SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA AND VIC FALLS SAFARI (13 April April 2016)

Transcription

1 SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA AND VIC FALLS SAFARI (13 April April 2016) Group: No of pax: African Safaris & Travel 10 Safari Participants (Plus Louis and Terri = 12 Total) 13 Apr 2016 VIP Meet & Greet: Cape Town International Airport Welcome to Cape Town! You will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board, and your documents will be handed over to you. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be shown to your onward awaiting coach. Please note: Should your arrival aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal, you will be transported to the terminal by bus. Your Meet and Greet will then be waiting for you as you step off the bus with the paging board. Private Transfer - Cape Town Airport to Table Bay Hotel Depart: Cape Town Airport Arrive: Table Bay Hotel

2 Welcome to the V&A Waterfront Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become one of South Africa's most visited destinations. Since 1988, the harbour is continually undergoing changes, with the redevelopment of land and the restoration of buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins, creating a mix of shopping and entertainment venues, intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. Aside from the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there is a more cultural side to the Waterfront, focused around the historic Clock Tower, which was the original Port Captain's Office in 1882 and part of a collection of well preserved turn of the century buildings. It is near here that the ferries depart for Robben Island (from the Nelson Mandela Gateway), while the Two Oceans Aquarium is a short walk from here. With ferries and boats continuously on the go, Cape Fur Seals playing in the harbour water, and a mix of both locals and international visitors, the Waterfront is a wonderful place to soak up some typical Cape Town vibe. Table Bay Hotel Accommodation 4 nights in 6 Luxury Rooms Meal basis Bed & Breakfast Arrival 13 Apr 2016 Departure 17 Apr 2016 The Table Bay Hotel is a five star hotel located on Quay 6 at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Perfectly positioned, the Table Bay Hotel is surrounded by the working harbour, views onto Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Combining Victorian grace with contemporary charm, the Table Bay Hotel includes 329 rooms and suites over various floors and room categories; an ideal option for families. Rooms and suites vary in size and views; all feature king size double or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with marble finishes and separate bath and shower, air-conditioning, minibar, satellite television, tea and coffee facilities, a writing desk and 24 hour in-room dining. The double volume entrance to The Bay Hotel adds to the light and space of this modern establishment. Hotel guests have access to The Lounge overlooking the harbour, The Conservatory for stylish dining, The Atlantic Grill for breakfast, The Pool Bar, Union Bar, swimming pool and Camelot Spa. With direct access into the V & A Waterfront shopping area guests also have a choice of top restaurants, boutique shops and tourist attractions. The Table Bay Hotel offers a complementary, scheduled shuttle service to some of Cape Town s nearby streets. Includes: Breakfast

3 14 Apr 2016 City & Table Mountain Tour: Private Half Day Explore the city of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa s oldest building), the lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain, which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula (the cable car fee is included but weather dependent). As you come back down from the mountain, make a stop at Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. From here you have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour. Lunch and Dinner, Own Arrangements. 15 Apr 2016 Cape Point & Peninsula Tour: Private Full Day Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman s Peak, one of the world s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay. After lunch (for your own account), continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight. Lunch and Dinner, Own Account. 16 Apr 2016 Winelands Tour: Private Full Day

4 This delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to the wine country via the N2 to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice when we enjoy our first wine tasting of the day. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. We enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award winning restaurants (lunch not included in cost). Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape s first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Our last stop for the day is at a wine estate on the Paarl wine route. We return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside, arriving back at the hotels at approximately 17: Apr 2016 Private Transfer - Table Bay Hotel to Cape Town Airport Depart: Table Bay Hotel Arrive: Cape Town Airport for your onward connection flight arrangements - Johannesburg and Maun (Botswana) Flight costs excluded from the quoted safari costs. BOTSWANA AND VIC FALLS SECTION 17 April April, 2016 (Camp Okuti) Depart Johannesburg International Airport Arrive Maun, Botswana Upon arrival from your schedule flight from Johannesburg, clear Botswana customs, where you will be met by a company representative, who will assist you with your onward light aircraft transfer to Camp Okuti in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Here you will enjoy following 3 nights.

