A 16-day participation camping safari: 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!
Summary
• 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 travelers like this trip
• Variety - a tour that provides amazing African experiences; from the wildlife areas of Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to amazing spectacles of Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, to the wild Okavango Delta!
• National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park, the wild Okavango Delta and the wilderness of Magadikgadi Pans as well as other lesser known wildlife area of Khama Rhino sanctuary. This trip encompasses the essence of African wildlife.
• Culture and history - for example we spend several days with our local Okavango guides where we have the opportunity to experience a living contact with local people.
• Small group - traveling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
• Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Makgadikgadi Pans, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!
• Mokoro Trail - the tour includes a 3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mokoro (dugouts). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!
• Open 4WD game drives – our trips have the best wildlife viewing opportunities by visiting the game reserves and national parks in open 4WD game drive vehicles.
Departs: Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday at 6:30am.
Ends: Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday at ±5:00pm.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
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
Includes
• 13 nights, chalets, guesthouses & rooms and permanent tents, 2 nights tented camp
• Entrance fees
• Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillow)
• Transport in 4WD / safari truck & minibus
• Meals as per itinerary
• Professional guide
• Okavango Delta excursion |
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SAFARI
COST (2012): $3,020 per person sharing, plus local payment of US$300 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single supplement US$850.
If you are a single traveler, you will be assigned to room with another same gender single traveler and there is no supplemental payment required. If you request to room alone, then a price supplement will be charged. |
DAY 1 - 2;
(2 Nights)
JOHANNESBURG to KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa [Huts - breakfast x1, lunch x2 & dinner x2] |
 Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north-east into the world famous Kruger National Park. We visit the remote & seldom visited northern part of the park from Satara to Pufuri. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in this icon of wildlife conservation.
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Includes: Entrance to Kruger National Park and morning & afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Huts – twin chalets (or lodge tent) shared facilities, swimming pool & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 550km, ± 7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in National Parks open game viewing vehicle.
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DAY 3;
(1 Night)
GREAT ZIMBABWE, Zimbabwe [Hotel - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
 Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel to the town of Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. The 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 on foot and wonder at the mysteries of these ancient stone structures and the civilization that built them.
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Overnight: Entrance and guided tour of the Zimbabwe Ruins.
Overnight: Hotel en suite facilities, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 480km, ± 6½ hours, excluding stops for border crossing (which can take 2 to 4+ hours) sightseeing and lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
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DAYS 4;
(1 Night)
MATOBA NATIONAL PARK, Zimbabwe [Chalet - breakfast, lunch, dinner] |
  Moving on to Bulawayo and the Matobo National Park, we visit the core of the Matopos Hills, an area of granite koppies and wooded valleys. We set up camp on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we explore the area on foot to see San Bushman rock paintings. The following morning we visit World's View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes' grave. Unusual rock formations in this area are also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino which we hope to see on our guided walk in the national park.
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Includes: Entrance to Matobo National Park and game walks.
Overnight: Hotel - twin room, communal ablution, hot showers, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 340kms, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing, shopping & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 5 -
6; (2 Nights)
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, Zimbabwe [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14 650 square kilometers and is located in the north-west corner of the country. It is famed for its large elephant population. Our camp is in the game management area that borders the park, and we explore the park with our local guide, on a full day game drive in an open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
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Includes: Entrance fees, full day game drive in open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
Overnight: Tree Houses/Chalets – twin rooms, en suite facilities, restaurant and bar..
Distance / Time: 335kms ± 5 hours, excludes stops for sightseeing, game viewing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 7 -
8; (2 Nights)
VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe [Camping - breakfast] |
 We camp for 2 nights in the town of Victoria Falls. We enjoy a spectacular 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).
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Includes: Entrance fees to see the Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Chalets - twin room, en suite facilities, bar & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 200kms ± 3 hours, excludes stops for sightseeing & curlo shopping.
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more. |
DAYS 9;
(1 Night)
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Entering Botswana, our camp is situated in the town of Kasane 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 “sundowner” cruise where we hope to see a large number of elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day.
Johannesburg to Victoria Falls “Zimbabwe” tour ends at 08:00am on day 9.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Chobe National Park &
sunset cruise on Chobe River.
Overnight: Twin Rooms - en suite, bar & restaurant, swimming pool.
Distance / Time: 85kms ± 1 hour, excluding border formalities.
Optional Activities: Morning game drive on day 10. |
DAYS 10;
(1 Night)
NATA, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
 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.
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Tented Lodge - twin room with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, bar & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 300kms – 4½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Game drive, bush walk & senic flight. |
DAYS 11;
(1 Night)
MAUN, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch] |
 Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun, which originated as a cattle outpost, is now the capital of Botswana’s tourist industry, and is our base as we prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta. Our camp is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River and after setting up camp we have a relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool.
