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6 NIGHT CHOBE, HWANGE AND (A) SAFARI 2 Nights Chobe National Park, 2 Nights Okavango Delta, Botswana 2 Nights Victoria Falls, 7 Days / 6 Nights Reference: IG-6A Starts Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport

Total Price 6 Nights: US$ 3552 (high season) / US$ 2599 (low season) per person sharing

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Overview This amazing safari introduces you to two Botswana’s unique regions – the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Start on the riverside lodge along the Chobe River and enjoy both land and river safaris viewing amazing hippo and , and so much more. Then jet off for a couple of nights in one of ’s inland deltas, and Botswana’s latest addition to UNESCO world heritage sites. Finish off with a bit of adventure in Victoria Falls, another world heritage site full of fun activities and of course, the mighty Victoria Falls.

Inspired Journey Overview Accommodation Nights 1 – 2 Luxury safari room at Chobe Safari Lodge Nights 3 - 4 Luxury safari tent at Pom Pom Camp Nights 5 - 6 Standard Room at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Transfers Included Day 1 Road Transfer: to Chobe Safari Lodge Day 3 Road Transfer: Chobe Safari Lodge to Kasane Airport

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Day 3 Road Transfer: Pom Pom Airstrip to Pom Pom Camp Day 5 Road Transfer: Pom Pom Camp to Pom Pom Airstrip Day 5 Road Transfer: Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Day 7 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Flights Included Day 1 Air Transfer: Kasane Airport to Pom Pom Camp Day 5 Air Transfer: Pom Pom Airstrip to Kasane Airport

Highlights Chobe Safari Lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River Phenomenal viewing in Chobe National Park - good chance in spotting 4 of the big 5 Luxury accommodation at Pom Pom Camp overlooking a scenic lagoon and is quietly nestled under grove shady trees Numerous unforgettable activities in the Okavango Delta including various game viewing excursions, fishing, and traditional canoe experience View the spectacular and mighty Victoria Falls Partake in the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls from sedate sunset cruises to adrenaline crazy bungee jumping and everything in between.

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Day 1 – 2

Chobe River Front The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its and hippo populations but the water attracts all manner of game, including large herds of buffalo and the that prey on them.

The Chobe National Park with its abundance of game and hundreds of elephants can tend to get very busy, especially in the peak season and one may find that you have to be content with sharing the sightings with a large number of vehicles and/or cruises. If you are after an intimate safari on a private concession then this is not the place to be, if you are after a profusion of wildlife then it certainly is.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, just a short 10-minute drive to the entrance gate of the Chobe National Park making it an ideal choice.

This popular lodge has 66 bedrooms and 8 rondavels, a large central eating and entertainment area, with an inviting swimming pool. The riverside bar is a great place to enjoy a few drinks before or after your game activities. The bedrooms all face the river and are big and comfortable, with fans and air-conditioning, along with all other necessary amenities. The staff are friendly and helpful and the lodge is well organised.

Wild but habituated warthogs, mongoose and monkeys roam freely on the lawns providing endless entertainment from the balcony of your room, while the variety of birds is an absolute delight.

You can also hire a small boat and guide by the hour and this is a truly wonderful experience. You can really get up close and personal with the wildlife on such a trip, and concentrate on the wildlife of particular interest to yourself and having the time to get good photos.

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Notes: Day 1 & 2 DAY 1 On arrival at Kasane airport you will be met by a representative of Chobe Safari Lodge who will transfer you to the lodge only 10 minutes away. After checking in you will meet your personal activities advisor who will explain how the game drives, cruises and other activities work, along with the times and places of departure. Lunch, is a delicious buffet spread or a pool snack for the not so hungry.

Freshen up and rest before meeting at the jetty for the Sunset Cruise at 15h00. This is a 3-hour cruise up the Chobe River – you will have a chance to see elephants playing and swimming in the water or simply enjoying the green grass found along the banks. Pods of hippos are dispersed amongst the elephants and you will find yourself not knowing which way to look as the abundance of all species of game surrounds you.

