The Okavango Delta & the Mighty Zambezi - SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZAMBIA
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The Okavango Delta & the Mighty Zambezi SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA ZAMBIA 12 Days | September 29 – October 10, 2018 Johannesburg, South Africa | Okavango, Botswana | Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti, Botswana | Livingstone, Zambia | Lower Zambezi, Zambia | Lusaka, Zambia
The Okavango Delta & the Mighty Zambezi SOUTH AFRICA • BOTSWANA • ZAMBIA 12 DAYS • SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 10, 2018 Itinerary 29-Sep Saturday Johannesburg South Africa Intercon Johannesburg OR Tambo 30-Sep Sunday Okavango Botswana Camp Xakanaxa 1-Oct Monday Okavango Botswana Camp Xakanaxa 2-Oct Tuesday Okavango Botswana Camp Xakanaxa 3-Oct Wednesday Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Botswana Selinda Camp 4-Oct Thursday Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Botswana Selinda Camp 5-Oct Friday Livingstone Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge 6-Oct Saturday Livingstone Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge 7-Oct Sunday Lower Zambezi Zambia Baines' River Camp 8-Oct Monday Lower Zambezi Zambia Baines' River Camp 9-Oct Tuesday Lower Zambezi Zambia Baines' River Camp 10-Oct Wednesday Lusaka Zambia Depart $13,625 Per Person This is a sample itinerary and the price is an estimate, used for rough planning purposes only and is subject to change. Actual prices and availability must be finalized by one of our trip planners who will contact and confirm pricing with all accommodations and operators.
29 SEP 2018 – Johannesburg Start Safari: O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, South Africa (Arrival Location) Johannesburg, South Africa Sofiatown. Joburg. Gold Reef City. This is the commercial capital of one of Africa's strongest economic engines, South Africa. Johannesburg was built on a gold mining town established in the 1800's, and you can still see the slag heaps within the city limits. If you are focused on a wildlife safari, your time should be kept to a minimum in Johannesburg. But if you have time to explore the city, it’s definitely worth a stay. Feel the vibe of Soweto, for example (an acronym for South West Township), then we can organize a fun bike ride that takes you through the streets of Soweto and gives you a flavor for this colorful and energetic township. Intercon Johannesburg OR Tambo With 138 rooms including 2 Presidential Suites, 26 Executive Rooms and 110 Standard Rooms, each accommodation is well-appointed and tastefully decorated with subtle influences of Africa. Spacious showers, comfortable king beds, blackout curtains and soundproofing ensure a night of relaxation. Wireless Internet and ample natural light provides executive guests a comfortable, ergonomic environment. Located on the ground floor overlooking the terrace, Quills Restaurant & Bar is open 24 hours daily and specializes in African game meats such as springbok, warthog, kudu and crocodile paired with outstanding local wines. Al fresco dining is available on the outside terrace and dress code is relaxed. Numerous activities are available, at additional cost, while in Johannesburg. Tours of Pretoria and Soweto are available as well as visits to the De Wildt Cheetah Center, the Apartheid Museum and Sterkfontein and Maropeng. Please advise if any of these activities are of interest for further descriptions, availability and pricing. Included Accommodation, breakfast, complimentary wireless internet, complimentary access to the 24-hour hotel gym, VAT, tourism levy Amenities Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Pool, Wi-Fi, Workout Room Available at an Additional Cost Spa treatments, restaurant dining, bar, room service, Pretoria City tour, Soweto Township tour, Apartheid Museum, DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng ? Cradle of Humankind, Origins Centre, Elephant Educational at Hartbeespoort Dam
30 SEP 2018 - 2 OCT 2018 – Okavango Johannesburg Maun Commercial Flight (1 hour, 45 minutes) Maun Okavango Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (45 minutes) Okavango, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a safari icon, and in 2014, it was named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its unique habitat and remarkable wildlife densities. Its landscapes are awe-inspiring: yellow grasslands, pristine papyrus filtered rivers, ivory palm trees standing tall above the savannahs, red sunset skies punctuated by fish eagle cries…and great game viewing. It is a resilient system where drainage basins in Angola capture rain water in the African summer (December to March). But because Botswana is so flat, it takes months for that water to make it down the Okavango River and flood into the Kalahari Desert. The timing is perfect - it brings water to the Kalahari during the dry season (May through October) and becomes a key attraction for wildlife at this time of year. Camp Xakanaxa As the custodians of one of Botswana’s very first safari camps, the owners of Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced Ka- ka-na-ka) have gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve its original African bush camp character, while always providing guests with every comfort. Camp Xakanaxa is located on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. Rated as one of Africa’s most beautiful game reserves, Moremi Game Reserve ensures that it is one of the only safari destinations which can provide guests with an authentic, year round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience. The reserve offers sanctuary to abundant herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbucks, sable and more. