23 days – 22 nights

Day 1 - Arrival to South Africa

At your first point of entry into South Africa you are required to collect your baggage & clear South African Immigration & Customs procedures.

Upon arrival in Cape Town you will be met directly outside the baggage claim by a Sundance Spirit representative, who will escort you to a private transfer vehicle & take you to the Best Western Cape Suites. You are reserved to stay here for the next 4 nights on a B&B basis.

Cape Suites is nestled at the foot of the dominating Table Mountain. It is a ´village styled´ hotel located a mere 5 minute drive to the famous V & A Waterfront & 15 minutes from the beaches of Camps Bay & Clifton. In addition to the bedroom, each of the rooms has a kitchenette & private en-suite bathroom.

Day 2, 3 & 4 - Cape Town, the Peninsula & hinterland

This morning at 0900hrs, a rental vehicle will be delivered to Cape Suites. This vehicle comes with unlimited km & basic CDW insurance cover & is yours for three full days to provide free-ranging access to Cape Town & the surrounding hinterlands.

This is a city that for centuries, was the layover point for explorers, adventurers & traders plying their wares between Europe & South America & grew as a result of multi-national colonization dominated by the Dutch.

The city architecture is mix of Cape Dutch & modern high rise & the ethnicity of the population is as diverse as the many colours of a rainbow.

The centre of Cape Town is focused on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which like so many others the world over, has been restored from its historic warehouse & shipyard days to know face the new world order with a sprawling three tiered shopping complex, a fabulous ´living´ aquarium that is certainly worth its meagre price of entry & a host of excellent eateries, from basic outside cafes to high class fine restaurants.

The V & A Waterfront complex is actually South Africa’s most frequented year-round visitor attraction.

There are numerous easily accessible side-trips we would suggest you consider over these three days. Perhaps the most ´local´ of these is the cableway excursion up to the top of Table Mountain. If the weather is clear the vistas one gets to all points of the compass are simply stunning.

Certainly worthy of at least a half-day is a short drive around the base of Table Mountain will take you to the Atlantic beachside suburbs of Bantry Bay, Camps Bay & Clifton. Continuing to follow the oceanfront highway, head on to Hout Bay & the start of the scenic drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve which is considered the tip off the African continent & where the Indian Ocean & South Atlantic Ocean collide.

There is an aerial cableway that accesses the Cape Lighthouse, a timeless landmark & wonderful photographic point.

Yet another option is a drive out to the Franschhoek wine region where many world renowned vineyards conduct regular wine tasting & serve lunch on their property. On the way back to Cape Town, stop in township of Stellenbosch, where not only can you see the famous Stellenbosch University campus, but also take time out to wander into ´Oom Samies se Winkel´ - a century old famous general store which sports all manner of bric-a-brac & items of historical fascination.

Closer to home, departing from the V & A Waterfront wharf, still another option is a half day excursion by small catamaran out to Robben Island. Once a notorious prison that housed South Africa’s dissident political prisoners of the ´Apartheid Regime´ days, here, imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years behind bars as a convicted - ¨terrorist & enemy of the Republic¨ - Nelson Mandela was contained. His tiny cell is open for viewing & provides a chilling look at what has thankfully become a passing phase in South Africa’s chequered racial history.

There is so much to do & see in this region but how exactly you approach your time in the Cape Town region, is for you to determine the extent of where you wish to wander.

Day 5, 6 & 7 - Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

This morning after breakfast, check out from Cape Suites & self-drive to Cape Town Airport where you need to drop off the rental vehicle & check-in at SAA Airlink for their non-stop flight to Mpumalanga-Kruger airport – gateway to the Kruger National Park & Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

On arrival, you will be met & transferred the 110km to the glorious luxury of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve & River Lodge - your home for the coming three nights.

The approximately 3500 hectare Lion Sands property was first acquired as a private block in 1932 by the great grandfather of Nick & Rob More who are fourth generation current family owners. Nick is GM responsible for all daily operations on the property.

