Day 1:            A’Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)            

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking and trips to the Chobe National Park.

Overnight: A’Zambezi River Lodge   

A’Zambezi River Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Nearby points of interests include the Crocodile Farm, Kalundu Island and the David Livingston Statue. The accommodation features a selection of rooms and suites, which are equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, hairdryer and a safe. Guests may enjoy delicious meals at the on-site open-air restaurant and refreshing drinks at the hotel bar.

Activities

Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Zambezi Sunset Cruise is a superb way for guests to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. Guests have the opportunity to see a variety of game including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many different bird species. The cruise is a very popular activity with great opportunities for extraordinary pictures against the African sunset. The trip includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks.

Basis

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 2:            Kanga Camp, Mana Pools National Park       

Mana Pools National Park

Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its natural beauty and as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing areas. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as canoe trips which are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to take its pristine riverside forests. Other popular activities include: game drives, river cruises, nature walks, bird watching, catch-and-release fishing, and searching for dinosaur tracks.

Overnight: Kanga Camp       

Kanga Camp is situated in a private concession within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park. Infamous for their walking safaris, guests can experience Mana Pools rich vegetation and predator sightings which includes lion and the rare and endangered wild dog. The camp itself overlooks Kanga Pan which is an essential water supply for a multitude of different wildlife and bird species during the dry season. This means that the surrounding wildlife frequently visit the pans for a leisurely drink.

Six traditional canvas tents are placed on a raised wooden deck each with their own exclusive views overlooking the pan. The tents are elegantly designed with subtle wooden furnishings, floor-to-ceiling mesh netting and come with all the essential amenities.

During the rainy season, the pan overflows with water and for this reason Kanga Camp is only open from April till December. This time period offers an ultimate safari experience. And, because the camp is situated in a private concession there are no other safari vehicles. Activities and experiences include walking safaris, morning and afternoon game drives, the famous armchair safaris in the dry season, and a photographic hide for both amateur and professional photographers to enjoy

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Day 3:            Kanga Camp, Mana Pools National Park       

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Day 4:            Kanga Camp, Mana Pools National Park       

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Day 5:            A’Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)            

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

As previously described

Overnight: A’Zambezi River Lodge   

A’Zambezi River Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Nearby points of interests include the Crocodile Farm, Kalundu Island and the David Livingston Statue. The accommodation features a selection of rooms and suites, which are equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, hairdryer and a safe. Guests may enjoy delicious meals at the on-site open-air restaurant and refreshing drinks at the hotel bar.

Activities

Tour of the Falls Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls – Now In Its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year – Reaches Its Zenith In About May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight.

This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route, clients may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where they may stop and take photos. Clients will be accompanied through the Rainforest by one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

Basis

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 6:            Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane

Kasane

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge        

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on the doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi.

The close proximity to Victoria Falls International Airport, Livingstone International Airport and Kasane International Airport makes it easily accessible, with daily road transfers or charter flights connecting all these airports with Chobe Safari Lodge. The lodge has been recently renovated; matching a magical lodge experience to the spectacular game viewing.

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (excl Spirits) Included

Day 7:            Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane      

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (excl Spirits) Included

Day 8:            Rra Dinare, Okavango Delta     

Okavango Delta

Situated in the northwestern corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site as it is the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis featuring countless meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, as well as fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta stretches over 15000 square kilometres. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities such as game viewing, fishing, bird watching or taking an authentic guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe. Commonly spotted animals include: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird.

Overnight: Rra Dinare           

Adjacent to Moremi Game reserve on south eastern side of the Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River and its flood plains, the camps are located in a private concession of 67,000 acres and have been designed to embrace the natural surroundings of the riverine forest.

The airstrip which is servicing the two camps is approximately 20min by chartered flight from Maun and 1h20min from Kasane. The camps are situated 45min game drive from the airstrip.

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Day 9:            Rra Dinare, Okavango Delta     

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included

Day 10:          Moremi Crossing, Moremi Game Reserve   

Moremi Game Reserve

Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, and the varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. This diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.

Overnight: Moremi Crossing

Moremi Crossing is a new 16 tented camp built on a palm fringed island surrounded by the Moremi’s game-rich seasonal floodplains and overlooking Chief’s Island. Moremi Crossing will be a new style safari camp combining luxury with simplicity. This is a 100% eco-friendly development featuring the latest in solar and waste disposal technology.

Accommodation consists of 16 en suite and spacious tents on raised decks, each with their own veranda. We have both a Family Tent and a Honeymoon Tent.

The Okavango is an immense river that never meets the sea. Instead, its crystal clear waters spread across the Kalahari Desert, forming Africa ‘s largest wetland wonder. The Delta is an abundant oasis amid the vast plains and pans of the desert that covers most of Southern Africa . Its waterways are a mesh of meandering and intercepting channels, creating a haven for Africa ‘s most celebrated wildlife.

