Okavango Wilderness Trail (16OWT7A) – Tour Dossier

Introduction The Okavango Wilderness Trail offers you a comprehensive week long small group adventure to some of the best highlights of . Tried and tested over many years this tour offers incredible value for money with new and exciting experiences each day, connecting you to the grass roots of Africa. Following your arrival in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, this epic journey includes breath-taking views and a variety of wildlife from , the Okavango Delta and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This trip will leave you with a life time of vivid memories of close encounters in Chobe with elephants, stunning waterways of the Okavango and endangered Rhino in Khama Sanctuary. This seven day adventure tour allows you to touch and embrace the magic of Africa, leaving you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this diverse continent.

Included Highlights Chobe NP, Sunset Cruise Okavango Delta Excursion, Mokoro/Walking Safari Motobo NP, Game Drive Khama Rhino Sanctuary Gweta Village Walk

Intended Itinerary It is our intention to adhere to the route described below but a certain amount of flexibility is built into the tour and on occasion it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the following as a guide only.

The description below follows the itinerary with the mandatory Safari Pass for the tour.

Duration: 7 Days Countries visited: Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa

Day 1: *we recommend you come in a few days early so you can Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Chobe National Park, Botswana visit the Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi River. See Distance travelled: +/- 90 Km optional activities listed for ideas on things to do in the Approx driving time: 2 Hours area.

From Victoria Falls we travel the short distance to the Day 2: border and cross from Zimbabwe into Botswana. We arrive Chobe National Park – Gweta in the small town of Kasane, and check in to our river side Distance travelled: +/- 450 Km lodge. After a lunch break you have free time to relax Approx driving time: 6.5 Hours around the pool or take the opportunity to enjoy an optional open 4x4 game drive in search of lion, , Following breakfast, we begin our drive towards Gweta, the hyena, elephant, and a host of antelope and bird gateway to the massive Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans. species. The Chobe National park is an essential destination Driving south we might be lucky to encounter some while on safari in Botswana. The Chobe floodplains and elephant or buffalo alongside the road as there are no Chobe River provide a sensitive eco system where much of fences in this area. This lets the migratory herds roam the wildlife in this region heads to during the dry season. It freely in search of richer pastures and water. We stop in is not uncommon to see between 500 and 2000 Elephants Nata for lunch or snack before arriving in Gweta where you on these floodplains at one time. The highlight of a visit have the option to relax at the lodge or explore the vast to Chobe National Park is the combination of wildlife, Salt Pans by joining an optional 4x4 safari or Baobab Forest Birdlife and reptiles along the banks of the Chobe River. tour. The night is spent at our lovely lodge where we enjoy This is a photographers dream. Later in the afternoon we a hearty meal surrounded by the Baobab giants this area is join the river boat cruise giving us a unique and in-depth so well known for. perspective of life on the banks of the Chobe River. Tonight, we relax under the vast African skies. Accommodation: Gweta Lodge or similar (Twin share cabins with en-suite facilities) Accommodation: Thebe Safari Lodge or similar (Twin share Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner cabins with en-suite facilities) WIFI: No Meals included: Dinner Optional Activities: Nxai Pans Sundowner 4x4 trip US$60, WIFI: Yes Baobab Forest Sundowners US$35 Optional Activities: Chobe National Park 4x4 Game Drive US$40

Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures 1 Okavango Wilderness Trail (16OWT7A) – Tour Dossier

