Botswana, Zambia & South Africa
Botswana, Zambia and South Africa - By Private Air with Optional Cape Town Extension
Departure Dates:
- Jul 25, 2009 - Aug 03, 2009
- Sep 18, 2009 - Sep 27, 2009
Departure Dates
- July 25, 2009
- September 18, 2009
Trip Summary
Unsurpassed in scope, diversity, wildlife viewing and culture, this private air safari encompasses some of Africa's finest reserves and World Heritage sites. Each day you are in the bush, you will experience up-close game viewing and a variety of activities in small groups led by naturalist guides. Delight as you see elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, exotic birdlife, bushbucks and monkeys. Visit a warm African village and school, and study thousand-year old architectural ruins at Mashatu. Conclude your daily adventures in beautifully appointed safari camps.
Highlights
- A wide variety of contrasting habitats within South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
- The best up-close game viewing with experienced field guides.
- Diverse range of outdoor activities: walking safaris, night drives, boating safaris and game drives.
- Use of intimate, luxury safari camps and lodges, including private concessions.
- A seasoned Bushtracks Naturalist Guide throughout the safari.
- Bushtracks managed private air travel that flies you directly to each safari camp, minimizing travel time, and maximizing game-viewing.
- A magical, (optional) evening under the stars in the Kgotla (a log-enclosed, open-air boma), with a visit to the ancient Mmamagwa Ruins.
- Farewell celebration and a first class dinner aboard Bushtracks' new steam train experience.
Itinerary: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Days 1 - 2
Johannesburg and Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, connect with a private charter flight to Kirkman's Camp in the Greater Kruger National Park. Here the habitat of the Sabi Sand lowveld is distinct and full of big game including rare white rhinos and cheetahs. Drive to your classic safari camp situated amid shady trees and manicured lawns on the banks of the Sand River. Over the next two days enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open four-wheel-drive vehicles with naturalist guides, followed by sundowners in the bush and night drives in search of Africa's predators and other nocturnal species. Morning foot safaris with armed rangers are also available. On returning to camp, enjoy a welcome cocktail hour and dinner in a reed-enclosed boma around a large campfire.
Lodging:Kirkman’s Camp (B,L,D)
Days 3 - 4
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
This morning after breakfast, board your aircraft and fly directly to Mashatu, a private reserve located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana. This enormous tract of land comprises a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops, and is home to seven of Africa's giants: the African elephant, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, the kori bustard, lion, and giraffe. Mashatu Game Reserve also offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa, as well as historic and archaeological sites, and unparalleled 'bushveld' comfort and service, blending in harmoniously with the game lands and teeming wildlife. In addition to the game drives conducted in four-wheel-drive vehicles by experienced rangers and trackers, Mashatu Game Reserve also offers unique walking safaris that offer a fascinating insight into the wildlife and ecology of the area, as well as interactive sessions conducted by research scientists based on the reserve.
You will also have the option to enjoy a magical evening to sleep under the stars in the Kgotla, the log-enclosed, open-air boma (an African tribal court that has been rebuilt on Mashatu). After an afternoon spent exploring the ancient Mmamagwa Ruins (exposing the seat of African civilization of almost 1,000 years ago, pre-dating the Great Zimbabwe Ruins), sip sundowners under a majestic baobab tree, with the African plains stretching away below. Return to the Kgotla and enjoy dinner prepared over an open fire. This outdoor experience offers an evening outdoors, but with the comforts of a WC and hot showers.
Lodging:Mashatu Tented Camp (B,L,D)
Days 5 - 6
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This morning, board your private aircraft and fly to your luxury tented safari camp situated in the Moremi Game Reserve. This camp is one of few camps in the Okavango Delta that can offer both vehicle and boating trips. Specially adapted delta craft can take you on an interesting trip to Gadikwe Island to see a fascinating breeding colony of herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and storks. Plentiful game and the silent waters of the Okavango combine to make your stay a rare experience.
Lodging:Camp Moremi (B,L,D)
Day 7
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Fly by private air to the Chobe National Park located on Botswana's far northern border, where the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe river system forms a series of lakes, islands and floodplains. The park is famous for its large buffalo and elephant herds and its beautiful waterways are also home to a variety of predators, an abundance of wild game and bird life. Check into the comfortable Chobe Game Lodge ideally situated on the banks of the Chobe River. This evening enjoy a sunset wildlife cruise with up-close game viewing.
