14 days accommodated
&
1/2 day
SOWETO CULTURAL TOUR
&
1 Night stay Road Lodge, Sandton
Wir starten in Windhoek in Namibia und führen Sie zu den grössten Naturwundern des südlichen Afrikas, dem Okavango Delta in Botswana und den unvergesslichen Victoria Fälle an der Grenze von Sambia und Simbabwe. Eine kurze Tour, mit Höhepunkten an allen Tagen.
Die Highlights dieser Reise:
- Meet the people of SOWETO
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary
- Okavango Delta - mokoro excursion
- Chobe National Park - game drive and river cruise
- Victoria Falls - adventure activities
Itinerary
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Abreise Deutschland, Österreich oder Schweiz jeweils Mittwoch Abend
Ankunft am Donnerstag
Day 1: ITINERARY for Soweto Cultural TourThis ½ day excursion from Johannesburg gives you an insight into the culture and people of one of South Africa's most famous historical "Apartheid Townships". Your guide will introduce you to the people and their way of life from a personal point of view when you visit the Hector Petersen memorial, Nelson Mandela's Soweto home and have a refreshing drink at a local Shebeen. [ no meals included but available ].
|  |
Botswana: JOHANNESBURG |
Day 2: JOHANNESBURG to KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY [chalets -LD]Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head north into Botswana and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community based wildlife project established to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. This reserve has several natural waterholes and provides prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest. |  |
Botswana: KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY |
Day 3: Day 3 MAUN [lodge BLD]We drive through the central Kalahari to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Since Maun's founding in 1915 as the tribal capital of the Batswana people, it has had a reputation as a hard-living 'Wild West' town helping the local cattle ranching and safari operations. The name Maun is derived from the San word 'maung', which translates 'the place of short reeds'. After preparing for the delta excursion, we have a relaxing afternoon by the pool. |  |
Botswana Reisen: MAUN |
Day 4-6: OKAVANGO DELTA [wild camping x2, lodge x1 Bx3 Lx3 Dx2]The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and an experience not to be missed. The delta environment has large numbers of rare animal populations such as red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo and wattled crane. Our local guides pole us deep into the Okavango Delta on Mokoros (dugout canoes). A special adventure as we camp wild on remote islands, enjoy game walks and swimming in beautiful clear water. We return to Maun late in the afternoon on day 5 for a shower and restaurant meal and the comfort of our lodge. |  |
Botswana Reisen: OKAVANGO DELTA |
Day 7-9: MOREMI [camping x2, lodge x1 Bx3 Lx3 Dx2]After a relaxing evening we take open 4WD Land Rovers into Moremi Game Reserve for fantastic game viewing! Chief's Island is the largest landmass within Moremi and was the Batswana tribe's richest hunting grounds, before being declared a game reserve by the tribe. We spend 3 days on game drives watching the abundant wildlife including elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion & other game. We return to Maun on the final night for an evening at the lodge, a hot shower and a restaurant meal (own expense). |  |
Botswana Reisen: MOREMI |
Day 10: MAKGADIKGADI PANS [chalets BL -]We have time for an optional game flight over the Okavango before we head towards Magadikgadi Pans. The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikadi as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as thousands of Wildebeest and Zebra migrate to the sweet nutritious grasslands and clouds of Flamingo feed in its algae rich waters. We drive out to the pans to watch a magnificent sunset. |  |
Botswana Reisen: MAKGADIKGADI PANS |
Day 11-12: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [lodge BL -]The Chobe River is a stunning feature of Botswana and will be the focus of our lodge stay. The Chobe River winds along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. Up early in the morning for a 4WD game drive in the National Park and an afternoon game viewing "sundowner" cruise to see the mighty elephant return to the Chobe River to quench their thirst. This is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa. |  |
Botswana Reisen: Chobe National Park |
Day 13-14: VICTORIA FALLS/LIVINGSTONE [chalets Bx2 - -]Staying at the Zambezi Waterfront Lodge we visit "Mosi oa Tunya" or "the smoke that thunders" - Victoria Falls. These magnificent falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We spend an afternoon exploring falls from various viewpoints where photographic opportunities abound. The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the impressive gorge and the famous adrenalin pumping Victoria Falls bungy jump is done from this bridge, with a electrifying drop of 360ft (111m). Opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, Bungi Jump, or take a "flight of angels" (own expense). |  |
Botswana Reisen: Livingstone |
Day 15: LIVINGSTONE - TOUR ENDS [- B - -]Tour ends after breakfast. Transfers to local airports are provided |  |
Botswana Reisen: Tour End |
PLEASE NOTE: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.
