Tour Details

Day 1: Johannesburg

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), you are met by your guide and transferred to Sunnyside Park Hotel.

Accommodation: Sunnyside Park Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Johannesburg – Hazyview
After breakfast we leave the busy city behind us en route to Hazyview. We travel via Robber’s Pass and via the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest. As we travel all along the escarpment, we visit well-known scenic spots, including The Pinnacle, God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. At the Blyde River Canyon we visit the remarkable potholes from where we travel to Hazyview and check in at the Rissington Inn Country Lodge.

Accommodation: Rissington Country Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Hazyview – Punda Maria (Kruger National Park)
We all meet in the restaurant for breakfast for a hearty breakfast and depart soon after. We arrive at Punda Maria mid-day. The name of the rest camp was given in 1919 by the first ranger to be posted to the area, Captain JJ Coetser. He mistakenly named his post Punda Maria in the belief that this was the Swahili name for Zebra, the first big game he saw on arrival. The correct Swahili name is actually “punda milia” (meaning Striped Donkey). When the error was pointed out to him, he chose to retain the name, in honour of his wife, Maria, who bore him 12 children. Many years later, Park officials corrected the name, and for a while the rest camp was known as Punda Milia, but in 1981 it was changed back to the original ‘Punda Maria’. Punda Maria is the most tranquil and remote camp in KNP. It is attractively set on the slope of a hill in the vast mopane plains of the north, a region inhabited by Elephants and plains animals such as the rare Tsessebe and Sable antelope, Eland, Impala, Buffalo and large herds of Burchell’s Zebra. As an extra optional activity, your guide can book you on a night game drive, to experience and appreciate the “darker” side of nocturnal animals!

Accommodation: Punda Maria Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Punda Maria
We leave Punda Maria at daybreak and travel north towards the Pafuri picnic site. Apart from the wonderful game viewing opportunities at Pafuri, the forest is magnificent, with huge Sausage-, Leadwood- and Jackal-berry Trees lining the road. Bird life is prolific, including Narina Trogon, Gorgeous Bushshrike and Trumpeter Hornbill. Pel’s Fishing Owl – despite its size, an infuriatingly difficult bird to spot – is also present in this area. Bushbuck, Waterbuck and Impala is quite common in this area, although not plentiful. Compared to the busy southern parts of KNP, very low numbers of tourist traffic makes game-viewing a pleasure! Lion, Wild Dog, Kudu and Nyala are usually around and with a bit of luck, Sharpe’s Grysbok can reward you after a long day watching game!

Accommodation: Punda Maria Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Punda Maria – Letaba
We leave Punda Maria Rest Camp for Letaba at daybreak and have a picnic breakfast en route. Letaba means ‘river of sand’ and the sandy riverbed makes for excellent game viewing, particularly Elephant. The camp is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld, situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of KNP. The character of Letaba Camp depends heavily on the tall shady trees, which include Sycamore Fig, Natal Mahogany, Sausage Tree and Apple Leaf, expansive lawns and indigenous gardens, where a healthy population of bushbuck wander freely amongst the bungalows!

Accommodation: Letaba Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Letaba – Satara
After our early morning game drive, it is time for breakfast after which we are off to our next overnight camp – Satara. En route to Satara, we travel all along the western side of the Letaba River and have a relatively early lunch stop at the Olifants Rest Camp. After lunch we travel further south towards Satara and the rest of the day can reveal Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, Steenbok and many more mammals. We check in at Satara Rest Camp mid-afternoon. Late afternoon we board the vehicles again for a game drive. We return to the camp at sunset and prepare for dinner. As an optional activity, you can join in on a night game drive with Parks Board.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Satara
Game drives in the immediate area of Satara Rest Camp.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Satara – Skukuza
After an early morning Game/Bird Drive, we return to Satara for breakfast, after which we pack our bags and start our transfer journey. We take the main road south towards Skukuza with several stops at different water holes. Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Rhino, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, African Waterbuck, Greater Kudu and the occasional Leopard are all good possibilities for the area we are travelling through! At mid-day its time for lunch and we stop at Tshokwane for lunch. The afternoon is spent visiting waterholes and the ever-present Nile Crocodiles and Hippopo’s will entertain us. We check in at Skukuza late afternoon and prepare for dinner.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Skukuza
Game drives in the immediate area of Skukuza Rest Camp.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Skukuza – Berg-en-Dal
We leave the Skukuza Rest Camp Site at sunrise for an early morning game drive. The previous day’s sightings will determine our route this morning. After breakfast, it is time again to load the vehicles and travel to our final destination in KNP, Berg-en-Dal. The area hosts White Rhino, Kudu, Giraffe, some Elephant, Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Grey Rheebok and Warthog. Leopard is seen regularly in the region as well as the highly nomadic and endangered Wild Dogs.

Accommodation: Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Berg-en-Dal
Game drives in the immediate area of Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp.

Accommodation: Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Berg-en-Dal – Johannesburg
After breakfast, we depart pack our bags and do a slow final game drive in Kruger National Park. We leave the Park after lunch and drive towards Johannesburg for our last night in Africa!

Accommodation: Sunnyside Park Hotel
Meals: Full Board

Day 13: Johannesburg International Airport
Depending on your time of departure from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport, you are dropped off, in time for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Cost

Total Tour Costs – 2011:
ZAR 32,100.00-00 per person sharing
ZAR 5,900.00 single supplement

Included in the quoted price:

• En Suite Accommodation
• Meals: As Indicated
• Local Professional Guide/Driver
• Vehicle Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions as per itinerary
• All entrance fees as per itinerary
• Limited Bottled Water in Vehicle
• Accommodation

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight Costs
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities
• Travel Insurance
• Laundry
• Visa Costs

Notes:
a) Above mentioned price structure is based on a minimum of four (4) paying guests.
b) Accommodation is not confirmed at establishments as per suggested itinerary. SafariWise reserves the right to make use of alternative accommodation if necessary.
c) Full payment is required sixty (60) days prior to arrival.
d) Quoted price is subject to availability & fuel/gas priceand exchange rate fluctuations.
e) Terms & Conditions

Tour Details

Day 1: Upington
We arrive at Upington International Airport and transfer to our guesthouse for our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Riviera Garden B&B
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Upington – Kgalagadi National Park
After breakfast, we transfer to South Africa’s best kept wildlife-secret – The Kgalagadi National Park. No fewer than 215 bird species more than 400 plant species have been recorded. This Park is well known for its sightings of Kalahari Lion, Oryx, Blue Wildebeest, Eland, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Duiker, Steenbok, Spotted Hyena, Black-Backed Jackal, Springhare and Meerkats. The rarer African Wild Cat, African Wild Dog, Aardvark, Bat-Eared Fox, Caracal, Cheetah, Honey Badger, Leopard, Pangolin, Porcupine, Cape Fox, and Genet can also be seen if the gods are on our side! We arrive midday at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp and check in.

Accommodation: Twee Rivieren
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Kgalagadi National Park
Game drives in the Park.

Accommodation: Twee Rivieren
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Kgalagadi National Park
Game drives in the Park.

Accommodation: Twee Rivieren
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Kgalagadi NP – Augrabies National Park
At daybreak we leave the safe environment of Satara Rest Camp for another pre-breakfast game drive. Our aim this morning is leopard! We return to the camp for breakfast and after breakfast, we start our drive towards Augrabies Falls. Augrabies, was known as Aukoerabis, or “The Place of Great Noise”, by the early Khoi people. Here, during summer flood, the mighty Orange River crashes over the rim of a canyon to plunge 183 feet, over terraces of smooth granite, in a dramatic multi-stream waterfall. The Park itself extends across 88000 hectares of true wilderness, striking in its arid, lunar landscapes and there is much to be seen. It is, among other things, refuge for one of Africa’s rarest animals, the Black Rhino. Giraffe, and Klipspringer is also present and we will look at amazing succulent plants in the Park.

Accommodation: Augrabies National Park
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Augrabies – Springbok
After an early morning walk in and around the bungalows, we enjoy breakfast and pack the vehicle(s) for our next destination – Springbok. The town of Springbok is the capital of the region known as Namaqualand – named for its early Nama inhabitants. Each spring, usually between mid-August and mid-October, this semi-desert area is transformed into one of the world’s most colourful natural displays, as small hardy low-growing plants burst into flower. Then, the landscape is covered in great carpets of purple, yellow, orange and white blossoms. And it is not just the small plants that rush to flower, the Aloes, Flax, Lilies, Azalias, perennial herbs and other species of the region add their bright hues to the intricate tapestry.

Accommodation: Daisy Country Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 7 : Springbok
A full day in the area to experience this natural phenomenon.

