AFRICAN ADVENTURE TO NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA Thursday 14 June - Tuesday 3 July 2018

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1 TRAVEL & LEARN AFRICAN ADVENTURE TO NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA Thursday 14 June - Tuesday 3 July 2018 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS The Kalahari Desert one of the driest ecosystems on earth The sculptural sand dunes at Sossusvlei The petrified forest at Twyfelfontein The floodlit waterhole at Etosha s National Park Walk alongside the Victoria Falls and sense the majesty Watching the elephants from the river at Chobe National Park Flying into the Okavango Delta with its diversity of birds and wildlife 19 nights TOUR OVERVIEW Namibia is a diverse country with a range of habitats from desert to semi-desert and savannahs and the landscapes are truly spectacular. In many places animals still roam freely unrestricted by human influence and this is another of its attractions. Home to 650 bird species and 80 large mammal species, of which, 14 birds and 15 mammals are almost entirely endemic to the country. Botswana is one of Africa s most stable and sparsely populated countries. It protects some of Africa's largest areas of wilderness and safari-based tourism is of a very high quality. You will begin in Namibia and experience the dryness of the Kalahari Desert and the Sossusvlei sand dunes. It s impossible not to marvel at the diversity of life present in such hostile environments. Arguably, the jewel in Namibia s Crown is Etosha National Park famed for its huge saltpan. Its edges give way to a surprising variety of vegetation and a series of waterholes provide visitors with close up views of wildlife, particularly at night when they are floodlit. From Windhoek, you will fly to the majestic Victoria Falls for a couple of nights so that you can walk along the rim of the Victoria Falls and gaze in wonder at the Falls and the Zambezi rapids far below. Saving the best for last, travel to Botswana. First to Chobe National Park, home to large herds of elephants. You will stay alongside the Zambesi River and your safaris will be by boat and also further into the park in 4 wheel drive vehicles. A short flight transports you deep into the Okavango, a lush and watery mosaic of channels and islands. You will be taken to your luxurious tented camp. Floating peacefully in a small boat, you are sure to get close to a range of animals and it is a dream destination for bird-watchers. The beauty and ever changing landscapes on this tour will be sure to delight. These two countries offer some of Africa s best wildlife viewing. IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? A tour for wildlife enthusiasts who want to observe animals and birds in their natural habitats. The tour will also appeal to people interested in geology and varied eco-systems from the desert in Namibia to the delta in Botswana. You do need to be prepared for quite long drives in Namibia however there are animals to spot on route. On the other hand there is not a not a lot of walking on this tour so it would suit people with a range of fitness levels.

2 TOUR MANAGER John Matheson will be your tour manager on this tour. Africa is one of John s favourite destinations. Accompanied by his wife, Rosanne, and children, John spent time in Zimbabwe and always wanted to return. He took this tour in 2013 and loved every minute of it. The light at dawn and sunset is a very special time of day in Africa and the early morning and sunset safaris are a particular highlight of the tour. John is a very experienced traveller and tour manager and specializes in tour logistics. He works closely with the local guides, ensures that the tour goes according to plan, and enjoys she challenge of sorting out any unforeseen difficulties that arise. Rosanne will travel with John as a paying passenger. TOUR PRICE Ex Auckland Share twin per person NZD$15,775 Single supplement (limited availability) NZD$ 1,599 Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours if you are interested in a single occupancy place. GROUP SIZE Minimum 10, maximum 16 VARIATIONS IN TRAVEL We can make arrangements for any travel you would like to do before or after this tour, or book business class seats for the flights. Please contact us. TOUR INCLUSIONS The services of a Calder & Lawson Tour Manager Economy class airfares 1 nights accommodation in Sydney 1 nights accommodation at Johannesburg airport 16 nights accommodation in Namibia & Botswana Meals as specified in the itinerary TOUR EXCLUSIONS Airline taxes Personal expenses Travel insurance Meals not specified in the itinerary Beverages during included meals, unless specified Hotel porterage Local guides All group transfers Admissions as detailed in the itinerary All tips for local guides and drivers

