DAY 1 – 3: VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL, VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Activities

Tour of the Falls Zimbabwe

Lunch at The Lookout Cafe

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour

The Boma Restaurant

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.

Departures: Daily

Minimum / Maximum participants

Minimum: N.A

Maximum: Unlimited

Departure Times:

Morning between 08h00 and 08h30 from hotels and B&B’s in Victoria Falls Town
Morning between 13h20 and 13h45 from hotels and B&B’s in Victoria Falls Town

Duration:  2hours

Age Restrictions:

Minimum age: * Child Policies are available upon request

Maximum age:  N.A

Language: English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Transfers: Included

Victoria Falls – The Falls

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is breathtaking and not surprisingly a World Heritage Site. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Unlike other waterfalls Victoria Falls has a natural catwalk across from the falls which provides for spectacular viewing.

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour

Observe the riverine forest from a variety of different vantage points – from above, below and within the canopy itself. Experience forest birdlife, which can include the Knysna and Purple crested Turaco (Lourie) and Peregrine Falcons. The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour offers a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the canopy of the hardwood forest of the Zambezi gorges.This experience is suitable to adventure seekers of all ages including families and groups. This is family fun with a unique birds-eye view of one the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Canopy Tour consists of nine slides, varying in length and 1 cable bridge walkway. The longest slide is about 85 metres long and the shortest 40metres in length. Our friendly and experienced staff will give you a detailed safety briefing before the canopy tour, taking you step by step through your upcoming adventure. There are two guides on each tour and the activity lasts for between two to two and a half hours.

Departures: As booked. There is no set time for this activity.

Minimum / Maximum participants

Minimum: 1

Maximum: N.A

Departure Times: As Booked

Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours.

Age Restrictions:

Minimum age: There is no age limit on these activities; however, at management’s discretion children may be required to travel in a double harness with an adult. Parents or guardians of any child under 16 must be present and available to sign an indemnity on the child’s behalf. Management retain the right to turn a child away at their own discretion should they feel the child is not able to cope with the experience in any way.

Maximum age: There is no maximum age limit.

Language: English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

The Boma Restaurant

Described as an unforgettable African experience infused with Zimbabwean cuisine, spirited performances and traditional storytelling, The Boma – Place of Eating has firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls highlight. Partially open to the skies, The Boma specialises in a superb selection of Zimbabwean dishes. A four-course meal combines a choice of starters with a barbecue buffet.

The adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as mopani worms and potjiekos (hunter’s game stew), whilst those wishing to enjoy beef, pork, fish and chicken or a variety of vegetarian meals are welcome to do so. The sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by a feast of nightly entertainment, incorporating traditional dancers, who captivate guests with their vibrant songs and dance.

The acclaimed Zambezi Drumbeat provides a wonderful interactive drumming experience.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 1	Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]	Victoria Falls Hotel	To Be Advised	Private Transfer

Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel       

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as ‘the grand old lady of the Falls’, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a World Heritage Site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. One of only 2 ISO-accredited hotels in Zimbabwe.

The Edwardian-style 5-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with modern conveniences. Set in lush tropical gardens providing tranquility and seclusion. World-class service and food and beverage options available.

The Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, the Jungle Junction for breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment, and Stanley’s Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge. The newly launched Stables Signature Lounge offers exclusive value offerings with personal touch and world class service.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

• Private road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls Hotel
• Bed and Breakfast Basis at Victoria Falls Hotel including the following add-ons for Stable Wing rooms:
• Personalized service of an exceptional nature
• Pre-dinner canapé service in the room
• Private check-in in the Stables lounge
• Complimentary Cocktail, mini bar, massage voucher
• Complimentary afternoon tea served between 15h00 – 17h00

Excluded

All, meals, drinks, transfers and activities not specified

DAY 4 – 5: CHOBE GAME LODGE, CHOBE RIVER FRONT

Chobe River Front

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.

Activities

Chobe Game Lodge game viewing

Chobe Game Lodge birding experience

Chobe Game Lodge boat cruises

Eco Tours

Chobe Game Lodge Game Drives

Owing to the location of Chobe Game Lodge inside the Chobe National Park, early-morning game drives set off as soon as the park opens, giving you the best chance of tracking predators while they are still active. The afternoon drives depart the lodge in the late afternoon (the exact time is dependent on the season), only returning at park closure time after sunset, thus maximising the time you spend out in the park to enjoy those special sightings.

The drives follow the course of the Chobe River as your experienced guide interprets the bush signs and tracks in search of the resident wildlife. Elephant encounters are common and huge herds of buffalo abound. The ever-present impala and the majestic giraffe are both common residents, while sightings of the puku antelope are also on offer. Predators are plentiful in the northern region of the Chobe National Park, and excellent sightings of lion, wild dog and leopard are to be had.

The Chobe Game Lodge vehicles are open 4WD game viewers redesigned to make your trip comfortable and your viewing experience astonishing. Included in the fleet are several silent, CO2 emission-free electric vehicles designed to further enhance your Chobe safari.

