Over the Okavango & Victoria Falls – 9 day luxury flying Safari, Botswana & Zambia

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Luxury all inclusive Botswana & Zambia Safari

Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls

8 nights / 9 day safari: Experience the magic of the Okavango Delta and the wildlife that frequents it as well the huge elephant population of the Chobe, finishing with the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Always dreamed of getting up close to elephants? Now you can with this itinerary that combines our unique elephant interaction in the Okavango Delta with Chobe National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa.

Experince the Victoria Falls, first described to Europe by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke that Thunders”, the falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of brilliant spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi.

BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS

8 nights / 9 day safari: Experience the magic of the Okavango Delta and the wildlife that frequents it as well the huge elephant population of the Chobe, finishing with the magnificent Victoria Falls.

 

DAY 1 – Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp

On arrival at Maun Airport, a Sanctuary Retreats representative will meet and assist you to your onward flight on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Stanley’s Camp. The flying is approximately 15 minutes. On arrival at the airstrip a  representative will meet and transfer you to the camp. Sanctuary Stanley’s is situated in a 260,000-acre private concession, thus affording guests absolute exclusivity. Guest accommodation consists of eight classic styled safari tents. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities. A completely unique Stanley’s feature is an educational experience with a group of semi-habituated African elephants and a highly recommended activity at an additional cost. Other activities available include serene mokoro canoe excursions (subject to water levels), exclusive bush dinners, and game drives in customised, open 4 x 4 vehicles – including the rare opportunity of night drives.

Meals included: Lunch and Dinner

DAY 2  – Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp

The day is at leisure. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp offers some of the best game viewing in the Okavango, including the rare and elusive wild dog. A completely unique Sanctuary Stanley’s feature is an educational experience with a group of semi-habituated African elephants and a highly recommended activity at an additional cost. Other activities available include serene mokoro canoe excursions (subject to water levels), exclusive bush dinners, and game drives in customised, open 4 x 4 vehicles – including the rare opportunity of night drives. As Stanley’s Camp is in a private concession, guests also have the exclusive option of walking safaris with an armed professional guide.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3 – Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Enjoy a morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast.  A camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip. Depart on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Chief’s Camp. The flying time to Sanctuary Chief’s is approximately 15 minutes. On arrival at the airstrip a representative will meet and transfer you to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is a luxury bush camp situated on Chief’s Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve. This region is known as the “predator capital” of Africa and is considered to have the finest game viewing in Botswana including the Big Five.Guest accommodation comprises of twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions. The afternoon is at leisure. Activities available include game drives and seasonal mokoro excursions (subject to water levels).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4 – Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer. The game viewing opportunities around Sanctuary Chief’s Camp are awe-inspiring. Elephant, wild dog, cheetah and leopard can all be spotted close to camp and the area also boasts over 500 species of bird. Mokoros, local dugout canoes, are ideal for getting close to the bush in the company of a highly trained local guide. Each June the whole area around the camp floods and turns the Okavango Delta into a labyrinth of lily-filled lagoons and streams where hippos fight for bathing rights and crocodiles wait for unwary antelope to linger too long over a drink. Poling through the byways created by the floodwaters is a magical experience that allows guests to get very close to the biggest of game and to see the world from a totally different angle – looking up onto the banks rather than down onto them.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5 – Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

The day begins with a morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast.  A camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip. Depart on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Kasane. The flying time to Kasane is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. On arrival at Kasane Airport a lodge representative will meet and transfer you to the lodge. Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge. Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden with hammock overlooking the magnificent Chobe River. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer which include game drives in the National Park and sundowner cruise on the Chobe River.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6 – Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Today is at leisure to explore the area. Thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles bring you to the heart of Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalos, antelope, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Or spot wildlife from the water, joining one of the acclaimed guides on a water safari on specially adapted motorboats.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7 – Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

A morning game viewing activity is followed by breakfast. You will be transfered to the border for your onward transfer to Zambia. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is just a short drive away from the world-famous Victoria Falls. The lodge itself is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which, in addition to the mighty roar of the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game as well as countless opportunities for adventure. Built on two levels on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi, the main lodge is perched in giant ebony trees. Guests can relax in the swimming pool, or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. The twelve air-conditioned tree houses are connected by wooden walkways and all enjoy superb views over the river. In addition, there are two private houses available. Each has two bedrooms, a dining area and deck with plunge pools, as well as a private chef and house staff.

