WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Home to the mysterious Savuti Channel, the untouched and untamed Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is Botswana’s premium safari destination you might never have heard of!
Marvel at the incredible sight of Victoria Falls and enjoy everything from white-water rafting to sunset cruises, helicopter rides, and bungee jumping. Enjoy an unforgettable opportunity to get up close with elephants in their natural environment and take a momentous 45- minute ride on an elephant as the climax of your visit.
Relish a two-night stay at splendid, 5,000 acre Hwange National Park, a dazzling elephant sanctuary, where the Big-Five and the largest selection of mammals to be found in any of Africa’s national parks will provide an outstanding photo safari to beat any other.
Highlights include:
- Linyanti Wildlife Reserve (Chobe National Park) – Botswana
- Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
- Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | Zimbabwe
Linyanti Wildlife Resreve
◽️ DAY 5-6 | Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
◽️ DAY 7-9 | Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
◽️ DAY 10 | Return
Departure
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0 | August 21, 2024
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate witnessing breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1 | Dates to be updated
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 Africa Sky
AFRICA SKY
Guest House Overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.)
Welcome to South Africa! Johannesburg (JNB / OR Tambo) Airport arrival with meet & greet service.
Your arrival night overnight accommodation: AfricaSky Boutique Hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International airport. A short drive will have you arriving at an oasis, rooms beautifully appointed and nestled in a peaceful lush garden. Enjoy dinner, bed & breakfast all on-site. True African hospitality and service excellence.
Just look out towards the information desk located in the arrivals hall for your pick-up with your name on it. 10 Minute road transfer to your overnight accommodation.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4 | Date to be updated
LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Safari Days
📍 Linyanti Expeditions Camp
LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Area Overview
The Linyanti River is a permanent watercourse and is thus a magnet for the wildlife of northern Botswana and a destination for migration from the dry areas of northern Botswana. Game viewing is therefore excellent, especially during the dry winter months when surface water from rainfall has disappeared in other areas.
In terms of fauna, lion is common along with spotted hyena. Leopard frequent the larger trees in the riverine forest. Antelopes such as kudu, impala, reedbuck and steenbok will be found all year round. The area is a stronghold of waterbuck; these are found in few other areas. Giraffe are stalwarts here as are warthog and baboon. Wild dog traverse the area and are most likely to be seen in July and August in the Linyanti.
The presence of large game in this region significantly increases during the dry season, attracting substantial herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffes, and buffaloes, along with the world's highest concentration of elephants. The area is also home to multiple packs of wild dogs, and sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs are frequent occurrences. Nighttime drives present opportunities to encounter nocturnal creatures like civets, genets, honey badgers, and spring hares.
ACTIVITIES
Morning and afternoon game drives will deliver excellent game viewing experiences and since the Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando reserves are privately-managed, you'll be treated to off-road driving for close-up encounters as well as exciting night drives and guided nature walks.
Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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LINYANTI EXPEDITIONS CAMP
Camp Overview
This small, intimate camp comprise of six ground level expedition style tents, with views of the bush around them. Each en suite bathroom has a toilet and bucket shower. The décor reminds of a bygone era of original African expeditions.
The main tented areas also include a dining tent where guests can witness the art of open fire food preparation, whilst sharing camp fire stories and the days’ events. The other tent serves as a lounge where guests can relax or read a book and enjoy the beautiful views over the Linyanti marsh.
ACTIVITIES
Located within the Chobe National Park, this seasonal camp, the focus is on walking safaris, Morning, afternoon and night game drives as well as mokoro trips through the Linyanti Wetland (water level permitted) is also offered. Due to walking activities. Linaynti Expeditions Camp operates from May to October
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 5-7 | Dates to be updated
VICTORIA FALLS
Experience
📍 Pamarah Lodge
VICTORIA FALLS
Area Overview
Victoria Falls is the 7th wonder of the world! Located in Zimbabwe, situated in the heart of Southern Africa and entirely landlocked. 12% of its land is allocated to National Parks and Game Reserves.
Undoubtedly, the country's most iconic attraction is the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the "Smoke That Thunders" because of the spray made by the mass of water dropping 100 meters below in the gorges. Victoria Falls is twice the size of Niagara Falls and stretches across a significantly longer distance. Visitors can get up close to the falls, but be prepared to experience some splashing.
