Home pageFiji ResortsVietnamChinaIsrael. Cheap!Spain. Cheap!London

African safari

ITINERARY PREPARED FOR EARS and
THE
FOUR WINDS TRAVEL GROUP
JANUARY 2008
For more information and to arrange to join
the African Safari, call 831-622-0800

Also available is a PDF version of the itinerary below that you can print and read offline.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Depart from anywhere in the continental US for Washington Dulles airport and connect with your international flight to South Africa.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
On arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met by a Visit Southern Africa representative and transferred to your hotel.

With a classically inspired exterior and gracefully elegant within, Cape Grace Hotel is set on its own private quay on Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Grace's charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and unique personalized hospitality, where you will find staff warm and flexible, with a spirit of unrivalled generosity.

Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel

Thursday, January 17, 2008
Today you will be taken on a private Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula tour.

After an early departure from your hotel, you will be taken to the base of Table Mountain where you will board one of the two cable cars for your journey to the top of Table Mountain (a stay of about 2 hours). The new revolving cable cars give stunning views over Cape Town. Once on top, there is time to wander around and take photographs from the numerous viewing decks around. Take a look at the curio shop, or just take a walk around to the different viewpoints or you may want to stop for refreshments.

Table Mountain

View of Cape Town from atop Table Mountian

After making your descent begin the Cape Peninsula tour with a drive along the Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the 'Fairest Cape'. Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno - currently the hottest real estate in the world - to Hout Bay, a functioning harbour and heart of the local crayfish industry (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting). After a stop for lunch, it's on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point.

The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 66km trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora.

Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Then to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve & the Cape Point, said to be the romantic meeting place of the Indian & the Atlantic Oceans. Our last stop is the naval port of Simon's Town, the country's third oldest European settlement. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel (B)

Friday, January 18, 2008
After breakfast you will board the ferry for your Robben Island Tour
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.

During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs.

Robben Island Jail

Nelson Mandela's actual jail cell on Robben Island, Cape Town South Africa

Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Today, you will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.

Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel (B)

Saturday, January 19, 2008
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town airport in time for your scheduled flight to Livingstone via Johannesburg.

On arrival at Livingstone airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

There is a Single Entry Visa charge of USD$100 cash per person that you will have to pay on arrival into Zambia.

Warthog

Warthog

On the forested banks of the great Zambezi River, is The Royal Livingstone, pride of Zambian hospitality. In its cool lounges and shaded verandahs, you will encounter the grace and elegance and luxury of an earlier, more courteous age. Rooms are tastefully decorated in earth tones of the bushveld. A magnificent sun deck overlooks the Zambezi as it flows relentlessly to the falls.Later this afternoon you will complete the day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The great Zambezi River starts in northwest Zambia and meanders for 1700 miles through several countries and empties into the Indian Ocean at Mozambique. This great river affects thousands of people and animals along the way. The sheer volume of water that flows through this planetary vein and manifests it’s grandeur at the famous Victoria Falls, cannot keep from stirring an emotional response from all who visit. The Guide has a wealth of information about the river’s attributes, pointing out everything of interest as you cruise along the river. His keen eye will spot a variety of wildlife and important highlights. You’re likely to see Hippo, other animals, birds of prey, and even some elephants, along the riverbank or on one of the many islands that occupy this wide river. The highlight of this cruise is the Sunset view. You will not be disappointed, for words and photographs cannot adequately describe the spectacular view you will experience.

Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone (B)

Sunday, January 20, 2008
After breakfast you will be taken on an elephant back safari. You will learn about the elephants’ behaviour and experience the thrill of going on safari though the eyes of an elephant.

Elephant ride

Elephant Back Safari near Victoria Falls

Later today you will then be taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of seven natural wonders of the world. This walking safari takes you through the magnificent rain forest where you are able to view the Cataracts, Livingstone’s statue and a wide variety of birds and plants followed by a visit to the craft village which offers the opportunity of seeing traditional African lifestyles and markets.

The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are approximately 1.7km (1 mile) wide and 128m (420 feet) high. They are considered a remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders”.

The Falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of Southern Africa’s major tourist attractions, with visitors from all over the world. The Victoria Falls is the largest single sheet of water in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

Later this evening enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone  (B, D)

Monday, January 21, 2008
This morning you will be taken by road transfer from your hotel across the border to Chobe Chilwero, Botswana.

Chobe Chilwero is located on the border of the Chobe National Park, just 1½ hours by road from Victoria Falls. This ideal location provides superb access to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and the Caprivi Strip. Chilwero, quite literally means a "place of high view", and accurately describes this exquisite lodge, which sits above the Chobe River and offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and flood plains as far as Namibia. Chobe Chilwero offers double and twin luxury cottages, all of which are individually designed to blend in perfectly with the topography and natural vegetation of the surrounding area. Each luxury cottage has its own en-suite bathroom with a large sunken handcrafted bath, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden, "sala" or private balcony, mosquito nets, ceiling fans and air-conditioning. Enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines.

