2018 Itinerary Our entry to Africa starts in Johannesburg where we ll catch our flight to Zimbabwe. Over the next twelve days we will explore diverse terrain, unique camps and remote wilderness. Day 1 - Monday, August 6 Depart Johannesburg, South Africa for Zimbabwe. After our two-hour commercial flight, we ll land in Harare and connect with a charter flight into Mana Pools along the Zambezi River. Our home for the next three nights is Ruckomechi Camp. Situated on a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley s Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp looks out over the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, adjoining well-defined tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment over the border in Zambia. Shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, the camp accommodates guests in spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, all of which overlook the river. The central dining, bar and lounge areas
face the escarpment across the river. There is a separate pool deck for swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting fire deck for convivial evenings under the African skies. Day 2 Tuesday, August 7 Camp Ruckomechi, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Multiple activities, both wilderness and yoga based will fill our day. Options include game drives, river cruises, nature walks, and a mid-day yoga practice. On drives and cruises, we re likely to see elephant, buffalo, hippo, and impala, along with predators such as lion, wild dog, and cheetah. Birds are also abundant and beautiful. Elephants often pass through camp to enjoy the tasty pods of the albida trees. Special features at Ruckomechi include an outdoor bath with a view and star-bed situated nearby overlooking a productive waterhole. Day 3 Wednesday, August 8 Camp Ruckomechi, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Each day you are welcome to join us for Yoga. Generally, we ll practice mid-afternoon, when temperatures are warm and being outdoors is comfortable. After long excursions in the game drive vehicles, we ve learned
that moving and stretching feels particularly great. Our camps are prepared and offer us beautiful spaces in which to practice, sometimes with very special views. Each traveler will receive a personal, high quality yoga mat if desired. Options for your group Yoga Class include Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow Yin Guided Meditation & Breathing Practices (Pranayama) Yoga Nidra Basics Inversions Yoga at Ruckomechi in 2015 Day 4 - Thursday, August 9 We depart from Camp Ruckomechi in light aircraft heading west to Lake Kariba and Changa Safari Camp Perfectly set in a remote and secluded part of the Matusadona National Park located in the heart of Lake Kariba and boasting nearly 4km of lakeshore frontage, Changa offers a unique and authentic safari experience. There is a range of exciting and relaxing activities to choose from -- morning and afternoon game drives, lake cruises, fishing, and game walks on the concession with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
Day 5 - Friday, August 10 Changa Safari Camp, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe Lapped by the waters of Lake Kariba, shaded by Mopane woodland and hidden from the world, Changa is an oasis of tranquility and an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Changa has been designed to blend in with the environment using natural materials. The camp furniture has been built using Zimbabwe s finest teak and the bar has been fashioned around the hull of an old boat.
Day 6 - Saturday, August 11 Today, we fly to Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park by chartered light aircraft. Linkwasha Camp lies in a private concession in the enormously productive southeastern corner of Hwange National Park. The camp s excellent location stands sentry over a magnificent plain and a pan that is a magnet for game. The fresh, open and airy design of Linkwasha is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. Eight en-suite luxury tents look out over the surrounding plain, while the main area including various multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library gazes over the abundant waterhole. Day 7 Sunday, August 12 Linkwasha Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Hwange s mix of different veld and landscape types means that game viewing is productive year-round. Wildlife frequently encountered in the area includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, spotted
hyaena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck. Wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while elephant congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes. Day 8 Monday, August 13 Linkwasha Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Day 9 Tuesday, August 14 A short flight brings us to Victoria Falls and our final stop. Victoria Falls River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe The Victoria Falls River Lodge luxury tents are nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, one of the most famous rivers in the world. Built upon raised decks, and sheltered by an extensive thatched roof, the 13 luxurious tents are tastefully decorated in earthy hues with liberal splashes of crisp white, soothing sage and duck egg blue. Each offers a larger than king size bed (twin bed configurations are also possible in all rooms), comfortable sitting area, indoor and outdoor showers and a private viewing deck with plunge pool where you may sit comfortably and watch the hippos wallowing. The only thing that resembles a tent in these 5-star rooms is the canvas on the outside!
Day 10 Thursday, August 16 Victoria Falls River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe We will spend a day visiting the Falls and exploring the town of Victoria Falls, including lunch at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel.
Day 11 Thursday, August 16 Victoria Falls River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe On our last day, we ll take time to pause and reflect on our adventures. Optional activities available at Victoria Falls include white water rafting, bungee jumping, game drives and walks, and fishing. We ll close out the day with a river cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Day 12 Friday, August 17 Departing from Victoria Falls Airport we catch a 1 hour 40 minute commercial flight, arriving at Johannesburg International Airport to connect to our homeward-bound flights. Cost Trip cost is $10,600. All pricing is per person, based on two people sharing a room. For a single room, please add $2,825 payable on March 1, 2018. Your payment includes the following: all accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry service, and scheduled activities while on safari; commercial flights from Johannesburg to Harare and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg; private aircraft flights and camp transfers while on safari; tips for camp guides and staff; a yoga mat for your sole use; daily yoga and meditation sessions. Your payment excludes: international flight from the US to Johannesburg; any accommodation, meals or transportation required in Johannesburg, visa fees to enter Zimbabwe, and personal travel insurance. Payments may be made in installments as follows: $3000 due at time of booking, $3800 due February 1, 2018, $3800 due March 1, 2018.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations after April 1, 2018. Our lodges and camps have a non-refundable deposit requirement in their booking terms. All travelers should secure personal travel insurance which provides a refund if there s a need for cancellation. We will also make every attempt to find a replacement traveler. If we re able to fill your space, a full refund will be issued.