Lion Sands is situated in one of the most pristine regions of South Africa, within the lower quadrant of the greater 65000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This is an area famous for the high concentrations of animal & bird life year round. The southern boundary of the property is shared with the Kruger National Park, separated by 10.5km of Sabie River frontage, uniquely enabling all of its wildlife to move freely across the river between the two reserves. Lion Sands geographical location is in an area of enormous diversity of both flora & fauna, affording guests the opportunity of unique activities based around the river & the surrounding riverine bush-land.

River Lodge is shaded by huge century old Jackalberry trees & the 14 individually located thatched roof guest chalets are set out along a wooden boardwalk that leads down to a generous sized swimming pool perched above the river.

Each guest chalet is air-conditioned & has supplementary multi-speed ceiling fans. The ´feeling ´inside is one of cool spaciousness. There is a good sized bedroom & separate en-suite bathroom which contains a full sized bath, a stone floored shower, vanity unit & hand basin & flush toilet. In addition, there is also an outside shower, suitably screened off from view & overlooking the lawn & river. Outside showers are certainly novel & refreshingly different.

Each chalet is equipped with a security safe, personal bath amenity kits, bug screened windows & as this region is in a known malaria risk zone, a fine muslin curtain or ´tent´ that completely encapsulates the bed at night for guests total peace of mind while they slumber.

River Lodge main building is decorated in old African style & breakfasts are served on the large under thatch decked area outside the guest lounge, library & bar. It is here too that the safari activity briefing will be given to you on arrival by your professional Game Ranger who will be assigned to you & with whom you then undertake morning & afternoon-evening game drives for the duration of your stay, in customized 4x4 safari vehicles.

Because of Lion Sands unique location & there being no fences on any of its property boundaries, this is truly a ´Big 5´ Private Game Reserve.

Whilst no guarantees are given that you will indeed have encounters with the ´Big 5´ (the Big 5 consists of Elephant, African Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Lion & Leopard) it is unusual not to over a three night stay. The characteristic species to be found on & migrating through the property are: lion; leopard; elephant; white rhino; black rhino (rare); cheetah; spotted hyena; African buffalo; giraffe; zebra; waterbuck; bushbuck; dik-dik; bush dikker; impala; kudu; wildebeest; hippopotamus, crocodile & many other mammal & bird species.

Dining at Lion Sands is exquisite & certainly the equal (we personally think it is far better) of the best of fine dining restaurants. Meals are not only a gastronomic delight, but equally the location varies, which adds to the overall fine dining experience.

From an outdoor bush setting or dinner served on tables with starched linen table clothes, crystal glasses & silver utensils, under the stars in the dry riverbed sands, stunning locations to fit any occasion are certainly not lacking.

With a superb cordon bleu chef & a manner of delivery that one can only judge after having experienced the professional but soft style of the marvellous local African staff, you will have opportunities to tempt your taste-buds & senses beyond your wildest imagination.

Then, if the twice daily Ranger & Tracker hosted game drives, a seemingly never ending source of delicious fresh fruits, vegetables & accompanying delicacies, the opportunity to snatch an afternoon ´siesta´ or a dip in the cooling waters of the swimming pool is not enough to satisfy you, there is always the Lalamuka Health Centre offering a range of body massage & facial treatments.

Lalamuka in the local Shangaan native tongue means ´unwind´ & an hour of personal massage treatment administered by professional specialists will certainly rid one of any urban stresses that may dare to linger.

You have three nights & the accompanying days to soak up & breathe in all that this wondrous location, its gentle & attentive staff & Management and indeed, the professionalism & insights provided by an elite band of enthused Lion Sands Rangers & Trackers have to offer.

Day 8 - Lion Sands – Johannesburg

All good things have to come to an end & this morning, you have your last Lion Sands safari game drive.

As is customary you will be awoken at 0530hrs & at 0600hrs assemble at main lodge for a cup of tea, coffee or juice & snacks, then off for four hours in search of any illusive animal or birds that have not yet been one of your sightings on previous outings. By 1030hrs you will be back at the lodge in plenty of time to refresh, have a healthy breakfast on the deck under the trees & then pack-up to check out.

It is a fifteen minute drive to the Mala Mala sealed airstrip where you will check in for SA Airlink flight, non-stop turbo prop flight to Johannesburg. On arrival & after retrieving your luggage from the domestic baggage claim, exit onto the street level, turn right & walk following the signage to the Hotel Shuttle pick-up area, located directly in front of the International Arrivals area on a pedestrian island.

