Fly-in 6 day luxury lodge Wildlife & Waterfall Safari to the famous Crown Jewels:Okavango Delta,Moremi NP,elephant-rich Chobe NP,and 1 of the Seven Wonders of the World- incredible Victoria Falls.
Price:
USD $1,799 /person
Airfare:
Included in price from Maun to lodge in Delta,then to Kasane / Chobe NP
ITINERARY: This safari is suitable for the visitor with limited time available but wanting to see and experience the Okavango Delta, Moremi NP, Chobe NP as well as the Victoria Falls! It is also a fantastic HONEYMOON- safari with en-suite accommodation, and is also suitable for families with children.
Two (included) chartered light plane flights take you to the 2 lodges on this safari, which not only serve to save you precious time for more safari activities, but are also very special opportunities to fly over the very beautiful wonderland of the Okavango Delta, Moremi NP and Chobe NP.
Accommodation, meals, activities and facilities of a high standard at these well-known Safari lodges.Note this is NOT a camping safari- this IS however a fly-in safari with a large variety of INCLUDED guided gameviewing / other activities, such as open-topped vehicle game drives and - viewing by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe), walking-safaris,motorized sunset boat cruises and other sightseeing activities (like Victoria Falls).Note these activities depend on the options at the lodges- see below for detail.
This is for a never-to-be-forgotten wildlife and photographic experience! This safari will bring you closer to the wild African bush and its wildlife for an experience that you will never forget. During this safari you will experience the different geographical zones in Botswana- from desert sandy roads to the watery ways of the Okavango Delta,Chobe-and Zambezi Rivers, and finally the incredible Victoria Falls! Experience the "real African bush" with elephants drinking at the waterholes /rivers while you relax at the comfortable Safari lodges in the Delta and at the Chobe NP, go on game drives in the Chobe NP’s,go on mokoro rides -and a boat ride into the Okavango Delta, experience an exciting sunset river cruise as well as an additional private boat excursion on the Chobe River, as well as exploring the majestical Victoria Falls.
Accommodation in the Delta and Chobe in comfortable and luxury Safari lodges (all en-suite), with first class meals served,with accommodation units mostly located directly overlooking the waterways. The abundance of game- and bird life in these areas will take your breath away. Staying in these lodges will be an experience of a lifetime, with unforgettable memories of the beauty of nature in the unspoiled wilderness of Botswana.
Botswana has vast areas set aside for eco tourism. We offer the discerning nature lover a civilized way to experience this vast, sparsely populated wilderness with its breathtaking and unspoilt natural beauty.
This vast northern area of Botswana encompasses a wide variety of diverse habitats that are home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire Southern African continent. This is BIG game country and Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Lechwe, Sable, Kudu, Crocodile, Hippo and many others can be seen in vast numbers. The diverse wildlife and rich vegetation of this unique area makes it one of Africa's last true wilderness destinations and offers both the wildlife and photographic enthusiasts endless opportunities.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 safari includes a visit to two separate Safari lodges for a total of 5 nights; 2 nights are spent in the Okavango Delta INSIDE the Moremi NP and the last 3 nights are at a lodge on the Chobe river, each with its own ambience.
Days 1 and 2:Maun into Okavango Delta / Moremi NP by chartered flight to Tented Safari Lodge
Arrive in Maun Botswana- the "Gateway of the Okavango Delta" at about midday from either Johannesburg-or Cape Town RSA (your own international flight arrangements and cost). You will be met at International Arrivals at Maun Airport, for departure by light chartered aircraft to the lodge in the Okavango Delta.(This light 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 landing strip is close to the 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).
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 a light or full cooked breakfast is then served upon your return.
Then time at camp for lunch and a siesta. Afternoon tea 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 in Okavango Delta & 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 age 4 are allowed and if the children share the parent's 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 4x4 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 qualifies 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 3, 4 and 5:From Delta lodge by chartered flight, and directly to second Safari Lodge on Chobe River, and day visit to Victoria Falls
On day 3 after the morning's scheduled game activity and breakfast, 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 Victoria Falls. Your accommodation is in a well-known safari lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River, which offers comfortable and luxurious en-suite air-conditioned Chalets with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, viewing platform, etc. The chalets have hot / cold water, towels, air-conditioning, and electricity and are serviced daily.There are also HONEYMOON-SUITE's and a few Family Rooms available! 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.
Daily activities included here are game drives (of about 3 hr's each) 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 day visit to view the Victoria Falls.
On your return after the afternoon game drive or sunset cruise, 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, after a hearty buffet breakfast, you 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 (only about an hour's drive in total) to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, heading for the world-renowned Victoria Falls (remember your passport and cash for the visa if applicable). This is one of the "7 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 (with a spectacular view of the 'Main Falls").
