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Home , Matobo National Park

Elephants and Other Creatures – A Safari Workshop Understanding nature with animal behavior specialist Derek Solomon & Mass Audubon ornithologist Wayne Petersen 27 September—7 October 2017

Imagine sitting only meters away from a huge group of elephants drinking from a plunge pool. Through a headset, animal expert Derek Solomon interprets the rumbles, squeals, growls and trumpets, illuminating the interactions and behaviors of these wild creatures.

We’ll track rhino, venture out on foot and by vehicle to view the spectacular . We’ll take a river cruise in and visit one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, also known by the indigenous name Mosi-oa-Tunya—"the smoke that thunders"— for the spray from the world's largest sheet of falling water.

This is a rare opportunity to not just observe the mammals and birds of southern Africa, but also learn from one of the world experts on animal vocalizations and behavior, while enjoying very special accommodations. Don’t miss this! Day-to-Day Itinerary

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel Sept. 27 ~ Arrive in Johannesburg

Arrive at the O. R. Tambo International Airport where you will be met by a driver and taken to the AfricaSky Guesthouse, a luxury country lodge set amid beautiful gardens only 10 km from O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Overnight: AfricaSky Guest House

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel Sept. 28-30 ~ Fly to , then Matobo Hills and

You will be picked up by a local guide and taken to the airport for your flight to Bulawayo where you will be met by Derek Solomon. Our base will be the extraordinary Camp Amalinda nestled among the majestic Matobo Hills. It is an area of enormous granite kopjes, or whalebacks, and wooded valleys which enclose the Matobo National Park. The Hills were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The granite domes are one of the most breathtaking scenes in the world.

Our time here will include game and birding safaris, guided walks, cultural excursions led by historians, and a chance to track rhinos. Over 200 species of trees, 347 birds and 88 mammals have been recorded in the park, including both Black and White Rhino.

Matobo Hills is a paradise for raptor enthusiasts and is particularly famous for its Verreaux’s (or Black) Eagles. A study of this raptor has been carried out by members of the branch of BirdLife Zimbabwe for 50 years, making it the longest-running survey of its kind in the world.

One of the highest concentrations of in all of southern Africa is found here. There are around 700 sites, with some paintings dating back 13,000 years. Remarkable balancing rock formations, wooded valleys, and open grasslands make the park an incredibly diverse area. Mzilikazi, founder of the Ndebele nation, gave the area its name, meaning “Bald Heads.” The area is rich in colonial and Matabele history, and Howard Mlizane, a native Zimbabwean who trained under renowned historian and archaeologist Paul Hubbard, will be on hand to bring this to life.

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel Our meals and overnights will be at luxurious Camp Amalinda – tucked about the picturesque rocks with a panoramic view of the Matobo Hills. Delicious meals are served on a massive teak table in the open air dining room. Rooms are private, thatched elegant retreats with private baths. At the base of the camp is a large swimming pool with comfortable loungers and a bar, all over-looking a waterhole.

Overnights: Camp Amalinda (B, L, D)

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel Oct. 1-4 ~ and Workshop

In the morning, we’ll drive to Somalisa Camp deep inside the Hwange National Park.

The centerpiece of our time here will the workshop where we’ll take advantage of incredible close-up experiences with elephants coming to drink and bathe at the camp pool. Their proximity, in tandem with the expert interpretation of Derek Solomon, will give us unparalleled insights into the world of animal communication.

Through a sophisticated array of microphones, we’ll not only eavesdrop on elephants rumbling meters away, but farther out, we’ll hope to detect the presence of, and listen in on, Lions, hyenas, the rare leopard visitor, Cheetah, antelopes, and a spectacular abundance of bird life.

Complementing these sessions will be excursions on foot and by vehicle out into Hwange National Park led by Derek and Somalisa’s professional guides. This is the home of the late Cecil the lion and his pride still roams the plans surrounding the camp—joined by herds of sable and roan antelope, , Cape Buffalo, and, with a bit of luck, African wild dogs. The birdlife is very special ranging from the world’s largest, the Ostrich, to some of the smallest such as brightly-colored waxbills.

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa Camp provides guests with breathtaking views of the savannah plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei line.

