DAY 1: THAMALAKANE RIVER LODGE, MAUN

Maun

Maun is the starting point for most expeditions into the Okavango Delta and as a result, has developed into a bustling metropolis that is considered Botswana’s tourism capital. Area attractions include boat cruises up and down the Thamalakane River or day trips in to Moremi Game Reserve.

Transfers

Date	Company	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 1	To Be Advised	Maun Airport [MUB]	Thamalakane River Lodge	To Be Advised	Transfer

Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge       

Thamalakane is ideally located an easy 20 minute drive from Maun en-route to the famous Moremi Game Reserve. The en-suite stone chalets overlook the Thamalakane river offering spectacular views. There is also a widely acclaimed restaurant serving a la carte and buffet meals. Relaxing at the poolside, bird-spotting and reading are favourite activities around the lodge.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Bed and Breakfast basis at Thamalakane River Lodge including 1 x Night Accommodation, breakfast and return airport transfers

Excluded

All meals, drinks and activities not specified

DAY 2 – 4: BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE, MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Moremi Game Reserve

The amazing foresight of Chief Moremi created one of the world’s most famous reserves, conserving part of the Okavango Delta and the plains to its east. The reserve covers more than 4871kms of pristine wilderness, and the varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and thick forest. This diversity supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, and 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 the Botswana national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offer visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.

Activities

Motorboat Safari

Village Life

Bird Watching

Mokoro Canoe Safari

Walking Safari

Barge Cruise

Motorboat Safari

Motorboat safaris up the Delta takes to closer to nature and far of areas not acceptable by foot or vehicle.

Village Life

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is positioned close to Xaxaba village. On request you may visit the village and you may be invited into a private home to experience aspects of their way of life. This is no tourist attraction, but a community of people who have adapted ancient traditions to modern times.

Bird Watching

Many people come to Belmond Eagle Island Lodge purely to experience its huge variety of birds. The 400 land and aquatic species drawn to the watery Okavango Delta make for unrivalled bird viewing.

Mokoro Canoe Safari

This traditional dugout canoe takes you gliding over shallow, clear waters past brilliant water lilies and papyrus grasses to areas inaccessible by boat.

Walking Safari

On a walking safari through the Delta you are totally enveloped in nature. You spot amazing things close-up: an insect, animal tracks, big game droppings, swarming termite mounds. These small, unexpected aspects of life often make the biggest impression. If a game drive is like reading a book: a walking safari is like actually becoming a character in that book.

Barge Cruise

Take a slow gently cruise down the Delta for sundowners, you might just see a Fish Eagle taking flight or pods of hippos in the distance through an African sunset.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 2	Thamalakane River Lodge	Maun Airport [MUB]	To Be Advised	Transfer

Flight Information

Date	Flight	Airline	Departure Airport	Time	Arrival Airport	Time
Day 2	Shared Charter	To Be Advised	Maun Airport [MUB]	To Be Advised	Belmond Eagle Island Lodge	To Be Advised

Overnight: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge   

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Africa’s ultimate water-focused safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is the ultimate luxury safari paradise. Nestled in Botswana’s lush Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland water systems, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge re-opens following a ten-month closure and almost total rebuild.

The changes add innovation and originality to the Okavango experience. Fresh new tented guest accommodation, dining areas and lounges reflect the region’s natural beauty and the adventures of early explorers. The lodge overlooks a lagoon that attracts a breathtaking variety of big game and exotic birds.

Explore the region by local canoe, roam on foot or take to the air in an exhilarating helicopter. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge offers more than just a safari, but also the adventure of a lifetime.

Basis

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

Included

Shared light aircraft transfer from Maun Airport to Eagle Island Lodge

Fully inclusive basis at Eagle Island Lodge including 3 x Nights accommodation, all meals, local drinks and in-house activities

*In-house activities include day and night game drives, mokoro safaris and guided walking safaris (subject to water levels). Optional extra activities include Helicopter flights and horse-riding at a surcharge

Excluded

Premium and imported drinks

DAY 5 – 7: BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE, SAVUTI – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Savuti – Chobe National Park

Savuti, also known as Savute lies in the heart of Botswana’s beautiful Chobe National Park. This dynamic wilderness is a sweeping expanse of savannah brooded over by several rocky outcrops which guard a relic marsh and the dry channel that was once its lifeline.

