Africa by Air, and The Great Rift Valley
Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe - A wildlife and cultural odyssey through East and Southern Africa, with an extension to Cape Town and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
Departure Dates:
- Sep 01, 2008 - Sep 19, 2008
Departure Dates
- September 01, 2008
Trip Summary
This grand expedition by private air encompasses almost the entire Great Rift Valley of Africa and includes seven of its most famous wildlife countries - Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Flying low aboard your private airliner also offers magnificent aerial views of unspoiled Lake Tanganyika, Luangwa River's ox-bow lagoons, Victoria Falls, pristine savannas, and diverse African landscapes.
This expedition showcases destinations that are truly places of the heart and the imagination, and offers the promise of authentic experiences only a few fortunate travelers ever encounter. Each day in the bush experience superb game viewing, a variety of small group pursuits, and flexible options.
With our study leader, examine the ways of ancient peoples, unlock the doors to what makes the continent tick today, and learn how we can collaborate to ensure a vibrant future for Africa's people and resources.
Day 1
Monday, September 1
Nairobi, Kenya
Gather in Nairobi, Kenya and meet your fellow expedition travelers at a welcome dinner.
Lodging:Norfolk Hotel, 1 night (D)
Days 2 - 4
Tuesday - Thursday, September 2, 3 & 4
Masai Mara National Reserve
Transfer to Wilson Airport for your private flight to a romantic tented safari camp in the heart of the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Little Governors Camp is one of the few safari camps located in this prime viewing area of the world famous Masai Mara game reserve, and is on the route of the great wildebeest migration.
In the days that follow enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of big cats and mighty herds, as well as optional hot air balloon flights. Large animal viewing is not the only in-house entertainment.
You may be amused by a family of warthogs, baboons playing chase, or vultures scrapping over a kill, and the diversity and color of the birds is amazing.
Lodging:Little Governors Camp, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Days 5 - 7
Friday - Sunday, September 5, 6 & 7
Virunga National Park and Gorillas, Rwanda
Board your private airliner and fly to Kigali. On arrival drive in safari vehicles through lush plantations to Kinigi and the Gorilla Nest Lodge, a basic lodge with all the necessary amenities, and the best location for gorilla trekking. This afternoon meet your guides for a briefing on gorilla behavior and trekking protocol, and this evening enjoy dinner at the lodge. We’ll split into smaller groups over the next two days, and set off early for Volcanoes National Park to track mountain gorillas.
On our last day, you’ll have the option for another full day of gorilla tracking or to take a drive through lush fields and patches of rainforest. Our destination will be the shores of Lake Kivu, a crystal clear inland sea of blue situated along the Congolese border, and enclosed by steep green terraced hills.
Lodging:Gorilla Nest Lodge, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Days 8 - 9
Monday - Tuesday, September 8 & 9
Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Today your private airliner takes you in comfort and with great efficiency to Kigoma, Tanzania. Here you have the opportunity to reflect on your experiential encounters with Fossey’s gorillas as you drink in the beauty of Lake Tanganyika. But not for long. Prepare now to track the world-famous chimps of Gombe Stream, the legacy of primatologist Jane Goodall.
The next day you are off by boat via fishing villages and mountain scenery to Gombe Tented Camp. After a rest stop with refreshing drinks and snacks, continue by boat to Kasekela and the ranger office to sign in officially. Trek for chimps, then return to camp for a rest stop after your vigorous hike. Then, satiated with your accomplishments and tea, continue back to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel for dinner. Your accommodations here are comfortable with superb views of the lake and abundant bird life from your private cottage on the lush hilltop setting.
Lodging:Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Days 10 - 12
Wednesday – Friday, September 10, 11 & 12
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
This morning tour the Dr. Livingston Memorial in Ujiji. Proceed to Katonga fishing village and the local market, which hold a very different magic and tone for your visit to the area. Return to the airport for your flight south to South Luangwa National Park.
Take an afternoon game drive out to your intimate bush camps built in the back country under cool shade trees and situated near the Luangwa River. Known for its unspoiled beauty and abundant game, walking safaris and night drives, South Luangwa encompasses an extensive riverine habitat, many oxbow lagoons, and shady ebony groves.
Lodging:Bush Camps, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Days 13 - 14
Saturday - Sunday, September 13 & 14
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Another private flight transports you to exquisite Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Before landing, the aircraft may circle the falls, offering aerial views and photographic opportunities of this spectacular natural wonder. Over the next two days visit the beautiful falls, with an expert historian, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and visit a local village. As the sun sets, drift along the river, cocktail in hand, then indulge in a delicious dinner at the hotel's formal dining room.
Lodging:Victoria Falls Hotel, 2 nights (B,L,D)
Days 15 - 17
Monday – Wednesday, September 15, 16 & 17
Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Board your private airliner and fly to Maun, followed by a light aircraft transfer to a luxury tented camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, near the Okavango Delta. This is home to lily-dressed waterways, mopane and acacia forests, and superb savannah game viewing with naturalist guides.