Accommodation: Daisy Country Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Springbok – Lambert’s bay
En route to Clanwilliam we appreciate the natural beauty of the “painted desert” and check in at Lambert’s Bay hotel mid-afternoon. After checking in we visit the breeding colony of thousands of Cape Gannets on an island and return to the hotel, in time for dinner.

Accommodation: Lambert’s Bay Hotel
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Lambert’s Bay – Langebaan
Our journey this morning takes us to Langebaan on South Africa’s Atlantic coast. Arriving at our overnight accommodation around mid-day, we check in and the rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Accommodation: The Farmhouse
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Langebaan
After breakfast, we board the vehicle(s) and head for the West Coast National Park. Proclaimed in 1985, this park represents a unique niche in the conservation programme of the National Parks in South Africa. This is the only National Park incorporating a portion of the West Coast and only the second coastal park in the country. This coastal area contains a variety of habitats and is home to fauna and flora endemic to the area. As a wetland it is of international importance it is also the end point of thousands of wading birds’ migrating from the Arctic. Ungulates that might be encountered on our visit to the park, include Eland, Oryx, Bontebok, Kudu, Springbok, Common Duiker, Steenbok and a few more. We also visit (in season) the northern part of the Park, which is occupied by the Postberg Nature Reserve, which is enlivened by sensational profusion of wild flowers in the brief springtime months. Late afternoon we return to our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: The Farmhouse
Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Langebaan – Cape Town
En route to Cape Town, the world famous silhouette of Table Mountain appears in the distance as we approach this beautiful city. Weather permitting, we ascend this young World Heritage Site to a height of 3 500ft. Views from atop of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island and most of the spectacular Cape Peninsula will give you very good photographic opportunities and guaranteed to “take your breath away”! Late afternoon we check in at our overnight accommodation in Cape Town and prepare for dinner.

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Cape Town
After breakfast we transfer to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1913 and lying on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch covers an area of 828ha, of which 60ha is cultivated with indigenous flora with the remainder uncultivated areas, protected as a natural floral reserve. Kirstenbosch is a living display featuring almost 5000 of the 20 000 indigenous floral species of the South African flora. Towards mid-morning, we depart, via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, for the Cape of Good Hope, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Established to protect the Fynbos (means fine leaves), this reserve is a botanist’s dream. The fynbos within the reserve, which also forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, is the smallest of the six floristic kingdoms of the world, but has the highest number of species, a staggering 8 600, of which 5 800 are found nowhere else in the world! All “crammed” into an area measured only one-third the size of Britain. We also visit the wild and rocky promontory of Cape Point with fantastic views. Our last place of interest to visit for the day is Boulder’s Beach – one of only two South African land based African Penguin colonies. Our drive along the coast can (in season) reveal Southern Right Whales nurturing their new-born calves in the shallows, allowing us fantastic viewing opportunities. Late afternoon we return to our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 13: Cape Town
After breakfast we leave for Franschoek, a quaint little town with a true French feeling! From Franschoek we drive towards Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. Today we visit some of the top wine cellars in South Africa and taste these well-documented South African wines! As the sun sets in the west, we check in at our accommodation and prepare for yet another scrumptious dinner!

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 14: Cape Town
Depending on your time of departure, you are dropped of at Cape Town international Airport, in time for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Total Tour Costs – 2011:
*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En Suite Accommodation
• Meals: As Indicated
• Local Professional Guide/Driver
• Vehicle
• Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions as per itinerary
• All entrance fees as per itinerary
• Limited Bottled Water in Vehicle
• Accommodation

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight Costs
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities
• Travel Insurance
• Laundry
• Visa Costs

Notes:
a) Abovementioned price structure is based on a minimum of four (4) paying guests.
b) Accommodation is not confirmed at establishments as per suggested itinerary. SafariWise reserves the right to make use of alternative accommodation if necessary.
c) Full payment is required sixty (60) days prior to arrival.
d) Quoted price is subject to availability & fuel/gas price- and exchange rate fluctuations.
e) Terms & Conditions

Tour Details

Day 1:Cape Town
Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer to your overnight accommodation in Noordhoek, Cape Town. The rest of the day is spent at leisure, either at the pool or in the lounge of Afton Grove Country Retreat, after long flight to South Africa.

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 2: Cape Town & Environment
After breakfast we leave for Cape Point via Kommetjie and visit this most south-western point of Africa, also known as Cape of Good Hope. As part of the Table Mountain National, The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area – the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. From the Cape of Good Hope we transfer to the well-known Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Colony. These little creatures can entertain us all day, but we need to move on to our next stop – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1913 and lying on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch covers an area of 828ha, of which 60ha is cultivated with indigenous flora with the remainder uncultivated areas, protected as a natural floral reserve. Kirstenbosch is a living display featuring almost 5000 of the 20 000 indigenous floral species of the South African flora. Here we will have time to sooth our soul in the peaceful environment. Late afternoon we transfer back to Afton Grove, via the scenic Chapman’s Peak. Arriving Afton Grove we will have some time to relax in our rooms or at the pool. Dinner is served at the Guest House.

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Cape Town – Aquila Private Game Reserve
After breakfast our bags are loaded into the vehicles and we travel towards Worcester. En route we stop at some of the great wine cellars to taste the nectar of the Breede Kloof Valley. Lunch is at Kleinplasie Museum, a working display of yesteryear after which we depart for Aquila Game Reserve. Aquila Private Game Reserve and luxury Big 5, safari lodge, is named after the rare and endangered Black Eagle that thrives in the area. Proclaimed a Private Nature Reserve in 1985, this 4 star, malaria free, 4, 500 hectare reserve is steeped in Khoi San and Boer War history and boasts 3 pristine biomes of vegetation set in the most magnificent Karoo mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs. Mid-afternoon we check in at the lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon we embark on an evening game drive with a qualified field ranger in an open 4×4 vehicle. Game drives range between two and three hours with sparkling wine, grape juice, water and snacks served at various lookout points. We return to the lodge and prepare for dinner.

Accommodation: Aquila Private Game Reserve
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Aquila Private Game Reserve
A full day at Aquila Private Game Reserve! Your ranger will fill you in on several optional extra activities, which include Horse Back safaris, Quad Bike Safari’s, etc. that you can partake in.

Accommodation: Aquila Private Game Reserve
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Aquila Private Game Reserve – Sanbona Private Game Reserve
After an early morning activity, we have breakfast at the lodge and depart for Sanbona Private Game Reserve in the Little Karoo. At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale, the vision of the San is becoming a reality. The name Sanbona is a combination of the “San” people who roamed this area for thousands of years and “bona” which represents their vision in order to position this portion of the Little Karoo. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous fauna and flora, rock formations and rock art makes this a destination par excellence! Specialist guiding is a key element in providing a memorable and varied experience.

Accommodation: Sanbona Private Game Reserve
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Sanbona Private Game Reserve
A full day at Sanbona Private Game Reserve! Apart from your inclusive activities at the lodge, you can relax at the spa or do a walk on the premises with one of the rangers.

Accommodation: Sanbona Private Game Reserve
Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Sanbona Private Game Reserve – Hermanus
After an early morning coffee, we board our open game viewing vehicle for our last game drive at Sanbona. We return for breakfast and soon afterwards we depart for Hermanus. We arrive in Hermanus – the best land based whale-watching destination in the world, and check in at Abalone Guest Lodge. The upmarket Abalone Guest Lodge offers luxurious accommodation and is set on the cliffs of Walkerbay with spectacular views of the ocean. Hermanus is situated along the shores of Walker Bay and home to the Southern Right Whale. We might see the “Whale Crier”, sounding his kelp horn to announce where the whales have been sighted. At noon we return to our overnight accommodation and relax in style after yet another exciting day in Africa.

Accommodation: Abalone Guest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Hermanus
The activities for the day include an optional boating excursion in order to maximise your whale watching- and whale photography opportunities in Walkerbay. Weather permitting, we board a boat around mid-morning and set sail to deeper waters in search of the “Gentle Giants”. On our excursion, the more likely whale to encounter is the Southern Right Whale, with close-up photographic opportunities of whale behaviour. Your experienced skipper will explain the meaning of Blowing, Breaching, Lob-tailing and Spy Hopping in whale behaviour to you as guests. Other whales that might be seen include Humpback Whale and Bryde’s Whale. Mammals that might be encountered on this excursion include Cape Fur Seal and Common Dolphin.