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, for own cost or 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 6:More gameviewing in Chobe NP and return from Kasane
After another last game drive into the Chobe NP followed by a hearty buffet 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 flight excluded and for your own arrangements).
This is the end of our SAFARI to Southern Africa, with many happy memories and experiences!
WHAT TO BRING ALONG:Clothing and Skin Care
Bear in mind- spring / summer months here in Southern Africa are September to February, and autumn / winter months are March to August.
The lodges are situated in the Delta / Chobe areas, which experience hot temperatures in summer and warm to cold temperatures in winter. It is advisable to bring light bush coloured clothing for during the day but always have something warm available for the evenings. A light jacket and long pants for the winter as well as late afternoon game drives are however recommended, sometimes more so for protection against mosquito bites than insulation. During the summer months the area can experience thunderstorms so a raincoat (or a poncho / umbrella) is advised, and you need it at most times for the visit to the Victoria Falls. Swimming costumes are advised during summer, as there are swimming pools at both lodges.A good sun hat (wide brim recommended), is a definite must. A high factor sunscreen/ sunblock is advised for all times of the year. Other important items to bring along are your sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, prescription drugs and insect repellant.
Film, Camera, Binoculars and Flash Light
Due to the game drive vehicle and boats normally getting close to the animals it is not necessary to bring a long telephoto lens but if you have one available, it will improve the photo opportunities. A recommended lens for this purpose would be a 300-400 mm auto-focus lens, in addition to a standard lens and a zoom- maybe in the 35 - 150 range. It is advisable to bring a lot of film, as well as an assortment of types but you will get good results with 100 ASA-slide film as light conditions in the early morning and late afternoons are very good. If you use the new digital-type equipment, remember to bring lots of memory cards and batteries! Binoculars are advisable especially for birding and for the hours spent at water holes. A flashlight with spare batteries is handy for the evenings.
Malarial protection
Anti malaria tablets and insect repellants are essential all year. Please consult your doctor for the medication suited for your medical requirements. We have more details available for this purpose and your information, which will be supplied upon inquiry.
INCLUDED in Safari price:
* Comfortable safari accommodation for 5 nights (2 nights in Delta & Moremi NP PLUS 3 further nights for Chobe NP / Vic Falls part of safari);
* Two chartered light plane flights over Okavango Delta from Maun to first lodge in Delta & Moremi NP 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 2 nights, then at least 2 meals daily for the last 3 nights consisting of full English Breakfast or Brunch, and Dinner.These breakfasts and dinners will be on a large variety buffet - basis in the lodge's Restaurant);
* All National Park- and entry fees;
* Mokoro rides whilst in the Delta;
* Sunset boat rides in the Delta (available dependant on season and water levels);
* Guided game drive in Chobe NP (at least 1 of about 3 hours) and for lodge in the Okavango Delta - & Moremi NP also a number of morning / afternoon drives during the 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 2 nights stay;
* Teas / coffees at meals provided;
* Our personal 'Meet - and - Greet' Service on day 1 at the O.R.Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg if you fly from Johannesburg RSA to Maun Botswana (subject to our personal availability);
* Botswana V.A.T. at current rate of 10%.
EXCLUDED from price:
* Optional extras / activities / other transfers, like additional sunset cruises on Chobe river, etc;
* International airfare to Maun and from Kasane;
* Pocket money, gratuities and personal purchases;
* Cost of Visas, travel insurance and any new taxes (Botswana VAT of current 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).
PRICING:
Valid for safari dates from the 1st November 2007 to 31st March 2008:
* Lodge in Delta for 2 nights PLUS Chobe for 3 nights: USD 1971 p/p sharing (1 Nov - 30 Nov) and USD 1799 p/p sharing (1 Dec 07 - 31 March 08).Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Valid for safari dates from the 1st April 2008 to 15th June 2008:
* Lodge in Delta for 2 nights PLUS Chobe for 3 nights: USD 2079 p/p sharing.Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Valid for safari dates from the 16th June 2008 to 31st October 2008:
* Lodge in Delta for 2 nights PLUS Chobe for 3 nights: USD 2539 p/p sharing.Single supplement t.b.a. upon inquiry.
Price valid for periods as stated but subject to change as a result of any Govt. tax increase (like VAT if higher than current 10% in Botswana), major unforeseen charter flight / fuel increases.
Please note: The Republics of Botswana and Zimbabwe requires a valid passport. 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.Euro's, GBP's or US Dollars are widely accepted / exchanged. There is no limitation on the amount of money brought into Botswana, as long as it is declared at customs. Personal cheques and credit cards are sometimes not accepted. You should make provision for all accommodation and travel expenses before and after your safari. It is customary (but not compulsory) to tip lodge staff for good service, after your stay.
