Kafue and Lower Zambezi 2016

Transcription

1 Kafue and Lower Zambezi 2016 A 16 day itinerary in Zambia taking in Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park Independence Freedom Discovery Exploration Adventure

2 A word from the team at Safari Drive: We want you to have a wonderful holiday. Getting it right from the start is very important to us and we want to provide the right trip for you. Self-drive safaris are certainly not for everybody and should definitely not be seen as a cheap safari option. Everyone is different and we need to be sure that you understand what you are getting yourselves into on your self-drive holiday, what situations can and may arise and what to expect as far as possible. You are going to be responsible for your own safety and that of your passengers. You are responsible for our vehicle and you will be making decisions all the time during your holiday that may have serious consequences. We try to be very honest about describing the conditions that you could face whilst on your holiday, we aim to manage your expectations as best we can. If you believe that our self-drive holidays are just what you are looking for then we look forward to discussing all the many options open to you and ultimately putting together your ideal trip. For further information on what is involved in a self-drive holiday, please do have a good read of our website, in particular the sections entitled About Safari Drive : and most importantly we encourage you to talk to us and ask us all of your questions no matter how big or small. Thank you!

3 Day 1 Day 2 Arrive Livingstone. Waterberry Lodge, Livingstone Upon arrival in Livingstone you will be met by staff from Waterberry, who will transfer you to the lodge, where you will spend your first two nights. Waterberry Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, amongst Mopane woodland, Waterberry Lodge is only 45 minutes from Livingstone town and Victoria Falls. With only seven chalets, some overlooking the river and others overlooking the Dam, each is secluded and has en-suite facilities. They serve delicious meals in the main lodge on the balcony, overlooking the river and the chef is very good, creating delicious salads and fresh food. Your hosts, Simon and Charmaine will look after you brilliantly and there is such a homely feeling around the lodge that you will feel very welcome. When walking around the lodge, you need to be very careful of hippo which will come through camp on a regular basis. In particular, the birds at Waterberry are stunning and many species can be spotted in the grounds of the lodge. You stay here on a full board basis including accommodation, meals, house wine and local drinks and one of the following activities per day: tour of Victoria Falls (excluding park fees), sunset cruise, daytime cruise, fishing, island picnics, guided village walk, guided tour of the town and local markets. Waterberry Lodge, Livingstone Early this morning after breakfast you will meet Kate Naidoo of Safari Drive Zambia for your briefing. You will be briefed on the vehicle, equipment, driving conditions, route and safety issues. Please expect this briefing to take at least two hours. You will also be asked to sign the safety affirmation form to confirm that you have read and understood all the contents of the Safari Drive Handbook. Following your briefing you will receive your essential driver training refresher course covering the basics of 4x4 driving, Land Rover differential lock and high and low range gear systems. This will cover the types of roads to expect on your journey over the next couple of weeks and will take around two hours.

4 You will be directed to the best places to buy your fresh food stocks and other items you may need before departing Livingstone and you can do this today. Afterwards you are free to enjoy the attractions of this town including a visit to the spectacular and truly unmissable Victoria Falls. Day 3 Day 4 Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp, Kafue National Park Set off on your self drive journey as you head to Kafue National Park. Nnzhila Plains is a new development on the site of the Old Nanzhila Rest Camp built in the late 1950s, located in the southern sector of the Kafue National Park. The lodge can accommodate up to twelve guests in three thatched cottages and three meru-style safari tents. All are spacious and tastefully decorated with en-suite facilities and are situated along the tree line, giving an unobstructed view of the Nangandwe pool, where animals come to drink. The main lodge is built around a huge Jackleberry Tree and the views from the main deck are spectacular. There is also an open air fire place, where guests can relax at night under the stars. You will stay here in a safari tent on a fully inclusive basis including guided activities and park entry fees. Average drive time 6 hours. Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp, Kafue National Park Enjoy the day going out on game drives, exploring this remote area with the help of Nanzhila s expert guides. Day 5 Day 6 Hippo Bay Campsite, Kafue National Park This morning you will head to the family run Konkamoya Lodge, which is situated on the banks of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the southern part of Kafue National Park. Due to its location, you can immerse yourself in incredible nature, enjoying frequent sightings of hippo, warthog, buffalo, and even lions and leopards. The terrain varies from lake to floor plains, and ancient teak forests to mopane woodlands. The campsite has hot running water for showers plus flush loos and hand basins. Here you will be camping in a pre-booked and paid for campsite. Average drive time 2-3 hours. Kasabushi Campsite, Kafue National Park Continue south through Kafue today on the spinal road. Kasabushi is a unique bush camp in the making. It s in a pristine, undiscovered area of central Kafue that has been out of bounds for many years. It is now open to be enjoyed and explored by those wanting to visit an area of Africa that