Accommodation: Abalone Guest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Hermanus – Stellenbosch
After breakfast, we board our vehicles and travel via a scenic route along the shores of False Bay Stellenbosch. En route, we visit one of the two land-based African Penguin colonies at Stony Point, in the small settlement of Betty’s Bay. The significance of these two penguin colonies is the mere fact that penguins usually breed on islands in order to be safe from natural and alien predators such as mongooses, dogs, snakes, etc. With fond memories of these little creatures, we board our vehicle and travel towards Stellenbosch. We check in at Evergreen Manor in Stellenbosch mid afternoon. The rest of the day is spent at leisure in Stellenbosch.

Accommodation: Evergreen Manor
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Stellenbosch
The lodge’s healthy big breakfast is complimented with a visit to some of the finest wine cellars in the world. Our day is spent tasting some of the best wines in the world and appreciate the true Cape Dutch architecture of most of these wine estates. Lunch is served at one of the wine cellars. Some of the wine estates we could visit, depending on time available, include Rickety Bridge, Chamonix, Dieu Donne and Blaauwklippen.

Accommodation: Evergreen Manor
Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Stellenbosch – Cape Town
From Stellenbosch, we transfer to Cape Town and enter the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a shopping mecca to the “shop-aholics”, and board the ferry to Robben Island. Robben Island. Today a world heritage site, Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality towards “political prisoners”. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters, of which Nelson Mandela is probably the most famous, spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs! You will have the opportunity to interact with some of these prisoners who are guides at the prison today. This emotional and human-touching visit to the island will last for ±3hours after we board the ferry once again and “sail” back to Cape Town. From the harbour we board the vehicle and transfer to Table Mountain. Weather permitting we ascend this young World Heritage Site to a height of 3 500ft. Sweeping views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island and most of the spectacular Cape Peninsula. We return to Afton Grove Country Retreat via the scenic route of Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Hout Bay and the ultra scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. We check in late afternoon and prepare for our last dinner in Africa.

Accommodation: Afton Grove
Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Cape Town
Depending on your time of departure from Cape Town International Airport, your guide will drop you off, in time for your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Cost

Total Tour Costs – 2011:

*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En Suite Accommodation
• Meals: As Indicated
• Local Professional Guide/Driver
• Vehicle Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions as per itinerary
• All entrance fees as per itinerary
• Limited Bottled Water in Vehicle
• Accommodation

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight Costs
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities
• Travel Insurance
• Laundry
• Visa Costs

Notes:
a) Abovementioned price structure is based on a minimum of four (4) paying guests.
b) Accommodation is not confirmed at establishments as per suggested itinerary. SafariWise reserves the right to make use of alternative accommodation if necessary.
c) Full payment is required sixty (60) days prior to arrival.
d) Quoted price is subject to availability & fuel/gas priceand exchange rate fluctuations.
e) Terms & Conditions

The country derives its name from the Namib Desert, a unique geological feature renowned for the unusual and haunting quality of its landscape. Far from being lifeless and barren, this narrow strip of moist coastal desert features an unusual variety of desert-adapted flora and fauna.

The country can be divided into four distinct topographical regions. Of these the most definitive is possibly the Namib Desert, which consists of a 50 km – 140 km wide coastal plain extending along the entire coastline, interspersed with dune belts, dry riverbeds and deeply eroded canyons. The central plateau, which runs from north to south, has an average altitude of between 1,000 m and 2,000 m. This plateau gradually falls away towards the east, where a sandy strip of land merges into the level expanse of the Kalahari Desert. Dense, bush covered plains to the north-east of the Etosha Pan included the highrainfall areas of Kavango and Caprivi, typified by woodland savannah and riverine vegetation.

With a dry climate, typical of a semi-desert country, droughts are a regular occurrence. Average day temperatures in the summer vary from 20ºC – 34ºC and average night temperatures in the winter from 0ºC – 10ºC. The Benguela Current is also the prime determinant of the climate of the Namib, as it reduces rainfall and causes the omnipresent fog typical of the coast.

Tour Details

Day 1: WHK International Airport – Windhoek

A representative from SafariWise will meet you at Hosea Kutako Airport. We will transfer to our overnight accommodation at the Safari Court Hotel. The Hotel offers the largest local selection of first class accommodation. The Safari Court is situated on 13 hectares on the outskirts of Windhoek.

Accommodation: Safari Court Hotel
Meal arrangements: no meals (meals for own account)

Day 2: Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Park
We drive southwest to the Namib Naukluft Park. En route we can enjoy a picnic lunch. Situated on the edge of the Namib Desert, the Naukluft complex takes its name from the spectacular, narrow kloof on the eastern side of the massif. Its rugged mountains, deep ravines and crystal-clear pools come as a complete surprise to the unsuspecting visitor.

We end the day after arriving at Sesriem Campsite in the Sossusvlei area. Sossusvlei, which has some of the highest dunes in the world, some reaching up to 350 metres. Enjoy a sundowner on Elim Dune late afternoon.

Accommodation: campsite
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 3: Namib Nauklfut Park
A very early start before sunrise. Drive to Sossusvlei in time to see the beautiful Namib sunrise. After lunch we will visit the Sesriem Canyon, one of the amazing features of the Namib. Here the Tsauchab River has carved a gorge – up to 30 metres deep and about 1 km long – into the conglomerate gravels deposited some 15 – 18 million years ago during a wetter phase in the history of the Namib. From the parking area a track leads to the canyon floor and a walk into Sesriem is like descending through the layers of time.

Accommodation: Sesriem campsite
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 4: Namiba Naukluft Park – Swakopmund
After breakfast we drive northwest to the coastal town of Swakopmund. As we travel towards the Atlantic Coast we will see the scenery change from sand dunes to dark craggy canyons and then to flat gravel plains. We will also visit the Moonlandscape which reveals the famed Welwitchia plants that grow on seemingly lifeless gravel plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.

Swakopmund is situated on the coast and surrounded by desert. It offers a wide variety of attractions in an atmosphere unique in its appeal. The influence of German architecture, dating back to the turn of the last century, can be seen. Time allowing, visit the Moonlandscape, which reveals the famed Welwitchia plants that grow on seemingly lifeless gravel plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke Resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch

Day 5: Swakopmund
Explore the surrounding area with your guide. The Walvis Bay lagoon takes pride of place as regards scenic attractions in the area. A tranquil stretch of water, its natural beauty is accentuated by thousand of flamingos, which gather at these rich feeding grounds. Altogether some 80,000 wading birds can be seen on the lagoon. Extra optional activities include dolphin cruises, dune boarding, quad biking, camel rides, skydiving, paragliding, scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast and a visit to Sandwich Harbour. The Crystal Gallery is really worthwhile visiting for people interesting in gemstones. Please discuss any optional activities with your guide.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke Resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast

Day 6: Swakopmund
Explore the area with your guide.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast

Day 7: Swakopmund – Damaraland
Today we drive north along the Skeleton Coast and visit Cape Cross, where tens of thousands of Cape fur seals breed. Continuing the journey up the coast, we cross the windswept gravel plains bordered by the icy green Atlantic on one side and the endless desert on the other.

The shaded bank of the seasonal Aba- Huab River near Twyfelfontein is just the place for anybody who loves camping. From Aba Huab campsite we have easy access to the rugged mountains and dry river valleys, where black rhino and desert-adapted elephant can often be seen.

Accommodation: Aba Huab – campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 8: Damaraland
Explore Damaraland. We will visit Twyfelfontein, which is home to one of the most extensive rock art galleries in Africa. Some of these engravings date back to the Early Stone Age. We also visit the Organ Pipes, which are exposed in a gorge; roughly 100m long and reach a maximum height of 5 m. They were formed by the intrusion of a dolerite sheet, a plutonic rock, into the shales of the Karoo Sequence some 120 million years ago. Traditional dishes of the Dama people could be arranged for you on request. The Aba-Huab management will also be happy to arrange performances of traditional singing and dancing for the culturally-minded.

Accommodation: Aba Huab – campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast/picnic lunch/dinner

Day 9: Damaraland – Etosha National Park
After breakfast we depart for Etosha National Park. Etosha Pan is surrounded by sweetveld savanna plains, which sustain extraordinary numbers of wildlife. Etosha is home to 114 mammal and some 340 bird species. It houses large numbers of globally endangered or threatened species, most notably black rhinoceros and African elephant. Because of its size, the park serves as a genetic reserve for various species of animals and plants. Game drives in the park. Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.

Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

Accommodation: Etosha – Okaukuejo campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 10: Etosha National Park
Game drives in Etosha.

Accommodation: Etosha – Okaukuejo campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 11: Etosha National Park
Game drives in Etosha.

