Untouched Africa: Botswana & Zimbabwe

2013 | Safari Tour Untouched Africa: Botswana & Zimbabwe

12-day tour includes • Round-trip air transportation with a major airline and airport transfers

• Chartered flights between Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, and between Okavango and Maun

• The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director

• 9 nights accommodations in well-located hotels including baggage handling

• Buffet breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 7 three-course dinners, including wine or beer during select meals

• Motorized coach bus and safari transport

Explore the Okavango Delta in Mokoro, a traditional canoe. Game Drives & Wildlife Excursions Day 1: Flight to Victoria Falls It is an inspiring insight into the life of everyday Day 5: Hwange National Park (p.m.) Board your overnight flight to another world: the Africans working to create a better life. Day 6: Hwange National Park (a.m & p.m.) stunning natural spectacles and captivating wild- Included meal: breakfast Day 7: Hwange National Park (a.m.) life of Zimbabwe and Botswana. Day 4: Victoria Falls Day 7: Chobe River boat cruise (p.m.) Day 2: Arrival in Victoria Falls You’ll have a day at leisure to explore this area Day 8: Chobe National Park (a.m.) Arriving in Victoria Falls, a Go Ahead representative further. The Falls themselves may beckon once Day 8: Chobe River boat cruise (p.m.) will greet you and assist on your transfer to your again—the humbling power of a 300-foot cataract Day 9: Chobe National Park (a.m.) compels many to visit again—or explore the town flight to Victoria Falls. Upon discovering this leg- Day 9: Okavango Delta (p.m.) endary waterfall, explorer David Livingstone said of Victoria Falls. Or simply relax back at the ho- Day 10: Okavango Delta (a.m & p.m.) was so lovely that it must have been “gazed upon tel, hearing the roar and seeing the drifting mists Okavango Delta (a.m.) by angels in their flight.” Enjoy an afternoon to of the mile-wide waterfall. This afternoon, opt for Day 11: yourself before your evening welcome dinner. a cruise along the Zambezi River, soaking in the Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner natural splendor of Mosi Oa Tunya National Park. Tour Highlight Included meal: breakfast The Okavango Delta – discover wildlife in Day 3: Victoria Falls & Community one of the most spectacular safari destina- Project Visit Day 5: Transfer to Hwange tions in the world. Climb aboard a canoe It is called “The Smoke That Thunders” by native This morning travel to Hwange National Park, the and drift along the Delta’s winding water- people, and today you’ll experience the jaw-drop- largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. The landscape ways on this eco-friendly safari adventure. ping power and beauty of Victoria Falls firsthand. diversity is striking here: cracked salt pans, grassy As you discover this Wonder of the World from plains dotted with acacia, dense teak forests and Insider’s Tip many angles—with plenty of opportunities to pho- mopane woodland. Once a royal hunting ground, Connect with local children at the Rose tograph it—your knowledgeable Tour Director will today the region teems with protected wildlife: of Charity orphanage—it’s an opportunity give you a history of the Falls as well as pointing over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of to be inspired by the work being done out the flora and fauna that surround it. Later, visit birds. After an included lunch, rumble across the to help impoverished African children. the Rose of Charity, an organization that is helping sweeping landscape on your afternoon game drive. Please see back page for important to transform the lives of sick and impoverished You won’t have to look far to catch a glimpse of information on internal flights and children in the region. Since 2007, the group has the park’s stunning variety of animals. Enjoy an baggage limits. aimed to improve the quality of life of local chil- included dinner this evening. dren, their families and local communities by pro- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner viding them with opportunities to learn and grow.

goaheadtours.com 1-800-206-9871 goaheadtours.ca BZB13 05.12 Every zebra has a unique pattern and set of Hippo sightings are common in the watery wilderness of Botswana. stripes.

