WILD AFRICA MAY 20- JUNE 3, 2019

Botswana, Zimbabwe, and offer an unparalleled African safari experience. In Botswana, see massive herds of buffalo, a high density of big cats, and close to 1/3 of the entire elephant population on the continent. In the Khwai Concession, embark on a game drive in search of , , , and . Journey to Zimbabwe’s northwest corner to see Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Finish in the heart of Zambia’s remote and extensive South Luangwa National Park, abounding with vast herds of plains game and the predators that follow them.

GROUP SIZE: Limited to 15 travelers

PRICING: $10,995 per person double occupancy / $11,945 single occupancy

STUDY LEADER: ZARIN MACHANDA, Associate in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Assistant Professor in Anthropology at Tufts University. Zarin received her PhD from the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. Her research revolves around understanding the factors that shape the quality and development of social relationships among and specifically . Zarin has spent the last 14 years working with both captive and wild chimpanzees. She has spent almost three years living and conducting research in western .

vegetation types, down winding tracks, SCHEDULE BY DAY through mopane forests and across lush B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, R=Reception . The waterways are either forded by vehicles or crossed on rustic log bridges. This spectacular area covers 14,000 square kilometers and is a veritable wonderland of MONDAY, MAY 20 African wildlife. Thousands of tiny islands are DEPART U.S. surrounded by shallow channels that teem with animals and are home to hippo, crocodile, Depart on an overnight flight to Johannesburg, and over 400 species of birds. South Africa. An authentic, tented safari camp is set up in a private location with “Hemingway-style” safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens and TUESDAY, MAY 21 an attached bathroom with long drop toilet JOHANNESBURG and bucket shower (hot water on request). The tents have plentiful floor space and are Upon arrival at the Johannesburg tall enough to stand up in. The back wall is International Airport, transfer to the stunning zippered and connects to the bathroom area, AtholPlace, a boutique hotel located in Atholl, so you do not exit the tent in order to access one of the most beautiful parts of the shower and toilet. Tent walls have large Johannesburg. This evening, meet your screens allowing for ventilation and views; Harvard study leader, fellow travelers, and screens can be covered for privacy and private specialist guide for welcome drinks warmth. All meals are taken in casual safari and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees. Overnight: AtholPlace Hotel (D) Overnight: Mobile Tented Camp (B, L, D)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22–FRIDAY, MAY 24 SATURDAY, MAY 25–MONDAY, MAY KHWAI CONCESSION 27 IMBABALA CONCESSION On May 22nd, fly from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana, then board a small aircraft charter On May 25th, take a charter flight from Khwai flight from Maun to the Khwai Concession. to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Located on the eastern edge of the Okavango Park. After you land, embark on an afternoon Delta, the Khwai Concession, or Khwai River boat cruise on the Chobe River. area, abounds with wildlife. It is particularly Explore the Chobe River, where you may come well known for its predators, especially one of face to face with the elephant, buffalo, and the most endangered carnivores in Africa – other wildlife that gather on the banks of the the wild dog. and are commonly river. Immerse yourself in the unique found as well as herds of buffalo, elephant, environment, viewing numerous birds and hippo. Game in the Khwai Concession is including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath abundant and varied and includes tsessebe, heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, sable, and little egrets. Following the Chobe boat and giraffe. The principal water source here is cruise, you are driven across the Zimbabwe the Khwai River, which provides the lifeline of border to Imbabala Lodge, where you have a support for the wildlife in the area. The scenic chance to settle in and enjoy the riverfront beauty adds to the experience of Botswana’s scenery. verdant Garden of Eden, the . The Imbabala Safari Lodge is a Early morning and late afternoon game drives beautiful thatched lodge resting by the take you through a large variety of different Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Due to its border WEDNESDAY, MAY 29–SATURDAY, with the Chobe Forest Reserve, Imbabala is a JUNE 1 regular stop for elephant herds. The lodge SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK features a lounge, dining room, and bar area but meals are often served outside. Rooms are On May 29th, fly on scheduled flights via stone and thatch mini-lodges with Lusaka to Mfuwe airport, located in the South breathtaking views of the Zambezi River and a Luangwa Valley. Upon arrival at Mfuwe, you watering hole where animals often are met by your local guides and taken by 4x4 congregate. During the day, guests can take vehicles to Mfuwe Lodge. advantage of morning and afternoon game drives, river safaris, fishing safaris, and more. South Luangwa National Park is located in the Game drives here are taken in open-air safari eastern part of the country and covers an area vehicles in the early morning and late of 3,500 square miles. It is renowned for its afternoons into evening, moving through the unspoiled beauty and its varied habitats which plains searching for predators and other support one of Africa’s richest concentrations game. of game and birdlife. Over 50 species of large mammal and some 400 species of birds thrive Overnight: Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (B, L, D) in this wild haven. The meandering with its many ox-bow lagoons and shady ebony groves forms the eastern boundary of the park while the western horizon is TUESDAY, MAY 28 dominated by the spectacular Muchinga LIVINGSTONE (VICTORIA FALLS) escarpment. A morning departure takes you to Victoria During your stay in the Luangwa Valley, you Falls, where you have a chance to view the are likely to see elephant herds of more than falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the falls 50 individuals, an abundance of Cape buffalo, from this side provides numerous overlooks fourteen antelope species, and Thornicroft’s and truly gives you a feel for the full majesty of giraffe, unique to the valley. This area is also this natural wonder. Here your guide shows known for its population of leopard and lion. you how through the millennia the forces of There are few, if any, rivers in Africa that nature have created this marvelous spectacle, contain such a high concentration of hippos Africa’s greatest waterfall. Afterward, transfer and crocodiles. Night drives may reveal many over the Zambian border via the stunning fascinating mammals including civet, genet, bridge that spans the Batoka Gorge just mongooses, bushbaby, , porcupine, and downstream from the falls. . A day on safari usually includes game drives or guided walks twice a day. The afternoon is free to explore the area as you would like. There are a multitude of On one of the afternoons, an excursion takes activities offered in the area including cultural you to a nearby school and textiles tours, helicopter flights over the falls, boat manufacturing site. At a local school, learn cruises on the Zambezi, white water rafting, about the school’s projects and have the and adrenaline activities such as bungee opportunity to interact with the children. jumping and a zip line (all optional activities Afterward, visit a textiles manufacturing shop, are at additional cost). where beautiful, African-themed textiles are made by co-op members, a great benefit to Thorntree River Lodge is wonderfully situated the local community. on the banks of the Zambezi River. The newly built fabric-covered chalets are raised on Located between two spectacular lagoons, the elevated structures to enhance the connection Mfuwe Lodge’s open-plan design keeps the with the surroundings, and include private comfort and relaxation of guests in mind, but bathrooms as well as an upper deck with views also emphasizes the blend of colors, textures, over the river. The wide sweeping panorama of sounds, aromas and sights that are the the river lends a special magic to the location. African wilderness experience. Each chalet has a large private deck overlooking one of the Overnight: Thorntree River Lodge (B, L, D) lagoons. From the comfort of the lodge, you are able to view some of Africa's majestic wildlife as animals come down to drink. Elephant, hippo, many antelope species and crocodiles are plentiful in this area, and it is not uncommon to view predators hunting directly in front of the lodge.

Overnight: Mfuwe Lodge (B, L, D)

SUNDAY, JUNE 2 DEPARTURE Take a morning scheduled flight from Mfuwe to Lusaka, where you connect with a commercial flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, proceed to your international flight home.

MONDAY, JUNE 3 ARRIVE HOME Early morning arrival back home.