ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA Hosted Safari May 2020 - World Travellers Motueka
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ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA
Hosted Safari
May 2020
DEPARTS: Auckland 23 May 2020
ENDS: Maun, Botswana on 12Jun 2020
Ex Auckland $12,500.00 per person Share twin (single supplement $3500.00)
Highlights
* Kruger National Park – game drives
* Zimbabwe Ruins – guided tour
* Matobos – game drive
* Hwange – game drives in open vehicle
* Victoria Falls – adventure activities
* Chobe National Park – sunset river cruise
* Okavango Delta - mokoro excursion
* Moremi Game Reserve
Includes
* 1 night Sydney, 1 night Johannesburg
* 18 nights, chalets, guesthouses, hotels and
permanent tents
* Entrance fees
* Transport in 4WD / safari truck
* Meals as per itinerary
* Professional guides and Tour Host
* Okavango Delta excursion
Safari through Zimbabwe & Botswana exploring the amazing culture and natural beauty of both of
these countries. Marvel at the Zimbabwe Ruins, and the wonderful view of Victoria Falls. Experience
the Okavango Delta by traditional dug-outs and huge elephant herds of Chobe NP by boat. This safari
covers it all – wildlife history & culture!
ACCOMMODATED ITINERARY
Day 1 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [chalet LD]
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
After a short briefing meeting on 25May20 @06:30 we depart Johannesburg and we head into the world-famous Kruger
National Park. We enjoy an afternoon game drive in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other
animals in this icon of wildlife conservation.
Day 1: NA
Day 1: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 1: Dinner provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Includes: Entrance to Kruger National Park and afternoon game drive
Overnight: Kruger National Park Chalets – for 1 night in Kruger we stay in national parks board chalets. 1
night chalets Letaba – twin chalets BG2 en-suite, swimming pool & restaurant.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 550km, ±7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch
Day 2 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK / AWELANI [tented lodge BLD]
This morning we wake early and game drive north through the park to the Pafuri region. The northern Kruger is
dominated by mopane veld and is the domain of large elephant bulls, wild dog and lions. As we reach the Limpopo
Valley the vegetation changes to forest and birdlife is prolific. We exit the park, late in the afternoon, and overnight at
a lodge just outside the Kruger.
Day 2: Breakfast provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 2: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 2: Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge
Includes: Entrance to Kruger National Park and full day game drive
Overnight: Awelani Lodge – en suite tents, restaurant. Awelani Eco-Tourism Park is owned and
run by the local Mutele community.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 305km, ± 8 hours, game viewing drive, excluding stop for lunch
Day 3 GREAT ZIMBABWE [hotel BLD]
Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel north to our overnight stop. The following morning we visit
the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. These well preserved ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in
Southern Africa and were built during the 11th to 14th centuries. We explore these ancient stone structures on an
informative walk with a local guide.
Day 3: Breakfast provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 3: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 3: Dinner provided by the lodge
Includes: Entrance and guided tour of the Zimbabwe Ruins
Overnight: Great Zimbabwe Hotel – hotel, twin rooms with en-suite facilities, restaurant & bar.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 556km, ±7 hours, excluding stops for border crossing (which can take 2 to 4+ hours)
sightseeing & lunch
Optional Activities N/A
Day 4 - 5 MATOBO NATIONAL PARK [chalet BLD]
Travelling via the city of Bulawayo we move on to the Matobo National Park and our chalets on the outskirts of the
park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning we visit
World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient
bushman paintings which we visit while on our game drive and walk. This area is also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino which
we hope to see on our excursion in the national park.
