Great Trans African Lodge Safari
From only R 40,420 |
per person sharing | |
| Travel between | 15-Jan-2012 and 15-Dec-2012 | |
| Book before | 07-Dec-2012 | |
| Duration | 21 Days | |
| Reference | AMZ707 | |
Our lodge style safari starts and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe running through Namibia and Botswana. You will experience the diverse cultural, wildlife and scenery of Southern Africa, while staying in comfortable lodges. Experience the splendour of untouched Africa by joining an unforgettable safari.
This diverse safari has every aspect an adventurous world traveler would be looking for; wildlife, culture, bush, pictorial cities, local markets, amazing coast and beach scenery. These African memories will last you a lifetime!
Highlights:
Caprivi Strip Wildlife, Cultural experience at Rundu, Etosha National Park, Himba Tribes, Damaraland, Desert Elephants, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Waterberg, Bushman Land, Okavango Delta, Khwai River , Magkadigkadi Pans, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls.
Group Size: maximum 10 people
Type of Safari: Non-participation Lodge Safari
Accommodation: During 20 nights of your safari, you will stay in mid-range Lodges, Chalets and Tented Lodges. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. Most accommodation options have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
Day 1: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure, there is plenty of optional activities to choose from (own expense).
Accommodation: Amadeus Garden Guest House or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 2: Victoria Falls to Camp Kwando, Namibia
Our tour starts in Victoria Falls from where we make our way to Camp Kwando after crossing the Zambezi River and entering Namibia. In the early afternoon we will arrive at our Camp, located on the Kwando River. Before dinner at the Lodge we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive in the Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland. [BLD]
Accommodation: Camp Kwando or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 3: Rundu and N’kwazi Lodge, Namibia
Our journey continues west as we drive along the Caprivi Strip to the town of Rundu. We make our way to N’Kwazi Lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon at our Lodge on the banks of the Kavango River overlooking Angola. Optional activities such as horse riding or a sunset cruise are available; alternatively just relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of mother nature. Optional traditional dancing in the evening. [BL]
Accommodation: n’Kwazi Lodge or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 4: Cultural Experience in Rundu, Namibia
Today you have the opportunity to experience the Namibian culture. After breakfast we head out to visit a local church or school in Rundu, the closest town to our Lodge. In the afternoon you will have more time for optional activities you missed the day before or to enjoy another relaxing afternoon by the pool. [BL]
Accommodation: n’Kwazi Lodge or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Days 5 & 6: Etosha National Park, Namibia
After breakfast we leave our Lodge and make our way further west into Namibia and onto Etosha National Park. We spend two nights in the park, where our days are spent on game drives in the hopes of spotting the big five as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous different types of Antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood lit waterholes encountering the parks various nocturnal animals as they drink. [BLD,BLD]
Accommodation: Namutoni and Okaukuejo or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 7: Etosha to Kamanjab & Khorixas, Namibia
We leave Etosha National Park through the Main Gate and drive to Kamanjab, which is the gateway to Damaraland. We visit a Himba village, before heading to see the bushman paintings and etchings in the area. We also make a visit to the Petrified Forest, and the Organ Pipes, which are famous landmarks deep in the heart of Damaraland. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khorixas Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and restaurant)
Days 8 & 9: Damaraland to Swakopmund, Namibia
Today we head to Damaraland to see the bushman paintings and etchings in the area. We also make a visit to the Petrified Forest, and the Organ Pipes, before continuing south west out of the dry interior of Namibia to the German town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast. The next day is yours to spend at your leisure either exploring this quaint town or participating in some of many optional activities. [BL,B]
Accommodation: A la Mer or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 10: Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia
An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to Sesriem in the Namib Desert, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world.
On the way there we will make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned apple crumble – only served without cream! (Own account) Once we reach our lodge we enjoy a relaxing evening under the countless stars. [BLD]
Accommodation: Hammerstein or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 11: Sossusvlei and Windhoek, Namibia
This morning we wake up really early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. These red sand dunes, which can reach a height of more than 300m, are absolutely spectacular and provide a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck there may even be water in the vlei (lake). After enjoying breakfast inside the park with the dunes as our backdrop we make our way to the capital city of Windhoek. Dinner can be enjoyed in one of the numerous restaurants in the city (own expense). [BL]
Accommodation: Vondelhof Guest House or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & restaurant)
Day 12: Waterberg Plateau, Namibia
Today we leave Namibia’s capital behind us and drive to the Waterberg Plateau Park close to Otjiwarongo. On arrival we go for short hike in the reserve to view the wildlife on the plateau. The plateau was first envisaged as a reserve for eland, Africa’s largest species of antelope. In 1972 it was proclaimed a reserve and has since become a sanctuary for several rare animals. [BLD]
Accommodation: Waterberg Camp or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 13: Grootfontein, Namibia
Departing from the Waterberg we drive deep into Bushmanland and on to Roy’s Rest Camp an ideal stopover to northern Namibia. Why not stretch your legs on one of the walking trails the camp has to offer, for bird and game watching. [BLD]
Accommodation: Roy’s Rest Camp or similar (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)
Day 14: Bushmanland – walking with the bushman, Namibia
Today we will take a guided visit to a local bushman community and get to see them partaking in their daily activities, such as cooking, making crafts, preparing hides, making hunting equipment such as quivers or arrows or preparing medicine. A walk is taken in the vicinity of the village with the hunters to search for honey, springhare or bush food.