Meals included:   Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8 – Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

The day is at leisure to enjoy some of the many activities on offer, these include a Tour of the Falls, sundowner cruise on the Zambezi, walking safaris, game drives in the National Park and a Village Tour. Livingstone is also known as the adventure capital of Africa offering a variety of adrenalin activities. Imagine taking on the mighty Zambezi River on a white water rafting trip. Did you know the rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as “Grade 5. The Flight of Angels offers an amazing opportunity to experience a flight in a helicopter and an unrivalled and superior view of the majestic Victoria Falls. Other adventure activities include bungee jumping, micro lighting over the Victoria Falls and swimming at the Devil’s Pool. These activities are an optional extra and can be booked at the lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 9 – End Safari

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer and afterwards please meet the lodge representative in the reception area of the lodge for your transfer to Livingstone Airport. Your transfer times will be advised to you by the lodge managers.

Meals included:  Breakfast

ACTIVITIES IN BOTSWANA

GAME DRIVES 

Botswana Game drives are not typical here, as water crossings are part of the adventure, and watching zebra standing belly-deep in water, grazing, is a sight to see. Even giraffe will cross water up to their hocks. During higher water levels, game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is set in a private concession which means we can also venture out at night on exciting game drives to see the many nocturnal animals that live here. The evening drive starts after sundowner cocktails, using a spotlight to identify nocturnal creatures including the ones that are easier to catch a glimpse of in the dark, like hyena and leopard. Tiny fireball eyes that seem to levitate through the air and reappear again in different trees are bush babies, just one of several different creatures to be found.

LIVING WITH ELEPHANTS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE 

Thousands of elephants migrate through the area and here, as at the nearby Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, you can have an astonishing experience walking with elephants in the bush. These orphaned elephants have been brought up in the area by their guardians Doug and Sandi Groves. Every morning the elephants go for a walk around their home range, foraging for food and checking that all is well.  A few people each day are able to accompany them on their walk through the bush and see the wilds of Africa through the eyes of an elephant – a truly uplifting experience that makes a lasting impression on all who share their time with the elephants. This activity includes a leisurely paced walk with the semi-habituated elephants, followed by a picnic lunch in their company.

This activity is at an additional cost. Please enquire for rates.

  • In order to avoid disappointment, pre-booking is recommended.
  • The activity is available to a minimum of two guests and a maximum of ten.
  • Children nine years and older are allowed to enjoy the activity with parents.
  • Please note the elephants are on annual leave from 15 January to 15 February each year.

MOKORO EXCURSIONS 

The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, guests can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow channels. Sit back and relax as you glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while seeing eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression.

SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT 

These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. There is the the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. Choose between 30, 45 or 60 minute tour in a one turbine Bell Jetranger helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis. Being a personalised activity, it’s up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity, however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as these times usually provide the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.

This activity is at an additional cost. Please enquire for rates.

WALKING SAFARIS

Our professional guides will show you the bush on foot. This is a chance to see the Delta from a different perspective, one that is up close and personal with the surrounding environment. Walks allow you to read the news of the night in the smooth sand of the road. Lion, leopard, elephants, genets and even millipedes are all part of the signs, each with their story to tell. A walking safari is about seeing the small five and the various flora in the area.

SUNDOWNER CRUISE

The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of one of our specially designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns. Sitatungas – antelope with splayed feet to help them run in swamps – are often seen here, as are the wild dog and lion that prey upon them.

ACTIVITIES IN ZAMBIA

 

GAME DRIVES 

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Here the highly trained safari guides take guests on game drives in custom-built 4 x 4 safari vehicles to experience the land as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and beheld the smoke that thunders. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park.

LOCAL SCHOOL  & VILLAGE TOUR 

Nakatindi village is located six kilometres from Livingstone and five kilometres from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Through Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy, we sponsor various projects aimed at improving education, conservation, health and enterprise in the village. Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma have the opportunity to visit these projects and meet the people supported by them. In particular, guests can visit Nakatindi Community School which is resposible for the education of 442 pupils or Chipego bike shop, where guests can hire bicycles to use to tour the village.

