WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Botswana is an unforgettable travel destination blessed with abundant wildlife, ancient cultures and a staggering diversity of landscapes..
See the astonishing sight of Zimbabwe’s incredible Victoria Falls. Enjoy everything from elephant encounters to white-water rafting, helicopter tours, a visit to a traditional African village and bungee jumping!
Next up, the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve: Oone of Botswana’s most unexplored wilderness areas, set along the Linyanti River and Savute Channel. The private concession istucked away in the north-western corner of Chobe National Park, on the border of Botswana and Namibia, and its biggest drawcards are the absence of crowds as well as the high concentration of wildlife.
Soak up the dazzling wonders of Cape Town, where you will revel in all the best sights that the city has to offer as well as a full-day wine tasting tour.
South Africa has heaps of amazing destinations – but there’s nothing quite like Stellenbosch -come see for yourself!
Highlights:
- Botswana (Chobe Game Reserve (Linyati Wildlife Reserve)
- Victoria Falls
- Cape Town & Stellenbosch
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Activities
◽️ DAY 5-8 | Botswana
Chobe Enclave (Linyati)
◽️ DAY 9-12 | South Africa
Cape Town
◽️ DAY 13-15 | South Africa
Stellenbosch
◽️ DAY 16 | Return home
End of safari
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 1 | September 11, 2024
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate 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 | September 12, 2024
WINDHOEK
Overnight
📍 Droombos
DROOMBOS GUEST LODGE
Overview
Bed & Breakfast, excl. premium drinks.
Bed & Breakfast, drinks excl.
Droombos offers a refined alternative to stay in Windhoek. A superb destination to start your Namibia safari.
Enjoy its wonderful and many amenities, or step outside and be greeted by the big old trees in shades of green in summer, flowers in spring and golden hues in fall. Droombos has magnificent gardens, one of a kind in Namibia. Droombos is home to two massive Camelthorn Trees, both more than 500 years old. These two old friends are wrapped in a blanket of green laws and accompanied by flowers, herbs, vegetables, 140 apple trees and many more.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4 | September 13-15, 2024
VICTORIA FALLS
Experience
📍 528 Vic Falls Guest House
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.
528 VIC FALLS
Bed & Breakfast | Wifi available | Laundry available at addl.cost
The ideal destination from which our guests can explore the mighty Victoria Falls! and surrounds!Neutral and earthy-tones are blended with splashes of bright colors throughout the lodge. As you enter the house, after passing the lovely pond, a warm foyer greets you with a mixture of wall art and a curious wallpaper.
Each of the 7 rooms have their own view over the gardens. All rooms have en-suite, stylish bathrooms with bronze washbasins, and showers with hand-carved screens.
The main dining area, where breakfasts are served is bright and colorful thanks to more art and the large glass windows that stretch to the high double volume ceiling. From this room, the doors open onto the patio, the garden and the swimming pool.
Lounges and patios are the perfect spot for reading, relaxing and chatting. One of the highlights is the "Treetop Bar" on the third floor, which has wonderful views above the tree canopy and beyond to the Zambezi River and Zambia in the distance.It's an ideal place for sun-downers and as evening settles in, to gaze up at the endless African night sky.
ACTIVITIES
Explore everything the Victoria Falls Rain forest are has to offer! Crafts, curios and more!
*A warm welcome awaits on arrival at the airport! Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance followed by a 20 mins. road transfer to your accommodation.
*See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
Transfer to Victoria Falls via commercial flight. Flight time from Cape Town to Victoria Falls is 3 hrs, and 1.5 hr from Johannesburg. Flights are booked and details provided by AfricaPhotoSafaris.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 5-8 | September 16-19, 2024
LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Safari Days
📍 Linyanti Expeditions Camp
LINYATI 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
Full board, excl. premium drinks
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 9-12 | September 20-23, 2024
CAPE TOWN
Explore
📍 Primi Seacastle
CAMPS BAY
Area Overview
...at leisure!
One of the most popular suburbs offering luxury accommodation in Cape Town, Camps Bay lies just beyond the four beaches of Clifton in an exceptionally beautiful setting amongst the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, on the other side of Table Mountain.
Camps Bay is one of the most vibrant and trendy suburbs in Cape Town, and lies just beyond the four beaches of Clifton. Its exceptionally beautiful setting is set by the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, on the other side of Table Mountain. Camps Bay accommodation ranges from luxury boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, and it assures anyone touring South Africa of the utmost in natural beauty combined with a liberal dash of glitz.
