OKAVANGO DELTA AND ZIMBABWE

SAFARI

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Photo by Dana Allen

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Itinerary Overview

This active safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe combines four main safari camps, three distinct ecological habitats, and one spectacular waterfall within the greater Southern Africa biome. Scenic flights over the Okavango Delta allow you to access the game rich Abu Concession as well as a remote island camp deep in the heart of the flooding delta waters. Track wild dog on the hunt and look for lounging leopard on day and night game drives. In traditional mokoro canoes, slip quietly through the papyrus reeds in search of drinking elephants. Following the flow of the Zambezi River northeast, spend a night at Victoria Falls to walk the glistening trail along the jagged precipice of the falls, feeling the spray as the torrent of water tumbles 305 ft in a deafening display of nature’s awesome power. Next up the prolific Linkwasha concession within Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park where big game African safaris originated and exceptionally professional safari guides accompanied by local onsite trackers lead bush walks and game drives in search of rhino, elephant and other big game. In Mana Pools explore the water’s edge on foot, pontoon boat and canoe, at the end of each day watching classic African sunsets reflecting orange and red over the water. Throughout this journey enjoy small intimate safari camps within exclusive wildlife concessions that blend naturally with the local environment.

DAY DATE OVERNIGHT CAMP MEALS HIGHLIGHTS

1 OKAVANGO DELTA,

BOTSWANA Seba Camp LD

Fly from Maun into the Okavango Delta, pickup and game drive into camp.

2 OKAVANGO DELTA Seba Camp BLD Game drives and walking at Banoka Bush Camp.

3 OKAVANGO DELTA Seba Camp BLD Game drives and walking at Banoka Bush Camp.

4 OKAVANGO DELTA Pelo Camp BLD

Fly to the Jao concession and transfer by boat to the remote Pelo water camp. Afternoon boating safari.

5 OKAVANGO DELTA Pelo Camp BLD Mokoro and boating safari.

6 VICTORIA FALLS,

ZIMBABWE Ilala Lodge BLD

Fly to Kasane and drive across the border into Zimbabwe and the Victoria Falls.

7 HWANGE

NATIONAL PARK Davison’s Camp BLD

Morning Victoria Falls tour, fly to Hwange arriving in the late afternoon

8 HWANGE

NATIONAL PARK Davison’s Camp BLD

Game drives at Davison’s Camp

9 MANA POOLS Ruckomechi

Camp BLD

Fly to Mana Pools and drive to Ruckomechi Camp, afternoon game drive.

10 MANA POOLS Ruckomechi

Camp BLD

Day and night game drives, canoeing, sundown boat rides, and tiger fishing.

11 MANA POOLS Ruckomechi

Camp BLD

Day and night game drives, canoeing, sundown boat rides, and tiger fishing.

12 HARARE B Fly to Harare, Zimbabwe in time for your departing international flight.

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Itinerary in Detail DAYS 1-3: OKAVANGO DELTA, ABU CONCESSION Upon arrival into Maun you’ll be met and begin your exploration of this Botswana’s most renown wildlife haven. A scenic flight will take you soaring over palm studded islands and papyrus filled waterways, deep into the delta to the Abu Concession and your home for the next three nights at Seba Camp. Set in a riverine forest of majestic hardwood trees and overlooking a perennial lagoon with prolific birdlife and visiting pods of hippo, Seba Camp has eight raised, well-appointed and spacious tents, each with en-suite bathroom and private deck, and each celebrating a different tribe of Botswana through vibrant décor. The dining area, lounge-library and pool are all set on raised saligna decks with spectacular views.

The Abu Concession varies from open grasslands to secluded island sanctuaries and papyrus-fringed channels, allowing for an abundance of general game species to be seen. Giraffe, zebra, elephant, impala, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, buffalo and warthog roam the 180, 000 hectares. Lions often move through the area too and can sometimes be heard calling at night. Head out on daily game drives in open sided vehicles, night game drives, nature walks (on request), boating and mokoro canoeing. Overnight three nights at Seba Camp. [BLD]

DAYS 4 - 5: OKAVANGO DELTA WATER CAMP Fly to the remote Pelo Camp this morning. Situated outside the Moremi Game Reserve on the Jao flats, Pelo Camp is a truly water-oriented camp offering mokoros and boat safaris all year round. Lying in the very heart of the Okavango Delta, the Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of the region. Narrow water channels cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds in the permanent delta to the north and east of the concession, providing the perfect environment for the elusive sitatunga and the rare Pel's Fishing-Owl. Beautiful lush palm islands, like the one on which Jacana Camp is built, dot the water, begging to be explored.