Approximately every fifteen minutes the Caesars Emperor & Senator shiny black minivan will come round & it is this vehicle that will take you to the Caesar´s Hotel & Casino complex, no more than six minutes down the freeway in Kempton Park.

You are reserved for one night here on a B&B basisl.

Caesars complex has the two different hotels, ( The Emperor & the Senator ) separated by an interior walkway through the casino lounges & gaming rooms. There are two ´features´ within the complex that we would draw your attention to as well worth visiting.

Firstly, an eerie but very historic display room that heralds South Africa’s indigenous peoples struggle for racial equality & exposes the often violent methods that were instilled in progressive white governments’ security forces to enforce the oppressive policies of ´apartheid´.

Just ask any of the Caesars staff to direct you to this amazing museum exhibit hall. A hour spent here is a trip down through South Africa’s turbulent racial history & indeed, a sobering & thought provoking reminder of the all too often displays of mans inhumanity towards fellow man.

Secondly, let’s turn to dining out.

We cannot go without recommending you eat tonight at ´Tribes´ which is located in the food court just off the main casino slot machine lounge. Tribes restaurant is renowned for beautifully prepared flame grilled or ´braai´ prepared meats, wide choices of fish platters & accompanied by mouth- watering deserts of mammoth proportions. Dining at ´Tribes´ is a recommendation we do not hesitate to make as we personally have never found the quality of food, the ambiance or the graceful service staff wanting, in any way. You may need to make a reservation in which case, ask for Michael (he’s the owner who is always on station) & we are certain once he knows you are visitors a table in the forecourt or inside if you prefer, will be found swiftly.

This evening we suggest you separate the luggage you are taking onto Zambia, Victoria Falls & Botswana from that which you will leave here at the Senator (in a secure luggage storage area administered by Concierge at the hotel) which will save time in the morning.

Remember on the light aircraft flights between safari lodges & camps in the coming ten days you are each restricted to 12kgs of checked luggage to be packed in a soft sports bag & additionally, strictly one only carry on bag. 12kgs in a soft bag is certainly alot, especially when considering the relaxed casual atmosphere & dress code of the safari locations you are heading to.

Day 9 - Johannesburg – Lusaka & Royal Zambezi Lodge

You are going to need to have a wake up call & relatively early breakfast this morning, as you are required to be at JNB International Airport for check-in to South African Airways flight which departs at 1130hrs non-stop for Lusaka in Zambia.

Just arrange with concierge to assemble your luggage & co-ordinate a courtesy shuttle transfer to the International terminal at the airport so you are there by 0945hrs, certainly no latter than 1000hrs.

It is a 2hr.05min flight into another totally different world, & once having cleared Zambian Immigration & Customs you will be met & transferred by light-aircraft to Royal Zambezi Lodge which is located some 0.50min flying time southeast of Lusaka on the banks of the mighty Lower Zambezi River.

Royal Zambezi is a tented lodge situated under a shady canopy of indigenous trees with a maximum capacity of eight twin or double bedded tented units – so 16 guests in all.

Being totally without fencing of any kind, it is unusual not to have animals of all sizes in & around camp. Elephant are frequent visitors, seeking out one of their favourite foods, the succulent pods of the Winterthorn (Acacia Albida) & Tamarind trees.

Sumptuous meals are served three times a day with hot & cold beverages, refreshments & snacks with bottled waters supplemented while guests are out on morning or afternoon game drive or water based safari activities. Special picnics, island setting dinners, bush location lunches & other such treats can & are easily catered.

Looking out over the river early morning & again late evening offers some of the most stunning sunrise & sunsets from a truly awesome setting on offer in Africa. It is not uncommon to be serenaded by herds of hippos grunting as neighbouring herds encroach on what they consider is their private space; elephants belly deep munching on reeds & river grasses, or the never ending comings & goings of the waterfowl & African skimmers as they dive in for insects & a drink on the wing.

Set apart & distanced from other tents each guests accommodation unit has large roll up, bug-screen covered window panels, ample storage & wardrobe capacity, a vanity unit, either twin or double beds & a private en-suite bathroom with basin, shower & flush toilet.