Accommodation: Etosha – Halali campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 12: Etosha National Park
Accommodation:Etosha – Halali campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 13: Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau Park
Waterberg Plateau Park After breakfast we depart to Waterberg Plateau Park. The Waterberg Plateau, towering some 200 metres above the surrounding landscape, with sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations, is one of the most spectacular features of the northern region. The restaurant, bar and kiosk are housed in the historic Rasthaus, originally built in 1908 and used as a police post for several years. A shop, swimming pool and camping sites are also available. Daily guided drives (optional activity) are offered to the plateau, which is managed as a breeding area for rare and endangered species, including black and white rhinoceros, disease-free buffalo, sable and roan antelope. The natural beauty of the area can also be explored on foot, offering spectacular bird viewing opportunities and a high diversity of interesting flora.

Accommodation: Waterberg campsite
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 14: Waterberg Plateau Park – Windhoek
After breakfast we depart to the airport, where your safari ends.

Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch

Tour Cost

Quoted price: 2011
*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En-Suite Accommodation & camping facilities: as stipulated in the itinerary
• Meals: As stipulated in the itinerary
• Professional Namibian Guide
• Vehicle
• Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions/activities as per itinerary
• All entrance fees
• Limited soft drinks in the vehicle

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight costs
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
• Laundry

Notes:
a) The costing for the Tour Program is based on a minimum of four (4) guests.
b) Please also note that the accommodation outlined in the itinerary may, very occasionally, need to be amended. Replacements lodges and hotels will always be of the same standard as the ones outlined in the itinerary and will in no way affect your holiday. Should we have to implement any changes to the above we will notify you as soon as possible.

Tour Details

Day 1: WHK International Airport – Windhoek

A representative from SafariWise will meet you at Hosea Kutako Airport. We will transfer to our overnight accommodation at the Safari Court Hotel. The Hotel offers the largest local selection of first class accommodation. The Safari Court is situated on 13 hectares on the outskirts of Windhoek.

Accommodation: Safari Court Hotel
Meal arrangements: no meals (meals for own account)

Day 2: Windhoek – Waterberg Plateau Park
Waterberg Plateau Park. The Park was created as a sanctuary for the rare and endangered species of the Caprivi, and is one of Namibia’s most interesting parks in terms of flora and fauna. The Park covers an area of 40 549 hectares. The plateau lies in a Northeast/Southwest direction and is 48 km in length and varies in width from 8 – 16 km. Several short walks have been laid out in the park and will take you right up to the plateau.

Game such as Roan – and Sable antelope are likely to be found when you partake on a game drive on top of the plateau. This is an extra optional activity and is done by Ministry of Environment and Tourism and can be organised through your guide.

Another fascinating aspect of the Waterberg is its interesting geology and it is, therefore, not surprising that the conservation of a representative area of the geologically important Etjo Sandstone Formation is one of the management objectives of the park.

The Waterberg is an erosion relic of sandstone casing, which covered large parts of Namibia millions of years ago. The lower Omigonde Formation was formed when sediments from the surrounding highlands were washed into a basin, which was then periodically partly covered by shallow water. The upper Etjo Formation, on the other hand, was formed by windblown sand, which filled the basin during drier climatic conditions. The cross-layered sandstone of this formation indicates that these winds blew mainly from the Northwest and Southeast. Most of this plateau was carved up over countless aeons, but the resistant Etjo sandstone prevented the erosion of the Waterberg and a few other mountains.

Accommodation: Waterberg Plateau Park
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 3: Waterberg Plateau Park – Etosha National Park
A visit to the Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of travelling in Namibia. Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of more than 22 000 sqkms. In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bushland in the west and dry forest in the north-east. About two million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene river. However the lake slowly dried up because over time, the river changed its course.

Etosha National Park is one of the largest savannah conservation areas in Africa. It is world reknowned for its spectacular wildlife: elephant, black and white rhinoceros, lions, leopards, cheetahs, large herds of springbok, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and a multitude of other fascinating species, big and small, interacting in their natural environment.

Be it a lion or an elephant, a giraffe or a zebra; almost all African animal species are represented in the huge nature reserve. There is an estimated number of 250 lions in the park, 300 rhinos, 2 500 giraffes, 6 000 zebras and more than 2 000 elephants. The dainty springbok are especially numerous; at least 20 000 of them roam the reserve. Often, they can be observed in enormous herds of several hundred animals.

Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

Overnight at Namutoni Resort, the most eastern camp in the park. It centers on an old German Fort, overlooking the King Nehale waterhole.

The Fort is the hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewellers and bookstore.

The Fort area is for pedestrian access only, and an elevated decked walkway along the water-hole facing wall will provide opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets.

Accommodation: Namutoni Resort
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 4: Etosha National Park
Game drives in the park.

Accommodation: Namutoni Resort
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 5: Etosha National Park
Game drives in the park. Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.

Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo resort
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 6: Etosha National Park – Grootberg Lodge (Damaraland)
After breakfast we depart to Damaraland. Grootberg Lodge is a landmark in Namibia for the tourism industry as it is the first middlemarket establishment in the country that is 100% owned by the conservancy. The European Union funded the project through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s Development Programme with a donation of N$4.5 million to develop the 12-room Lodge. At the same time, the private sector has been called in to supply the training and management skills until the community becomes self-sustainable. The purpose of the Grootberg Lodge is not only to offer a professional service, great surroundings, extremely good food, well-trained guides and exceptionally good local management but, at the same time, to benefit the local community thanks to the revenues generated by the Lodge.

While sustainability of the Conservancy is a primary objective which the Lodge would contribute towards, there are additional benefits such as increasing direct job opportunities in a poorly developed area; supporting marginal people with projects such as building schools, clinics, creating a community kitchen for the elderly and vulnerable groups and award bursaries to promising pupils with the proceeds of the lodge. Another important aim of the Lodge is to reduce the animal/human conflict in this community so that the locals will be more tolerant of the lions, cheetahs and elephants and give them a value from a tourism perspective.

The success of the lodge is critical to demonstrate the value of the land-use which the conservancy is promoting. The exclusive development area needs to show the value in setting aside “core” areas for tourism and biodiversity conservation.

Activities include guided walks on top of the plateau, where visitors could learn about the local flora, the amazing rock formations of the Etendeka Mountains and the shy wild animals, long inhabitants of the plateau. The lodge also offer guided walks down the mountain to the Klip River Springs, scenic drives and horse riding. Elephant and rhino tracking are very popular activities.

We could also visit a Himba a small settlement near Palmfontein. These friendly people, closely related to the Herero, are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. Learn how the proud Himba women spend many hours on beauty care and clean themselves with herbal steam baths. See their homesteads, cone shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung.

A visit to the Klip River Valley where permanent springs provide water for the local population of zebras, antelopes and occasionally elephants and black rhinos Springboks, kudu and oryx are a permanent fixture and even the nervous and shy klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping about on the steep cliffs of the mountain as if they were flying.

Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 7: Grootberg Lodge (Damaraland)
Activities at the lodge.

Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 8: Grootberg – Swakopmund
Depart Grootberg Lodge and travel to Swakopmund. Swakopmund has the cold Atlantic Ocean on it’s west, with the forbidden coast to the south and the Skeleton coast to the north and surrounded by desert to the east. It offers a wide variety of attractions in an atmosphere unique in its appeal. The influence of German architecture, dating back to the turn of the last century, can be seen.

Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke Resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch

Day 9: Swakopmund
An half-day excursion to Walvis Bay. The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place as regards scenic attractions in the area. A tranquil stretch of water, it’s natural beauty is accentuated by the thousands of flamingos which gather at these rich feeding grounds. Altogether some 80 000 wading birds, including flamingos and white pelicans, can be seen on the lagoon. Extra optional activities include dolphin cruises, scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast, Sandwich Harbour, quad biking, shark fishing a visit to the museum or Crystal Gallery, aquarium, skydiving, dune boarding, sand skiing, paragliding, angling from the beach or boat and camel rides.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke Resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast

Day 10: Swakopmund
Explore the area with your guide. Optional activities.

Accommodation: Alte Brucke Resort
Meal arrangements: Breakfast

Day 11: Swakopmund – Windhoek International
After breakfast we depart to the airport, where the safari ends.

Tour Price

Quoted price: 2011
*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En-Suite Accommodation & camping facilities: as stipulated in the itinerary
• Meals: As stipulated in the itinerary
• Professional Namibian Guide
• Vehicle
• Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions/activities as per itinerary
• All entrance fees
• Limited soft drinks in the vehicle

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight costs
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
• Laundry

Notes:
a) The costing for the Tour Program is based on a minimum of four (4) guests and a maximum of ten (10) guests.
b) Please also note that the accommodation outlined in the itinerary may, very occasionally, need to be amended. Replacements lodges and hotels will always be of the same standard as the ones outlined in the itinerary and will in no way affect your holiday. Should we have to implement any changes to the above we will notify you as soon as possible.