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Twin Permanent tents - with shared facilities, swimming pool, bar & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 370kms – 5½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities:N/A |
DAYS 12 - 14;
(2 Night)
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana [Camping - breakfast x3, lunch x3 & dinner x2] |
 We transfer into the delta by open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on Mokoro (dugout canoes). Being gently poled through the network of channels is an experience not to be missed. The delta forms as rain water from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for birds and wildlife. We will camp wild on remote islands in this amazingly dynamic environment and enjoy bush walks, bird watching & swimming in the clear waters. Camping with our local guides we learn more about their lifestyle & culture. We return to Maun in the late afternoon of day 14 and have time for an optional (own expense) game flight over the Okavango, which will reveal a different aspect of the delta.
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Includes:Entrance to Okavango Delta, Mokoro excursion, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides.
Overnight Maun: twin permanent tents with shared facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Overnight 2 nights Okavango Delta: Tented Camp – basic facilities, with bucket showers.
Distance / Time: 2 hour 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD95-120) pp depending on number of people in each aircraft).
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DAYS 15;
(1 Night)
KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
Heading south from Maun, we drive through the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Desert on our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This is a community based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and to provide economic benefits to the local Batswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. We hope to spot some of the elusive rhino on an afternoon game drive. |
Includes: Entrance fees and afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Chalets - 2 twin bedrooms, with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Distance / Time: 450kms – 6½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in open game viewing vehicle. |
DAY 16
JOHANNESBUEG, South Africa [Tour ends - breakfast] |
Crossing back into South Africa, we make our way to Johannesburg were the tour ends in the late afternoon. |
Includes: N/A
Overnight: N/A
Distance / Time: 630kms – 7½ hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!
DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Hotel – for 1 night we stay in a comfortable hotel with en suite facilities restaurant and bar.
• Chalets – for 6 nights we stay in chalets, either twin room with en suite or 2 x twin rooms sharing one bathroom. In Hwange NP, chalets may be substituted for Tree Houses - Twin room en suite
• Huts - for 2 nights we stay in basic huts with communal ablution facilities, restaurant and bar
• Rooms – for 1 night we stay in basic room with air-conditioner, en suite, restaurant and bar.
• Permanent tents – for 1 night we stay in twin en suite permanent tents, restaurant and bar and swimming pool
• Permanent tents – for 2 nights we stay in twin permanent tents with communal facilities, restaurant , bar and swimming pool
• Wild camping - for 2 nights while in the Okavango Delta we camp wild. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the “dig and bury” variety and a simple bucket bush shower will be provided.
Transport
• On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour – Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoros (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 when ever 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 - for longer distance travel, Johannesburg to Maun, we use custom-built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of traveling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things."
Local Payment
A local cash payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This payment covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees, which are paid in cash locally. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. The payment must be made in cash ($US) and they cannot accept US$100 bills, traveler’s checks, nor credit cards.
Participation
An essential part of this safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. 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. The outdoor enthusiast enjoys simple campsites, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
• 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.
• Road conditions on this tour vary enormously so please be aware that some days may be delayed due to local conditions. Although there will some long days in the vehicle we try to keep these to a minimum.
Things you should know
• Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
• As this tour spends most of the time in wilderness 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 Zambia, Botswana and re-entering South Africa.
• Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring day pack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.
• We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip, but please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Traveler’s checks can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travelers check attract a very high commission). Ask us for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
• The trip begins and ends at a local address; if you require transfers, please advise. Transfers are US$45 each way.
Common questions about this trip
• What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, and a water bottle. A small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
• Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the areas 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!
• Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
• Can I charge camera batteries? We recommend that you bring extra batteries as well as a 12/24-volt cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the vehicle if necessary. Charging in the vehicle will be at the discretion of the guide, as it will not be allowed if there is a risk of draining the vehicle's battery. The power supply of most of the countries you will be visiting is 220-240 volts.
• Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way in Victoria Falls and Maun.
2012 DATES
SCHEDULED SAFARI
DATES - 2012
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Departure
Date |
Language |
Departing
From |
Ending
Date |
Ending
In |
21 January |
English |
Johannesburg |
05 February |
Johannesburg |
25 February |
English |
Johannesburg |
11 March |
Johannesburg |
31 March |
English |
Johannesburg |
15 April |
Johannesburg |
28 April |
English |
Johannesburg |
13 May |
Johannesburg |
26 May |
English |
Johannesburg |
10 June |
Johannesburg |
23 June |
English |
Johannesburg |
08 July |
Johannesburg |
07 July |
English |
Johannesburg |
22 July |
Johannesburg |
04 August |
English |
Johannesburg |
19 August |
Johannesburg |
01 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
16 September |
Johannesburg |
29 September |
English |
Johannesburg |
14 October |
Johannesburg |
27 October |
English |
Johannesburg |
11 November |
Johannesburg |
24 November |
English |
Johannesburg |
09 December |
Johannesburg |
22 December |
English |
Johannesburg |
06 January 2013 |
Johannesburg |
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