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September 2012
South Africa, Victoria Falls, Swaziland, Botswana: A Safari, Culture, Nature Adventure
Trip Highlights: - Safari game viewing in South Africa and Botswana.
- Tented en suite bathrooms safari experience.
- River,land, evening game drives, with a bush barbeque
- Cultural adventures meeting with a local village chief.
- Pottery villages, local markets, local village experiences.
- Local Swaziland dancing, visit to a local candle factory
- Visiting Cape town one of the worlds most beautiful cities.
- Local cooking experience in Cape Town.
- Experience the beautiful Cape Point tour, Winelands, City Tour.
- Robben Island Experience where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
- Experience the youth urban Kliptown township program.
This South Africa adventure will be led by a experienced guide who will take you into the beautiful, rural art/craft rich area of Venda, where you will have the opportunity to experience traditional ways, people to people to contact, wild life Safaris in 3 different areas, visit Victoria Falls, and visit one of the worlds most beautiful cities,Cape Town, South Africa.
Rates include:-
Meals as specified
Accommodation as specified
Coach and Driver
Guide Services in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Venda,Swaziland,Victoria Falls, Botswana
Park fees in Kruger and Mapungupwe.
Cape Town Tours as indicated, Johannesburg,Swaziland tours , Robben Island visit,Heritage Cultural tour in Mapungupwe, Cape Malay Cooking in Cape Town.
Fees for Soweto Tours/lunch
Activities in Kruger ie game drives, bush braai, boma meals.
Community village meal with Chief.
Elephant back safari ride in Victoria Falls,
Rates exclude:-
All Beverages, all restaurant meals and other meals not specified above
Tips to guides, drivers, restaurants etc.
Personal expenses
Meals and excursions not specified.
Optional excursions
Travel insurance
Visas* onus is on the traveller to apply for and receive the correct visas.
(All USA citizens obtain a free visa to enter South Africa, Botswana and Swailand. Zimbabwe visa cost is about $50pp obtainable on arrival)
Departure or other taxes requested at the entry or departure points to the countries visited.
All Domestic and Regional Flights not mentioned above. Travel insurance
DAY 1, 18 SEP’12 ARRIVAL / JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival at O.R Tambo International Airport, you will be met by our Africa representative, who will escort you to your transfer to the Airport Grand.
Free time to get over jet lag…..
Overnight at the Airport Grand Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
An ideal ‘stopover’ hotel, within close proximity of OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), conveniently located a mere 10km drive from the airport.
The hotel’s public areas are spacious and impressive. On entry to the hotel, guests are greeted by a wall of volume glass windows that overlook a pretty garden, swimming pool and poolside cocktail bar. Facilities at the hotel include an attractive coffee bar and restaurant, wireless internet connectivity, 24-hour room service and a staff compliment that are friendly and attentive.
Comfortable rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences, are en-suite and boast direct-dial telephones, digital safe, satellite television and tea/coffee making facilities.
DAY 2, 19 SEP’12 JOHANNESBURG / SHANGRI LA LODGE B
Enjoy breakfast this morning before local touring and a visit to the
Apartheid museum, followed by your transfer to Shangri La country Lodge.
APARTHEID MUSEUM
This is an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release.
The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa.
This newly built museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Visitors walk through the 22 individual exhibition areas, which contain film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories behind apartheid
It’s a fascinating tour, filled with tales of bravery and sadness, but ultimately, it’s a story with the right ending.
You will then tour and experience the Klip town project in one of the local townships.
Kliptown Youth Program’s mission is to eradicate poverty of mind, body, and soul and to fight against the disadvantages imposed on the children of Kliptown, by providing educational support and positive activities to engage in after school.
It seeks to develop young and dynamic individuals who are willing to contribute effectively for the betterment of their community.
KYP's tutoring, athletic, and arts programs provide a life to the children of Kliptown defined not by survival, but instead by the ability to be active community members, to have dreams, and most of all to create hope about the future.
We will have lunch at Robbys Place included, excl. drinks, They will perform dances (gumboot dance) and walk us through the informal settlement, incl. looking into shop of traditional healer.
We will then leave in the afternoon for the long drive to Venda.
We will travel 3 hrs out of Johannesburg for a Overnight at Shangri La Country Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.
A taste of Paradise right on your doorstep in the Limpopo Province! The word Shangri-La translates into "Place of Eternal Youth" or Paradise on earth; a Utopia.
