Tel: +27 (0)41 581 2581 Fax: +27 (0)41 581 2332 e-mail: info@pemburytours.com Website: www.pemburytours.com P.O. Box 13482, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, 6013, South Africa ITINERARY PREPARED FOR Dennis & Family Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, Chobe, Victoria Falls & Lower Zambezi 4 to 18June 2017 Your personal tour consultant: Gail Davis
TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY Day 1 (4 June): Arrival in Johannesburg You are met at OR Tambo International Airport on arrival in South Africa and transferred by road to your hotel in Sandton. Transfer time OR Tambo Airport to Sandton: approx 30 minutes Days 1 to 2 (4 & 5 June): Johannesburg (2 nights) Johannesburg is a city with so much on the go. There are wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, gargantuan shopping malls, tranquil parks, emotive museums, thrilling casinos, busy townships and stunning galleries. Your accommodation is in the heart of Mellville. Accommodation: Lucky Bean Guest House Activities: Included Day 2: Soweto and Apartheid Museum tour Day 3 (6 June): Johannesburg to Sabi Sands This morning after breakfast you are transferred by road to OR Tambo International Airport for you domestic flight to Skukuza, in the heart of the Kruger National Park. You are met at Skukuza airport and are transferred by road to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Flight time Johannesburg to Skukuza: approx: 50minutes Transfer time Skukuza to Lodge: approx 30 minutes Days 3 to 7 (6, 7, 8 & 9 June): Sabi Sand Reserve (4 nights) Forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to cross freely between the Sabi Sands and the rest of the Greater Kruger National Park. The safari experience in the Sabi Sand is highly personalised because game drive vehicles have exclusive traversing rights in their area. The Sabi Sand Reserve is a remarkable natural sanctuary known for its exceptionally high concentration of animal and bird life. Close contact encounters are guaranteed as the animals are not threatened by the presence of vehicles thanks to sound conservation management policies. Safaris are led by experienced rangers coupled with local Shangaan trackers. With exceptional sightings of leopard (usually the most elusive of cats), lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo during game drives - visitors are never lacking in exciting photographic content. Accommodation: Lion Sands River Lodge with one night at Kingston Tree House Activities: Included: Days 3 to 7 Daily Safari Programme in the Sabi Sand Reserve Day 7 (10 June): Sabi Sand Reserve to Chobe
It is an early transfer this morning to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and onwards to Kasane, Botswana. On arrival, you will be met by a lodge member and will be transferred to your lodge. Transfer time: Lion Sands to Nelspruit approx 2 hours Flight time: Nelspruit to Johannesburg approx 50 minutes Flight time: Johannesburg to Kasane approx 1 hour 45 minutes Transfer time: Kasane to Ngoma Safari Lodge approx 50 minutes Days 7 to 9 (10 & 11 June): Chobe Game Reserve (2 nights) Chobe National Park on Botswana s north west border is a pristine wilderness of open plains, baobab trees, ancient woodland, swamps and flood plains and is home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire southern African subcontinent. One of Africa s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River forms the Park s northern boundary. The Chobe riverfront area is most famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come down to the river in huge herds to drink during the dry winter months. During this season, one may see hundreds of elephants at one time. Other species include waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa s premier venues for bird Safaris. A highlight of Chobe is taking a river cruise, which allows you to get up close with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You also get really close to animals that come down to the river. Accommodation: Ngoma Safari Lodge Activities: Included: Days 7 to 9 Daily Safari Programme Chobe Ngoma Safari Lodge Day 9 (12 June): Chobe to Victoria Falls This morning after your morning game drive and brunch, you will be picked up from Ngoma Safari Lodge and transferred through to Kasane and the Kazungula Border Post where you will meet up with your Zimbabwe driver who will transfer you through to your lodge near Victoria Falls. Transfer time Ngoma Safari Lodge to Kazungula Border: approx 1 hour Transfer time Kazungula Border to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: approx 1 hour Days 9 to 11 (12 & 13 June): Victoria Falls (2 nights) Besides being one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available. The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700 metre wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a "moonbow" can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Activities: Included: Day 9 View the Falls Suggested: Day 10 Adventure activities at Victoria Falls
