Morning arrival at Johannesburg ORTambo Int'l Airport. Proceed thru immigration and customs formalities, collect your luggage and meet your driver for transfer to the hotel.
Relax this evening, dinner on own.
Your driver will collect you this morning for transfer to the airport and your flight to Harare.
On arrival purchase your visa – Ask for the Kaza Univisa which will give you access to both Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs $50.00 (This will give you access to Zambia and re-entry to Zimbabwe). Proceed into the arrivals hall and meet your pilot from Wilderness Air.
Here you will spend the first three nights of your adventure.
Ruckomechi Camp, Zimbabwe Set on the banks of the dominating Zambezi River brimming with hippo, the biodiversity surrounding Ruckomechi Camp is a naturalist’s paradise. A large grove of acacia and mahogany trees with a fabulous mountainous backdrop across in Zambia sets the scene, while large numbers of elephant, buffalo and eland create the excitement. With these stunning views also evident from your spacious en-suite tent, you will be smitten with the secluded outdoor 'bath-with-a-view'. Low-level walkways connect the 10 guest tents to the beautifully designed central dining, bar, library and lounge areas. For your comfort we also have a separate deck with an infinity pool for swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star-gazing deck. The camp aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible – hot water and lighting for each unit is provided by solar power.
The area is famous for its four main pools which hold water all year round drawing all manner of wildlife during the dry season. Also enjoyed at this time of year are the protein-rich pods produced by the plentiful ana trees that characterize the floodplain.
Activities include game drives (day and night), guided walks (on request), boating, canoeing and fishing. Predators such as lions, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are often seen. Over 350 birds have been recorded including Collared Palm-Thrush, Purple-banded Sunbird and Black-throated Wattle-Eye.
This morning depart by boat at 7:00AM to Chirundu arriving about 8:30AM where you will continue by road to the to Gwabi Lodge, Zambia ( Border crossing enroute, we recommend pre-purchased Zambia Visa).
The drivers from Chongwe River Camp will collect you from Gwabi Lodge for transfer into the Lower Zambezi National Park and their camp. It will take 1- 2 hours, depending on the border crossing with Tiger Safaris from Ruckomechi to Gwabi Lodge and another 2 -3 hours to get to Chongwe River Camp depending on the water levels.
Zambia's Lower Zambezi valley is one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. Renowned for breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, it's also home to one of the continent's top safari lodges - Chongwe River Camp. Set beneath a canopy of winterthorns at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe rivers, this award-winning camp combines the best of everything, from first-class service and luxurious accommodation to exceptional game viewing and enlightening cultural experiences. Whether it’s our classic tents, the Albida or Cassia tented suites, our exclusive Chongwe River House, Tsika Island or our newest member of the family Kasaka River Lodge, we make sure your accommodation is a real home from home.
All of the tents are under thatch, ensuring maximum coolness in the heat of the day. Each has a large outdoor bathroom with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, vanity unit and dressing area with a wardrobe and full-length mirror. The tents also have their own private verandahs overlooking the river, making them an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation of Africa’s wonderful wilderness.
A policy of non-intrusive enjoyment of wildlife and low environmental impact has helped to make the Lower Zambezi valley one of southern Africa’s premier game viewing destinations. Add to this the amazing fauna and flora found in and on the banks of Africa’s fourth largest river, and you begin to understand why this amazing wilderness is so special.
At Chongwe River Camp, activities are tailored to make the most of this incredibly diverse wilderness. Game viewing can be done from a vehicle in either the Lower Zambezi National Park or the Chiawa Partnership Park or, if you prefer, from a boat on the Zambezi. Canoeing, walking and, of course, fishing, are also offered. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, community visits can be arranged.
Morning departure from Royal Airstrip via Lusaka and on to Mfuwe .
On arrival you will met by your driver from Robin Pope Safaris for transfer into the South Luangwa National Park and on to Nsefu Camp for the next two days.
Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross, lies the historic camp Nsefu, steeped in history and was built in 1951 and barring some upgrades the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa. Each room has a clear view of the river whether it be from the comfort of your bed or the chairs out on the verandah.
The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa - a claim which is not an overstatement. It is through this 9050 sq kilometer National Park that the great meandering Luangwa River runs, with its ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, playing host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds. Some activities available include day or night game drives, walking safaris, seasonal boating, village tours, a visit to the wildlife education center and tribal textiles. Nsefu Camp offers charm, history, exclusivity and comfort.