Day 4: Breakfast provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 4: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 4: Dinner provided by the lodge
Day 5: All meals provided by the lodge
Includes: Entrance to Matobo National Park, 2 activities
Overnight: Hermits Peak – chalets - twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 340kms, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing, shopping & lunch
Optional Activities: N/A
Day 6 - 7 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK [hotel BLD]
Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14 650
square kilometers. Hwange is famed for its large elephant population. Our rooms overlook a distant “vlei” and waterhole
where you can watch the animals quench their thirst. We explore the park with our local guide, on a full day game drive
in an open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
Day 6, 7: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 6, 7: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 6, 7: Dinner provided by the lodge
Includes: Entrance fees, full day game drive in open 4WD game viewing vehicle
Overnight: Hwange Safari Lodge – for 2 nights at Hwange National Park, we stay in twin rooms with en-
suite facilities, swimming pool and central boma area.
WiFi available
Distance/time: 360kms ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing, game viewing & lunch
Optional Activities: N/A
Day 8 - 10 VICTORIA FALLS [hotel B--]
We enjoy a spectacular guided walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of the “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke
that thunders” - Victoria Falls. There are opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, bungi jump or
take a “flight of angels” (own expense).
Day 8, 9, 10: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 8, 9, 10: Lunch own expense
Day 8, 9, 10: Dinner own expense
Includes: Entrance Fees to see the Victoria Falls
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, for 3 nights - twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool,
restaurant, bar and telephone. Free WiFi available
Distance/time: 200kms ± 3 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & curio shopping
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, scenic flights & many more
Day 11 – 13 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [chalet BL-]
Entering Botswana, we head to the town of Kasane and our accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River. The river
flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in
Africa. A highlight of any trip to the Chobe is the afternoon game viewing cruise where we hope to see large herds of
elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day. The third day will be at leisure.
Day 11, 12, 13: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 11, 12, 13: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 11, 12, 13: Dinner own expense
Includes: Chobe N.P entrance fees & sunset cruise on Chobe River Day 11, Morning Game Drive Chobe
National Park Day 12.
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge – for 3 nights twin safari rooms with en suite facilities. Swimming pool,
bar, restaurant, telephone.
WiFi available
Distance/time: 85kms ± 1 hour, excluding border formalities
Optional Activities: Evening Game Drive on Day 12, Game Drives on Day 13
Day 14 NATA [tented lodge or chalet BL-]
This morning there is time for an optional (own expense) game drive in the Chobe National Park. Heading south through
the Kasane Forest Reserve we make our way to the Nata area for our overnight stop.
Day 14: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 14: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 14: Dinner own expense
Includes: Entrance to the Makgadikgadi pans
Overnight: Nata Lodge – twin share chalet/safari tent with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar,
restaurant, telephone.
WiFi not available
Distance/time: 300kms ± 4½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch
Optional Activities: Game drive, bush walk & scenic flight
Day 15 - 16 MOREMI GAME RESERVE [tented bush lodge BLD]
We take an open 4WD into Moremi Game Reserve for fantastic game viewing! Chief’s Island is the largest landmass
within Moremi and was the Batswana tribe’s richest hunting ground, before being declared a game reserve by the
tribe. We spend 2 days on game drives watching the abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other
game, both in Moremi Game Reserve and in private concession reserves surrounding the park. (excludes drinks which
need to be bought in Maun and taken with you to the bush lodge in Khwai Private Game Reserve)
Day 15: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 15: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 15: Dinner provided by the lodge
Day 16: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 16: Lunch provided by the lodge
Day 16: Dinner provided by the lodge
Includes: Entrance fees to Moremi Game Reserve, morning & afternoon game drives in open 4WD vehicle
Overnight: Elephant Pools - 2 nights in an exclusive private tented bush lodge in Khwai Private Game
Reserve (private concession), bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Twin share permanent tented
lodge with en suite facilities. WiFi not available
Distance/time: 150kms ± 4 hours, excludes game drives & stops for wildlife viewing (Maun – Lodge)
Our Land Cruisers in Botswana are 12+2 seaters. Therefore for a full group of 16 pax, we’ll be
running 2 game drive vehicles into Moremi days 15-17.
