South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe

South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe . . .

1 unusual journey hosted by Patty & David Weber

Crusoe & Son’s safaris are unique. We take you to places you can enjoy at leisure, places where you can view animals from a specially designed R.vehicle, from a seat in a traditional dugout canoe, or on foot. What an unforgettable moment—waking up in the bush luxury of a tented camp to catch a small herd of elephants soaking in the morning sun. Or deciding on a lark to join your safari guide for a game walk through a private wildlife reserve. Or taking stock of Southern Africa’s exquisite beauty over cocktails in the setting sun. Where the Buffalo (Elephant, Zebra, Hippo, Hyena, & Lion) Roam.

Day 1: United States Wednesday, 2 September 2015 Embark on an overnight flight to South Africa. Overnight: in flight

Day 2: Johannesburg, South Africa Thursday, 3 September 2015 up to the infamous raid in Rivonia as well as insights into Welcome to South Africa. On arrival in Johannesburg, some of the revolutionary personalities who helped to our VIP airport assistant greets you as you disembark the shape South Africa’s democracy. aircraft, guides you through immigration and customs, We pause for lunch along the way. helps collect your luggage, and escorts you to your private This afternoon, we head to Soweto (SOuth WEstern transfer to the hotel. TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Johannesburg is lively and cosmopolitan, offering a Africa. A city within a city, it consists of 50 suburbs and tempting array of superb restaurants, elegant boutiques, is home to approximately two million people. We see all and world class shopping, yet it is also fresh and breezy the most important sites. Soak up the ambience of Africa with open spaces—golf courses, botanical gardens, and up close in the lively markets. Stop by a large worker parks. hostel. Nestled in the exclusive suburb of Sandton, the Saxon Next, the fascinating Hector Pieterson Memorial and Hotel prides itself on being a home away from home. Museum, a state-of-the-art multimedia center that depicts This was home to Nelson Mandela after his release from scenes leading up to the student uprising of 16 June 1976 prison, and it was here that he penned his autobiography, and the nation’s eventual transition to democracy. Nearby Long Walk to Freedom. Twenty-six suites surrounded by is Mandela’s former house, on the same street as the home lush gardens exhibit African art, and look out onto either of Desmond Tutu. the tranquil pool area or gardens. Our last stop of the day is the Apartheid Museum, The remainder of the day is on your own. opened in 2001 as the pre-eminent museum in the world We gather for a cocktail reception early this evening. dealing with 20th-century South Africa. Overnight: Saxon Hotel We venture out for dinner tonight at one of our (cocktails) favorite Johannesburg restaurants. Overnight: Saxon Hotel Day 3: Rivonia, Soweto, Johannesburg (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Friday, 4 September 2015 This morning, we visit Liliesleaf Day 4: Johannesburg; Maun, Okavango Delta, Farm. Situated in Botswana residential Rivonia, this interactive Saturday, 5 September 2015 museum honors the This morning we fly from Johannesburg to Maun, impressive trajectory of South Botswana, and then travel 20 minutes by light aircraft to Africa’s socio-political past. Once our first safari camp. headquarters of the military wing of Unlike most rivers, which flow towards the ocean, the the ANC and the Congress Alliance, Liliesleaf holds a Okavango fans inland, forming a 4,000-square mile position of esteem among anti-Apartheid landmarks in network of islands, lagoons, and waterways (the delta) South Africa. that, in the end, evaporate into the dry winds and sands of Experience a first-hand account of the events leading the Kalahari Desert. Such a water-filled environment 2 Day 6: Chobe National Park Monday, 7 September 2015 After breakfast this morning, board a light aircraft for a 45 minute flight to the heart of Chobe National Park, a 7,000-square-mile swamp and grasslands wilderness on the flood plains of the Chobe River. It supports large numbers of elephants, Cape buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, various antelope, and a wide variety of birds (watch for beautiful peach-colored carmine bee-eaters along the Chobe River). Spotting hyenas and lions takes a bit more luck, but you’re almost guaranteed a sighting in the Savute Marsh area. The marsh has the highest predator density in Southern Africa, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, as well as African wild dogs, jackals, and hyenas. The relatively short grass provides excellent photo opportunities. Perched on the banks of the Savute Channel, with an elevated view of the river, Savute Elephant Lodge is a supports a great range of wildlife including elephants, spectacular base from which to explore the area. Savute is zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, kudus, also unrivaled for its sightings of excellent predator / lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and a dizzying variety of prey interaction. birds (550 avian species are known to live in the delta). Overnight: Savute Elephant Lodge Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp and Xudum Okavango (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Delta Lodge enjoy luxurious solitude on their own Delta island within a 670,000-acre exclusive wildlife concession. Day 7: Chobe National Park Lunch and dinner are at the camp and lodge. Overnight: Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp & Tuesday, 8 September 2015 Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge When we venture out in open 4x4 vehicles there are (breakfast, lunch, dinner) excellent opportunities to see wildlife on the dried up Savute Marsh. In addition to game drives, excursions can be arranged Day 5: Okavango Delta to see historic San rock paintings in the hills or the Sunday, 6 September 2015 ancient Gametrackers baobabs. We have a full day to observe the variety of stunning Overnight: Savute Elephant Lodge wildlife here. The serene watery base lends itself to quiet (breakfast, lunch, dinner) relaxation, contemplation, and reflection. If, however, you are looking for adventure and excitement, climb into a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) or a motorboat and take an excursion through the surrounding waterways. Vehicle safaris are available when the water levels are too low for a mokoro. Or try a complimentary helicopter safari for game-viewing from a different perspective. The open sides of the helicopter allow for fantastic photo opportunities. All meals are at camp. Overnight: Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp & Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

