ZAMBEZI SAFARI. 8-day safari at Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro from $3400. Orvis Weeks 2013 September 3-10, October 3-10

Transcription

1 ZAMBEZI SAFARI 8-day safari at Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro from $3400 Orvis Weeks 2013 September 3-10, October 3-10 Independent departures available from June 1 through November 7 on dates of your choosing. The Lower Zambezi is one of my favorite parks in Africa. The animals roam freely in great numbers and there are only a handful of lodges scattered along the banks. I ve been there four times and would go back in a heartbeat. - Dave Parker, Managing Director-Orvis Travel. Thrill to game viewing in the unspoiled wilderness of Lower Zambezi National Park. Set out in search of wildlife by safari vehicle, boat, canoe, or foot with eagle-eye guides. Indulge in the comforts and services of Chiawa Camp, one of Condé Nast s Top 10 safari lodges. Spot lion, elephant, leopard, hippo, buffalo, and other iconic game. Enjoy a leisurely stay amidst tranquil forests, hills, riparian flood plains, and the mighty Zambezi River. Fly-fish on the Zambezi on September and October departures. Maximum 8 guests Lower Zambezi National Park has escaped the spoils of tourism. Protected by the Zambian government, only lodges within the park can ply this stretch of the Zambezi River. So we see little human activity here. In this glorious setting, we ll indulge in the comforts of two intimate riverside camps the top-rated Chiawa and Old Mondoro with unforgettable safaris by vehicle, boat, canoe, or foot and a chance to hook Africa s notorious tiger fish. Itinerary Day 1 Lusaka / Lower Zambezi National Park In Lusaka, Zambia, meet your bush plane for a thrilling flight into the wild. As we soar over the mile-wide Zambezi River, we often see hippos, buffalo, and elephants in its waters or along its banks. Our guides meet us at the Royal airstrip and we ll journey to Chiawa Camp via rugged 4x4 vehicle and boat. Along the way, we may spot lions, hippos, and elephants. After our journey and lunch, take some time to rest up. Later, we head out on our first game drive, a skilled naturalist keeping his senses keen to signs of animals. We ll stay in the wild for 2-3 hours after sunset in hopes of spotting some nocturnal hunters, then return to Chiawa for dinner orvistravel@orvis.com 1

2 Chiawa rests under a grove of mahogany trees in the middle of big game country. The Zambezi River a mile wide as it passes here is our constant companion and its waters attract a large array of wildlife. Your safari tent is spacious and has all the amenities. The dining room and bar overlook the river. Days 2-4 Chiawa Camp Chiawa Camp has been voted one of Africa s Top 10 Safari Camps by Condé Nast and has won numerous other awards. You re about to discover why. Its aim is to provide a superb safari experience while conserving the surrounding wildlife and habitats and they do so in a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere with personalized service all in a breathtaking setting. A typical day at Chiawa, from game drives to tiger fishing. The beauty of our safari is its flexibility. We won t hold you to rigid activities; rather, each day presents a choice of game drives, nature walks, a pontoon cruise, canoeing, catch-and-release fishing, and birding. You might also opt to relax at the camp. If it s angling that brings you here, this is perhaps the best spot in Africa to catch tiger fish in September and October, one of the strongest fish you re ever likely to hook. In fact, Chiawa is featured in Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die by Chris Santella. There is a rhythm to each day in the bush that begins with a light breakfast at the campfire just after sunrise. Then, you have your choice of safari activities until lunch. We relax at camp during the hottest part of the day. After midafternoon tea, we set off again by land or by river, and return for a four-course dinner. Should you choose to angle for tiger fish, we often find them in countless pools and cutbanks near our camp. Our fishing barges have room for two anglers with comfortable chairs for spectators or family. A guide will position you in an ideal spot and give you some tips for catching this notorious fighter. Day 5 Transfer to Old Mondoro by riverboat We have our choice of activities this morning, including another fishing excursion. After lunch, we embark a riverboat for an hour-long transfer to Old Mondoro Camp. As we journey downstream, we re cruising through floodplains and past lagoons and islands that attract 50 species of mammal and 400 bird species. We might spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and other wildlife. We arrive at our next camp in time for an afternoon game drive. Day 6-7 Old Mondoro Welcome to the classic safari experience! The Old Mondoro camp harkens back to a time when safaris were not accompanied by the whir of motors and the harshness of electric light. We visit Old Mondoro because we find Africa to be at its most serene here, a step removed from the ultra-luxury camps and a rewarding complement to Chiawa. At Old Mondoro, we savor the authentic and remote safari that focuses more on the overall bush experience, and provides a closer look at one of Africa s finest wildlife sanctuaries. An open and adventurous feel amidst unrivalled comfort. Old Mondoro recalls the mobile tents of East Africa that unattached to cumbersome generators were relocated and rebuilt to follow wildlife migrations. Each bush chalet sits on a temporary platform. And though this approach may seem rustic, you ll have en-suite facilities. By day, your tent is open to the elements. By night, canvas walls drop for privacy, and paraffin lanterns cast a warm and comforting glow. Like Chiawa, Old Mondoro sits on the Zambezi River. We don t need to go far to view incredible wildlife. Nearby, within sight of our camp, massive bull elephants often feed on acacia trees and hippos loiter on a maze of islands midstream. But if you do choose to set out, the open woodlands here make for ideal walking safaris, which Old Mondoro typically offers in the morning. These leisurely micro-safaris were pioneered in Zambia, and they provide a rare opportunity to step out of a vehicle and feel a real connection to the African wilderness. We often spot elephants and buffalo, and our guides are highly trained and armed for your safety orvistravel@orvis.com 2