Tour Details

DAY 1: TANA – ANDASIBE/PERINET
Touching down at Ivato International Airport in Tana, the capital of Madagascar, your guide will meet you in the arrivals hall. We board our vehicle and drive through the green landscapes of the east, towards Andasibe. The area around Andasibe is well-known for its prime forests and lakes as well as the hot and humid conditions! En route we may see Yellow-Billed Kites and Madagascar Kestrels. We make a brief stop at the Mangoro bridge just before we enter the town of Moramanga. This is probably one of the most accessible sites in Madagascar where we can find the Madagascar Pratincole. A number of the more common “rainforest specials”, which include Madagascar Wood-Rail, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Blue- and Red-Fronted Couas, Collared Nightjar, Coral-Billed Nuthatch Vanga, Ward’s Flycatcher, Rand’s Warbler, Spectacled Greenbul and Nelicourvi Weaver, might be seen. We stop at the town of Moramanga, a historical city where a bloody battle between Malagasy soldiers and French colonizers took place many years ago. On our arrival in Andasibe, we check in at the Vakona Forest Lodge. A night walk in Perinet should reveal a wide variety of nocturnal lemurs, reptiles, frogs and fascinating invertebrates.

DAY 2: ANDASIBE-PERINET
Up at daybreak for birding in Andasibe (Perinet)! Andasibe is an excellent example of montane rainforest and covers an area of 810ha at altitudes between 930 and 1.040m. Many of the largest trees have been removed and the canopy averages 25m to 30m. The main part of the reserve resembles a table, with steep forested hillsides (with steps to make it easier for us human beings!) and bordered by a small lake. Early morning birding can be very successful in this lovely stretch of Montane Rainforest. Our target birds for the morning include Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Blue- and Chabert’s Vanga, Madagascar White Eye as well as the striking Souimanga- and Long-Billed Green Sunbird. After our exciting walk in the forest, we are off to the “lowlands” for a visit to one of the areas several marsh patches, hoping to find Madagascar Rail, White-Throated Rail, Madagascar Flufftail, Madagascar Snipe, Madagascar Swamp Warbler and Grey Emutail. These marshes are probably one of the best places to find the prize bird of the area, and Madagascar, the “ultra-scarce” Slenderbilled Flufftail! We return to the lodge for breakfast after which we visit the Special Reserve of Andasibe again. This reserve is visited to see the Indri Indri – the biggest lemurs of Madagascar. The reserve is only 810ha in size with very unique and beautiful endemic fauna and flora. Chances are good that we will see a wide variety of orchids, canopy inhabitants which include Chameleons, Tenrecs and a good number of birds. After lunch, we visit Mantadia National Park in search of more bird- and mammal species of the region. The Mantadia National Park is 10 000 ha in size and our target lemur species include Indri-, Brown-, Grey Bamboo- and Eastern Woolly Lemur. On an optional night walk, Brown Mouse Lemur , Red-Forest Rat and Streaked Tenrec, and if the gods are really on our side, Diademed Sifaka and Black and White Ruffed Lemur are all possibilities. Several species of chameleons, frogs and snakes can be seen today. Overnight Vakona Forest Lodge

DAY 3: ANDASIBE – TANA
Another early morning walk in the Perinet Reserve and we return for breakfast mid-morning. After breakfast we start our drive back to Tana and stop at the Pereyras Nature farm. This park/centre provides the opportunity to see and photograph some of the island’s most extraordinary reptiles and invertebrates. From Pereyras, we continue our slow drive back Tana, the capital of Madagascar. We arrive late afternoon in Tana and check in at the Le Relais des Plateuax and prepare for dinner.

Day 4: TANA – FORT DAUPHIN
Mid-morning we board our plane at Ivato International Airport and fly to Fort Dauphin. On arrival we transfer to Berenty, Private Reserve, which lies about 80 km from Fort – Dauphin. We drive along the humid forests of the east; the landscape is dotted with square rice fields, green and luxuriant vegetation, waving palms and shady mangoes trees. En route to Berenty, we stop at the “Nepenthès” fields – an area where carnivorous plants, which attract insects by the scents of its liquid, occur. We drive past the towering Anosy Mountain chain to arrive in the so-called “transition zone”. This area is dominated by the Triangular Palm, “Neodypsis Decari”, an endemic palm to the Fort Dauphin area. From here the landscape is changing again, but this time into a drier habitat. We have our first glimpses of the Spiny Forest, with sisal plantations etched into the foreground. We arrive in Berenty and check in at Berenty Lodge for two nights

DAY 5: BERENTY
We visit the reserve with a specialist guide. Berenty is known as the kingdom of lemurs and chances are good that we can see the well-documented Ring-tailed Lemur, known as maki and the Dancing Lemur, known as sifaka. Other species that can be seen, include Brown Lemurs and the nocturnal Lepilemurs and Mouse Lemurs. As darkness falls, we explore the unknown nightlife of mammals, amphibians and reptiles in the reserve, on foot!

DAY 6: BERENTY – FORT DAUPHIN – TULEAR – IFATY
The adventurous guests, who want to see more birds, can join your guide at 06:00 for a pre-breakfast walk in Berenty National Park – 83 species are listed. Birds of prey are particularly prominent and 9 species are recorded with Madagascar Buzzard probably the more common raptor around. Other unique Madagascar species that can be seen include Hook-Billed Vanga and Crested- and Giant Coua. Six species of Vanga occurs here of which Lefresnaye’s Vanga is the most sought after Vanga. We return at 08:00 to the lodge, hopefully in time to see the Ring-Tailed Lemurs sunbathing in front of the restaurant, and then to enjoy breakfast. After breakfast we drive back to Fort Dauphin to be in time for our flight to Tuléar and then transfer to Ifaty to check in at Hotel Le Paradisier. Situated in the largest lagoon of the country, Ifaty is also protected by a large coral reef that makes it an ideal place for diving and snorkeling and if you are interested; your guide can arrange an excursion as an optional extra. Here you can also experience the Veto Fishermen’s life, and the area around the lodge is also a popular spot for birdwatchers with Lesser Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Lark, Madagascar Cisticola Green Capped-Coua, Sub- Desert Brush Warbler and the only endemic wader – Madagascar Plover, all good possibilities! Many excursions are possible like a visit to the Reserve Reniala, a communal reserve home to 2 kinds of baobabs and spiny bush as well as reptiles like the boa, chameleons and gecko’s. You may instead choose to take a boat to see the whales. From July to mid September, whales come to the cool sea of Madagascar to give birth. It is a very spectacular experience, as sometimes we see whales very close to the boat. The afternoon is spent at leisure.

DAY 7: IFATY
After an early breakfast we depart for the community maintained / operated / organized Reserve Reniala – a spiny forest reserve where we might see such birds as the White- Headed-, Hook-Billed- & La Fresney’s Vanga, Long-Tailed Ground Roller, Archbold’s Newtonia and if we are really lucky, the Sub-Desert Mesite. This excursion also gives us the opportunity to see reptiles like Boa, Geckos, Lizards and Parson’s Chameleon – the biggest Chameleon in Madagascar. Another highlight of this reserve is the opportunity to admire and photograph the strange looking Baobab Trees of Madagascar. We return to our hotel at mid-day, in time for lunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

DAY 8: IFATY – ISALO
After breakfast, we pack our bags and board our vehicle. We drive back to Tuléar and visit the Arboretum d’ Antsokay Botanical Garden. This fantastic garden records all the succulent plants of the south and it is also possible to see the Running Coua here! After our visit to Antsokay, we drive towards Isalo. Habitat change en route is dramatic – the dry forest of the west is also known as the “spiny desert of the south”. As we travel further north, we pass through Zombitse National Park, a newly proclaimed reserve which is also a sanctuary of birds. Rufous- & Blue Vanga, Madagascar- & Paradise Flycatchers, Giant Coua, Greater- & Lesser Vasa Parrot, Long-Billed Greenbuls, and then, the ‘local special’ – Appert’s Greenbul are the bird-attractions of the reserve – time permitting. We also drive through the Baobab forest and finally Ilakaka, the sapphire mining town before we arrive in Ranohira. We check in at Le Jardin du Roi late afternoon. Just before sunset, we board the vehicles for a spectacular sunset at Fenêtre de l’Isalo, a natural rock-formation having the shape of the window.

