|
Ask me for rates and dates.
The Safari company we use have become the world’s first recipient of the newly introduced World Legacy Awards, in the Nature Travel Category, as created by National Geographic Traveler and Conservation International. This unique award system is set to recognize and profile leading examples of sustainable tourism and nature conservation efforts around the world, where environmentally and socially responsible tourism practices are helping protect and nurture our planet’s precious natural and cultural resource-base.Departure dates below.
This is the highest quality cross country camping safari in Botswana. It was featured in the November 1995 edition of National Geographic's "Traveler" magazine and has been enhanced since then. It offers a combination of cross country drives and light aircraft transfers to enable guests access to the best areas of Northern Botswana. Accommodation varies between small permanent tented camps and pre-erected tented camps, all with private facilities, and are booked exclusively for the group.
A unique feature of this safari compared to similar safaris offered by our competitors is that many nights are spent in private concessions and campsites, far from others, in superb game country. Here night drives and off-road driving are permitted. All meals are included except for lunches and dinners in Victoria Falls. Guest numbers are limited to eight, and the group is accompanied by a guide and a hostess throughout.
Days 1 to 3 : The Central Okavango Delta - the land experience - Kaparota
After arrival in Maun, you will be met by your guide or our representative and transferred by light aircraft to the heart of the Okavango Delta where we saty at Kaparota Camp. The game viewing in open 4x4's is good, with Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Elephant regularly sighted. Birdlife is varied and abundant.
Days 4 to 5 : Okavango Delta - the water experience - Jacana Camp
Today the group is flown further into the Okavango Delta and transferred to our secluded Jacana Camp for the next three nights. The Delta is an ever changing tapestry of forested islands and crystal clear channels which we explore by mokoro and on foot, giving guests the opportunity to experience Africa at close quarters. The elusive Sitatunga antelope and the rare Pel's Fishing Owl may be seen, as well as smaller quantities of Elephant, Buffalo and other plains game. Days 6 and 7 : The Linyanti - Linyanti Tented Camp We depart the Okavango Delta and transfer by aircraft to Linyanti Tented Camp. Guests enjoy the Linyanti experience on game drives during the day and at night Walks, boating and canoeing are also offered.
Days 8 to 9 : Chobe National Park
T
his morning we fly north to Chobe, where our camp has been set up in a private site along or near the banks of the Chobe River. On the Chobe floodplains, Elephants can sometimes be viewed in numbers not found elsewhere on the continent, while water birds such as Egrets, Herons, Ducks and Storks occur in profusion.
Day 10 : Victoria Falls - Ilala Lodge
It is a leisurely drive from the Chobe River to the famous Victoria Falls. Arrival at Ilala Lodge will be around midday, and you will have the rest of your afternoon at leisure to explore the rain forests alongside the Falls, or take an optional sunset cruise up the Zambezi River. Guests wanting to enjoy whitewater rafting will have to spend an additional night in Victoria Falls.
Day 11 : End of Safari
You are transferred to the Victoria Falls airport for your onward flight.
The order of the two camps in the Okavango Delta may be awapped around on some itineries: The Jacana Safari is also run from Victoria Falls to Maun.
The Jacana Safari gets its name from one of the region's most attractive birds. The familiar African Jacana and the elusive Lesser Jacana occur in quiet back-waters and lily-covered lagoons in northern Botswana. Also know as "lily Trotters", these aquatic birds have such long toes that they are able to walk across the water on floating vegetation. Female Jacanas are polyandrous (having more than one mate), an unusual phenomenon among birds. After laying her beautifully camouflaged eggs, she leaves the male to incubate, feed and rear the nestlings while she goes off in search of another breeding partner. Baby jacanas are carried under their father's wing when danger threatens
NOTES ON THE 11 DAY JACANA SAFARI
There are no extra Park Fees (except entrance to Victoria Falls) or food kitty charges.
Included is accommodation on a sharing basis, all meals (except for Victoria Falls which is on a bed and breakfast basis), all excursions related to the safari, services of our guide, all local drinks except premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (No drinks are included in Victoria Falls). A transfer between the airport and Victoria Falls is included.
