|
14 Days Kruger Park, Okavango Delta, Vic Falls Code WT   Day 1 Cultural Village (South Africa)
Departing Johannesburg early we make our way along the panoramic route. Our first stop is at God’s Window, one of the most famous of the viewpoints with the sheer drop giving views onto the Lowveld. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, our next stop on route, lends us an insight into the workings of the geographical world, where strange, smoothly scooped formations are carved into the rocks at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers by water-driven pebbles. To appreciate the true beauty of this vast and magical land we pause at the 3 Rondavels. Three cylinders in the shape of ships with the meandering Blyde River twisting is way hundreds of meters below make a view hard to capture. Our final stop is at the 750m Blyde River Canyon. Here the edge of the escarpment drops away into the Lowveld , and is weathered out strata of red rock and colossal formations. Surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon Nature reserve the views from the Canyon are wonderful. From here we journey on the to the Shangaan Tribal Village where we spend the night in tribal huts. This tribal initiative gives you a rare insight into the age old traditions and the modern day problems that make up cultural life in 21st century South Africa. A guided tour explains the traditions and history of the Shangaan people. We eat a traditional meal and watch tribal dancing. (D)
 Day 2 Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Departing from the Cultural Village we head straight for the Kruger National Park, entering the gates around lunch time and beginning our search for the many species of birds, mammals and reptiles that make the Park their home. The scenery in the Park and the wildlife will leave you in awe. Some 400 km from the city of Johannesburg this great South African Park is home to 150 species of mammal including cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wild dog, black rhino and elephant just to name a few. The staggering 507 bird species plus the wide variety of insects reptiles and amphibians make this the ultimate wildlife experience. Tonight we camp at the rest camp and do a night drive, so we can see the nocturnal habits of the animals. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Rising with the sun, we continue our search. Our game drives take us through Big Five territory where anything can be expected! Sunrise at a water hole sometimes offers the viewer scenes that belong in National Geographic and we should have the best chance of seeing a “kill”. Stopping for lunch, we spend the afternoon on game drives, until arriving at our rest camp late afternoon. Spend the evening around the campfire where you will be able to relive the experiences of your day with your fellow travellers. (B,L,D) Day 4 Polokwane (South Africa)
This morning we do a final game drive, trying to spot whatever game we are yet to see. We then exit the Park and travel through to Polokwane, which is at the centre of a series of towns established by the Voortrekkers. We camp here for the night en route to Botswana. (B,D) Day 5 Nata (Botswana)
Leaving South Africa we cross into Botswana. This vast, thinly populated country is one of Africa’s few economic success stories, in large part due to the immense mineral wealth that lies beneath its sandy soils. Diamonds being the source of much of its wealth. We continue northwards to Nata where we camp on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. (B,D)  Day 6 Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Today we head northwards through the Chobe District, where it is common to see animals along the roadside, including some of the 1000’s of migratory elephants Botswana is famous for. Leaving Botswana behind we cross via ferry into Zambia. Arriving in Livingstone, we visit the Victoria Falls (Zambian side) and do a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, enjoying some sundowners and the possibility of game viewing along the banks of the river. (B,D)
Day 7 Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Today is a free day to do the many activities on offer including white water rafting, bungy jumping, microlighting and possibly a “Flight of Angels” over the falls. If all the adrenaline activities is not what you’re after, then there is also the opportunity to do a Rhino Walk and get really close to these amazing animals. Livingstone has activities to suit everybody’s needs. (B,D)  Day 8 Chobe (Botswana)
After a free morning in Livingstone, we make the short journey on the ferry back into Botswana, to Kasane where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon there is an optional river cruise for game viewing where it is not uncommon to see herds of elephants swimming across the Chobe river and the hundreds of hippos inhabiting the Chobe. (B,D)
Day 9 Maun (Botswana)
Early morning we head off on a game drive inside Chobe for more game viewing, and if we’re lucky we might even see some of Africa’s big cats. After a late breakfast we depart for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. In Maun we prepare for our Delta excursion tomorrow. You may also visit the nearby Crocodile Farm. (B,D)  Days 10,11,12 Okavango Delta (Botswana)
This morning we venture into the wild bush of Africa, far from any form of civilisation. Our journey begins by 4x4 and once we reach the tributaries, we join local villagers/ guides on mokoros (2 man dug out canoes). We begin our search for abundance of wildlife that inhabits the Delta. Drifting silently through the channels. We set up camp on islands in the Delta. This is your chance to get back to nature. After a breathtaking sunset, relax around the campfire listening to the magical sounds of the night. The days are filled with game walks, tracking different species, exploring the waterways of the world renowned Okavango Swamps and will also have the opportunity to visit a village. On the last afternoon we return to Maun where you can take a well deserved dip in the pool. (B.L,D)
Day 13 Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)
After an optional game flight over the Delta for a fantastic overview of the area, we make our way to Khama rhino sanctuary, where we spend our final evening together. The Rhino Sanctuary is a project designed to reintroduce Rhino to Botswana and we get to see how it is working up close while on a game drive. (B,D) Day 14 Johannesburg (South Africa)
Leaving early we cross back into South Africa and make our way back to Johannebsurg, arriving in the late afternoon. (B) 14 Days
Pre-departure InformationTour Cost
Contact us Local Payment
Contact us
The local payment is paid in cash on departure and covers camping, food, entrance fees and excursions whilst on tour. Any balance outstanding at the end of the tour is refunded.