Day 6: Hwange National Park fellow adventurers at tonight’s included dinner. Day 10: Okavango Delta This morning, you’ll be on the edge of your seat Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner Begin your day in a mokoro: gracefully floating as you continue to explore on a game drive. The along these channels puts you directly in the park is brimming with buffalo, lion and a wealth Day 8: Chobe National Park world of wildlife. In silence broken only by the of plains game like kudu, eland and waterbuck. Today begins with a morning game drive in Chobe, water lapping against your boat, you may spy gi- See elephants trudge along in herds, and scour Bostwana’s oldest national park. Comprised of raffe, lion, leopard, jackal, impala, red lechwe or the landscape for the fastest animal on earth: both dry grasslands and permanent swampland, any of the other denizens of the Delta. Next, see the graceful cheetah, which can be found in large the park draws a dizzying array of animals: from the landscape on a guided bush walk, where you numbers here. After lunch, visit the Painted Dog hippos and hyenas to baboons and Cape buffa- can feel even closer to this rugged landscape. Your Conservation Program, an organization dedicated loes. The elephant dominates, though: there is a guides will point out the natural features of inter- to protecting the endangered African Wild Dog. higher concentration here than virtually anywhere est, as well as grazing wildlife. After enjoying an Learn about the plight of the Wild Dog and see the else in Africa. After lunch, you’ll take to the waters included lunch, take to the water again aboard work being done here up close, and then set off again on an afternoon cruise—keep an eye out for a mokoro or feel the wind through your hair on to explore the conservation area and walk through Nile Crocodile sunning themselves on the bank. a motorized boat. Celebrate the shared experience the nearby woodlands. Later, another game drive Later, share stories of the day’s sightings over a you’ve had with fellow travelers at the farewell through the wildlife-rich Hwange region captures drink and dinner tonight back at the lodge. dinner this evening. your imagination. Dinner is included this evening: Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner the perfect cap to a day of discovery. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 9: Transfer to the Okavango Delta Day 11: Okavango Delta & Departure Enjoy another exhilarating game drive across the This morning, get one last glimpse of this wild Day 7: Transfer to Chobe National Park varied landscapes of Chobe this morning, your landscape on a wildlife boat excursion. Once Wake up early and explore the untamed Hwange eyes now scanning the horizon like a seasoned again, a stunning variety of species is revealed as once again on a game drive before crossing over tracker. Next, you’ll transfer to the airport for your we scour the savannah: zebra, kudu, vervet mon- the Botswana border and arriving at your next chartered flight to Bostwana’s true safari gem: the keys, hippos and much more. Later, fly on a char- destination: Chobe National Park. This semi-arid Okavango Delta. A thrillingly unique ecosystem, tered flight to Maun where a Go Ahead representa- wilderness is best known for its elephants: huge the Delta offers one of the most impressive wild- tive will help you connect to your flight home or herds of them drinking and bathing along the life experiences in all of Africa. After lunch at the continue on to Cape Town for the tour extension. winding Chobe River. In fact, each of the Big Five lodge, you’ll explore the serene stillness of nature Included meal: breakfast (lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and rhino) from a dug-out canoe known as a mokoro. Gliding can be seen in Chobe, which is one of the reasons along the reed-fringed waterways here, you’ll see Day 12: Flight Home it’s among the best off-the-beaten-path safari des- wildlife from a unique perspective. A delightful Arrive home. tinations in Africa. After an included lunch, enjoy a dinner awaits back at the lodge. Note: Boating and Included meal: breakfast (in flight) peaceful cruise along the Chobe River, watching el- mokoro excursions are dependent on water levels. ephants drink and bathe as the sun sets. Join your Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