Day 3: Day 5: Gweta - Maun Okavango Delta – Maun Distance travelled: +/-250 Km Distance Travelled +/-60km Approx driving time: 4 Hours This morning we explore the surrounds on a nature walk We start early this morning and after breakfast, we join a where you have the thrilling experience of being out in the guided walk through a Local Tswana village to learn about natural wilderness. This is a great way to enjoy the sights, and experience everyday life, from schools & local doctors sounds and smells of the wilderness and enjoy nature as it to trading and traditions. After our tour, we leave Gweta wakes for the day. After the bush we enjoy breakfast and and drive further west to Maun - the gateway town to the then pack up our gear onto our mokoro’s, leaving nothing Okavango Delta. In Maun we first stock up on supplies for behind but footprints. Heading back to the mokoro station our adventure excursion into one of the wildest and we glide over the still waterways returning to our 4x4 truck remotest territories on the continent before heading to our and bidding our polers a warm farewell. After lunch, the accommodation based at a tranquil bush camp out of town. afternoon offers the opportunity to join the guide for a trip Shaded with many trees, the rest of the afternoon is at into town and explore the shopping area and little market leisure to relax at the pool, pack for the Delta excursion or stalls scattered around the CBD. Another popular activity is relax at the bar with a cool beverage. a flight over the ‘Delta’ to get a bird’s eye view of the vast wilderness you explored by boat and foot. When you see Accommodation: Senthaga Guest House or similar (Twin the vastness of the surroundings from the air you gain share rooms with en-suite facilities) another appreciation of the beauty of the Okavango. We Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner return to camp, enjoy a swim, and prepare a wholesome WIFI: No dinner ending the night under the stars with the distinct Optional Activities: Nil scent of wild sage in the air.

Day 4: Accommodation: Senthaga Guest House or similar (Twin Maun –Okavango Delta share rooms with en-suite facilities) Distance travelled: +/-60 Km Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Approximate driving time: 2 Hours WIFI: No Optional Activities: Okavango Delta scenic flight per 5- Heading out early after breakfast, we begin our excursion seater plane – 45 min flight time US$470 into the Okavango Delta by an open 4x4 truck where we travel the sandy paths to the mokoro station. Here are Day 6: introduced to the local Tswana Polers that will be guiding Maun – Khama Rhino Sanctuary us on this expedition and transfer our gear to the mokoros. Distance travelled: +/-530 Km We travel by mokoro (dugout canoe) amongst the giant lily Approx driving time: 8 Hours pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine of channels, in search of resident wildlife and a variety of birds, to our tented camp Another early rise and shine call followed by breakfast sees from which we can explore the area on a walking safari. us travelling through the greater Kalahari region via Mopipi, The Okavango is a natural wetland spreading over some where we can see the vast salt pans in the distance. Mopipi 1,600,000ha of northern Botswana that offers a perfect has a very small population and is known as the least habitat for the many species of wildlife that roam here visited place in Botswana owing to its remote location. We freely. The Okavango River rises in Angola (farther to the arrive at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the afternoon. In north) and flows south dividing repeatedly after crossing 1989 a group of locals wished to convert the Serowe Pan, into Botswana to form an intricate floodplain of channels previously a hunting area, into a conservation region for the and which spreads out into a broad flat inland delta – the rhino that inhabit the area. The ‘Pan’ was chosen because only one of its kind in the world. We enjoy the afternoon of its ‘rhino-friendly’ habitat and its proximity to a wilderness experience and overnight listening to the Botswana Defence Force base which can provide 24 hour sounds of the African night - an unforgettable experience! protection to these highly endangered mammals. Located on the edge of the vast , Khama is a prime Accommodation: Elephant Camp – Twin share pre-erected habitat for white rhino, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe and tents with en-suite facilities (basic-style bucket shower & with its community based wildlife project, benefits the local toilet) community and teaches and educates the importance of Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner conserving wildlife. This afternoon we enjoy an open game WIFI: No drive with local rangers, taking in an abundance of Optional Activities: Nil interesting facts from rhino to fauna and flora. Our last night on safari, is spent at a nearby hotel, swapping stories and laughter with our last meal as a group. Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures 2 Okavango Wilderness Trail (16OWT7A) – Tour Dossier

Our last morning sees us heading out of Serowe before Accommodation: Camp Itumela or similar (Twin share room joining the main route south to Martin’s Drift border post. with en-suite facilities) Crossing the mighty Limpopo River into South Africa, we Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner enjoy the scenic views noticing the changes of vegetation, WIFI: Yes infrastructure and populated civilization. We arrive into Optional Activities: Nil Gauteng province, arriving in Johannesburg in the late afternoon where our magical Southern African tour ends. Day 7: Serowe– Johannesburg, South Africa Accommodation: Not Included Distance travelled: +/- 560 Km Meals included: Breakfast Approx driving time: 12 Hours Wifi: Nil Optional Activities: Nil

Tour Information TOUR STYLE: Small Group – Twin Share Accommodated

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Tour highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated, services of an English speaking driver tour leader.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Visas, travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, optional activities, laundry, gratuities, passport & visa fees, items of a personal nature.