Chobe Game Lodge Birding Experience

Birding is spectacular with Schalows turaco, barred owlet and white-browed coucal resident in the gardens as well as rosythroated longclaw, western-banded snake-eagle and hooded vulture among a few of the 450 species of the Chobe region.

Chobe Game Lodge River Safaris

No Chobe safari is complete without experiencing the beauty of the Chobe River and its incredible wildlife by boat.

The riverboats are specifically designed to ensure each passenger can take in the magnificent Chobe views in complete comfort from anywhere on the boat. Owing to the flexibility in seating arrangements and the flat deck, the boats are ideal for keen wildlife photographers, with ample space for equipment and the freedom to photograph from any angle.

Unlike any other water-based activity in Botswana, the game viewing while on a river safari in Chobe is unsurpassed anywhere in Botswana. Elephants line the water’s edge, hippo congregate in lagoons, hundreds of antelope and giraffe make their way to the water and sightings of predators along the river banks are common.

All of the boats at Chobe Game Lodge are solar electric solar-powered safari boats – a clean and quiet way to enjoy a boat safari and another first for tourism in Africa.

Transfers

Date	Company	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 4	To Be Advised	Victoria Falls Hotel	Chobe Game Lodge	To Be Advised	Private Transfer

Overnight: Chobe Game Lodge      

Chobe Game Lodge is one of those iconic African properties which tie into the unique combination of location, luxury and elegance. It is the only permanent lodge within the boundaries of Chobe National Park. Chobe Game Lodge was the first property in Botswana to introduce electric game viewing boats, vehicles and among the first lodges to be fully Eco-certified.

Chobe Game Lodge also boats a fully qualified and the only all-female guiding team in Africa. Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana’s premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base from which to explore the national park and the Chobe River. This 5-star lodge has full eco-grading by the Botswana Tourism Board. Chobe Game Lodge is designed as a haven of peace and privacy – where relaxation is effortless and you can enjoy your own space.

Chobe Game Lodge caters for travellers with disabilities.

Basis

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

Included

• Private road transfer from Vic Falls Hotel to Chobe Game Lodge
• Fully Inclusive basis at Chobe Game Lodge including all meals, local drinks, park fees and in-house activities
• In-house activities include Chobe River boating safaris, Chobe National Park game drives and eco tours.
• Interactive activities for kids

Excluded

Premium brand drinks

DAY 6 – 8: SELINDA EXPLORERS CAMP, SELINDA RESERVE

Selinda Reserve

This 320,00-acre reserve is in northern Botswana – west (upstream) from Savute Channel and Chobe National Park, and north of the expanding reaches of the greater Okavango Delta. This unique position gives it the advantages of both of these famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and varied landscape hosting a wide range of species in diverse habitats. It is particularly well-known for its African wild dog, large elephant herds and the rare roan and sable antelopes.

Activities

Game drives (day & night)

Canoeing

Guided Walks

Game drives (Day & Night)

Selinda Explorers Camp focuses primarily on the traditional safaris of walking and canoeing. Game drives are offered, both day and night, but are a supplement to other activities as opposed to the emphasis.

Your drives will be planned for you so that you get the most out of your stay. The best times to be out are from first light for the morning drive, and in the soft light in the afternoon continuing until after dark. These are the times when most of the action is likely to happen and the photographic light is at its best.

Please remember that the cars are open and it can be quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so take very warm clothing with you on your drives. There are lined ponchos provided in the vehicles if you get cold while out, so just ask your guide to show you where these are if you need them.

Canoeing

Canoeing the Selinda Spillway is one of the most unique experiences in southern Africa. The two person Canadian style canoes are situated in front of the camp for use at anytime. An ideal morning or afternoon trip would be to paddle down the spillway and to then walk back to camp, or be met by a vehicle for a game drive on your return. Canoeing is seasonal and dependent on water levels in the Selinda Spillway.

Guided Walks

One of the core activities at Explorers is to enjoy a guided walk. It’s also a huge benefit of staying within the conservancies. Walks allow you to appreciate the stunning landscape around us on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you.

Overnight: Selinda Explorers Camp           

Selinda Explorers Camp is located in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana on the banks of the Selinda Spillway. This authentic 4 tent camp draws on traditions of the classic East African safari with beautifully detailed campaign style furniture made from recycled hard woods, and soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East.

The custom-designed semi-permanent tents consist of two rooms plus verandah, as well as a private open air ‘bustani bathroom’ with hot water showers and flush loo. All tents are at ground level, including the main lounge and dining area. The atmosphere of the camp is one of bush elegance with relaxed bohemian style, complemented by attentive staff, private professional service and fabulous food.

Camp sits in prime predator habitat, in a location, which we handpicked based on exploring this area for years. Lion, leopard and cheetah and the recently discovered Explorers Pack of African wild dog hunt these parts regularly. Giraffe, buffalo, roan and sable are possible sightings.

At the peak of the dry season in late September, the Selinda Reserve has been documented to hold up to 9,000 elephants. There is phenomenal bird life along the Spillway’s banks for those looking for some ‘lifers’.