The beachfront of Camps Bay is a long stretch of white, palm tree-lined sand, and along its length is a boulevard that forms part of a series of pavement cafes, bistros, and restaurants specialising in Mediterranean fare that has earned Camps Bay its trendy and cosmopolitan character. It hums all day and, in particular, at night when Cape Town’s trendier set comes out to play.
Homes in Camps Bay fetch a few cool million with ease, and staying in the much-sought-after suburb has become something of a practice for many visitors, who return again and again to soak up the sun and mingle with the pavement culture. Homes up in the reaches of Lion’s Head offer fantastic views over the Atlantic, and the bay is relatively calm during the summer months, offering protection from the wind and pleasant swimming conditions.
The Table Mountain cableway is only minutes away from Camps Bay, over Kloof Nek, as is the city centre with bohemian Long Street, trendy Kloof Street, and the many museums and galleries that make a good day’s trawling worthwhile.
Otherwise, Clifton’s four beaches offer some rare people-watching opportunities, and the lawn overlooking 4th beach is a popular paragliding landing spot.
Cape Point & Cape Peninsula tour! Discover Cape Point, the scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Journey past base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons.
At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities.
The Cape Peninsula boasts warm sands on Clifton’s secluded beaches and trendy cafés in Camps Bay. Explore the stunning Atlantic Seaboard feasting your eyes on rugged coastlines and other unblemished geographic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and the impressive slopes of Lion’s head.
Explore the village of Hout Bay wondrously framed by mountains before meandering along Chapman’s Peak, precariously aligned along the edge of the mountain. World famous this 9 km route with 114 curves, makes it one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world.
Simons Town is a must see offering gemstone hunting, jewellery sales and the wobbly penguins of Boulder’s that show-off gloriously. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to African Penguins. Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches. Head to the Cape Point Lighthouse, an important icon of the Cape Peninsula, ascend to this rugged, craggy spot and gaze at the rocky coastline and the ocean tumbling below, and Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of Africa
*Please see your safari itinerary for details
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Tour: City & Cultural
This tour explores the vibrant Cape Town City Bowl and showcases its heritage landmarks. The bustling central business district of Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain.The city is rich in history and home to a multi-cultural population. This tour will give you just a glimpse of what the city of Cape Town has to offer.
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town City Hall and Parliament Buildings
- Iziko South African Museum & Company Gardens
- Bo-Kaap
- Signal Hill
- Lions Hill
- Clifton and Camps Bay
*Weather permitting, take the cable car up Table Mountain to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Cable car tast track tickets not included, approx. U$ 50 pp and for guest account
*See your safari itinerary for logistics
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Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
PRIMI SEACASTLE
The Primi Seacastle guest house is located on the Atlantic Seaboard on Camps Bay's Golden Mile which is Cape Town's most prestigious coastline address. Situated virtually on top of the beach (25 yards) with Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop, the hotel boasts sweeping, panoramic, perfect postcard views of the bay and the mountain.
Have sundowners on the deck, taking in the glorious sunsets that Camps Bay is most famous for!
GUEST HOUSE
B&B
TOURS
DAY 13-15 | September 24-26, 2024
STELLENBOSCH
Explore the wine lands!
📍 Coopmanhuijs Hotel
STELLENBOSCH
Area Overview
Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
COOPMANHUIJS
Bed & Breakfast | Wifi available | Laundry available at addl.cost
Coommanhuijs Hotel is the ideal destination from which our guests can explore the heart of South Africa's Wine Country, Franschhoek, and Paarl, or take a trip to Cape Town to enjoy visits to Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the peninsula, and the many other attractions offered by the Western Cape.
Built in 1713, it was one of the first grand residences located in the heart of historic Stellenbosch and is now surrounded by the town’s many stylish shops, galleries, and museums.
The beautifully restored Manor House has yellowwood and stinkwood doors, sash windows, and yellowwood ceilings. The rooms in the Manor House, as well as the newly built rooms, overlook a heated pool and a walled courtyard. Guests can enjoy meals from the Provençal kitchen and dine at leisure with a glass of fine Cape wine in the courtyard or in the intimate restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Explore historical Stellenbosch – you are guaranteed to fall in love!
B&B
HOTEL
WINE
DAY 16 | September 27, 2024
RETURN
RETURN HOME
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!
SAFARI COST
Click button below to DOWNLOAD the PDF
USD $ 10,665 per person sharing / Sept 2024
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*pps=per person sharing
Minimum of 2 pax traveling
SAFARI DATES & DETAILS
Click button below to DOWNLOAD the PDF
* Always check the document date and refer to the latest version
◽️ 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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Email back to Africa Photo Safaris