DAY 9: ISALO
After breakfast we visit Isalo National Park. Covering a massive 81 540ha the Isalo Massif rises from the flat surrounding grassy plains. The scenery cunningly reminds us of the Fish River Canyon in Namibia or the Grand Canyon in the USA. After reaching the top of the mountain a fantastic panoramic view of the eroded mountain unfolds with different colors ranging from yellow to red and sometimes grey. The sandstone has been eroded into strange shapes and is cut through by impressive gorges and canyons. Vegetation is concentrated in the canyon floors where streams flow. These wooded areas are dominated by the fire-resistant Tapia Tree, on which a Malagasy endemic silkworm feeds. On the cliffs and rocks are several endemic succulents including the elephant’s foot and the localized endemic Isalo aloe. This is also a place where the Bara Tribe store their dead, whilst they save sufficient money to buy silver coffins and put the bodies in a safe place! After the visiting the natural swimming pool, we continue on foot to reach the “Canyons des Singes”. We “rediscover” the original Ranohira village in the middle of the canyon. Many years ago, there was a river called Ranohira, meaning “water of lemurs”. This river was the bathing place of the king Legends has it that one morning he saw a number of lemurs playing in the river and subsequently named the river Ranohira. Since that day the king refused to bath in the river again! On our walk we might see nocturnal as well as day active lemurs and chameleons. Isalo is a place of beauty but not a place with high numbers of birds. Benson’s Rock-Thrush, a sub-species of the Forest Rock-Thrush, breeds in nearby Relais de la Reine hotel. Other birds that might be encountered include Lesser Vasa Parrot, White-Throated Rail, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Wagtail and Madagascar Kestrel. Late afternoon we re-visit Fenêtre de l’Isalo, if the previous day’s sunset excursion was not successful.

DAY 10: ISALO – AMBALAVO
After breakfast its time to pack our bags and board our vehicle for our journey to Ambalavao We drive through the huge “Plateaux de Horombe “ with its space-like red soil, which reminds us of “the no man’s land”. We drive through Ihosy, which is the capital of the Bara tribe and whom are the shepherds of Zebu throughout the mountain ranges of Andringitra. This blue line of spectacular granite peaks on the horizon serves as a transition between the dry south and the green highlands. Your guide will point out the famous “3 hillocks” and the huge “archbishop’s cape”. One of the most spectacular views is probably the huge granite dome with twin rock towers called “the gate of the south”. The other most imposing one is the “Bishop’s hat” which is a sacred place for the local people as it is a place where their ancestors preferred to make a collective suicide rather than to render to the Merina tribes! Before entering the town of Ambalavao we visit of the private park of Anja, well known for its Ring-Tailed Lemurs, caves and reptiles. After the visit we board our vehicle for the last time today to drive to Hotel Bougainvilliees and check in. Later the afternoon we visit the “Antaimoro Paper “ factory. This is a place where the paper making tradition, left by the Arabian people who settled in this area in the fifteenth century, is maintained.

DAY 11: AMBALAVO – RANOMAFANA
We leave for Ranomafana via Fianarantsoa – the intellectual centre of the country. As we leave Ambalavao, we visit the Soavita Vineyard for an “eccentric wine tasting experience”! Although the climate is not ideal for wine, vineyards are a tradition left by the monks, whom occupied this area. After our memorable early morning wine tasting experience, we enter Fianarantsoa – meaning “the city where we learn good things”. It is the first Malagasy city where European education and schooling were introduced – and even up to today, the best universities in Madagascar are to be found here. Fianarantsoa has a strong catholic influence and as we drive through town, we will see many statues of “Santa Madonna”. Fianarantsoa is the second biggest city in Madagascar and also the capital of the Betsileo tribe. The Betsileo people are reputed by their excellence in flourishing rice plantations – especially their ability to grow rice on hillsides. The economy of Fianarantsoa is predominantly dependant on the rice plantations of the area. Before driving to Ranomafana , we visit a tea plantation on the outskirts of the city. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, commercial pine- and eucalyptus forests and rocky mountains. After a couple of kilometers, we stop at a little pond where we have a quick scan for the Malagasy King Fisher and Crested Drongo and continue our drive towards Ranomafana National Park. Taking its name from the village, once popular for its thermal baths, this 40,000 ha National Park encompasses one of the last remaining great expanses of eastern rainforest. Ranomafana was only proclaimed as recently as 1991 for the protection of the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur which was discovered here in the late 1980s! The area is dominated by the Namorona river which, fed by many streams flowing from the hills, plunges from the eastern escarpment close to the park entrance. The steep slopes are covered with a mixture of primary and secondary forest: much of the secondary growth is dominated by dense stands of introduced Chinese guava and clumps of giant bamboo. On our arrival in Ranomafana mid- afternoon, we check in at Setam Lodge and prepare for our “night expedition” into the forest!

DAY 12: RANOMAFANA
Ranomafana is the island’s richest rainforest park in birds and mammals. For the early birds, a morning expedition in the park for bird watching in search of Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Long-Eared Owl”, Henst’s Goshawk, Brown Mesite, Velvet Asity, Common- and Yellow-Bellied Sunbird-Asitys, Pollen’s- and Red-tailed Vanga, Yellow-Browed Oxylabes, Gray– Crowned Greenbul”, Forest Rock- Thrush” and Cryptic Warbler. The beautiful Ground-Rollers of Madagascar are well represented here, with all four rainforest-dependent species breeding residents. It is probably one of the best places to see Rufous-Headed- and Short-Legged Ground-Roller, along with the Pitta-Like Ground-Roller also pretty common. The tiny endemic Jeries (Common and Green especially) and Newtonias (Common and Dark) are also often seen. Even Madagascar Serpent Eagle and the Yellow-Bellied Sunbird-Asity could be seen in Ranomafana. After breakfast, we continue our walk to see a different part of the park. Ranomafana’s highlight, the recently discovered Golden Bamboo Lemurs, may be on the cards and we would hope to see them on our walk, eating their favorite food – bamboo leaves. If luck is really on our side, we can also see the extremely rare Greater Bamboo Lemurs and the striking Milne-Edwards Diadem Sifaka Lemur. The rare and “difficult to spot” Pollen’s Vanga can also be seen in this area. Bird-wise, the forest does not record a high rate, however we might spot Madagascar Yellow- Brows, White-Throated Oxylabes and a resident pair of Brown Mesite. Back to Ranomafana late afternoon and for those who wish, you can partake in another night walk inside the park. The trails are quite steep and individuals should have a certain level of fitness. Possibilities include the tiny Rufous Mouse Lemurs, Red-Bellied and Red-fronted Brown Lemurs. The Madagascar Striped Civet (Fanalaoka) can also be a highlight on the night walk. We return to the hotel and prepare for dinner.

DAY 13: RANOMAFANA – AMBOSITRA – ANTSIRABE
After breakfast we continue onto Antsirabe. En route we drive through Ambositra – the centre of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. The architecture of the area is stunning and will take your breath away as all houses express ornately carved wooden balconies and colorful shutters! We drive through this beautiful town and leaving the impressive artworks behind us to pass the “le col de tapia”, a type of tree resistant to fire. We arrive in Antsirabe mid-afternoon. Antsirabe is an elegant city and is branded as the centre of Madagascar’s beer industry – smell the brewing at Star Brewery as we enter the town! Antsirabe, literally means “The Place of Minerals” and was founded by the Norwegians in 1872. It is the only place in Madagascar where you will get a “European Familiarity”. Antsirabe has a temperate climate and all fruit and vegetables that grow in a cold climate are to be found here! We check in at Hotel Des Thermes and spend some time at leisure before dinner!

DAY 14: ANTSIRABE – TANA
After breakfast we drive back to Tana. The route we are traveling takes us across the “highland landscape” with impressive rice-fields and spectacular eroded hills called “lavaka”. The landscape remind us of the Far East with its rice fields and green landscapes covered with vegetables and fruit plantations. Along the way we will have the chance to view Merina tombs – squat, boxy constructions of bricks and stone, usually painted white and often decorated with colorful paintings, wood carvings and the skulls and horns of zebu cattle. The Merina – the ruling tribe – practice famadihana (turning of the bones) ceremonies that include exhumation of the bodies to bring the people close to their ancestors! Before entering the capital, we pay a brief visit to Ambatolampy – a massive agricultural city and also known as a source of aluminium. We arrive in Tana and check in at Le Relais des Plateuax and prepare for lunch. A city tour of the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is available to interested guests. Other optional extra activities can be discussed with your guide.

DAY 15: TANA – PARIS/JHB
We visit the market in town for souvenirs in the morning. Depending on your time of departure, you will be dropped off at the airport in time for your departure flight.