WALKING SAFARIS

There can be few more thrilling ways to experience and understand African wildlife, the bush and ecosystem as a whole than by being on foot on a walking safari. Offering a completely different perspective to the conventional view one gets from the confines of a safari vehicle. Our two highly trained professional walking guides, Luckson and Elijah, have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years. Their reverence and respect for the wild is highly contagious, making this a truly unforgettable and memorable experience as they share their in-depth bush knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Guests will also be accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma’s walking safaris will last about two hours and are conducted at a leisurely pace. Morning walks will depart at 6:30 am and will include a break with tea, coffee and snacks. The afternoon walk will commence at 4pm and finish at a special sundowner spot where guests will be served drinks and canapés while enjoying the magnificent sunset. Minimum age is 15 years.

TOUR OF THE VICTORIA FALLS

Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a walking tour of The Falls. First described to Europe by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke that Thunders”, the falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of brilliant spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight over the waterfall. The river is bordered by ebony groves and mopane forest. Well-known for its bird life, with many fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is payable by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.

CANOEING ON THE ZAMBEZI

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a two hour canoeing excursion on the Zambezi River. The canoeing trip can either be done in the morning or afternoon, the activity will start from the lodge and can be combined with either a game drive or a boat cruise. Canoeing is offered all year but is weather dependent. Dry bags will be provided for valuables. Minimum age is 15 years.

FISHING

The fishing season generally opens on 1st March each year. It closes annually from the 1st December until March. (This is the local Fisheries’ regulations and it is enforced by the Zambian Wildlife Authority.) All fishing is on a strict “Catch and Release” policy as we are in the national park. So far the biggest fish caught was around 4.5kg.

Sussi and Chuma’s 3 boats are used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests specifically wanting to do fishing should ideally request and pay for a private boat for fishing. That said we will be happy to accommodate fishermen as best as we can. Please note, on a full camp, all boats are used for the evening sunset cruise.

FLIGHT OF ANGELS

The Flight of Angels offers an amazing experience – the opportunity to fly over the Falls in a helicopter for unrivalled views. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any game the following species can often be seen from the air: elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, minimum 2/maximum 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome. (Additional cost)

WHITE WATER RAFTING

The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as “Grade 5” by the British Canoe Union. You will be met in the reception area of the lodge from where you transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience. The white water rafting finishes at rapid #10 where the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers for the journey back to Zambezi Waterfront at 12.30 / 1.00pm in time for lunch. Lunch consists of a variety of savoury filled bread rolls, fruits and fruit juice. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge. Water is provided throughout the day. Minimum 4 participants and no children under 15 years are allowed to participate on the rafting activity. Guests have the option of also choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting. (Additional cost)

Luxury accommodation across Botswana & Zambia with

Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Sussi’s heavenly tree houses are built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees lining the river bank. The air-conditioned rooms all with their own private viewing deck boast superb views over the white waters of the Zambezi. And if the fancy takes you, enjoy a private dinner on your deck, while the sounds of the bush provide enchanting background music.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma also has 2 private houses, each with two bedrooms, their own dining areas and decks with plunge pools, as well as a private chef and dedicated staff.

WHY WE LOVE SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA

  • Located on a quiet bend of the Zambezi River within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  • 12 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls in a remote location away from crowds
  • Boutique property catering for individuals, couples and families
  • Only lodge in the area able to offer guided walking safaris
  • Established philanthropy project at Nakatindi Village

SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA REMODELLED

In April 2018, this boutique riverside retreat will reopen with an enlightened take on sophisticated safari life. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is in the heart of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and all 12 treehouses set amid jackalberry trees have been restyled. To maximise the magic of staying right here at the edge of a dramatic bend in the Zambezi there are also new lounges and decking added as communal spaces.

SANCTUARY RETREATS PHILANTHROPY (SRP)

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma began working with Nakatindi Village and School, situated in Livingstone, in 2010 and with the help of the community elders we were able to identified various projects we could get involved with, on an ongoing basis.

Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy believes communities like Nakatindi Village deserve to benefit from tourism, an industry that relies on their continued willingness to coexist with wildlife, and is working with the Nakatindi Village leadership to positively impact lives and livelihoods at the household level.

