The Jewel of Africa
Experience the Best of Botswana

Compare with Edge of Eden 13-days

The Jewel of Africa Spectacular, 12-Day journey to appreciate the natural beauty of some of the greatest, most pristine wilderness areas in Africa.
(includes r/t air from NYC) . Rate per person double occupancy.
Air taxes included. Additional city add-ons available: $350 for most of the East Coast; Southeast ;Midwest;and West Coast. Departure - EVERY MONDAY (min 2 guests required)

   Highlights:

• Marvel at Eastern Botswana's wildlife rich Mashatu Game Reserve and Limpopo River. Mashatu hosts the largest concentration of elephants in the world on private land.
• Explore Chobe National Park, the legendary big game area in Northern Botswana. Wildlife range in masses.
• Stay on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls - "The Smoke that Thunders". A sight not to be missed.
• Enjoy the company of professional game rangers and trackers expert in the way of the African bush life.
• Deluxe accommodations, all meals on safari included, day and night game drives in open 4WD vehicles, walking safaris, wildlife river cruises and lots more…
  

The Jewel of Africa
Spectacular, 12-Day journey to appreciate the natural beauty of some of the greatest, most pristine wilderness areas in Africa.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Monday -- Depart USA - Depart JFK
( or use our special add-ons air fare from different cities throughout the USA), on board British Airways Overnight across the Atlantic.

Day 2 - Tue - London / Johannesburg
Arrive London, enjoy day room use at an airport hotel in London . This evening we depart for Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 3 - Wed -- Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa: On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met for a scheduled road transfer to Hilton Hotel, your local tour manager will meet you this evening to discuss your safari. Sandton Hilton
Extra/Additional nights available if you wish to see more of Johannesburg & South Africa

Day 4, Thu - Tuli Block, Botswana:
This morning you will be met and transferred to the Johannesburg International Airport for your scheduled flight to Tuli Block. On arrival, you are met and transferred to either Mashatu Tented Camp or Main Camp for three nights, inclusive of all meals and game activities. Mashatu Tented or Main camp* (BLD)

Days 5 & 6, Fri & Sat - Tuli Block, Botswana:
At the confluence of Limpopo and Shashe Rivers is Tuli Enclave, a diverse region ranging from savannas to forests to open plains. In open four-wheel-drive land cruisers, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers provide guests with unequalled close-up game-viewing and photographic opportunities. Night game drives and dinners overlooking lighted watering hole offer unique views of bush life. Mashatu Tented or Main Camp *
(BLD daily)

* Main Camp is at higher charge. See rates.

Days 7 & 8, Sun & Mon - Chobe National Park, Botswana:
Transfer to Tuli Block for a scheduled flight to Kasane, and then for an onward road transfer to Muchenje Safari Lodge for two nights, inclusive of all meals, activities and all local drinks. Situated on an escarpment edge with stunning panoramic views of the Caprivi, Muchenje offers the discerning bush lover a unique wilderness experience with uninhibited game viewing. Muchenje Safari Lodge borders the renowned Chobe National Park. Ten twin-bedded thatched chalets, all with en-suite facilities are sited on the escarpment edge with their own balcony and unique view. The thatched main lodge includes a dining area, lounge, bar, reception and game viewing platform overlooking the waterhole. The lodge's swimming pool, built amongst natural rock formation, takes full advantage of the African vista and provides a tranquil setting for guests to relax during the heat of the day. Muchenje offers the most diverse activities to be found in the Chobe region, and the only lodge to offer Night Drives and Walking Safaris. They also feature game drives in open safari vehicles including full day drives, culture trips and river cruises on request. Muchenje Safari Lodge
(BLD daily)

Days 9 & 10, Tue & Wed - Victoria Falls, Zambia:
Transfer from Muchenje Lodge to Kasane clearing customs and immigration for a connecting road and boat transfer to Zambezi Sun for two nights. The Zambezi Sun is a part of Sun International's new "The Falls" resort complex on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The guest rooms are low-slung, open and airy. Our days are free to enjoy optional activities including whitewater river rafting, bungee jumping, sundowner cruises, game drives, bird-watching and bicycle excursions. Zambezi Sun (B)

Day 11, Thu - Johannesburg / Depart:
Transfer back across the border in Botswana and on to Kasane. Fly to Johannesburg. Connect with flight departing for the USA in the evening. (B)

Day 12 - Friday - USA

Arrive USA - Arrive USA this morning.

INCLUDED:

• Airfare from the USA to Johannesburg and back , with tax included
  
• Internal Airfare - Johannesburg - Mashatu - Kasane Johannesburg .
  
• Daily accommodations as shown in the itinerary & all hotel taxes and service charges
  
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B =Breakfast), (L = Lunch) , (D = Dinner).
  