We will then continue East onto Tsumkwe and our accommodation for the night. [BLD]
Accommodation: Tsumkwe Lodge or similar (twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)
Day 15 Maun, Botswana
We leave bushmanland and travel to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. [BL]
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)
Day 16: Khwai River, Botswana
After breakfast we will be picked up by our local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in close proximity to the famous Khwai River. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant area)
Day 17: Khwai River, Botswana
Today will be spent in the Khwai area. We will embark on an early morning game drive and in the afternoon we enjoy a sunset game drive, hopefully spotting the variety of animals that frequent the region. Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and its exceptional location makes it a regular host to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs. Birdlife is also abundant with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. [BLD]
Accommodation: Khwai Bedouin Camp or similar (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant area).
Day 18: Planet Baobab, Botswana
We leave the bush behind and travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans; once a large river fed lake the pans are now saline and empty. This afternoon we take a relaxed stroll to the elephant hole learning about the flora and fauna in the area before returning to the lodge for a braai (barbeque) dinner. [BLD]
Accommodation: Planet Baobab or similar (traditional huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 19: Kasane & Chobe National Park, Botswana
Today we drive up north to Chobe National Park. We stop at one of the Magkadigkadi Pans to have a closer look. After appreciating the wide-open, uninhabited spaces under the endless canopy of blue sky, we make our way to the final stop of the day, Chobe Safari Lodge. The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. In the afternoon we go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the wildlife and the spectacular sunset. [BLD]
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant)
Day 20: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Continuing our trip we leave Botswana and drive back to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guide will take you on a tour of the might Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many activities on offer. [BL]
Accommodation: Amadeus Garden Guest House or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 21: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures. [B]
Included
- All transport in fully fitted 4x4 safari vehicle
- 20 nights fixed accommodation in lodges
- Resorts and tented camp
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Experienced local guide
Excluded
- All international flights, airport and departure taxes (subject to daily fluctuation)
- All optional excursions
- Any meals not mentioned
- All items of a personal nature
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visas where applicable
- Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
- Telephone calls
- Curio shop purchases
- All drinks
- Gratuities
- Local charges of R600
Conditions:
- Prices valid for SADC residents only. Kindly contact us for international rates.
- Prices are per person sharing, and subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability.
- Valid for dates specified.
- Other peak season surcharges may apply
- Operator terms & conditions apply.
Botswana
Botswana is one of the few destinations in Africa that provides a brilliant sense of the adventure of safari. Its expansive game parks and preserves, while offering wildlife as diverse and abundant as that found anywhere else, are still largely undeveloped and untamed. The country enjoys a high standard of economic stability, education and health care, which, with the exception of South Africa, is unequalled elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the north-west, the Okavango River flows in from the highlands of Angola and soaks into the sands, forming the 15,000 sq. km network of water channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world a bit smaller than Isreal or half of Switzerland. While the Okavango Delta is home to relatively few large game animals in comparison to other areas of Botswana, its clear waters and myriad small islands are home to an astounding variety of birds, plants, and smaller species of animals.
The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans - an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes. Nearby is Chobe National Park, a beautiful grassland reserve that has gained international fame for its abundant elephant population.
Almost the entire remaining portion of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert - a varied environment of sand, savanna, and grassland. Although this area of Botswana is only sparsely inhabited by humans, it is one of the richest wildlife regions in all of Africa. Botswana's two largest parks, the Central Kalahari Game reserve and Gemsbok National Park, are found in this region.
Botswana Demographic
Culture:
It is largely the culture of the Batswana that has dominated that of other minority groups. This is particularly evident with regard to cattle ownership. Cattle, the traditional Tswana source of wealth and status, are now desired by most, if not all groups of people in Botswana.
