PROGRAM

16  May
Lunch at the hotel before visiting the Apartheid Museum, which opened in 2001. It is famous throughout the world for being the first museum focusing on South African history of the 20th century and more particularly on apartheid. Afterwards, we’ll set off on a panoramic tour of the city. As well as being the financial capital of South Africa, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest city in Africa, with the tallest buildings and the widest social differences, but it also has a wonderful atmosphere.
Overnight at Hotel *****.

17  May
In the morning we will fly from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana, from where we will reach our luxury lodge located in Namibia in the Caprivi Strip aboard a small private boat. During the journey we will be able to observe the many species of birds that live in the flooded plains and if we are lucky even Hippos or Crocodilesbasking in the sun.
Upon arrival we will settle down and have dinner. Located on the edge of the Zambezi rapids and on the borders of four countries: Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, in the setting of authentic and well-preserved nature, our lodge, accessible only by boat, has a private swimming pool for each bungalow, combining comfort, exoticism and refinement.
Overnight at Lodge *****.

18  May
We will set off on a full day jeep safari during which we will explore the Chobe National Park which is home to over 1/4 of the total Elephant population in Africa. Aside from Elephants, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Zebra, Impala and Puku antelope are also abundant in the floodplains and easily visible in the dry season, which coincides with our visit. Such an abundance attract predators such as Lions and Hyenas. while the Leopards, although present, are more difficult to observe.
We will enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unique.
Later, we’ll board a small private boat and sail up the Chobe River to Sedudu Island and its marshes.
Overnight at Lodge *****.

19  May
Today we will visit a traditional village on Impalila Island, Namibia, with its typical houses, culture and customs.
We will return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon we can choose whether to enjoy the swimming pool or to venture into the Zambezi River aboard a private small boat.
Overnight at Lodge *****.

20  May
In the morning we plan a last safari in the territory of the Chobe National Park, this time taking advantage of the numerous waterways present within it, which will provide us with a different perspective of the protected area.
After lunch we will leave Namibia and reach Kasane airport from which, on board a private plane exclusive for our group, we will reach Kariba, Zimbabwe. The flight will allow us to appreciate from above the unique and iridescent panoramas offered by the underlying wild territories of the savannah up to the shores of Lake Kariba.
Once at our destination we will board the luxury boat specially chartered for our group, all cabins have private facilities and offers a panoramic view as well as an intimate and unique travel experience.
As soon as we are settled on board we will start sailing in Lake Kariba. This large body of water measure 200 kilometers in length, and at its widest point, 40 kilometers in width. The plains, hills and flooded forests represent a unique environment.
Overnight onboard*****.

21  May
At dawn, aboard small expedition boats, we will explore the Gache Gache river in search of its unique fauna.
The surrounding is mysterious and the extraordinary reflections of the trees submerged by the waters that characterize the bends of the river and its remote islets make the atmosphere magical.
Back on board we will continue sailing towards Changa where, again aboard small expedition boats, we will enjoy the warm colors of the sunset.
Overnight onboard*****.

22  May
In the morning we plan an exploratory safari of the Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume rivers, this pristine area of 1400 km² is home of numerous species of animals such as Elephants, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles, Buffaloes as well as thousands of birds, including the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Tantalus and the elegant Black Heron with his peculiar hunting strategy. If we are lucky we may cross our path with that of some feline.
The history of the park is closely linked to that of the lake. During the construction of the dam, the increase in water level, although mitigated by the Noah operation which saved the lives of over 6000 specimens, had a serious negative effect on the population of wild animals. Rescued animals, especially large mammals, felines and impalas have been moved to Matsudona where hunting is strictly prohibited.
In the afternoon we will continue the peaceful navigation in the waters of the lake.
Overnight onboard*****.

