SOUTH AFRICA WITH THE WONDER OF VICTORIA FALLS AND
BOTSWANA TOUR ITINERARY PREPARED FOR
EARS and FOUR WINDS TRAVEL
JANUARY 2009
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February 10, 2009
Depart almost any US City on South African Airways for Johannesburg.
February 11, 2009
On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and
then clear Customs & Immigration. You will be met by a Visit Southern Africa Vacations representative
who will assist and escort you to the Domestic Terminal for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival
at Cape Town Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The gracious Table Bay Hotel is situated in Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its array of wonderful shops, restaurants and bars. Discerning guests are offered panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean to Robben Island while behind soars Table Mountain. Combined with contemporary charm and attention to detail, the hotel recalls the era of the great cruise liners and elegant hotels that served them. The Table Bay is a 5-star, 329-room hotel and it uniquely responds to its magnificent surroundings. It has a maritime flavor that extends to each room and suite, which has sea or mountain views and is a luxurious port of call. The interior of the hotel presents a kaleidoscope of impressions, from the European marble mosaic of the entrance court to the intricate parquet floor of the foyer framed by the full-scale drama of Table Mountain, with the activity of the harbor in the foreground. Below the foyer to the south, is the grand lounge with its cathedral ceiling and twin fireplaces.
Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel
February 12, 2009
This morning you will be taken on a private Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula tour.
After breakfast depart on your full day Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain Tour. The tour starts early with a visit to Table Mountain, with a trip up the mountain in a cable car (weather permitting), which is well known for its spectacular views.
After making your descent you will start the rest of your tour. 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 harbor 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. After a stop for lunch, it's on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you are able to ride the Funicular to the scenic viewing point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. 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. 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: Table Bay Hotel (B)
February 13, 2009
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 7 ½ miles off the coast 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. 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: Table Bay Hotel (B)
February 13, 2009
Today you will be taken on a half-day Robben Island tour, where former South African
president, Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held. It is now a World Heritage Site
with stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. Make your way to the Clocktower at the V&A
Waterfront to catch the ferry for the half hour boat ride to the island.
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 7 ½ miles off the coast 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. 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: Table Bay Hotel (B)
February 14, 2009
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport in time for your flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival at Johannesburg Airport make your way to the International Terminal for your flight
to Livingstone, Zambia.
Please note that the Zambian Government has increased Visa Entry Fees for all alien/foreign passport holders effective immediately. USA passport holders whether single, double/multiple, or day trippers, a charge of US$135 per person will apply.
On arrival at Livingstone Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
On the forested banks of the great Zambezi River, is The Royal Livingstone, pride of Zambian hospitality. The bedrooms are two-storey clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises 10 en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the great river and beyond.
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.
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone (B)
February 15, 2009
Today you will be taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Complete the day with
a Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River followed by dinner at
the hotel..
The Victoria Falls are considered to be one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. Here the Zambezi River falls headlong over a nearly two kilometers wide expanse into a chasm 100m below. 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”. Livingstone was so affected by what he saw that he wrote: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. 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. The Knife Edge footbridge, spanning a narrow ridge of rock between the mainland and an island, provides an excellent viewpoint. The Falls is shared between both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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, D)
February 16, 2009
After breakfast you will be taken by road transfer from the Royal Livingstone across the border
to Chobe Chilwero Lodge in Botswana. Chobe Chilwero is located on the border of the Chobe National
Park, just 1½ hours from Victoria Falls. Enjoy an afternoon game viewing activity before dinner.
Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness is Chobe Chilwero Lodge. 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.
Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero Lodge (B, L, D)
February 17, 2009
Enjoy your first full day of morning and afternoon game viewing activities in this beautiful wilderness.
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Go on thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles that bring you to the heart of Africa's largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalos, puku, antelope, lions and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River.
Or join the lodges acclaimed guides on a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats. The Sundowner cruises are particularly spectacular 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. Enjoy creature comforts - elegantly appointed rooms, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines.
Go on thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles that bring you to the heart of Africa's largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalos, puku, antelope, lions and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River.
Or join the lodges acclaimed guides on a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats. The Sundowner cruises are particularly spectacular 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. Enjoy creature comforts - elegantly appointed rooms, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines.
Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero Lodge (B, L, D)
February 18, 2009
Spend another full day of morning and afternoon game viewing activities in this world-famous game reserve.