Included: Day 10 - Sunset boat trip on the Zambezi River Day 11 (14 June): Victoria Falls to Lower Zambezi This morning you will be transferred across the border in Zambia and onwards to Livingstone Airport for your domestic flight to the capital, Lusaka. On arrival at Lusaka you will be met and assisted through to your light aircraft flight to The Royal Airstrip near the Lower Zambezi National Park. You will be met here by your driver and transferred through to your lodge in the Lower Zambezi. Transfer time: Victoria Falls to Livingstone Airport approx 1 hour Flight time: Livingstone to Lusaka approx 1 hour 10 minutes Flight time: Lusaka to Royal Airstrip approx 30 minutes Transfer time: Royal Airstrip to Baines River Camp approx 15 minutes Days 11 to 15 (14, 15, 16 & 17 June): Lower Zambezi (4 nights) With its floodplains, grasslands and tall forests, Lower Zambezi Valley supports fantastic game densities and is a great safari destination. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the south-eastern part of Zambia, the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 km², with 120 km of river frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north and the mighty Zambezi River itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons, ox-bow lakes and the floodplain which attract a plethora of wildlife, especially in the dry season when there is little water elsewhere in the Park. There are approximately 50 mammal species, including large prides of lion, leopard, buffalo, large herds of elephant, zebra and antelope species. 378 bird species have been recorded in the Park, including many species of eagle, heron, stork, bee-eater and kingfisher. Buffalo and elephant move freely across the river and are often found on the islands in the middle of the river. Silent crocodiles and large pods of hippo are found all along the river. The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the wildest areas in Africa and there is little human activity. The Lower Zambezi National Park is only accessible in the dry season, between mid April and late November. Accommodation: Baines River Camp Activities: Included: Days 11 to 15 Daily Safari Activities at Baines River Camp Day 15 (18 June): Departure This morning after your morning game drive and brunch you will be transferred to the Royal Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Lusaka where you will meet up with your international flight home or your regional flight to Johannesburg and your international flight home from there. END OF SEVICES BY
TOUR INCLUDES JOHANNESBURG Meet & Greet at OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) Road transfer from OR Tambo to your guest house in Mellville 2 nights accommodation in Mellvillle o Lucky Bean Guest House on a bed & breakfast basis Road transfer from your guest house to OR Tambo International Airport Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza SAFARI Transfer from Skukuza to your game lodge in Sabi Sands Reserve 4 nights in Sabi Sands Reserve o Lion Sands River Lodge on an all-inclusive basis (includes accommodation, all meals, all drinks (soft drinks, local brand beers and spirits & house wine), scheduled safari activities) - One of the nights at Lion Sands River Lodge is a night in one of their Treehouses Road Transfer from Sabi Sands Reserve to Nelspruit Airport Domestic flight from Nelspruit to Johannesburg Regional flight from Johannesburg to Kasane CHOBE Road transfer from Kasane Airport to your lodge in Chobe 2 nights on safari in Chobe o Ngoma Safari Lodge on a fully inclusive basis (Accommodation, all meals, all local drinks, up to 4 activities per day, National Park Fees, Laundry, CECT Community Levy). Road transfer from your lodge in Chobe to your lodge in Victoria Falls VICTORIA FALLS 2 nights at Victoria Falls o Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on full board breakfast, lunch and dinner Guided tour of the Falls Sunset cruise Road transfer from your hotel to Livingstone Airport Domestic flight from Livingstone, Zambia to Lusaka, Zambia LOWER ZAMBEZI Light Aircraft flight from Lusaka to Royal Airstrip Road transfer from Royal Airstrip to your lodge 4 nights at your lodge in the Lower Zambezi o Baines River Camp (Fully Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, local drinks, safari activities, daily laundry service, complimentary, limited wireless internet access) Lower Zambezi National Park entry and activity fees Road transfer from Baines Camp to Royal Airstrip Light aircraft flight from Royal Airstrip to Lusaka TOUR EXCLUDES All flights not mentioned above Visas All meals not specified above Optional activities Personal items, tipping, personal refreshments and extras
