For your personalised itinerary please call 020 7060
6747
For your personalised itinerary please call 020 7060
6747
|
Day |
Activity |
Accommodation |
|
Day 1 |
Catch your direct overnight flight
from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. |
Overnight flight |
|
Day 2 |
Arrive and transfer to your flight
to Maun, Botswana. On arrival catch
your light aircraft to chiefs Camp |
Chiefs Camp, Moremi Game Reserve,
Chiefs island, Botswana |
|
Day 3 |
On safari |
Chiefs Camp, Moremi Game Reserve,
Chiefs island, Botswana |
|
Day 4 |
On safari |
Chiefs Camp, Moremi Game Reserve,
Chiefs island, Botswana |
|
Day 5 |
Flight to Baines Camp at Midday |
Baines Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana |
|
Day 6 |
Elephant experience and game drives |
Baines Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana |
|
Day 7 |
Flight to Kasane and transfer to
Chobe Chilwero |
Ichobezi Houseboat, Zambezi River, Chobe Area,
Botswana |
|
Day 8 |
At Leisure – Game viewing and
Fishing |
Ichobezi Houseboat, Zambezi River, Chobe Area,
Botswana |
|
Day 9 |
Road transfer from Kasane to
Tongabezi. |
Tongabezi, Victoria Falls – Livingstone, Zambia |
|
Day 10 |
Activities to be decided |
Tongabezi, Victoria Falls – Livingstone, Zambia |
|
Day 11 |
Activities to be decided |
Tongabezi, Victoria Falls – Livingstone, Zambia |
|
Day 12 |
Transfer to the Livingstone airport
for your midday flight back to Johannesburg and onto London Heathrow |
Overnight flight |
Day 1
Catch your overnight flight from
London Heathrow to Johannesburg direct.
Flight details: TBA
Day 2
On
arrival in Johannesburg you will clear immigration and make your to check in
for your flight to Maun, Botswana. On arrival
you will be met and transferred to a light aircraft (6 to 12 seater Cessna) for
your flight into the Okavango Delta.
Day 2 –
Day 5
3 nights at
Chiefs Camp, Chiefs Island in the Mombo concession on a fully inclusive basis
(all meals, teas, snacks, local drinks and all game drives)
Chief's Camp is a luxury bush lodge situated on Chief's
Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in
Botswana. In this "predator capital of Africa", wild dog, lion,
cheetah and leopard abound, and guests enjoy exceptional opportunities to
interact with this amazing environment. Recently, white rhino have been
introduced to this concession, making it the only place in Botswana where these
magnificent animals can be seen in their natural habitat.
Chief's Camp has been so skilfully integrated into the
landscape that guests can often view game without even leaving camp. Shaded
from the heat of the day by a beautiful grove of jackal berry trees, Chief's
Camp is so remote you'll feel like the only humans for miles and miles.
Twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions are
designed for ultimate privacy and comfort, and to offer you a front row seat
for this rich and rewarding African adventure. Each features an en suite
bathroom and private game viewing deck. The main lodge complex houses the
dining area, curio shop, library and reception area. There is an exquisite
swimming pool and a range of spa treatments are offered by our resident beauty
therapist in a poolside treatment sala from May to October each year.
Game viewing opportunities include daily excursions in open
four-wheel-drive vehicles. Expert guides are always on hand to offer a wealth
of wildlife knowledge, to help you make the most of these rare and wonderful
opportunities.
For
a sneak preview and more images of Chiefs Camp click here...
to escape to verdict: Chiefs camp has
a modern day colonial feel to it without the stuffiness and bow tied
waiters. The tents are well furnished
and don’t lack for anything. The food is excellent and the service faultless. Chiefs camp adds a touch of true luxury to a
safari experience in Botswana. The Game
viewing is TRULY phenomenal in the Mombo concession areas and predators are
extremely plentiful. Mokoro trips can only be done when the water is high
enough (generally June to October) Game Drives are done year round.
Day 5
You will transferred by
light aircraft to Baines Camp.