The Savute goes through wet and dry cycles, where wild dogs hunt in the dry river channel where crocodiles swam only twenty years ago. Visitors to this spectacular area can spot abundant wildlife including: a variety of birds, elephants, antelope, lion prides, black-backed jackal, bat-eared foxes, tsessebe, kudu, hyena, cheetah Cape buffalo herds, and thousands of migrating zebra and wildebeest.

Activities

Game Drives

Bird Watching

Bushmen Paintings and Baobab Trees

Star Gazing

Boma experience (place of eating)

Game Drives

Its dark outside as a cup of steaming coffee and a freshly-baked pastry is brought to your tent. The first rays of sun are sneaking over the horizon as you set out with your guide. As the light intensifies, the scent of wild sage perfumes the air.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives take you out and among Africa’s largest populations of elephants. Big cats are on the prowl, from leopards to lions. Depending on the season you will also experience the great migrations such as zebra and antelope. Rare sightings might include the endangered wild dog, rock-climbing klipspringers and the elegant roan antelope.

Equally atmospheric and exciting are evening drives, as the shadows lengthen and the sky turns red. Animals and birds emerge from their siesta, and suddenly the bush is alive with sights and sounds.

Game viewing vehicles sit up to only 6 guests, allowing all on board enjoying the wildlife from a window seat.

Bird Watching

It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has come a host of new bird species. Dry land birds such as bustards and secretary birds have suddenly been joined by more aquatic varieties. Simply sit out on your terrace and watch the show, especially at dawn and sunset, as they come to splash and drink right in front of your eyes.

Keen birders should also take note of the seasons. At certain times of year you may encounter annual migrations such as flocks of carmine bee-eaters on the move. Some ride on the backs of kori bustards—an amazing sight.

Bushmen Paintings and Baobab Trees

Out in the bush, where rocks rear up among stony hills you will find a collection of paintings that take your breath away. These works by Bushmen are thought to be more than 1,500 years old—beautiful images of elephant, giraffe, sable antelope and eland antelope. Normally these types of painting might be found hidden in caves, but here, unusually, they are out in the wide, open landscape. No-one knows what materials the Bushmen used, but the paint is thought to be a mixture of snake venom, blood and plant juices.

After viewing these paintings, continue to the amazing baobab grove—a cathedral-like cluster of 13 giant trees that rival the Bushmen’s paintings in age. Stand among these towering columns at sunset, as the evening light bathes them in a russet glow and wonder at this ancient land.

Star Gazing

The open skies around Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge make it the perfect place to experience the vast, dark dome of the African night sky. “A jewel box” is how one of our guides describes it, and certainly it is a wealth of riches from the Milky Way to Orion and Venus. Discover how Bushmen used the stars to locate the true south. And, using a powerful telescope, gaze on constellations that visitors from the northern hemisphere may never have seen before, including the Southern Cross.

Boma experience (place of eating)

A dining experience second to none in a traditional Boma, best translated as a traditional meeting place, where senior tribe/community members would get together for the “Kgotla” or meeting. Typically traditional food dishes would be served during or after these get-together in the Boma.

The Boma had two entrances, one more hidden than the other to ensure the safe passage of tribe elders or the chief should any threat arise. The Boma offers spectacular vistas of the African night skies, through the silhouettes of Camel Thorn trees and Acacia nigrescens, which have been incorporated into the design.

Dining in the Savute Boma will, without a doubt, bring you closer to nature within the heart of a true bush environment.

Flight Information

Date	Flight	Airline	Departure Airport	Time	Arrival Airport	Time
Day 5	Shared Charter	To Be Advised	Belmond Eagle Island Lodge	To Be Advised	Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge	To Be Advised

Overnight: Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge        

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge is located in the Chobe National Park – The Elephant Capital of the World. Perched on the banks of the Savute Channel, the lodge offers a spectacular birds eye view of elephants in their natural habitat.Savute is a bird lovers haven with over 250 bird species, and most native to this area. Offering two safari drives per day in different areas of the Savute area in which you may encounter a variety of predators.