ACCOMMODATION JOHANNESBURG Lucky Bean Guest House Set on a large, secluded Melville property with a beautiful garden and pool, the guesthouse has a gentle sense of peace and harmony. The nine suites are all spacious, light and stylish. They have their own private entrances, most with patio space and garden views. Favourites include the Skyline suite with its fantastic view of the tree-topped city, and the Silver suite with a veranda facing the rose garden. There is complimentary high speed Wi-Fi internet connectivity, DSTV (hotel bouquet), room safes, tea and coffee facilities, a desk and chair, safe parking and on-site management. On many of the perfect mornings you will be able to enjoy breakfast in the garden, or join the friendly conversation in the farm style kitchen. KRUGER SABI SANDS RESERVE Lion Sands River Lodge Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in the southern portion of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve with 10 kilometers of Sabie River frontage, where perennial water ensures a high concentration of game. Forming part of the greater Kruger National Park, the reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to traverse freely between Lion Sands and the Kruger National Park. With 5000 hectares of wild bush in this private concession within the world-renowned Kruger National Park, you can go exploring off-road and follow the footsteps of the leopard, track down a herd of elephant or simply wait for them to come to you. Lion Sands is family owned & managed by the 4th generation More Family. River Lodge offers you one of the warmest welcomes you could hope to encounter on your travels; hosted by our family of extraordinary handpicked staff, who will make you feel completely relaxed and at home. In River Lodge we feel like we have captured the spirit of the Sabie River, where the quiet luxury of our rooms provides a place of repose, after a day of overwhelming and enriching adventure. A view like we have of the Sabie River cannot be wasted, which is why we insisted on giving each of the 20 luxuriously
thatched bedrooms at River Lodge its own private wooden viewing deck. With the quietly rambling river outside your room, you won't have to go far to see wildlife or to drink in the surrounding Sabi Sand Reserve whilst overlooking the world- famous Kruger National Park, all at one glance. Game drives take place in the morning or late afternoon, moving into the early evening, as this is when wildlife is most active due to the temperatures being the most moderate. The Reserve is completely untouched and home to such a variety of wildlife that every day presents new and exciting interactions in an environment where all levels of the ecosystem fight for their survival in an environment where generally the rule is eat or be eaten. The guides are expertly trained to not only provide you with an encyclopedia of information on all aspects of the ecology but are also well versed in being incredible hosts, passionate about making sure your highest expectations are met. Kingston Treehouse at Lions Sands: Make your way through rows of magnificent white boulders and across a small drawbridge, and you will find Africa opening up in front if you. Set amid the pure and untouched wild, you will be surrounded by African bush and uninhibited wildlife at its best. The Kingston Treehouse is constructed entirely from wood and glass, with contemporary décor in understated hues of greys, white, black and purple. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. In fact, we defy you to find two identical African sunsets. The 60m2 Treehouse is situated about 5 minutes from the main lodge, and you will have radio contact with the rangers, should you choose to. You will also find some cellphone reception; but don t expect any wi-fi in the bush. Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities, and Africology products to complete your sensory experience. Before a dinner of tapas or a full meal with Champagne, enjoy an hour-long massage under the stars to relax and become quiet with the nature around you. A yoga mat and chart are also provided for your use, should the whim strike you. Kingston is an experience reserved for the fortunate few, and we invite you to tick it off your bucket list. But we feel we must warn you, once will never be enough.
Chobe Game Reserve Ngoma Safari Lodge Situated in northern Chobe, Botswana, within the Chobe Forest Reserve, Ngoma Safari Lodge is 55 km from Kasane and 135 km from the magnificent Natural Wonder of Victoria Falls. The lodge has magnificent views of the legendary Chobe river, giving you the opportunity to see the famous Chobe elephants, migrating zebra or buffalo grazing on the Caprivi floodplain below, depending on the season. Ngoma Safari Lodge is a traditional safari lodge, with a thatched main guest and six thatched guest suites. The lodge incorporates rustic and ethnic styles, with natural finishes and an emphasis on space and comfort. The central area includes a sitting room, dining room, bar area, game viewing deck, pool deck and a plunge pool with a striking water feature. Spend evenings around the fire looking out at the floodlit waterhole. Your own exclusive river-facing suite offers a quiet refuge and includes an indoor bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and a private outdoor sanctuary. Wide glass windows let in soft natural light and give you panoramic views of the bushveld. Enjoy afternoons by the pool followed by candlelit dinners. Take your pick from river cruises and picnics to guided walks and game drives.
VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park & is just 4 km from the thundering Victoria Falls. Enjoy uninterrupted views of spectacular African sunsets and the on-site waterhole, frequented by buffalo, elephant, warthog, various antelope and an endless stream of colourful African birds. The rooms at the lodge all have private decks and views of the waterhole or surrounding bush. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has two restaurants. The award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa is a split-level open-air à la carte restaurant with impeccable service, mouth-watering meals, a wide selection of fine South African wines and incredible views of the waterhole. The Boma is an outdoor fireside restaurant specialising in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes and is renowned for its warthog fillet. Sample local delicacies such as Mopani worms and venison stews, as well as more conventional Western fare, and then enjoy an evening filled with entertainment from Amakwezi traditional dancers to a local story teller and a fortune teller, followed by a drumming extravaganza. The open-plan Buffalo Bar has its own gameviewing platform overlooking the waterhole. Each day at 1 pm the Buffalo Bar offers a free vulture feeding display. Meat is put out just below the decks of the bar and hotel and you can witness the incredible spectacle of hundreds of vultures and other birds of prey descending on this free picnic while you sit and enjoy your own lunch or drink. There is a swimming pool and sun deck. A complimentary shuttle service transports guests to the Victoria Falls and town centre on an hourly basis throughout the day. LOWER ZAMBEZI Baines River Camp This true colonial style safari lodge, named after the famous artist and explorer Thomas Baines, offers a wide variety of land and water based safari activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park, the first carbon-neutral National Park in the World. In addition, Baines River Camp offers specialized photographic workshops, fly fishing clinics and elephant studies, led by passionate specialist of international acclaim. Reflecting the colonial verandah style of a bygone era, the camp s spacious main lodge area offers wide views of the Zambezi River towards the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools in neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Accommodation is finished with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, cotton percale linen, pure goose-down pillows and duvets, a spacious dressing area, generous walk-in showers, coffee and tea making facilities, a personal safe for your valuables and a hair dryer. The bedrooms are as mosquito-proof as possible, with gauze sashes on the windows, and in addition, insect repellents are provided for your comfort. ACTIVITIES JOHANNESBURG Suggested: Apartheid Museum & Soweto Tour (Half-Day) This tour provides a great opportunity to take a closer look at South Africa's turbulent past, by combining a drive through Soweto with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, regarded as the preeminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the story of apartheid. The Museum opened its doors in 2001 and here visitors can embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994. The tour of the museum lasts approximately two hours. We then continue to Soweto (South Western Township), a sprawling residential area that has become a "city within a city". Soweto is home to approximately 2-million people, many of whom work in various parts of the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area. Your guide will follow a route that takes you past all the major points of interest, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Regina Mundi church, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela's former home.
KRUGER SABI SAND RESERVE Included: Days 3 to 7 Daily Safari Programme in the Sabi Sand The Sabi Sand Reserve is part of the largest conservation area in South Africa and it is the oldest of all the private reserves. It was formed in 1950 and comprises of many privately owned game lodges, covering an area of 65 000 hectares (153 000 acres) of savannah thornveld. It is now part of the Greater Kruger National Park and there are no fences between them, so the game moves freely through this enormous natural reserve. This is one of South Africa s most treasured natural sanctuaries. The Sabi Sand Reserve enjoys good quality viewing of leopard (the most elusive of predators), as well as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. In fact, there are more than 330 tree species, 45 fish species, 30 amphibian species, 110 reptile species, 500 bird species and 145 mammal species, including the Big Five. Upon arrival at your safari lodge you are given a welcome drink and your safari experience will be explained to you by your lodge host. There will be time to settle in before afternoon High Tea followed by your first game drive. Game drives take place in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when animals are most active. Night game drives provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the predators, particularly the leopard for which this area is renowned. You return to your lodge in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner. The next day after a light snack you are taken on a morning game drive. You return to the lodge for a grand brunch. There is time to relax around the sunny pool, do some birdwatching from the observation deck or read a book in the peace of your room s private verandah. After High Tea you set off on another evening game drive, returning again in time for dinner. On your day of departure, you will do a morning game drive and will leave the lodge after brunch.