The Victoria Falls, now in it's 150 millionth fantastic year, - its zenith in about May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience—the sight, the sound, the smell—and the humbling feeling that this is indeed nature's supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict reality. And nothing prepares you for your first sight. .
The Victoria Falls present a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe—the largest sheet of falling water in the world and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls, i.e., the spray, mist, and rainbows.
David Livingstone was the first European to see the Victoria Falls in 1855. The Scottish explorer is believed to have been the first European to view the falls, and he named them Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria.
While in Victoria Falls, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a delightful cruise on the Zambezi River for a different perspective of the falls, especially during sunset. You can also opt for a thrilling helicopter ride over the falls. For a unique experience, consider having afternoon tea at the classic Victoria Falls Hotel. Additionally, if you're interested in shopping, Victoria Falls is an excellent place to purchase local souvenirs, artwork, and handcrafted carvings.
PAMARAH LODGE
Pamarah is a stylish little lodge nestled under a canopy of teak trees in the residential suburbs of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Distinctively unique in its design, Pamarah consists of a number of freestanding buildings that are woven together by thoughtfully laid pathways and beautiful landscaping.
The interior design is a fresh interpretation of decades gone by, combined with contemporary classics. Guests will enjoy reflecting on nostalgic moments with various hand-picked aviation and photographic collectables and historic images on display – echoing the family’s love for history, aviation and photography.
Pamarah Lodge consists of 14 beautifully designed en suite rooms: solo traveler rooms, family rooms, king rooms (some with private patios), twin rooms and a honeymoon suite.
Blending in with its beautiful surroundings, some parts of the lodge have been built around established trees on the property. It is therefore not unusual to see a tree limb peeping through parts of the thatched roof. Guests also have a choice of a ceiling or thatched roof in their rooms.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 7-9 | Date to be updated
HWANGE NP
Safari Days
📍 Bomani Lodge
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Area Overview
Hwange National Park, One of Africa’s top national parks, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe’s northwest should be on any safari lover’s bucket list. Roaming Hwange’s savanna grasslands and woodlands are the Big Five and 100 other species of mammals – the park has the biggest diversity of mammals out of the world’s national parks.
Situated in the south west of Zimbabwe between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. There are two distinct geographic zones, neither are able to support viable agriculture. The flora of the well-drained northern area, part of the Zambezi watershed, is dominated by mopane and mixed Terminalia, which is distinctly different from the rest.
It is home to 107 animal species and 400 species of birds.
ACTIVITIES
Game, game & more game!
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Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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BOMANI CAMP
Camp Overview
This tented lodge is situated in a 5,000 acre private concession inside the Ngamo Forest on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park.These wide-open plains attract an abundance of plains game which also encourages a considerable number of large predators: the lions' roars can often be heard from camp; several leopard territories surround the plains, wild dog den in the area in winter, and during the dry season it's not uncommon to spot prowling cheetah and hyena. Once, rolling Kalahari sand dunes covered the area, but over time the rains turned the desert into an enormous lake. Today, the dry, expansive plains are dotted with natural water pans and Ilala Palms, offering a peaceful sanctuary to the countless herds of wildlife that call the area home.
Bomani is famous for its massive herds of elephants - hundreds can be spotted in a day on safari in the dry season - as well as it's unique and diverse landscapes, from impressive forests of teak and other hardwoods to some of the largest savannah grasslands in the Park.
9 Large luxury tents and one sumptuous thatched bungalow. The main lodge overlooks the pan and comprises of an open dining room, bar area and lounge, built on a spectacular viewing platform. You can enjoy your breakfast while watching zebra and wildebeest quietly graze or sip a sundowner as giraffe and elephant soak up the day’s final rays.
ACTIVITIES
Whether you choose to go on a guided game walk or game drive in the lodge’s private concession or a game drive in the national Park, you will not be disappointed - these spectacular landscapes teem with a rich array of unique African wildlife and flora.
Enjoy your breakfast whilst watching zebra and wildebeest quietly graze, or sip a sun downer as giraffe and elephant soak up the day's final rays. During the chilly winter evenings, our open fireplaces keep the room warm and cozy. Snuggle up under a blanket around the outdoor fire pit and enjoy a glass of red wine, whilst listening to the sounds of the African bush.
*See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics.
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FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 13 | Dates to be updated
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
PAPERWORK
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- A signed APPENDIX C / Indemnity is required for each person going on the safari. Click here to print more copies if needed)
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Safari Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari
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