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activitie

Day 11:          Moremi Crossing, Moremi Game Reserve   

Activities

Basis

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Day 12:          A’Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

As previously described

Overnight: A’Zambezi River Lodge   

A’Zambezi River Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Nearby points of interests include the Crocodile Farm, Kalundu Island and the David Livingston Statue. The accommodation features a selection of rooms and suites, which are equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, hairdryer and a safe. Guests may enjoy delicious meals at the on-site open-air restaurant and refreshing drinks at the hotel bar.

Activities

The Boma Restaurant

The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a “must do” Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience, specializing in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts.

On arrival, you are dressed in a chitenge (traditional sarong) and welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere in which the tantalizing aromas of local dishes and game meat on the braai (barbecue) fill the restaurant, which is partially open to the star-filled African sky.

Your meal begins with a mouth-watering platter of starters whilst the buffet includes soup from the campfire, a range of salads, game meat cooked on a braai (barbecue), followed by desserts.  Vegetarian options are also available, as well as local dishes such as peanut butter spinach
.
You can also look forward to outstanding performances by traditional singers and dancers, and enjoy an energizing interactive drumming show. A face painter, storyteller, hair braider and fortune teller also form part of this festive evening.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Day 13:          End of Itinerary

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

ZIMBABWE

Victoria Falls

3 nts in batches accommodation, breakfast, dinner, sunset cruise, guided tour of the falls, helicopter flight of angels 15 minutes, all park fees, all ground transportation

Manapools National Park

3 nts Accommodation, all meals, beverages, laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance (Personal Travel Insurance still required), return shared road transfers from Dandawa Airstrip, National Parks Fees, 2 shared activities per full day

BOTSWANA

All Intercamp flights start Vic Falls finish Vic Falls as per package description.

Fully inclusive rate of all Accommodation, Bed Levy, Activities, Meals, Beverages, Laundry, Park fees.

2nts Chobe Safari/Bush Lodge incl. all Accommodation, Bed Levy, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Local Beverages, Laundry, 2Game Drives, 2Boat Cruises, 3days park fee.

2nts Dinare Camp inc  Accommodation with all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). All activities. Daily laundry. Emergency medical evacuation cover (all guests must have their own travel and health insurance). Meet & greet in and out of Kasane airport when being transferred with Moremi Air

2nts Moremi Crossing inc Accommodation with all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). All activities. Daily laundry. Emergency medical evacuation cover (all guests must have their own travel and health insurance). Meet & greet in and out of Maun airport when being transferred with Moremi Air

Passenger departure taxes in Botswana.

Flights booked on Seat Rate basis (between 10:00am-3:30pm with up to 3 stops en-route). Camp meals fitting in accordingly

Excluded

ZIMBABWE

Victoria Falls

Meals not specified, optional tours, laundry, items of personal nature, departure tax US$15.00 per person 

Manapools National Park

Imported drinks and private transfers

BOTSWANA

Private vehicle hire for game viewing

Price

Cost per person sharing for the whole package US$11,564.00

Cost per single occupancy for the whole package US$14,220.00

Introduction

Transport

Flight Information

Transfers

 BOTSWANA

Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains scattered with scrubland. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Botswana’s currency is Pula (which means ‘rain’ in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means ‘shield’ in Setswana). Travellers’ cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels. 

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and accepted by some estabishments – but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied). 

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foregin exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash. 

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4×4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages. 

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps. 

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water – it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are the local staples.

A discretionary 5 to 10% tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Climate and Weather

Botswana’s climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It’s now very much ‘peak season’ for most safari areas: the land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October’s heat, whilst sometimes it’s cooled by the first rains; it’s always an interesting month.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, longsleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoesor gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the “Type M ” South African SABS1661 (“Large” 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The “Type M ” South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the “Type D ” Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. 

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.

ZIMBABWE

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Zimbabwe uses its own unit of currency, the Zimbabwe Dollar.  No other currency is accepted. Do not plan on being able to use cash machines in Zimbabwe to draw money. Before leaving home please exchange all the money that you will need for your trip. Most of this should be in 1, 5, 10 and 20 denominations because change is not always available. In an emergency you can try Barclays Bank, Stanbic Bank or Standard Chartered Bank as they will infrequently accept foreign debit cards for withdrawing cash.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. 

Only VISA and MasterCard are accepted in Zimbabwe, however it should be noted that very limited facilities will have credit card machines, and the connection is not always reliable so it is advisable to carry cash as back up.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps. 

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. 

If you are driving yourself around Zimbabwe, be sure to check on fuel availability in advance. If you are covering long distances within the country, ensure you carry extra fuel in 5 or 10lt metal containers in case of emergency. Fuel is generally available, but supply can fluctuate. Fuel is only available for cash.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Zimbabwe’s native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns. There are a number of South African shopping chains operating in Zimbabwe which will generally have all that you will need.

Water in the main towns is usually purified.. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Climate and Weather

In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January,February and March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. Zimbabwe’s higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lower-lying western ones.

By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the ‘peak season’– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.

Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe’s lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you’ll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe’s wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.

November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season’s first rainfalls – and in this respect it’s a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season. 

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year-round. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking. 

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable. 

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.