Consisting of seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace for the cold winter nights, and an overhead fan for the hot summer days, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a copper slipper- style bathtub. The main decking area includes split level decking with a separate lounge and dining area, as well as a small splash pool for guests overlooking the “Elephant Pool” and a natural waterhole where herds of game congregate to drink and where guests can relax whilst soaking in the African bush.

Overnights: Somalisa Camp (B, L, D)

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel October 5 - 6, 2017 ~ Victoria Falls

Our final destination is the world-famous Victoria Falls, also known by the indigenous name Mosi-oa- Tunya—"the smoke that thunders"— which refers to the spray from what is the world's largest sheet of falling water. The Falls themselves are a sight to behold, but there is so much more to Victoria Falls. We have the day to explore: looking for birds and mammals, both on the river during a morning boat cruise and short walks into the Zambezi National Park.

We’ll set out in the morning to drive to Victoria Falls, aiming to arrive in time for lunch. Activities include a visit to the Falls themselves on the first afternoon and a talk on David Livingstone that evening before dinner.

On our second day here, we will enjoy an outing with guide Charles Brightman. This will include an early morning river cruise (primarily looking for birds), followed by a drive into Zambezi National Park looking for birds and mammals.

Ilala Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders, the majestic Victoria Falls. A standout amongst Victoria Falls hotels and lodges, it provides distinguished, yet affordable, boutique accommodation in gracious and secluded surroundings. With just 56 rooms and suites on the property, guests can look forward to personalized service and world-class hospitality throughout the duration of their visit

Overnights: Ilala Lodge (B, L, D)

October, 7, 2017 ~ Victoria Falls Airport

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport to catch your flight.

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PRICE : $7900 double occupancy; single supplement is $2200 (very limited!) A $1000 per person deposit is required along with the reservation form.

Price includes: Does Not Include:

• All accommodations • Items of a personal nature • All meals as noted in itinerary • Porterage, laundry, phone calls, or gift items • Group airport transfers • Airport departure taxes • Park and preserve entrance fees • Johannesburg to Bulawayo flight • Services of local experts and drivers • Victoria Falls to Johannesburg flight • Services of Derek Solomon and Wayne Petersen • International flights from US to Johannesburg • All tips and gratuities and back

APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure. All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $1000 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities. Final payment is due 90 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check or money order.

RATES: Tour price is based on double occupancy and a minimum of eight travellers. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication October 2016 but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. If the group size is less than the minimum of eight, a small surcharge may be added.

FLIGHTS: You, the traveller, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our leaders will take. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. We ask that you provide us with your flight details so we can be sure to meet you at the airport upon your arrival. The tour begins in Johannesburg and ends in Victoria Falls. We will provide you with the recommended flights and booking details for the Johannesburg to Bulawayo flight and the Victoria Falls to Johannesburg flight by January 2017.

PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photograph taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a compromising nature will be used. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.

PHOTO CREDITS: Derek and Sarah Solomon; AfricaSky Guesthouse; Amalinda Camp; Somalisa Camp; Ilala Lodge.

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application for optional trip cancellation, illness, and baggage insurance will be sent to you upon registration. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. You can compare policies at www.insuremytrip.com.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately in writing. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded the deposit and any payment balance, less a $300 per person fee. For cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is not refundable but the payment balance is. There is no refund of the deposit or payment balance for cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours)—hereafter collectively “M.A.S.”—involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients’ property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental, or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in, and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure. CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation form, including the personal information and a release of liability. Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel

Reservation Form for Zimbabwe Safari and Workshop 27 September—7 October 2017

Passenger 1 name as shown on passport: ______

Nickname for name tag: ______Date of birth: ______

Passenger 2 name as shown on passport: ______

Nickname for name tag: ______Date of birth: ______

Address: ______

Phone: ______/______/______

Email: ______

Room Preferences for Single Travelers: _____I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement. _____I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement. Personal Information: ___I/We are non-smokers. (If you are a smoker(s), please check here___ and note that smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces.) ___Is there anything Mass Audubon should know about your health that might impact your ability to participate comfortably on this trips? Please describe:

Deposit: ____ Please find my enclosed check deposit of $1,000 per person: Checks should be made payable to “Massachusetts Audubon Society” OR ____ Please charge my credit card:

VISA___MC___ Card #______

Expiration Date: ______Security Code on the back of the card: # ______

______Signature

Travel with Mass Audubon: http://www.massaudubon.org/travel