Tour Cost

2011
*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En-Suite Accommodation
• Vehicle
• Fuel
• Local Malagasy Nature Guide & Driver
• All excursions as per itinerary
• All entrance fees
• Meals : Half Board
• 1½ Litre Mineral Water per day
• Tea & Coffe at meals
• Limited Snacks/Fruit in Vehicle

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight costs to and from Madagascar
• All beverages/drinks and snacks
• Domestic Flights (Day 4 & 6)

Notes:
a) For European Union, North American and South African citizens: A visa is bought upon arrival at the airport, upon presentation of a passport valid 6 months after date of departure from Madgascar and return ticket.
b) The local currency is Ariary. 2600 Ariary = approximately EUR 1
c) Anti malaria medication is recommended.
d) International flights to and from Madagascar are excluded from the quote. Current return flight costs, JHB – TANA – JHB is in the region of Five Thousand Five Hundred South African Rands.
e) The costs for the tour are based on a minimum of four (4) PAX.
f) Accommodation is not confirmed as yet at establishment as per suggested itinerary. SafariWise reserves the right to make use of alternative accommodation if necessary.
g) Quoted price is subject to availability & fuel/gas price- and exchange rate fluctuations.
h) Terms & Conditions

Tour Details

DAY 1 – 3 : JOHANNESBURG TO MAUN : CAMP MOREMI

Arriving Maun Airport, you are assisted onto your scheduled 30min charter flight to the heart of the Okavango Delta and the magic of Camp Moremi. Camp Moremi is situated in an area that provides water throughout the year, therefore an abundance of wildlife habitat this area throughout the year. This ensures fantastic game viewing and bird watching opportunities no matter what time of the year you are visiting!

At Camp Moremi game drives are both land and water based. Resident naturalist guides, who are carefully trained to share their knowledge and deep love for Botswana’s wilderness with you, will lead game drives. Local species include Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and Giraffe. You can thrill to the excitement of tracking these animals in open game-viewing vehicles, conducted by experienced resident naturalists.

After lunch, your local guide will take you to explore the wilderness paradise, where only the animals rule. Late afternoon the “traditional” sundowners are sipped in one of the most amazing wildernesses left in the world.

Camp Moremi accommodates guests in East African-style safari tents, individually erected on raised teak platforms. Each tent is exquisitely furnished with an African teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional director’s chairs. Colorful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway. His and hers towel robes as well as tea and coffee making facilities are also provided to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Each tent has its own private bathroom situated adjacent to the tent.

DAY 3 – 5 : CAMP OKAVANGO
After an early breakfast we depart by boat for Camp Okavango. The 3-hour boat journey to Camp Okavango takes us through the intricate channels of the remote wilderness of the Okavango Delta. This is a totally different and unique game viewing experience and very few people are privileged to experience! En route we stop on one of the islands for coffee, tea and something sweet! On this unique experience, the boat stops on regularly intervals as guests spot animals on the banks of the river – keep your eyes open for hippos and crocodiles, while the changes in the landscape is very obvious. Arriving at the lodge, in time for lunch, the friendly staff will assist to the lounge for a hearty meal! After lunch we settle down in to freshen up and reflect on the unique morning experience! Mid-afternoon we meet up with our guides at the main lodge for our first afternoon game activity – sit back and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Camp Okavango is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience. Camp Okavango’s unashamed luxury blends with the Africa of old in the elegant thatch and lethaka main lodge buildings. The dining room leads onto an expansive open-air patio for evenings around the open boma. Other lodge facilities include a cocktail bar, lounge, wildlife reference library, a secluded bird-viewing hide, shaded hammocks, a delightful sun deck and plunge pool for relaxing during the hot midday hours.

DAY 5 – 7 : CAMP SHINDE
After breakfast a scheduled charter flight will take us to Shinde where we spend the next two nights.

Nestled on a lush palm dotted island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta and located at the edge of a lagoon, Shinde is surrounded by clear waterways, which flow over yellow sands and past palm-fringed islands teeming with birdlife and game. The island is especially favoured by members of the antelope family, including the elusive Sitatunga whose elongated and splayed hooves enable it to walk on the unstable beds of reeds floating on the water. Delta crafts can take you on an interesting trip where you can see fascinating breeding colonies of herons, egrets, pelicans and storks. Your guide can also take you on fascinating wildlife walks where you can see the hidden treasures – insects, reptiles as well as a wide variety of bird life and game.

Shinde’s remoteness has ensured that true innocent wildlife has not been subject to the pressures of mass tourism.

The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in large raised reed and thatch lagoon facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks, situated on the shaded fringes of the island. An open boma and al fresco dining area overlooks the expanse of pristine water that makes up the permanent Delta.The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open sided thatched structures. The swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.

Exploring the Delta by motorboat or canoe (mokoro), combined with walking on surrounding islands in the concession, gives guests the chance to experience a classic Delta safari.

DAY 7 – 9 : SAVUTE SAFARI LODGE
After breakfast, we transfer to the landing strip and board our scheduled charter flight Savuti Safari Lodge, situated within the borders of the world-renowned Chobe National Park. En route to the lodge, in open game-viewing vehicles, you can sit back and smell the wild sage, while you are keeping an eye out for the magnificent elephant bulls of the area. A handful of small pans sustain Savute’s thousands of animals with a permanent, yet fragile water source. On an open vehicle game drive, you will look for the large Lion prides, the area is known for as well as the big herds of Elephants.

Savute Safari Lodge accommodates just 24 people in contemporary furnished twinbedded luxury suites constructed of wood, thatch and glass, making them ideal for the hot and dry conditions. Double volume suites with their spacious interior and large, glass sliding doors set the lodge apart from typical safari accommodation. Large private viewing decks and en-suite facilities, with showers, ‘his and hers’ towel robes and tea and coffee making facilities combine to make Savute Safari Lodge an unforgettable experience. Other facilities include a lounge, library and cocktail bar, which is situated in the exquisite thatch and timber main building, while in front there is a viewing deck ideal for watching game at the water hole.

DAY 9 – 11 : CHOBE SAVANNA LODGE
Once again, after breakfast, we board our scheduled charter flight to Kasane Airport, where a representative will welcome you. From here you are transferred to the Kasane Jetty for a short boat trip to the absolutely awesome water based Chobe Savanna Lodge. Chobe Savanna Lodge is set in a classic African Savanna environment with sweeping vistas surrounding the lodge. Unlike other lodges we visited, where game activities are prioritized, Chobe Savanna Lodge offers guests the choice of just taking “time out” or joining in on one of the many activities offered at the lodge. Those who wish to explore the Chobe River will not be disappointed. All activities are conducted by resident professional guides, whose intimate knowledge will make for an unforgettable experience. Guests have a choice of boat excursions in small manoeuvrable boats, ideal for close up encounters with wildlife or cultural village visits.

We suggest to take a cruise on the Chobe River… not only for the magnificent sunsets, but also to catch a glimpse of many animals coming down to the water’s edge to drink. This river system is also home to an incredible diversity of bird species.

The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in stylish thatched chalets, all with private decks, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are furnished in subtle earth tones and dark woods in a contemporary African theme, are air-conditioned and have complimentary mini bars. Facilities include a swimming pool, a gazebo that is ideal for small group lunches and an open boma area (place of eating), on the banks of the Chobe River, where guests are treated to panoramic views and traditional dancing performed by local villagers.

DAY 11 – 13 : VICTORIA FALLS, LIVINGSTONE
After breakfast you board the boat at the lodge and set sail back to Kasane. At Kasane you are met representatives from where you are assisted onto a road transfer to The Royal Livingstone close to Victoria Falls .

Activities included for your stay in Livingstone: A guided tour of Victoria Falls and a sunset cruise on the African Queen Several additional activity-options exist which includes Elephant Back Safari’s, Helicopter/Microlight Flights over the Falls, White River Rafting, and many more! Front-desk will assist you in booking any of these additional activities.