3 Day 8: Moremi Wildlife Reserve center of a world that has not altered much since life Wednesday, 9 September 2015 began. You can sense the big game heritage from the After breakfast, board a light aircraft for a 25 minute moment you arrive. flight to your next safari adventure in the Moremi Overnight: Khwai River Lodge Wildlife Reserve that covers about 3,000 square miles of (breakfast, lunch, dinner) the Okavango Delta. The park essentially has two types of topography: dry land and wetlands. Habitats range from Day 9: Moremi Wildlife Reserve mopane woodlands and thorn scrub to dry savanna, Thursday, 10 September 2015 riparian woodlands, grasslands, flood plains, marshes, Wake up to more excursions in the bush, with options for permanent waterways, lagoons, and islands. guided bush walks along the river, after-dark spotlight Predators can regularly be seen in the reserve, as this is game drives, local village visits, and stargazing outings. one of the most prolific regions Khwai River Lodge is the in Botswana for viewing them. first luxury camp in Botswana to Watch for elephant, buffalo, introduce night vision binoculars lion, leopard, cheetah, and on the evening game drives. African wild dog. Experience the ultimate safari The abundant bird life thrill of following a pack of affords plenty of opportunity to hunting predators at night, ogling see wildfowl and raptors. This is manic hippo feeding frenzies, or the perfect location for perhaps admiring the meticulous observing the perennial drama of vision of nocturnal birds of prey the African bushveld and such as the Giant Eagle Owl, the provides excellent birding. Don’t largest owl in the world, forget your binoculars. swooping down on tiny unsuspecting hedgehogs. Nestled on the edge of a leadwood and figtree forest, Catch rare sightings of shy, gentle animals that only overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains and beyond come out at night, like the aardvark (the mismatched into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, lies Khwai River mammal that appears to have the snout of a pig, the ears of Lodge. Here you are close to Africa's heartbeat, at the a rabbit, the body of an ant eater, and the feet and tail of a

4 kangaroo). The brush-tailed porcupine with its brush-like falls since the 1800s. At first they arrived in small quills that make a peculiar noise when rattled and the numbers overland, either on foot or in wagons. The spring hare, all come out of their hiding places to forage. railway reached town in 1904, and with it came a larger We might also see the elusive small and large spotted number of the curious. In spite of the many visitors, the genets on a nocturnal hunting spree. government of Zimbabwe has made a concerted—and Don’t forget to take advantage of the spa. successful—effort to preserve the pristine falls and the rain Overnight: Khwai River Lodge forest around it. (breakfast, lunch, dinner) The mile-wide Zambezi River takes a sudden plunge over the edge of a 30-story cliff. This is Victoria Falls. It Day 10: Moremi, Kasane; Victoria Falls, is enormous, so big, in fact, that it Zimbabwe cannot be seen in its entirety from Friday, 11 September 2015 any one vantage point on land. A paved, winding path allows us to After breakfast, we take a 50 minute flight by light view its many parts, each separated aircraft to Kasane, and then drive to Victoria Falls in by islands in the river. Rainbows, Zimbabwe . ambient mist, and the thunderous For almost 100 years, visiting members of Royal roar of water add to the drama of families, international and local statesmen, and celebrities what we see. (The mist also explains the lush growth of worldwide, have preferred to stay at The Victoria Falls the surrounding rain forest, even during the dry season.) Hotel. With an atmosphere steeped in history, combining After arriving this afternoon we cruise on the Zambezi the charm of the old with the comfort and convenience of River observing the local life along its banks. today, and spectacular views of the Victoria Falls bridge Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel down the Batoka Gorge with the spray rising from The (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Falls, it is one hotel that can truly claim to be unique.

