Okavango Delta, Moremi NP, Chobe NP and Victoria Falls fly-in BIG Wildlife Safari, duration 7 days with luxury lodge accommodation,charter flights, most meals, activities,some drinks included.
Price:
USD $2,283 /person
Airfare:
Included in price from Maun- Lodge in Delta,then Delta - Kasane / Chobe
This is NEITHER a "Camping Safari / Overlanding Truck-Safari" NOR a "pack-up-and-sleep somewhere-else-everyday"-safari! This IS however a fly-in safari with a large variety of included gameviewing / other activities provided by the lodges, and excellent standard of en-suite accommodation.
Safari offering luxury and comfortable en-suite accommodation in permanently erected Safari Tents (first 3 nights) and River / Safari Rooms (3 further nights), most on “all-inclusive”-basis.
Two chartered light plane flights into the beautiful Okavango Delta and to Chobe NP are also included, as well as a variety of exciting guided game activities and sightseeing.This itinerary is also suitable safari for a very special 'Honeymoon' in Africa! These lodges are also suitable for FAMILIES with smaller children!
The focus on the safari is to maximise your game viewing / photographic opportunities, as well as water - and adventure activities in the Delta, on the Chobe River and at the Victoria Falls. Therefore you will travel only short distances during the days and stay over in the same spot for a few days.You then have the flexibility during those days to go on various game drives in the Chobe-and Moremi NP's, to join in special activities (like mokoro-and boat rides into the Delta and on the Chobe River,) and return later in the day or afternoon to our lodge with its comforts, or to stay at- and just relax in the lodge. More time is therefore spent in the Okavango Delta in the Moremi NP area, Chobe NP and Victoria Falls. The safari is also offered to singles but a minimum of 2 guests are required for the charter flights.
The safari starts in Maun Botswana, firstly flying deep into the Delta for the first 3 nights, and on day 4 flying directly from the first lodge to the second lodge at the Chobe NP (northern Botswana).From here you will go on daily game drives and boat cruises into the Chobe NP,as well as to the neighbouring country Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls for a day trip, before returning by flight back home from Kasane (or even possible from Livingstone Zambia as there are daily flights). It covers the paradise of the Okavango Delta (incl. Moremi NP), the wild and exciting Chobe in Botswana, and also the beautiful Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Extended safaris are offered at additional price for longer stays, and / or extra night/s at the Victoria Falls (only Zambian side offered).
This safari offers a very special experience all in luxury and comfort, and clients can sit back,relax and have a GREAT holiday!
I T I N E R A R Y
Days 1, 2 and 3: Maun into Okavango Delta and Moremi NP
When possible we will 'meet-and-greet' you before your flight from the O.R.Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg RSA to Maun Botswana.
You then arrive at about midday in Maun Botswana- the "Gateway of the Okavango Delta" from Johannesburg RSA (your own international flight arrangements and cost). You will be met at International Arrivals at the Maun Airport, for immediate departure by light chartered aircraft to the first lodge in the Okavango Delta. (This light charter plane flight is INCLUDED in safari price.)
Your African experience starts with a short light aircraft transfer from Maun over the southwestern Delta, taking in the magnificence of the winding, papyrus fringed channels that make up one of the worlds greatest wet land wonders. Generally a Cessna 206 is used for the flight, and it offers the ultimate game viewing experience. You will also be able to see some of Africa’s most celebrated animals from your seat – 500 FT above the ground.
The Moremi forms an intricate part of the Okavango Delta, comprising permanently swamped areas and dry land. It is probably the prime tourist destination in Botswana.
The landing strip is close * to the luxury Tented Safari Lodge, from where porters assist in carrying your luggage (which is restricted to 10 -12 kg packed in soft manageable small bags because of limited weight/space in the light aircraft). (* = a short vehicle transfer takes you to the lodge from the airstrip- use the opportunity for your first game viewing!)