Game drives and walking safaris take you along the game rich Khwai river, ending with wonderful red sunsets and cocktails on the river bank. Then its off on a night drive, searching for nocturnal species and hunting cats. A full day excursion is also available to the Okavango delta, including a boat trip, and birding is excellent at this time of year. Accommodations offer luxurious twin tents with en-suite bathrooms and a central thatched dining room. After each day's game viewing spotting elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and red lechwe antelopes, enjoy ice-cold sundowners, followed by dinner and coffee around the campfire.
Lodging:Khwai River Lodge, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Day 18
Thursday, September 18
Johannesburg, South Africa
On arrival, depart for an afternoon tour of Sterksontein Caves, one of the richest sites of hominid fossils in Africa, then continue to your hotel for a farewell dinner.
Lodging:Westcliff Hotel, 1 night (B,L,D)
Day 19
Friday, September 19
Departure
Transfer to the airport with plenty of time for your departing international flight. (B)
Post Trip Extension to Grootbos and Cape Town
Price: $3350
Single Supplement: $1050
Days 1 - 3
Grootbos, South Africa
Fly to the Cape coast and the marine wildlife wonderland, Grootbos. Here marine specialists will take you out on Walker Bay to see great white sharks and 40-ton Southern Right whales, only feet from your boat. Or you can admire the underwater antics of a 60,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony.
Explore this pristine coastline on foot or by four-wheel-drive vehicle. You can also take a horse ride, lend a hand in the vegetable garden, simply spend an afternoon exploring tidal rock pools and coastal caves, or lazing on a private swimming beach while enjoying a freshly packed picnic.
Guests can also engage with the unique Green Futures community project that provides practical-based training programs for unemployed people in the fields of fynbos landscaping, horticulture, and ecotourism.
Lodging:Grootbos Nature Reserve, 3 nights (B,L,D)
Days 4 - 5
Cape Town
After three days at Grootbos, drive through the scenic winelands to Cape Town, and enjoy lunch at a winery in Franchoek. When in Cape Town discover a vibrant culture living among one of the most diverse floral kingdoms on Earth. Discover the scenic Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to brown and white bontebok antelopes, tortoises, ostriches and baboons, and visit a colony of African Jackass penguins. Walk Kirstenbosch's botanical gardens and take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, or visit District 6 Museum and infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Lodging:Cape Grace Hotel, 2 nights (B,L)
Day 6
Departure
Transfer to the airport with plenty of time for your departing international flight. (B)
Study Leaders
Scott Pearson
A key resource due to his 45 years, on and off, leading research projects in eight African countries, four books on African economic development, and extensive experience lecturing in situ. Scott will decode Africa's historical and cultural underpinnings, exploring a wide range of topics from the authenticity of Livingston's early discoveries to how our obsession for diamonds and oil have altered African life.
Fausto Carbone
From Zimbabwe, Fausto's interest in nature started early then developed into such a keen knowledge of wildlife that his logical career became guiding. He has managed lodges and lead numerous expeditions through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia including canoeing the Zambezi river, tracking lions in Okavango delta, and cultural explorations of cosmopolitan Cape Town. Fausto has a passion for the night skies and will give you a truly African experience in astronomy, and beyond.
Note: Substitution leaders and guest speakers are occasionally necessary. We ask your patience and acceptance should this occur.
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 30 guests.
Dates: September 1 - 19, 2008 (19 days)
Costs: $27,985 per person, double occupancy Single supplement cost* is $1,500
Cape Town Post trip September 19 - 24 (6 days) $3,350 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement cost* is $1,050
Accommodations: Accommodations are the best available at each destination. Most accommodations are luxurious four and five star properties. Gorilla Nest Lodge is basic. In general the range of accommodations, not to mention the places themselves, require a spirit of adventure.
Single accommodations: These are limited and cannot be guaranteed throughout. If a share is requested and a roommate cannot be assigned by final payment, the single supplement fee will be charged.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Cost Includes: All accommodations, meals, sightseeing activities, guide fees, park fees, tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; light aircraft transfers to the Okavango Delta and Masai Mara and services of an experienced air crew; private air from Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa; services of expedition staff and local guides; all group activities and excursions; welcome and farewell dinner functions in Nairobi and Johannesburg, including pre-dinner drinks and wine with dinner; drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee, and tea throughout the journey; local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals and functions, and where permitted by local law. All airport departure taxes; all gratuities and porterage of one softsided checked bag; medical evacuation insurance ($60,000) and Medical/Sickness ($20,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
Cost does not Include: Air transportation to Nairobi, Kenya and from Johannesburg, South Africa, and any other commercial air flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, room service expenses, minibar charges, and express laundry services; premium brand drinks; faxes, phone calls, and e-mails; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; laundry charges in Nairobi and Johannesburg; extra beverages when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Deposit and Final Payment: A deposit check of $5,500 per person, payable to Bushtracks Expeditions Trust Account, a completed Reservation Form and a signed Release of Liability Form is required to confirm your registration. Final payment is due May 26, 2008 (14 weeks before departure), upon receipt of invoice and are payable by check only. For your protection, funds will be placed in a trust account until the day of departure.