Many places claim to be "among the remaining wilderness areas" or "one of the last wildlife sanctuaries"; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of game. Nkwali is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp.
Today, transfer by vehicle to Nkwali Camp for the next two days of continued excellent game viewing in the South Luangwa National Park.
Situated on Robin Pope Safaris’ private land outside the park there is a private game viewing area behind camp as well as exclusive access into the park either by boat or across the pontoon.
Nkwali is dominated by an enormous ebony tree around which the bar is molded. It is this tree which, when Robin and Jo Pope found it cemented the location of the camp. From the bar deck cantilevered over the river a cool drink can be enjoyed whilst watching the sun set over the Luangwa. Set back from the river on a lagoon are the dining room and swimming pool from which guests are often treated to elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day unperturbed by our presence.
This morning after breakfast depart from the camp for your drive to the Mfuwe airport your connecting flights to Livingstone.
On arrival proceed thru customs/immigration and into the arrivals hall. Continue out until you see the Wilderness Safaris representative who will provide your transport by land and boat to the camp. Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands is Toka Leya Camp, consisting of 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area, limiting our footprint on this pristine area.
Tent interiors boast cool wooden flooring, tasteful, uncluttered African décor in earthy hues, climate-control for a cool summer sanctuary, expansive wooden deck from which to soak up the views of the Zambezi River, often to the sights and sounds of birds, elephant and grunting pods of hippo. The islands in front of camp are intriguing and form part of the braided channel of the Zambezi River with several rapids, a main channel and dense vegetation.
Over the next two days, activities include a tour of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, game drives within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, river cruises, fishing excursions and guided nature walks. Tours of Livingstone town and museum and visits to Mkuni Market and Simonga Village are all outstanding ways of learning about the people and culture of this part of Zambia. Other activities on offer in the area at an additional charge include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, micro-lighting, canoeing, jet boating, and white water rafting.
Game drives into the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park offer sightings of general game species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala. There is rich birdlife here too, including several sought-after species such as African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Skimmer (seasonal), Schalow's Turaco and Rock Pratincole (seasonal). Good birding can be enjoyed within the confines of the camp itself, on boat cruises and out on game drives.
The Zambezi River offers some fishing opportunities and tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months (October - December). There are several varieties of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch.
This morning enjoy breakfast and and an activity. You will cross the bridge into Ziambabwe as you depart for the Victoria Falls airport and your flight to Hwange National Park where you’ll spend the next two days.
Davisons Camp
The camp lies deep in Hwange National Park, in the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession - one of the best game viewing areas of the entire Park. It is a classic African tented camp, with both the tents and the separate main area, comprising a lounge, dining room, and open campfire area tastefully hidden beneath a grove of false mopane trees, overlooking a waterhole and open plain. A well-stocked bar is kept with all basic soft drinks, beers and spirits.
Named after the founder of the Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, the camp with its 8 tents and family tent offers a wonderful bush experience. Each tented suite is spacious with a wooden front door, veranda and large viewing windows.
Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, or guided walks in the early mornings, while during the siesta hours, guests can view wildlife coming down to the waterhole to drink from their tent veranda or the main area.
Game viewing is productive year-round in the Linkwasha Concession and wildlife frequently encountered here includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, spotted hyaena, southern giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, common waterbuck and reedbuck. There are a number of large, open plains areas which make for excellent game viewing. Bird life in the area is prolific (400+) and varied, with species frequenting the teak woodlands as well as those typical of the drier Kalahari
Have a morning activity and breakfast before your transfer to the airstrip to meet your lite aircraft connecting thru Kasane and on to the Okavango Delta. On arrival proceed thru immigration and customs then meet your Wilderness Air representative for flight:
Tubu Tree Camp is situated in the area with the most palatable grasses and the largest area of permanently dry land and is surrounded by diverse habitats ranging from dry Kalahari sandveld to mopane and riverine forest on the edge of permanent waterways, ensuring diverse and spectacular game viewing. The camp is built in traditional style with five tents on raised wooden platforms, allowing great views over the floodplains.
Each tent has a private front deck, en-suite bathroom facilities and an outdoor shower. The main dining and lounge areas and pool are also on raised platforms and an outdoor pub area lies under the canopy of a large marula tree.
