Fall in Love with Botswana

008676-W20

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a special way and fly to South Africa to join this custom-designed, small-group safari program, escorted by Margot Kalinowsky, one of our resident Africa specialist. She’s been on a number of safaris and would love to share her excitement and passion for safari touring with you. Email Margot for more information on this or one of our other African escorted tours.

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Great Canadian Travel Group African Expert with you throughout the tour
  • Lean about the history of apartheid at the Soweto Museum in Johannesburg
  • Three nights at each of two luxury safari camps, all meals included
  • Game viewing daily - see elephants, giraffes, leopards and other wildlife
  • Marvel at the thundering waterfalls at Victoria Falls
  • Enjoy the wine country just outside of Cape Town
Details
Group Size: min. 10

2023 Dates:
February: date to be advised (contact us to pre-register your interest in this escorted tour)
2023 Pricing:
From US$5,999 – twin
Prices are “starting from” rates, in US$, per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rates for one person in a room may be available, on request.

Tour Code:
008676-W20

Itinerary
Open All
Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg

Upon arrival to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport you will transfer by hotel shuttle to the nearby Holiday Inn Airport for a two-night stay.

The Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport, located just ten minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, is the perfect place to take time to relax and unwind before or after a long journey. Stay stress free a complimentary airport shuttle service. The hotel has 151 comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities and Wireless Internet. For leisure, work out in the in-house gym overlooking the outdoor pool, where you can take a swim or soak up the sun. At the end of the day, dine in at their restaurant or order room service and put your feet up.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Soweto

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Today we will take a tour to Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, which takes a close look at South Africa’s turbulent past

Day 3: Johannesburg – Maun - Lebala Camp, Kwando Reserve

Shuttle from the hotel back to Johannesburg’s airport for your flight to Maun. On arrival in Maun you’ll be transferred to the light aircraft, circuit flight that will take you to Lebala Camp.

Circuit Flights: The light aircraft, circuit flights are subject to weight restrictions based on the aircraft used, weather conditions and season, passenger and luggage weights, routing and fuel required. Some routes may require en-route stops which may involve changing aircraft. Total baggage allowance on these inter-camp flights is 20kg total per person (includes checked bag as well as all carry-on items).

The camp is comprised of eight custom-designed tents with unique mosquito net wall, allowing an unobstructed flow of cooking breezes and stunning views. Each spacious text has its own viewing deck, bathroom and luxurious double, outdoor shower. The main area of the camp includes a small swimming pool, a communal fire place and dining room, a curio shop, bar and lounge area and small library. Private, outdoor dinners can be arranged by the poolside or fireplace for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons.

Day 4 & 5: Lebala Camp, Kwando Reserve

Lebala means “wide open spaces” and the camp is located in the Kwando Reserve’s 232,000 hectares of private, un-fenced wilderness. Here the southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshland to the east. Lebala sits in the floodplains of the Kwando River and the special ecosystem is home to a wide variety of Africa’s plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe and tsessebe. The wonderful variety of wildlife also includes elephant, hippo, buffalo and the ever-present predators of lion, cheetah and hyena. Lebala’s location away from the dense mopane woodland to the east of the reserve facilitates the ease of traversing the concession looking for big game.

While staying at Lebala Camp, you will be taken on daiily game drives (day, night or offroad) in Land Cruises with 3 rows of 3 seats, max. 6 people per vehicle;  guided walking safaris and have time to spend relaxing by the pool or on your own deck, watching the landscape for wildlife.

Day 6: Lebala Camp, Okavango Delta - Splash Camp

A light aircraft, circuit flight whisks you from the Lebala Camp in the Okavango Delta to Splash Camp.

The Linyanti Concessions Camp is located in the private Linyanti Concession along the Savute Channel. This channel is a magnet for thirsty wildlife.

The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains
and forests that make up these lush, unfenced reserves. The area hosts large herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo as well as the world’s highest density of elephant. Several packs of wild dog are found in the area and lion, leopard and cheetah are frequently sighted. Night drives allow for the discovery of nocturnal creatures such as civets, genets, honey badgers and spring hares. This vast, untamed wilderness is the perfect location for those seeking a unique African adventure in an
exclusive and remote big game habitat.