Botswana sunset

Botswana Sunset

Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero (B, L, D)

Tuesday, January 22 & Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Spend the next two days enjoying the game viewing experience at Chobe Chilwero. Morning game viewing activity in this spectacular wildlife kingdom. Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing around the pool or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call. In the afternoon you will be taken on another unforgettable safari through the unspoilt African bush.

Hippos

Hippo and infant on the Chobe River

With gorgeous, breathtaking vistas as a backdrop, you'll come face-to-face with the abundant creatures of the bush, and some of the most spectacular sunsets Mother Nature bestows. The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Named after the Chobe River on its northern boundary, Chobe National Park is home to an exciting variety of large mammals and over 450 bird species. Chobe is renowned for having the highest concentration of elephants in Africa with truly impressive herds gathering during both the wet and dry season.

The park is divided into four distinctly different eco systems, with the lush plains and dense forests of the Chobe River area in the extreme north-east. Chobe’s elephant population currently estimated at around 120,000. They are migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 km from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the southeast of the park, to which they disperse in the rains.

Leopard

Leopard in Botswana

End the day with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, followed by a sumptuous meal lovingly prepared by our expert culinary staff - a delicious, eclectic fusion of Western and African cuisine and delicacies - all topped off by a sampling of vintage wines and spirits from our cellar. It's the perfect complement to your one-of-a-kind African adventure. High teas are often served on the lawn under the shade of the trees. There is also a library, curio shop and a communications centre.

Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero (B, L, D)

Thursday, January 24, 2008
This morning you will be taken by road transfer from Chobe Chilwero to Kasane airport where you will catch your charter flight to Camp Okavango. On arrival you will be transferred to your lodge; either Xugana Island Lodge or Camp Okavango.

Xugana Lagoon is in the permanent Delta, a world of crystal clear waterways winding through vast reed and papyrus beds, opening unexpectedly onto tranquil lagoons. Xugana "kneel down to drink" Lagoon has for thousands of years, been a safe haven for the Bushman people who hunted this pristine water world.

Kudu

Greater Kudu

Xugana Lagoon is widely accepted as being the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. Xugana Island Lodge, situated on a wooded island abutting the lagoon, takes full advantage of this magnificent site. The thatched common area, comprises cocktail bar, lounge and curio shop. Meals, for which the lodge is justly famous, are taken alfresco on the edge of the lagoon, except on those rare occasions of rain when the lounge doubles as the dining-room. Tea is often served in the garden inside the island, where quiet, secluded reading benches can also be found.

Camp Okavango is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience. Camp Okavango’s unashamed luxury blends with the Africa of old in the elegant thatch and lethaka main lodge buildings. The dining room leads onto an expansive open-air patio for evenings around the open boma.

Elephant

Elephant in Botswana

 

Other lodge facilities include a cocktail bar, lounge, wildlife reference library, a secluded bird-viewing hide, shaded hammocks, a delightful sun deck and plunge pool for relaxing during the hot midday hours.

Accommodation: Xugana Island Lodge or Camp Okavango (B, L, D)

Friday, January 25, 2008
Morning and afternoon game viewing activities in this watery paradise.

Xugana Lagoon is home to bream, catfish and the fighting tiger-fish and fringed by secret wooded islands, haven for the magnificent bird and wildlife that inhabit the Delta. The lodge swimming pool is a unique construction, allowing guests to swim in the clear fresh water of the lagoon protected by a heavy metal cage, designed to deter "fat Albert" the crocodile, a long-time lagoon resident.

The lodge accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in raised reed and thatch "Mesasas" situated on the shaded fringe of the island, each with a lagoon view through the artfully cleared lagoon-side vegetation. The tastefully decorated "Mesasas" have twin or double beds, en-suite facilities, ceiling fan and a private deck.

Camp Okavango accommodates only 24 guests in intimate exclusivity in East African-style safari tents individually situated on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private sun decks. Each tent is exquisitely furnished with an African teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional director's chairs. Colourful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway. His and hers towel robes as well as tea and coffee making facilities are also provided to make guests’ stay as comfortable as possible. For those who demand the ultimate in exclusivity, Camp Okavango boasts the “Okavango Suite” a thatched cottage offering complete privacy and the option of private game-viewing activities and dining options – ideal for honeymooners.

Bird

African Paradise-Fly Catcher

Accommodation: Xugana Island Lodge & Camp Okavango (B, L, D)

Saturday, January 26, 2008
Early morning game viewing activity before breakfast. Then you will take a charter flight back to Kasane. From Kasane you will be taken by road transfer, lasting about 2 hours, to Livingstone Airport in Zambia, in time for your regional flight to Johannesburg. (B)

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport connect with your scheduled international flight back to the USA.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Return home with a lifetime of memories!

COSTING

USD 7999 + USD 240 Fuel Surcharges + USD 210 taxes = 8449
(Rate per person based on double occupancy in economy class)
Single supplement: USD 1900
*Rates valid for January/February 2008

USD 14299 + USD 240 Fuel Surcharges+USD 210 taxes =14749
(Rate per person based on double occupancy in business class)
Single supplement: USD 1900
*Rates valid for January/February 2008

INCLUDES:

EXCLUDES:

top of page