DAY 13 : LIVINGSTONE – JOHANNESBURG
After breakfast you are transferred to Livingstone Airport to be in time for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Tour Cost

Total Tour Costs – 2011:
*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• Accommodation at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde on a fully inclusive basis.
• Accommodation at Royal Livingstone Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
• All meals at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• Airport departure tax at Maun Airport.
• Scheduled activities at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• All soft drinks and local wines at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• National Park Entrance Fees at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• Laundry Services at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• Medical Evacuation Insurance at Camp Okavango, Camp Moremi, Savute Safari Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge & Shinde
• Scheduled charter flight from Maun to Camp Moremi
• Scheduled boat transfer from Camp Moremi to Camp Okavango
• Scheduled charter flight from Camp Okavango to Shinde
• Scheduled charter flight from Shinde to Savute Safari Lodge
• Scheduled charter flight from Savute Safari Lodge to Kasane Airport
• Scheduled road transfer from Kasane Airport to Kasane Jetty
• Scheduled boat transfer from Kasane Jetty to Chobe Savanna Lodge
• Scheduled boat transfer from Chobe Savanna Lodge to Kasane Jetty
• Scheduled road transfer from Kasane Jetty to Royal Livingstone Hotel/Tongabezi Lodge
• Accommodation at Royal Livingstone Hotel/Tongabezi Lodge on bed and breakfast basis
• Scheduled road transfer from Royal Livingstone Hotel/Tongabezi Lodge to Livingstone Airport

Excluded from quoted price:

• Meals other than specified
• Premium brand drinks
• Gratuities & Porterage
• Transfers not specified
• Visa Fees
• Travel Insurance
• International Flights & Airport taxes

Notes:
a) Abovementioned price structure is based on a minimum of four (4) paying guests.
b) This is a quotation only and subject to availability at the time of making a reservation.
c) Vaccination requirements change from time to time and we suggest clients consult their local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions.
d) All charters have been booked on a seat on charter basis. Due to the nature of travel in light aircraft, mainly because of safety and space concerns, baggage is restricted to 20 kg (44 lbs), per person. This baggage must be soft sided so to allow for it to be packed properly. If you do have extra bags or have suitcases heavier than the specified allowance, we must be advised in advance as soon as the booking is made so we can make arrangements for the baggage to be transferred or stored at an additional cost.
e) All road transfers booked are scheduled transfers.
f) Terms & Conditions.

In the northwest, the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari sands, creating the largest inland river delta in the world. While the Okavango Delta is home to relatively few large game animals in comparison to other areas of Botswana, its clear waters and myriad small islands are home to an astounding variety of birds, plants, and smaller species of animals.

Nearby is Chobe National Park, a beautiful grassland reserve that has gained international fame for its abundant elephant population. Southeast of Chobe are Botswana’s enormous Makgadikgadi salt pans, home to large herds of blue wildebeest, several antelope species, and those international lovers of salt pans, flamingos.

Almost the entire remaining portion of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert – a varied environment of sand, savanna, and grassland. Although this area of Botswana is only sparsely inhabited by humans, it is one of the richest wildlife regions in all of Africa.

Botswana’s two largest parks, the Central Kalahari Game reserve and Gemsbok National Park, are found in this region.

Botswana’s climate can get rather cool, particularly during the dry winter months of June-August when night occasionally brings frost. The rainy summer months (December through March) are best avoided for those interested in enjoying the best game viewing conditions. The aboriginal inhabitants of Botswana, who have made the Kalahari their home for at least 30,000 years, are the San, or bushmen. The San number about 60,000 today, constituting a small but fascinating cultural minority in the country. Almost two millennia ago, a Bantu people known as the Tswana arrived, supplanting the San and now constituting the great majority of the population.

The discovery of gold in Botswana in the late 19th century attracted the interest of the Boers, leading the fiercely independent but desperate Tswana nations to petition the British for protection.

Botswana was granted protectorate status (as Bechuanaland) in 1885, though local authority was maintained with determination by the Tswana chiefs. In 1966, in the same wave of change that brought independence to much of the continent, Bechuanaland became the independent Republic of Botswana.

The very next year, the discovery of enormous diamond reserves in Botswana transformed the poor country’s economic prospects. Today it enjoys one of the highest economic growth rates of any country in the world, although its national wealth has not solved the problem of widespread unemployment.

Tour Details

Day 1: Maun International Airport– Maun Lodge

A representative from SafariWise will meet you at Maun International Airport. Situated on the fringe of the Okavango Delta, Maun is the gateway to Botswana’s main safari industry. An optional game-flight over the Okavango Delta can be arranged, for those interested in better understanding of the formation and uniqueness of this special area. There is also the option of exploring the town. We will spend the night at Maun Lodge.

Accommodation: Maun Lodge
Meal arrangements: no meals (meals for own account)

Day 2: Maun Lodge
Maun Lodge is situated along the banks of the Thamalakane River in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

Maun Lodge offers you luxury accommodation, banqueting and conference facilities and personal service at affordable prices. Located only 2,5km’s from the town centre and just 4km’s from the International Airport, Maun Lodge is the ideal location for international visitors and business travellers.

Optional activities at an extra cost include: A helicopter or light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta, Cultural Village Tour, visit to Okavango Ceramics or a visit to the Crocodile Farm.

Accommodation: Maun Lodge
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 3: Maun Lodge – Moremi Game reserve
This morning after breakfast, we depart Maun for our next destination – the Moremi Game Reserve, situated in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta.

This game reserve has no fences, therefore allowing unobstructed seasonal movement of game making this a largely natural area. This is a paradise for birds, game and predators alike. Moremi’s scenery alone is enough reason to want to visit this park. Completely varied vegetation is what makes this area so special. Within one hour of travelling it is possible to view the first of the wildlife inhabiting this area. We will spend 2 nights camping in the Xaxanaka area. Our days consist of early morning and late afternoon game drives, with a rest period in the camp in the heat of the day. We will explore this side of Moremi in detail, with unforgettable experiences.

Accommodation: Camping – Xaxanaka area
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 4: Moremi Game Reserve
Game drives in the park.

Accommodation: Camping – Xacanaka area
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 5: Moremi Game Reserve – Savuti
Departing Moremi Game Reserve, we will depart for our next destination – Savuti, one of Africa’s most densely populated predator areas and is also well known for its sightings of bull elephants. The Savuti waterhole offers an ever-changing spectacle of birds and wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives with leisure time to relax during the heat of the day. Enjoy 2 nights camping in stunning Savuti.

Accommodation: Camping – Savuti
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 6: Savuti
Game drives in the park.

Accommodation: Camping – Savuti
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 7: Savuti – Chobe National Park
From Savuti we travel further in a north-easterly direction towards Chobe National Park – also renowned for having dense concentrations of elephants and predators, even more than Savuti.

After lunch we will have the opportunity to enjoy a sunset boat cruise, observing the game coming to quench their thirst in the cool waters of the Chobe River. This river is the life-blood for thousands of elephants in the dry season as well as many other species. We overnight at a private campsite in Chobe.

Accommodation: Camping – Chobe National Park
Meal arrangements: Full board

Day 8: Botswana – Livingstone
After breakfast we will be transferred to the Kazangula border post in Kasane where we will take the ferry across the Zambezi River and cross the border into Zambia. We will overnight in Livingstone.

Accommodation: Zambezi Sun International
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / picnic lunch / dinner

Day 9: Livingstone, Zambia
Explore the area. The Zambezi Waterfront is situated just opposite Siloka Island and with a clear view of the spray from the falls. The resort is designed to cater for all travellers who wish to experience the mighty Zambezi River, the wonder of the Victoria Falls and the many activities on offer in the area without great expense – it’s ideal for the adventurous and young at heart. Accommodation ranges from camping to good quality, fully serviced tents and en-suite chalets.

Optional activities available at the Waterfront include game drives through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, white water rafting, river boarding, jet boating, abseiling, gorge swings, kayaking, canoeing, horse trails, elephant back rides and fishing. Also on offer is bungee jumping, helicopter and micro light flips over the falls, tours of the Falls, Chief Makuni Village tour, sunset or breakfast river cruises and a tour of Livingstone, which includes the Livingstone and Railway Museums and the Curio/Craft markets.

Accommodation: Zambezi Sun International
Meal arrangements: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Livingstone – South Africa
After breakfast we depart to the airport, where the safari ends.

Meal arrangements: Breakfast

Tour Cost

Quoted price: 2011

*on request*

Included in the quoted price:

• En-Suite Accommodation & camping facilities: as stipulated in the itinerary
• Meals: As stipulated in the itinerary
• Professional Safari Guide
• Competent bush chef
• Back up team for setting up camp
• Transfer from Kazangula border to Victoria falls
• 4 x 4 Vehicle
• Fuel
• All Road Taxes
• All excursions/activities as per itinerary
• All entrance fees

Excluded from quoted price:

• Return Flight costs
• Visas for Zambia
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
• Laundry

Notes:
a) The costing for the Tour Program is based on a minimum of four (4) guests and a maximum of thirteen (13) guests.
b) Please also note that the accommodation outlined in the itinerary may, very occasionally, need to be amended. Replacements lodges and hotels will always be of the same standard as the ones outlined in the itinerary and will in no way affect your holiday. Should we have to implement any changes to the above we will notify you as soon as possible.
c) Terms & Conditions.