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14 Day African Adventure Drive

This itinerary will definitely excite the explorer in you. We take in the best of three countries, great wildlife and fantastic panoramic views. Not only will you look for the Big 5, you could also be rafting grade 5 rapids…if this is not enough to get the adrenalin flowing then how about a plane flight over the Victoria Falls (Ed: the flight is highly recommended).

We will sit around camp fires talking of our days experiences, sleep under a star studded African sky listening the music of the bush, preparing our minds for the following days activities which will be just as filled with adventure.

Nature of the Tour:

Your journey will test you 4x4 skills and you will truly enjoy an 'off the beaten track' experience. We will sit around camp fires talking of our days experiences, sleep listening the music of the bush, preparing our minds for the following days activities which will be just as filled with adventure.

Safari dates:

Johannesburg to Johannesburg

Arrival/Start – 10th November 2011

Departure/End – 23rd November 2011

Basic Itinerary:

Tour starts at 06:00 from Linga Longa Guest House in Kempton Park Johannesburg.

Day 1 Arrival into Johannesburg to Pretoriuskop South Africa

Day 2 Pretoriuskop to Letaba Rest Camp South Africa

Day 3 Letaba Rest Camp to Beitbridge Zimbabwe  

Day 4 Chipinda Pools (Gona-re-zhou NP) Zimbabwe 

Day 5 Chilojo Cliffs Zimbabwe 

Day 6 Great Zimbabwe Ruins Zimbabwe 

Day 7 Bulawayo Zimbabwe 

Day 8 Matopos National Park Zimbabwe

Day 9 Bulawayo – Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Day 10 Victoria Falls sites and activities Zimbabwe

Day 11 Victoria Falls to Elephant Sands Botswana

Day 12 Khama Rhino Sanctuary Botswana

Day 13 Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Kwa Nokeng Botswana

Day 14 Kwa Nokeng to Johannesburg South Africa

Safari Cost:

ZAR 24, 050 - Cost is based on a per person sharing rate (This is a SPECIAL OFFER trip, usual price is ZAR 29, 850).

Prices include:

• Your fully customised Land Rover and all equipment including fully enclosed roof-top tents

• Support vehicle and team leader costs

• Route planning, itineraries, bookings and travel guidance

• Field guides, maps and documents required for cross-border travel

• Complete introduction to the vehicle, equipment & basic 4x4 driver training where necessary

• Vehicle exchange when serious mechanical breakdown occurs

• Comprehensive vehicle insurance cover (full details available upon request)

• Free airport transfers to and from our Johannesburg offices

• Our individual service

• All fuel, toll road and border fees

• An emergency medical kit, and all guides are first aid trained

• Two full meals per day plus snacks

• Drinking water and cordial

Prices exclude:

• International/regional and domestic airfares to and from collection/departure points

• The optional hire of a satellite phone and/or GPS for navigation

• Visas and personal travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages, mixers and soft drinks

• All beverages and food out of camp

• Laundry services

• Clothing, toiletries and all other personal items e.g. cameras, sun block etc

• Fees for non-scheduled excursions, activities, entrance fees etc

• Gratuities

• Costs for any upgraded accommodation to that listed above and below.

Passport Visa Requirements:

You will be travelling in South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana:

• South Africa – Visas are generally required at the port of entry. You will be given a three-month visa, which is free of charge.

• Zimbabwe – Visas are required at the border for US and UK citizens the cost is USD 55 for a single entry visa. South African passport holders are not required to pay anything. No cost for South African passport holders.

• Botswana – No visas are required

This information is correct as of the date of writing, but please double check with the relevant embassy in your home country before you travel. We cannot be held responsible to any changes to these requirements that are beyond our control.

Items of interest:

• Total driving Distance: Approx 3, 830 km (2, 380 miles)

• Diesel consumption: 550 litres (145 UK gallons) per vehicle

Suggestions:

African kids love asking tourists for sweets and pens. If you have space in your suitcase bring a couple bags of both with you. The kids will smile and be happy; you will enjoy it for little cost. Old clothes are good for bargaining with adults for curios or local fruits etc.

13 – Day Itinerary Southern African Explorer

Meal Key: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

Day 1: Johannesburg to Pretoriuskop

The roads are in excellent condition and you'll encounter all kinds of different animals during your drive. Stop at one of the many camps or rest stops along the way to stretch out for a bit. Drive over paved and unpaved roads towards Pretoriuskop Rest camp. This is where you will set up your roof tent on top of your Land Rover and spend the night with the sounds of the animals sending you off into a deep and dreamy sleep.