The Shangri-La Country Hotel is a secluded hideaway of great beauty and a sanctuary of peace and tranquility nestled against the verdant backdrop of the Waterberg overlooking the tropical Nile Valley. We offer the elegance and charm of yesteryear in an uncommercialised atmosphere, with true home-from-home pampering.
Accommodation is in individually decorated rooms furnished with antique masterpieces echoing the African Colonial charm that is created by the main complex.
Only 1 hour's drive from Gauteng, situated close to both Modimolle (Nylstroom) and BelaBela (Warmbaths) and en-route to the riches of Southern Africa and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Kruger National Park), the hotel is in a malaria free area.
"The Shangri-La Country Hotel – Peace and Tranquility of Yesteryear in the Gateway to the Waterberg."
DAY 3, 20 SEP’12 SHANGRI LA LODGE / MAPUNGUPWE B
Enjoy breakfast this morning before we continue on to Mapungupwe National Park.
We will stop to pick up some supplies, as meals will be prepared by your guide, on a community shared meal basis, in the beautiful remote UN World Heritage Site Mapungupwe National Park.
Besides the beauty of the area, we will go on game drives, looking for Lions, Elephants, etc, experience the fascinating historical archeological dig, and see where 3 countries come together.
MAPUNGUPWE NATIONAL PARK
Mapungupwe National Park and World Heritage Site is the ideal location for anyone interested in the park's wildlife and birds, to those in search of serenity, identity and the extraordinary history of this World Heritage Site... Come and join these diverse pilgrims and share unforgettable moments sipping sundowners at the confluence of the legendary Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, watch the eagles soar over Botswana and Zimbabwe's skies, hear the echo of elephant trumpets, take a tree top walk or just relax and absorb the surroundings...
Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site is rich in biodiversity, great scenic beauty and the cultural importance of the archaeological treasures of Mapungubwe.
Visit Mapungubwe Hill, where a far developed African civilisation prospered between 1200 and 1270 AD. The area was already inhabited by a growing Iron Age community from 900 AD and became rich through trade with faraway places like Egypt, India and China.
This is the place where archeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom.
For wildlife and mystic scenery you will see sandstone formations, mopane woodlands and unique riverine forest and baobab trees form the astounding scenic backdrop for a rich variety of animal life. Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, gemsbok and numerous other antelope species occur naturally in the area.
Lucky visitors might spot predators like lions, leopards and hyenas. Birders can tick off 400 species, including kori bustard, tropical boubou and pel’s fishing owl.
If we have time, we will drive down to the bush corner area to take in a Africa sunset.
As well we will do a game viewing drive in the area…
Overnight at Leokwe Camp .
This is Mapungubwe’s main camp, located in the eastern section of the Park in the spectacular sandstone hills. Close to the camp guests can enjoy the Treetop Hide and the Confluence View Site & Picnic Area. The camp itself has a swimming pool and sundeck, as well as a central braai area.
DAY 4, 21 SEP’12 MAPUNGUPWE / TSHIPESE
Spend a full morning in the Mapungupwe National Park, we will do a cultural/historical tour/ archaeological tour of this fascinating area
Later afternoon we will transfer through Venda to Tshipise, a wonderful built up Hot Springs.
With 3 outdoors pools and a large indoor pool, take some time to relax, and experience the healing waters of this area.
The resort has a restaurant where you can order dinner /breakfast on your own account. It also has a shop, and the bungalows all fully self catering bungalows for those who want to experience a quite, simple, self cooked meal.
Overnight at the Forever Resort Tshipise on a self catering basis.
“Tshipise” means “something warm”, and the famous Tshipisekoppie towers protectively over the Resort. Giant baobabs dot the landscape and the Resort’s self-catering rondavels and comfortable caravan park are barely visible among the Mopani, red bushwillow and jakkalsbessie trees. The Resort offers a six sleeper guest house and 95 air-conditioned thatched rondavels. At Tshipise you find mineral pools to soothe the body and hospitality to warm the heart. Soak away your cares at the Resort’s mineral bath or one of three pools. Play a game of tennis on the floodlit courts, or bowls on a floodlit green.
DAY 5 and 6 , 22/23 SEP’12 TSHIPISE / THOHOYANDOU
Still in the Limpopo Province, you head to Thoyandou where you spend 2 nights.
Thohoyandou is the former capital of the independent homeland and the proud heart of the VhaVenda people. It's name means "head of the elephant" in tshiVenda. The town is the commercial, administrative and legislative centre for the district.