5 is untouched by the modern world. You will stay here in a pre-booked and paid for campsite. Average drive time Day 7 Kasabushi Campsite, Kafue National Park Enjoy a full day here. Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Mayukuyuku Camp, Kafue National Park Head north to this really great camp, situated about 8km from the Lusaka to Mongu Road on the banks of the gorgeous Kafue River, where you can sit and admire the stunning African sunset. Elephant often wander through the camp and hippos sometimes come up from the waters to graze in the moonlight. There are just four luxury en-suite permanent tents under their own thatched roofs and all have their own verandahs and hammocks, each overlooking the river. The camp offers boat cruises on the river, guided walking safaris with an armed scout and guide, or fishing on the banks of the Kafue. Patrick in particular is an excellent guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of birds. You will stay here on a full board basis excluding all drinks and park entry fees. Average drive time 3 hours via the spinal road. Mayukuyuku Camp, Kafue National Park Spend a full day enjoying the excellent hospitality and guiding at Mayukyuku. Pioneer Camp, Lusaka Today you will drive through Lusaka and out to Pioneer Camp, which is just out of Lusaka on the Great East Road, and only 20 minutes from Lusaka Airport. The camp has a wonderful open-plan bar to grab a cold drink after a long drive. Alfred (the barman) is always up for a laugh and the owner Paul is a very enthusiastic host. The rooms are simply decorated but comfortable. We recommend you try their famous 500g T- bone steaks and delicious home made cakes! You will be staying here on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Average drive time 6 hours. Day 11 Mvuu Exclusive Campsite, Lower Zambezi River Drive south the the Lower Zambezi River. Along the meandering banks of the mighty Zambezi lays Mvuu Lodge, The Place of the Hippo. It is situated about 18km from the Lower Zambezi National Park in the Chiawa Game Management Area and right opposite Mana Pools.

6 Game in this area is remarkable, and you will often see an elephant casually strolling past to enjoy the tasty trees the area has to offer. All three campsites, Monkey, Mvuu and Elly, all have their own private shower, flush loo and braai area. There is also a lovely pool that you can plunge into to feel refreshed after your drive. In addition to the stunning wildlife and birdlife that this campsite and area have to offer, there are activities run by the lodge which can pre-arranged for you. These include game viewing by boat or vehicle, sundowner cruises, environmental awareness walks, 1 to 3 day canoe safaris, birding, photography, or fly and line fishing (to catch the remarkable Tiger fish). Here you still be camping in a pre-booked and paid for campsite. All activities are additional. Average drive time 6 hours. Day 12 Mvuu Exclusive Campsite, Lower Zambezi River Enjoy a second night here. Day 13 Day 14 Potato Bush Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park Today you drive to Potato Bush Camp, which lies adjacent to it's sister camp, the world-renowned Sausage Tree Camp. With a stunning panoramic view overlooking the Zambezi River and escarpment, this site is nestled under Mahogany, Sausage, Winter Thorn and Acacia Tortillas Trees, which provide excellent shade. Potato Bush Camp is comprised of three well-appointed Canvas and Rosewood Safari Tents and also a 2- bedroom Family Tent (similar to the very popular Kigelia House at Sausage Tree Camp). To complement the accommodation there is an open plan dining, bar and lounge area, which is accessed by all four Tents by way of raised timber boardwalks. This also enables the camp to stay open from the 1st of April through to early January, when the heavy rains really start. Your stay here is on a fully inclusive basis. Average drive time 2 hours. Potato Bush Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park Enjoy a full day based at this lovely camp.

