The Discovery Journey to Botswana
Experience the euphoria of a southern African safari to Botswana and Zambia. Begin in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – the earth’s largest inland water system. A wetland wilderness of looping channels, islands forested with palms and wide grassy floodplains, the Delta is home to a magnificent array of exceptional birds and animals. On exhilarating wildlife drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and interpretive bush walks, your professional guides share the wonder of this wetland region. Discover the beauty of Zambia and majesty of Victoria Falls – one of the seven- wonders of the world.
Days 1/2 - Atlanta, Washington, DC or New York/Johannesburg
Board your overnight flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you are escorted to your hotel, situated in the heart of Sandton, the exclusive residential and business area north of Johannesburg. HOLIDAY INN GARDEN COURT. (Meals Aloft)
Days 3/4/5 - Maun/Okavango Delta
Refreshed, this morning you spread your wings and fly a short distance to Maun, Botswana and connect on your light aircraft to the Okavango Delta. Three magical days will be spent at Sandibe, an intimate thatched lodge nestled between permanent water and grass-swept plains, overlooking the Santantadibe River adjacent to the Moremi Reserve. Experience the exhilaration of wildlife viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles and even on foot. Elephant, large herds of buffalo, lion prides, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered. Herds of red lechwe favor the edges of the floodplains, often feeding in the company of tsessebe. An impressive 349 species of birds have been recorded, from Slaty Egret, to Wattled Crane and even the rare Pel’s Fishing-owl which emerges after dark to sit in wait at clear pools. Dr. Tico McNutt, head of the Botswana Wild Dog Project, or one of his researchers, will share their latest insights on the endangered wild dog, duties permitting. SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE. (All Meals Daily)
Days 6/7 - Okavango Delta
Wing your way to Nxabega, located on a 17,300-acre exclusive wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Reserve. Meaning ‘Place of the Giraffe,’ Nxabega is ideally positioned to explore the magnificence of the Okavango. You can experience this irresistible combination of water and wildlife on twice-daily wildlife drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, mokoro (small dugout canoes) and powerboat excursions. Your exclusive tented suites are nestled under a canopy of African ebony trees, and have stylish en suite bathrooms, plus private verandahs overlooking the reed molapo (floodplain). Enjoy exciting bush picnics, breakfast in bed, lamplit cocktails on a river island or a walking safari with a tasty picnic – provided with pleasure by Nxabega’s friendly staff. NXABEGA OKAVANGO SAFARI CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Days 8/9 - Kasane/Victoria Falls, Zambia
Fly to Kasane and cross by ferry to Zambia, where you continue by 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. Five separate falls join together and plunge more than 325 feet into a sheer-sided chasm which separates Zimbabwe from Zambia, and meanders through over 1,667 miles of African countryside. Feel the spray on your face of Mosi oa Tunya or ‘Smoke That Thunders’ as the falls were aptly described by the natives to Dr. David Livingstone. Your visit will include a tour of the falls on the Zambian side, as well as a sundowner cruise on the African Queen to toast the setting sun and another glorious, colorful day in Africa. At Chief Mukuni’s village, your guide will share insight into daily life in a traditional village from women cooking and mending their huts to village artisans creating woodcarvings. Your accommodations are located along the verdant banks of the Zambezi River and are a favorite for fun-loving adventurers. Its architecture is inspired by timeless Zambian traditions and echoes the stunning diversity of the African wilderness. Enjoy the many activities it offers from the sedate pleasures of relaxing poolside to the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping or white-water rafting. THE ZAMBEZI SUN. (B Daily)
Days 10/11 - Johannesburg/Atlanta, Washington, DC or New York
Last chance to photograph the falls, visit the Mosi-oa-Tunya National park which features rhino or shop at Livingstone before departing for Johannesburg and home. (B, Meals Aloft).
5-Day Optional Post-Extension to Cape Town, South Africa
Extend your African adventure with five days in Cape Town. Your luxurious hotel is conveniently located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Here, Cape Dutch and Victorian-era architecture have been restored as shops, restaurants, museums and pubs, while the busy water traffic of the docks goes on unabated. Start your adventure at Table Mountain and discover the coastal beauty on a drive to the Cape of Good Hope. Meet the best dressed birds in town – the African (Jackass) Penguins at Boulders Beach. Discover the internationally-acclaimed vineyards at Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek on the Western Cape. You are invited to visit the informal settlement of New Rest – a colony area of Guguletu. Your township guide accompanies you to the crèche, community center and nursery. Take a ferry to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for his beliefs. Your body and spirit will be renewed at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Your Safari Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Atlanta, Washington, DC or New York. Flights within Southern Africa.
- Superior accommodations throughout as listed or similar.
- Breakfasts daily, all meals while on safari and other meals as indicated in itinerary.
- Laundry and all beverages during safari in Botswana except for Champagne and imported spirits.
- All wildlife viewing by 4x4 open-air vehicles or by boat. Walking safaris may also be available, however all walking is at the discretion of the camp manager.
- Complimentary bottled water in safari vehicle and during touring in the cities.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2006 Dates |
Price Main Trip |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Optional Extension |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
Mar 24 - Apr 3 |
$5,195 |
$1,695 |
Cape Town |
$1,895 |
$495 |
May 15 - 25 |
$6,295 |
$1,995 |
Cape Town |
$1,795 |
$495 |
Jul 20 - 30 |
$6,995 |
$2,395 |
Cape Town |
$1,795 |
$495 |
Aug 22 - Sep 1 |
$6,695 |
$2,395 |
Cape Town |
$1,795 |
$495 |
Oct 31- Nov 10 |
$5,395 |
$1,795 |
Cape Town |
$1,895 |
$495 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.