Approximate distance: 380 km

Accommodation: Pretoriuskop Camping

Meals: B, L, D

Day 2: Pretoriuskop to Letaba Rest Camp

Now you are in the middle of your Kruger itinerary. Wake up early to make the most of today; we’ll be travelling north towards Letaba Rest Camp enjoying the ever changing scenery in your Landy. You'll be driving over unpaved roads to your next accommodation: a small farm located in the middle of the bush.

You shouldn't have any problem spotting animals; the Kruger is known for the large number of animals roaming the land.

Approximate distance: 250 km

Accommodation: Letaba Camping

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Letaba Rest Camp to Beitbridge

This evening we will be staying at a Zimbabwean ranch. The Bristow family run the ranch today and are passionate about their wildlife. Their pets include two lions, a banded mongoose and a giraffe. Look out for the buffalo heard that roams around their farm.

As this is a farm we will also be taken on a tour of the orchid that supplies citrus fruits all over the world.

Approximate distance: 280 km

Accommodation: Cawoods Mazunga Ranch

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Chipinda Pools (Gona-re-zhou NP)

The name Chipinda is derived from the Ndau dialect and means "enter ", it is here that we will be entering Gona-re-zhou National Park. Three major rivers, the Save, Runde and Mwenezi cut their courses through the Park, forming pools and natural oases from which hundreds of species of birds, wildlife and fish gather to feed and drink.

The Save-Runde junction, the lowest point in Zimbabwe, occurs in this park (153m) above sea level.

As its name implies, Gona-re-zhou is famous for its elephants, and many of the largest-tusked elephants in the region maybe found within the Park.

Approximate distance: 300 km

Accommodation: Chipinda Pools campsite

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Chilojo Cliffs

One of the most prominent and enduring natural features of the Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. These magnificent red sandstone cliffs have been formed through eons of erosion and overlook the scenic Runde River valley.

Approximate distance: 100 km

Accommodation: Chilojo Cliffs campsite

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Chilojo Cliffs to Great Zimbabwe ruins

When Portuguese traders first encountered the vast stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe in the sixteenth century, they believed they had found the fabled capital of the Queen of Sheba. Later travelers surmised that the site's impressive stone structures were the work of Egyptians, Phoenicians, or even Prester John, the legendary Christian king of lands beyond the Islamic realm. Such misguided and romantic speculation held for nearly 400 years, until the excavations of British archaeologists David Randall-MacIver and Gertrude Caton-Thompson early in this century, which confirmed that the ruins were of African origin

Approximate distance: 270 km

Accommodation: Great Zimbabwe Camping

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Great Zimbabwe ruins to Bulawayo

Today we will have a leisurely start and make our way to Bulawayo. You will be staying at ‘Khaya Pezulu’ which translated means house high up.

We will have a chance to visit the Bulawayo museum, well worth it. Other than that we will now have time to attend to any vehicle maintenance and relax around a pool with a couple beers.

Approximate distance: 320 km

Accommodation: Khaya Pezulu

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Bulawayo – Matopos – Bulawayo

Today we will have a chance to stock up on supplies.

We will drive a short distance to Matopos National Park perhaps accompanied by a long-time resident of Bulawayo, who will give us a talk on Zimbabwean history with a focus on Matopos.

In Matopos you are sure to see white rhino on our game drive. We will get back to Bulawayo later in the evening for a hearty dinner at Chimhavira’s Bulawayo lodge.

Approximate distance: 160 km

Accommodation: Khaya Pezulu

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Bulawayo – Victoria Falls

Heading up still further north we will find our selves at Victoria falls which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Having made our way later in the day it would be ideal to relax on the banks of the mighty Zambezi having a sun downer listening to the hippo’s grunting and snorting close by, or better still why not enjoy a sun downer cruise.

What ever you decide, relax, take it easy and look forward to a good dinner and an action packed day tomorrow!

Recommended – Sun down cruise (Cost 40 per person excluding park fees which is $10)

Approximate distance: 440 km

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Campsite

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Victoria Falls sites and activities

Spend today enjoying the many activities that Victoria Falls has to offer, from white water rafting, to bungi jumping, flying above the falls to walking with elephants, what ever you choose to do, guaranteed, you’ll be talking about this adventure for a very long time to come.

Speak to your safari leader who will be happy to suggest various activities and get you the best possible deals.