Optional Activities: N/A
Day 17 - 18 MAUN [chalet BL-]
Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, originated as a cattle outpost, and is now the capital of Botswana’s tourist
industry. It is our base as we prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta. Our lodge is situated on the banks of
the Thamalakane River and after settling in we have a relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool. Dinner is own expense
tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 17,18: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 17,18: Lunch provided by the tour leaders with help from the group
Day 17,18: Dinner own expense
Includes: Full day mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta (Picked up at 8am we head into the delta
by boat to the poling station where we meet ur polers and board the mokoros for a full day
excursion through the waterway’s of the delta. We return to the poling station to meet
our boat and transfer back to the lodge by 4pm) + 1hr boat cruise
Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge - twin share Babbler rooms with en suite facilities. Swimming pool,
bar and restaurant
Wifi not available
Distance/time: 310kms ± 5½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD95-120) pp depending on number of people in
each aircraft)
Day 19 TOUR ENDS [B-]
After a breakfast overlooking the Thamalakane, tour ends in Maun at 11:00 in time for homeward bound flights.
Day 19: Breakfast provided by the lodge
Day 19: N/A
Day 19: N/A
Includes: NA
Overnight: NA
Distance/time: 20km ± 25 min to Maun Airport
Optional Activities: NA
Please Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions
and animal sightings!
Please note: That the accommodation specified above and in the itinerary, is a guide only and is subject to
availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard, and accommodation changes will be made without notice.
Special Interest:
Great Zimbabwe Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its massive curving walls (some 11m high),
constructed from millions of granite blocks fitted together without mortar, remain the largest ancient stone structure in
sub Saharan Africa. The city had an estimated 18,000 inhabitants and archaeological artefacts including Chinese pottery
shards and coins from Arabia suggest a vast trading network.
Sustainable Tourism:
Zimbabwe has for many years been off the tourist chart. Conservation has been a challenge for many Zimbabweans
working in the national parks and on private land. In Matobos and Hwange national parks we use locally owned camps,
operators and guides. Bringing tourist revenue back to the people on the ground will help support the protection of
these beautiful wildlife regions.
DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshell
A true African experience - wild and free!
All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Kruger National Park, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobos National Park, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe
National Park & the Okavango Delta.
Why travel with Sunway Safaris
We understand that there are several options available to you when choosing your African safari. We also know that
you want to make the most informed decision about your safari, what you get, what’s included and what you see and
experience. So these are just a few of the Sunway qualities and facts:
Small groups – by travelling with a maximum of 18 people, you are able to witness Africa and have first-
hand contact with this amazing continent and its people without being a negative influence. This has been a
key factor in our continued success.
2 Sunway tour guides – group leaders are the key to any safari. On a Sunway safari you will travel with 2
qualified and registered field guides (Field Guides Association of SA). Two guides as crew, not a guide and a
driver, means interesting trips with maximum knowledge and information. Our guides have a passion for
Africa, her people and her wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with you.
All inclusive price – when we travel ourselves, we always feel that if we’re in a country we should find and
see the best it has to offer. So when planning the Sunway routes we ensure that each trip provides the best
inclusions and experiences. For example, if you go to Botswana – you have to visit the national parks in an
open 4WD – it is the essence of the Botswana wilderness. When booking on a Sunway Safari there are no
hidden costs. All of the entrance fees are included, and a wide range of activities, and most meals. We have
included many highlights in our tours, so that you will see and experience the highlights without having to
pay extra when you get there. So when you decide on which safari company to book with, look carefully at
what you’re actually getting. You may only visit a place once, make sure you get the most out of it.
Safety – our fleet of vehicles are custom built to ensure comfortable and safe touring. Each is constructed,
by an authorized passenger vehicle builder, to the latest safety requirements, with a safety shell, and every
seat has a lap belt. This gives you peace of mind when travelling with Sunway Safaris on the often
demanding African roads.
