Botswana & Zambia

Escorted by Professional Wildlife Photographer Paul Renner

May 13-28, 2023

This adventurous African wildlife photo safari begins as we fly to Camp Xakanaka, located in the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It is a protected area renowned for its frequent sighting of lion, leopard and African wild dogs. Here in the Delta, on boat cruises, you will enjoy sightings of wildlife together with spectacular scenery while making your way through gorgeous channels in tall Papyrus grass growing in the crystal clear waters of the Okavango Delta. We continue to Savute, bordered by Chobe National Park to the east and the Okavango Delta to the west. Savute offers one of the finest wildlife photo and nature observing opportunities in Africa. While relaxing between game drives, watch and photograph from the deck as elephants and other animals come to drink at the watering hole right in front of the dining area! After three nights at Savute our next short flight takes us north to Chobe Game Lodge overlooking the Chobe River. It is the only permanent safari lodge located inside Chobe National Park. In addition to vast herds of buffalo, antelope, zebra, and giraffe these areas have good concentrations of sable antelope, lion, leopard, impala, hippo and wild dog. Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa. This area is one of Africa crown jewels. Our adventure continues into Zambia where we spend time at Victoria Falls before flying into South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier wildlife game reserve. While on safari, we fly on smaller aircraft (included in tour price) between the lodges thereby avoiding long drives on rough roads. This also affords us more time on game drives.

This will be a spectacular photo safari and should not be missed!

Our safari will include game viewing in open 4×4 vehicles, and boat excursions on the scenic waterways of the Okavango Delta and on the Chobe River. 

For travel between the lodges in Botswana, we fly on smaller aircraft thereby avoiding long drives on rough roads. This also affords us more time on game drives. (Flights and higher weight limits for photo equipment on the flights is also included in tour price)

TOUR PRICE:

$13,895 per person, double occupancy.                       

PRICE INCLUDES:

I Small aircraft flights – Maun/Xakanaka/Savute/Kasane, Livingstone/Lusaka/Mfuwe/Lusaka

• Meet & Assist at Johannesburg on arrival• Transfers     to/from airport/hotel/camps

• Professional English-speaking tour guides and drivers

• Game drives in open safari vehicles

• All National Parks and Game Reserve entrance fees

• Meals as listed per itinerary- Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D)

• Luggage allowance is 75 pounds per person including carry-on an all small aircraft flights

Mfuwe Lodge includes: Accommodations, all meals, 2 game viewing activities daily, and laundry

 Camp Xakanaka, Savute Safari Lodge, and Chobe GameLodge include Accommodations, all meals, at least 2 game viewing activities daily, all drinks (excluding premium brands) laundry, medical evacuation insurance.

Excludes:  

Visas – $50 required for Zambia

• Beverages other than specified

• Tips for driver/guides, gratuities to porters and waiters

• All items of a personal nature and everything else not mentioned

• Travel insurance, applicable visas, all items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, fax, etc.)

Thursday, May 11:   Depart USA

Let the adventure begin when you board your flight to Johannesburg.

Friday, May 12:   Enroute

En-route to Johannesburg.

Saturday, May 13:   Johannesburg

Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport where the group will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel located near the airport. Rest of the day at leisure. SOUTHERN SUN O.R. TAMBO AIRPORT HOTEL

Sunday, May 14:    Moremi Game Reserve

We will take our complimentary shuttle to the airport and connect with our flight to Maun. Arrive in Maun where our representative will assist to connect with our flight Camp Xakanaka. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon activity. 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 complete the picture. Birding is also spectacular, especially during spring and summer when the migrants breed. Return to the camp with time to freshen up in your tent before enjoying dinner.  CAMP XAKANAKA (BLD) 

The prime location of Camp Xakanaxa on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, makes it one of the very few safari camps that offer guests an authentic, year-round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience. Here, where the life-giving waters of the Okavango meet up with the vast Kalahari, ancient Mopane forests, open grassland, seasonal floodplains, and Riverine habitats have formed, creating one of the most magnificent and welcoming animal sanctuaries in all of Africa.

Monday, Tuesday, May 15/16:    Moremi Game Reserve

Awake early for a quick breakfast and the game viewing activity, which could be by an open 4×4 land rover, powerboat on the Okavango Delta’s waterways. Spend time relaxing around the pool or catch up on your reading. Depart on the afternoon game viewing activity before returning to camp for dinner. Enjoy after-dinner drinks around the campfire.  CAMP XAKANAKA (BLD)

Wednesday, May 17: Savute Chobe National Park 

After breakfast and the morning game viewing activity, take the chartered flight to Savute Safari Lodge. Lunch is followed by an afternoon game drive. The Savute area in Botswana is part of the Chobe National Park and boasts some of the most fascinating wildlife interactions in Africa. The Savute is unique in its erratic behavior, known for its mysterious channel that runs for almost 50 miles from the Linyanti Swamp before entering the Mababe Depression at the Savute Marsh. The Savute Marsh has been dry for more than twenty years but it is still a wildlife haven, in particular during the rainy season when thousands of animals move in to feed on the lush new grass.   SAVUTE SAFARI LODGE (BLD)

Thursday, Friday,    May 18/19:   Savute – Chobe National Park

Awake early in the morning for breakfast and the game viewing activity. Spend the morning focusing your lens on the incredible variety of wildlife and flora of this region. Relax until the afternoon game viewing activity when photographic opportunities will abound once again. Enjoy dinner back at the lodge.   SAVUTE SAFARI LODGE (BLD)

It is on the banks of Botswana’s fabled Stolen River, that you will find Savute Safari Lodge in a setting of singular beauty. The often dry Savute channel is part o the dynamic Savute eco system renowned for its large concentration of elephants and lion and their troubled relationship. Savute’s signature expansive glass sliding doors and viewing decks were inspired by the striking panorama. Whether seen in the dry season when it can appear desert-like and barren beyond belief or after the rain on one of those crystal clear days across the vivid green of new grass, the impression is always breathtaking.