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas complete the picture. Birding is also quite spectacular, especially during spring and summer when the migrants breed. The stylish main buildings extend over the Khwai River and are set on raised platforms to maximize the views over the surrounding lagoons and islands. Constructed of local timber, reed and thatch, the elegant lounge contains a small but comprehensive library, dining room, expansive sundeck, plunge pool and sala with day bed as well as a fire-deck set under giant Jackalberry trees. Camp Xakanaxa is able to accommodate 24 guests plus tour leader with 12 guest tents and 1 guide / pilot tent. Accommodations are canvas, Meru-style classic luxury safari tents on raised decks. Canvas window covers can be closed as desired or left open to view the surroundings through a mesh screen at each window. Each tent boasts en-suite facilities, fans, a unique water sprinkler system which aids cooling in the midday heat, electrical outlets, safe, soaps, shampoos and insect repellents, and hairdryer. Camp Xakanaxa’s staff creates a camp environment in which guests experience a seamless service in the warm, friendly style for which Africa is famous. The camp operates on generator power, but at night all lighting is supplied by battery powered lamps, candles and paraffin lanterns, giving the camp an authentic African ambience. Guests are offered two activities
of their choice per day, or an all-day outing can be arranged. These activities are included in the accommodation cost and include: morning and afternoon game drives, and water game viewing in powerboats. Included Accommodation, all meals, refreshments, house spirits and wines, laundry service, scheduled activities: power boating or game drives with licensed guides, outdoor dining, park fees, government levies and taxes Amenities Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities Available at an Additional Cost Premium spirits or wines, scenic helicopter tours, curio shop items, premium brand drinks 3 OCT 2018 - 4 OCT 2018 – Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Okavango Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (30 minutes) Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti, Botswana Located between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the Linyanti and Selinda private concessions, and the Savuti Channel are characterized by a lagoon system similar to the Okavango Delta’s. The Linyanti and Selinda concessions are located in close proximity to two permanent rivers: the Linyanti River (Linyanti) and the Kwando River (Selinda). The rivers are prized sources of water for the surrounding wildlife, drawing migrations from drier areas for fantastic game-viewing. Slightly south of Linyanti and Selinda is the Savuti Channel – a famously unpredictable channel which is by turns flowing and dry independent of rainy seasons. Since the last dry spell, which ended in 2008, the Savuti has been restored to a watery haven for elephants, water birds, and aquatic life. Each of these three regions is surrounded by open grassland, riverine forest, mixed woodland, and water which draw and sustain a variety of wildlife such as impala, kudu, giraffe, zebras, reedbuck, steenbok, warthog, baboon and vervet monkeys, lion, spotted hyena, and leopards. Enormous herds of buffalo and elephant are also a highlight of this area. Game drives in open four-wheel-drive-vehicles with naturalists and game cruising on the river by boat provide opportunities for excellent wildlife viewing and birding, as well. Selinda Camp Selinda Camp rests on the banks of the eastern Selinda Spillway in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana. There are few places in northern Botswana as dynamic as the Selinda Reserve, made
famous in Dereck and Beverly Joubert's National Geographic films Eternal Enemies, Hunting with the Moon, The African Diaries. The reserve is centered on the famous Selinda Spillway, which weaves its way east, linking the far reaches of the Okavango Delta in the south with the Linyanti water systems in the east. On arriving at Selinda Camp, one is struck by the grand architecture of the main area. The high-beamed ceilings and traditional thatch roof coupled with the raised wooden foundation keep the area cool in the African sun. The common areas include the open-air thatched main lounge, a quaint tea verandah, dining spaces - either under thatch or under the stars - and the open-air fire pit used each evening. Adjacent to the fire pit, “Zanzibari” doors lead down to a generous wine cellar and art gallery. Tucked