3 All in all, Old Mondoro provides an uncomplicated safari experience, yet one that does not sacrifice comfort or amenities. Day 8 Depart After breakfast, we board our 4x4 vehicles and drive to the Jeki airstrip along the Zambezi. En route, we have a final chance to spot wildlife. Upon arrival, we fly back to Lusaka, where our journey ends. PRICES NIGHT SAFARI FROM $3400 $3400 June and $4400 July 1 to October 31 $595 park fees $396 round trip flight from Lusaka to the landing strip in the park $2800 for children 8-15 years sharing a tent with two adults 17 ½ % single supplement applies July 1 October 31 only. $500 per day fee applies for private fishing boat and guide. Highly recommended for serious anglers. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Included: accommodations; all meals and beverages; guided game drives, canoe trips, bush walks, boat safaris, and angling; daily laundry; and transfers from Royal airstrip to Chiawa Camp, to Old Mondoro, and to Jeki airstrip. Not Included: air or river transfers to/from Lower Zambezi National Park; angling permits; visa fees; hotels and meals in Lusaka; and tips to crew and guides. Activities Viewing African wildlife is the heart of this safari, and you can walk, drive, canoe and cruise in riverboats with outstanding guides who know all the nuances of tracking wildlife. With forested hills, flat flood plains, and the milewide Zambezi River, there are habitats for a very wide variety of animals and birds. You will see elephant, hippo, lion, fish eagles, and much more on game drives early in the morning, throughout the day, and after sunset. There are canoes for excursions on the Zambezi where it stays cool even in the warmth of mid-day. Fly fishing - the best time for fly fishing is from late August to late October, when the resident tiger fish spawn, although you might land one in other months. Serious anglers will want to reserve a boat and guide for exclusive use (an extra $500 per day fee). Weather and when to go orvistravel@orvis.com 3

