAL: 11:45 Driving, including stoppages: 4h15m Driving: 330km Included meals: Coffee, tea & rusks, Lunch, Dinner DAY 4 SATURDAY: VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE) Victoria Falls and the surrounding area offer a great variety of things to see and do. After a light breakfast you will have a full free day to explore the town, meet the locals, visit the African markets with its wide variety of very affordable arts and crafts made from wood, stone and beads, or to relax by the pool at the campsite. The Victoria Falls region is nicknamed the adventure capital of Africa for a reason. It is well known for the large variety of fantastic activities (optional excursions) such as: The best one day white water rafting in the world, the 111 meters high bungee jump off the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia (one of the highest from a bridge in the world), elephant back and/or horse safaris, helicopter flights over the waterfall, canoe safaris, day trips to Hwange National Park, fishing safaris, game walks, superfast jet boat trips, ferry trips (especially for a sunset cruise on the Zambesi river), abseiling, gorge swings, train trip (to halfway on the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia), and much more. This evening we enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants of your own choice, at your own cost. This is normally the group s festive outing. DEPART: n/a ARRIVAL: n/a Driving, including stoppages: n/a Driving: n/a Included meals: Light Breakfast 4

5 DAY 5 SUNDAY: VICTORIA FALLS TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA) After a full breakfast prepared by your guide, we head back to the Kazungula Border Post into Botswana, while en-route we often see elephants, sable antelope, buffalo and many other different animal species. We arrive late morning in Kasane where we will be staying the night at Thebe River Safaris campsite on the shores of the Chobe River, close to Chobe National Park gate. Here we often see hippo and large groups of animals. You will have the opportunity to exchange currencies and buy provisions in Kasane (especially for the next day s trip to Nata) and thereafter relax at the bar, swimming pool or on the river shore. Late afternoon we board a river boat for an unforgettable sunset cruise on the Chobe River, around the Sedudu Island which lies adjacent to the border of Namibia. Experience unique up-close and personal game viewing and bird watching herds of Elephant, Buffalo and Lechwe and some 350 different bird species are to be found on the island and on the opposite river bank of the Chobe National Park. An exhilarating highlight of this cruise is a short stop on the river to watch a glorious sunset dipping behind the water-horizon! Dinner is prepared and served by your guide on your return to camp. DEPART: 09:00 ARRIVAL: 10:45 Driving, including stoppages: 1h45m Driving: 80km Included meals: Full Breakfast, Dinner DAY 6 MONDAY: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK TO NATA LODGE (BOTSWANA) An early wake-up call (coffe, tea & rusks available while you re getting ready) for a game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle in the Chobe National Park, which is well known for its large variety and numbers of wildlife. We are always very successful in spotting animals there, including lion and leopard. Brunch will be prepared and served by your guide on return to camp, after which we head south towards the town of Nata to Nata Lodge where we will spend the night. Later that afternoon we visit the Nata Sanctuary, well known for its 165 bird species (amongst others, thousands of flamingos during their migration and breeding season) at the edge of the Sua Pan, which forms part of the greater Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Here we watch a beautiful sunset before returning to camp where dinner will be served by the venue. 5 DEPART: 10:00 ARRIVAL: 13:15 Driving, including stoppages: 3h15m Driving: 310km Included meals: Coffee, tea & rusks, Brunch, Dinner

6 DAY 7 TUESDAY: NATA LODGE TO MATAMBA BUSH CAMPSITE (SOUTH AFRICA) This is the other very long travelling day of the tour. We head out at 06:00 to the Martins Drift Border Post into South Africa. En-route we will stop at Francistown for early-morning refreshments, and later at Lephalale in SA (which is approx. 90Km past the border) for lunch or take-aways (at own cost). From there it is a short trip to Matamba Bush Campsite where we will spend the night camping. The campsite is set in beautiful open woodland, with thatched bathroom and a splash pool where you ll be able to relax. If you prefer, you ll also have the choice to go on one of the many walking trails amongst a large variety of relaxed plains game. Dinner - normally the unique South African braai - will be prepared and served by your guide. DEPART: 06:30 ARRIVAL: 15:00 Driving, including stoppages: 8h30m Driving: 660km ACCOMMODATION: Camping only - no upgraded accommodation available Included meals: Dinner DAY 8 WEDNESDAY: RETURN TO PRETORIA & JOHANNESBURG (SOUTH AFRICA) Before and/or after a full breakfast you can continue exploring the private 400ha where the campsite is situated, home to a remarkable variety of animals (Eland, Gemsbok, Giraffe etc.), birds and trees. Hiking, game watching or relaxing until it is time to depart. We should arrive mid-afternoon at a pre-determined accommodation in Johannesburg. This accommodation will provide you with a free transfer to OR Tambo Airport on the following morning to continue the next leg of your tour (Kruger National Park). Accommodation for this night is included in the tour price up to a set amount. DEPART: 10:30 ARRIVAL: 14:00 Driving, including stoppages: 3h30m Driving: 280km ACCOMMODATION: In a pre-determined backpackers Included meals: Full Breakfast DAY 9 THURSDAY: GAUTENG TO CAMPSITE (SOUTH AFRICA) This part of the tour will officially start in Hoedspruit but we have made some arragement with shuttle providers which will transport you from the Gauteng. Your accommodation will provide you with a free transfer to OR Tambo Airport and from there, Ashton Shuttle Services will take you to Hoedspruit to meet with our Selous driver at the Rockfig Centre. We will then visit the Baobab Restaurant where the famous giant Baobab tree is located. This will be our lunch break and you ll have the opportunity to taste sweet or savoury pancakes with delicious boere coffee & fresh fruit juices (at your own cost) while meeting with your fellow travellers. From there we will continue towards our Campsite, Selous Safaris Lodge, which is nestled in the mountains of Kampersrus, just 20 minutes from Orpen Gate. (One of the main entrances to Kruger National park.) On arrival, you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the pool, clean up and relax while sitting around the campfire taking in the atmosphere and surroundings of the African Bush while our cook will prepare dinner. DEPART AFTER ALL PiCKUPS: 06:45 ARRIVAL AT HOEDSPRUIT: 13:00-13:30 Driving, including stoppages: 9h00m ACCOMMODATION: Tented Camping with bed, mattress, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket Included meals: Dinner 6