Thohoyandou is situated in the south of Venda, on the main road between Louis Trichardt and the Kruger National Park. This is the lush agricultural centre of Venda, with its banana plantations, acres of sub-tropical fruit, tobacco and maize lands.
Sarah is the lady we will visit, who through her dedication to Venda pottery, involved and created a opportunity for local in this rural remote area to generate income through his artistic medium
During the next 2 days, we will stop at some or all of the below:
v the Pottery Village, where we will eat lunch in the village,
v a local award winning female wood carver if we have time,
v tour local fruit/vegetable markets,
v visit the local trading market, try the local delicacies such as the Mopane worm,
v visit a local chief to talk about the role of the chief in modern world.
v We will visit the royal house of the King where you will be amazed to see the same archeological evidence as you saw in eastern Venda,
v and if we are lucky, find a local Jacana band, a 100 male music group that plays local flute music…
When we travel in this area, we will remain flexible as we may find some local village ceremonies that we may get invited to dinner tonite at the home of the guide…at your own expense…
we will purchase food and cook a community meal at your guides home… If we have time, we can walk around the area, to see how the local people live.
Overnight at the Muofhe Graceland Lodgeon a bed and breakfast basis, for 2N.
Our strength lies in the knowledge of doing the right service for the people, the quality services rendered by the individual members of the above mentioned company over years in different environment have been responsible for the members to establish the hospitality leading company. The determination of above directors a end experience can be seen from successful and well executed project that have been undertaken by the individual members in their respective previous environment, currently an originations of full time lodge believe in a winning formula.
DAY 7, 24 SEP’12 THOHOYANDOU / KRUGER NATIONAL PARK B
After breakfast this morning, depart for Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park, in South Africa is truly the flagship of Africa and South Africa's game reserves. The African Safari is most often measured against "The Big Five" barometer.
The Big Five is a group of animals including the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the buffalo who earned their reputations as the most dangerous animals to be hunted on foot.
The phrase "Big Five" was coined by hunters of yesteryear - before the advent of the photographic safari.
For the next 3N, we will be on Safari, staying at 3 different safari camps in the famous Kruger National Park.
Breakfast is included at each camp, as well as a morning game drive.
Evening time at each camp is different.
At Olifants, we will do a evening game drive and bush braai( barbeque) with a return night drive.
This camp is unique as it offers a biking safari experience as well as a walking safari. If you want to experience this, ask what that cost is.
Overnight at Olifants Rest Camp .
Guests to Olifants Rest Camp will be exposed to an unforgettable window of Africa at their Kruger Park accommodation and lodging. The Olifants Camp is situated on top of a hill towering several hundred feet over the river of the same name.
Sightseeing views from the lookout platforms allow a person to observe the river below.
The camp is warm and welcoming and will win many staunch supporters for Kruger Park accommodation. The 2, 3 and 4 single-roomed thatched bungalows fitted with en-suite facilities and kitchenettes afford panoramic views across the surrounding bushveld.
One of the 2-bedded huts are specially fitted with aids for those with mobility difficulties, so they may also enjoy authentic Kruger Park lodging.
Because Olifants Camp is situated in a transitional zone, 2 distinct types of vegetation can be found, offering a wide range of game. In the north, the low lying Mopane trees provide cover for Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Elephant. To the south, rolling plains are dotted with Buffalo, Giraffe and Kudu.
While along the Olifants River, wildlife such as Lion, Crocodiles and Hippopotamus can be viewed on gameviewing and sightseeing excursions in Kruger Park, as well as an abundance of birdlife such as Owls, Storks and Eagles.
Game viewing is possible from Olifants Rest Camp where a shaded lookout platform is positioned.
In this are you have a good possibility to spot Hippopotamus, Crocodiles in the Olifants River as well as the occasional Lion kill.
DAY 8, 25 SEP’12 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
After your morning game drive, and after breakfast, you will be transferred to Satara Rest Camp today.
The transfer is a long game drive, so we will be on the look out for game as we slowly make our way to our next camp.
Overnight at Satara Rest Camp .
Satara Camp is the Kruger National Park's third biggest rest camp, providing a range of Kruger National Park accommodation.
A range of bungalows sleeping between 2 and 3 guests are available. Wheelchair-friendly accommodation is available.Guests can also stay in the guest cottages with well equipped kitchens. Alternatively, stay in the Stanley, Wells or Frankel guest houses.
Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park in South Africa also boasts a grocery store that is well stocked for the self-caterers.
There is also a TV lounge at this camp. The prime bungalows along the eastern perimeter allow visitors to glimpse the Hyenas that scavenge outside the fence at night.