goaheadtours.com 1-800-206-9871 goaheadtours.ca Post-Tour Extension Overnights Cape Town 3 Victoria Falls 3 nights Chobe Maun Victoria Falls 2 Hwange Day 11: Fly to Cape Town Hwange Fly from Maun to Africa’s glittering Southern jewel: ZIMBABWE 2 Chobe Okavango Delta Cape Town (via Johannesburg). Nestled between SOUTH AFRICA 2 Okavango Table Mountain—the iconic, 3,500 foot peak — Delta BOTSWANA and sparkling Table Bay, the “Mother City” of South Africa is its most picturesque. A fascinating fusion of cultures, Cape Town is home to vibrant Xhosa, Malay, and West and Central African com- Cape Town munities. Settle into your hotel as you start to enjoy Cape Town. Included meal: breakfast Travel Pace: 4 Climate In the Southern Hemisphere, winter is May Day 12: Cape Town Travel pace levels are based on criteria such through August and summer November Explore a dizzying array of sights: the Houses as length of tour, number of cities visited, through March. In Botswana, temperatures of Parliament, the lively markets of Greenmarket number of included activities, as well as can get quite hot (90s – 100s) in summer Square and the 17th century Castle of Good Hope. length of flights and land transfers. months, but it is temperate in winter and After a stop at historic Company’s Garden, ride on can sometimes be colder at night. The rainy a cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather 1 - leisurely 3 - active season is October through March, although dependent). Have your camera ready: the views 2 - comfortable 4 - challenging rainfall numbers are generally low. Zimba- from this lofty perch—to the city below, the wide blue ocean beyond—are breathtaking. You’ll also bwe has a moderate climate: it may dip into visit the cobbled, colorful streets of Bo-Kaap as mid 40s in winter and, at times, reach the your local guide illuminates the fascinating history Walking on Tour mid 90s in summer. November to May is of this Cape Malay corner of the city. The amount of walking on “Untouched Afri- considered the wet season. Average tem- Included meal: breakfast ca: Botswana & Zimbabwe” is quite low. All peratures can be found below. game drives are conducted by a specially Day 13: Cape Peninsula equipped safari vehicles, and walking is pro- Hwange Discover the wonders of the scenic Peninsula, in- hibited in most of these areas. The “Travel Jan-Mar 64˚–84˚F / 18˚–29˚C Pace” of 4 is instead based on the number cluding Camps Bay Beach, a ribbon of white-sand Apr 59˚–74˚F / 15˚–23˚C and difficulty of transfers. You should expect beneath the verdant Twelve Apostles mountains. May 51˚–82˚F / 11˚–28˚C Winding along spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, long days in vehicles on bumpy, potholed June-July 44˚–77˚F / 7˚–25˚C you’ll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Nature roads. African infrastructure is not the same Aug 50˚–82˚F / 10˚–28˚C Preserve and legendary Cape Point. Later, stop at as that of developed nations, and you Sep 59˚–89˚F / 15˚–32˚C historic Simonstown, see the African penguins at should plan accordingly. Boulders Beach and wander Kirstenbosch Gardens, Oct-Nov 66˚–93˚F / 34˚–29˚C ranked among the world’s best botanical gardens Dec 59˚–75˚F / 15˚–24˚C by Travel + Leisure. Tonight, savor an included din- Visit goaheadtours.com for: ner. • Enhanced destination information Okavango Delta Included meals: breakfast, dinner • Featured Tour Directors Jan-Mar 69˚–91˚F / 20˚–33˚C • Personalized “My Account” Page Apr 61˚–89˚F / 16˚–32˚C Day 14: Free Time and Departure May 54˚–84˚F / 12˚–29˚C The morning is yours to explore, and perhaps shop • Tour planning June-July 48˚–80˚F / 9˚–27˚C at the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. In the • Suggested reading lists afternoon, a Go Ahead representative will escort Aug 53˚–86˚F / 12˚–30˚C you to the airport for your flight home. Sep 61˚–93˚F / 16˚–34˚C Included meal: breakfast (in flight) Oct-Nov 68˚–97˚F / 20˚–36˚C Dec 69˚–93˚F / 21˚–34˚C Day 15: Arrive Home

Extension is available on select departure dates, and space is limited. Please call early to hold your spot. Extension also requires a minimum of 10 travelers.

