BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA & VICTORIA FALLS: GEMS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

April - November (depart on virtually any date)

The countries of South Africa and Botswana offer a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan cities, spectacular game viewing, rich cultures, and unsurpassed coastal scenery. Your adventure begins in Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities, where you'll do some marvelous hiking on the Cape of Good Hope and also explore Table Mountain. In the Winelands, you'll enjoy superb winetasting and bicycle through picturesque countryside dotted with vineyards, Cape Dutch homes, and historical villages. In the Garden Route, aside from whalewatching or visiting ostrich farms, you'll have the option of hiking, kayaking, tubing or canoeing through beautiful, pristine nature reserves.

You'll then travel to the northern Botswana, where one can still experience the Africa of days gone by. You'll spend six nights in the Okavango Delta and Chobe/Linyanti regions. Marvel as your day and night-time game drives, bushwalks, canoeing and mokoro excursions take you near elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, rhino, giraffe, and a host of other animals and birds. Your adventure concludes with a wonderful stay near the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, where you may embark on an easy but thrilling elephant trek, cruise down the Zambezi River and gaze upon one the seven natural wonders of the world!

Note: All included adventure are elective and low intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We can also customize an itinerary based on your preferences.

Fly to Cape Town, arriving on day 2. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon you'll enjoy a private tour of Table Mountain, one of southern Africa's most beautiful and impressive natural wonders. Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the entire Cape!  Vineyard Hotel - 4 ½ stars (courtyard room)

Today you’ll enjoy a private tour of Cape Town, the “Mother City”. You’ll visit the lovely grounds of the Houses of Parliament as well as the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa’s oldest building. Completed in 1679, the Castle was originally used by the Dutch East India Company to protect the Cape from rival European powers. Next, experience the District Six Museum, which documents the tragic apartheid-era disintegration of a vibrant community. Enjoy some bargain hunting at the bustling Greenmarket Square flea market before moving on to savor the spicy aromas of Bo-Kaap, the picturesque Malay Quarter.

This afternoon, you’ll have a choice of two excursions. Your first option is to go on a fascinating tour of Robben Island, the notorious 17th century prison that later held apartheid South Africa’s most famous opponents, including Nelson Mandela. From within this prison emerged the leaders and ideas that inspired the new South African democracy. Most of the guides on the island are ex-political prisoners, lending an air of authenticity to the experience. You’ll take a ferry ride to the island, where you’ll visit the prison block and limestone quarry where many of the prisoners worked. You'll enjoy wonderful views of the city and observe an African Penguin colony.

Your second option is to visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, situated in the idyllic Constantia district. Founded in 1913, these gardens cover an area of 528 hectares and are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and you may also enjoy an exhibit of distinctive Zimbabwean Shona stone sculptures. Vineyard Hotel - 4 ½ stars (B, L)

Full day private tour of the Cape of Good Hope. Highlights include Chapman's Peak drive, one of the finest scenic coastal drives in the world; Boulders Beach, home to the African penguin; the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; historic Simonstown; and Noordhoek Valley, where Southern Right whales are frequently seen. You will also enjoy an easy and very scenic hike (45 minutes) at Cape Point. Your adventure concludes with a cruise to Seal (Duiker) Island, home to a large population of Cape Fur seals, sea birds, and the great white shark. Vineyard Hotel (B, L)

Note: Alternatively, we can arrange a private Cape Malay cooking lesson or Cape Town Fine Arts tour. During the cooking lesson you would cook and savor mildly spicy dishes that were originally concocted in the Spice Islands and brought to South Africa by early explorers. The Fine Arts tour would visit painting, all-media and sculpture galleries of high quality. Surcharge would apply.

Your private tour begins with a short drive to Franschhoek, a lovely village situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. You'll drive along picturesque backroads, passing by whitewashed Cape Dutch homes, the Berg River and assorted vineyards. You'll enjoy a walking tour of Franschoek and stop periodically for winetasting (if desired). Then take a short drive to Stellenbosch, a delightful university town that many consider to be the most beautiful in all of South Africa. You'll enjoy a walking tour of the historical downtown area, followed by winetasting and/or shopping. D'Ouwe Werf (B, L)

Note: In Franschhoek, we may be able to substitute a bicycling excursion in place of the walking tour if you prefer.

Morning flight to George.  Upon arrival, you will be met and privately transferred along the Garden Route to Knysna, a quaint, charming, lagoon-side town. Stroll around town before visiting the Heads, towering sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance of the lagoon, funneling the ocean through a small channel. Kynsna's beautiful lagoon is surrounded by forested hills. Exploring the summit of the Heads, you'll be rewarded with extraordinary panoramic views of the sea and lagoon.