Satara Camp, located in the centre of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, stakes its reputation on being one of the best spots in the world for viewing Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, because of the fertile grazing land found in the area which attracts vast herds of Antelope.
For this reason the camp is often referred to as the 'cat camp'. Large Cats are frequently spotted in the Muzadzeni area, where a large and successful Lion pride operates, or along the 5100 route that runs east from Satara Camp, hugging the bank of the N'wanetsi stream.
DAY 9, 26 SEP’12 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
After your morning game drive, and after breakfast, you will be transferred to Lower Sabie Rest Camp today
The transfer is a long game drive, so we will be on the look out for game as we slowly make our way to our next camp.
To nite we will do a sunset drive and our evening meal will be in the local boma ( outdoor eating area)
Overnight at Lower Sabie Rest Camp .
Visitors cannot but feel soothed by the view over the perennial Sabie River and the Lebombo Mountains beyond, which form the natural boundary and act as a highlight of the Kruger National Park
Expansive green lawns are shaded from the remorseless African sun by majestic Sycamore Fig Trees, providing the setting for a breathtaking panorama. The Sycamore Fig Tree provides generously for the livelihood of many animals, birds and insects. Other trees in the area such as Marula, Natal Mahogany and Fever Tree flower at different times of the year ensures that the gifts of life are extended over many months.
Large numbers of game are attracted to the abundance of water, sweet grass and foliage in the vicinity of Lower Sabie Rest Camp, giving rise to a diversity of game, almost unequalled anywhere else in the Park.
The area is also rich in Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Hippopotamus, Rhino, herds of Buffalo up to 800 strong, and is known for its high density of Warthog.
DAY 10, 27 SEP’ 12 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK / SWAZILAND D
This morning, depart Kruger National Park and set off to Swaziland where you will visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory as well as Swazi Candles.
NGWENYA GLASS FACTORY
Amongst the mountains that encircle the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland is one that resembles a basking crocodile.
At its summit is the world's most ancient iron ore mine, dating back 43 000 years and at its foot is the remote village - NGWENYA- (Siswati name for "crocodile").
Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breath life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony. Each item handmade from 100 % recycled glass ! Browse around the adjoining showroom which is well stocked and purchase your little memento of a truly African visit to our Kingdom.
SWAZI CANDLES
The highly decorative Swazi Candles are hand-made in the small African Kingdom of Swaziland using the age-old technique 'millefiore'.
Millefiore, or 'thousand flowers', first surfaced in ancient Alexandria, but was perfected in the great glassmaking cities of Murano and Venice. Glass beads and other objects created there were of such beauty and finesse that they became much sought-after and valuable artifacts.
On the African coast, these Venetian trade beads were used as a form of currency to barter for gold and ivory. So popular did they prove that the North and West Africans came to make their own variation. Thus was born the African trade bead, rare and sought-after by collectors to this day.
The art of millefiore continues today in Swazi Candles. But instead of glass, the gifted candle makers of Swaziland use a special hard wax to create their colourful designs. The hard wax veneer forms the outer shell of the candle, which hardly melts when the candle is lit.
Hence the rich, romantic glow of the illuminated exterior as the candle burns, and the burn-again quality when refitted with the votive or tea candle. (Mini sizes do not burn in this manner, yet retain their intrinsic value as works of Swazi craft.)
Overnight at Mantenga Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
The lodge is in the Ezulwini Valley situated among natural surroundings at the foot of Sheba’s Breasts Mountains (immortalized by Rider Haggards' “King Solomon’s Mines”) overlooking the legendary “Execution Rock”. The 38 Rooms are tastefully furnished each with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, DSTV, telephone as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Wireless Internet is also available.
DAY 11, 28 SEP’12 SWAZILAND BD
Today we will go to the local village to watch some local village dancing, and finish of our visit to the local glass or candle factory, if we did not have time to finish it of the day before…
If we have time, we will drive through the local Ezulwini Valley.
Overnight at Mantenga Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 12, 29 SEP’12 SWAZILAND /CAPE TOWN B
Enjoy breakfast this morning.
You will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in time for your flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by a our Representative who will assist you to your transfer to the Protea Hotel President.
We will reach our hotel by mid afternoon. This will give you some free time to walk on the local ocean promenade, that runs along side the Atlantic Ocean…..experience the beauty of this city with the mountains and ocean
Alternatively enjoy the Waterfront development with its shops, restaurants, built in this working harbor…Some of the local restaurants have beautiful views overlooking the harbor, all overshadowed by the beautiful and majestic Table Mountain
Overnight at the Protea Hotel President on a bed and breakfast basis.