The main activities at this lodge are guided by experienced local guides who have spent their lives accumulating knowledge and understanding of the complex ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. As they show how to silently observe nature with minimal impact you will begin to realize the privilege and quiet excitement of being in one of those places that makes memories for you.
A typical day may be as follows: A morning activity is taken - as planned with your guide / Camp Managers and return to camp for a light - or full cooked breakfast. After 'siesta' -time, lunch is served. Later afternoon tea and cakes / snacks may be served, after which you can enjoy an afternoon activity until sunset, where you return to camp. Dinner in the dining room or a BBQ dinner at the campfire is served and the evening can be enjoyed relaxing around the campfire or in the lodge’s bar, or lie in the swimming pool sipping your drink watching the majesty of the African sunset, whilst reflecting on your day with fellow guests.
Lodge located in Okavango Delta & inside the Moremi NP:
This lodge’s splendid wilderness setting is deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta on the head waters of the Kwai River, withIN the game-rich Moremi NP. The camp overlooks the beautiful scenic Xaxanaxa lagoon studded with water lilies and the area encompasses a huge diversity of habitats, from grassland savannah to acacia bushveld, from mopane forests to floodplains.
BIG Game, big birds, big permanent water, stylish accommodation and facilities- this is one of the pioneer camps in the Delta.This is a camp for the safari traditionalist. Twelve large en-suite walk-in Safari Tents (with twin singles or double beds) under a grove of shady trees are available.
This is a great option for families as children under 12 to youngest 4 are allowed and if the children share the parents tent (only 1 child with 2 parents allowed, OR 2 children with 1 parent – so with 3 persons max in each tent) then they qualify for substantial children discounts.
Take note this is also a great option in the lower-water season of the year (+- Nov – Jan) as the lodge is located on the permanent water of the deep Xaxanaxa lagoon. This means that despite lower water levels during those times we can still offer you boating and as always (all year round) the regular vehicle game drives.
You will be met at the private airstrip by your guide, and taken by a short vehicle drive to the lodge whilst doing your first game viewing / spotting on the way.
Once at the main lodge you will meet our Camp Managers and have a welcoming refreshment, and will then be shown to your en-suite spacious and stylish Meru-style safari tented accommodation. Amenities provided are a traditional lounge, small but comprehensive library, bar and dining area under thatch, and a plunge pool and sala with day bed. All accommodation units have lighting provided by generated electricity, are serviced daily and towels etc. are provided.
Activities available are guided morning - and afternoon game drives by safari vehicle, mokoros (traditional dug out canoes), and boating. The vehicle game drives in Moremi NP add a very special element to this lodge-option. Game viewing is of the best offered in the Delta, with opportunities to see all major predators and a big variety of game and bird life.
Note that children from 4 years of age are accepted on application and are under the full responsibility of their parents / guardians. Children under 12 sharing accommodation with parents qualify for substantial discounts- please advise ages when inquiring. Unfortunately if children over 12 they are charged full price as adults.
Note that most type of drinks (local-brand sprits, house wines and beer- with only premium brands excluded) and laundry are INCLUDED at this lodge-option.
Days 4,5 and 6: From Delta lodge by chartered flight, and onwards directly to Chobe NP as well as Victoria Falls
The next 3-night portion is spent at a luxury lodge on the Chobe River.
On day 4 after the morning's breakfast (after a scheduled game activity), you take another chartered light plane flight over the Delta directly to Kasane in northern Botswana (this flight is also INCLUDED),and arrive at Kasane airport for your short road transfer to the second lodge of your safari, where you will stay for the next 3 nights. Here you will visit the Chobe NP and can even go to view the Victoria Falls (optional activity but included -if not chosen it will be replaced by another game activity).
Here your accommodation is in a well-known thatched safari lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River, which offers comfortable and luxurious en-suite air-conditioned River-or Safari Rooms with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, viewing platform, etc.The chalets have hot / cold water, towels, air-conditioning, and electricity and units are serviced daily.This luxury lodge borders the Chobe NP, famous for its large elephant- and buffalo herds. This is also BIG LION country, and will be an experience to remember.