Basis

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

Included

Road transfer to Kasane Airport

Shared light aircraft transfer from Kasane Airport to Selinda for Selinda Explorers Camp

Fully Inclusive Basis at Selinda Explorers Camp including all meals, local drinks and in-house activities

In-house activities include morning and afternoon game drives to suit, canoeing safaris and guided nature walks

Excluded

Premium branded drinks

DAY 9 – 11: andBEYOND XARANNA OKAVANGO DELTA CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA

Okavango Delta

Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife. Unique as one of the world’s few inland deltas, the placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species.

The Okavango Delta offers a number of activities for the visitor; game viewing, birding and fishing are all on offer. One can experience this magical world of islands and waterways from land, air and water.

Highlights include the elusive Sitatunga antelope which has found refuge in this pristine wetland ecosystem, while birds such as the African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl and many others provide a spectacular display.

Activities

Game Drives

Mokoro

Motorized Boat Excursions

Fishing

Game Drives

Game viewing in the Okavango Delta is remote and secluded, with very few vehicles sharing the private concession. Sensitive off-road driving practices allow our guests to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Afternoon drives continue after night, allowing for an opportunity to see the many animals that are more active at night, including leopard and serval.

Lion frequently hunt at night and there is always a chance of coming upon them feeding on a kill. andBeyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting, getting to know the habits of the animals.

They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

Seasonal Mokoro

The Okavango Delta is well known for its Mokoro rides. These are boating trips through the maze like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. As mokoros are not motorized, they allow you to glide silently through the channels.

You will see many animals that feed on the grass and reeds on the palm islands such as lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, hippo and crocodile.

(Seasonal – dependent on water levels)

Seasonal motorized boat excursions

Game viewing is also offered in motorized boats. These trips allow you to cover more ground and to see more of the landscape. Boating is offered seasonally depending on the water levels in the Okavango Delta.

(Seasonal – dependent on water levels)

Seasonal Fishing

Try your hand at catching the fierce tiger fish, or Tilapia in the Okavango Delta. Not all water based camps in the Okavango allow fishing, but some camps do allow fishing on a catch and release basis. Most of the fishing however takes place in the Panhandle region where the Okavango River enters the Delta.

Seasonal activity

Overnight: andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

A maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife, Botswana’s Okavango Delta lies like a sparkling jewel at the heart of the Kalahari Desert.

Known as the river that never finds the sea, the Delta’s crystal-clear channels spread over the thirstlands of the Kalahari with their papyrus-fringed banks and fertile floating islands.

Adapted for a life in and out of water, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga are found in this watery wilderness. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo.

Hippo inhabit the deeper channels and lagoons, while honey badgers can be seen in broad daylight. Tall termite mounds are homes for families of dwarf and banded mongoose.

Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides explore the delicate details of the glistening waterways, where iridescent dragonflies, frogs of every colour and jewel-like kingfishers live in the papyrus-lined banks. andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp enjoys luxurious solitude on its own Delta island within a 272 000 hectare (672 125 acre) exclusive wildlife concession.

Taking its inspiration from the water lily, Xaranna is a delightful camp with just nine ensuite safari tents that combine canvas and bleached timber. The overall atmosphere of the camp is cool, light and airy, in keeping with the gentle beauty of its environment.

The safari tents are organic in design and are delicately decorated in shade of khaki and soft lily pink. Each tent boasts a romantic outdoor sala, private plunge pool, indoor bathtub and al fresco shower.

The guest areas are all carefully positioned to maximize the sweeping views out across the channels, with classic Delta tree-line silhouettes.

The camp celebrates Botswana’s iconography, with humorous design touches used throughout. The intimate guest sitting area boasts a spacious reading area, perfect for afternoon relaxation. The elevated dining area features shady verandas with mesmerizing views leading out onto an open-air boma where exotic candlelit dinners are served beneath the stars. A fully-stocked Safari Shop offers chic outdoor gear, African art and jewellery.

Basis

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

Included

Shared light aircraft transfer from Selinda Explorers Camp to Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

Fully Inclusive Basis at Xaranna including all meals, local drinks and in-house activities

In-house activities include day and night game-drives; guided bush walks; bird watching; mokoro and fishing trips; motorised boat excursions

Spa and massages at extra cost

Excluded

Premium branded drinks

DAY 12: END OF ITINERARY

Basis

Breakfast

Included

Shared light aircraft transfer from Xaranna to Maun Airport to connect your international flight back home. ***End of Safari***

Included

Bed & Breakfast Basis at Victoria Falls Hotel including Stable Wing Add-ons

Fully Inclusive Basis at Selinda Explorers Camp

Fully Inclusive Basis at Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

National Park Entrance Fees where stated

Intercamp air / road transfers where stated on a seat rate basis

Excluded

International / regional flights

Visas

Premium brand drinks at FI lodges

Additional meals, drinks, park fees & activities not specified

Gratuities and items of a personal nature

Personal medical and travel insurance

Private transfers / activities / charters (unless otherwise stated)