Situated in the heart of scenic Bantry Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and majestic Lion’s Head.25km from Cape Town International Airport.Offering a relaxed and professional atmosphere, the hotel offers a number of facilities to ensure a memorable experience. Enjoy a cocktail in the Senate Bar or a sundowner on the terrace before a visit to the Islands Restaurant where your taste buds will be tantalised with sumptuous cuisine.
If you’re not visiting the nearby sensational V&A Waterfront, relax at the swimming pool or visit the salon or curio shop conveniently located on the premises. The 349 well appointed rooms and apartments face either the ocean or historic Signal Hill and Lion’s Head. Each elegantly appointed room and suite offers all the facilities one would expect of a world-class hotel.
All rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, hairdryers, telephone, sleeper couch, electronic room safes, ADSL plug-point and wireless internet. Kitchenettes are stocked with appliances, crockery and cutlery.
DAY 13, 30 SEP’12 CAPE TOWN B
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a Cape Town City tour.
CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR
All the below entrance fees / ticket costs are for your own account.
Come with us on the ultimate ‘Mother City’ experience, designed to orientate and give you a full-colour insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town.
We’ve chosen iconic buildings, snatches of its history, and experiences unique to this City. First up, it’s the cable car to the summit of the legendary TableMountain – weather permitting – and from there, you’ll be able to see to the end of our world, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (own account). We visit the country’s oldest building, The Castle (closed Sundays), and a short distance away, the CompanyGardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved.
Our drive continues past Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge, and you’ll sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colourful, as we move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colours of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.
We will stop in the bo kaap, where we will roll up our sleeves, and get into a 2H local Cape Malay tasty meal preparation, which we will eat up, once its all prepared....
Our day ends on a sparkling note, as we trace the moves of a professional diamond cutter, as he creates every girl’s dream stone. Perhaps you’ll be taking one home…
Overnight at the Protea Hotel President on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 14, 01 OCT’12 CAPE TOWN B
After breakfast this morning, visit Robben Island.
Afternoon is free time.
ROBBEN ISLAND
From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder to the newly democratic South Africa of the price paid for freedom
Cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days
Overnight at the Protea Hotel President on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 15, 02 OCT’12 CAPE TOWN B
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a full day winelands tour.
WINELANDS TOUR
A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery…like the breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument near Paarl. The area’s rich with history, and we can’t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. We visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive HuguenotMonument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, where else could we choose to enjoy lunch (for own account).
We wind our way to the heady heights of the HelshoogteMountainPass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. We’ve set aside ample time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and sneaking into the odd shop or two! A trip to the winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so we organized two at different wine estates. And of course, you’ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home!
Overnight at the Protea Hotel President on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 16, 03 OCT’12 CAPE TOWN B
After breakfast this morning, explore Cape Town’s coastline on a full day Peninsula Tour.
PENINSULA TOUR
The Fairest Cape…and it surely is!
You’ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. Sit back and relax, we’re going to drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay; if you so choose, you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (own account).
Back on terra firma, we wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views, before arriving at our lunch spot of choice (own account): the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
Take a ride up on the funicular for magnificent views (optional and own account).
We meander back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach.
The Fairest Cape of All, that was Sir Francis Drake’s opinion…and we’re sure you’ll echo it.
Overnight at the Protea Hotel President on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 17, 04 OCT’12 CAPE TOWN / VICTORIA FALLS BD
Enjoy breakfast this morning. You will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport where you will be met by our Africa Representative who will assist you to the check in counter for your flight to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be transferred to Ilala Lodge.
Experience a Boma dinner this evening.
BOMA EXCURSION
It’s a Must Do experience, with exuberant cultural songs, dances and an extraordinary traditional meal! This unique dining experience, coupled with a feast of cultural entertainment, is a magical night out to remember. Shangaan and Ndebele dancers and singers will inspire you with their pulsating energy, and we’ll soon have to hold you back from the dance floor! You’ll also be tucking into traditional Zimbabwean delicacies for dinner...and for the bravehearts among us, we’ve a few lightly grilled Mopani worms. Yes, it’s a night you won’t forget.
Overnight at Ilala Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.
This 4 star boutique style hotel is ideally situated being the closest to the mighty Victoria Falls, as well as to the town centre, with ‘The Falls’ spray as an exciting backdrop. The Victoria Falls National Park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns. 20km from Victoria Falls Airport.