5 This delightful camp lies alongside the Maunachira River which flows through Xakanaxa Lagoon within the world renowned Moremi Game Reserve, Okuti is built amidst the wilderness of one of Botswana s prime game viewing regions. Okuti comprises of five twin-bedded mosasa ( ancient tribal word for house of reeds), each with en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor shower, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. The honeymoon unit features a double bed, bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower. An additional two family units consist of two bedrooms which share spacious bathroom facilities ideal for families in this child-friendly camp. Okuti s spacious curved mosasas are located on raised teak decks with river views. Situated in the heart of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, guests can experience unhindered views in specially-designed safari vehicles. Moremi Game Reserve is rich in wildlife, and its consistent year-round game viewing makes it ideal for the first time visitors to Botswana. Guests can also explore the Okavango Delta waterways by motorboat, and the areas open lagoons and winding channels make it a birder s paradise, complete with herons and storks in the breeding season. Experience game drives in Moremi Game Reserve in specially-designed safari vehicles, allowing unhindered views for game viewing and photography. Moremi Game Reserve is rich in wildlife and game viewing is consistent year round, hence it is ideal for the first time visitor to Botswana. In addition to game drives you can explore the Okavango Delta waterways by motorboat from open lagoons to winding channels it is a birder s paradise, especially for herons and storks in the breeding season. Okuti offers one of the best value safari experiences in the Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta region of Botswana. It provides excellent game viewing due to its widely varied and protected habitats which supporting a huge variety of wildlife. Key Facts:- Excellent game viewing in the world famous Moremi Game Reserve Awarded five star status by Botswana Tourism Board Ideal for families with two family units Okuti accepts children from 7-years-old all year round (younger children may be accepted in low season on request) Game Drives Explore the delta by motor boat Seasonal motorboat access to the Gadikwe Heronry Self drive clients (4WD only) are welcome. Self drive is a real adventure as well as an alternative to flying Swimming Pool 20 April April, 2016 (Kanana Camp) At a time to be advised by the camp management, you will depart by light aircraft transfer to Kanana camp, where you will be spending the next 3 nights. A hidden jewel on the Xudum River, Kanana is located in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. The area encompasses a necklace of islands dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knobthorn, and is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals. The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta. Guests are accommodated in eight spacious, twin-bedded safari tents, each with en-suite bathrooms with shower, hot and cold running

6 water and flush toilet. The tents are well spaced, affording privacy whilst remaining within comfortable distance from the main camp area. The annual floods transform parts of this concession into a true water paradise, offering guests the best of both worlds. At certain times of the year guests can experience magnificent game sightings during drives as well as the unique experience of exploring the delta s beautiful waterways by boat. you may actually enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of the water visibly rising around the camp s raised teak decks. Situated in the Kanana Concession, the focus of activities at Kanana varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Activities include morning and late afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. Alternatively you may explore the crystal clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area. Birding is spectacular, and Kanana hosts a seasonal heronry that teems with activity, a Kanana highlight which converts all visitors to avid twitchers. Guided bush walks are highly recommended as is fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharptooth catfish. Key Facts: Kanana is in a private concession offering both land and water activities Awarded five star status by Botswana Tourism Board Game drives Night Drives with spot light Explore the delta by motor boat Glass-bottomed Mokoro s (canoes) enable you to view the underwater world of the delta Explore the delta on foot accompanied by expertly trained and armed guides Fishing (March through to December and basic equipment supplied) Spend more time in the bush with half and full day safari adventures with picnic lunches. Swimming Pool 23 April April, 2016 (Linyanti Bush Camp) At a time to be advised by the camp management, you will depart by light aircraft transfer to Linyanti Bush Camp, where you will be spending the next 3 nights. Linyanti Bush Camp is situated on the banks of Linyanti Marsh in a private reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe in the Chobe Enclave. The marshes are the only water source for miles around and attract water-adapted and desert-adapted wildlife, plus large numbers of birds. Linyanti Bush Camp is an intimate 12-bedded tented camp, featuring large East African Meru-style tents. The camp offers guests a choice of one double tent with a king-size bed or five twin tents with two twin beds in each tent. All tents have en-suite facilities with running hot showers and flush toilet, plus a comfortable sofa with a writing desk, chest of drawers and a cupboard. Each tent is strategically positioned to offer spectacular views of Linyanti Marsh. The camp is available on special request with the inclusion of Linyanti Ebony for groups of up to 20 guests travelling together. Linyanti Bush Camp offers a diverse range of water and land activities throughout the year. Motorboats and Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible numbers of bird, plant and reptile species found in the Linyanti Marsh. Game drives are conducted in comfortable, specially-designed open safari vehicles. In addition, night drives are offered on the private concession. Guided walks are available with a highly experienced professional guide. Fishing is also offered with the tilapia being the most popular catch.