Wildlife seen here includes elephant, lion, Burchell's zebra, red lechwe, southern giraffe, tsessebe, and blue wildebeest on the floodplains. Kudu, impala, leopard and bushbuck are also seen in the forested areas. The variety of bird life is impressive with dry-land species seen on the large islands and all the wetland birds seen on the floodplains and waterways.
During the winter months, the water levels rise and the floodplains become covered with water, permitting water activities; during the flood season (normally May to late September), boating, fishing and mokoro trips are offered. Throughout the year day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, as well as guided walks are available. There are two platform hides in the concession.
After a morning activity and brunch continue on your lite aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta.
On arrival meet your driver at the airstrip for transfer to the camp.
Savuti Camp The camp is situated in a remote part of the Linyanti Concession along the Savute Channel, famous for the fact that between 1980 and 2008 it stopped flowing altogether, creating an unusual ribbon of grassland. Surprisingly, the Channel began to flow once more, becoming a deep, clear waterway harbouring hippo and aquatic life while wildlife had to adapt to a new source of water and all the opportunities and menaces it brought with it. From the camp's thatched dining area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with fire pit extend outwards on raised wooden decks, providing a wonderful view of the water and its wildlife.
This intimate camp's en-suite accommodation is in seven large walk-in tents that are raised off the ground and face onto the Channel. Also on offer is a unique sleep-out option for adventurous guests on outdoor decks overlooking the wildlife-rich Savute Channel in Botswana’s Linyanti Swamps.
Situated a 20-minute drive or 45-minute boat trip away from the camp, the two ‘sleep-out’ decks offer guests a truly secluded, up-close-and-personal wilderness experience and the exceptional opportunity of sleeping under the stars. The two sleep-out decks, accommodating up to four people each, will be set up complete with comfortable beds and mosquito nets and basic ablution facilities nearby. A highly-qualified guide will be on standby to ensure the guests’ safety at all times and in case they need any assistance during the night. All needs will be catered for, including a cozy dinner around the campfire or a delicious breakfast the morning after.
Due to our location on the Savute Channel and in the Linyanti Concession, Savuti has spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Game viewing tops the agenda here. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people, allowing each guest an ‘outside’ seat.
Bean bags are available to use for steadying your camera while on game drive. Other activities include night game drives, nature walks, hides, fishing, birding, and boat excursions.
Morning activity on your last day in Botswana and board your flight to Kasane, Victoria Falls and Windhoek.
On arrival proceed thru customs and immigration formalities into the arrivals hall to meet our local driver for transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Hotel Heinitzburg This castle, built at the turn of the XXth century by Count von Schwerin for his fiancée Margarethe von Heinitz, offers accommodation in plush romantic elegance. Perched high above Windhoek, the capital and gateway to Namibia the hotel is five minute drive from the city center, overlooking the Capital and its remarkable highlands. In 1996 this German castle was turned into a private owned hotel with 10 rooms. Six additional spacious and generously appointed ensuite rooms each with a superb view have since been added.
The hotel features a fresh water swimming pool, heated in winter, same day laundry services in house massage a Gourmet restaurant “Leo’s at the Castle”. The restaurant offers spectacular vistas of the city lights below, not to mention unrivalled African sunsets. Savour masterfully prepared game dishes and relish fine wines from the country’s largest private wine cellar. Breakfast is included in the daily rate and Dinner can be added.
Following breakfast return to the airport with your driver for your lite aircraft fight to the Namib Desert and ionic Sossuvlei dunes.
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated within the arid Namib Desert on the 37,000ha private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei. The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole - a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.
The camp comprises 15 thatched and canvas "kulalas" ("to sleep" in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia's clear skies portray.
Early morning guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. World-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake. Nature drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with those incredible views, and to catch a glimpse of the denizens of the desert. Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning, beginning at first light. offering a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes.
Depart from Kulala this morning after breakfast on your light aircraft flights into the heart of Damaraland.
