Zambia, Botswana & South Africa Photo Safari Escorted by Professional Wildlife Photographer Paul Renner

16 Day African Photo Safari
September 18 to October 4, 2023

This adventurous African wildlife photo safari begins as we drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe Private Reserve, located along South Africa’s northern border with Botswana. The vast assortment of vegetation and eco zones here, allow for the rich diversity of wildlife and bird species that inhabit the reserve. We will be focusing our lenses on elephants, both black and white rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, wild dog, and a myriad of other plains game species.  

From Madikwe, our safari adventure takes us to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier wildlife game reserve. This region of the park is renowned for its prolific game – lions, leopards, giraffe, hippos, buffalo, antelope, and crocodile are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon. Before venturing into Botswana, we stay at Victoria Falls for a night at the Avani Falls Resort. Our adventure continues into Botswana where we will spend three nights at Camp Xakanaka, in the Okavango Delta. The Moremi Reserve is rated as one of Africa’s finest game-viewing areas, offering sanctuary to abundant herds of elephants, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena complete the picture. 

From Moremi, we continueour  safari to Chobe Game Lodge for three nights. It is the only permanent safari lodge located inside Chobe National Park. In addition to vast herds of buffalo, antelope, 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 will be a spectacular photo safari and should not be missed!

LAND PACKAGE PRICE: $14,970 per person double occupancy

Included in the tour price:

• Small aircraft flights –Small aircraft flights – Johannesburg /Lusaka/Mfuwe/Livingstone & Kasane/Xakanaka/Kasane

• Meet & Assist at Lusaka on arrival on Sept 20

• 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 44 pounds per person including carry-on on all small aircraft flights.

• Impodimo Lodge includes: Accommodations, all meals, 2 game viewing activities daily, and local drinks

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

• Chobe Game Lodge and Camp Xakanaka include: Accommodations, all meals, 2 game viewing activities daily, all drinks (excluding premium brands) laundry, medical evacuation insurance

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare into Johannesburg and return. International departures taxes or local airline departures taxes , Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance fees, Visa entry fees, and associated service charges, Items of personal nature such as telephone calls, internet service charges, tips to porters, waiters, guides, drivers, laundry service charges, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water not specified in the itinerary

SAFARI DAILY ITINERARY:

Monday, September 18: – Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! Arrive in Johannesburg where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight. Southern Sun O.R. Tambo

Tuesday, September 19: – Madikwe Game Reserve

This morning we drive to Madikwe Game reserve, situated in the North-West province of South Africa. The vast variety of vegetation and eco-zones allows for a rich diversity of wildlife and bird species to inhabit the reserve. The reserve is home to 28 different mammal species which were released into the park through a relocation process called Operation Phoenix. This was the largest game translocation exercise in the world, with more than 8,000 animals being released into the reserve. Starting in 1991 and spanning six years, the project included the release of species such as elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and other plains game species.

Arrive in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. At Impodemo they have a new photo blind where we will be able to photograph animals from our eyes as they come for water during the midday heat. Imagine seeing elephants only a few feet from you! Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Impodimo Game Lodge (BLD)

A luxury 5-star game lodge, Impodimo is situated in Madikwe Game Reserve. Daily game drives give you the opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife species, including the Big 5 mammals.

Impodimo Game Lodge is set along a rocky ridge commanding stunning vistas of the reserve. It is also located at the source of a natural spring, which provides the lodge with elevated views as well as riverine serenity. The lodge offers dawn and dusk safaris. The safaris are carefully timed to ensure optimal seasonal comfort.

Each of the suites has been carefully positioned to ensure absolute privacy. Spacious in design, each includes a closed system fireplace, climate control air conditioner, mini bar fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and full en-suite bathroom and outside shower. Your private deck allows uninterrupted views of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The staff at the lodge has goes to great lengths to ensure that guests have as much choice as possible in enjoying their experience. 7-seater land rovers are used. Impodimo is the first lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve to have qualified Shangaan trackers as part of the team. This adds a different dimension to the safari experience ensuring consistent big game sightings.

Wednesday /Thursday, September 20/21: – Madikwe Game Reserve

Set out before breakfast by 4×4 safari vehicle for your morning game drive. Return from the excitement of the bush to a sumptuous breakfast or brunch and then relax at the pool or the sala overlooking the waterhole where game may come to quench their thirst. In the afternoon, when the heat of the African sun has diminished and the shadows are longer, head out again on a sundowner safari, where you will stop to watch the sun set on this bushveld paradise. Once the sun has set and darkness descends, continue the safari where the more nocturnal creatures now rule the bush. Return to the lodge where you will be treated to the finest Pan-African cuisine with your hosts in the open air boma and share your days adventures. Impodimo Game Lodge (BLD)

Friday, September 22: Lusaka

Early breakfast and a short game drive before we drive back to Johannesburg and transfer to the airport for our flight to Lusaka, Zambia, On arrival, we are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel for overnight.                                    Southern Sun Ridgeway (B)

 

Saturday, September 23: South Luangwa

This morning we fly into South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier wildlife game reserve. This region of the park is renowned for its prolific game – leopards, lions, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, antelope, and crocodile are frequent visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon. The 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.

Sunday/Monday, September 24/25: – South Luangwa

Morning and afternoon wildlife viewing activities are planned for the next 2 days. We travel in open 4×4 open safari Land Rovers. The Luangwa River is one of the most intact major river systems in Africa and is the life blood of the South Luangwa National Park.     Mfuwe Lodge (BLD)

Tuesday, September 26: – Victoria Falls Zambia

After breakfast, fly to Lusaka then board our flight to Livingston and transfer to the hotel situated at the Victoria Falls in Zambia. 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.

Wednesday, September 27 – Moremi Game Reserve

After breakfast, transfer by road to the border post between Zambia and Botswana where after immigration formalities we board our flight from Kasane Airport to Moremi Game Reserve. 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 elephants, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena complete the picture. Birding is quite spectacular, especially during spring and summer when the migrants breed. Return back 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 offers 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.

Thursday/Friday, September 28/29: 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 back to camp for dinner. Enjoy after dinner drinks around the campfire. Camp Xakanaka (BLD)

Saturday, September 30: – Chobe National Park

Our adventure continues in Botswana where we will spend three nights at Chobe Game Lodge. 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 elephants in Africa.

Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game viewing activity, which is either a river cruise or a 4×4 game drive. Chobe Game Lodge (BLD)

The Chobe National Park is renowned for Africa’s largest concentration of Elephants and is an all-year-round big game and birding destination. Picturesquely situated about 50 miles west of 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, October 01/02: – Chobe National Park

Awake early in the morning for coffee and snacks and the game viewing activity. Embark at 11:00am for Chobe River Boat cruise. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax around the pool before the afternoon game viewing activity. Chobe Game Lodge (BLD)

Tuesday, October 03: Johannesburg/USA

 After breakfast and your game viewing game activity, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg to connect with your fight back to USA

Wednesday, October 04: Arrive USA 

Arrive home today    to share fond memories and photographs with family members and friends. 

Cape Town Extension – from $ 1410 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.  

For more information and reservations, contact:

Paul Renner at 949.295.3136                               

Email: paulrenner3@cox.net

www.rennersafaris.com

or

call Prem Sharma at Best Safaris 714-985-3456

e-mail: Prem@bestsafaris.com