Day 5 – Day 7
2 nights at Baines Camp, bordering the Mombo concession on a
fully inclusive basis (all meals, teas, snacks, local drinks and all game
drives)
Set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta,
the small and intimate Baines' Camp features five luxurious suites set on
elevated platforms in the tree line. Wooden decks offer expansive views over
the permanent water of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with life.
The elevated suites feature a spacious bedroom, with softly
draped fabrics adding the romantic touch of a bygone era. The four-poster beds
are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies.
Avid astronomers will delight in stargazing from the privacy of their own deck.
This exclusive lodge is named after the famed nineteenth
century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines. The main area 
features an oversize deck for outdoor dining and views over
the permanent water of the lagoon, as well as a swimming pool for refreshing
sunbathing.
This area, situated on a private concession neighbouring the
Moremi, is superb for viewing all animal and bird species. Guests may explore
by land and water, often into the night to discover nocturnal species. The
permanent water of the camp will reveal a world of floating safaris,
atmospherically silent at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro, or faster in a
comfortable shaded motorboat. (Subject to water levels.) A myriad of waterways,
feathery beds of papyrus, and animal species, large and small, are waiting to
be discovered. Sometimes there is no better way to tune into the bush than on
foot, and walking safaris is a speciality at Baines', with skilled, armed
guides introducing the area's natural wonders.
The choice of activities will not end there. The unique and
educational elephant interaction is available to guests at Baines'. Spend a
morning closely observing a group of semi-habituated African elephants as you
walk with them in their natural environment.
This activity is at an
additional cost and should be pre-booked. ($290 to $360pp)
More about the Elephant Activity
As part of a unique learning adventure, visitors accompany
our semi-habituated herd on daily foraging treks. Immersed in elephant
life, warm bonds of kinship grow from a newly found appreciation of these
gentle giants. Please note that no riding is offered. The main objective
is to initiate a relationship between the guests and elephants.
Duration: 4 hours in the morning culminating in a picnic lunch in the
bush. Maximum number of guests: 10
on an activity.
The activity encompasses a leisurely paced walk with a trio
of semi-habituated elephants, becoming personally acquainted with them,
observing and interacting with them and a picnic lunch in their company.
Currently,
Grey Matters, Doug and Sandi Groves’ Botswana-based company, supports the
elephant trio: Jabu, Thembi and Morula. You are invited to discover the
elephants, from the bristled ends of their long tails to the tip of their
powerful yet sensitive trunks. Marvel at their big ears, thoughtful eyes and
enormous padded feet. Trace the textures of their skin and the silken polish of
their ivory. Explore the astonishing bonds of kinship forged over more than a
decade between the elephants and their guardians in a wilderness of mesmerizing beauty. A delicate blink of Morula’s long lashes reveals her sensitive yet powerful
personality. Jabu takes you, trunk in hand, with his bold and generous
nature and together you slowly uncover the age-old secrets of the African
elephant and the mysteries of the surrounding wilderness. Thembi, cute,
boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your
understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level. “If I learned
anything from my time among the elephants, it is the extent to which we are
kin. The warmth of their families makes me feel warm. Their capacity for
delight makes me feel joy. Their ability to learn and understand things is a
continuing revelation.” It is this continuum between people and elephant that
Chadwick writes about so
eloquently in his book “The Fate of the Elephant”.
Day 7
Transfer by light aircraft to Kasane Airport. You will be met on arrival and transferred to
The Icbhobezi houseboat.
Day 7 – Day 9
2 nights on the Ichobezi Luxury Safari boat, on a fully inclusive basis
The majestic
Ichobezi is a newly built, state of the art luxury safari boat operating on
both the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. At 18 metres long and boasting four twin
en-suite cabins for guest use - all decorated in tasteful African style and
with sliding doors opening onto the water - this unique boat offers the guest
comfort, space and versatility. The elevated entertainment deck provides the
guest with open dining, socialising and game viewing space. Scrumptious
brunches and dinners are served in a relaxed atmosphere on this level. At the
front of the entertainment deck guests can enjoy elevated views of the
surrounds while bathing at the plunge pool.
