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Cheetah peers from tree

Botswana - Call of the Wild
- Voyager Collection -
12 days, US $3,395 - US $4,995 per person
(This safari departs upon request, seasonal price is based on two people traveling and excludes international airfare, includes internal flights)

Visit: Maun, Moremi, Okavango Delta, Linyanti / Savuti, Chobe, and Victoria Falls

Highlights: all inclusive, high quality tented camps and lodges, transfers by boat and air, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, Okavango Delta excursions in traditional dug out mokoros or by boat, excellent wildlife and birding, Chobe River boat cruise, mountain biking, a visit to a remote village and a guided tour of Victoria Falls

For years we have been looking for several high quality yet mid priced lodges and permanent tented camps in Botswana that we could combine into one great safari itinerary. Finally we are able to do this. Travelers will enjoy the "Africa of old" at small permanent tented camps - each having rooms with proper beds and en suite shower and toilet. The guides, service and open 4x4 vehicles are of the same standard as at premier series safari camps and lodges - only the accommodations are simpler. There is no camping on this safari.

Full itinerary and trip details below:

DAYS 1, 2, 3 MOREMI / OKAVANGO DELTA From Maun you will fly by light aircraft (included) to Tubu Tree Camp. Tubu Tree Camp is a traditional style tented safari camp built on to raised wooden platforms to take best advantage of the beautiful view over the floodplains. The camp sleeps a maximum of 10 guests in 5 large and comfortable tents. Each tent has a private deck, en suite bathroom facilities (sink, shower and toilet) with hot and cold running water and private outdoor shower. The main dining and lounge areas consist of large tents built on raised platforms, with an outdoor pub area built under the canopy of a large marula tree.

A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting wildlife viewing, as well as spectacular birding. Wildlife seen here includes elephant, lion, zebra, red lechwe, giraffe, tsessebe, and wildebeest on the floodplains. Kudu, impala, leopard and bushbuck are also seen in the forested areas. During the winter months (May through September), the water levels rise and the floodplains become covered with water, permitting water activities. The variety of bird life is impressive with dry land species seen on the large islands and all the wetland birds seen on the floodplains and waterways. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles and professionally guided walks. During the winter months boating, fishing and mekoro (canoe) excursions are also offered. Guests may opt to spend a night sleeping out (on a remote island or on the floodplain) under the stars with a professional guide. MOREMI / OKAVANGO DELTA, Tubu Tree Camp, all inclusive

DAYS 4, 5 OKAVANGO DELTA On day 4 you will be transferred by boat to Jacana Camp. This is a full day transfer and includes a picnic lunch. Situated about 25 kilometers west of Mombo, outside the Moremi Game reserve on the Jao flats. Guests are accommodated in five meru-style tents. Each tent is built on a wooden deck overlooking the floodplains and has proper beds and an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and hot and cold shower. The main dining area has been built on an elevated wooden deck between two magnificent sycamore fig trees and is surrounded by dense wild date palms. Downstairs, there is a cozy pub and lounge where guests may enjoy sitting around an evening fire under the stars.

Jacana Camp offers guests an incredible Okavango Delta water experience! Activities include mekoro (canoe) excursions and professionally guided walking safaris. The camp is set in one of the most densely populated wetland areas for sitatunga and red lechwe. Wildlife concentrations depend on the flow of the water. All the big game can be found in the area - elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, however in limited numbers. Pels fishing owl is a favorite amongst birders as well as greater and lesser jacanas. OKAVANGO DELTA, Jacana Camp, all inclusive

DAYS 6, 7, 8 LINYANTI / SAVUTI On day 6 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Savute Tented Camp offering some of the best elephant viewing in all of Africa! Situated in the private Linyanti Concession along with Duma Tau, King's Pool, and Linyanti Camp, this small tented camp offers an incredible and exclusive African wildlife experience. Guests are accommodated in 7 large walk in tents each with en suite facilities. There is a small plunge pool. Activities center on day and night wildlife viewing drives and professionally guided walks. Adventurous guests may opt to spend the night sleeping in a remote elevated wildlife hide in the area - an unforgettable experience (maximum 4 guests)! LINYANTI / SAVUTI, Savute Tented Camp, all inclusive

DAYS 9, 10 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK Chobe National Park is Botswana's premier wildlife preserve. The park is home to Africa's largest elephant herds (over 50,000 strong), enormous buffalo herds, prides of lion, giraffe, numerous antelope species and along the river you may see puku, lechwe and of course hippo!