7 Day 15 The Moorings Campsite, Monze Today you head towards Moorings Campsite, located just 11 km north of Monze. The campsite was set up in 2003 on the Moorings Farm which is run by the wonderful and welcoming Savory family. There is a strong focus on the community here, owing to a doctor who has opened a clinic offering free treatment to the local community. She also runs a woman s group that is now self-supporting; making and selling quilts and cushions to markets in Lusaka. The farm also facilitates food for work programs and subsidizes education. There is a spacious camping area to settle down beneath big trees with a very clean ablution block and great showers. You can take in the view of the African bush from the fully stocked bar and dining area, and keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birds who visit this quaint little spot. Here you will be camping. Please book and pay on arrival. Average drive time 5 hours. Day 16 Day 17 Waterberry Lodge, Livingstone Today you will return to Waterberry to spend your last night. This afternoon you will meet Kate for your trip debriefing and vehicle handover. You can then spend the last day relaxing before your flight home tomorrow. Average drive time 4 hours. Depart Livingstone Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home (flights to be confirmed).

8 QUOTE PLEASE NOTE: this will be requoted to reflect exchange rates and other variables Low Season (January to June, November and December) The cost per person is from 4, based on two people sharing a 4x4 vehicle The cost per person is from 4, based on four people sharing a 4x4 vehicle High Season (July to October) The cost per person is from 5, based on two people sharing a 4x4 vehicle The cost per person is from 4, based on four people sharing a 4x4 vehicle COST INCLUDES A tailor-made itinerary for your self drive safari, with a detailed trip handbook & maps A fully-equipped Safari Drive vehicle for 2 or 4 people for 15 days All accommodation, meals and camping as stated in the itinerary Network of Safari Drive staff on the ground to provide full back up and support Satellite telephone for the duration of your trip with free calls to the Safari Drive team Garmin Nuvi Sat Nav & Tracks 4 Africa Flying Doctor membership 4x4 driver training for all drivers (if starting in Namibia or Zambia) First full tank of fuel (Our Land Rovers are fitted with long range diesel tanks holding 119 litres) Full camp kitchen, roof and ground tents, beds and bedding etc A starter kit of basic essentials One spare wheel Fridge, emergency first aid kit, cool box, fitted water tank and extra fuel can Basic tool kit, tow rope etc All road transfers as stated in the itinerary Fully comprehensive insurance (with options to reduce your excess, see overleaf). A full equipment and food list is available in our brochure or on the website on the Vehicles and Equipment? pages COST EXCLUDES International Flights Personal satellite telephone calls Visas (if required) Additional fuel and food Personal travel insurance Camping fees where not mentioned in your itinerary as pre-paid All meals not stated in the itinerary Drinks unless where mentioned Airport Tax for all passengers departing from Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lusaka or Ndola airports (domestic flights: $5 and international flights $10). To be paid in cash at airport along with departure taxes. National Park Fees as below (cont. overleaf)

9 ZAMBIA NATIONAL PARK FEES National Park Kwacha (ZMW) GBP approx. South Luangwa /person/day 20 Lower Zambezi /person/day 20 North Luangwa 132/person/day 17 Mosi-oa-tunya 79.20/person/day 10 Kafue /person/day 13 Lochnivar 52.80/person/day 7 Sumbu 52.80/person/day 7 West Lunga 52.80/person/day 7 Kasanka 52.80/person/day 7 Luambe 79.20/person/day 10 Blue Lagoon 52.80/person/day 7 Other parks 26.40/person/day 4 Vehicle Entry 79.20/vehicle/day 10 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE DEPOSIT When you take a Safari Drive vehicle on holiday you will also be required to put down a refundable Vehicle and Equipment Damage Deposit of 3000 (or your chosen level of excess) represents our standard excess amount & is your maximum liability in the event of anything happening to the vehicle and/or its equipment while it is in your possession (including damage to tyres, windscreen, windows and lights). It is possible to limit your liability by choosing from the excess options below: Option 1-13 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to 1500 Option 2-26 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to 350 Option 3 - No further payment, standard excess amount of 3000 We will add your non-refundable vehicle days payment to your invoice at the time of your balance payment (8 weeks prior to departure). We will take your chosen level of excess from your credit card approximately ten days prior to your departure and subject to the Safari Drive vehicle being returned to us at the end of your trip in the condition in which it was given to you, you will be refunded in full. If damage has been caused to the vehicle you will be required to pay for this damage, the maximum extent of your liability will be the excess amount. NOTE: If you roll a vehicle or it is declared an insurance write off you will be liable for the full standard excess amount of 3000 no matter which excess option you have chosen. By signing our booking form you allow us to take up to 3000 from the credit card with which you provide us. Subject to availability E&OA