There is a cash bar on the cruise if you feel you would like to enjoy a cold drink as you watch a magnificent sunset aboard the boat before returning to the lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 2 An early morning start to the day with a Safari Game Drive departing from the lodge around about 06h00-06h30. The early mornings are the best time to find the cats as they make their way back into the shade for the heat of the day – often after making a kill in the night. Prides of Lions are very often seen on these early morning game drives.

You will return to the lodge around about 09h00 in time for a Full English breakfast which is normally welcomed by all. The heat of the day can be spent enjoying the swimming pool or relaxing in the cool of your air conditioned room.

Once the day has cooled down, make your way to the jetty for a second afternoon sunset cruise. No two cruises are the same and the wildlife experiences are always exciting and rewarding. The sheer abundance and variety of animal and birdlife will keep you fixated. The notorious sound of the laughing hippo, never very far away, will add to the overall magical experience.

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Activities Info

Game Drive

Boat Cruise & Private Boat Cruises

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Day 3 – 4

Okavango Delta Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife. Unique as one of the world’s few inland deltas, the placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species. The Okavango Delta offers a number of activities for the visitor; game viewing, birding and fishing are all on offer. One can experience this magical world of islands and waterways from land, air and water.

Highlights include the elusive which has found refuge in this pristine wetland , while birds such as the African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl and many others provide a spectacular display.

Overnight: Pom Pom Camp In the heart of the Okavango Delta within the MATSEBE concession area, Pom Pom Camp is another jewel in Botswana’s crown!

Pom Pom Camp is short 20-25minutes scenic flight over Okavango Delta from Maun.

The camp overlooks a scenic lagoon and is quietly nestled under grove shady trees. Here hippo grunt and frolic in front of camp’s permanent lagoon that is surrounded by miles of reeds. In a clear water oasis “makoro” offer you a wonderful means of viewing wildlife as you glide between palm fringed islands

The camp has 9 large luxury safari tents, all with en-suite showers and flush toilets; the bathrooms are enclosed for privacy, security and importantly offer you a truly unique bush adventure.

In the main thatched building you will find a cosy bar, lounge and table settings for imaginative meals prepared by the safari chefs.

Activities on offer at Pom Pom Camp are game drives, night drive, mokoro excursions, boat cruises, game walks and fishing.

This is a camp for the safari traditionalist!

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Notes: Day 3 & 4 DAY 3 On this day, you will be transferred out of Chobe Safari Lodge and onto Kasane Airport. Fly out to Pom Pom Airstrip and onwards to Pom Pom Camp. Spend the morning and afternoon with an activity of your choice. This can either be a Mokoro cruise, a game walk, a game drive or a motorboat cruise. A night Game Drive is also recommended.

DAY 4 Spend the morning and afternoon with an activity of your choice. This can either be a Mokoro cruise, a game walk, a game drive or a motorboat cruise. A night Game Drive is also recommended.

Activities Info

Game Drives Pom Pom is one of the camps in the Okavango Delta that is able to offer game drives within our private concession area. Morning and evening game drives in the company of our qualified guides will give you the opportunity to view all the big game and night life of this environment.

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Mokoro Trips A Mokoro trip is a fantastic way to experience the wonders of the Okavango Delta. In the company of a professional poler with vast experience of the Delta, you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique habitat and learn about the waterways and wildlife.

Fishing Fishing is also possible at Pom Pom, and our guides will be happy to take you to their secret spots to try for African Pike and a variety of Bream species.

Day 5 – 7

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

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Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is without doubt one of the most popular places to stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Lodge is situated on a high plateau overlooking the vastness of the Zambezi National Park, giving you the superb feeling of being out in the remote African wilderness, yet a short 15 minute drive takes you into the town centre and the Victoria Falls entrance.

A waterhole, well frequented by wildlife is situated directly below the lodge which can been viewed from most of the bedrooms, the bars, the pool deck, restaurants and lounges. A constant stream of animals coming down to drink provides 24hr entertainment (the waterhole is floodlit at night).