On day 9 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) from Linyanti Tented Camp to Kasane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Muchenje Lodge. Bordering the renowned Chobe National Park, the lodge is set on an escarpment edge and has been designed to take full advantage of breathtaking views over the Caprivi Strip. Guests are accommodated in 10 twin-bedded thatched chalets, all with en-suite facilities. Each is sited on the escarpment edge affording unique views from their private balconies. The thatched main lounge and dining area overlook a waterhole. The lodge's swimming pool, built amongst natural rock formations, takes full advantage of the African vista and provides a tranquil setting for you to relax during the heat of the day.

Muchenje Lodge offers the most diverse range of safari activities in the entire Chobe region. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, nature walks with an armed guide, mountain biking, a visit to the local village and school and Chobe River boat cruises. CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Muchenje Lodge, all inclusive

DAY 11 VICTORIA FALLS Today you will transfer by road and boat to the Zambezi Sun on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The Zambezi Sun reflects the richness and diversity of Zambia's heritage. The architecture was inspired by the timeless African tradition, and its unique styling will offer visitors the experience of truly being at the heart of Africa. The hotel has the feel of a walled city, centuries old. It is comprised of open, organic buildings in earthy colors with rambling clusters of rooms, punctuated by chimneys and towers. The 212 guest rooms are low-slung, open and airy. Each one spills out onto a cool landscaped pool area, while the restaurant and bar are focused around the central pool. The en-suite rooms have private balconies that welcome the morning sun. Outside, the earth colors are soothing and soft. Inside, the airy rooms are alive with ethnic reds, blues and oranges. Added amenities in the rooms include independent air-conditioning, satellite TV, fold-out couches, safe and telephone. The central reception area houses a family-friendly, high quality buffet restaurant, a pool bar and a lively alfresco grill and entertainment area. The Zambezi Sun is a place that captures the soul of Africa: simple, rustic, fun and welcoming. It's a place where friends and family can relax and enjoy Africa's greatest natural wonder in true African style.

After freshening up you will enjoy a guided tour of the world's largest waterfall. Known by the local name "Mosi Oa Tunya" or the smoke that thunders, the falls are a photographer's dream. The spray from the cascading water sustains a rainforest along the gorge’s edge and late afternoon regularly produces rainbows around the falls. Shy bushbuck and monkeys may be seen foraging along the paths. In the evening you will return to the Zambezi Sun. VICTORIA FALLS, Zambezi Sun, bed and breakfast

DAY 12 HOME Today you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport and board your onward flight.

 

Trip name: Botswana - Call of the Wild

Type of safari: Voyager Collection - High quality, all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with light aircraft transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs.

Trip length: 12 days

Trip cost: US $3,995 per person April through June 2004. US $4,995 per person July through October 2004. US $3,395 per person November 2004. US $1,500 single supplement if traveling with others April through October 2004. US $1,125 single supplement if traveling with others during November 2004. This safari does not operate January through March and November through December each year as several of the camps and lodges are closed. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal flights.

Air tickets: Click here to view airfares to Africa.

Extensions:

Victoria Falls - An extra night at the Zambezi Sun is US $100 per person bed and breakfast January through March 2004. Extra activities at the Falls include rafting the world's ultimate one day white water run through the Batoka Gorge - highly recommended (US $85 per person, includes lunch). Please inquire for other activities such as an 1/2 day elephant back safari, golf, helicopter or fixed wing flights over the Falls, bungee jump, microlight flight, traditional dance show, and more.

Jack's Camp, Kalahari - Spend two nights at Jack's Camp. Jack's Camp combines 1920's East African panache with scientific exploration of desert biology and adaptation, stone age archaeology, bushman anthropology and the unique geology of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Guests may observe the only natural wildlife migration that still occurs in southern Africa, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra that move south from Chobe and Moremi every year after the rains. Huge flocks of flamingoes mass here as well. In the dry season 4 wheel drive quad-bikes are used to explore deep into the dried out and desolate pans. Jack's Camp works closely with the UN recognized "First Peoples of the Kalahari" to provide a safari experience in the Central Kalahari that will allow close observation of both the wildlife and the unique way of life of the Bushmen, perhaps the only culture that has maintained a truly sustainable lifestyle in this very fragile ecosystem. US $1,125 per person February through March / US $1,315 per person April though June / US $1,500 July through October including roundtrip light aircraft transfers from Maun.

