BACK TO BOTSWANA SAFARI March 20 - April 2, 2016 Accommodated & catered small group nature-based tour personally escorted by Jeremy & Jan of Global Gypsies & local English-speaking guides Join Us on this Amazing African Eco-Safari! Join us as we return to Botswana to enjoy some of the most amazing wildlife viewing on the planet. This magical & memorable eco-safari through the famous Okavango Delta & Savute & Chobe National Parks will begin in Maun, Botswana, and end in Victoria Falls. It will be personally escorted by Jeremy Perks & Jan Barrie of Global Gypsies, & led by expert local Englishspeaking guides. The package price includes wildlife viewing by 4WD & boat; national park entry fees; internal transport; quality accommodation in permanent tented camps, mobile bush camps & safari lodges; most meals & alcoholic beverages while on safari plus a comprehensive Pre- Departure Workshop & Pre-Departure Kit. Looking After You In this joint venture with Safari Guide Services (SGS) of Botswana, Global Gypsies will coordinate ground content & trip planning & be your tour escorts. SGS will provide expert local guides, personalised attention & incomparable bush knowledge once we arrive in this safe & fascinating country. What Clothes to Bring Pack comfortable, casual clothes & one or two smart outfits for special occasions. We recommend practical, neutral coloured, quick drying, non-crush safari-style clothing plus hat, swimwear, comfy shoes, day pack, lightweight rain jacket & something warm for early morning game drives (we ll give you a suggested packing list in your Pre Departure Kit). Luggage Because we ll be travelling in light aircraft and 4WD vehicles with limited luggage space, soft bags weighing 15 kgs or less are preferable bring only what you can carry yourself. Getting There Book your own flights to/from Maun at internet rates or through your travel agent we ll suggest the best connections. Visas, Passports & Inoculations If you re travelling on an Aussie passport you won t need a visa for Botswana, however, your passport must be valid for at least six months & have some blank pages. Check with your doctor as to which inoculations you ll need. Weather We would expect temperatures to range from 17 C - 35 C in March/April with about 10 hours of sunshine per day, moderate humidity & an average monthly rainfall of about 61mm. We could experience some afternoon thunder storms in the Delta & - hopefully - some fabulous rainbows at Victoria Falls! About the Okavango Delta The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a 15,000km 2 inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a closed water drainage basin in the Kalahari Desert. All the water ultimately evaporates & does not flow into any sea or ocean. An oasis in an arid country, the Okavango is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, hippo, lechwe, tsessebe, sitatunga, wildebeest, giraffe, crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, springbok, kudu, antelope, zebra, baboon & the endangered African Wild Dog. The majority of the estimated 200,000 large mammals in & around the Delta are not year-round residents. They leave with the summer rains to find renewed fields of grass to graze on & trees to browse then make their way back as winter approaches. The water paradise of the Okavango is unlike any other wildlife viewing area in Africa - its unique beauty will stay with you forever.
PROPOSED ITINERARY Day 1 - Sunday, March 20 Clients fly independently to Maun, Botswana. You will be met on arrival at the airport by your Australian Tour Escorts, Jeremy & Jan & transferred to your safari lodge. Evening free to relax or have dinner at your leisure (complimentary glass of wine included). Overnight at Royal Tree Lodge, Maun (D) http://royaltreelodge.com Day 2 - Monday, March 21 We enjoy a welcome briefing over breakfast & are then transferred to the airport for the short flight to our safari camp in the heart of the fabulous Okavango Delta. After lunch in camp we go gameviewing in traditional small boats called mokoros in search of elephant, hippo and more. We return to camp to freshen up before we meet in the cocktail bar for Welcome Sundowners followed by a special Welcome Dinner! (All meals & selected local alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout our stay at this camp. Free laundry service is also available.) Overnight at Moremi Crossing Camp (B, L, D) http://underonebotswanasky.com/camps/moremicrossing.php Day 3 - Tuesday, March 22 We explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro and/or go on a game walk with our experienced local guides. Overnight at Moremi Crossing Camp (B, L, D) Day 4 - Wednesday, March 23 We explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro and/or go on a game walk with our local guides. Overnight at Moremi Crossing Camp (B, L, D) Day 5 - Thursday, March 24 We say farewell to our delta camp & are transferred to the airstrip where we take a light aircraft to Savute. We are met at the airstrip & transferred to our mobile bush camp in Savute National Park which has been set up in advance by the expert SGS safari team. We experience Africa just as Karen Blixen and the Great White Hunters did in days gone by! We go on a game drive in open 4WD vehicles that afternoon in search of big cats, antelope, giraffe, wild dogs, elephant & more! (All meals & selected local alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout our stay at this camp. Free laundry service is also available.) Overnight in mobile safari camp in Savute National Park (B, L, D) http://www.sgsafrica.com/mobile-safaris/morula/