Included daily activities here are a game drive (of about 3 hr's each- either morning or afternoon) for game viewing in an open game viewing vehicle with an experienced guide (into the Chobe NP), going on 1 sunset river cruise of 3 hours -and another private boat excursion of 2 hours on the Chobe River, as well as a choice of 2 additional activities, which could include a day visit to view the Victoria Falls (choose the 2 additional activities from either 1 more game drive, fishing,another boat cruise,another small boat cruise,a Namibian Village walk, or the transfer to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe for viewing the Falls).
On your return after the afternoon game activity, you can enjoy sundowners on the deck overlooking the river before sitting down to enjoy a splendid dinner, lit only by lanterns and the stars, creating an ambience that is truly African. At night you might be awaken by the roar of the lions or the trumpeting of the elephants drinking at the river.
On one of these days, if you choose the activity from the 2 additional choices, you can after having a hearty breakfast, leave Kasane in the morning for a day visit to view the Victoria Falls- you will return that same day back to the lodge in Kasane. For this you will be taken in a vehicle all on good tarred roads to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, heading for the world-renowned Victoria Falls. This is one of the "7Th WONDERS of the WORLD”, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Here you spend the day visiting Victoria Falls "The Smoke That Thunders ", viewing the falls from the Zimbabwean side.This is the place where Dr. David Livingstone, who was the first (white) man that discovered the Falls once wrote: "so beautiful the angels must have gazed upon it in their flight!”
The Victoria Falls is approximately 1690m wide and varies in height from 62m (Devil's Cataract) to 109m (Eastern Cataract). In comparison the Niagara Falls are (only) 968m wide and on average 54m high. Various optional activities are available (time permitting, at own cost and for the safari duration to be extended) which could include Bungi jumping, white water rafting and the "Flight of the Angels". This is one of those life experiences not to be missed!
After viewing the Falls, you can visit one of the many curio stalls in Victoria Falls.In the afternoon you return to the same lodge in Botswana where you spend the last night.
Day 7: Gameviewing in Chobe NP or other activity, then end safari in Kasane (or Livingstone Zambia)
After another last game drive into the Chobe NP or other chosen activity (as part of your allocation of activities mentioned above), followed by a hearty breakfast, you can relax in the morning,or do some last curio-or other shopping before your flight.You will be taken to the Kasane airport for your flight to Johannesburg RSA later in the afternoon (this road transfer included, but the flight excluded and for your own arrangements).Note:Should you wish to rather take the daily flights from Livingstone Zambia back to Jhb RSA, we will organize the additional road / boat transfer for you from this last lodge (at extra cost). This transfer will only take about an hour and a half to the Livingstone Airport.
This is the end of your SAFARI to Southern Africa, with many happy memories and experiences!
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INCLUDED in price:
* Comfortable to luxurious safari accommodation for 6 nights (3 nights in Delta PLUS 3 further nights for Chobe NP / Vic Falls part of safari); * Two chartered light plane flights over Okavango Delta from Maun to lodge in Delta and from there over Delta and Chobe NP to airport in Kasane for stay at second lodge; * All applicable road transport (2 airport transfers and for all included activities); * Experienced guiding by licensed guides; * African Bush Cuisine (3 meals daily in the Delta for the first 3 nights, then at least 2 buffet meals daily for the last 3 nights consisting of full English Breakfast or Brunch, and Dinner.At Chobe these breakfasts and dinners will be on a large -variety buffet - basis); * All National Park- and entry fees; * Mokoro rides whilst in the Delta; * Sunset boating in the Delta (dependant on season and water levels); * Guided game drive in Chobe NP (at least 1 of about 3 hours ) and at the lodge in the Delta also a number of morning - and afternoon drives in Moremi NP during the 3 days there; * One private boat excursion on Chobe River of about 2 hours; * Return transfers by vehicle from lodge at Chobe Kasane for Victoria Falls full day visit in Zimbabwe (as 1 of 2 additional chosen activities); * One sunset boat cruise on Chobe River (about 3 hrs), and a choice of 1 more additional defined game activity; * Laundry, drinks and local beverages at lodge in Delta for first 3 nights stay; * Teas / coffees at included meals provided.