Desert Rhino Camp lies amongst rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation and clumps of trees of the 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession. This region is marked for its tranquil, minimalist beauty, surprising wealth of arid-adapted wildlife and the largest free roaming black rhino population in Africa. Desert Rhino Camp functions as a collaborative effort between Wilderness Safaris and the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) - an NGO that has been instrumental in the preservation of these rare, desert adapted black rhino. Having barely survived the slaughter of the '80s and '90s throughout other parts of Africa, the black rhino population has doubled since the formation of the SRT.
Set in a wide valley sometimes flush with grass, Desert Rhino Camp has 8 Meru-style canvas tents which sleep up to 16 guests. Raised from the ground on a wooden deck, each tent features an en-suite bathroom with a hand basin, flush toilet and bucket shower. Beds are made up with crisp, white linen and have two dark wood bedside tables with wicker reading lamps. An extension of the deck functions as a front verandah and each room has an electronic combination safe, a loud emergency, insect repellant spray & mosquito. The tented restaurant and lounge area of Desert Rhino Camp is also raised on a wooden deck in a single tent which is open plan and has partially open sides offering panoramic views. To one side there are couches and to the other a large, simple dining table. Evening meals are taken around the fire pit, in front of the lapa, where guests can relax and socialize.
Activities at Desert Rhino Camp obviously include rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle. Other 4x4 outings are geared at exploring this vast, miraculous ecosystem with some of the most knowledgeable guides in Namibia. Palmwag Concession's freshwater springs also support healthy populations of desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia's endemics present.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge then return to the airstrip for your flight to Doro Nawas and connecting to Etosha.
Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park, to experience big game viewing and this iconic salt pan. To further enhance our Etosha experience and while accommodated on the private Ongava Reserve, we can enjoy night game drives and walks, while evening game viewing is enhanced with a floodlit waterhole.
Anderssons Camp
Andersson's Camp takes its name from Charles Andersson, the Swedish explorer who first discovered the Etosha Pan with Sir Francis Galton in 1851. Set against the backdrop of the low Ondundozonanandana Mountains, Andersson's Camp is surrounded by scrub-covered plains and white calcrete soils. This former farmstead has been tastefully rebuilt to luxury modern-day standards.
The old farmhouse now forms the main area of Andersson's Camp with some 20 tented guest units radiating outwards into the secluded mopane woodlands typical of the region. Tents are a clever mix of calcrete stone cladding, canvas and wood, with double-door entrances and a small verandah that is an extension of the elevated wooden decks on which the tents are constructed. The en-suite bathrooms feature a uniquely designed open-air private shower.
Andersson's Camp's close proximity to Etosha Pan is ideal for full-day self-drives or guided drives into the Etosha National Park to take in the plethora of game found here. Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wildlife destination. At almost the size of Switzerland it is certainly one of Africa's largest game parks. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season, whilst the summer months' sporadic rainfall produces a profusion of new life - with baby springbok and comical young wildebeest.
Time this morning for a last activity and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for flight to Windhoek and connecting flight to Cape Town.
Cape Town, mother city of the republic is the pearl of Africa sitting on the southern coastline at the very edge of the continent. The majestic Table Mountain and 12 apostles look over the spread of the city, wharf and colorful marketplaces.
Meet your driver for transfer to your hotel for overnight. Relax and get acclimated to your surroundings. Later this afternoon relax or perhaps explore the waterfront, walking distance from the hotel. Dinner on own
It's up early this morning for breakfast before departing on a full day tour to Cape Town and the Peninsula. See 17th century architecture and a colorful history weave together as the drive takes you along the coastline of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Spectacular coastal scenery kaleidoscope en route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Charming seaside villages, picturesque bays and beaches, towering cliffs and pounding surf. This mosaic of dramatic scenery precedes the return drive to Fish Hoek Beach, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. You will have lunch en-route.
Return in the late afternoon to your hotel. Evening dining on your own. Reservations and transportation can be arranged at a multitude of incredible restaurants in the Cape Town area
Following breakfast begin a full day touring the Cape Winelands. First stop, Paarl and one of the premier wine estates for a cellar tour and wine tasting. Leaving picturesque Paarl a drive to Franschoek and the Huguenot Monument and Museum. After lunch drive across Helschoogte Pass to Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settle in South Africa. The oak tree lined streets and white washed Cape Dutch style buildings make this town a delight for explorers. '
Return late afternoon to your hotel.
Bid farewell to your journey and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay by adding 2 nights in the Cape Winelands, Western Cape, or in the Garden Route.