Dear Traveller
Below is some information put together to help prepare for your trip. If there is anything further you need to know, please give us a call. Countries visited on this trip are South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. The information below has been divided into each country, with some general tips at the end. |
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, is among the world’s greatest nature reserves. It is one of the few places on earth where wildlife can be seen in such a great variety and at such close quarters.
The park is densely populated by some 520 bird, 114 reptile and 146 mammal species, including the fabled Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Although in nature there are no guarantees in Kruger Park you stand the best chance of thrilling sightings of game. From some of Africa’s largest prides of lion, to birds found nowhere else within the country’s borders.
The present Kruger Park is immense, covering 19,685 square kilometres, an area almost the size of Wales or two thirds of Belgium. There are more than 3000 km of roads on which to explore the Park. Obviously in a limited time, one can do only so much, however our experience shows us which are the best roads to take at certain times of year, ensuring you get the most of your visit to the Park. Our tour focuses mainly on the Southern Areas of the park, as it has the largest concentration of game. Climate
In winter (April to September) the days are mild (average about 23 degrees), with some cool nights (don to 6 degrees). In the summer the days average 30 degrees, but sometimes exceed 40 with the welcome cooling effect of afternoon thunderstorms. Rain in the summer months (October to March i.e. rainy season) varies from about 800mm in the south to up to 500mm in the northern areas.
|
ZAMBIA | Zambia lay untouched by Europeans for many centuries. It was in the mid nineteenth century that Western explorers, missionaries and traders moved into Zambia, of which David Livingstone is said to be the first in 1855. After becoming a British Protectorate in 1924, Zambia’s struggle for independence was a long one. After eventually gaining independence in 1964, most of their problems only began. There were only a few trained and educated Zambians capable of running the government, and the economy was largely dependant on foreign expertise. The copper industry used to be responsible for more than 90% of Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings. After a sharp decline in world copper prices in 1975 and prolonged drought, Zambia’s economy has suffered severe damage for more than a decade. Tourism is now becoming a major earner, and is helping revive the economy.
|
BOTSWANA | For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world’s 25 poorest countries, however with the discovery of its vast mineral wealth it now has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world. The Botswana people are proud, with a great respect for their nationality and traditions. In Botswana the immensity, variety and untamed vitality of the old Africa are still there to be experienced. The Okavango Delta
The Okavango River comes down from Angola. The flatness of the land in Botswana causes it to fan out into an inland delta covering an area of some 16,000 km2. Your trip into the Delta should be regarded as much a cultural experience, as a wildlife one. The majority of the polers who will guide you and the people you will meet in this area are a mixture of baNoka and baYei. These people still live on corn, sorghum, melons; herding cattle and goats; fishing and hunting and gathering to supplement their livestock and agriculture. Your time in the Delta
Once again, this should be looked upon as a cultural experience to live in the bush for a few days - the opportunity to “get back to nature” with no showers, toilets and electricity. Take off your watch and relax! Whilst in the Delta the polers are in charge of your day which usually consists of early morning walks, some free time to swim, relax, read a book, explore the bush, followed by an afternoon mokoro and or game walk.
Don't panic when given the time to spend with yourself!! Climate
The rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm. During the summer months temperatures can rise to over 40º C and usually drop to 25º C during the night. Language
The national language is Setswana, English is the official language. Each tribe speaks a different language.
LOCAL TIME
Local time in Zambia and Botswana is the same as South Africa (G.M.T plus 2 hours) VEHICLES & GROUP SIZE
We offer budget tours, whilst trying to keep group sizes small and personal. For this reason we travel in a microbus with a trailer for luggage. The vehicles have either 2 rows of seats (seating up to 4 across) or 3 rows of seats (seating max. 3 across). This varies according to group size. The vehicles do not have airconditioning PARTICIPATION
Our tour are based on client participation and as an active member of the group, everyone helps out with the running of the tour, e.g. making campfires, cooking, setting up camp, dishes etc. Its all part of the African experience. Remember the more you put in the more you get out! CURRENCY
Each country has its own currency as follows | South Africa: | Rand | | Botswana: | Pula | | Zambia: | Zambian Kwacha |
Money can be changed onto local currency once we arrive in Zambia and Botswana. Travellers cheques can be changed in banks and credit cards are generally accepted for optional activites. Outside South Africa ATM machines are difficult to find. Please note that Kwacha and Pula cannot be changed into other currencies outside of the country, so do not leave the country with any local currency. Your guide will assist you in calculating the correct amount to change. HEALTH
If travelling from an infected area, all countries require valid vaccination certificates for cholera and yellow fever. If travelling from South Africa, there are no vaccination requirements. These do change however so please consult your local doctor or travel agent. Kruger Park, Zambia and Botswana are all malaria zones. Please ensure that you are taking anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor or local pharmacy in plenty of time. VISA’S
Visa requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. The following is to be used as a guide only. South Africa
Visitors entering South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Zambia
Wagon Trails can generally obtain a waiver of the visa charge if you notify us of your passport details prior to the departure of the trip. This is a typically African system, which a few times a year doesn’t work. In this case you can obtain the visa on the border. Please fax us a copy of your passport at least one week prior to departure. Botswana
At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of all commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia Visas are the responsibility of the client when required. It is also advisable to obtain the visa prior to departure.