Day 6 - Friday, March 25 We continue to explore Savute on game drives in open 4WD vehicles in the morning & afternoon. Overnight in mobile safari tented camp in Savute National Park (B, L, D) Day 7 - Saturday, March 26 We continue to explore Savute on game drives in open 4WD vehicles in the morning & afternoon. Overnight in mobile safari tented camp in Savute National Park (B, L, D) Day 8 - Sunday, March 27 We farewell the SGS team at Savute airstrip & fly to Kasane Airport. We are met at the airstrip & transferred to Muchenje Safari Lodge via Chobe National Park. After lunch at the lodge, we can go on a game drive, explore the lodge, enjoy the views overlooking the Chobe floodplain, visit the souvenir shop, catch up on our reading or go for a swim in the pool. (All meals & selected local alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout our stay at this lodge.) Overnight Muchenje Safari Lodge http://www.muchenje.com (B, L, D) Day 9 - Monday, March 28 We explore Chobe National Park on morning & afternoon game drives. Overnight Muchenje Safari Lodge (B, L, D) Day 10 - Tuesday, March 29 Free day to relax at the lodge, or join us on a fascinating day out! We ll visit the Kasane Bio- Diversity Centre for a private tour & presentation followed by lunch. Then we ll enjoy a private talk about David Livingstone ( Dr Livingstone, I presume? ) aboard a raft on the Chobe River. We return to the lodge in time for a sunset game drive with sundowners & snacks. Overnight at Muchenje Safari Lodge (B, L, D) Day 11- Wednesday, March 30 After breakfast we are transferred from our lodge to the Botswana/Zimbabwe border. After completing formalities, we continue on to our historic hotel in Victoria Falls. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town, view the magnificent waterfalls, do some souvenir shopping or confirm your optional activities over the next two days. (We recommend booking your activities on-line well in advance!). Special sundown surprise that at 4:00 p.m. don t miss it! Evening free. (No drinks are included at this hotel). Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel http://www.victoria-falls-hotels.net/victoria-falls-hotel/ (B) Day 12 - Thursday, March 31 Day at leisure to explore Victoria Falls independently. There are heaps of activities to choose from - explore the rim of the falls on the wooded walking trails & admire the breathtaking scenery, visit a nearby African village or go on a leisurely cruise.
Or if you re feeling more adventurous, take an incredible helicopter or microlight flight over the falls, go white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, horse riding & more! (Remember that if you cross into Zambia you will need to get a visa which can be time-consuming & eat into your valuable day!). For more details, visit http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/victoria-falls-activities.html. Special dinner & cultural show at the hotel that evening. Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel (B, D) Day 13 Friday, April 1 Day at leisure to explore Victoria Falls independently. Special Farewell Dinner at the hotel that night in the elegant & historic dining room. Put on your glad rags & don t miss it! Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel (B, D) Day 14 Wednesday, April 2 After breakfast, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls airport for your onward travel (B) COST PER PERSON: USD $8325 per person (twin/share) * Single supplement: Solo travelers are always welcome & we will do our best to find you a traveling buddy. However, due to the limited capacity of the safari camps, private accommodation (one person per room) may not be available on this tour. Please contact us for more details. * Based on two persons sharing a twin room with single beds (double bed MAY be available if requested in advance but we cannot guarantee this). Please note that prices are subject to change if local costs are subsequently affected by government taxes, exchange rate difference, increase in fuel prices and/or any other influence beyond our control. Inclusions: Meet & greet at Maun Airport Transfers as described in the itinerary Internal airfares & ground transport Twin/share accommodation in quality hotels, lodges, tented camps & mobile safari camp Meals as mentioned in the itinerary Selected drinks with meals at all accommodation except for Victoria Falls Hotel Excursions & activities mentioned in the itinerary Game viewing opportunities as mentioned in the itinerary Services of two Australian escorts Services of local English-speaking guides Complimentary laundry service at Moremi Crossing Camp & Savute Bush Camp Does not include: International airfares Visa fees Items of a personal nature Meals & services not mentioned Drinks at Victoria Falls Hotel Travel insurance (compulsory a comprehensive policy from CoverMore can be purchased from Global Gypsies) Tips - please note that to cover tips & gratuities for drivers, guides, waiters, porters etc for the duration of the tour, rather than asking for individual daily contributions, we will organise a Tips Kitty in advance & ask everyone to contribute USD$250 per person. Your tour escorts will then distribute tips as appropriate on behalf of the group. To book your place, please complete & return the booking form on the next page. For more information please contact: GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD PO Box 123, Scarborough, WA. 6922. Phone: (08) 9341 6727 admin@globalgypsies.com.au www.globalgypsies.com.au