Main lodge consists of a thatched dining room with open dining areas for special nights under the stars & a central library gazebo with comfy furnishings ideal for stretching out in , or taking a nap after lunch.

But the pride of place is reserved for the Kigelia bar, a wooden deck that is anchored to the huge girth of a Kigelia Africana tree (commonly referred to as a sausage tree for the long sausage like seed pods it sprouts) on the rivers edge. This makes an ideal spot to take a pair of binoculars, grab a cooling drink & scan the river & horizon for the kaleidoscope of wildlife that is lured here.

Day 10 & 11 - Royal Zambezi Lodge safari activities

The next two full days are for you to undertake the widely varied safari activities that the Lower Zambezi River & National Park have to offer.

The choice is yours to make & along with your appointed professional Ranger, you will design the day activities according to your desires. You may head out in customized 4x4´s into the Lower Zambezi National Park for land based game & bird watching ; opt to go with your Ranger on a guided game walking safari.

Then there are guided canoe trips where you are assured of getting up close to hippo & likely, elephant at river level. Guided walking & canoeing activities offer perspectives & encounters that are adrenalin boosting & make for treasured lifetime memories.

Also at Royal Zambezi the opportunity to try your luck Tiger fishing. The Tiger fish is to Africa, what fresh water Golden Dorado are to Argentina, or Pike are to the rivers & estuaries of the North America. These are prime condition fierce fighting fish that display extreme courage & voracity once hooked, with leaps out of & dives to the depths of their environment in a bid for freedom.

Landed, a look at the scissor like mouthful of needle-sharp teeth confirms why hooking a Tiger fish is an accomplishment hardened anglers come the world over to the Zambezi to experience.

So, it is up to you to take the opportunity & spend an hour or two with your Ranger at Chongwe Falls in an attempt to hook & successfully land a Tiger. To do so is satisfaction personified.

Day 12 - Royal Zambezi Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Departing Royal Zambezi Lodge after the morning safari activities & breakfast, you will first take a light aircraft flight to Lusaka, followed by a commercial flight of approx. 1 hour duration to Livingstone, Zambia’s one time capital city.

On arrival you will be met & from here by road from Livingstone, to the Zambian Victoria Falls National Park for a guided walking tour.

Now you are likely to get wet - not quite drowned - but certainly to the point of dripping, as the spray which blasts upward & swirls in the vortex of the winds created by the sheer power & plunge of the Zambezi River as it hurls itself 90m into the chasm & Z-shaped canyon that is the Victoria Falls gorge, is legendry.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya - (´Smoke that Thunders´) - it is not uncommon for the spray from Victoria Falls to be seen from an approaching aircraft, 30km away

After the guided walking excursion & towelling off, you will pass through Zambian Emigration & proceed to Zimbabwe Immigration & Customs at a border crossing just before the huge rail & road-bridge that spans the Zambezi River & marks the International border.

Once these procedures have been accomplished (& please be prepared to be patient as you are likely to be subject to ´Africa time syndrome – nobody hurries for any reason, besides which it is too hot to hurry anyway) it is a short fifteen minute drive to the Elephant Hills Inter-Continental Hotel.

Elephant Hills Inter-Continental is located on a hill, looking out over a gloriously manicured 18 hole international golf course, swimming pools & in the distance, the ever present Zambezi River & spray rising from the falls.

You are confirmed here at Elephant Hills Inter-Continental for three nights on a B&B basis,

Day 13 & 14 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Elephant Hills has only recently reopened after a major refurbishment. It is a very comfortable hotel, with international class restaurants & sports facilities. A complementary hotel shuttle service operates into Victoria Falls town on a fixed schedule basis.

When walking out on the lower lawns or indeed, the golf course, be aware that the local ´hazards´ can & do come in many sizes & varying shapes. The smallest are banded mongoose; the largest, African elephants that criss-cross from the reserve land with utter impunity, to the shade provided by the trees that line the fairways.