The town of Victoria Falls came into being for one purpose: to support visitors, who have been drawn to the

5 Day 11: Victoria Falls; Johannesburg, South Exclusions Africa International airfare; internal airfare from Johannesburg to Saturday, 12 September 2015 Botswana, within Botswana, and from Victoria Falls to This morning we take a walking tour of the Falls. Johannesburg (priced separately); costs of passports Originally named Shongwe by the Tokaleya people, it and/or visas; activities listed as optional; personal was renamed Amanza Thunquayo (Water Rising as expenses such as laundry and meals or beverages not listed, Smoke) by the Ndebele , Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that room service, excess baggage fees; porterage; Thunders) by the Makalolo, and finally, in 1855, Victoria communication charges; airport and port taxes; any Falls by David Livingstone in honor of the queen. increase in government taxes or fuel surcharges; personal Head to the airport to board the flight from Victoria insurance coverage. (Please note that any traveler on this Falls to Johannesburg. safari must be able to provide proof of insurance If you are not continuing on the Cape Town extension, coverage.) we bid you farewell. For those continuing on, we connect with the flight to Health Status Cape Town. Touring during this program requires travelers to be in Overnight: in flight good health. Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing (breakfast) stairs are part of many of these excursions. If you have any health or mobility issues, we urge you to discuss them

with us. Day 12: United States Sunday, 13 September 2015 Registration Welcome home. A deposit of $1,500 per person is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 To book your journey days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by with R. Crusoe & Son, call personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If your Kiran Chand at 1-888-490-8013 or e-mail kchand@ rcrusoe.com. reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.

Prices Cancellation Per person sharing …………………………….$12,450 Cancellations must be made in writing and received by R. Single Supplement ……………………………$5,490 Crusoe & Son. Cancellations are subject to the following Internal air (estimate) ……………………….$1,700 forfeit as a percentage of tour cost: up to 181 days prior to departure, 10 percent of tour cost; from 180-90 days or Inclusions more prior to departure, 25 percent of tour cost; 89-61 Accommodations (based on double occupancy); hotel days, 50 percent of tour cost; 60 days or less, 100 percent taxes; ground transportation; transfers; sightseeing and of tour cost. meals as indicated; entrance fees and park fees; shared vehicles in camps; services of shared resident professional safari guides; game drives; most drinks at camps (excluding premium brands and French champagne); all gratuities. Accommodations: Saxon Hotel – Executive Luxury Rooms Eagle Island Lodge – Luxury tents Savute Elephant Lodge – Luxury tents Khwai River Lodge – Luxury tents Victoria Falls Hotel – Deluxe rooms

6 people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Utterly Civilized Cape Town. Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where Day 11: Victoria Falls; Johannesburg, Cape thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with Nelson Town, South Africa Mandela’s cell. Saturday, 12 September 2015 Overnight: The One & Only Cape Town Welcome to Cape Town and our hotel, the One & Only (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Cape Town, an urban chic resort offering an unprecedented level of luxury and style to one of the Day 13: Cape Peninsula world's most fascinating cities. From its world-famous Monday, 14 September 2015 restaurants and beautiful bar to extraordinary spa facilities, This morning, check out of your hotel. We’re off on a enjoy its warmth, hospitality and generosity. Central to tour of the Cape Peninsula. exciting nightlife and entertainment, One & Only serves Trace the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles as a gateway to the unique adventures in Cape Town. Mountains. Continue through As we arrive late in the day, the evening is at leisure. Camps Bay, named after German Overnight: The One & Only Cape Town immigrant Ernst Von Kampz. (breakfast) Pass Oudekraal toward Hout Bay,