The 72-room Lodge is rich in ambience and offers sublime hospitality. All the bedrooms at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge are en-suite and the sliding glass doors open onto balconies with uninterrupted views of the National park, some rooms overlooking the waterhole. The rooms all have soft natural fabrics and brightly coloured African paintings giving them a wonderful contemporary safari lodge feeling. The staff are warm and personable providing faultless delivery to guests during their stay.

Notes: Day 5, 6 & 7 DAY 5 On this day, you will head back out to Kasana Airport via the Pom Pom Airstrip. In Kasane, you will be met and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to the Kazungula Border with Zimbabwe. You will need to have your travel documents (including a visa if applicable). Then it is an hour’s drive to your Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, arriving by mid-afternoon. This gives you time to settle in and relax or we recommend a sunset cruise or helicopter flight on this first afternoon. Dinner can either be at the hotel or we can recommend other options in and around town. Although activities are not included in the package price, please let us help you to arrange an itinerary of activities suitable for you. Have a look at this page Victoria Falls activities to see what is on offer.

DAY 6 You have a full day to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls, it is the adventure capital of Africa and there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in the many activities on offer or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments and

P a g e | 11 a bite to eat. Please have a look at the activities available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable itinerary just for you.

DAY 7 Unfortunately, this is the last day of this trip. You have time to enjoy one last activity before transferring mid- morning to the Victoria Falls airport to catch your connecting flight.

Activities Info

Boma Experience Described as an unforgettable African experience infused with Zimbabwean cuisine, spirited performances and traditional storytelling, The Boma – Place of Eating has firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls highlight. Partially open to the skies, The Boma specialises in a superb selection of Zimbabwean dishes. A four-course meal combines a choice of starters with a barbecue buffet. The adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as mopani worms and potjiekos (hunter’s game stew), whilst those wishing to enjoy beef, pork, fish and chicken or a variety of vegetarian meals are welcome to do so. The sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by a feast of nightly entertainment, incorporating traditional dancers, who captivate guests with their vibrant songs and dance. The acclaimed Zambezi Drumbeat provides a wonderful interactive drumming experience.

Price Total for 6 nights: US$ 3552 (high season) / US$ 2599 (low season) Per person sharing

Included CHOBE SAFARI LODGE • Accommodation in a luxury room with garden views of the lodge • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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• Activities: 2 game drives, 2 boat cruises

POM POM CAMP • Accommodation in a luxury safari tent, uniquely positioned under the shade of the surrounding trees with overlooking views of the Pom Pom lagoon • All meals, Snacks, Tea & coffees, Local Brand Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) • National park fees and all Government levies and taxes • Emergency Evacuation Cover (guests still require their own insurance)

VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE • Accommodation in a fabulous, comfortable room with views of the National Park • Daily Breakfast • Access to the Vulture Culture experience

TRANSFERS • Return airport transfer from Kasane Airport • Return Transfer from Kasane Airport to Pom Pom • Cross-border transfer from Botswana to Victoria Falls • Airport transfer from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Excluded CHOBE SAFARI LODGE • Park fee of US$12 per person per day is not included

POM POM CAMP • Premium beverages

VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE • All other meals and drinks • Activities and park fees

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Travel Information

Zimbabwe A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is advised to carry small denominations of change with you. However, it is best to pay for as much as possible outside of the country.

South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios, accommodation and activities.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Fridays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

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Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps.

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking.

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable.

Electricity and Plug Standards Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.

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Botswana Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernization, Botswana’s cities provide little in the way of tourist attractions. However, what the cities lack in excitement, the surrounding wilderness areas more than make up for in outstanding natural beauty. The country’s primary tourist draw card is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world provide a haven for an abundance of African wildlife. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi salt pans where visitors are privy to massive migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains which host large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

Banking and Currency Currency

Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels.

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and accepted by some establishments - but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied).

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foreign exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.

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Travel, Transport and Getting Around Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages.

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other top attractions and camps.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water - it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally safe.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are the local staples.

A discretionary 5 to 10% tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Climate and Weather Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of , although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.

As with , April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the

P a g e | 17 land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations In summer, lightweight, light-coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.

Electricity and Plug Standards Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the "Type M " South African SABS1661 ("Large" 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type M " South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type D " Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.