Activities:
Game
viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park is a
remarkable
experience - where huge herds of elephants
come down to drink together with an extensive array of other game such as
buffalo, giraffe, leopard, lion, kudu, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, impala and
baboons. The evening boat trip provides the guest with the unforgettable
experience of witnessing a true African sunset, while being surrounded by herds
of elephant and sipping on a cold sundowner.
Fishing: The
major fishing attraction is Tigerfish. Our excellent guides are internationally
known for their success in landing a Tiger, especially when flyfishing. We also
target Barbel (catfish) which measure up to 15 kgs.
Bird watching is
a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species and a combination of water
birds and woodland birds on the island.
Excursions by Mokoros (dugout
canoes) drift into the small islands which exist in the Chobe River and form
part of the rapid system. The experienced polers are also knowledgeable in all
the various bird species to be found during the trip. (This activity is
influenced by river conditions)
Guided walks can
be arranged on Impalila Island and on the Namibian mainland. These are very
interesting as there is a varied ecology and the villages offer an insight into
traditional African life. From the top of an ancient Baobab tree on Impalila
Island one can view the meeting place of the four countries – Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Namibia and Botswana.
Sunset Cruises: Ask
the crew to pack a cooler for you before departing by tenderboat to experience
the splendour of an African sunset.
To escape to verdict:
The houseboat is something truly unique and an
experience you won’t forget easily. Cruising down the Zambezi River into Chobe
National Park, with the largest elephant population in Botswana, guarantees you
incredible game viewing. There are only 4 suites on board as well as a chef and
crew of 2 people ensuring that the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly at all
times. All rooms have huge sliding windows that open up completely allowing you
to game view from the comfort of your bed if you prefer!
Day 9
Drop off back at Kasane were you will be met on
arrival and from here you will transfer by road to Tongabezi. This will take approximately 1.5 hours. Please note immigration will need to be
cleared in Botswana as well as Zambia – the actual border crossing is in a
motorised speedboat across the Zambezi river – please note this part of Africa
is 3rd World. You will be
accompanied at all times by your guide.
Day 9 – Day
12
3 nights in a House at Tongabezi, on a fully inclusive basis
(all meals, soft drinks and house wine,
activities as specified)
Tongabezi is a wonderful lodge with a beautiful setting on a
wide bend of the Zambezi River. Choose to simply to relax at the lodge or make
the most of the wealth of activities that will keep you busy for several days.
Inclusive activities are sunrise and sunset boating, a guided walking tour of
the Zambian side of the Falls, fishing, a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya Game
Park (home to Zambia's only white
rhino), guided museum tours, a visit to the colourful markets and 
Mukuni village which is home to the Tokaleya people.
Romantics may enjoy a private candlelit dinner whilst floating under the stars
on the Zambezi.
The Houses: The four houses are made and furnished with
local materials and designed to complement and enhance the natural
surroundings, whilst creating a feeling of intimacy and privacy. Each is
unique and will pamper to your most romantic of moods.
Please
click here for more images of the houses at Tongabezi…
Activities included:
·
Sunrise and Sunset
boating: These cruises are one of the best ways to experience the mighty
Zambezi
·
Guided Walking: Explore
Victoria Falls and the Gorge with your personal guide
·
Fishing: A wonderful way
to explore the river and perhaps you will be lucky enough to land a fish
·
Game Drives
·
Victoria Falls: An
unforgettable trip to the Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world
·
Canoeing: The guides will
accompany you on an exploration of the Zambezi waterways
·
Island Lunch: Take a boat
to a nearby deserted island for a luxurious three course meal
·
San Pan: Enjoy a private
candle lit dinner whilst floating under the stars
·
Accompanied tours to
Livingstone taking in the museum and town markets.
To escape to
verdict: Tongabezi
offers excellent value for the money.
For the traveller who is looking for a slightly different experience,
Tongabezi will provide a rather unique style of accommodation as well as a range
of interesting included activities. The
staff are friendly and helpful, going out of their way to ensure you have a
lovely stay.
Activities in and around Victoria Falls
Visit to Livingstone Island: This includes
a snack as well an optional swim in the rock pools on the edge of the falls!
Georgie and Keri did this on their recent trip to Zambia and advise that it
isn’t for the faint hearted. Ask to see the pictures!
