Nature's Classroom:
Wild Dogs
In-Depth Wildlife Study
Safari To
South Africa, Botswana & Zambia
A safari is always a learning experience wrapped in adventure. On this unique Southern Africa safari, you will experience exciting wildlife viewing in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia in open 4x4 vehicles and on foot, often with wildlife specialists dedicated to saving the wild dog by your side. Your guide will be Derek Solomon, well-known ornithologist and active participant in the conservation of wild dogs. Until twenty years ago, wild dogs were widespread across the African continent. Now one of the most endangered carnivores in the world, their habitat is severely shrinking and they're more prone to diseases inflicted by humans and domesticated animals. Study the behavior and ecology of three different populations and interact with field workers in all three countries. Learn first-hand what is being done to save these beautiful animals and help dispel the damaging myths about their behavior.
Your Naturalist Guides:
J.W. McNutt ("Tico") has been living in Botswana since 1989 in a small field research camp in the Chitabe concession. Using radio telemetry and an ultralight airplane from his remote research camp, he monitors a sub-population of 150-180 wild dogs.
Derek Solomon is a well-known ornithologist who has been leading special interest safaris for birding enthusiasts and international zoo groups for over 10 years. Derek has an avid interest in animal behavior and has been actively involved in the wild dog research in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Days 1/2/3 - Atlanta or New York/Johannesburg
Fly via South African Airways to Johannesburg. Upon arrival the next day, you are escorted to your hotel. The next day visit the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, renowned for its breeding and reintroduction success of rare and endangered species, including wild dog. A specialist will show you around the enclosures and give an informative lecture. MOUNT GRACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft, B)
Days 4/5 - Madikwe Game Reserve
Drive to Madikwe. These vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands are home to over 10,000 animals and over 350 bird species. Some of DeWildt's dog population was relocated to the reserve, who have at times selected a site some 300 meters from your lodge to den. You may observe the greeting ceremony that initiates the start of the hunt, with the pack moving out slowly into the bush to look for the next meal. Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity times for the wild dogs, and when you concentrate your efforts around the den As the sun sets, you move out to a secluded area for sundowners. Then, continue on a night drive looking for nocturnal animals, including lion and leopard. Your lodge is one of the most beautiful in South Africa. JACI'S SAFARI LODGE. (All Meals Daily)
Days 6/7/8 - Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve
Cross the border into Botswana, and connect in Maun with your light aircraft to the Okavango Delta - earth's largest inland water system. Your camp is situated on one of the most beautiful islands in the delta, in an area which includes waterways and marshlands, dry acacia and mopane woodland, making for wonderful wildlife viewing of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and cheetah. This is the home turf for Dr. Tico McNutt, head of the Botswana Wild Dog Project, the longest running project on wild dogs. Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog was written by Tico and his wife Lesley Boggs and photographed by Helene Heldring and Dave Hamman, the owners of Chitabe. Tico will give you insights into the dogs' complex family structure, and habits. Activities here include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, nature walks and night drives before returning to your luxurious tents built on elevated teak decks. CHITABE CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Days 9/10 - Kasane/Livingstone/Victoria Falls
Fly to Kasane and continue by ferry and vehicle to Livingstone, located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Twice the size of Niagara Falls, it is truly one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Tour the falls and enjoy an afternoon sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River past hippo, crocodile and elephant. Visit Simonga, a local village to see a culture that has remained virtually unchanged through the ages. Your chalet is furnished in turn of the century British décor and completely open along the length with river views. RIVER CLUB. (All Meals Daily)
Days 11/12 - Lower Zambezi National Park
Onwards by air to the Lower Zambezi Valley. Explore the region by vehicle, boat, or canoe, and get close to elephant, lion, baboon and wild dog. Kellie Leigh has been tracking the wild dog packs of the Lower Zambezi since 1999 and is founder of the African Wild Dog Conservation. Working closely with Conservation Lower Zambezi and safari operators, she has been largely responsible for the increase in pack size and more frequent sightings of wild dogs. You will accompany Kellie, or one of her researchers if Kellie is out of the country, to track the wild dogs and experience first-hand her important work. Your beautiful tented camp rests peacefully on the river bank, in a grove of mahogany and acacia on a raised timber deck with private verandah. CHIAWA CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Days 13/14 - Lusaka/Johannesburg/Atlanta or New York
Transfer to Lusaka, Zambia's capital city, for your flight back to Johannesburg and connect with your South African Airways overnight flight to Atlanta or New York. (B, Meals Aloft)
Optional Post-Extension To Zambia's National Parks
Extend your safari with more exciting wildlife viewing in the Luangwa Valley. Nestling at the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, South Luangwa National Park has unique subspecies found nowhere else in Africa. Kellie Leigh has also extended her project to see if the wild dogs here follow the same patterns as their cousins in the Lower Zambezi. Continue to Kafue National Park, Zambia's oldest and largest park. Your daily game drives, walks and boat trips will open up this magical world's excellent game viewing, birdwatching and fishing opportunities. Meet Anne Carlson, the field researcher for the wild dog project supported by the San Diego Zoo in partnership with the Zambia Wildlife Authority, and hear about her research on the wild dogs of Kafue.
Your Safari Includes:
- Roundtrip air from Atlanta or New York via South African Airways.
- All local flights within Southern Africa.
- Superior accommodations as indicated.
- All meals as indicated.
- All wildlife viewing by private 4X4 open vehicles, driven by professional rangers, by foot, canoe, or boat.
- Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
- All game park entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.