Recommended – White Water Rafting (Cost USD 120 per person – whole day)

Approximate distance: N/A km

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Campsite

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Victoria Falls to Elephant Sands

This morning you will be enjoying a flight over the Okavango Delta before we head off towards Elephant Sands. Elephant Sands has a camping ground on a 23000ha private conservancy and has game such as elephant, wild dog and lion wondering through the camp from time to time. You will enjoy the hot showers in an ablution block that has been designed with no roof.

Approximate distance: 280 km

Accommodation: Elephant Sands Camping

Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: Elephant Sands to Khama Rhino Sanctuary

In 1989 a group of Serowe residents conceived the idea of a wildlife reserve near Serowe. Serwe Pan, then a cattle post, had been a traditional hunting area teeming with wildlife and the residents wished to re-establish it to its earlier splendour. In 1993 the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land around Serwe Pan to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust.

The site was chosen due to its excellent habitat for rhinoceros, central location and proximity to a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) base, which provides the Sanctuary with 24hr protection. Covering approximately 4,300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld, the Sanctuary is centred around Serwe Pan - a large grass-covered depression with several natural water holes. Serwe Pan provides prime habitat for white rhinoceros and other grazing animals, whilst the denser vegetation in the southern area of the Sanctuary is favoured by browsing animals such as giraffe.

Approximate distance: 450 km

Accommodation: Khama Rhino Campsite

Meals: B, L, D

Day 13: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Johannesburg

Today is our last driving day, which will take us back to the South African Capital. We will have time for breakfast, pack away our camping equipment, when we are done you will take your roof tent down for last time and then we will drive the last leg of your itinerary to Johannesburg arriving early evening.

Approximate distance: 600 km

Accommodation: Linga Longa Guest House

Meals: B, L, D

– End Of Services –

Arrival:

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation (where required). For convenience of our early start spending the night at Linga Longa Guest house is recommended, please advise us if you require a booking and Chimhavira will arrange this on your behalf.

Departure:

If you require an airport transfer this can be arranged for you.

Transport:

Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc use fully equipped 4x4 Land Rover Defender/Discovery vehicles.

Camera Equipment:

Photographic equipment is not included in this itinerary. It is suggested as a minimum that you consider bring the following: Digital SLR camera, lenses (Ranging from telephoto zoom minimum 300mm to a wide angle), tripod, camera cleaning kit, polarising and UV filter.

Accommodation:

Accommodation will be in your vehicle roof top tents. Should you want to upgrade please ask your guide to assist you. Where possible your guide will try to upgrade you as to your requirements but this will be dependant on availability. Please note upgrades are not included in your Chimhavira Overland Safari cc invoice and will therefore necessitate you paying for upgrades directly.

Spending money:

Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and personal items.

Meals:

All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by our cook. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. We buy groceries along the way, so our clients have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements before tour commencement.

First Aid:

Our guides are trained in basic first aid, Chimhavira Overland Safari cc guides are trained to level III St John’s or equivalent standards, our vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

Luggage:

Maximum baggage allowance: 20kg. Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

Sleeping bags:

Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc will provide sleeping bags and pillows for those guests choosing the camping options, please advise us if this is required at your time of booking. If you prefer to bring your own please feel free to do so.

Durban - JNB from R200 1-way (very limited availability, e.g. 23 August)

JNB - Cape Town from R383 1-way
(very limited availability, e.g. 20 August)

JNB - New York from R6036 return (very limited availability in Jan 2012)

CPT - London from R5315 return
limited availability (e.g some days in August)

JNB - Mumbai from R4384 limited availability (e.g. some days in August)

Well done to Clare Faria on winning our inaugural Super Rugby competition and Rean Maritz coming 2nd (despite being a Bulls fan!). Enjoy your cruise and hot air balloon vouchers! We invite all our readers to join us in our Winter Rugby tests competition (Pool code: drubraid).

Last week a European airline, Flybe, sold 3 Bombardier Q400 aircraft to Rand Merchant Bank at a price above book value. Rand Merchant Bank in turn will be leasing the aircraft to South African Express. I wonder why there must be a middleman, and South African Express doesn't just buy the planes.

ACSA hikes fees: "the actual increase on the current levels of passenger service charges, landing and parking charges will increase by just under 70% effective from October 1, 2011," said the Airline Association of Southern Africa in a media statement. "These increases will in all likelihood impact growth and development of tourism and travel in general, which works contrary to the government's stated objective of increasing both domestic and international tourism to South Africa".