This fantastic tour could not have been better planned or conducted. - JOHN WRIGHT, THE BRISBANE COURIER MAIL
This really was the trip of a lifetime, made extra special by the numerous unique experiences which went way beyond the usual tourist itinerary. - JESS HURT, THE ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
A passionately and brilliantly orchestrated tour through some of the world's most intriguing places. - JAMES JEFFREY, THE AUSTRALIAN
Truly one of the greatest trips of my life. - CATRIONA ROWNTREE, GETAWAY
Tour Date: 16 Sep 2013 - 04 Oct 2013 Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,597.00
An African safari is undoubtedly an experience not to be missed and our tour takes us into Hwange National Park, home to a great number of elephants. A short drive then takes us to one of the seven natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls - the largest curtain of falling water on earth. It's then a short hop to Botswana and the magical land of the Okavango Delta. Here we explore a labyrinth of water channels, rich in amazing and diverse wildlife. Finally, we head to the vibrant city of Cape Town, which nestles under the great Table Mountain. A fantastic tour that will excite anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
16/09/2013 Australia - Johannesburg
Zebras
Fly from your preferred capital city to Perth to connect with our Aerolineas flight to Johannesburg
Depart Perth South African Airways 281, 23.50
17/09/2013 Johannesburg - Victoria Falls (BLD)
Arrive Johannesburg 05.45
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Depart Johannesburg South African Air SA 40, 09.30 Arrive Victoria Falls 11.15
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Tel: 0011-263
18/09/2013 Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park (BLD)
The Hide
This morning we transfer to Hwange National Park, driving past villages teeming with African life. Our accommodation for the next three nights is at The Hide, a wonderful resort with its own waterhole where elephants, giraffes and zebras come to drink.
At the park's entrance we transfer to open 4WD vehicles for our drive to The Hide, which is within Hwange National Park itself..
The Hide Hwange National Park Tel: 0011-263-11-610982 Fax: 602380
19/09/2013 Hwange National Park (BLD)
Painted Dog
Hwange National Park is famous for its large numbers of elephants - in excess of 30,000 - plus buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable, eland, impala, baboons, lions, the occasional leopard and exotic birdlife.
20/09/2013 Hwange National Park (BLD)
Giraffe drinking at The Hide
Late-night game viewing can be equally as exciting and there will be opportunities for late-night game drives by spotlight to see nocturnal small cats and mammals. In addition, at our lodge there are two fully enclosed hides to view animals from just a few metres away ... you can almost reach out and touch them.
21/09/2013 Hwange - Victoria Falls (BLD)
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel is one of the great colonial properties in Africa. Built in 1905, it still retains much of its Edwardian charm. Relax in the comfort of the Bulawayo Room or on the terrace overlooking the famous bridge and the falls themselves.
The Victoria Falls are certainly one of the wonders of the world and we have the chance to view them by air and on foot. At nearly two km wide and 100m deep, they form the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
Victoria Falls Hotel 2 Mallett Drive Victoria Falls Tel: 263 13 44751 Fax: 263 13 44762
22/09/2013 Victoria Falls (BLD)
Victoria Falls from the air
Early this morning we have a chance to "walk with the lions" as an optional tour. This lion encounter is an opportunity to interact with 2 or 3 cubs for up to an hour and a half. The lions are unrestrained and roam free, as one joins them on a walk through riverine vegetation and African bush on the banks the Masuwe River.
23/09/2013 Victoria Falls (BLD)
Victoria Falls Hotel
Today is at leisure at Victoria Falls. A ten-minute walk brings us to the fascinating town where we can explore the huge markets offering a wonderful array of local produce as well as souvenirs.
24/09/2013 Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park (BLD)
Chobe National Park
This morning we travel by road to the fantastic Chobe National Park. Covering an area of 11,000 sq km, the park is renowned for its big game viewing by land and by boat on the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its diverse concentration of wildlife including elephant, hippo, crocodile and lion.
