Colors Of Africa

11 days - from $3290

This trip combines exceptional game-viewing at Greater Kruger National Park with majestic Victoria Falls and the wilderness experience of Chobe National Park.

Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves of Greater Kruger National Park form one of Africa's finest wildlife areas, offering superb viewing opportunities all year round. In one of the first national parks to be established in Africa, the custodians of Kruger faced tragedy, triumph and hardship, as they have strived to protect a pristine wilderness region that is sanctuary to over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We spend 3 nights in a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, which boasts a similar range of animals to those found in the park proper. These include the 'Big Five', but the private reserves offer more opportunities for varied and close-up encounters. With open 4WD vehicles and a maximum of 9 people in each, there is ample space to observe the many different species as they interact with each other and their environment. Keen photographers also have the chance to take those special shots of unexpected and sometimes dramatic wildlife interactions, as well as of peaceful bushveld scenes. The tour spends one night in Hazyview, a base from where we explore the impressive Blyde River Canyon and visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, as well as enjoy views of the Three Rondavels and the vista from God's Window. We also visit a local Shangaan village, where we gain an insight into their unique way of life.

Victoria Falls is certainly Zimbabwe's most celebrated spectacle. Measuring some 1.7 kilometres in width and with a drop of around 105 metres, an immense volume of water passes over the cataract at the height of the inundation with a flow rate of about 550,000 cubic metres per minute. This massive rush of water sends a huge plume of spray into the sky, visible for miles and providing a stunning spectacle, as we walk on paths that border the ravine. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's largest and its northern section that abuts on to the Chobe River is wonderfully picturesque.

The area around the river is home to a fabulous range of bird life and one doesn't have to be a birder to be enthralled by it all. Wallowing in the river are large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. These same waters also attract abundant land dwellers, foremost of which are elephants that, during the dry season, are probably the largest herds left anywhere in Africa. They often congregate close to the permanent water of the river and to see these animals drink at sunset, or even swim out across the river to some of the islands, is an experience that can only be described as magical. This all takes place in a scenically beautiful setting that provides for truly memorable sunsets across the river.

Highlights

• Greater Kruger National Park
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Blyde River Canyon
• God's Window
• Shangaan Culture
• Boma - Place Of Eating
• Victoria Falls National Park
• Chobe National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to hotel.2 Travel to Timbavati Game Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park. Afternoon/night game drive.3-4 Morning game drives, game walks and afternoon/night drives.5 Explore Blyde River Canyon. Dinner and cultural visit in Shangaan village.6 Drive to Johannesburg.7 Fly to Victoria Falls (flight not included). Dinner at Boma Restaurant. 8 Free day to enjoy optional activities at Victoria Falls and surroundings.9 Guided tour of Victoria Falls. Travel to Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane. Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park.10 Morning game drive. Sunset cruise on the Chobe River.11 Travel back to Victoria Falls, where trip ends on arrival (Wed).
Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader (Days 1-6), specialist local guides, arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals, game activities and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights including flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, drinks, insurance, laundry, entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 10 breakfasts,5 lunches,7 dinners
National Parks: This trip includes 4 days in Timbavati Game Reserve, 2 days in Chobe National Park and visits Victoria Falls National Park (entrance fee not included).
Valid From: 12 Jan 07
Notes: The flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls is not included and must be booked for the morning of Day 7. Please note your local tour leader will leave you in South Africa on day 6. In Vic Falls you will be met by a representative and escorted to your included activities. A local guide will join you at Vic Falls National Park and local specialist wildlife guides will escort you on your game drives in Chobe National Park.
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Trip Reference: PFCA