The activities on offer include day and night game drives, guided walks (on request) and seasonal boating, depending on water levels. Nearby platforms and hides also present excellent wildlife opportunities.

Day 7 & 8: Splash Camp

During your stay at Splash Camp you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives every day to reveal the rich wildlife of the area where predators and elephant are often the highlight.

Given its location on the Linyanti Marsh and easy access to a combination of habitats, floodplains, open dry-land savannah and woodland, the area is a magnet for big game and birdlife. Well-known for its huge elephant concentrations as they congregate along the waterways during the dry winter months, the area is also renowned for general wildlife including specials such as roan and sable. Predator sightings may include lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyaena.

You can also choose to go on a walking safari to observe the many signs of the wild from tracks on the ground to the sounds of the wilderness around you as you explore your surroundings on foot with an experienced guide. Or, experience a whole new safari as you explore after dark for those animals that only come out at night.

Day 9: Splash Camp - Kasane - Victoria Falls

Time to say good-bye to Splash Camp and catch your flight via scheduled, light aircraft to Kasane Airport. From here you transfer by road to Victoria Falls.

Check in to your accommodation, Ilala Lodge or similar, for a two-night stay.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls, and named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals, it is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya The Smoke that Thunders an accurate description of what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700 metre wide and 100-metre deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood and 500 million litres of water tumble over the edge into a series of gorges each minute!

A variety of local activities are available as optional tours such as river walks, cruises down the Zambezi River, helicopter tours over the falls and for the adventurers zip-lining or bungee-jumping. Or simply choose to sit with a nice, cool drink and take in the spectacular views. Pre-booking is recommended.

Day 11: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Cape Town, South Africa

Today it’s time to bid farewell to Victoria Falls and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa. We’ll transfer to the centrally located Radisson Red Hotel for a four-night stay in this fabulous city.

Day 12 - 14: Cape Town, South Africa

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breath-taking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

We’ll enjoy two tours while in Cape Town. A private peninsula tour will take us to the Peninsula and Table Mountain, including a cable car ride. Our private Winelands Tour in the nearby Boland Mountains will feature lunch and wine tasting.

Day 15: Depart Cape Town

Today, our tour ends with a transfer from the hotel to the Cape Town airport to catch your departing flight.

Should you wish to extend your time in Cape Town or continue on to another destination in Africa or beyond, please ask us to quote you for the additional arrangements.

Included
  • Transfer between Johannesburg airport to hotel, round trip
  • Two nights of accommodation in Johannesburg at The Holiday Inn Airport, or similar, including breakfast
  • Scheduled circuit, light aircraft flight from Maun to Lebala Camp, Kwando Reserve
  • Three nights of camp accommodation at Lebala Camp
  • Scheduled circuit, light aircraft flight from Lebala Camp to Splash Camp, Okavango Delta
  • Three nights of accommodation at Splash Camp
  • Scheduled circuit, light aircraft flight from Splash Camp to Kasane
  • Accommodation at all camps in tented rooms
  • All meals, daily scheduled camp activities/drives, park fees, laundry service, all local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne)
  • Services of lodge guides and staff
  • Park Fees
  • Transfer by road from Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls
  • Two nights of accommodation at Ilala Lodge or similar, Victoria Falls
  • Transfer from Cape Town airport to downtown hotel
  • Four nights of accommodation at Radisson Red, Cape Town
  • Accommodation taxes, Tourism Levies, VAT and GST
  • Great Canadian Travel Africa Specialist escorted
Not Included
  • International flights to Johannesburg, from Cape Town
  • Airfare from Johannesburg to Maun, from Victoria Falls to Cape Town
  • Taxes and fees on airfare
  • Meals not specified
  • Drinks, park and entrance fees, porterage, extra tours/excursions and transfers not specified
  • Guide and camp staff gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport and visa fees, as required
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Local airport taxes, payable in US$, cash only
  • Any new government taxes, levies, fuel surcharges or industry increase beyond our control
Tour Notes

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Map