an old woodcutters’ outpost, for a Day 12: Cape Town visit to this picturesque fishing Sunday, 13 September 2015 harbor. Then to Constantia Nek We begin this morning with a half-day city tour. Drive up and down toward the Eastern side of the peninsula. Adderley Street past the Cultural History Museum. Following the Ou Kaapse Weg, we stop at Silvermine Continue to St. George’s Cathedral, the Company Nature Reserve for sweeping views over the False Bay Gardens, and the South African Museum. Then board a coast and the Atlantic side of the peninsula. cable car for a climb up Table Mountain. Our destination? The Cape of Good Hope Nature If weather conditions are unfavorable for a cable car Reserve. Seven species of antelope live here, including the ride, take a scenic drive up Signal Hill for a panoramic eland, bontebok, and mountain zebra. Visit Cape Point, view of the city. the most southwesterly point of the African continent. Return to the city via Tamboerskloof and the Malay Head back towards Cape Town via picturesque Quarter. Passing the castle, proceed around Table Bay to Simonstown (named for the first governor of the Cape, Milnerton Lighthouse. From here, you can see Table Simon van der Stel). This was also an important British Mountain from the same perspective as the early settlers naval base for 150 years. Stop by a penguin rookery at did when they first sailed into Table Bay. Boulders Beach, home to one of only three mainland This afternoon we visit Robben Island, including colonies. the various heritage sites that reflect the Island’s Continue through the lovely suburb of Constantia and longstanding multi-layered history: the graveyard of past Cecilia State Forest to the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens. More than a century old, the park boasts 6,000 species of flora. We return to the hotel late afternoon for an evening at leisure. Overnight: The One & Only Cape Town (breakfast, lunch)

Day 14: Cape Winelands Tuesday, 15 September 2015 Our focus today? South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Commander Jan van Riebeeck planted the first vines here in 1655. They grew surprisingly well, suggesting that he

7 had found ideal conditions for grape-growing. Simon van Pinot Noir developed in 1925. der Stel became governor of the Cape in 1679, and he, too, Visit Franschhoek, nestled in the Valley of the was an enthusiastic vintner. He encouraged the planting of Huguenots. Drop into the Huguenot Memorial and vines in the fertile Winelands valleys and passed on his Museum, and see the Huguenot Monument. winemaking expertise to early settlers. Modern-day Franschhoek has French flair, lined as it In 1685, when King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of is with chic cafés, French restaurants, bistros, boutiques, Nantes that guaranteed religious tolerance, 150 French and galleries. In and around town are many renowned wine Huguenots (Protestants) immigrated to the Cape. With estates—Boschendal, La Motte, L’Ormarins, Dieu Donné, them came their savoir-faire for grape-growing and Mouton-Excelsior, and Haute Provence, to name just a winemaking, and they were given land in Franschhoek to few. Most can be visited for wine tasting. cultivate. We also explore Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second Willem Adriaan van der Stel, who succeeded his oldest town and today the very center of the Cape father as governor of the Cape, was passionate about Winelands. It grew from a settlement of Dutch horticulture, and he conducted extensive experiments. immigrants who were given arable land on the banks of Other vintners followed, and wine-makers thrived until the Eerste River. Today, Stellenbosch is one of the best- phylloxera struck in 1885. The cure came from Europeans, preserved towns from the earliest colonial days. In the who also struggled with the same grapevine disease. Dorp Museum, see traditional Dutch houses from Native vines were grafted onto American rootstock, different eras (we particularly love the mechanical shower which is resistant to the disease, and that solved the in the Victorian house). problem. Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner. From this 350-year-old history comes a wine tradition Overnight: The One & Only Cape Town with its roots in the Old World—France, Germany, and (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Italy—combined with an awareness of the contemporary consumer defined by wine-makers in the New World— Day 15: Cape Town California and Australia. Wednesday, 16 September 2015 Of the 260,000 acres of grapevines, 21 percent support Today you are driven to the airport for your homebound Chenin Blanc grapes, the country’s most widely planted flight. variety. Sultana, a grape also used for non-alcohol Overnight: in flight purposes, is next, followed by Colombard and (breakfast) Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon comprises the majority of red varieties, followed by Shiraz and Pinotage. The latter is unique to South Africa, a cross of Hermitage and

8 Day 16: United States Registration Thursday, 17 September 2015 A deposit of $500 per person is required at the time you Welcome home. book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If your Prices reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire Per person sharing …………………………….$2,690 cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.

Single Supplement ……………………………$1,235 Cancellation Cancellations must be made in writing and received by R. Inclusions Crusoe & Son. Cancellations are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of tour cost: up to 181 days prior to Accommodations (based on double occupancy); hotel departure, 10 percent of tour cost; from 180-90 days or taxes; ground transportation; transfers; sightseeing and more prior to departure, 25 percent of tour cost; 89-61 meals as indicated; and beverages (soda, water, coffee, tea) days, 50 percent of tour cost; 60 days or less, 100 percent with included meals; entrance fees; all gratuities. of tour cost. Accommodations:

Exclusions International airfare; internal airfare; costs of passports and/or visas; sightseeing listed as optional; personal expenses such as laundry and meals or beverages not listed; room service; excess baggage fees; porterage; communication charges; airport and port taxes; personal insurance coverage.

Health Status Touring during this program requires travelers to be in good health. Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs are part of many of these excursions. If you have any health or mobility issues, we urge you to discuss them with us.