BOTSWANA CHOBE Included: Days 7 to 9 - Daily Safari Activities in Chobe Ngoma Safari Lodge Famous for its large elephant herds, Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana covering some 11 700 square kilometres, has some of the largest concentrations of game found on the continent of Africa. Game drives in this park are legendary, with sightings of herds of more than 100 elephants at any one time being the norm. You may also see up to 15 different species of animals on any one game drive, including all the antelope, warthog, monkeys and baboons, as well as predators like lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. The Park provides a kaleidoscope of species for bird enthusiasts, in what is one of Africa s finest birding safari locations. Day drives are into Chobe National Park and night drives are on the concession. Located within the Chobe Forest Reserve, Ngoma Safari Lodge also offers guided walks with theirteam of experienced professional guides who will escort you on an enthralling walk in this game-rich enclave. Walks depart early morning and return for breakfast. At Ngoma Safari Lodge you enjoy a scenic cruise along the Chobe River, which allows you to get up close with hippo, crocodile and many water birds. You also get really close to any animals that come down to the river, especially elephants and buffalo.
VICTORIA FALLS Included: Day 9 Guided tour of The Falls As you approach the Falls and hear the water pounding and witness the vapour rising, you quickly understand why local tribesman called the Falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) and why the explorer David Livingstone exclaimed that a scene so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a "moonbow" can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow. Because the Victoria Falls fall into a chasm, rather than falling down an escarpment, it is possible to walk along the opposite side of the chasm, at the same height as the top of the Falls. From the unique walking trails the magnificence and glory of the Falls are head on and only about 60 metres (200 feet) away. The spray falls on the trails like soft rain, feeding the lush vegetation.
Suggested: Day 10 Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available. Here is our selection of the best: Tiger fishing Spend a half day on the Zambezi River fishing for one of the great freshwater game fish - The Tigerfish. These powerful, swift predators are truly thrilling to catch. Canoeing Paddle slowly down the Zambezi River in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa and enjoy the beauty, peace and wildlife of this unique place. Explore islands and waterways and learn about the birds and animals you come across along the route. Flight of Angels Helicopter Flip over the Falls At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the whole panorama and enormity of this mighty spectacle. Bungi Jumping Bungi jump off the 111 metre high railway bridge into the Zambezi gorge, stopping just metres from the rushing water of the Zambezi River. This is a wild jump! There are two bungi options: A single jump on your own or a tandem jump with a partner. White Water Rafting White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River is acclaimed as the best one day white water rafting trip available in the world. There are different options for rafting depending on the time of year and the level of water in the river. Jet Boat Extreme Speedboats powered by huge jet engines shoot down the rapids below the Victoria Falls at 100 km an hour. Enjoy a thrilling half hour spent flying over the water. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Included: Day 10 Sunset Boat Trip on the Zambezi River Follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and travel up the Zambezi River above the Falls. As afternoon fades into twilight, animals come down to the river to drink as you go by.
Included: Days 11 to 15 - Daily Safari Programme - Lower Zambezi National Park It is important to understand that the daily programme and the duration of a safari activity is determined by the rhythm of the bush (and the enthusiasm of guests) rather than by the clock. However, this is a rough outline of daily safari activities at lodges in the Lower Zambezi National Park: Upon arrival at your safari lodge you are given a welcome drink and your safari experience will be explained to you by your lodge host. There will be time to settle in before afternoon High Tea followed by your first game drive with your game ranger. Drives are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use. On the late afternoon drive, there is a stop at a scenic point for sundowner drinks and once the sun has set the night drive commences. Night game drives are an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush. You return to the camp in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner under the stars. The next day after a light snack you are taken on an early morning game drive. Drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. You return to the camp for a grand brunch. There is time to do some bird-watching from the observation deck or read a book in the peace of your tent s private verandah. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the other safari activities on offer in the Lower Zambezi. You can go on a bush walk, accompanied by an armed ranger and guide, who will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. Elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats. You can also go on a waterborne safari within the National Park either on a custom-built, motorised pontoon or in a canoe, and explore the channels of the river, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.
The Lower Zambezi is internationally acclaimed as one of the world s leading fishing destinations. Expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish. In the afternoon, after High Tea you set off on another night drive, returning again in time for dinner. On your day of departure, you will do a morning game drive and will leave the lodge after brunch.