Experience - we have more than 20 years’ experience planning tours throughout Southern Africa. As such,
our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We
visit the highlights of Southern Africa, but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of
us at Sunway Safaris have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure
travelers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will
visit.
Based in Africa - probably the most important part of a Sunway safari is that we are an African company
with offices in South Africa and Botswana. We live in Africa, we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this
amazing continent that makes Sunway your best travel option.
Transport
On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour – Zimbabwe Ruins, Matopos and Victoria Falls Duration
from ½ - 4 hours.
Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoro (dugout canoes), “poled” by our local guides, 2 people and their kit
per mokoro.
Open Game drives - for game viewing activities in Hwange National Park we use an open game viewing 4WD
vehicle with trailer. The vehicle has canvas roof and sides, which are rolled up whenever possible, to allow for the
best possible game viewing experience. (Remember to bring a warm jacket for the chilly early morning game
drives!) The transfer into the delta is also with an open 4WD vehicle. This allows us the opportunity to really feel
part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!
Vehicle – On this safari 18+2 seater (or similar) custom built truck will be used.
Participation
An essential part of your Sunway Safari is participation. There are no porters in Southern Africa, so help in
getting bags to the vehicle and a bit of help packing is always appreciated. Some of the meals as indicated in the
itinerary will be organized by the guides and the guests are welcome to get involved – it’s all part of your
adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing is best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios.
Botswana has beautiful grass weavings but these are available mostly at curio shops as there are hardly any craft
markets in Botswana.
Food
We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except
5 dinners and 2 lunches in Maun, Kasane & Victoria Falls where we try out local restaurants.
The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce
wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the
occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue),
potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be
provided.
We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other
beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many
shops on tour.
Difficulty
Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. Simple campsites and basic wild camps
are enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days. The road conditions through the wilderness areas a very poor and
our progress can at times be slow and dusty. Remember to hold on at all times and enjoy the ride!
Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time
setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good
time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
As this tour spends most a large amount of time in wildlife areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour
leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules.
You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and depending on
your flight/travel arrangements after departing Botswana from Maun, re-entering South Africa. For New Zealand
Passport Holders the South African Visa is applied for prior to departing New Zealand, please contact your travel
agent for details about the application process. The Zimbabwe Visa is available on the border (US$30pp cash,
single entry) and no Visa is required for Botswana. Please note Visa requirements are subject to change without
notice and should be rechecked with your agent prior to travel.
Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring daypack for walks and keeping in the
vehicle.
We recommend that you bring US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that
foreign currency will need to be changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept
BWP. Expenses in Victoria Falls can be paid in US$ or South African Rand and major credit cards can also be used
for optional activities. See the Sunway tour dossier for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
Common questions about this trip
1. Can I buy camera memory cards? Memory cards and other photographic accessories will be available several
times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-300mm, is advisable to capture both
scenic and wildlife shots. Each vehicle is fitted with a 12/220V inverter – this can be used while the vehicle is
running (but will drain the vehicle battery if left plugged in), so this should only be relied on for limited charging of
camera batteries and we recommend you bring a 2nd battery. Remember you can also charge your camera on those
nights were we stay in permanent campsites (Kruger, Matobos, Vic Falls, Kasane & Maun) (SA 220V)
2. Is it safe? Zimbabwe has been involved in a political power struggle over the past few years, and this has deterred
tourists from travelling to the country. Having said this, the Zimbabwe people are always friendly and helpful to
visitors to their country and tourists are welcome with open arms. Botswana is safe and your guide knows both
countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your
guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal
belongings and you will have a great trip!
3. Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
4. What do I need to bring? All details are covered in our general tour briefing (available from www.sunway-
safaris.com on home page) but the basics are: - comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking
shoes, flash light, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and
most importantly - a sense of adventure!
Phone: 03 5218550 or 0800 804 737
Email: motueka@worldtravellers.co.nz
Address: 183 High Street Motueka
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