SAFARI PASS: This small group tour has a Safari Pass which is paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour (or pre-paid by arrangement prior to your tour). This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price, which is paid before travel, and is paid in the currency listed on the website (usually US dollars in clean, un-torn post 2006 edition notes). The Safari Pass covers selected park entries, activities and excursions and some accommodation along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier. The purpose of the separate payment is to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income.

ACCOMMODATION: Selected lodges with en-suite facilities and one night at a tented camp with basic en-suite facilities in the Okavango Delta. Most lodges are situated in comfortable and picturesque locations with a pool, restaurant and bar.

TRANSPORT: Minibus, overland vehicle, 4x4 open safari vehicle, river cruise boat, Mokoro. Maximum group size: 12 passengers

BOOKING INFORMATION When you make a confirmed booking for your tour you will be sent pre-departure information and related documents. Once you have paid in full you will receive a Travel Voucher giving full details of your joining point. Johannesburg is well served by a variety of airlines. Your travel agent can advise on flights to and from the start and finish of your tour. JOINING INFORMATION Meeting Point in Victoria Falls: Sprayview Hotel Tour start time: 08:00 on day 1 Corner Reynard Road & Tour end point in Johannesburg: Livingstone Way, Tour end time: Late afternoon/early evening on day 7. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Contact Details: Tel: +263 (13) 44344 E-mail: [email protected] Meeting point in Victoria Falls:

PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION This tour departs Victoria Falls early on Day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements.

However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.

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If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of Johannesburg and the surrounding area. See below for a guide to extra accommodation costs. These prices are a guide line only and are subject to change so please check with Acacia or your agent for current prices when making your booking.

Description Price (US$) Description Price (US$) Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Johannesburg Pre tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jan – 30 $105 Post tour accommodation – (Standard Room) twin/double per $55 Jun person/night Pre tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jul – 31 $110 Post tour accommodation – (standard room) single $80 Dec Pre tour accommodation –single pppn –01 Jan – 30 $135

Jun Pre tour accommodation –single pppn – 01 Jul –31 $165

Dec PPPN = Per Person Per Night *Airport Transfer Included in post tour accommodation

SAFARI PASS Paid in the currency listed on the website (usually US dollars in clean, un-torn post 2006 edition notes) directly to your Tour Leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour, or pre-paid by arrangement, the Safari Pass of this tour covers the following tour highlights.

Chobe NP Fish Eagle Cruise √ Okavango Delta Excursion √ Khama Rhino Sanctuary Entrance & Game Drive √

WHAT TO BRING Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg luggage limit. A large soft holdall or backpack and a smaller day pack is ideal. On this tour you will need a mixture of lightweight cool clothing for the day and warm clothing (i.e fleece, long trousers and hat) for mornings and evenings as it can be cool on game drives and cold in winter. Pack a light rain jacket. It is advisable to bring mosquito spray throughout the year. A money belt/pouch that can be worn comfortably beneath your clothing is recommended. Please avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

VACCINATIONS / HEALTH The table below indicates the vaccinations suggested for travel on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. You should seek professional medical advice from your GP or clinic at least six weeks prior to departure. Please note some places visited on this tour fall in a malaria area. We recommend you speak to your doctor or travel clinic about appropriate malaria prophylactic tablets.

Country Tetanus Diphtheria Polio Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Meningitis Rabies Yellow Fever Malaria South Africa R R R R - R - - * R Zimbabwe R R R R R R - R * R Botswana R R R R - R - R * R

C = Compulsory, R = Recommended, * = If travelling from infected countries a certificate of proof may be required. NB: To be used as a guide only. Please see your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date medical advice. Alternatively, contact Acacia for any queries or advise regarding vaccination requirements. VISA REQUIREMENTS The table below indicates the visas required for travel to the countries on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. At least one month prior to travel seek confirmation from embassies or a visa specialist, that these requirements are still current. For UK citizens the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers free up-to-date travel info: www.fco.gov.uk For other nationalities a number of travel advice websites are listed on the Acacia website.