7 DAY 10 FRIDAY: CAMPSITE INTO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH AFRICA) The day begins as the sun rises. After a light breakfast we pick up any last minute snacks/refreshments (at your own cost) for the exploratory road ahead. The day will be spent leisurely driving, and eagerly seeking out whatever game comes our way. Guides will stop as often as desired for prime photo opportunities and to answer any questions. Our route will take us to a picnic spot where your Guide will provide you with brunch, while preparing you for the remainder of the day s game viewing, looking forward to getting a glimpse of the infamous Big Five. We stop for a short shopping opportunity at one of the rest camps, which offers a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs. The rest of the afternoon is spent trying to find those animals that have eluded us during the morning drive. We then make our way back to camp, where our cook will start preparing dinner while you clean up and relax around the campfire and enjoy the atmosphere, discussing what you had seen. DEPART: 05:00 ARRIVAL BACK AT THE CAMP: 18:30 Driving: All day until late afternoon ACCOMMODATION: Tented Camping with bed, mattress, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket Included meals: Light Breakfast, Picnic Bunch, Dinner DAY 11 SATURDAY: CAMPSITE INTO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH AFRICA) Another early morning start and after a light breakfast we head back to the Kruger National Park. This time we head into a different part of the park to see if we can find those animals we missed the previous day. We stop again at one of the other picnic spots for a brunch, and later another stop at one of the rest camps to stretch our legs. Slowly as the day goes by our game drive in The Kruger National Park comes to an end with the sun setting behind the Drakensberg Mountains. Arriving late afternoon at Selous Safari Lodge, where a Cheese & Wine Sundowner awaits at the Pool Deck. Guests take some time to relax by the Pool, while enjoying the breath-taking views and surroundings. It is here, where our long day ends. Your cook has prepared one of our most favourite dishes, a South African Braai!!! The evening is spent sitting around the campfire, reflecting and sharing your experiences of the last few days. DEPART: 04:30 ARRIVAL BACK AT THE CAMP: 15:30 Driving: All day until early afternoon ACCOMMODATION: Tented Camping with bed, mattress, sleeping bag, pillow and blanket Included meals: Light Breakfast, Picnic Bunch, Dinner DAY 12 SUNDAY: BLYDE RIVER CANYON TO JOHANNESBURG (SOUTH AFRICA) A slightly later wakeup call, which means our journey is nearly at an end. After an English breakfast we head towards our well-known touring spots "The Three Rondavels", part of the Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world. We will then leave you in the hands of Ashton Shuttle s friendly drivers who will bring you back to OR Tambo Airport. From there, if you decide to stay at one of the accommodation on our list, they will have a free shuttle to collect you and transfer you to your accommodation. DEPART: 06:30 ARRIVAL: 17:00-18:00 Driving, including stoppages: 10h30m ACCOMMODATION: Not applicable Included meals: English Breakfast 7

8 Kasane THEBE RIVER CAMP 5 Kazungula Border Post Victoria Falls VICTORIA FALLS 3,4 REST CAMP Harare NOTE: We also offer the same tour with a Saturday Departure, going to Kruger National Park first and then Botswana and Vic Falls. Check out our second itinerary! 2 ELEPHANT SANDS Nata Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 6 NATA LODGE Francistown DAY 1 OF TOUR 1 BOTSWANA / VICTORIA FALLS NORTH - ORANGE SOUTH - PURPLE 1 GOO-MOREMI LODGE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK BOTH WAYS - YELLOW Martin s Drift Border Post Lephalale Matamba Bush Campsite 7 Hoedspruit Gaborone Selous Safari CamP 9-11 Orpen Gate Belfast Pretoria Nelspruit Maputo 8 12 Johannesburg CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm Sat & Sun: 8am - 8pm Tel: Fax: info@bazbus.com Website: Follow us on: 8