Equally, as frequent inhabitants of the course layout are families of warthogs. These ugly rascals can often be spotted snuffling for roots & new grasses on their knees, around the fringes of the many bunkers around the course layout. Warthogs with piglets are NOT to be trifled with, as ever the most lustily swung golf club will do little to dissuade one from its course directed at disembowelling with razor sharp double layer tusks, those persons who rather stupidly choose to think of moving them along from the line of a putt.

Never-the-less, in the pursuit of excellence in golf, why not have a round here as it takes a lot of beating recounting in the Clubhouse back at home how one had to wait before teeing off while the elephants moved off from the tee box on the 15th !

You will be advised of which morning that a guided walking excursion into the Zimbabwe Victoria Falls National Park has been scheduled. To access the National Park, your guide will arrange to meet you at the hotel & roundtrip transfers by road are provided.

It is a very different perspective to witness the power of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe walking trails that run close to the precipitous edge of the chasm, than it is from the Zambian side. From the end of the Zimbabwe side, spray permitting, you can look the length of the canyon & watch the main flow of the Zambezi as it plunges through the narrowest of openings.

Here also, with the angle & direction of the sun being different, likely optical illusions & phenomenal rainbows are present, as the spray droplets glisten diamond-like as they hover & swirl in the blustery breezes the force of the water flowing over the falls creates.

Again as with the walk on the Zambian side, you are going to get wet & really the only suggestion we would make that applies here, is wear stout & if possible, waterproof hiking type boots as the tracks are muddy & generally the underfoot conditions, slippery.

There is one golden rule that is to be strictly adhered to & your guide should reiterate: Under no circumstances leave the walking trails to take a closer look at the edge of the chasm, as it is courting suicide to contemplate doing so. The upper edges of the chasm are not stable & underfoot conditions are extremely slippery.

Also within the Victoria Falls National Park there are snakes. Many snake species - like the Black Mamba - are lethal. Black Mamba’s take refuge in the short twigged fringes of the pathways & also lie in the sun where it penetrates the forested areas. So to venture off the pathways has the potential to be fatal.

Your guide is an experienced professional & will lead the way taking careful note to check the trail before proceeding. It is your responsibility to adhere to the instructions as they are given for your safety, security & enjoyment of Victoria Falls – truly ranked as one of the eight natural wonders of this world.

Day 15 - Victoria Falls – Kasane, Botswana & onto Impalila, Namibia

Not necessarily is it every day one gets to travel through three countries in the space of 100kms, however today you are embarking on a journey by road & by boat to Impalila Island in the middle of the confluence of two of Africa’s major rivers (the Chobe & the Zambezi) administered by Namibia.

Departing Elephant Hills Inter-Continental Hotel after breakfast in a private minibus you will be expertly driven the approx. 70kms to the Zimbabwe-Botswana border post where you undergo Zimbabwe exit & Botswana entry formalities, then proceed on to Kasane where you undergo Namibian Immigration & Customs formalities.

Here you will board the boat that will take you to Impalila Island, which is your new home for two nights on an all-inclusive basis.

Tonight will undoubtedly be one to remember, as after a celebratory dinner, gaze into the inky lack star-filled African skies to observe shooting stars & be prepared to be lulled into a sense of tranquil drowsiness by the grunts of hippos & sounds of another glorious African night.

Day 16 - Impalila Island Lodge safari activities

Impalila Island Lodge is a private tented camp, offering superb luxury in the wilderness to discerning guests. It is located at a unique junction on our planet, in-so-much as it is the only place which defines four (4) international countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

The surrounding region is a tapestry of waterways, floodplains & bushveld – all of which come together to play host to exceptional indigenous & migratory species of birdlife, astounding vegetation & outstanding fishing.

Here too, the game viewing is spectacular, especially when considering the water-based aspect that allows guests to be delivered very close to the largest & often most cantankerous of mammals – elephant, buffalo & hippo.

Quite apart from the luxurious accommodation, culinary delights & a belief that guests should have a major say in planning their safari styled activities each day, all excursions, be they water based or land based are professionally guided.

Birdlife is prolific with over 450 recorded species including some of Africa’s rarest are often sighted. The premier season for bird-watching is November to March when the austral summer migrants are in residence, sporting their breeding plumage. Magnificent raptors such as the African fish eagle with its piercing high pitched eerie cries, Pels fishing owl & the giant eagle owl are resident.