Nationality UK AUS NZ USA CAN BEL IRE NED DEN ITA GER AUT SWE FIN NOR MEX KOR South Africa No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes No

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Zimbabwe Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Botswana No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes

NB The above is a guide only. Please check all visa requirements at least one month in advance of travel. Most nationalities do not need to obtain any of the above visas in advance. They are available at the border entry points and payable in US$ cash.

Travelling with Children: Please note that South Africa has recently changed their Immigration Act and as of June 1, 2015 all children under the age of 18 will need to travel with an unabridged birth certificate to gain entry into South Africa. An unabridged birth certificate will reflect the particulars of the parents of the child. Please contact Acacia for further information.

Money Matters PERSONAL EXPENSES Naturally you will require extra money for your own personal spending on the tour, for lunches, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips and items of a personal nature. Everybody has different spending habits but as a guideline we suggest you budget US$10-15 per day. Most spending will be in South Africa Rand, Botswana Pula and US Dollars for Zimbabwe (for incidental expenses along the way, optional activities, most additional accommodation before/after the trip) but it’s a good idea to bring along some US$ cash for any international airport taxes or visas.

Spending money is best carried as cash in either South Africa Rand cash or US dollars (US Dollars in clean un-torn post 2006 edition notes), Sterling or Euro which can be exchanged into Rand on arrival and as you travel. Your guide will give general guidance about spending during the tour. Currencies are as follows: South Africa – Rand, Botswana – Pula; Zimbabwe - United States Dollars. ATM machines are found in are found throughout South Africa and Botswana and in Zimbabwe. Please note they are sometimes unreliable and only dispense local currency so therefore cannot be used to draw your Safari Pass. Credit cards can be used to pay for larger optional activities although there may be an additional fee for their use.

TIPPING As in many areas where tourism is an important contributor to the economy it has become customary to offer a small gratuity to local staff at the end of the tour if service has been of a high standard. Naturally this always remains at your discretion.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES In order to give you maximum flexibility on tour we offer a number of optional activities on the tour. To help budget, approximate prices are listed below (in US$ unless otherwise stated. All prices subject to change.

Activity Price (US$) Activity Price (US$) Botswana White water rafting $160 Okavango Delta Flight (5-7 Seated plane and 45 game From $425 Full day canoe $150 flight time) Nxai pans 4x4 sundowners trip $60 13 Min Helicopter $165 Baobab Forest Sundowners $35 3 Hour Bike Tour $65 Chobe game drive $32 Half Day Adrenaline $135 Zimbabwe Matobo NP full day tour upgrade $40 Gorge Swing $95

INSURANCE It is a booking condition of Acacia that you have full travel insurance valid for the duration of your tour to cover you for medical emergency and repatriation to your home country. Your guide will ask you for a copy of this when you join the tour. It is also important that you leave a copy of your insurance with the person nominated as your emergency contact. We can help provide specialist travel insurance for this tour through our local operator. Please contact Acacia for more information.

Responsible Travel

Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures 5 Okavango Wilderness Trail (16OWT7A) – Tour Dossier

We strongly believe that you get the most out of a journey by respecting the culture and people of the places you visit. On our tours we try to travel in a way that benefits the communities we pass through and minimises negative impact on the environment. This can be from ensuring the lodges we use are clean when we leave and dressing respectfully in conservative areas to getting involved with local charity projects. We ask that you are open to this when you travel with us. Being proactive in responsible travel helps develop cross-cultural understanding and friendships with the local people, and will greatly enhance your experience in Africa.

Contact Us UNITED KINGDOM SOUTH AFRICA Lower Ground Floor PO Box 27632 23A Craven Terrace Rhine Road Lancaster Gate Cape Town London 8051 W2 4DQ South Africa T: +44 (0) 20 7706 4700 T: +27 (0) 21 556 1157 F: +44 (0) 20 7706 4686 F: +27 (0) 21 557 5983 E: [email protected] Skype: acacia-reservation

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Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures 6