Saturday, May 20:    Chobe National Park

After breakfast and the morning game viewing activity, take the chartered flight to Kasane Airport. On arrival, you will be transferred to Chobe Game Lodge. Arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon game viewing activity, which is either a river cruise or a 4×4 game drive. Return to the lodge for dinner.   CHOBE GAME LODGE (BLD)

The Chobe National Park is renowned for Africa’s largest concentration of Elephants and is a year-round big game and birding destination. Picturesquely situated about 50 miles west of the Victoria Falls, overlooking the Chobe River and the Caprivi floodplains, the iconic Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent safari lodge within the Chobe National Park.

Sunday, Monday, May 21/22:   Chobe National Park

Awake early in the morning for game viewing activities. Later morning boat rides on the Chobe River in search of elephants crossing the Chobe River, hippos, crocodiles, and a large variety of wildlife that comes to the river for their daily drink. Spend the day relaxing around the pool before the afternoon game viewing activity. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.   CHOBE GAME LODGE (BLD)

Tuesday, May 23:   Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls Zambia

After breakfast transfer by road to the hotel situated at the Victoria Falls in Zambia. You will need to pass through the border post between Botswana and Zambia at Kazungula. You will arrive at your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the falls.  AVANI VICTORIA FALLS RESORT (B)

Avani Victoria Falls Resort: This superior 3* hotel reflects the richness and diversity of the land’s heritage with its architecture and decor inspired by African tradition. Within easy walking distance of one of the world’s seven natural wonders – the Victoria Falls, it is a quiet, relaxing retreat for those who choose. On the other hand, there is an astonishing selection of activities available, ranging from relaxing sundowner cruises to white-water rafting and bungee-jumping Hotel facilities include 2 restaurants, bar, terrace, swimming pool, and shops. Each of the rooms with an en-suite bathroom is air-conditioned and has TV and hairdryer.

May 24: Wednesday – Victoria Falls or Lusaka, Zambia

Accommodations will be made in either Victoria Falls or Lusaka, depending on airline flight schedules. (B)

Thursday, May 25:  South Luangwa

Early breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mfuwe via Lusaka. On arrival, you will be transferred to your lodge nestled between two picturesque lagoons in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Afternoon game drive followed by dinner. MFUWE LODGE (BLD)

Mfuwe Lodge is nestled beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany trees, beside two tranquil lagoons, where an endless stream of wildlife wanders. Scattered along the banks lie 18 thatched chalets with covered verandas that look out over resident hippo pods. The newly updated rooms provide comfortable seating areas and en-suite bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers. The airy interior of the main lodge is an exquisite complement to its natural surroundings. The open floor plan featuring cozy sofas and chairs and African-chic styling incorporates a lounge, dining and bar area under a thatch roof supported by palm poles and dominated by two impressive chimneys at opposite ends. There is a broad timber deck where the swimming pool is situated, overlooking the main lagoon. From here you can relax and cool off while witnessing the parade of wildlife nearby.

Friday,Saturday, May 26/27:  South Luangwa

Morning and game afternoon viewing activities are planned for the next 2 days which could be by 4×4 open vehicles and safari walks. The now famous “walking safari” originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. In between game drives, walks and mouthwatering meals, relax with a book on the library’s private deck, an ideal spot to take in the tranquility of Africa. The Luangwa River is one of the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the South Luangwa National Park. MFUWE LODGE (BLD)

Sunday, May 28 Lusaka/ Depart

After breakfast and your game viewing drive, transfer to the Mfuwe airstrip for your flight to Lusaka, where you will connect with you flight home. MFUWE LODGE (B)

Fabulous safari extensions are available to Cape Town or Victoria Falls:

Cape Town Extension – from $ 1390 per person sharing.

4 Days / 3 nights with airfare from Johannesburg, tours, transfers and 3 nights’ accommodation at the Southern Sun Waterfront with daily breakfast.

Cape Town, South Africa’s most popular travel destination has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Transfixed between Table Mountain and seven spectacular ocean beaches, it is a rare blend of cosmopolitan sophistication with superb cuisine and African culture. Included are guided tours of the city, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Simon’s Town and penguins at Boulders Beach.  

Victoria Falls Extension – Zambia – from $1470 per person sharing.

4 Days / 3 nights with airfare from Johannesburg, tours, transfers and (1) night in Johannesburg at Southern Sun OR Tambo and (2) nights at Victoria Falls Hotel with daily breakfast.

The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world. You will enjoy a private guided tour of the falls, as well as a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river.