Basis

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

Included

Shared light aircraft transfer from Eagle Island to Savute Elephant

Fully Inclusive Basis at Savute Elephant Camp including 3 x Nights accommodation, all meals, local drinks, park fees and in-house activities

In-house activities include day game drives and a visit to the San rock Paintings and ancient baobab trees

Excluded

Premium and imported drinks

DAY 8 – 9: CHOBE PRINCESS BY MANTIS, 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

Water-based game viewing

Fishing

Birding

Photo safaris

Cultural tours

Water-based game viewing

Staying on board one of the Chobe Princesses is like being on a permanent game viewing vehicle, but with a much higher comfort factor. Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.

Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season.

Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.

The Chobe is known as a photographer’s paradise and for good reason. The soft early morning light and the sunsets at dusk, combined with striking animal behaviour, make for dramatic and unusual photo opportunities. Before your game viewing excursion, remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. You should also bring along a jacket for the chillier temperatures in the early mornings and evenings.

Enjoy the ultimate in game viewing safari decadence as you sip on a drink and cruise along the river in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Fishing

No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari where if you’re lucky, you may even catch a tiger fish. One of the greatest fighting fish in the world, the tiger fish is the most sought after prize of these waters and is known for its ferocious spirit. It’s not all about tiger fish though. You may also hook one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore over 100 kms of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, as well as the winding Kasai Channel and thrilling Chobe and Mambova rapids.

We offer both conventional equipment as well as flyfishing equipment for our fishing safaris, because we know that the area is renowned worldwide for its flyfishing. We supply rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in our rate.

Because of our unique location, we offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods starting in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. Our highly knowledgeable guides, the tackle and bait we supply as well as well stocked cooler boxes make fishing in Africa an experience to remember. Land an eight pounder or more and earn bragging rights for years to come, as you enjoy a fishing trip that’s second to none.

Birding

With over 450 species, a mix of terrains and a dramatic African backdrop, the Chobe River is the perfect setting for a highly rewarding bird watching safari. Birding season starts in September, when the first migrants arrive, boosting the bird population sometimes by 20% compared to the winter months. From December through to March birdlife on the Chobe is extremely busy and the colourful breeding plumage on display is an extraordinary sight.

Experienced birders and even eager amateurs will delight in spotting distinct birds such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African fin foot, either through their binoculars or with the naked eye. Having access to your own knowledgeable guide and tender boat lets you spend many hours on your birding safari also viewing cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater. The slow drift of the tender boat means that you won’t disturb the peaceful silence and can also get up close to the birds and observe their fascinating behavior.

Sit patiently and absorb the beauty around you and soon you’ll be rewarded with a unique sighting that you’ll want to photograph. Because you’ll have access to the Chobe National Park and the Caprivi wetlands, you’ll get exposure to a wide variety of species you may have never seen before. The distinct sounds of the call of an African fish eagle mingling with the grunt of hippos will stay with you long after your Chobe River bird watching safari is over.

Photo safaris

Uninterrupted access to wild animals. Absolute silence. Golden light. The Chobe River is an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of the wildlife photographers’ hotspots in Africa. To help you capture that perfect moment, our custom-designed photographic safari boats are available on request and cater for 6 clients in individual photographic seats.

The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Every seat is equipped with a mounting for resting SLR cameras of all types and you’ll get your own experienced safari guide who’ll help you find that perfect shot.

Bring your own photographic equipment as we don’t supply this – the optimal lens to bring is an 80 – 400mm zoom. Because this is a water-based safari, you’ll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment, being able to view the animals in the Chobe National Park surrounded by that magical golden light Africa is renowned for. Tea and coffee will be offered in the morning during the winter months and soft drinks, local beers and wines will be served in the afternoon. Light snacks are also served during your excursion, providing you with a photographic experience that’s also about pure comfort.

Departure times are early morning and late afternoon and the safari takes three hours. Please let us know at the time of booking your holiday if you’d like to use our customised photographic safari boat. Capture your stay with breathtaking photos of the unique African landscape and the wild animals that surround you.

Cultural tours

One of the best ways to learn more about a country is to experience its culture. A village tour while on board the Zambezi Queen will take you by tender boat to a local Namibian village called Ijambwe, situated on the floodplains of the East Caprivi. Meet village elders and locals and gain a greater understanding of how the inhabitants of this 100-year old village live, including their daily challenges and traditions.