White water rafting:
Comprehensive guidelines on white-water rafting in the Victoria Falls' Batoka
Gorge. Includes details on all of the rafting options from the one day trips to
multi-day expeditions plus descriptions of the individual rapids and the
Zambezi Report for an update on current river conditions.
River
Boarding: Pioneered by SafPar with Jon Imhoof in 1996, the
sport involves "surfing" the rapids on body boards accompanied by a
qualified River Guide.
Bungee Jumps: Until recently, the highest
commercial bungee jump in the world - 111 metres worth of pure adrenaline from
the Victoria Falls bridge
Helicopter Flips: Short flips
over the Falls or down the Batoka Gorge
Micro Light Flights: An open
cockpit offers a unique way to do game viewing upstream of Victoria Falls over
Mosi-oa Tunya National Park or alternatively obtain an aerial perspective of
the rapids through the Batoka Gorge
Aerial options: Other
options include the "Flight of the Angels" in a Cessna and a
perspective of Victoria Falls in a tethered balloon.
Elephant Back Trails: Morning or
afternoon interactions and rides with elephants.
Horse Trails: A selection of short horse
trails for novice riders plus multi-day safaris for experienced riders
Zambezi River Cruises: Breakfast,
lunchtime and sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi from the Zambezi Waterfront
Walking with Lions: The “walking
with lions” encounter is an opportunity to interact with 2 or 3 cubs for up to
an hour and a half during a single session. The lions are unrestrained and roam
free as you join them on a walk through riverine vegetation and African bush on
the banks of the Masuwe River.
For full details go to the following
website: www.safpar.com
Day
12
Transfer to Livingstone airport for
your flight to Johannesburg and onward to London Heathrow.
PRICING: HIGH SEASON June to August
Example Total cost per person: £5200 (based on 2
people sharing)
Price includes:
·
3 nights at Chiefs Camp, Chiefs Island in the Mombo
concession on a
·
fully inclusive basis (all meals, teas, snacks, local
drinks and all game
·
drives)
·
2 nights at Baines Camp, bordering the Mombo
concession on a fully
·
inclusive basis (all meals, teas, snacks, local drinks
and all game
·
drives)
·
2 nights on the Ichobezi Luxury Safari boat, on a
fully inclusive basis
·
(all meals, teas, snacks, local drinks and activities)
·
3 nights in the Tree House at Tongabezi on a fully inclusive
basis (all meals, teas, snacks, local drinks and 2 activities per day)
·
Transfers
o
Kasane to Ichobezi houseboat return
o
Kasane to Tongabezi
o
Tongabezi to Livingstone airport
·
Flights
o
London Heathrow to Johannesburg return
o
Johannesburg to Maun
o
Maun to Chiefs
o
Chiefs to Baines
o
Baines to Kasane
o
Livingstone to Johannesburg
The Low season cost per person is approximately: £3700
Price does not include:
·
Spending Money – we have first hand knowledge of
eating, drinking
and shopping in your chosen
destination and are happy to advise on that.
·
Car rental costs – if you are renting a car please
also consider fuel, toll
roads and additional driver charges
·
Travel insurance – We advise you to take
out fully comprehensive
travel
insurance (not included)
·
Visas – There may be additional visa costs
for some countries, please
enquire
at time of booking.
·
Tips – We recommend 10 – 15% in
restaurants and between £5 - £20
a day for
accommodation (depending on the quality of the property
and
service you receive)
·
Airline surcharges – increasingly airlines
are adding surcharges to
their
fares due to additional fuel charges. In most cases we absorb
these
costs however in extreme circumstances (surcharges of £30 or
more)
these charges will be passed on to you.
NB How to get the best from your quote:
We have put this itinerary together based on what you
have told us you are
looking for from your holiday. It is our
interpretation and is in no way set in
stone. You can depart on any day of the week, stay for
shorter or longer
periods, add new properties, flights, car hire or
transfers. Most importantly, if
the accommodation we have chosen doesn't look right,
there are loads of
other options. So if you want to change anything we
would be happy to do so,
just
let us know - we want to ensure we put together the ideal holiday for you.