Excluded are visas if required, full travel insurance, malaria tablets, any excursion unrelated to the safari, additional transfers in Victoria Falls, international flights, staff gratuities, items of a personal nature, etc.
Age Limits - There is a minimum age limit of 12 years; and a maximum age limit of 75 years on this safari. A medical certificate is required for guests aged 70 to 75 years
There are many set departure dates from Maun and Victoria Falls, finishing at the opposite location for this 10 Night/11 Day Safari.Contact us for rates and availability
INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JACANA CAMPING
SAFARIS WITH WILDERNESS SAFARIS IN BOTSWANA
Welcome to Wilderness Safaris! We look forward to hosting you in the near future. In order to ensure that you have the best experience possible, we ask that you read the following information carefully. Should you have any questions regarding any of the points discussed, please refer them to your agent. BOOKING CONDITIONS AND ACCEPTANCE ON THIS SAFARI
Please ensure that you are aware of our booking conditions, which are included on the booking form at the back of our brochure. If you do not have a copy of our brochure, please request one from your agent. Your travelling on the safari implies acceptance of these conditions. GROUP SIZE
These camping safaris are run on either a scheduled departure basis with a maximum group size of eight guests, or on a private basis where a party organises their own group and charters our services. Our staff will include a guide, a cook/hostess and, on camping nights, 2 camp assistants in addition to the guide. All the safaris are sold on a per person sharing basis. If you are booking onto the safari as an individual, we will pair you with another person of the same sex. If you wish to have a guaranteed single room/tent, there will be an additional charge. AGE LIMIT
We have a minimum age of 12 and a maximum age of 75 on this camping safari, and a medical certificate is required for guests aged 70 to 75. For groups with children under 12, we would be happy to quote a private safari. For those over 75 who wish to travel in Botswana, we would be happy to put together a lodge or tented camp fly-in safari for you. Should it be discovered while on safari that any guest has falsified their age, this will be grounds for immediate removal from the safari with no refund due to the guest for any services. VEHICLES
We use specially designed Land Rovers, which are up to 50% larger than conventional Land Rovers and can seat eight guests in comfort. The vehicles are designed so that all guests have excellent all round visibility. The large window openings offer good visibility and promote photographic opportunities. Each vehicle is custom built to our own standards and includes a fridge and a small library. All supplies are carried in a separate kitchen vehicle and trailer. Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. We will have regular stops which smokers in the group can use as smoke breaks. ACCOMMODATION/CAMPING EQUIPMENT
The accommodation on this safari varies from camp to camp and is in:
- pre-erected tented camps using 3m x 3.5m tents (Chobe River)
- permanent tented camps (Linyanti Tented Camp, Kaparota Camp & Jacana Camp)
- hotels (Victoria Falls Hotel in Victoria Falls) The most basic camp on the safari is at Chobe. This is our only mobile camp, and it is set up prior to the guests’ arrival. The tents are large, but furnishings are basic and comfortable. Each tent has its own private chemical toilet and hot bush shower. Meals are served in a dining tent. The other accommodations include Linyanti Tented Camp, Kaparota Camp and Jacana Camp, these are the permanent tented camp in the itinerary. The tents are very large and nicely decorated, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers. Throughout the safari, camp staff will handle all the chores, the hostess will organise all the meals, and the guide will see to the game drives and other activities. This safari is designed for the adventurous who enjoy a bit of comfort and a bit of camping, but without any of the hard work that would normally be involved in a camping safari. PROBLEMS
We pride ourselves on running quality experiences, offering you the best there is in such remote locations. If you feel that there is anything we can do to enhance your experience, please do not hesitate to ask your guide. LUGGAGE