Lodging:Chobe Game Lodge (B,L,D)
Days 8 - 9
Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia
After a morning game drive and breakfast, continue by road to Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia and check into the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel overlooking the Falls and the Zambezi River. After lunch, take a historical tour of Livingstone with a local expert and experience local village life. In the evening, enjoy a sunset walk along Victoria Falls watching for some of the wildlife that lives here, such as bushbucks, vervet monkeys, and a host of other small mammals along the trail. In the morning, awake early for an (optional) walk along the Falls which are particularly spectacular at sunrise. Following breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure to experience a variety of optional activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking or even bungee jumping. Gather tonight for a festive farewell dinner on board the historic Royal Livingstone express steam train.
Lodging:Royal Livingstone Hotel (B, Farewell D)
Day 10
Johannesburg and International Flights Home
After breakfast, transfer to Livingstone airport for a private flight to Johannesburg. On arrival connect with international flights home.
Optional Pre-Trip Extension to Cape Town
Price: $3780
Single Supplement: $1240
Day 1
Cape Town
On arrival in Cape Town you will be met and driven to your hotel, The Cape Grace.
Lodging:The Cape Grace
Day 2
Cape Winelands
Today, after breakfast, depart on full day tour of the famous Cape Winelands. Explore Franschoek, the valley of the Huguenot and visit the French Huguenot Monument. Once in Cape Town, check into the Cape Grace, a classically styled hotel situated on Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront below Table Mountain. Surrounded by water on three sides, the hotel offers privacy and wonderful views of Table Mountain or the harbor. While in Cape Town enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants on your own. Note: an option is available on this day to substitute the full day Winelands tour and lunch with a full day tour, including lunch, to Cape Point.
Lodging:Cape Grace (B, L)
Day 3
Table Mountain and Robben Island
Enjoy a morning city tour including a cable car up Table Mountain for a panoramic view of the city and the harbor. Visit District 6 Museum, then travel by ferry on an excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. This afternoon is yours to explore the waterfront.
Lodging:Cape Grace (B, L)
Day 4
Cape Town to Johannesburg
After breakfast, return to the airport for your commercial flight to Johannesburg to join the core safari.
Capacity: This expedition is limited to 16 guests
Dates: July 25 - August 3, 2009 and September 18-27, 2009
Price per person: $13,985, double occupancy; $1,950 single supplement
Pre-Trip Extension to Cape Town: July 22-25, 2009; September 15-18, 2009.
$3,780 double occupancy, $1,240 single supplement. Price is based on 6 or more guests.
Price Includes: All private air in Africa; all accommodations, meals (as indicated by B,L,D in itinerary); 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 laundry, where available, at two night stays or more, excluding the tented camps; safari tours, and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks expedition leader; professional naturalists in each safari camp and lodge, and local tour guides; all gratuities; airport departure taxes in Africa; porterage of one soft-sided checked bag weighing no more than 26 lbs.; International Travel Insurance Medical Plan including medical evacuation insurance; trip bag and amenity kit.
Price Does Not Include: International airfare; personal expenses such as mini bar and room service charges; souvenirs and telephone/fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance, passport, visa and inoculation fees; extra tours, meals and activities not indicated in the itinerary.
Physical Requirements: You must be in good health and prepared to travel in places without medical facilities, be mobile, and able to climb into and out of private aircraft and safari vehicles. You should be capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace and over rough terrain, and be able to withstand hard riding four-wheel-drive vehicles on dirt roads or rough, bumpy ground. While Southern Africa has a somewhat mild climate, weather can get hot and cold with average temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, you will most enjoy the opportunities these expeditions have to offer if you are willing to dispense with a few Western amenities and travel with flexibility and a spirit of adventure.
International Airfare: Bushtracks would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Deposit and Final Payment: A 20% deposit per person, is due upon confirming your reservation. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check or credit card.
Dates, schedules, program details and prices, given in good faith, and based on information available and in force in April 2008, are subject to change.
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.