THE 2017 GREAT AFRICAN PRIVATE FLYING ADVENTURE
KENYA MARA PLAINS Nairobi OL DONYO LODGE DUBA PLAINS ZARAFA CAMP BOTSWANA Johannesburg
EXPLORING THE WILDS OF BOTSWANA ALONG WITH THE OPEN NATURAL WILDLIFE FILLED LANDSCAPES OF KENYA. Great Plains Conservation presents their 13-day private Great African Flying Safari! We are very proud to present our private flying adventure, exploring Botswana and Kenya on-board a Next Generation Pilatus PC12. This private safari brings a select number of guests the unique opportunity to experience the best of Botswana and Kenya - Africa s premier wildlife viewing destinations, on a safari often dreamed about. YOUR SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS Duba Plains, located in the northern reaches of Botswana s Okavango Delta, ranks as one of the best destinations to experience lions hunting during the day Zarafa Camp, with its impressive marquis styled tents and sweeping views across the Zibadianja lagoon, makes this Relais & Chateaux recognised property the ideal camp in which to explore the wonders of the 138 000 hectare Selinda Reserve ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya s first Relais & Chateaux property, with Mount Kilimanjaro forming a constant backdrop whilst viewing some of Africa s largest tuskers Mara Plains, home to the largest cat population of lion and leopard in the greater Maasai Mara is now recognised as Kenya s second Relais & Chateaux property
After years studying big cats in my role as a filmmaker and Explorer at National Geographic, I ve selected the best of the best locations and my favourite places for big cats. It goes from the unique isolation but exposure to the huge lions in Duba Plains in Botswana and leopards and lions in Selinda, (with an added chance of seeing wild dogs there) and then quickly getting up to the Mara ecosystem to immerse oneself in cheetahs and leopards and the savanna lions that are just everywhere in the Mara Plains conservancy there. No understanding of big cats in Africa today can be complete without understanding their relationship with the Maasai in particular. At ol Donyo the story of big cats is etched into the ground and the conservation efforts there are showing fantastic results, to the degree that the Maasai have announced that they don t kill lions anymore. For me this is a quick but thorough cross section of big cats in the places where they still thrive but where the conservation of these icons of Africa is still relevant. Every day spent in the presence of a big cat is a precious luxury for me, one that I am acutely aware of as a disappearing opportunity. When we where born there were 450,000 lions in Africa and today there may be 20,000. Those same declines of 95% track through all the big cats. I m convinced that when people come on a trip like this, they will not leave without a life long commitment to being big cat ambassadors. The specialised big cat flying safari is probably the best and most efficient way to see the best of the best of the big cats that are still abundant in pristine eco systems and to immerse oneself in that big cats story. It is one that is at a cross roads now, so exposing our guests to the story of lions or leopards or cheetah as they should be, as well as the conservation work around them at each stop, and the communities that we are working with as partners to clear the path ahead is what I consider the best of the best, if you are interested in that story of the most iconic of African animals.
YOUR SAFARI AT A GLANCE What could I expect to pay to experience this flying safari?: Calculating the final pricing for a safari like this is a little more complex than simply adding accommodation and flying arrangements together to get a cost for you. Costs are determined by things we can control like accommodation rates based on your party size and dates of travel but there are costs which we need to double check and confirm at the time of your inquiry such as the costs of flying the aircraft, landing feels, fuel costs to name just a few. So whilst the above are purely indicative and can be used for your budgetary purposes, we would strive at all times to confirm the very best cost possible based on your personal requirements. Safari Size: This is an amazing 13 day / 12 night flying safari combining the best wildlife viewing areas of two renowned safari countries - Botswana and Kenya; Ideally one party, group or family should book to truly maximize the experience. Due to the recommended aircraft being a Pilatus PC - 12 the maximum number of guests on a departure would be 6 guests. Should your party be bigger than 6 individuals, we would still be able to assist you but in a different luxury aircraft; The final costs we would supply would include the services of your own private pilot and guide that would host you throughout the entire flying safari.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 Morning meet at Lanseria airport in Johannesburg and departure from Johannesburg in your private Next Generation Pilatus PC12 aircraft that will remain with you throughout your safari in Botswana and Kenya. Clear customs in Botswana before continuing to your first safari camp Overnight: Duba Plains Camp Duba Plains Camp, Botswana s Okavango Delta Duba Plains Camp, Botswana s Okavango Delta Mid morning flight, after breakfast, from Duba Plains to Botswana s only Relais & Chateaux property, Zarafa Camp Overnight: Zarafa Camp, Botswana s Selinda Reserve Zarafa Camp, Botswana s Selinda Reserve Zarafa Camp, Botswana s Selinda Reserve Morning departure from Botswana to Kenya Overnight: ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya s Chyulu Hills ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya s Chyulu Hills ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya s Chyulu Hills Short flight to Kenya s Maasai Mara Reserve Overnight: Mara Plains, Olare Motorogi Private Conservancy, greater Maasai Mara Mara Plains, Olare Motorogi Private Conservancy, greater Maasai Mara Mara Plains, Olare Motorogi Private Conservancy, greater Maasai Mara Depart the Maasai Mara for Kenya s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi End of Service Please note that this safari runs in reverse from Kenya to Botswana
For me an expedition is about peeling back layers of the subject, a journey of location and the mind, of knowledge and wisdom, of thrills and meditation, science photography and creation. Dereck Joubert
WHAT YOUR SAFARI INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES INCLUDES: All flying in a private chartered aircraft (ideally we would recommend you book a New Generation Pilatus PC12 that can accommodate a maximum of 6 guests) from South Africa to Botswana and Kenya and vice versa as mentioned in the journey overview All local lodge road airstrip transfers in Botswana and Kenya All meals at the camps mentioned above All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the camps mentioned above All laundry services at camps mentioned above Viewing activities specific to the camps mentioned above. These include open game morning and late afternoon/early evening drive vehicles, guided bush walks and boating activities. All entrance fees and conservation / park fees pertaining to the journey overview Services of local resident camp guides Guiding services of a professional, Great Plains Conservation private guide during entire safari in Botswana and Kenya Services of a private pilot throughout your journey 20 kilograms of luggage allowance per person whilst using the PC12 charter flights in soft bags. This includes camera gear. EXCLUDES: All return International flights to/from Johannesburg and Nairobi Accommodation and transfer services in Johannesburg and Nairobi either at the start or end of your safari. This option can be offered to you at the time of enquiry Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, telephone, spa treatments Comprehensive travel and medical insurance Any relevant or applicable visas. We can assist you with visa documentation to support your application process if required Any item or service not mentioned in the safari outline above Guests will have the option of contributing to the saving of one rhino per departure - more information will be supplied at the time of confirmation
To understand big cats is not a day at the zoo. It s a well-crafted expedition to select big cat habitats, designed to give the best understanding.
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY Rates quoted above are based on a minimum total of guests as specified joining the safari. All final confirmed cost will be confirmed at the time of your personal inquiry after consultation with your specific requirements and expectations. We may, without notice and out our control, be forced to amend / change our routing or schedule of the safari. Should this occur we will immediately advise you of the relevant changes, whilst endeavouring to adhere to the original routing as much as possible. Should you want to book one of these once in a lifetime departures, contact the Great Plains Conservation reservations team at info@greatplainsconservation.com
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