EXCLUDED from price:
* Optional extras / activities / other transfers, like additional sunset cruises, helicopter flight and any water / adventure activities at Victoria Falls, etc; * Airfare to Maun and from Kasane; * Pocket money, gratuities and personal purchases; * Cost of Visas, travel insurance and any new taxes (Botswana VAT of 10%, etc. where applicable); * Any other drinks, meals and items not defined / specified in inclusions; * Entry fee to view the Victoria Falls (payable in USD cash notes on the day of the visit).
Why you should choose us for your safari: We differ from (some) other safari operators, because:
1. We offer safaris for the small personal group, often for as few as only 2 guests. This means guests get a special, private and intimate safari;
2. The lodges focus on personal attention to detail;
3. This wildlife safari is a 'fly-in' safari with a wide variety of included guided activities at well-known lodges, as we know from experience that local knowledge is best and that only experienced African travelers should attempt a self-drive-safari in some African countries;
4. Our safaris start close to our actual safari destination ( you fly into the country and onwards to the respective lodges).This is not only for you to save time, but also not having to drive the long (sometimes tedious-, boring - and uncomfortable -) distances and wasting valuable safari- time on just getting to the destination;
5. We do not offer a "pack-up-and-stay-somewhere-else-everyday" -safari. Our focus on the safari is to maximise your game viewing / photographic opportunities and to limit the daily packing-up and moving to another lodge. You will stay in the same spot for a few days, and then having the flexibility during those days to go on various game drives in the area, to join in special activities and return later in the day or afternoon to the base lodge with its comforts, or just to relax in the lodge. This allows you to spend more time in the wildlife areas and National Parks without wasting time on travelling long distances to get to even more areas / other parks, and/or continuously move to other places;
6. You will travel in style (using only well serviced chartered planes and vehicles), and overnight in comfort and luxury (- using well-known lodges where proper infrastructure and toilet-and ablution facilities are provided, etc.);
7. We will ensure everything is provided for you (- from experienced guiding to proper accommodation and meals etc.) enabling you to sit back, relax and enjoy the safari (non-participating at your choice);
8. Lastly, but certainly not the least, we are passionate about nature and wildlife, and will do everything in our power to ensure you experience the same.
Total cost for 7 day safari including all items listed above, before child/ren discounts where applicable:
Valid for safari dates from the 16th June 2008 to 31st October 2008:
* Lodge in Delta plus Chobe: USD 3199 p/p sharing.Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Valid for safari dates from the 1st November 2008 to 30th November 2008:
* Lodge in Delta plus Chobe: USD 2413 p/p sharing.Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Valid for safari dates from the 1st December 2008 to 31st March 2009:
* Lodge in Delta plus Chobe: USD 2283 p/p sharing.Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Prices are subject to Botswana National Park fee increases during this time, any increase in taxes (like Botswana VAT at current 10%) and any charter plane / fuel increases (which are currently very "volatile").
Please note: The Republics of Botswana and Zimbabwe require a valid passport, and for some also a visa.South Africans do not need a visa. Insurance for personal effects, luggage and trip cancellation is the responsibility of the client. Traveler’s cheques and cash are preferred. Rand, Pula or US Dollars are widely accepted. There is no limitation on the amount of money brought into Botswana, as long as it is declared at customs. Personal cheques are sometimes not accepted,but VISA and Mastercard credit cards are accepted at the lodge in Kasane.You should make provision for all accommodation and travel expenses before and after your safari.