A warm welcome awaits guests at the á la carte Palm Restaurant which offers superb cuisine in a relaxing and gracious environment. Dine outside under the African night sky amidst the sound of the mighty Victoria Falls! There is also a tours desk plus internet station, large swimming pool, pool bar and comfortable reading corner! Evoke the excitement and sense of adventure of early African explorers, by cruising down the Zambezi river by the route taken by David Livingstone in 1855 on our unique cruise boat. The Ra-Ikane, a small exclusive luxury cruise boat accommodating 12 guests at any one time.
It is outfitted to suggest an ambiance of a bygone era. Clients can experience the magnificent Zambezi sunset on our sun downer cruise or a breakfast or a lunch cruise.
There are 34 rooms, of which 2 are deluxe suites. Rooms are spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishing and patio doors leading onto either a balcony or the garden. All rooms have en-suite facilities (bath and separate shower), air-conditioning, satellite television, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities, a safe and Wi-Fi connectivity.
DAY 18, 05 OCT’12 VICTORIA FALLS B
After breakfast this morning, take in the sights and sounds of the Victoria Falls on a tour of the falls.
In the afternoon, experience get up, close and personal with the elephants on an elephant back safari.
TOUR OF THE FALLS
No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You’ll understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the Falls, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away.
We’ll walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which flanks the Falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island.
We’ll stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and thunderous noise, as millions of litres of water tumble over the Falls into a series of narrow gorges below.
The seventh Natural Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and you’ll be privileged to have watched it.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
There you are, sitting up high on the back of a massive, placid elephant, with the world and wildlife at your feet! It’s an extraordinary way to view nature, for the surrounding wildlife is entirely unafraid, contrary to their reaction to the normal human presence.
After a short safety briefing and introduction, you’ll be introduced to the elephants and their handlers. Each elephant carries a single handler, and no more than two guests.
You set off on these gentle creatures through the bush, crossing a shallow river to arrive on a small island.
Here, you dismount, and are encouraged to interact with the elephants, while the knowledgeable guides share their knowledge with you. It’s an extraordinary experience communicating, if you like, with the elephants, being up so close to one. Savour every moment
Overnight at Ilala Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 19, 06 OCT’12 VICTORIA FALLS / CHOBE B
Enjoy breakfast this morning before your transfer to Chobe.
Chobe National Park Tented Safari Fully Inclusive
Along the Chobe riverfront the terrain is that of a typical riverine ecosystem.
Away from the river we have mixed miombo and broadleaved woodland that harbours rich avifauna.
Northern Chobe is famous for its huge elephant & buffalo herds, puku, kudu, Chobe bushbuck and hippo as well as diverse bird life.
One could also hope to see: lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, impala.
Your 2N stay will be in large walk in tents, with en suite bathroom/shower facilities. Upon arrival back from the evening game drives, upon request, the camp staff will prepare warm hot showers for you.
As well each tent will have a wash stand one for each person outside each tent - filled with hot water every morning and on request
In the morning you will be met by the Africa team in Kasane/Kazungula border @ 11am to begin your mobile safari.
You will meet your guide who will thendrive you into Kasane for your private 3 hour Chobe River cruise with packed lunch between 12.30-3.30pm.
After the cruise your guide will drive you into Chobe National Park in your 4x4 open vehicle. If you want, you will have a chance to shop for the additional drinks for your safari before going into Chobe.
You will arrive in camp in the evening after your game drive and a sundowner near the Chobe river.
Your meal this evening will be under the stars.
DAY 20, 07 OCT’12 CHOBE
Today there will be an early wake up call followed by a light continental breakfast
before you leave in a morning game drive to track animals large and small.
You will return to camp, depending on what you find, for a light lunch/brunch about 10.30am.
After this you can relax in camp for a short time before heading off again about 12 midday to game drive out to Kasane for your 2nd boat cruise between 1-4pm.
After the boat cruise you will have a game drive back to camp for a hot bush shower and a meal under the stars in the evening.
DAY 21, 08 OCT’12 CHOBE / DEPART
Transfer by road back to Kasane/Kazungula border for your onward travel arrangements.
Part of the journey back out of the park, will be your last game drive.
Drop off 10AM.
You will be transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport in time for your onward flight.
You will then pick up your International flight home from Johannesburg this evening.
Your memories filled with lifelong experiences of the African bush, its people, and its places.
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