In the Footsteps of Livingstone

Exclusive Safari to Victoria Falls, Chobe and the Okavango Delta

“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” was David Livingstone’s thought upon being the first European to see Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) which he named Victoria Falls. This special safari, available exclusively to Cambridge and Cambridge alumni, starts in Zambia then crosses into Botswana, following in Livingstone’s footsteps.

One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls thunders down into a deep chasm between Zambia and Zimbabwe, throwing up spray which creates rainbows to crown the awesome sight. We spend three nights exploring the area, including a visit to the Falls and walking tours and a cruise on the mighty Zambezi looking for crocodiles, hippo and elephants and learn about Zambia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Tokoleya people who live in the nearby Mukuni village.

We then cross over the Zambezi from Zambia into Botswana. We spend the next two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge next to Chobe National Park. Host to unique birdlife and game viewing, these waterways are best navigated by boat, where we look for birds such as the night herons, African skimmers and pygmy geese and large mammals such as large herds of elephant, hippo and buffalo.

Taking a scenic flight over the Chobe, we travel onwards to the glittering waters of the Okavango Delta, an amazing location for viewing the wildlife as we are poled through tranquil reeds in a traditional canoe or tracking great herds in an open-sided 4x4. The Moremi Reserve is rated as one of Africa’s finest game-viewing areas, offering sanctuary to abundant herds of elephant, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena are also resident and the birdlife is superb in March with over 250 species including fish eagles and rare slaty egrets.

Overview

Dates:

28 February — 9 March 2012

Number of days:

10 days

Price:

From £4,295 from London more information

Trip Lecturer

This tour is accompanied by a local expert throughout

Itinerary

Day 1
Afternoon check-in at Heathrow for South African Airways flight to Johannesburg in South Africa.
Day 2
Connecting flight to Zambia with late morning arrival in Livingstone. Meet your safari guide and transfer to Waterberry Lodge for 3 nights. The Lodge is in a secluded position on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River with wonderful views to the game park on the opposite bank. Overnight Waterberry Lodge.
Day 3 - 4
With just seven luxury cottages, Waterberry Lodge offers excellent levels of service. The lodge is just a short drive from the Falls. You will have a daily excursion including a visit to the Falls and river cruises. Historian Rob Burrett will give a talk on the fascinating history and pre-history of this part of the Zambezi and Victoria Falls, from royal settlement and early mission of Mwandi in the Western Province through to Livingstone on the door step of one of the greatest natural and cultural wonders of the world. There is also an opportunity to learn about the local Mukuni community, the people whom Livingstone met 150 years ago. Over-night at Waterberry Lodge.
Day 5
Road transfer upstream to Kazungula and cross the Zambezi into Botswana by motorboat to Chobe Safari Lodge, the original lodge on the banks of the Chobe River set in large grounds with a swimming pool and launch deck for river cruises. It offers spectacular game viewing in Chobe National Park, known for huge herds of elephant and for its large herds of Cape buffalo, sable and other antelope and giraffe The bird watching is exceptional. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge.
Day 6
Chobe Safari Lodge overlooks the Chobe River, and activities include a river cruise through the waterways and floodplains as well as game drives by vehicle along the banks of the Chobe River. You can take a sunset cruise whilst viewing Africa’s big game in the Chobe National Park. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge.
Day 7
7 Return to Kasane Airport and fly to Pom Pom in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The flight includes a scenic pass over Chobe and the glittering Delta. Pom Pom Camp is located on Pom Pom Island in a private concession situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta and on the head waters of the Xudum river system. The camp enjoys water all year round. Accommodation consists of nine luxury safari tents in true traditional safari style, all with full en-suite semi open ablution facilities. The area lies on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve and offers superb Okavango scenery and a true Okavango wilderness experience. Overnight Pom Pom Lodge.
Day 8 - 9
Moremi Game Reserve has the premier game viewing of Botswana. Take morning and afternoon game drives to track elephant, buffalo, zebra, tsessebe and many other large mammals. Predators are common at Pom Pom, especially lion. Game viewing by mokoros (traditional dug-out canoes) is perfect for bird-watching as the canoes are poled silently through the reeds. Overnight Pom Pom Lodge
Day 10
Private flight to Maun to connect with regional flight to Johannesburg with connecting with overnight flight to London.

Tour Details

DATE:
28 February — 9 March 2012
PRICE:
£4,295 from London* per person sharing
INCLUDES:
Airfare from London, twin or double bedded rooms with private bathroom, and all excursions with local guides, UK departure tax, transfers, full board, all visits & entrance fees, expert leader. Single supplement £595. (Can be joined without flight).
NOT INCLUDED:

are regional connecting flights if not departing from London, other airline taxes (UK passenger service charge, security tax, insurance, foreign departure tax, fuel surcharges), drinks, tips to drivers & local guides.

*May be joined without flights. Ask us for the land-only price.

ACCOMMODATION:
5 star safari lodges

FITNESS LEVEL:

Moderate - We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Moderate. This is quite a full itinerary, with some long days and a reasonable amount of travelling by road. Whilst sightseeing we may be on the go for several hours at one time, in some places without the guarantee of somewhere to stop and rest. It is important that everyone is able to keep up with the group as we need to keep together on walks. For these reasons we feel this tour is unsuitable for the frail or for anyone who routinely uses a walking frame or wheelchair. If unsure, please check with us.