away from the main area is a plunge pool. Each of Selinda Camp's nine spacious, sturdy canvas tents are also shaded with thatch roofing and are raised on wooden decks. Comfortable beds dressed in fine linen are draped with flowing mosquito nets. Ceiling fans, a writing desk, lounge and large private verandah extending into the bush provides each tent with a slice of its own private Africa. En-suite dressing and dual-basin vanity area and bathroom, complete with a deep stone bath and antique shower, guarantee luxury. Safaris deliver a tremendous diversity of species, from resident prides of lions to huge herds of elephants and packs of wild dogs. It is also home to the ungulates, from the rare roan to the ubiquitous zebra. Nocturnal wildlife is prolific as well, and there are frequent sightings of aardwolves and civets. Exploration of this vast area defies imagination... by foot, 4x4 open game drive vehicle, boat or simply sitting quietly in a hide. Activities included with the accommodation are day and night game drives, short bushwalks and access to an elevated hide overlooking the floodplains. This is a great spot for birding during the heat of the day. Other activities are available by special request e.g. sole use of a vehicle, full- day drive with picnic, overnighting at the hide and in-room massages. These arrangements may incur additional cost. Please advise if there is any interest in these additional activities and we will request additional information, availability and pricing. Included Accommodation, all meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages excluding premium brand spirits and Champagne, scheduled game activities: game drives, night drives, off-road game viewing, guided bush walks, boating, fishing, game-viewing hides, outdoor dining, concession fees, laundry, return airstrip transfers, complimentary use of Swarovski HD binoculars during stay, conservation levy Amenities Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Recharge Facilities Available at an Additional Cost Premium brand spirits and Champagne, scenic helicopter tours, in-room massage, curio shop items 5 OCT 2018 - 6 OCT 2018 – Livingstone Linyanti, Selinda & Savuti Chobe Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (35 minutes) Chobe Livingstone Road And Boat Transfer (2 hours, 45 minutes) Livingstone, Zambia While David Livingstone named the falls on his visit, he didn’t realize it already had a more fitting name – Mosai-Oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders. The mighty Zambezi River drops off in spectacular fashion, creating a powerful spectacle that is the most notable of the seven natural wonders of the world. Above the falls, the Zambezi has a hypnotic power. It's full of crocs and hippos, and it is a wonderful place to enjoy a traditional African sundowner at sunset on the river.
Stanley Safari Lodge Livingstone, Zambia is renowned for the impressive Victoria Falls, recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Over one mile wide, Victoria Falls is the most expansive curtain of water in the world and drops more than 328 feet into the sheer Zambezi Gorge. Located in the southwest corner of Zambia, these falls and the Zambezi River are the central points in an area of spectacular scenic beauty. Set on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and overlooking unspoiled bush, Stanley Safari Lodge is less than two miles from Victoria Falls. The views are splendid with the spray from the falls in the distance and the mighty Zambezi River rolling past. The open-sided main house has been designed in consideration of space and views, allowing for a truly African feel. The African style and furnishings of the lodge reflect the textures and patterns of Africa, and your hosts will do their best to make your stay a memorable one. Enjoy sundowners in the African-style lounge; European-style cuisine with an African twist. You can dine outdoors under the stars, in the privacy of your suite, or even in the infinity pool. Spend some quiet time in the library or upper deck discovering the secrets of Africa. The atmosphere at Stanley Safari Lodge is tranquil and intimate, with only 10 private cottages or suites providing an unmatched level of personalized service. Every cottage is individually designed, built with natural materials and open layout to enhance your experience. All cottages have en-suite baths and terraces with splendid views. Victoria Falls is the center for activities, be they historical, cultural or adrenaline-filled. These activities are available for a supplemental cost. Please refer to the end of your descriptive itinerary for a list of optional activities available. Included Accommodation, all meals, house bar drinks, laundry service, Livingstone airport transfers, a guided tour of the Victoria Falls (entry fees not included), a village and museum tour, mountain biking, walking safaris in Mosi- Oa-Tunya National Park (to see Rhinos). Amenities Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Recharge Facilities Available at an Additional Cost Premium brand bar drinks, curio shop items, guided tour of the Falls, sundowner cruise on the Zambezi, village visit, fishing the