Then there are copious species of waterfowl such as pygmy geese, skimmers, five species of kingfisher & rock pratincole, storks, ibis, cranes, coppery-tailed coucals & all manner of ducks. Bird-watching is best undertaken in mokoro canoes, where guests are poled by a guide in the shallows & reeds.

Guided walks offer yet another insight into the ecological marvels of this ´Cradle of Rivers´ region.

Unrestricted walking is allowed & walks cover the many islands in the river, including a visit to a 2000 year old Baobab tree from whose lofty heights all four countries & the convergence of the rivers can be witnessed. This is an ideal way to gain in knowledge not only of the eco-systems but the medicinal uses of plants, flowers & trees, practiced by the indigenous tribes for millenniums past.

Day 17 - Impalila Island – Camp Moremi, Chiefs Island, Botswana

Depending on the air transfer schedule, you are likely to have this morning for game viewing activities in & around Impalila Island, then transfer after breakfast to Kasane where you undergo Botswana entry formalities before taking a one hour light aircraft flight to Camp Moremi.

Camp Moremi is a luxury tented safari destination located within the Moremi Game Reserve on Chief’s Island & within the Okavango Delta.

It looks out across the Xakanaxa Lagoon where the life-giving waters of the Okavango River move inevitably on into the vastness of the inhospitable Kalahari Desert.

You are reserved here for two nights, fully inclusive of all meals, game drive & safari activities, all beverages (except imported champagnes) and laundry service.

Shaded under giant ebony trees each one of the luxury tented accommodation units is built on a raised wooden deck, with a large bedroom furnished with vanity & wardrobe, side tables, 12v reading lights, 6 large bug-screened windows & solid framed doors & door surrounds.

On the same raised platform, but separated two or three paces from the bedroom is an en-suite bathroom with tiled shower stall, basin & flush toilet. Endless supplies of piping hot water comes courtesy of solar panels which also provide light after the generators for the main lodge are switched off at around midnight.

This afternoon you will be introduced to your professional Ranger guide & head out around 1600hrs in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle for game viewing.

On return to the camp, there will be time to freshen up before being escorted to dinner at main lodge.

Day 18 - Camp Moremi safari activities.

The 8250 sq km of Moremi Game Reserve supports the most diverse of habitat & animal species in Botswana.

Not only are you likely to be in & amongst large herds of zebra, buffalo & elephant & have close encounters with resident prides of lion & hyena, but the opportunities of spotting rare & highly endangered African wild hunting dog, cheetah & leopard are multiplied as this region is a haven for these most fragile of the major predators.

The Moremi lion prides are legendry & frequently lions walk through the Camp at night after lights out. To experience lions roaring & hyena yipping & cackling as they search for scraps or squabble over a kill, is to truly have ´lived´ an African safari.

Today at Camp Moremi you may opt to partake in professionally guided 4x4 safari game drives, mokoro canoeing or power-boating excursions to the heronries at Gadikwe, or Tiger fishing in the Xankanaxa Lagoon.

Day 19 - Camp Moremi – Savute Safari Lodge

Departing Camp Moremi after the morning game drive activities, you will be flown by light aircraft into the heart of the Chobe National Park, to Savute Safari Lodge. This is an approximate 0.50min scenic flight.

A mix of dramatic wilderness, rocky outcrops, relic dry marshlands & a climate that has seen huge variations in the wet & dry cycles dictate the nature & essence of Savute’s wildlife.

The Savute Safari Lodge is nestled into ancient camelthorn trees on the shores of what is currently a dry channel. The double storey main building is a glorious thatch complex that houses the library, guest lounge, cocktail bar & viewing deck. On The ground floor is a fireplace, the main dining lounge & generous guest relaxing areas.

Exclusive accommodation here caters to a maximum of 24 discerning guests in 12 double or twin bedded suites.

Unique in design, they feature sliding glass doors & spacious interiors, each with private en-suite bathroom. Your stay here for three nights is completely ´all-inclusive´ of game drive activities, meals, snacks, beverages including alcoholic drinks, wines spirits & beers, bottled waters & soft-drinks, laundry service & National Park entrance fees.