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Passport and Visa Requirements for Yellow Fever booklet as proof that you have re- you use U.S. dollars or South African Rand. Full bank- In order to enter Zimbabwe and Botswana, U.S. ceived the vaccination. ing services are available only in major towns, al- and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The though ATMs are becoming increasingly more preva- expiration date must extend at least six months Important Health Tips lent. We recommend that you carry as little local cash beyond the date of your return home, and there In order for you to stay healthy throughout your as possible, and small amounts of the U.S. dollars for should be at least one empty page for each country African tour, we recommend the following: small purchases. (Please make sure that you only visited. U.S. and Canadian passport holders are bring U.S. dollars printed in 1997 or later.) Most major also required to obtain a visa in order to enter • Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap American credit cards are accepted at hotels and res- Zimbabwe (Visas are not required for Botswana). water, including when brushing teeth. taurants in Botswana and Zimbabwe (Visa is the most Though it is possible to obtain a visa at the airport widely accepted). We suggest that you inform your • Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless upon arrival, we recommend that you obtain an bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they are cooked or washed in clean water and individual visa through Zierer Visa Service (1-866- that they won’t confuse your international purchases peeled. 788-1100; www.zvs.com). If you are not a U.S. or for fraudulent charges. Canadian citizen, you must contact the relevant • Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, embassies as soon as possible for your specific anti-diarrhea medication and any prescription Special Information: Shopping entry requirements. medications. Local handicrafts are generally inexpensive and make wonderful souvenirs of your trip. You will Airport and Departure Taxes have the opportunity to shop at outdoor markets, Cuisine All airport and departure taxes for this tour are in- small shops and tribal roadside stalls and at some You’ll find that most cuisine in the game lodges re- cluded in the total trip cost printed on your invoice. of the lodges. Prices in Botswana and Zimbabwe flects the region’s British colonial influence. Always are almost always negotiated, providing an excel- avoid drinking tap water in Botswana and Zimba- Baggage Allowance lent way of meeting the local people. bwe. Use bottled water for drinking and even for Due to limited luggage space in transfer vehicles brushing your teeth, and be sure the bottle is sealed and chartered aircraft, you will need to pack in a Items to Give or Trade when you receive it. Bottled water is provided on duffel or soft-sided bag (absolutely no wheeled or Many Africans are fond of North American goods. tour each day. Remember also to avoid any drinks hard suitcases are permitted). Bags must be limited Many travelers bring token items to offer as gifts or served with ice cubes. to 10 inches wide by 12 inches high and 24 inches when bartering for souvenirs. Inexpensive items in- long. Total baggage including camera equipment clude T-shirts, baseball caps, anything imprinted Transportation and hand-luggage must not exceed 44 lbs. in with professional sports logos, pens, cosmetics and Round-trip international flights arrive in Victoria weight. Options are available for excess luggage toiletries. Offering African children candy and gum is Falls and depart from Maun, routing through South including storage and transport; please contact Go somewhat controversial because the availability of Africa on both outbound and departure flights. In- Ahead directly to go over details. dental care for these children may be negligible. In- ternal flights depart from Chobe National Park and stead, offer children’s books in English or crayons. arrive in Okavango Delta, and from the Delta to For your international flights, please contact your Maun. On safari, you will be traveling in a specially airline or refer to its website for detailed informa- Tipping equipped safari vehicles, in motorized boats or tra- tion regarding your airline’s checked baggage poli- All porterage gratuities are included on safaris. ditional poled canoes. The vehicles open at the cies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably However, it is customary to tip the safari and trans- top, allowing for a panoramic view during game weight more on your return trip due to souvenir portation staff at the end of the program. We rec- drives. Window seats are also guaranteed. Please shopping. There may be times when you will have ommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the keep in mind that transfers between the different to handle your own bag, and you’ll find that light- equivalency of $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per per- parks are long and roads are not always of the weight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make son per day for your Tour Director. On days when best quality. The buses are roomy and comfort- sure you label your baggage and pack any valu- you are transferring, we recommend tipping the able, but some bouncing is to be expected. Due to ables, medications and documents in your carry-on driver $3USD/CAD per person, per transfer. Rangers safety requirements on the chartered flights from luggage. and wildlife guides can be tipped $12USD/CAD per Chobe to Okavango Delta and from Okavango Del- person, per day in Hwange, Chobe and Okavango Clothing and Packing Tips ta to Maun, passengers may be split up and not fly Delta (2 days each). Finally, tipping your local guide with their travel companions in order to comply Safaris are informal, and casual dress in comfort- in Victoria Falls $2USD/CAD will suffice. Tips can with the maximum average weight restriction of able lightweight cottons is appropriate. Since the only be paid in cash. Please keep current local cur- 220lbs per person. If you have any questions or temperature varies significantly from midday to eve- rency exchange rates in mind when tipping. concerns please contact Go Ahead tours. ning, clothing that can be layered is a good idea, as are comfortable shoes such as sneakers or light- International travel is, by its very nature, unpredict- Electricity weight hiking boots. Sandals or other shoes that able. We must therefore reserve the right to change Zimbabwe operates on 220 volts, while Botswana expose your skin are discouraged. We advise that this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with uses 230 volts. you wear a hat during the day, and make sure you local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate use a strong sunblock. your understanding. Please refer to the current cata- Time Zones log for terms & conditions, dates and prices. Health Botswana and Zimbabwe are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or six hours ahead of Visitors should be in good health. Please contact U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it is noon your family doctor well in advance of your depar- in New York, it’s 6 p.m. in Victoria Falls. ture for information regarding immunization and personal travel requirements. In general, though: a Currency Yellow Fever vaccination is required if traveling to The currency you will be using in Botswana is the Botswana through South Africa. Please remember Botswana Pula. In Zimbabwe, it is recommended that Go Ahead Tours is part of to carry your International Certificate of Vaccination the EF family of companies

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