While in Zambia visit the Chipego Bike Shop, whose women proprietors are happy to share their stories. Talk with residents as you tour the village by foot or bike, stopping at the school, garden, clinic, individual homesteads and marketplace.

Sanctuary Retreats Stanley’s Camp

A classic tented camp located on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp offers a varied game viewing experience as well as our unique elephant interaction.

Set among ebony and sausage trees, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is located on a 260,000 acre private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The natural wonders of the area constantly change over the seasons from lush green when the rain flows down the Angolan highlands, to dry savannah when the neighbouring Kalahari Desert tightens its grip on the terrain. The camp is the home of our unique Living with Elephants interaction. Walking with these rescued orphaned elephants is an uplifting experience and one that will remain with you long after you’ve left.

WHY WE LOVE SANCTUARY STANLEY’S CAMP

  • Offers the unique Living with Elephants interaction
  • Located on a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve which means we can offer walking and night drives
  • Seasonal mokoro excursions available
  • Several active hyena dens close to camp
  • Traditional tented safari camp allows for an authentic safari experience

SANCTUARY RETREATS PHILANTHROPY (SRP)

Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp together with the Living With Elephants Foundation, run by Doug and Sandi Groves works to secure the long term future of its elephant ambassadors.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Welcome to the former royal hunting reserve of Chief Moremi, in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Wildlife and wilderness are as abundant as action and adrenaline and refinement and relaxation at this remarkable remodelled luxury camp.

Personal service, an extraordinary setting, exceptional viewing and enthusiastic expert guides are the hallmarks of a Sanctuary Retreats experience – here at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp we promise a unique attention to detail and strong environmental and philanthropic credentials to ensure the ultimate luxury safari experience.

SAFARI CHIC

All the main and public areas of the camp have been extensively refurbished in a ‘safari chic’ style including a newly designed bar and library area, the extension of the dining room and the addition of a pizza deck with pizza oven. A new orientation room where guests can learn more about the Delta before going on game drives has been added as well as a gym and kids play room.

When you visit Sanctuary Chief’s Camp you’ll see why Condé Nast Traveler consistently rates it as one of the top safari destinations in Botswana. The camp is part of the magazine’s exclusive “Platinum Circle” in recognition of its inclusion in the prestigious Gold List for the last five consecutive years.

 WHY WE LOVE SANCTUARY CHIEF’S CAMP

  • Located on famous Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve
  • Seasonal Mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) excursions available
  • Exclusive safari experience
  • Some of the largest suites in the area (141 – 620 m2)
  • Each pavilion features a tranquil outside seating area and a terrace plunge pool
  • The new Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite, consists of two pavilions and features a private bar, boma, lounge and kitchen, all serviced by a private house-keeper, waiter, guide and vehicle
  • Consistently rated as one of the top safari camps in Botswana by Condé Nast and Travel & Leisure

SANCTUARY RETREATS PHILANTHROPY (SRP)

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp supports a Rhino Relocation project which helps to protect and conserve our rhinos that face critical threat.

Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy is working to save a critically endangered species.

Due to a still-persistent belief in Asia that powdered rhino horn can be used as a cure-all medicine, rhino populations are under massive threat from poaching. A recent sharp increase in poaching has most significantly affected South Africa where 1,255 rhino were killed for their horns in 2014 alone. It is estimated as few as 29,000 rhino survive worldwide.

Sanctuary Retreats has strategically partnered with Rhino Conservation Botswana, the Botswana Defence Forces and other partners to translocate 20 rhino, both black and white, from South Africa into the Moremi Reserve in Botswana where they will be safer from poachers. There they are under protection 24/7 and have a greater chance for survival.

Sanctuary Retreats support was initially directed to building large enclosures, called “bomas”, that are strong enough to temporarily house the rhino introduced in the region. The Moremi Reserve was chosen as it provides suitable habitat, good security, restricted range, and existing monitoring capacity. Going forward, Sanctuary Retreats will expand its support for monitoring and protection activities on the reserve, with the help of Sanctuary guides and guests.

Guests staying at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp have the opportunity to learn about these unique animals and the process of translocating them during a presentation by our designated philanthropy coordinator and then journey into the reserve to view the rhino thriving in their new home.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest remaining population of elephants.

Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 guest cottages, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.