You will indulge in an afternoon game drive after which, freshen up in your suite before dinner.

Day 20, 21 & 22 - Savute Safari Lodge Game viewing activities

As with other Desert & Delta Safari lodges, you will be assigned to one professional Ranger-guide for the duration of your 4 day stay. All game drives are conducted in customized 4x4 vehicles with the morning activity commencing early (0530) returning to the lodge before the sun gets too high in the sky, then the afternoon activity commencing when the sun is on the wane & continues through dusk.

It is at Savute you are highly likely to witness vast zebra herds that migrate south following the new fresh grazing brought on by the rains of December.

Packs of the endangered African wild hunting dog roam the now dry channels where crocodiles & hippos swan not twenty years past, while the nearby Gubatsa Hills – with many caves that feature centuries old San people rock paintings - make for ideal stalking grounds for the elusive & deadly leopard, who constantly seek any opportunity to take an unsuspecting klipspringer antelope as their next meal.

Summer brings a feast for predators, especially the lion prides, spotted hyena & cheetah, as plains game species congregate on the savannah creating a mosaic pattern of strips, bands & mixed grey tones all meant to aid camouflage.

Bird watching too is a high priority at Savute. There are in excess of 300 resident species whose ranks are swelled by the arrival of the North African migrant flocks that mate here during the summer months.

Many of the birds have glorious vibrant colours : the carmine bee-eaters are brilliant crimson; lilac breasted rollers have a mix of purple, white, pink & lilac, but take note of when this bird takes flight, as the underside of their wings is a stunning turquoise blue.

You are likely also to spot the large Cory Bustard walking sedately along, searching for frogs, beetles & snakes which make up its diet, while above, chasing the small midges that the ground dwellers stir up, red-crested korhaans dive & soar during a seemingly endless & exquisite aerobatic mating displays.

Savute Safari Lodge has no peer when it comes to a setting in the wilds of a harsh but stunning African eco-system & quite literally we know that your journey & experiences here will enrich & enlighten you long after you depart this glorious setting.

Certainly after lunch & likely mid-afternoon on January 07th, you will check-out from Savute & be flown back to Maun by light aircraft.

Once in Maun, check-in for Air Botswana´s flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival & after collecting your luggage, you will clear South African Immigration & Customs and then head for Caesar’s complementary shuttle vehicle pick-up point, for your final night. Remember to collect those bags you left here at concierge prior to heading to Lusaka (which will no doubt seem like a long time ago).

Day 23 - Johannesburg home.

For those guest with a late afternoon or evening flight outward from South Africa today, perhaps this is the first time for a while that an early start is not necessary, so why not take advantage of a late breakfast & lazy day ?

Whatever you do, you will need to organize with concierge for check-out & a complementary shuttle transfer back to JNB International to check-in for your homeward bound flight.

Give yourselves plenty of time to complete check-in & departure formalities as procedures at Johannesburg are notoriously slow.

If you have purchases you have made in South Africa, provided you have official tax receipts, you may reclaim the TAX you have paid on those articles by presenting the article & receipt at a specific Excise Tax booth which is located across from check-in counters 40-45 on the mezzanine floor of the International terminal.

There are also a wealth of good quality artisan & Duty Free shops once you go thru the Emigration point into the transit lounges –´Out of Africa´ is one such artisan shop with a wondrous array of local African crafts for last minute gift purchasing.

You will also find good quality clothing, superb pictorial books that are sure to generate instant recall of places you have visited when you are relating your experiences to friends when you get home, wildlife videos & a series of classic cartoon postcards depicting very humorous wildlife & safari encounters are well worthy of buying.

All good things have to come to an end & as your flight lifts off & climbs steadily away from the afternoon sun & into the gathering darkness, we know you will be taking with you, minds-eye images & so many distinctive sounds & a plethora of special experiences accumulated during your Southern African Adventure.

On behalf of Sundance Spirit we trust your experiences in South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls & Botswana have been beyond your expectations & in addition, act as a catalyst to fuel the fires of your desire to return to this captivating continent again in the future.

So, in the traditional farewell greeting of many native tribes of Southern Africa

………¨ Go well & may you swiftly return ¨ ………

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