• All hotel /airport transfers as indicated
  
• Transportation in air-conditioned in buses
  
• Game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles, conducted by experienced Tswana rangers and trackers Spotlight game drives at night
  
• Game walks accompanied by experienced Tswana ranger and tracker
  
• All sightseeing, game viewing, entrance fees and park fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Expert planning assistance and pre-tour materials, including detailed travel tips, travel wallet, luggage tags and other amenities
  

Tourists from the USA do not require a VISA for Botswana for short visits and up to 90 days .
Tourists are welcome to visit Botswana for up to 90 days a year. Nationals from countries not listed please check with your local travel agent or contact Botswana Tourism Department at (267) 395 3024. Nationals from the following countries do not need visas:

Antigua, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgiu, Belize, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaw, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, USA, Uganda, Uruguay, Yugoslavia, Zambia

Visa Info for South Africa ?
Always Subject to Change . If in doubt call the nearest S. African Consulate

Tourists from the USA do not require a VISA for South Africa for short visits and up to 90 days

Please make sure that your passport has enough blank pages before you travel, not only for visas , but for entry & exit stamps at all the airports . Your passport must be valid for at least 6 month beyond the date of your travel

Certain nationalities require visas for Botswana. Please note that these visas take approximately 14 - 30 working days to issue depending on the nationality. Call your nearest Botswana ian Consulate when in doubt

NOT INCLUDED:

Any international airport departure taxes, passport and visa fees, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, shipping charges, and other items of a personal nature such as gratuities to drivers and guides, porters, telephone/telex/fax charges, laundry, and beverages.

• General info on : Airport departure taxes:
• Botswana P45pp, Zimbabwe Departure Tax US$20pp payable in cash - NB No US$100 notes accepted, Zambia US$20pp, Mauritius Rs400pp, South African Airport tax R34pp for domestic departures, South African Airport for regional departures R77pp, South African Airport tax for international departures R100pp, South African Government tax for regional departures R50pp, South African Government tax for international departures R100pp, (these South African taxes should be included in the cost of your ticket).
• Personal expenses including but not limited to beverages, laundry, communication costs, excess baggage fees (baggage is restricted to 26 lbs (Modify as required) per person in a soft sided bag where charter flights are included) ·
• Traveler's insurance (the purchase of travel insurance is required to protect your investment in case of unanticipated curtailment or cancellation of your tour).
• Medical expenses, medical insurance ( passenger must show proof of insurance or ask for the flyer to be mailed).
• Gratuities to drivers, guides or tour managers.
• Any sightseeing, safari activities, meals, or other activities not specified in the itinerary or indicated as optional.
• Please note that tipping is discretionary, however, the following guidelines are provided: $5-$10 per day for professional safari guides; $3-$5 per day for camp staff, e.g. waiters, housekeepers, which is a communal tip that is shared among the staff); porters - $1; driver/guides - $2-$5); restaurant waiters/waitresses - 10% of bill; hotel housekeeping - $2 per day.
• Excess baggage charges, shipping charges, items of a personal

* Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, increase in fuel prices, or other fees imposed by the government or tourism industry not within our control.

DEPARTURE DATES
Weekly departures on Mondays year round .

Okavango Delta/Linyanti Extension
(3 or 5 Days)
Extend your stay and spend 2 or 4 nights in the Linyanti and/or the Okavango regions of Botswana at a most affordable price. These extensions include all internal flights, meals, and accommodation and game activities. We feature the following luxury camps: Tubu Tree Camp, Jacana Camp, Linyanti Tented Camp, Pom Pom Camp and Kaparota Camp. Accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking and we reserve the right to offer alternative camps.

Rates per person based on double occupancy

Terms and conditions as per our web site & our brochures. More Safari Tips.

Botswana Desert and Delta
One of Africa's greatest safari countries, Botswana's appeals are those of old Africa: free-ranging animals that still follow their natural patterns; people who make peace with nature rather than try to conquer it; and settings unlike anything else in the world. The remoteness that once deterred travelers from exploring Botswana is now a large part of its allure, in addition to the country's excellent accommodations, tourist facilities and services.

Compare with Edge of Eden 13-days

Botswana is an African success story. A long-neglected British protectorate, Botswana achieved its independence in 1966 and immediately thereafter, in a mad stroke of luck, discovered three of the world's richest diamond mines. Today the country enjoys a relatively enlightened government, and its health, educational and economic standards are rivalled on the African continent only by South Africa's.

Beyond the narrow eastern corridor where the majority of population is concentrated, Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. To ensure the country's natural assets are preserved, Botswana's government has embraced a policy of courting primarily high-cost, low-impact tourism, although recent years have seen options for independent, budget-minded travellers grow. Skinflints and softies beware: This remains a destination for the intrepid, well-heeled traveller.

The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve is a succession of islands and lagoons, open grasslands and flooded plains in a mosaic of land and water. Palms and towering trees abound, throwing their shade over crystal pools, forest glades and grassy knolls. Here is a part of Africa relatively un spoilt by modern man, worthy of being a World Heritage Site".

Chobe is well known for its lush forests and huge herds of elephants. Guests can enjoy sunset cruises along the Chobe river - a unique way to relax and enjoy game viewing.

Savuti lies within Chobe National Park and is famous for its lions, hyena and large herds of game

The great plains of Makgadikgadi Pans are scenically stunning. At certain times of the year, enormous flocks of flamingos, pelicans and innumerable ducks congregate in a myriad of colors on the lakes.

Chartered flights over the 13 000km2 region is an awesome sight. For some, the experience of gliding through the swamps in a mokoro (a special dug out canoe) provides the thrill of a lifetime. The most mystical call of Africa is the cry of the fish eagle, a call that will haunt your soul, and bring you back to Africa …….

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