WHY WE LOVE SANCTUARY CHOBE CHILWERO

  • Highest concentration of elephants in Africa on lodge’s doorstep
  • Full service spa, including treetop treatment room
  • Sundowner cruises on the Chobe River in our customised boats
  • Families with children of all ages welcome
  • Air-conditioned lodge

FINE DINING

Sanctuary Retreats prides itself in the personalised service we are able to offer our guests. Please let us know if you have any special requests and/or dietary requirements.

Dining will be individual table settings placed in spots around the camp with unique viewpoints. There will also be comfortable sofas and umbrellas placed in and around the camp in special spots with great views for guests to sit and soak up the surrounding area.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your stay – and dining is a mix of silver service, multi course and buffet style depending on the camp. On early morning game drives, indulge in a packed breakfast enjoyed in the middle of the bush and head back to the lodge for a late lunch; or leave after an early breakfast and indulge in a scrumptious packed lunch enjoyed whilst on a full day game drive. For a more intimate experience you can choose to dine on individual tables set in special spots around the camps.

Afternoon tea is served just before the afternoon game activity and offers a selection of cake, tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices. Sundowners and snacks offer the perfect way to end the day as the sun sets over the savannah. Pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed around the fire before dinner.

At Swala camp you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner over looking the only permanent water hole in the area where all the animals come to quench their thirst. From small antelope like Impala who seek ‘sanctuary’ around the camp to Waterbuck, Buffalo and Lions as well as the resident herd of bull Elephants who don’t like sharing.

ABOUT BOTSWANA

A landlocked nation, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers up to 70% of the country’s land surface, the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and the Chobe National Park in the north.

Vast and untamed, a country with thousands of square miles of exquisite wilderness, Botswana offers exceptional game viewing as well as a varied safari experience across its broad and flat expanses of savannah, desert, salt pan and wetland.

ABOUT ZAMBIA

Hear the roar of the thundering Victoria Falls, feel the adrenaline while white water rafting down the mighty Zambezi River, or take a leisurely game drive in the leopard country of South Luangwa. This is Zambia, a country rich in natural beauty and wildlife, yet scant in tourists.

Aside from its variety of game, such as lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and a number of exciting endemic species, Zambia is noted for its rich birdlife and exotic fish. It’s something of a pilgrimage for fishermen, and for birders, they can’t help but be drawn by the marvellous diversity of bird species. Zambia is the perfect African destination to have an authentic safari experience.

 

GETTING TO EAST AFICA

This Safari experience begins in the town of Maun in Botswana. Maun is easily reached by flying through Johannesburg in South Africa.

Getting to East Africa is relatively easy with two main hubs on the continent form where you can get to where ever you need to go. Those being Johannesburg and Nairobi.

Flying from Australia QANTAS has regular and direct flights from Sydney – Johannesburg while South African Airways fly directs to Johannesburg ex Perth to meet connections onto Nairobi and Kilimanjaro.

If you prefer to to fly with Emirates or QATAR they have regular flights ex Melbourne and Sydney via Dubai and Doha to Nairobi.

Departing from Europe you will find many direct flights into Nairobi, the main East African hub. Flying from the United States you will find direct flights to Johannesburg from New York and Atlanta while getting to Nairobi will generally take you through Europe.

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFE TIME

With the benefit of digital photography don’t hold back taking pics, you can always delete them. We recommend packing your largest lense, all safari vehicles have padded rest for stable long distance shots.

BOTSWANA

VISA INFORMATION

For most passports, a visa is required. Please check with local authorities for details. Two blank passport pages are required when travelling to Southern Africa. Check the number of days given on arrival at the immigration desk as there are steep fines for overstaying the number of days given. Departure tax is dependent upon which airline you are travelling with.

Visas Not Required: Foreigners from most Commonwealth and European Union countries, as well as the United States, are not required to obtain visas for entering Botswana, except in cases where the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs has directed otherwise.

Visas Required: Please visit www.botswanaembassy.org for a full list of nationalities requiring visas for entry into Botswana. Please note this information serves as a guide only. Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements can vary. Visas are to be obtained in advance and cannot be issued at port of entry.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Guests travelling to Botswana need to be aware that parents travelling with children would now be requested to provide the following information for all travelling children. Any children under the age of 18 will not be allowed to enter the country without these documents.