After lunch we embark on an afternoon sunset cruise on the tranquil Chobe River where we see elephants bathing in the water. This place is also home to the beautiful malachite kingfisher.
Chobe Marina Lodge Chobe National Park Botswana Tel: 0011-267-625-2221 Fax: 2224
25/09/2013 Chobe National Park (BLD)
Impala
Another spectacular day in Africa begins with an early-morning game drive to try to find the lions and leopards after their overnight activity. Kudu, impala, puku and hippos will be plentiful as we drive along the river foreshore.
In the afternoon we have the choice of another delightful river cruise or a game drive in our open 4WD vehicles.
26/09/2013 Chobe - Xakanaka (BLD)
Watchful lion
This morning we take a private plane for a short flight to the Xakanaxa strip in the Okavango Delta. Xakanaxa is a wonderful camp on the banks of the River Khwai, on the edge of the magnificent Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Every tent has private facilities and its own terrace overlooking the water.
Our afternoon activity introduces us to a new environment: water based, with lots of lakes, birds and water antelope, such as reed buck and red lechwe.
Xakanaxa Lodge Okavango Delta Botswana
27/09/2013 Xakanaka (BLD)
Okavango Delta
We start the day with an early-morning game drive in the park. This afternoon our experienced 'polers' guide us through the maze of watery channels by mokoro (dug-out canoe) and on foot we explore the grassy islands, home to many animals. Each summer the rains in Angola flood the Okavango, forming an immense fan-shaped inland delta of lagoons and labyrinth channels, palm-graced islands and papyrus beds.
The annual floods into the Okavango begin between January and March, a gentle rather than spectacular process; the waters take several months to reach their southern extremity.
28/09/2013 Xakanaka (BLD)
Leopard at Xakanaxa Lodge
We have another magical day of game viewing in the Okavango Delta or, if we prefer, a day relaxing and taking in the surroundings of our exquisite camp.
29/09/2013 Xakanaka - Cape Town (BLD)
Table Mountain, Cape Town
This morning is at leisure until our flight to Capetown via Johannesburg.
Depart Maun Air Botswana BP 211, 14.50 Arrive Johannesburg 16.30
Depart Johannesburg South African Air SA363, 18.15 Arrive Capetown 20.25
On arrival in Cape Town we transfer to our hotel.
Southern Sun The Cullinan 1 Cullinan Street Cape Town 8001 Tel: 0011-27-21-415 4000 Fax: 4183559
30/09/2013 Cape Town (BLD)
Capetown
Affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town is South Africa's oldest and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is noted for its waterfronts, trendy restaurants and sun-soaked, sandy beaches. Its mix of races - African, European and Asian - makes it one of the most vibrant cities in the world. This morning we travel up majestic Table Mountain, which dominates the city and affords spectacular views from the summit. In the afternoon we continue exploring this eclectic city.
01/10/2013 Cape Town (BLD)
Cape Point
This morning we leave for a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a journey with incomparable scenery. We drive along the Atlantic seaboard, via Hout Bay and on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point.
We also visit Simon's Town, a settlement rich in history, character and atmosphere. This small town is well known for its marine life including whales, penguins and seals.
02/10/2013 Cape Town (BLD)
Cape Town waterfront
Further exploring the area of Capetown.
03/10/2013 Cape Town - Johannesburg - Perth (BL)
Cape Town waterfront
This morning is at leisure until our transfer to the airport for our homeward journey.
Depart Cape Town South African Air SA362, 17.50 Arrive Johannesburg 19.50
Depart Johannesburg South African Air, SA280, 22.30
04/10/2013 Arrive Australia
South African Airways
Arrive Perth 13.25
On arrival in Perth we connect to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
SEPTEMBER 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $13,597
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,500
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and South Africa (inc domestic from your preferred Capital city) * All flights in Africa * All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change) * All accommodation (twin share) * All ground transport in Africa * Meals as specified * All local guides * Travel Directors tour escort * All entrance fees in specified sightseeing * Visas and courier fees * All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance * Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