3 DAILY ITINERARY Thursday 14 June Auckland Sydney. Depart Auckland for Sydney, arriving late afternoon. Stay overnight at an airport hotel. (Meals in flight) Friday 15. Sydney Johannesburg. A morning flight from Sydney, arriving in Johannesburg early evening. We will spend the night at a Johannesburg Airport Hotel. (B/Meals in flight) Saturday 16. Johannesburg - Windhoek - Sossusvlei. Depart Johannesburg on an early flight to Windhoek and transfer into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Your lodge is situated close to Sossusvlei, the oldest desert in the world. This photogenic area is famous for its large, red sand dunes which are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. They are dynamic and change shape with the wind. Stay here for two nights. (B/D) Sunday 17. Sossusvlei. Take an early morning guided excursion to the famous dunes of Namibia where you can explore the dunes and walk in the ancient surrounds. (B/D) Monday 18. Sossusvlei - Swakopmund. Drive to Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast to stay two nights. Relax and enjoy this coastal town nestled between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many activities to choose from (at additional cost): desert tours and boat cruises, or perhaps just relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. (B) Tuesday 19. Swakopmund. A free day to enjoy this town and the excellent sightseeing it has to offer. Perhaps visit the aquarium, the Crystal Gallery where the world s largest-known crystal cluster is housed or Woermann House with its elegant panelled walls and stucco ceilings. There are also many art shops throughout the town centre should some retail therapy be on the agenda. (B) Wednesday 20. Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein. Travel to Damaraland, known for its many geological wonders, including the Twyfelfontein World Heritage site. Here there are 2,500 rock engravings on 212 slabs of rock, with an additional 13 panels showing further examples of rock paintings. It is the largest collection of rock art in Namibia. Your lodge accommodation for two nights is set amongst a mountainous backdrop and is close to the rock paintings. (B/D) Thursday 21. Twyfelfontein. Take a guided nature walk or relax beside the swimming pool and take in the beautiful surroundings. Spectacular rock formations bear witness to volcanic activity and geological events of prehistoric times. Those interested in geology may wish to visit to the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, Doros Crater and Petrified Forest. Visit the Living Culture Museum of the Damara people. (B/D) Friday 22. Twyfelfontein - Etosha National Park. Travel north to Etosha National Park, considered the jewel in Namibia s crown. The park s main characteristic is a salt pan that covers 4700 square kilometres, so large that it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes giving almost guaranteed sightings of animals and birds. The Okaukuejo rest-camp overlooks a permanent waterhole, which is floodlit at night and this is where you will see the wildlife gathering and interacting. The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming to quench their thirst and continues throughout the day and into the night when, in the early evening, it is not uncommon to have black rhinoceros, elephant and lion, all drinking at the same time. Stay for two nights to enjoy the many facilities of this remote desert oasis. (B) Saturday 23. Etosha National Park. A free day to enjoy viewing the wildlife; you can usually see elephant, giraffe, rhino, lion and many buck species. Bird life is prolific with a range of savannah, wetland and semi-desert birds to watch out for. (B) Sunday 24. Etosha National Park Windhoek. Travel back to the city for your last night in Namibia. The journey takes you through the small historic town of Okahandja, home of a large wood carving market. (B/D) Monday 25. Windhoek Victoria Falls. Windhoek possesses a unique charm due to its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. This morning you will have a free morning to explore Windhoek before a mid-afternoon flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. (B) Tuesday 26. Victoria Falls. Take a guided tour of the falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders. Tonnes of water plunges over a chasm that is nearly 2km wide, falling about 100 metres to the Zambesi River below, the thunderous sound of the water being heard for miles around. After the tour, return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