Recent years have seen the introduction of western culture in the form of western business, technology, consumer goods, tourism and the media. There is a rather circuitous route, which all this takes to get to Botswana. South Africa, heavily influenced by America, Europe and Japan, acquires the latest goods and media items from these countries first; Botswana, in turn, imports nearly all commodities from South Africa. Botswana can well afford to buy in such goods, but personal wealth on the scale that exists for the elite few in Botswana is a new phenomenon.
Life in the urban areas has been most affected by western culture and increasing modernity. In the rural areas many traditions persist and ways of life differ from region to region. Some of the more obvious physical aspects of the different cultures have disappeared (such as traditional clothing, arts and crafts, most ritual ceremonies and some tools and utensils). Others remain important, however, such as cattle ownership, music and dance and the consultation of traditional healers.
Shopping:
Indigenous crafts, newly introduced crafts or western art forms can be purchased in curio, craft, gift shops and malls in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane and at safari camps in the Okavango and Chobe regions.
Botswana's best-known leather factory is located in Pilane, near Mochudi (see maps). High quality sandals, bags and cases are made, and marketed in the major towns. Ostrich and buffalo skin items are imported from neighbouring southern African countries and sold in the curio and craft shops around the country.
Tourism and tourists' fascination with the Bushmen have brought a revival of sorts to traditional Bushmen crafts. Bushmen now produce and sell hunting sets, fire-making sticks, beaded jewellery and belts, leather items and musical instruments. Authentic ostrich eggshell beadwork is still made, and the contrast of the creamy white beads on the brown and black leather string makes for very attractive items indeed.
There are many local artists - both citizens and expatriates. Paintings are sold in local curio shops, or may be displayed in the Gaborone or Francistown malls, but most artists prefer to stage exhibitions in the National Museum, or at their private homes.
Money:
Botswana's unit of currency is the Pula (P), which is divided into 100 Thebe (t). The word 'Pula' means rain and 'thebe' means shield.
Bank notes: P10, 20, 50 and 100
Coins: 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5.
Major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club, are accepted widely. Most hotels and lodges accept foreign currency or travellers' cheques.
Transport:
By Air:
The national carrier, Air Botswana, operates scheduled domestic flights from Gaborone to several destinations, including Francistown, Maun, Kasane, while numerous other carriers operate services to the capital and private operators maintain links to a variety of tourist destinations. The air charter industry is well developed in Botswana, offering flights to the national airport network as well as private destinations. Maun Airport, which serves a huge tourist market, is one of the busiest in southern Africa.
By Road:
All Botswanass population centres are connected by highways and very good tarmac roads. Other areas are being developed and road-tarring projects are moving ahead at a record pace. Off main routes, the roads range from good, high-speed gravel to deep, rutted sand.
There is a number of passenger transport companies in Botswana which offer services throughout the country. Daily routes include from Gaborone to: Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Serowe, Francistown, Ghanzi, Tshabong, Hukuntsi, Orapa, Lobatse, Maun, Kasane, Ramotswa, and other routes.
By Rail:
Botswana Railways operates a good passenger rail service, with a variety of passenger accommodation from luxury private sleeper compartments on the overnight train to the modern well-serviced economy class on the day train. All coach classes are air conditioned and served with dining facilities, running water and toilets.
By Taxi:
All vehicles licensed to carry passengers can be easily identified by their number plates, which have blue backgrounds. Taxis carry up to 5 passengers at a time. If however you would prefer not to share a taxi with other passengers, at an additional fee, this can be arranged with the taxi driver.
Health Requirements:
Botswana has endemic malarial areas particularly in northern Botswana during the warmer months from November to June. It's a good idea to consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to entering Botswana and to take every precaution advised.
Bilharzia is an ever-present threat in many African streams and rivers. To avoid contracting Bilharzia one should stay out of the water. The disease is easily cured and cannot be caught by drinking untreated water.
Even though tap water is thought to be safe to drink in Botswana's urban areas, drinking bottled water is always advised.
Botswana Visa requirements
| Nationality | Requires Visa |
| American | No |
| British | No |
| European Union | No |
| South African | No |
Should your nationality not be listed above, kindly contact our dedicated consultants for assistance.
Botswana Weather
Summer days are hot, especially in the weeks that precede the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 38°C mark and higher, reaching a blistering 44°C on rare occasions. Winters are clear-skied and bone-dry, the air seductively warm during the daylight hours but, because there is no cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings. Sometimes bitterly so - frost is common and small quantities of water can freeze.
The summer rainy season runs (November - March), and 20 inches of total accumulation is the norm. Rainfall in the Kalahari Desert is very light and significant rain during other times of the year is rare.