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The true wetland areas of the Okavango Delta are best known for their birdlife. The largest concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane are found in this area and Rosy-throated Longclaws and African Skimmer are some of the specials that can be seen. Hallowed species such as Pel's Fishing-Owl and Slaty Egret are found alongside more conspicuous and commonly seen Coppery-tailed Coucal, and Pygmy Goose. The enchanting tented camp is set in one of the most densely populated wetland areas for a variety of species including sitatunga and Red Lechwe. Overnight two nights at Pelo Camp. [BLD]

DAY 6: VICTORIA FALLS Depart the delta this morning on a light aircraft flight to the northern town of Kasane. Upon arrival you’ll be picked up and head of on a 2 hr drive across the border to Zimbabwe and the Victoria Falls. Arriving at Ilala lodge, choose to relax this afternoon or take a stroll on your own to the entrance to the Victoria Falls which lies only 15 minutes away. Overnight at Ilala Lodge. [BL]

DAYS 7 – 8: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK This morning enjoy a fully guided tour of Victoria Falls, prior to heading off to the airport for a short flight to Hwange National Park. Greeted at the bush airstrip you’ll begin your safari right away through teak forests and open vleis populated by a variety of game including buffalo, zebra, giraffe and elephant, finally reaching Davison’s Camp in the Linkwasha Concession of the Park. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife destination and it's most important conservation area. Located on the border with Botswana, Hwange is a haven for one of the most dense concentrations of wildlife in Africa. In particular, its great herds of cape buffalo and elephant are a sight to see. With over 100 mammal species, Hwange has some of the highest mammal diversity of any national park in the world. Based from Davison’s Camp, one of the few camps located inside the national park situated in the Linkwasha Concession, this exclusive and remote north-eastern corner of Hwange National Park has exceptional game viewing year-round. Wildlife frequently encountered includes healthy prides of lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, common waterbuck and reedbuck. There are vast areas of open grassland plains which account for excellent game viewing; in summer (Jan-Mar) wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance here, while in winter dry season (Jun-Aug) the waterholes are magnets where elephants concentrate to bathe and drink in enormous numbers. Birdlife is prolific and varied with species frequenting the teak woodlands as well as those typical of the drier Kalahari being present. In addition to game drives, morning walking safaris and evening drives with spotlights are a highlight, as well as watching the

Photo by Dana Allen

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procession of wildlife at the waterhole from your veranda. Overnight for two nights at Davison’s Camp. [BLD] DAYS 9 - 11: MANA POOLS AT RUCKOMECHI

CAMP See what another morning game drive reveals before departing to the airstrip for the flight to Mana West Airstrip. It's just a short transfer to Ruckomechi Camp idyllically situated overlooking the Zambezi River and the imposing Great African Rift Valley. Comprising 5,600 square miles, roughly the size of Connecticut, Mana Pools is located in the heart of the Zambezi Valley in a dramatic landscape of high bluffs bordering a rich riverine ecosystem famed for its abundant and varied mammal life. Huge herds of elephant and buffalo, followed by zebra, waterbuck and many other antelope species and their associated predators including lion and hyena migrate to the banks of the Zambezi for food and water. Cheetah and endangered wild dog are also often seen. The river is famous for its sizable numbers of hippos and large Nile crocodile. Resident and migratory birdlife, with over 450 species recorded, is colorful and abundant including collared palm-thrush, African skimmer, racket-tailed roller, purple-banded sunbird and western banded snake-eagle. Activities at Ruckomechi include early morning bush walks, twice-daily game drives, night drives, canoeing and catch-and-release fishing. Overnight for three nights at Ruckomechi Camp. [BLD]

DAY 12: DEPARTURE Depart Ruckomechi for a flight to Harare, arriving in time for a connecting international departure. Consider extending your trip to visit the winelands of Cape Town or trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda. [B]

END OF SERVICES PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here: Pricing Departures are available for any time from June 15 to October 31st.