4 Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28. Victoria Falls Chobe National Park. Drive to your lodge in Chobe National Park; the lodge being situated in the heart of the park, overlooking the Chobe River and the Caprivi flood-plains. The park has great diversity of wildlife, and is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Your days at the lodge include safari activities tailored to suit individual requirements - game drives, game viewing by small boats, sunset cruises along the Chobe River, and after-dinner stargazing. (B/L/D) Friday 29, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July. Chobe National Park Moremi Game Reserve. Take a charter flight from Chobe to Moremi and transfer to the Moremi Game Reserve. The lodge offers a broad range of safari activities on both land and water. Exhilarating game drives provide the chance to track wildlife in the beautiful surrounds of the reserve, a protected area renowned for frequent sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah. African wild dog sightings are also regularly reported. Water activities involve the exploration of the water-lily fringed Xakanaxa Lagoon and surrounding Okavango Delta channels by motor boat and mokoro canoe. The birdlife is prolific and varied, and each boat trip offers you exceptional bird-watching opportunities. (B/L/D) Monday 2 July. Moremi - Maun - Johannesburg - Auckland. Take a charter flight from Moremi to Maun to connect with your flight to Johannesburg and onward to Sydney and then Auckland. (B/Meals in flight) Tuesday 3. Arrive Auckland in the late evening. HOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS TOUR A deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your place on the tour. When minimum numbers are reached, the tour will become a confirmed departure. At that point we will advise when the full tour payment will be due. Click here to complete the online registration form, pay the $1000 deposit and your spot in this tour is secured. Or you can complete a paper registration form. You can down load one from the website or give us a call and we will or post one to you. TERMS & CONDITIONS Can be found on the website on the back of the paper registration form or on the summary page when you complete an online registration. VARIATIONS This itinerary is Version 3 dated 31/01/2018 and is subject to change. Exchange rate fluctuations may result in a change to the tour price.

5 TOUR EXTENSION TO AFRICAN ADVENTURE 3 nights in Cape Town Monday 2 - Friday 6 July 2018 Monday 2 July Arrive in Cape Town late afternoon where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (B) The Portswood Hotel is seen as a piece of Cape Town s history. The restaurant and lobby are built around the original well and holding cells for prisoners en route to Robben Island 300 years ago. Today, The Portswood Hotel is famous for its unique, personal approach to service - rich in South Africa s unique culture. Tuesday 3. Morning tour of Table Mountain and Cape Town. Afternoon tour of Robben Island. Your drive through the city centre takes you past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a baroque building, and the Grand Parade. As you follow the city's main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, you will see St. George's Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter (also known as the Bo-Kaap) which means 'Above Cape' because of its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain. In the early 18th century, thousands of slaves from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town. After slavery was abolished, their descendants, known as the Cape Malay's, settled here. The route then leads you to Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain. You'll ascend to the top (weather permitting) by revolving cable car. See wild flowers, the famous silver tree and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and it s beaches. On a clear day, it is possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side, and Cape Point on the other. Descend from the Upper Cableway station to your awaiting vehicle and then proceed around Table Bay to the Milnerton area. From here you can see Table Mountain from the same perspective as the early settlers did when they sailed into Table Bay. The tour ends at approximately 12.30pm at the pier at Victoria & Albert Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway for the ferry to Robben Island. The ferry departs hourly (weather and season permitting). For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Your tour to Robben Island is approximately 3.5 hours long, with the two half hour ferry rides, and includes the visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45 minute bus ride with guided commentary. (B) Wednesday 4. Winelands Tour. South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp whites and classic French-style red wines, sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees and a stunning natural beauty. Your tour today will include the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek with a stop en route for lunch. Start the day with a visit to the rolling vineyards of Paarl and the Pearl of Paarl set high above the valley. Paarl made headlines when President Mandela was released from the Groot Drakenstein prison (ex Victor Verster), on the outskirts of the town, to freedom and the start of the new South Africa. Enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour at one of the local estates. From Paarl, continue north-west to the beautiful village of Franschhoek, near the Drakensberg Mountains founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing from Huguenot religious persecution in Europe. A memorial in the town commemorates the arrival of these early settlers who helped develop the wines, later much sought after by Napoleon, Bismarck and royalty such as Edward VII, the Prince of Wales. Then head to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country's wine region. In 1679, Dutch East India Company Governor Simon van der Stel recognised the fertility of this valley on the banks of the Eerste River and that it would also be perfect for vineyards. A gracious blend of 18th-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is evident on Dorp Street. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to Cape Town at approximately 5.00pm. (B) Thursday 5. Cape Town - Auckland. Transfer to the airport early afternoon for your homeward flight, arriving in Auckland late evening on Friday 6 July. (B/Meals in flight) TOUR EXTENSION Share twin per person NZD$1,699 (estimate) Single Supplement NZD$308 (estimate)