As no formal clothes are needed, we recommend that you keep your luggage to the basics. Bright colours and white are NOT advised and ARMY CAMOUFLAGE UNIFORMS OR ARMY HATS ARE FORBIDDEN (Khaki is fine to wear). For safety and space reasons, we have a 12 kg (26 lbs) limit on luggage. This is due to a weight problem when travelling in charter aircraft. This 12 kg (26 lbs) includes camera bag and equipment and excludes the sleeping-bag. We insist on a soft carry-all (instead of a suitcase) with the following maximum dimensions: 81 cm (32 inches) long by 36 cm wide (14 inches). A clothing list is attached for your information. We have a supply of soft nylon carry-all bags for sale. The size is 30 cm (12 inches) wide x 28 cm high (11 inches) x 76 cm (30 inches) long and the cost is US$30 per bag. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm (10 inches) high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment. Alternatively numbered soft bags are available for use, to be returned upon departure. Guests will also have the option on arrival, in either Maun or Victoria Falls, to send their excess baggage ahead for an additional cost of US$100 per person. If the safari begins in Maun, the excess baggage will be forwarded to Kasane and stored. If arriving in Victoria Falls, the excess baggage will be dropped off in Kasane and will be forwarded to Maun for storage. Guests can then collect this excess baggage at the end of their Botswana safari. We would prefer to know in advance if this service will be needed so that arrangements can be made and the transfer can be handled smoothly NB. PASSENGERS WHO BRING MORE THAN 12 KGS (26 LBS) MAY NECESSITATE THE USE OF AN EXTRA CHARTER AIRCRAFT, IN WHICH CASE THEY WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE CONSIDERABLE EXTRA CHARTER COSTS (UP TO US$600) IF THEY WANT THE EXCESS BAGGAGE TO TRAVEL WITH THEM.
Guests weighing more than 100kg (220 lbs) must please advise us in advance as an extra seat will then have to be costed in to the package for safety purposes.
HEALTH
There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are obviously not medical practitioners and the following points are recommended guidelines only. Please consult your doctor and also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations. a) Malaria
Malaria within South Africa's borders is only prevalent in a few areas. It is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Northern and North West Provinces. Malaria is also common in the lower lying areas of Swaziland. It can also be found throughout Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and much of Botswana. Northern Namibia is also a malaria area. Should you be visiting these areas malaria precautions are advised.
Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced. The malaria parasite requires a human host in order to complete its life cycle. In most cases, our camps are situated in remote, unpopulated areas, so the chances of contracting malaria are very slim. Nonetheless, it is worth taking preventative measures.
Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa. Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are only active in the early evening and throughout the night, at the times when one is usually sleeping or sitting around the campfire. MALARIA prophylactic recommendations for southern African travellers:
Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Please remember that the best insurance is the preventative kind: avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings. If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with an insecticide like DOOM to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room. Mosquito coils are effective. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria is not a serious problem if you are sensible and take basic precautions. There have been very few cases of our guests contracting malaria during our 19 years to date, of operation. b) Water
It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres (4 to 6 pints) of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration. Generally, water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. c) Other Health Issues
There are no other health issues that one needs to be overly concerned with. INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking, that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of their trip to Southern Africa. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Wilderness Safaris, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require, and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover.
None of the Wilderness Safaris group of companies and its agents, staff and associates can be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you and your belongings are adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory when participating in any of our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. However, it is better to purchase a policy locally, as this will cover repatriation back to your home country. Please contact Wilderness Safaris, your broker or your travel agent for details. We cannot be held liable for any losses or damages incurred. a) Health Insurance
It is compulsory to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period of time you are away.