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End each 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 Lodge (B, L, D)
February 19, 2009
After an early morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast, you will be transferred from
Chobe Chilwero Lodge just a few minutes away to Kasane Airport, for a Charter flight to Camp
Moremi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge.
Camp Moremi accommodates only 22 guests in intimate exclusivity in walk-through East African-style safari tents with en-suite hot showers and waterborne toilets. Each tent is exquisitely furnished with a Rhodesian Teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional directors chairs; colorful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway. Other facilities include a raised deck swimming pool, covered boma and elevated observation platform & dining area with cocktail bar.
Camp Moremi offers a diversity of habitat and animal life unrivalled in Botswana. Camp Mormei offers possible sightings of wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephants and buffalo on game-drives led by professional resident naturalist guides steeped in knowledge of the area.
Accommodation: Camp Moremi (B, L, D)
February 20, 2009
Enjoy your first full day here of morning and afternoon game viewing activities.
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Camp Moremi is situated on the Xakanaxa Lagoon in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve which is located in the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta. The reserve includes ancient Mopane forests, open grassland, seasonal floodplains and riverine habitats which support a great diversity of animal life. Morning and afternoon game viewing activities include game drives by open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Moremi Game Reserve, and explore the Xakanaxa Lagoon and surrounding Okavango channels by motorboat, which affords excellent bird watching opportunities. Trained naturalist guides share their knowledge of Botswana's wilderness with you on game drives, where you could see wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, giraffe, elephant and buffalo. Other activities include bird watching and power boat excursions to the Gadikwe Lagoon.
Accommodation: Camp Moremi (B, L, D)
February 21, 2009
After an early morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast, you will be transferred by
Charter flight from Camp Moremi to Kasane, then by road transfer across the border to Livingtone
Airport in Zambia for your flight to Johannesburg. (B)
Please note that there is an Airport Departure Tax of USD$25 cash per person that you will have to pay on leaving Zambia.
On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport connect with your scheduled South African Airways international flight back to the USA.
February 22, 2009
Arrive back in the US.
Return home with a lifetime of memories!
COSTING
USD 8890 + USD 250 Fuel Surcharges + USD 220 taxes = $9470 USD
(Rate per person based on double occupancy in economy class)
Single supplement: USD 1700
*Rates valid for January/February 2009
USD 14390 + USD 250 Fuel Surcharges + USD 220 taxes = $14970 USD
(Rate per person based on double occupancy in business class)
Single supplement: USD 1700
*Rates valid for January/February 2009
INCLUDES:
- International flights: New York or Washington/Johannesburg/ New York or Washington
- Regional flights: Johannesburg/Livingstone/Johannesburg
- South Africa domestic flights:
- Johannesburg/Cape Town/Johannesburg
- Botswana Charter flights: Kasane/Camp Moremi/Kasane
- Regional Road Transfers:
- Royal Livingstone Hotel/Chobe Chilwero Lodge/Kasane and Kasane/Livingstone Airport
- All services as specified
- All transfers as specified
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- 10 Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated
- Game viewing activities as specified in itinerary
- Visit Southern Africa Vacations Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
EXCLUDES:
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/Tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers
- Costs of obtaining Passports or Visas
- Trip cancellation insurance
Please Note:
- United States of America passport holders do not require a holiday visa for South Africa nor for Botswana
- We strongly advise you to take precautions against malaria prior to the commencement of your holiday. Please contact your physician or travel clinic for advice as to which prophylactic is recommended.
- All Non-South African passport holders are required to have at least THREE, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa pages.
- Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after intended date of departure.
- The Zambian currency is the Kwacha. Since it fluctuates quite regularly is difficult to offer a conversion rate, but currently 1 US$ will buy you 4800 Kwacha. Please note that as of the 1st of January 2008 the Zambian banks no longer accept travelers checks, so the only acceptable form of payment in Zambia is either credit cards or cash. & If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders, exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it. There are reputable Bureau de Changes’ in the main towns and at the airport. Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards and most of the bigger banks will advance the local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks have ATM’s which accept Visa cards for cash.
- For payment of Airport Departure Taxes (US$25 per person) from Zambia US dollars cash is required. We recommend small denominations of Dollars, as officials are not always in a position to give change.