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

16 Day African Photo Safari
September 16 – October 1, 2024

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. 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: $16,370 per person double occupancy

Included in tour price:

Small aircraft flights – Lusaka/Mfuwe/ Johannesburg/ Kasane/Xakanaka/Maun

Meet & Assist at Lusaka on arrival on Sept. 16, 2024

Professional English-speaking tour guides & 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 hand luggage on all small aircraft flights

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

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 departure 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, botted water not specified in the itinerary.

SAFARI DAILY ITINERARY:

September 16: Monday, – Lusaka

Welcome to Zambia! Arrive in Lusaka where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight. Southern Sun Ridgeway

September 17: Tuesday, – Mfuwe

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.

September 18/19: Wed/Thur, – South Luangwa

 Morning and afternoon wildlife viewing game drives 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)

Sept 20/Friday – Fly to Johannesburg – Southern Sun OR Tambo

Morning Game Drive, breakfast then transfer to the airport for flight to Johannesburg. Southern Sun O.R.Tombo Hotel

Sept 21/Saturday – Road transfer to Madikwe 

This morning we transfer by road 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 at eye level as they come for water during the midday heat. Imagine looking up at 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 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.

September 22/23 Sun/Mon – 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 salon 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)

September 24: Tuesday, – Johannesburg

Early game drive and breakfast before we transfer back to Johannesburg for the night O.R. Tambo Southern Sun. 

 September 25: Wednesday – Fly to Kasane and transfer to Chobe Game Lodge

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.

September 26/27: Thur/Fri – 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)

September 28: Saturday – Moremi Game Reserve

After breakfast and our game viewing activity, transfer to the airport in Kasane for our flight to Camp Xanaxaka in the Moremi Game Reserve which encompasses 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. 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.

 September 29/30: Sun/Mon – 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)

October 1: Tuesday – Depart

Fly to Maun, to Johannesburg and depart for home to share fond memories and photographs with family members and friends. 

Paul Renner at 949.295.3136                               

Email: paulrenner3@cox.net

www.rennersafaris.com

or

call Prem Sharma at Best Safaris 714-985-3456/Cell (714) 349-7112

e-mail: Prem@bestsafaris.com

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,Cell (714) 349-7112

e-mail: Prem@bestsafaris.com