Wear a large sun hat and apply sun lotion, bring a bottle of water with you and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll start by taking a slow, non-strenuous but sandy stroll through the village as you snap a few photographs and meet the Headman of the village as well as his children. The men of the village either fish to provide meals for their families, while the women and younger children perform the chores and produce handmade crafts.

Pick up a woven basket, beaded jewellery or a carved wooden animal as a memento from your trip – sales of these crafts empower village inhabitants by helping them earn a living. If you want to give the children of the village gifts, bring along school stationery, books or clothing – all will be highly appreciated. Finally, enjoy a display of traditional dancing and singing at the end and join in the fun!

Guests can also go on a walking tour to a 2000-year-old baobab tree where you’ll learn more about the medicinal and spiritual value of Impalila Island’s flora. For our more adventurous guests, if you have the inclination to climb the tree, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the meeting place of two rivers and four countries.

Internal Flight Information

Date	Flight	Airline	Departure Airport	Time	Arrival Airport	Time
Day  8	Shared Charter	To Be Advised	Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge	To Be Advised	Chobe Princess By Mantis	To Be Advised

Overnight: Chobe Princess By Mantis       

The Chobe Princess Safariboats provide you with the perfect opportunity to take pleasure in the wildlife and birdlife of the Chobe National Park. Each Safariboat has four large double/twin cabins, beautifully decorated with the focal feature being the large sliding window that gives you your own personal view of the changing landscapes before you.

The cabins also have an en-suite bathroom, each tastefully fitted with a modern shower, toilet and hand basin. Climbing the staircase that connects the accommodation deck to the entertainment deck you will have access to a spacious lounge and bar area that encourages you to take time-out and simply enjoy the view.

This deck also has a relaxed open-air dining area where guests can enjoy superb meals prepared by a skilful chef in the full-size on board kitchen.

Basis

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

Included

Shared light aircraft transfer from Savute Elephant Camp to Kasane Airport for pick up by Chobe Princess (road + boat cross – border transfer)

Fully Inclusive Basis at Chobe Princess including 2 x Nights accommodation, all meals, local drinks, park fees and in-house activities

In-house activites include game viewing from tender boats and houseboat and an optional tour to a local village

Excluded

Premium and imported drinks

DAY 10 – 12: 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

The Bushtracks Express

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
Afternoon 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

Bushtracks Express

The Bushtracks Express in Zimbabwe is the ultimate pre-dinner experience going back in time to the age of Steam train travel. The rejuvenated train jaunts onto the famous Victoria Falls Bridge which was built by Cecil Rhodes in 1905. He wanted a crossing “at the point where the spray from the falls would fall on the train carriages crossing the bridge.”

Elegance and opulence marked the age of the steam train. Beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages have been lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos rail. The carriages marry vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance.

Transfers

Date	Company	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 10	To Be Advised	Chobe Princess By Mantis	Victoria Falls Hotel	To Be Advised	Shared 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

Shared cross-border road/ boat transfer from Chobe Princess to Victoria Falls Hotel

Bed and breakfast basis at Victoria Falls Hotel including 3 x Nights accommodation, breakfast and 1 x high tea.

Activities booked with us include a PRIVATE tour of the falls (including entrance fee) and a dinner experience on the bush tracks express including dinner canapés

Excluded

All meals, drinks and activities not specified

DAY 13: END OF ITINERARY

Transfers

Date	Company	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
Day 13		Victoria Falls Hotel	Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]		Transfer

Basis

Breakfast

Included

Shared road transfer from Victoria Falls Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport

End of Safari

 

Included

• Bed & Breakfast Basis at Thamalakane River Lodge
• Fully Inclusive Basis at Eagle Island Lodge
• Fully Inclusive Basis at Savute Elephant Lodge
• Fully Inclusive Basis at Chobe Princesses
• Bed & Breakfast Basis at Vic Falls Hotel including 1x high-tea
• National Park Vehicle & 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
• Entrance Fee to Victoria Falls (US$30 pp)
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Personal medical and travel insurance
• Private transfers / activities / charters (unless otherwise stated)