Gudigwa Village, Okavango Delta - Spend two nights at Gudigwa Camp experiencing the cultural richness of Botswana. Gudigwa  is a settlement of 800 San Bushman or "people of the dry country". The Gudigwa experience highlights the intimate connection between the Bukakhwe people's cultural heritage and the natural environment. Activities focus around various aspects of both traditional and modern life in Botswana. Walks will reveal the secrets of the bush and guests will learn about the medicinal uses of plants, discover where to find underground water, and will be given basic tips of how to survive off of nature's abundant resources. US $560 per person April through June 2004 and US $680 per person July through October 2004  including light aircraft transfers within the Okavango Delta.

Elephant Back Safari (Premier) - Enjoy 2 nights at Zimbabwe's renowned Elephant Camp. An intimate learning experience as you spend "a day in the life" of an African elephant. View wildlife within the Zambezi National Park from elephant back and if your lucky swim with these gentle giants! US $595 per person (January - March) and US $755 per person (April - December) including roundtrip transfer ex Victoria Falls.

Cape Town, South Africa (Premier/Platinum) - Enjoy 3 nights / 4 days in a luxury room at the Cape Grace Hotel - voted the world's best hotel in 1999 and 2000! This is one of the world's most beautiful cities and regions! Enjoy a private half day Cape Town city and Table Mountain tour, private full day Cape Peninsula tour with lunch, and private 1/2 day winelands tour with lunch at Roggeland Country House! This is living! US $1,495 per person (January through April). US $1,395 per person (May through August). US $1,595 per person (September through December). Includes accommodations in luxury room, private tours, all entrance fees, two lunches and private Cape Town airport transfers.

Cape Town, South Africa (Voyager) - Enjoy 3 nights / 4 days at the incredibly charming Welgelegen Guest House. This is one of the world's most beautiful cities and regions! Enjoy a half day Cape Town city and Table Mountain tour and a full day Cape Peninsula tour with lunch. US $575 per person (January through April) / US $475 per person (May through August). Includes accommodations, tours, one lunch, and Cape Town airport transfers.

When to travel: Wildlife viewing is best during the period April through October each year.

Departures: This safari departs upon request for one or more travelers. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs.

Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all good quality and comfortable. All of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water.

Age limits: The minimum age on this safari is 8. Children under the age of 8 are allowed if clients book out an entire camp (this does not apply to Victoria Falls where there is no minimum age) - as many of the lodges and camps in Botswana are very small (3 to 4 rooms) this is sometimes possible at little or no premium. There is no maximum age limit.

Guides: You will enjoy game drives and walks in the company of professionally licensed guides. Botswanan guides have had to endure many years of intense training, both academic and in the field. Your safety and comfort are their highest concerns. They are also trained and prepared to respond to medical emergencies.

Luggage: As small aircraft are used for several of the transfers between lodges and camps baggage is strictly limited to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted.

Trip price includes: all airport meet and greets and transfers to and from camps, lodges, hotels and airports (including light aircraft transfers from Maun to Tubu Tree Camp, from Jacana to Savute Tented Camp and from Savute Tented Camp to Kasane), all inclusive stays at Tubu, Jacana, Savute, and Muchenje Lodge, bed and breakfast at the Zambezi Sun, guided game viewing (in open vehicles, from canoe, by boat, and on foot), mountain biking and village visit at Muchenje Lodge, tour of Victoria Falls, Park's fees, MARS (Medical Air Rescue) coverage in Botswana and Zambia, most drinks, 10% Botswana VAT, and current Zambian taxes.

Trip price excludes: international and domestic flights (unless stated), airport taxes, entry visas, and all items of a personal nature i.e. extra activities at the Falls, trip insurance, tips and gratuities, some drinks, telephone calls.

Visas: American passport holders traveling as tourists DO NOT require an entry visa for Botswana. However an entry visa IS REQUIRED for Zambia. The cost of this visa will be paid by the River Club.

Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates.

Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants.

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