23  May
In the night we will sail back to Kariba where we will disembark and move to the airport. On the way we will be able to observe the huge Kariba dam, created in 1955, which supplies 70% of Zimbabwe’s electricity.
Seated on board a private plane at our exclusive use, we will enjoy a panoramic flight to Victoria Falls where a unique and unrepeatable lunch awaits us on board a boat in the river upstream of the falls.
In the afternoon, we plan a walk at the base of the waterfalls from where we will fully appreciate the extraordinary spectacle offered by the waters of the Zambezi River which here form the legendary and wild waterfall.
Later another great emotion, a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls, a great naturalistic spectacle to finish our voyage.
Overnight at Hotel****.

24  May
Transfer (not included) to the airport in time for the flight to Johannesburg.
* AS AN ALTERNATIVE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE THE JOURNEY TOWARDS THE OKAVANGO DELTA, SEE POST TOUR EXTENSION.

POST TOUR EXTENSION

MaY 2024 – The Okavango Delta

24 – 27 May 2024

Exclusive departure, 15 person maximum. Xugana Lagoon is widely recognized as the most spectacular permanently waterlflooded  site in the entire Okavango Delta. Our splendid lodge is located on the edge of the lagoon within a private concession and represents the perfect base from where to depart aboard the traditional mokoro canoes or small motorized boats to discover the fauna that has made the Okavango famous throughout the world. A constantly changing world of water where storks nest and crocodiles and hippos swim. Bird watching is especially spectacular during the summer months when migratory birds come to breed. We will explore some of the surrounding islands where we will be able to meet elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, lichi antelopes together with their predators: lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas.

PROGRAM

24  May
Transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Maun in Botswana and from here on board a small private plane, with a scenic flight over the Okavango delta, we will reach our Lodge. A small jewel of comfort made up of only 8 bungalows, all equipped with a splendid wooden terrace facing the lagoon.
If we will have time enough we will enjoy the first safari today.
Overnight at Lodge ****.

25  May
At dawn, just after breakfast, we will board the traditional mokoro canoes or small motorized boats and go out for our first safari at the discovery of the Okavango delta and its fantastic fauna. A constantly changing world of water where Storks nest and Crocodiles and Hippos swim
Back at the lodge we will find a tasty brunch waiting for us followed by some time to relax, perhaps by the pool.
In the second part of the afternoon another safari will be organized, again on board the traditional mokoro canoes or small motorized boats or alternatively an easy walk can be planned to discover one of the surrounding islands, all rich in fauna and where we can meet Elephants, Buffaloes , Zebras, Giraffes, Gnu, Lichi Antelopes together with their predators: Lions, Leopards, Wild Dogs and Hyenas.
Seeing the Okavango Delta from a helicopter is a truly magnificent experience that we couldn’t miss. Helicopters have their doors removed to provide unobstructed views of the majestic delta and its wildlife. A scenic flight is not only a must for keen photographers, but an exciting opportunity to witness the stunning Okavango Delta from above
Overnight at Lodge ****.

26  May
At dawn, just after breakfast, we will board the traditional mokoro canoes or small motorized boats and go out for our first safari at the discovery of the Okavango delta and its fantastic fauna. A constantly changing world of water where Storks nest and Crocodiles and Hippos swim
Back at the lodge we will find a tasty brunch waiting for us followed by some time to relax, perhaps by the pool.
In the second part of the afternoon another safari will be organized, again on board the traditional mokoro canoes or small motorized boats or alternatively an easy walk can be planned to discover one of the surrounding islands, all rich in fauna and where we can meet Elephants, Buffaloes , Zebras, Giraffes, Gnu, Lichi Antelopes together with their predators: Lions, Leopards, Wild Dogs and Hyenas.
Overnight at Lodge ****.

27  May
Private flight to Maun in time for the flight to Johannesburg.

Included in the price:

       –   Double room accommodation breakfast included.
       –   All mentioned excursions.
       –   All meals, soft and local drinks and laundry at the lodge.
       –   Private flight Maun/Lodge/Maun.
       –   One hour of panoramic helicopter flight.
       –   English speaking guide.

Not included:

       –  Flights not mentioned above.
       –   Visa.     

PRICE PER PERSON  Euro 4300,00
*Exchange Rate 1 USD = 0,90 Euro.