Zambezi, horseback riding, helicopter flight over the Falls, helicopter flight over the Falls/Gorge/Game Park, half day game drive in the national park, canoeing on the upper Zambezi, Zambezi River boat safari, whitewater rafting, golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course, and more. 7 OCT 2018 - 9 OCT 2018 – Lower Zambezi Livingstone Lower Zambezi Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Lower Zambezi, Zambia The Lower Zambezi National Park lies opposite Mana Pools on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. The beauty of this park is in its state of absolute wildness. Exploring this park can be done by canoe, on foot, vehicle and power boat. When you are at water level on a boat or in a canoe, the animals are less likely to run off in a hurry. The park covers three different habitats: the river is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, while further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees, all of this with the Zambezi escarpment forming a beautiful backdrop. Baines' River Camp There, in the midst of the unspoiled African bush, on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, directly opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools World Heritage Site, you will discover Baines’ River Camp. This true colonial-style safari lodge, named after the famous artist and explorer Thomas Baines, offers a wide variety of activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park, including specialized photographic workshops, fly fishing clinics, elephant studies and birding weeks, each hosted by internationally renowned expert guides who are passionate about the African bush and their subjects. Baines’ River Camp can accommodate 20 guests in 8 individual suites and a two-bedroom family unit, the “Baines Cottage”. Each of these individual colonial-style safari suites, named after different African explorers, commands its own view of the Zambezi River from a comfortably furnished verandah. Decorated with rich, classical fabrics, colorful kelims, natural hardwood timbers and leather and finished with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, cotton percale linen, pure down pillows and duvets, complimentary mini-bar with coffee and tea making facilities, a personal safe for your valuables and a hair dryer, the Explorer Suites take luxury to the limits in the Zambezi Valley. The en-suite bathrooms include a walk-in shower and spacious dressing area, while two of the suites feature an additional outdoor shower. The suites are as “mosquito-proof” as possible and in addition, insect repellants are provided for your comfort. The air conditioning in your suite only operates during the running hours of the camp’s generator. The inverter system will allow for the operation of bedside lights, bathroom lights and ceiling fans throughout the night. The mainly open plan design of the lodge area is based on the colonial style of a bygone era, offering guests magnificent views of the Zambezi River from The Selous Bar. The outdoor boma-style fireplace is lit every evening and on cold winter evenings the fireplaces in the bar and in the dining room offer extra comfort. The library collection is housed in the boardroom and two workstations in one of the lounges offer a quiet and private spot to comfortably catch up with your email. Enjoy game drives, river cruises, canoe safaris, angling and walking safaris. The camp operates three Toyota Landcruiser open game-drive vehicles, four motorized aluminum boats in various sizes for river activities and four canoes. Included Accommodation, all meals, beverages, all safari activities: river cruises, angling, canoe safaris, game drives, night drives, off-road game viewing, Lower Zambezi national park entry fees, Lower Zambezi national park angling fees, use of camp angling equipment, visit to cultual village,outdoor dining, daily laundry services, wireless internet in public areas only, lower Zambezi conservation trust community levies, statutory service charge, transfers between Royal Zambezi Aerodrome and Baines' River Camp, meet & greet at Luskaka International on arrival, community conservation fees
Amenities Air Conditioning, Cell Phone Coverage, Ensuite Bathrooms, Hairdryer, Laundry Included, Local Drinks Included, Pool, Recharge Facilities, Wi-Fi Available at an Additional Cost Private guide, angling tackle if on standard service level, cultural visit entry fee if on standard service level, use of private vehicles, curio shop items, spa treatments 10 OCT 2018 – Lusaka Lower Zambezi Lusaka Scheduled Light Aircraft Transfer (1 hour, 5 minutes) Lusaka, Zambia (Departure Location) End Safari Lusaka International Airport Lusaka, Zambia Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and is strategically located to access some of Southern Africa's wildlife treasures such as the Lower Zambezi, the Luangwa Valley, Kafue, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Chobe, Linyanti, and the Okavango Delta. It is well serviced by international carriers who fly directly into Lusaka. Using it as a hub can reduce your inter-country flying time and travel costs.
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