BACK TO BOTSWANA BOOKING FORM Each participant to complete a separate form please! PLEASE CONFIRM MY BOOKING! Name (as shown in passport) : Address:.. Phone:.. Mobile: Date/Place of Birth:.. Nationality: Passport Number:.. Date of Issue: Expiry:. Please note that the price of this tour is quoted in US Dollars. A non-refundable deposit of USD $1,500 person is required to secure your booking. Deposits will be payable only by EFT or telegraphic transfer to the Global Gypsies USD account. We will be in touch with you soon to advise where & how to pay. PLEASE SEND NO MONEY NOW. Terms & Conditions The Back to Botswana Safari is being operated & conducted by Safari Guide Services (SGS) under local laws, conditions hereafter called The Operators. Global Gypsies Pty Ltd of Western Australia (GG) is providing two professional Tour Escorts & assisting with marketing, customer inquiries & collection of payments. Clients are responsible for arranging their own international flights & must arrive in Maun, Botswana, on or before March 20, 2016. SGS/GG reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are insufficient participants (minimum 10/maximum 16). Deposits are non-refundable (unless the tour is cancelled by the operators in which case all moneys will be refunded in full). Deposits are due by July 31 in order to confirm your place. Final payments are due on or before December 1, 2015. All cancellations by clients are subject to an administration fee from 120-180 days prior to departure; 50% refund (excluding deposit) from 90 119 days prior to departure. No refunds will be made if cancelled within 118 days of departure or in the event that clients fail to join the tour or leave it early. Whilst all care is taken, SGS/GG do not accept liability for loss or damage to baggage, sickness or injury, or additional expenses caused by factors beyond their control. Clients are advised that in many countries there is no free health service & that local vehicle insurance is of limited value. Travel insurance is mandatory & should cover most circumstances of cancellation as well as luggage loss, medical cover & medical evacuation. (CoverMore travel insurance can be purchased from Global Gypsies if desired). The client accepts that this tour is of an adventurous nature & involves an element of personal risk & that neither SGS/GG nor their agents can be held liable for any injury, damage to property or loss of life caused. The client accepts responsibility for all risks involved. Because of the mobile safari component of this tour, clients are required to be physically fit, have good mobility & be prepared for outdoor living conditions. They must be able to get into/out of 4WD vehicles easily, climb stairs & walk for 2kms comfortably & unassisted. Australians do not require a visa to enter Botswana but do require a visa to enter Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls); this can be issued at the border. Visitors may also require a visa in order to enter, or stop over in, other African countries. It is the client s responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of valid travel documents including passports, visas, health certificates etc. SGS/GG cannot accept any liability for incorrect documentation. Itinerary is subject to alteration without notice & is intended as a guide only. Alterations may occur due to road conditions, flooding, mechanical defect or other reasons. Any additional expenses incurred by passengers are not SGS/GG s responsibility. The operators &/or their agents & employees are unable to guarantee exact arrival & departure times, & will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other service. In the event of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, SGS/GG reserve the right to substitute different vehicles & personnel. Properties used may change, however the same or similar standard is guaranteed. Accommodation in safari camps & lodges is on a twinshare basis with single beds (double beds may be available if requested in advance but this is not guaranteed). Due to the limited capacity of safari camps, private accommodation (one person per room) may not be available. The client agrees to comply with the laws & regulations of all the countries visited & to comply with all reasonable instructions of the Tour Leaders & Tour Escorts relating to the safety & organisation of the tour. This agreement between the client & SGS is made subject to & shall be interpreted & construed in a Botswana court of law. Any legal conflict with GG shall be resolved in the jurisdiction of Western Australia. Please keep luggage packed in soft, pliable bags weighing a maximum of 15 kg per person. ALL prices are based on current 2015/2016 costs & are subject to change if subsequently affected by African government taxes, exchange rate difference, increase in jet fuel or car fuel prices &/or any other influence beyond the control of the operators. I have read & understand the above tour conditions & agree to abide by them. I acknowledge that there are risks associated with this tour & accept that these risks are my own responsibility. Signature...... Date... PLEASE POST/EMAIL TO: GLOBAL GYPSIES PTY LTD; PO Box 123, Scarborough, WA, 6922. Phone: (08) 9341-6727 admin@globalgypsies.com.au; www.globalgypsies.com.au; PLEASE SEND NO MONEY NOW. DETAILS OF GLOBAL GYPSIES USD ACCOUNT WILL BE ADVISED SOON.