CAMPSITES
We stay in a variety of campsites, from the basic facilities only, to ones with restaurants, swimming pools, bars etc. All campsites have shower and toiler facilities, however it is advisable to bring a small supply of your own toilet paper. In the Delta you “camp out” in the bush at sites selected by the polers (guides). They light a fire for warmth and safety. In the Delta there are no facilities such as toilets and showers as you are in the wilderness. You can swim in the Delta at spots selected by the polers, however for conservation reasons no soap may be used for washing. |
FOOD & MEALS
Included in the tour cost are the following meals: | | Days | Meals | 1
| D | | 2, 3, | B,L,D | | 4,5,6,7,8,9 | B,D | | 10,11,12 | B,L,D | | 13 | B,D | | 14 | B |
Dinners are camp meals prepared by your guide with your assistance. In the Delta everyone helps to carry in the cooking equipment and food. On days where lunches are not included we stop at places where you can buy food at a reasonable cost. ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Due to unforeseen problems we recommend onward travel arrangements be made only for the day after the tour ends. If arrangements are made for the same day the tour ends, we cannot be held responsible for any delays, and the clients must take the risk for themselves. If you are making further bookings for busses, trains or flights the day the tour ends we strongly recommend you make them the latest time possible and that you inform our reservation staff and the tour guide at the beginning of the tour. EQUIPMENT
You are provided with the following equipment:
2 - person dome tents. These tents are very easy to put up and down. The tents have
mosquito netting over the entrances. You my choose to bring your own mosquito netting if you
wish. If travelling on your own you may share with another single person of the same sex.
Thin sleeping mat.
All cooking equipment for the group and utensils etc.
Camping stool.
Sleeping bags may be hired for R50 per tour. Please notify us in advance if you will require one. WHAT TO BRING
For comfort reasons luggage is limited on each trip to 1 small bag, sleeping bag and camera per person. Soft bags only may be used (i.e. no suitcases). Please note there are storage facilities available at Backpackers Ritz free of charge. We provide you with your tent and sleeping mat. | Binoculars | Torch & Batteries | | Sun Screen & Hat | Insect Repellent | | Small personal first aid kit | Towel | | Comfortable Walking Shoes | Rain Coat (if travelling in rainy season) | | Anti malaria Medication | Camera and films | | Roll of Toilet Paper | Warm jacket for evenings | | Sleeping Bag |
DEPARTURE POINT
Backpackers Ritz
1a North Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg
Phone: (011) 325-7125 & 327-0229 Time: 5 am Please ensure that you are at the departure point at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.
MONEY OUTSTANDING
Your money will collected by your driver in cash at the point of departure. INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS - Panoramic Route
- Cultural village
- Entrance to Kruger Park & game drives
- Night drive in Kruger Park
- Entry to Victoria Falls (Zambia)
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Chobe game drive
- 3 Day Okavango Delta
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
| OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES | | Activity | Price USD | | Bungy Jumping | $ 95 | | Tandem Bungy | $ 120 | | Gorge Swing (half day) | $ 80 | | Gorge Swing (Full day) | $ 95 | | White water rafting (full day or half day) | $ 95 | | Canoeing (full day) | $ 85 | | Canoeing (half day) | $ 75 | | Tandem Kayaking | $ 135 | | Jet boat ride (30 mins) | $ 60 | | Jet boat ride & Heli out | $ 160 | | Microlight over the Falls (15 mins) | $ 75 | | Microlight over the Falls (30 mins) | $ 125 | | Helicopter (15 mins) | $ 80 | | Helicopter (30 mins) | $ 150 | | Horse Trails (1 ½ hours) | $ 45 | | Horse Trails (3 hours) | $ 65 | | Game drive in Zambia Nat. Park (2 ½ hrs) | $ 40 | | Rafting/Riverboarding combo | $ 125 | | Chobe Day Grand Safari | $ 125 | | Rhino Walk (full day) | $ 45 (min 4 people) | | Elephant rides (morning or afternoon) | $ 100 | Delta Game Flight
| $ 55 | Chobe River Cruise
| $ 30 | | Crocodile Farm | $ 10 |
These may be booked directly with your guide, or prior to departure. Please note that these prices are meant only as a guideline as they change seasonally, although we do make every effort to keep up to date with the changes. Payment for optional activities may be made in most currencies or by credit card. |
|
