Bushtracks Expeditions

Specialists in Safaris and Flying Adventures Since 1991

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Africa

Botswana, Zambia & South Africa -

Botswana, Zambia and South Africa - By Private Air with Optional Cape Town Extension

Up close on the Zambezi River, near Victoria Falls

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.

Trip Details

Price:

Per Person, double occupancy

Departure Dates:

  • Daily

Itinerary

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.

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