Short transfer to Plettenberg Bay, which enjoys a spectacularly beautiful setting with a rare combination of mountains, white sand, and crystal blue water. Its coastline has inspired rave reviews since the Portuguese first discovered it in 1497, naming it Bahia Formosa (Beautiful Bay). Whales and dolphins are frequent visitors to the bay, and they are often visible from Plet's many lookout points.
This afternoon you’ll have a choice of two excursions.  Your first option is to go on a wonderful dolphin and whale watching cruise during which you'll most likely encounter large groups of Bottlenose dolphins, small pods of the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, some shark species, resident Bryde's whales, a Cape Fur Seal colony, common dolphins, Southern Right and/or Humpback whales. You may even see Orcas.   Your second option is to go on a hike in the picturesque Robberg Nature & Marine Reserve outside Plettenberg Bay. 

Late this afternoon, you will visit Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness and Rehabilitation Centre. Here you will be taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred cheetah, caracal, serval, African black footed cats, blue cranes, marabu storks, and other creatures. (If desired, we can arrange for a private guided walk with the cheetahs).
Hog Hollow – 4 ½  stars (B)
Note: Optional upgrade to The Plettenberg (5 stars).

Today you have a choice of two excursions. Your first option is to explore Monkeyland, a unique sanctuary that caters to several species of primate, allowing them to move freely about the forest. Accompanied by your naturalist guide, you'll likely see lemurs from Madagascar, gibbons from Asia , howler monkeys from South America and other primates. All of the primates behave, feed and live harmoniously in a natural environment. Despite its theme-park sounding name, this sanctuary is an excellent place to enjoy wildlife. You will then enjoy a bird sanctuary (Birds of Eden) of similar quality. As with Monkeyland, the trees are so tall, the vegetation so dense and the creatures so numerous, that one often forgets that the sanctuary is enclosed!  

Your second option is to enjoy a wonderfully scenic coastal hike -- or a rainforest hike along a lovely estuary -- at Nature's Valley, an idyllic area that is surrounded by rocky cliffs, a lovely lagoon, pristine beach and luxuriant coastal rainforest. You'll see 1,000-year-old yellowwood trees, proteas, fynbos and abundant bird life. Both hikes are easy and very scenic. Hog Hollow – 4 ½  stars (B, L)

Today, you'll explore Tsitsikamma National Park, which encompasses some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in South Africa. The park also harbors the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood tree, one of the most successful species in existence, having survived unchanged for millions of years. Aside from indigenous forest and dramatic coastline, you may also see blue duikers, Cape Clawless Otters, Knysna Louries, dolphins and porpoises, and African Black Oystercatchers.  

You’ll enjoy an easy morning hike (45 minutes) that offers tremendous panoramic views of the incredibly beautiful coastline. After a leisurely lunch, you'll go on another easy and extremely scenic hike (1 - 2 hours) that constitutes the initial segment of the famous 5 day Otter Trail. The scenery is very different on both hikes.  

Late afternoon transfer to Port Elizabeth. Windermere Hotel (B, L)

Fly to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Grace Hotel, situated in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Rosebank. This afternoon you'll tour Soweto and the excellent Apartheid Museum. The Grace. (B)

Fly to Maun and connect wit your short air transfer to Baines Camp, where you will spend three nights.

Baines Camp is located on the Boro River on a private concession neighboring the Moremi Game Reserve. The Camp set among the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta - an exclusive oasis for those wishing to experience the true wilds of Botswana.

The area is made up of a superb variety of habitats which include waterways and marshlands, dry acacia, mopane woodland, riverine areas, open grasslands, and seasonal flood plains. It offers some of the best game viewing in the Okavango, The concession is home to a wide variety of big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, kudu, wildebeest and wild dog. Overlooking the Boro River, the camp offers year-round access to the Okavango Delta waters.

Activities include guided walking safaris, night and day game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, boat excursions, exclusive bush dinners as well as optional elephant interaction with a group of semi-habituated African elephants (at additional cost). You may also go on an optional hot air ballooning excursion.

The intimate Baines' Camp features five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in the tree line. Wooden decks offer expansive views over the permanent water of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with life. The elevated suites feature a luxurious bedroom, with softly draped fabrics adding the romantic touch of a bygone era. The four-poster beds are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies. Avid astronomers will delight in stargazing from the privacy of their own deck.

This exclusive lodge is named after the famed nineteenth century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines. The main area features an oversize deck for outdoor dining and views over the permanent water of the lagoon, as well as a swimming pool with two sala's for refreshing sunbathing. Baines Camp (B, L, D)

Note: You may stay at Mombo, Jao, or Vumbura Plains for a substantial surcharge.

Short air transfer to Chobe Chilwero, located on the border of Chobe National park and situated atop a hill overlooking the Chobe River’s floodplains. You will spend two nights at Chobe Chilwero Camp.

This region, characterized by open grassland, riverine forest, and mopane savannas, is noted for its very large elephant populations, which can reach enormous densities in the winter months. Lion, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, zebra, impala, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo, and hyena are resident and regularly sighted. Other residents include jackal, warthog, baboon, and cape clawless otter, which can be seen playing on the banks of the Chobe River.

Activities include game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles, boating excursions on the Chobe River, sundowner cruises, swimming and spa treatments.