7 Key Facts:- An intimate camp in a private concession ensuring a personalised and exclusive experience off the main tourist routes Game drives Night drives with spot light Explore the delta on foot accompanied by expertly trained and armed guides Fishing (subject to water levels and time of year) Explore the delta by Mokoro (subject to water levels and time of year) Motor boat trips (subject to water levels and time of year) 26 April April, 2016 (Victoria Falls Safari Lodge) At a time to be advised by the camp management, you will depart by light aircraft transfer to Kasane, where you will clear Botswana customs, and continue by road to Victoria Falls, staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the next two nights. Welcome to Victoria Falls The iconic town of Victoria Falls, which is affectionately known as "Vic Falls", is set on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, at the western end of the mighty Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe's prime tourist destination and a magnet for visitors from around the world Vic Falls has a rich and romantic history. Discovered in 1855 by explorer and missionary David Livingstone, the railway from Cape Town arrived in 1904 and the landmark 198 metre long Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the immense Zambezi River gorge and linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, was built in One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls is one of Africa's greatest geographical features. At 1700 metres wide and over 100 metres in height visitors cannot fail to be inspired and amazed by the sheer size, power and beauty of the thundering curtain of water which can be gazed upon from 16 view points along a network of trails through the surrounding rainforest. Reaching their zenith in April/May, the Falls are at their most powerful and impressive between the months of February and July. At high water the dense plume of spray can rise up to 500 metres into the air and is visible from as much as 20 kilometres away, justifying why the falls are still commonly referred to by their local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya - "the smoke that thunders". Even during the low water months of October and November when the Falls become dry for much of their length the view from the Zimbabwe side won't disappoint. With its welcoming small town atmosphere Vic Falls is home to a seemingly endless number of activities - there is literally something for everyone. The world's wildest white water rafting, canoeing, helicopter flips, elephant back safaris, canopy tours and adventure slides, river cruises, golf and bungee jumping. An impressive array of arts and crafts is showcased by talented local artists in the open air curio market as well as at a number of gallery's and shops throughout town.

8 Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Accommodation 2 nights in 6 Standard Rooms Meal basis Bed & Breakfast Arrival 26 Apr 2016 Departure 28 Apr 2016 Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometres from the thundering Victoria Falls. Ideally positioned, slightly removed from the tourist hub, the lodge caters for leisure, group and conferencing guests. There are 72 forward facing en-suite bedrooms with small private decks, and spread along the plateau to maximise the views over the African landscape to the active waterhole below. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms with separate baths and showers, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mosquito nets, hairdryers and tea and coffee facilities. The lounge, bar and dining areas are spread over three levels with chunky beams supporting the thatch and exuding a traditional safari lodge feel. Facilities include the Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant; the Buffalo Bar, and the Boma Restaurant a short walk away for an African culinary and cultural experience. There is a swimming pool and sun deck, a lounge with satellite television, guest library, small Spa with select treatments and a hide at the waterhole. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a daily shuttle that runs scheduled transfers into Victoria Falls town for guests looking to experience the full spectrum of Victoria Falls and available activities. Includes: Breakfast and a courtesy shuttle service that operates throughout the day to Victoria Falls town and the entrance to the Rainforest and Falls. Boma Dinner:- At The Boma-Place of Eating (Included in quoted safari costs) 27 Apr 2016 Sunset Cruise: Scheduled 2 Hours This afternoon you are transferred to the jetty, where you board a comfortable vessel with plenty of seating, open sides and a canopied roof. From here you cruise along towards Palm lsland and Kandahar lsland to enjoy a picturesque African sunset on the Zambezi River. This cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River, with the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and many different bird species. Includes: Finger snacks, a selection of local brand drinks and transfers from hotels in Victoria Falls town Extras included: River Usage Fee Please note: River usage fee is USD10.00 per person. Subject to change without prior warning.

9 28 Apr 2016 Private Transfer Depart from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport, in time for your onward flight back to South Africa, which will arrive in time with evening departure flights back to the USA. (Flight costs excluded from quoted costs) SAFARI COSTS Based on 10 passengers travelling: USD 8,545 per person sharing accommodation (Cape Town, Botswana and Vic Falls Sections) USD 7,356 per person sharing accommodation (Botswana and Vic Falls Sections only) The South Africa (Cape Town Section) includes: All Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers as indicated Private tours as indicated Breakfast at the Table bay Hotel and other meals as indicated (Dinner own account) Park entrance fees and VAT (where applicable) The Botswana Safari Section includes: All flights from Maun, between camps and on to Kasane Road Transfer from Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge All transfers to and from the airstrips and camps Departure taxes where applicable All game viewing activities as offered at the camps All accommodations in twin bedded tents All meals on safari All drinks (South African wines and spirits) On Safari Laundry Park entrance fees and VAT (where applicable) Emergency evacuation to regional medical facility The Zimbabwe Section (Victoria Falls) includes: All Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers as indicated Entry into the Rain Forest / Vic Falls National P Breakfast at Vic Falls Safari Lodge Sunset Cruise and drinks Boma Dinner