Child and both parents:

  • An unabridged birth certificate
  • A valid passport for the child

Child and one parent, parent must produce:

  • An unabridged birth certificate
  • A valid passport for the child
  • A court order / death certificate / affidavit confirming the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel

Child and guardian, guardian must produce:

  • An unabridged birth certificate
  • A valid passport for the child
  • A court order / death certificate / affidavit confirming the parents have given permission for the child to travel
  • Copies of parents / guardian ID documents
  • Contact details of parents/guardian

TIME ZONE

GMT + 2 hours

LANGUAGE

The official languages are English and Setswana.

WEATHER

Botswana straddles the Tropic of Capricorn and experiences extremes in temperatures. Days are normally clear, warm and sunny while the nights range from cool to cold. Botswana is primarily a dry country, but a summer rainy season lasts from November to March. Average annual rainfall is around 500mm. During the summer, days are generally sunny with short, abrupt rainstorms which usually clear within hours.  Average temperatures during this period range between 20°C and 38°C. From late May to August, rain is rare anywhere in the country. During this dry season temperatures can plummet as low as 0°C at night and the average maximum temperature is around 27°C.

MONEY MATTERS

There will be little access to ATMs or banks while on safari. We suggest guests travel with cash in small denominations for tipping. Accepted currencies are USD, GBP, Euro and Pula – change will be given in the local currency. All cash should be locked in the safes, or safe bags, provided. Sanctuary Retreats’ lodges and camps in Botswana accepts credit cards, apart from Diners and American Express.

TIPPING

Tipping is not obligatory but general suggestions are as follows:

$15 per guest per day for the guide and $10 per guest per day for the rest of the staff.

NEW BOTSWANA TOURISM LEVY

As of 1 June 2017, visitors travelling to Botswana are liable to pay US$ 30 per person at the port of entry into the country. The levy will be payable at all ports of entry, including airports and border posts, through electronic payment machines, cash and debit and credit cards. A unique receipt, corresponding with the passport, will be generated automatically which then needs to be presented to Immigration Officials. The receipt will be valid for a 30 day period and can be used for multiple entries.

For more information, please visit www.botswanatourism.co.bw/tourismlevy

ZAMBIA

MONEY MATTERS

Zambia’s currency is the kwacha. Notes come in the following denominations: 20 (rarely used), 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000. There will be little access to ATMs or banks while on safari. We suggest guests travel with some cash in small denominations for tipping. USD, GBP and Euro are accepted – however, change will be given in the local currency. All credit cards, except for Diners and American Express, are accepted in camp.

 

TIPPING

Tipping is not obligatory but general suggestions are as follows:

  • US $5-10 per couple per day for a guide
  • US $5-10 per couple per day for the camp staff box

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION

For most passports, a visa is required. Please check with local authorities for details. Two blank passport pages are required when travelling to Southern Africa. Check the number of days given on arrival at the immigration desk as there are steep fines for overstaying the number of days given. Departure tax is dependent upon which airline you are travelling with.

This information serves as a guide only. Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements can vary.

Visas Not Required:

Foreigners from some Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas for entering Zambia except in cases where Zambia government has directed otherwise.

Visas Required:

Foreigners from most Commonwealth and European Union countries, as well as the United States, are required to obtain visas for entering Zambia. Please visit http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm for a full list of nationalities which require visas for entry.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Below are the new South African immigration regulations concerning travelling with children:

  • Where parents are travelling with a child, such parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.
  • In the case of one parent travelling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate as well as consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child authorising him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic with the child he or she is travelling with.
  • A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.

TIME ZONE

GMT + 2 hours.

LANGUAGE

The official language is English, but there are over 70 recognised regional languages including Nyanja and Bemba.

WEATHER

Zambia has three distinct seasons: the dry season (May to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to November), the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and the wet season (December to April) which is ideal for bird-watching. October is the hottest month, temperatures can reach over 40°C.

For more information on Zambia travel please visit http://www.zambiatourism.com/

Rates are per person twin or double share including scenic safari flight and road transfers.

1 April – 31 May; $11,250USD

1 June – 30 June; $14,300USD

1 July – 31 August; $16,740USD

1 September- 31 October; $14,665USD

1 November – 20 December; $10,200USD

21 December – 6 January 2020; $16,740USD

7 January – 31 March 2020; $10,200USD

50% additional Single supplement

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