b) Cancellation and Curtailment
You might have to cancel or curtail your journey due to unforeseen circumstances. If for any reason you cancel a trip close to departure date, you could lose the entire cost of your holiday. Should you have to leave before your holiday is finished, we cannot refund you the cost of the portion of the package you do not complete. In the eventuality of this happening, insurance may cover you, depending on the reason for cancellation and curtailment. c) Baggage & Money Insurance
It is advisable to take out baggage and money insurance, especially if you are carrying a lot of cash or expensive and valuable camera equipment. You should always carry such equipment as "carry-on" luggage. Do not put anything of value in your checked-in baggage! d) Claims
If you anticipate an insurance claim upon your return, be sure to document as accurately as possible any accident, injury or loss. Doctor’s notes and police reports will aid any claim. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
All personal spending money to cover drinks, gratuities, the optional extras and meals in Victoria Falls, the Zimbabwe airport departure tax of US$30 which must be included in the cost and issuing of your air ticket when departing Zimbabwe on a scheduled flight (only if your trip begins in Maun and ends in Victoria Falls), and the visa fee for entry into Zimbabwe, if applicable (see section on “Visas”). There is also a US$5 Domestic Passenger Service Fee which applies when departing internally from any registered, manned airport (Harare, Bulawayo, Kariba, Hwange and Victoria Falls) which must be paid direct in US Dollars cash at the airport. Please ensure you have the exact amount of US Dollars in cash before you leave your home country as you cannot get any US$ within Zimbabwe - large denomination bills such as U$50 or U$100 are not accepted. The currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar. Zimbabwe restricts the import of their own currency to a maximum of Z$500 in cash. You may also only take Z$500 in cash out of Zimbabwe; however this is not recommended as you cannot exchange Zimbabwe Dollars outside of Zimbabwe.
Note that currency conversions can currently only be carried out by the banks in Zimbabwe (there are no bureau de changes and the hotels may not change currency) – please be advised that although there is black market trading in currency, it is illegal and could result in a prison sentence. Most hotels in Zimbabwe however encourage guests to settle any extra’s in foreign currency cash or travellers cheques by providing a favourable legal exchange rate thus negating the need to convert currency.
Also for shopping, “cash is king” - US Dollar cash especially and guests can get the best prices that way (although US Dollar traveller’s cheques are also acceptable at the reputable curio shops – not in the markets – so can be used to purchase goods from those stores and they do tend to provide a better legal exchange rate than the banks). So guests are advised not to change currency but rather to use either US$ cash or US$ traveller’s cheques during their stay. Please be advised that Zimbabwe regulations require non-Zimbabwean residents to settle hotel extra's accounts in foreign currency, unless proof of exchange in the form of an official receipt from a registered bank is presented. We suggest that you allow US$25 per day to cover the cost of drinks, souvenirs (within reason), plus the cost of lunch (US$15 or more) and dinner (US$20 or more) in Victoria Falls. If you are planning on buying expensive souvenirs in Victoria Falls or Maun, allow extra. There are many optional tours available in Victoria Falls (prices are approximate and subject to change throughout the season):
Boma Dinner US$33 per person
Elephant Back Safari US$90 per person
Entrance fee to the Victoria Falls Park US$20 per person
Flight over the Falls from US$75 per person
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River from US$20 per person
Tribal dancing from US$28 per person
White water rafting on Zambezi (1 day) from US$85 per person
For white water rafting you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights in Victoria Falls. There is an optional boat ride on the Chobe River for US$25 should you decide to take one. Botswana banks will only accept US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African Rand cash. Therefore, any cash payments to camps for curios, or gratuities to guides or staff, need to be in one of these currencies. Travellers cheques in any currency are acceptable. On all international flights from Botswana (for safaris ending in Maun), there are departure taxes to pay. These taxes can be included in your airfare and should be reflected on the ticket for any Air Botswana or other scheduled flight. If this is not reflected on the air ticket, then Air Botswana will collect this from you directly in case. All domestic departure taxes on charter flights are included in the price of your safari. All drinks are included in the safari price, except for premium wines and champagnes plus premium spirits and liqueurs. Should you have any specific requests regarding your favourite 'sun downer' or wine preferences please let us know well in advance. TIPPING / GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory and totally left to the discretion of the individual. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
a) Guide & Hostess
If the guide and hostess have done a good job, we recommend between US$5 and US$10 each per guest per day. b) Mokoro Paddlers, Safari Assistants and Trackers
We recommend that each of the above receive US$5 per guest per day.