Flights are available from Livingstone to Johannesburg
PRICE: € 1 995 pps (valid Jan 2005 - Dec 2005) Single supplement: € 350 pp
DEPARTURE DATES
from Johannesburg 2005
14 Jan 05 - 27 Jan 05
11 Feb 05 - 24 Mar 05
18 Mar 05 - 31 Mar 05
22 Apr 05 - 05 Apr 05
03 Jun 05 - 16 Jun 05
15 Jul 05 - 28 Jul 05
26 Aug 05 - 08 Sep 05
07 Oct 05 - 20 Oct 05
18 Nov 05 - 01 Dec 05
30 Dec 05 - 12 Jan 06
Departs: Johannesburg, South Africa on Fridays at 06:30am
Ends: Livingstone, Zambia on Thursdays after transfer to the airport
DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshell
- A participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price, accommodated in chalets, and cabins with a couple of nights wild camping to get us close to the wildlife.
- Some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa from open 4WDs and on game walks
- All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
- Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Kalahari desert and Makgadikgadi Pans.
Why travellers like this trip
- Accommodation - an accommodated safari of Botswana (with 2 nights wild participation camping in Moremi and the 2 nights wild participation camping on the Okvango).
- Variety - a tour that provides amazing African experiences; from the wildlife areas of Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park to amazing spectacles of Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, to the wild Okavango Delta!
- National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit the world famous Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, the wild Okavango Delta and the wilderness of Magadikgadi Pans as well as other lesser known wildlife area of Khama Rhino sanctuary. This trip encompasses the essence of African wildlife.
- Culture and history - for example we spend several days with our local Okavango guides where we have the opportunity to experience a living contact with local people.
- Small group - travelling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
- Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Makgadikgadi Pans, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
- Adventure - activities available include: rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!
- Mokoro Trail - the tour includes a 3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mokoro (dugouts). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!
- Open 4WD game drives - our trips have the best wildlife viewing opportunities by visiting the game reserves and national parks in open 4WD game drive vehciles.
Accommodation
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Khama Rhino Sanctuary, 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
- Maun - Island Safari Lodge, 2 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
- Nata - Nata lodge chalets, twin share chalet with en suite facilities.
- Kasane - Chobe Safari Lodge, 3 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 bathroom shared between 3 rooms.
- Livingstone - SAFPAR Waterfront Lodge, twin share chalet with en suite facilities.
- Wild camping - for 2 nights while in the Okavango Delta and 2 nights while in the Moremi Game Reserve; we camp wild. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety. Sunway supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
Transport
- On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour - Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
- Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoro (dugout canoes), "poled" by our local guides, 2 people and their kit per mokoro.
- Open Game drives - for game viewing activities in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Parks we use open game viewing 4WD vehicles. The transfer into the delta is also with an open vehicle. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!
- Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom built Sunway Safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".
Local Payment
- A local payment is required on this safari and is included. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.
Participation
- An essential part of your Sunway Safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with cleaning up - it's all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
- Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing are best in Victoria Falls which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings.
Food
- We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 5 dinners and 2 lunches in Victoria Falls and Maun where we try out local restaurants.
- The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning and meal preparation for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
- We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
- We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
- Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. Simple campsites and basic wild camps are enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
- Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days but also plenty of outdoor activity with some relaxing time.
- Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
- Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
- Your client will need a sleeping bag for the camping section of the tour.
- Your client will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zambia, and Botswana and re-entering South Africa.
- There is a visa waiver service available through Sunway Safaris for Zambia - please enquire at the time of booking.
- Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring daypack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.
- We recommend that you bring US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip. Traveller's cheques can be changed in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone (although in Zambia travellers cheque attract a very high commission).
Common questions about this trip
- What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a water bottle and a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
- Is it safe? Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip!
- Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
- Can I buy camera film? Film and other accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots.
- Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way in Victoria Falls and Maun.
Kontakt
Diether Eckert
Mobil: 0172-9796 753 - e-mail: info@big-5-and-me.de
SATOUR Registered - SARA Member