The deluxe camp accommodates a maximum of 30 guests in 15 luxury (air conditioned) bungalows, each with a private “sala”, en suite bathroom and a private out door shower. A business centre is housed in the main public area and other features include a library, temperature controlled wine cellar, swimming pool and curio shop. Traditional campfires, fine cuisine and a fireside bar all add to the ambience. Chobe Chilwero Camp (B, L, D)

Note: You may upgrade to Kings Pool Camp for a substantial surcharge.

Important Note: We can arrange tours to either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls (or to both sides). The political and economic situation is currently much more stable in Zambia than in Zimbabwe. However, the Zimbabwean side does offer some advantages: the views of the falls are more spectacular, the pricing is sometimes lower and there are some additional activities to choose from (Boma dinner/cultural show, lion encounter, better artisan market). The Zambian side offers impressive (but less spectacular) views of the falls, an interesting museum and more stable political environment. Both sides offer good hotels. Another option is to stay on the Zambian side and make a half day trip to the Zimbabwean side to see the falls (surcharge). Please consult the latest U.S. State Department Travel Advisory if you are considering traveling to the Zimbabwean side. Lastly, please note that the falls are not nearly as impressive between October and mid-December (low water season).

Short flight to Kasane and transfer to your deluxe hotel in Victoria Falls.

This afternoon on your private tour of the falls, you'll marvel at one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Indeed, as Eleanor Roosevelt observed about Iguazu, Victoria Falls also "make Niagara look like a dripping faucet". Surrounded by a thick jungle of spray-generated rainforest, these mile-wide falls drop between 300 and 350 feet into the Zambezi Gorge -- at a rate of 2.4 million gallons per second during the height of rainy season! Air, mist, and light conditions combine to provide breathtaking views of the falls, and the local people - the Leyas - once called the falls "Shungu Namutitima," or "The Smoke that Thunders". Royal Livingstone Hotel - 5 stars (B, D)

Note: If you stay on the Zimbabwean side, you may enjoy a Boma dinner/cultural show with traditional dancing. You may also enjoy a lion encounter, an interactive experience in which the offspring of rehabilitated lions are reintroduced into the wild.

This morning, you have a choice of three excursions. Your first option is to listen to an educational talk on African elephants and then embark on a thrilling, low-intensity elephant back safari through the bush, escorted by an armed guide on foot. You may well see buffalo, kudu, bushbuck, impala, elephants, waterbuck, as well as a wide variety of birds.

Your second option is to visit the traditional and photogenic village of Simonga (or Mukuni). Here you’ll see the elementary school and meet with students and teachers. You’ll also get to observe attractive thatched hut dwellings and (if desired) interact with the resident villagers. Then stroll through the local market if you are interested.

Your third option is to visit the Livingstone National Museum, a modest but highly informative museum that has thoughtful exhibits on archaeology, ethnography and tribal culture, natural history, David Livingstone memorabilia and post-independence politics.

This afternoon you’ll take a leisurely and scenic sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Royal Livinstone Hotel (B)

Note: Other options (surcharge would apply) include taking a helicopter or micro-light flight over the falls. Experienced whitewater rafting enthusiasts may consider rafting the Zambezi River, which offers perhaps the world's best one-day rafting trip. However, this trip is rigorous (class 4-5), not low-intensity.

Fly to Johannesburg, connecting with your flight home. You will arrive home on day 18. (B)

Land Cost Includes:
o All elective adventures
o All transfers and land transportation
o Accommodations for 15 nights in first class
hotels, lodges, and deluxe tented camps
o Most meals (32)
o All instruction and guiding services
o Entrance/park fees
o Service and handling charges

2008 Land Cost (per person):

From January - June 30: $7,790 (check) or $8,030 (credit card)
From July - October 31: $9,510 (check) or $9,805 (credit card)

Deposit: $ 500
Single Supplement from: $1,100 - $2,100
Trip Grade: Easy
Accommodations: First Class and Deluxe
Trip Length: 17 days
Total Airfare (approx): $1,700

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis is on wildlife viewing and on exciting soft adventures in scenic locales. All included adventures are elective and low-intensity. They include bushwalks, game drives, mokoro excursions, hiking, bicycling, and gameviewing on elephant back. Accommodations are in first class hotels/lodges and deluxe tented camps. Because the expedition travels into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class hotels/lodges and deluxe-tented camps based on double occupancy; most meals (32); entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not included in itinerary; tips to guides ; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return.

Climate: Botswana's rainy season is from December- March, with the heaviest rainfall coming in January and February. Between May and October, there is minimal rain with highs ranging between 82F - 95F and lows of 45F - 65F. In Cape Town, high temperatures will average 65F while low temperatures will average 48F. Typically, it will rain 9 days out of the month.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy in first class hotels/lodges and deluxe tented camps. Singles who sign up will be paired with a roommate. If none is available, there will be a single supplement charge.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this expedition as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the expedition should it become affected by conditions beyond the company's control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement.
NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the expedition or to change the expedition leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced expedition. Full refund for the unused portion of the expedition will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.

© Nature Expeditions International