RECOMMENDED READING (in no particular order)
a) Okavango: Wetland Wilderness - Adrian Bailey
b) Okavango: An African Paradise - Daryl Balfour
c) Chobe: Africa’s Untamed Wilderness - Daryl Balfour
d) The Lions and Elephants of the Chobe - Bruce Aitken
e) This is Botswana - Daryl Balfour
f) The Bushmen - A Changing Way of Life - Anthony Bannister.
g) Africa's Top Wildlife Countries - Mark Nolting
h) Botswana: A Brush with the Wild - Paul Augustinus.
I) The Kalahari, Survival in a Thirstland Wilderness - Nigel Dennis, Dr Michael
j) Birds of Prey of Southern, Central, and East Africa - David Allan
k) Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa and Common Birds of Botswana - Ken Newman.
l) The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals - Jonathan Kingdon
m) The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals - Richard D. Estes
n) Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of the Okavango Delta - Veronica Roodt
o) Guide to the Wildflowers of the Okavango Delta - Veronica Roodt
p) Botswana Tourist Map & Guide - Veronica Roodt
q) Wildlife of Southern Africa, A Field Guide - Vincent Carruthers
r) Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog - John McNutt, Lesley Boggs, Dave Hamman & Helene Heldring.
s) Field Guide to the Snakes & Reptiles of Southern Africa - Bill Branch
t) Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Chris & Tilde Stuart
u) Wild About the Okavango - Duncan Butchart
v) Botswana : The Bradt Travel Guide – Chris McIntyre We do carry a set of reference material on all our vehicles. However, if you are a keen birder we recommend that you bring your OWN Newman's bird book. Everyone must bring his or her own pair of BINOCULARS in order to get the most out of the safari. PARTICIPATION AND QUALIFICATION
This safari will take you through one of southern Africa's prime wildlife viewing and birding areas. However, the tourism infrastructure is fairly limited in many areas of Botswana and consequently access to some of these areas is often fairly difficult. The roads can be rough and sandy but you will see the Okavango and surrounding areas at a relaxed and easy-going pace. Providing you lead a moderately active life and are in good health, then this is the safari for you.
This is not a pure "game viewing" holiday. It is a wilderness experience and game viewing is one of the elements of the trip. Please come ready for the unexpected! Enthusiasm and participation are essential elements of a safari. Cooking and camp chores will be handled by the camp staff.
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS
On our scheduled cross country safaris, you will be travelling with a small number of people, possibly from a range of age groups and usually from several different areas of the world. To get the most out of your safari experience, co-operation and harmony with fellow passengers is essential. If you are a naturally grumpy person and do not enjoy the company of others, please do not book this safari. Should any member of the group behave in such a way that it affects either the enjoyment or safety of others in the group, that member will be warned, and eventually taken off the safari.
Our safaris are all conducted in English, and it is therefore required that all participants on the safari have an excellent knowledge of English and be able to communicate in that language. This is due to safety factors, as well as compatibility with others
JOINING THE SCHEDULED SAFARIS
Each safari will start either in Maun and finish in Victoria Falls or start in Victoria Falls and finish in Maun. Please note that the safari, and our guide's services start on OUR day 1 (in our brochure). Joining in Victoria Falls for safaris travelling from Victoria Falls to Maun
You will be met and transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel, the hotel we usually use, where accommodation has been arranged for the first night of your safari. Please meet your guide at 6:30 pm in the Lobengula Room on the evening of our first day of the safari (unless otherwise advised). If you arrive in Victoria Falls before the start of the safari, our guide may or may not be in the Falls and will not be available until the safari starts. Joining in Maun for safaris travelling from Maun to Victoria Falls
If you arrive in Maun on Air Botswana on the day of departure of your safari you will be met by your guide or our Maun representative and transferred into the Okavango by charter aircraft. If you arrive in Maun before the day of departure please contact our office in Maun on arrival (Tel. 660-086) to ask for the departure time, or alternatively ask the whereabouts of the OKAVANGO WILDERNESS SAFARIS office. It is just outside the airport, and you will be advised where and what time to meet. At the end of your safari in Victoria Falls you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. If you are arriving in Maun before the scheduled time of the safari, you will not find our guide, as he/she will be sorting out equipment, vehicles etc. Please check at the time of booking to confirm in which direction your safari will run, as we reserve the right and may, dependent on circumstances, be forced to alter the starting/finishing points. If you have any doubts concerning the above instructions please do not hesitate to contact your agent. ITINERARIES
The route we follow will be flexible. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to wildlife migrations, water levels, unusual sightings etc. We will do our very best to keep to the itinerary but cannot be held liable for changes beyond our control. FLIGHT CHECK-IN TIMES
Please check in early at all airports (at least one hour prior for domestic flights, three hours for all flights to the USA and two hours for regional and other international flights) as the flights are occasionally overbooked. Please be aware that during peak season, delays are often encountered on scheduled flights. Remember that you are on holiday ... relax and enjoy the ambience, which sometimes has no sense of urgency at all! RECONFIRMING FLIGHTS
Please ensure that all your onward flights are reconfirmed at least 72 hours prior to flying. Listed below are some helpful telephone numbers to assist you in reconfirming your flights. NOTE: The code in parentheses is the city code. If you are phoning locally within a country, you just have to dial the number. Air Botswana Johannesburg (011) 447 6078
Maun 686 0391
Gaborone 352 812
Harare (04) 733 836/7/8
Victoria Falls (013) 45825 / 42053
Air Zimbabwe Johannesburg (011) 615 7017
Cape Town (021) 683-2221
Victoria Falls (013) 4316/7
Harare (04) 575 111
Air Namibia Johannesburg (011) 390 2876/7/9
Cape Town (021) 936-2755/6/7
Windhoek (061) 299-6333
Victoria Falls (013) 45825 / 42053
Harare (04) 732 093/4
British Airways / Comair Johannesburg (011) 921 0111
Cape Town (011) 936 9000
Victoria Falls (013) 45825 / 42053
Harare (04) 747 400 or 737 200
Qantas Johannesburg (011) 441 8550
Harare (04) 751-228
SAA Johannesburg (011) 978-1111
Cape Town (021) 936 1111
Harare (04) 738-9228
Victoria Falls (04) 808 678 – representative only
Air France Johannesburg (011) 770 1601
Air Malawi Johannesburg (011) 622 0466 / 1211 Air Mauritius Johannesburg (011) 444 4600
Cape Town (021) 421 6294/5/6
Air Seychelles Johannesburg (011) 452 0932
Air Tanzania Johannesburg (011) 616 1870
Kenya Airways Johannesburg (011) 881 9696
Cape Town (021) 670 2500
KLM Johannesburg (011) 390 1747
Cape Town (021) 670 2500
Lufthansa Johannesburg (011) 390 2935 PHOTOGRAPHY
The choice of the correct camera equipment and film will determine the quality of your photographs on the trip. For good photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. A zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari and the minimum recommended size is 200mm. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment. The new high-resolution digital cameras are outstanding and give great quality images, especially if you are using a digital camera body which takes normal camera lenses. Camera bodies like the Canon D60 and 1D are superb. The advantage of digital photography is that one can get instant feedback and adjustments can be made in the field to your techniques to ensure that your photographs are the quality that you would like. Colour reversal film (slides) will give far better quality than prints. The guides have found that they are getting the best results using Fuji film. Fuji has brought out a good high-speed film that gives good colour with very little grain (less so than any of their competitors). This is especially useful when using a big lens in low light situations. The guides' personal preference is the slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives almost perfect quality for normal light. However, you may consider going to 200 ASA for a larger lens in low lighting conditions. The new Fuji 400, we believe is giving great results too. The only disadvantage with the low ASA film is that you need a tripod for the early morning and evening shots. IMPORTANT: BRING SPARE FILM (ALTHOUGH IT IS AVAILABLE IN MOST CAMPS/LODGES) AND A SPARE CAMERA BATTERY PASSPORTS & VISAS
International visitors require a valid passport together with onward travel documents. All passport holders should verify with their travel agent or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If you are extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for those countries as well. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry) AS NONE OF THE WILDERNESS GROUP OF COMPANIES, THEIR STAFF, THEIR AGENTS NOR THEIR OPERATORS CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS. VIDEO
Charging facilities for video cameras are very limited on the safari, so please bring enough batteries to last you at least 3 days of video filming. If you have a 12V charging pack which can be connected to the vehicle via the cigarette lighter, you may be able to charge your battery when it is travelling on the longer drives. Please bring your own attachment to connect your charger or video to the cigarette lighter. WALKING
Walking is not allowed in the Chobe National Park nor the Moremi Game Reserve. It is allowed outside these reserves including much of the Okavango Delta. Walking can, however, lead to encounters with potentially dangerous WILD ANIMALS. Walking is, therefore, at your own risk. Never walk around unescorted. DRIVING CONDITIONS
If visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads could be rough and bumpy and occasionally we will travel "off road", where it is possible that injuries may occur - if for example a hidden pothole is struck. Neither the Wilderness Safaris group of companies nor their staff members, associates nor agents can be held liable for any accidents or any damages! RESPECTING WILDLIFE & SAFETY WHEN STAYING AT SAFARI CAMPS/LODGES
· The wild animals are not like those found in theme parks – they aren’t tame.
· Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. None of the Wilderness Safaris group of companies, their staff members, associates, agents, or their suppliers can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behaviour of wild animals.
· Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.
· Don’t go wandering off on your own without a guide – even to your tent. After retiring to your tent at night, don’t leave them.
· Observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
· Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
· Please respect your driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
· Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
· Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
· Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals. SATELLITE & IRIDIUM TELEPHONES
Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that the campsites you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts of Southern Africa and do not have telephones.
An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on safari. As most people come on safari to “get away from it all”, we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on safari. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones: 1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your tent and not any of the common areas: dining area, bar/lounge area, or on any of the vehicles or on game drives
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST- MAXIMUM 12 KGS (26 LBS) IN SOFT SPORTS BAG (including camera equipment within reason) 1. Good quality sunglasses with good UV protection preferably polarised. Tinted fashion sunglasses are not much good in harsh light.
2. Bush hat
3. T-shirts and one long-sleeved cotton shirt
4. Shorts/slacks/skirts
5. Long trousers
6. Track suit
7. Underwear (sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven) and socks
8. Good walking shoes (sneakers, "takkies" or running shoes are good)
9. Thongs/slip-slops/strops.
10. Sweater/jersey.
11. Anorak/parka (polar fleece is good) and gloves (essential for the very cold June/July/August early mornings)
12. Camera equipment and plenty of film as it unobtainable. We suggest Fuji 100 ASA to 400 ASA plus spare camera battery.
13. "Wet Ones"
14. GOOD QUALITY BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (Night vision binoculars are not essential, but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities)
15. Malaria tablets
16. Sun block lotion (30 – 50 strength factor)
17. Personal toiletries
18. Visas, tickets, passports, money, insurance
19. If you wear contact lenses we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get eye irritation from the dust.
20. A small "day pack" (without frame) for use on walks and in the vehicle
21. Light rain gear for the summer months (late September to April), ponchos are available.
22. Swimming costume. PLEASE NOTE : As it can be extremely cold in the early mornings and evenings during our winter months of June, July and August, please ensure you bring warm jackets, track suits and gloves as mentioned above.
Our winter months are dry and we have blue skies almost every day - but it can be cold. PLEASE NOTE: A limited laundry service is available at no extra charge, but we request that you do not ask camp staff to launder undergarments. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Temperature (ºC) - These are the average lows and highs -Maun
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
19/32 19/31 18/31 14/31 9/28 6/25 6/25 9/28 13/33 18/35 19/34 19/32 Rainfall (mm). This varies according to the year and where you are (Maun)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
110 80 70 25 7 3 0 0 0 30 50 95
|