INCLUDED SERVICES

▪ All land, boat and light aircraft transfers as indicated ▪ All guided tours and excursions ▪ English-speaking naturalist guide escort and local trackers ▪ Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation in 6-passenger safari vehicle ▪ 11 nights accommodation ▪ Park and concession entrance fees ▪ Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] ▪ Soft drinks, wine, and beer with meals (excluding premium brands) ▪ Laundry service everywhere except Pelo Camp ▪ Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES

▪ International airfare ▪ Tips and gratuities ▪ Airport departure taxes ▪ Visa fees in Zimbabwe ($35 for single entry, payable upon arrival) ▪ Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons

beyond our control

Photo by Dana Allen

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▪ Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation ▪ Any other items not mentioned above

NOTE: All guests must cover themselves with cancellation and baggage insurance for the duration of their trip.

▪ Baggage in charter aircraft is restricted to 20kg (44lbs) per person in a soft bag, including camera equipment and carry-on baggage.

▪ Only soft bags will be accepted - no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft.

▪ International Air connections: Arrive into Botswana – Maun Airport (MUB) must be by 1:30pm. Departure from Harare, Zimbabwe should be after 12pm.

▪ Laundry services are included but guests are expected to wash their own smalls (underwear and bras)

▪ Flashlights: Please ensure that a minimum 2D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Headlamps are also useful.

Interested in helping the people of Zimbabwe? Davison’s Camp has community projects that welcome school supply donations. See packforapurpose.org for more details.

Accommodations

SEBA CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA Blending beautifully into the ancient riverine forest of majestic hardwood trees, Seba Camp is situated within the heart of the Okavango Delta and the diverse and productive Abu Concession. Overlooking a perennial lagoon with prolific birdlife and visiting pods of hippo, the camp has eight well-appointed, spacious tents elevated from the ground, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with magnificent vistas. Well-lit paths lead to the communal dining area, bar and a lounge-library and a secluded swimming pool to refresh and relax in after a game drive. Seba Camp is known for its large elephant population. In addition, unlike the water-inundated areas of the Okavango Delta,

the habitats around Seba Camp vary greatly, allowing for an abundance of other general game viewing, from giraffe, zebra, impala, tsessebe and lechwe to wildebeest, buffalo and warthog. Leopards, hyena and African wild dog are also regularly seen while a number of lion have settled into the area, sometimes heard roaring at night. (Click here for more information)

PELO CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA, JAO CONCESSION Pelo camp is a Palm tree island oasis in the middle of the flooding Okavango Delta. The word Pelo in Setswana means ‘heart’ – a fitting name inspired by the distinct heart-shaped island on which the camp is built in the heart of the Jao Concession. This is the Delta as it is meant to be enjoyed – remote, genuine, and wild. This camp was newly constructed in 2013 and is one of the most ecologically friendly camps in the Delta, generating 100 percent of the electricity requirements to operate. Pelo Camp’s main area comprises a tented dining area and lounge situated under impressive wild date palms, Jackalberry and Natal mahogany trees. There is also an

outdoor boma area and a raised platform. The five intimate guest tents have en-suite bathrooms and a

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covered front veranda. The bathroom has a flush toilet, running water in the basin and an outdoor bucket shower. The camp’s footprint is light allowing unobtrusive wildlife viewing and a sense of being at one with nature (click here to see more).

ILALA LODGE, VICTORIA FALLS Ilala Lodge is ideally situated as the closest lodge to the Victoria Falls as well as the town center. The National Park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. This distinguished lodge offers accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambience; the decor evokes a bygone era of adventure and the quest of discovery in Africa. Each spacious room has railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either open lawn or a balcony where you are afforded a view of the spray of the falls. All of the 32 rooms have en-suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan and satellite TV. All guests

are served early morning tea / coffee, fruit basket and homemade biscuits (click here to see more).

DAVISON’S CAMP, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK Named after the founder of Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, this classic African camp, with its 8 double tents and a family tent, offers a wonderful bush experience. Guest tents and the public area, comprising a lounge, dining room, open campfire area and pool look out over an active waterhole. Activities at Davison's Camp include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and guided walks in the early mornings, while during mid-day guests can view wildlife coming to the waterhole from their tent veranda or the main area (click here to see more).

RUCKOMECHI CAMP, MANA POOLS PARK Ruckomechi Camp is nestled amongst a large grove of acacia and ebony trees. Consisting of ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon suite and family room, all these maximize views of the Zambezi River and the escarpment beyond. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts an outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’ in a secluded, scenic spot. Public areas include dining, bar and library with a separate deck with infinity pool, and an inviting sundowner and star-gazing deck (click here to see more).

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Booking your Wildland Adventure

HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:*

• 20% of land cost. This deposit is non-refundable. ▪

*Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance.

CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website.

PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 61-or more: Non-refundable deposit 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Pre-departure Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We’re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions