Southern Africa by Private Air - Family Adventure
South Africa, Zambia, Botswana - Where the Wild Things Are
Departure Dates:
- Jun 14, 2009 - Jun 24, 2009
Departure Dates
- June 14, 2009
Trip Summary
One region, countless adventures! Southern Africa is a place that will enchant you with its sights and amaze you with its diversity. Wild and remote savannas are inhabited by huge herds of big game: charismatic big cats stalk game-rich plains; African people, their art, and music form a vibrant culture like no other on earth.
But it's not just about what you see in Southern Africa, it's about what you do! There are activities and adventures to last a lifetime. Early each morning as the sun rises, set out in open safari vehicles with naturalist guides and enjoy the cool mornings and the smell of grasslands, as you search for elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalos.
On this journey, we'll savor a rare part of the world where baboons romp in the wild, children learn a dozen new things every day and all of us celebrate together over new experiences, friendship, and the wild beauty of Africa.
Highlights
- A Bushtracks Ranger's Reading List and a gift book selected just for them
- Pen pals in Livingstone
- Soccer matches with local school children
- A scavenger hunt in Botswana
- Game Ranger Tracking Program
- Hair-braiding and basket weaving
- Bush survival course and cooking a bush breakfast
- Nightly Bushtracks Ranger recap with accompanying faculty
- Writing Trivia Challenge questions to stump the adults
- Relay races, pool games, and fun with their counselor and fellow Bushtracks Rangers
- Sleeping in a luxury tented safari camp
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, June 14
Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in Johannesburg this morning, where we will be met and escorted to our luxurious Johannesburg Hotel to rest and relax. Tonight celebrate the beginning of our adventure with a festive welcome dinner.
Lodging:The Grace at Rosebank Hotel (D)
Days 2 - 4
Monday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 17
Mala Mala and The Kruger National Park, South Africa
This morning fly by private air to Kruger National Park. On arrival we will be met by naturalist guides and driven to our classic thatched safari camp situated amid shady trees and manicured lawns on the banks of the Sand River. Over the next three days enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open four-wheel-drive vehicles with naturalist guides.
Bushtracks Rangers participate in their own tracking program and begin to fill their Ranger Notebooks with photos, drawings, and facts collected throughout our safari. Each day's excursions are followed by sundowners in the bush and night drives in search of Africa's predators and other nocturnal species.
Lodging:Mala Mala Luxury Thatched Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 5
Thursday, June 18
Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia
Today our private aircraft whisks us north to Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia where we check into the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel, overlooking the Falls and the Zambezi River. In the afternoon, relax before boarding the African Princess for cocktails and a sunset river journey on the Zambezi in search of elephants that come down to the river to drink. Next enjoy a memorable, lantern-lit bush dinner at a private site near the Zambezi river bank.
Lodging:Royal Livingstone Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6
Friday, June 19
Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia
After breakfast visit the colorful Maramba market. Continue to a local village school where Bushtracks Rangers meet their pen pals. We sit in on lessons with the school children before sharing presentations and suiting up for games together. After saying farewell to new friends, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner on your own at one of Livingstone’s local restaurants.
Lodging:Royal Livingstone Hotel (B,L)
Day 7
Saturday, June 20
Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia
Today is at leisure. Our most energetic families and Bushtracks Rangers can brave the Zambezi River for whitewater rafting, kayaking, or even bungee jumping! Adventure can call even close to the hotel - consider scheduling an elephant ride, and see the world from a whole new vantage point.
Lodging:Royal Livingstone Hotel (B, D)
Days 8 - 10
Sunday, June 21 - Tuesday, June 23
Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Today fly to Bostwana then by bush planes to safari camps on the edge of the Okavango Delta, a vast green oasis in the Kalahari Desert. The group will be split between two adjacent safari camps that are only a five minute drive from one another. Accommodations consist of luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms and central thatched dining room.
Over the next three days, explore this wildlife-rich area in open four-wheel-drive vehicles. Buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, and herds of giraffes may be found. Evening trips by boat or makoro will reveal the unparalleled lagoons of the Okavango, and a variety of birds. When not focused on the natural world, Bushtracks Rangers enjoy an introduction to some of the cultural traditions of Botswana, as local villagers teach us how to weave baskets and braid hair African style. A special Bushtracks Ranger scavenger hunt fills our days in Camp, as we use what we've learned to uncover more clues.
After each day's game viewing, enjoy icecold sundowners, followed by dinner and coffee around the campfire. On Thursday we celebrate our adventure together with a special Farewell Sundowner Party.
Lodging:Luxury Tented Safari Camps (B,L,D)
Day 11
Wednesday, June 24
This morning enjoy a special Fourth of July breakfast before flying back for your international flight home. (B, Meals Aloft)
Post-Trip Extension to Grootbos and Cape Town
Price: $3795
Single Supplement: $1570
Days 11 - 12
Johannesburg to Grootbos
After your flight from Botswana we board a commercial flight to Cape Town and transfer to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Over the next two days explore and experience all that this unique destination has to offer. The Reserve's 1,050-hectares are ready to be explored by foot, vehicle and horseback. Qualified conservation biologists bring the fynbos to life with their fascinating stories of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's richest regions of plant life. Nearby Walker Bay Nature Reserve has 20 kilometers of pristine coastline for you to walk, swim, explore or simply enjoy. From July until December the Southern Right Whale migrates from Antarctica into Walker Bay, and this is one of the most spectacular vantage points for whale watching in the world. Also search for cape fur seals, African penguins and countless sea birds.
Lodging:Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Days 13 - 15
Grootbos to Cape Town
Arrive in Cape Town Sunday evening and check into our five-star accommodation. Cape Town is one of Africa's crown jewels, full of vibrant culture living among one of the most diverse floral kingdoms on earth. Explorations include an all-day tour of Cape Point offering breathtaking coastal views, as well as Cape Point Nature Reserve at the tip of the Peninsula. We'll also visit the Naval Village of Simonstown and its African penguins, take a cable car ride up Table Mountain, walk amongst the memorabilia of the District 6 Museum, and take a ferry across the bay to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for many years.
Lodging:Table Bay Hotel (B, L)
Day 16
International Flights Home
Today we walk the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, one of the great gardens of the world. Continue to Groot Constantia and explore this historic Cape Dutch home lined with oak trees, followed by wine tasting and lunch. Day rooms have been reserved before our international flights home. (B, L)
Trip Prices
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 40 guests.
Dates: June 14 - June 24, 2009; also, July 5 - July 15, 2009
Prices: $13,425 per adult double occupancy; $11,425 per child (11 years and under).
$3,100 single supplement.
International Airfare: This is not included in the cost of your trip, and Bushtracks Expeditions would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Cost Includes / Private Air Program: All private air in Africa, and light aircraft transfers to the Okavango; accommodations, meals and beverages, safari activities, and tours and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks Ranger leader; services of a Bushtracks Expedition Leader; professional naturalist guides in each safari camp and lodge, and local tour guides; all gratuities (with the exception of Expedition Leader); all laundry while on safari (excludes Victoria Falls and Cape Town); airport departure taxes in Africa; porterage of one soft-sided check bag weighing no more than 33 lbs.; and medical evacuation insurance. Post Trip Extension includes accommodations, meals, tours and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees, local tour guides, gratuities, and porterage of one soft-sided checked bag.
Cost does not Include / Private Air Program: International airfare; personal expenses such as souvenirs and telephone/ fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; mini bar and room service charges; passport, visa, and inoculation fees; extra laundry and beverages; extra tours, meals, and activities not indicated in the itinerary; porterage of carry on luggage weighing no more than 15 lbs.. The optional extension does not include laundry or dinners in Cape Town; alcoholic drinks with the exception of farewell dinner; personal expenses such as souvenirs and telephone/ fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; mini bar and room service charges; passport, visa, and inoculation fees; extra tours, meals, and activities not indicated in the itinerary; porterage of carry on luggage weighing no more than 15 lbs.
Deposit and Final Payment: A $2,500 deposit per person and a completed Reservation Form confirm your registration. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check only. For your protection, funds will be placed in a trust account until the day of departure.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.