4 This safari operates from June 1 through October 31. July through September is high season and the days are dry and not too hot. This is the cool, dry season in southern Africa, when it can easily drop into the 40 s at night. The water on the river can be a little higher in June, but the weather is usually very nice. October is the warmest month with temperatures in the 90 s during the day, but it cools down at night. Game viewing is excellent every month the safari operates. LODGING Chiawa Camp Located right on the banks of the Zambezi, Chiawa has 9 spacious tents on raised platforms, each a suite with a deck overlooking the river, a well appointed bathroom, and indoor and outdoor showers. It accommodates only 16 guests and the staff devotes personal attention to everyone. It s owned and operated by the Cummings Family, who built it as one of the first camps in Lower Zambezi National Park. They treat you like old friends, and willingly share the knowledge of the park gained over decades of game drives. There s a thatched roofed open-air dining room with a veranda, a bar, and a campfire area for swapping tales over a cocktail under the moonlight. Both the bar and the dining room overlook the river, and they are in an excellent spot for game viewing of the animals that come there to drink. Old Mondoro Camp The Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area. Although the old white lion has long gone, Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit that lives on in his descendants that still roam free in this unique part of Africa. The camp is set in a grove of Acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park. It is a beautiful site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. It lodges 8 guests in 4 bush chalets, resting on temporary slabs. Each has en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins. Paraffin lanterns provide natural lighting. The bush chalets are left with open views during the day, and at night canvas drop-down blinds with windows are lowered to provide more privacy and security. All bush chalets have outstanding views of the Zambezi or the Old Mondoro lagoon. The Main Tent, which serves as a lounge and dining area, rests under a Winter Thorn tree and next to a Sausage Tree overlooking the Zambezi. A traditional bush kitchen supplies outstanding meals and fresh bread baked daily from a homemade oven. The entire experience is unpretentious and uncomplicated, but promises a unique safari that gives guests the best bush experience possible. Join Orvis Travel Sales Manager Jason Elkins on this African adventure September 3-10, 2013 Jason was raised in Wyoming and Montana, where he grew up fishing trout streams like the North Tongue River and the Bighorn River. Eventually he became a fly fishing guide based in Livingston, Montana, working on the fabled Yellowstone River. He learned the fine points of orvistravel@orvis.com 4

5 saltwater fly fishing at one of the best bonefish, tarpon, and permit destinations in the Caribbean while managing a fishing and SCUBA diving resort in He became Orvis Travel's Fly Fishing Travel Manager in 2005, and now oversees trip sales for all Orvis Travel fishing, shooting and nature adventures. Jason and his dedicated team of travel professionals specialize in destinations like Africa, South America, Alaska, The Pacific Islands & the Caribbean and Central America. When not in his office in Vermont, providing friendly advice to customers, he s in the field leading guests and developing exciting new trips. Jason is also an accomplished hot air balloon pilot and has flown balloons in the US, Canada, Australia and France. Jason will be available to provide fly fishing casting lessons, coordinate activities, and liaise with the camp staff and fishing guides as necessary. If you ve been on a trip with Jason you know that he s a very attentive trip leader, a skilled angler, and an all around nice guy orvistravel@orvis.com 5

6 Reserving your space is easy. Call Orvis Travel and place your deposit by credit card The deposit is 25% of the trip cost unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. Sign up online at If we are unable to confirm space, your card will not be charged. 15% discount on Orvis merchandise when you arrange your trip through Orvis Travel. You will receive a VIP customer card for booking a trip through Orvis Travel and it entitles you to a 15% discount on Orvis merchandise from the time you book until long after your trip is over. Orvis has been outfitting travelers since 1856 and you can find all the specialty clothing, luggage and gear you need in our catalogs, stores and website. When you book though Orvis Travel you will never pay a booking fee and will save on every purchase. We also supply you with a detailed packing list so you know exactly what to take. Airline reservations and tickets: For details about fares, routes and airlines for this trip, please contact our affiliate Airtreks. They specialize in international airfare and are knowledgeable about our itineraries. You can expect excellent service and competitive fares. Airtreks is based in California and their offices are open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Pacific time, Monday-Friday. Phone: or Orvistravel@airtreks.com Fax: orvistravel@orvis.com 6

7 Terms & Conditions 1. Reservations, Deposits & Payments The deposit is 25% of the trip price unless stated differently in the itinerary. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. A signed reservation form and release are required prior to departure. All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another. Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Travel reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure. 2. Planning information When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and posttrip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information. 3. Cancellation and Refund Policy If you must cancel your reservation, the following fees apply: days prior to trip fee + 90 days 25% of land cost days 80% of land cost 59 days or less 100% of land cost Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather. We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement. Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees. 4. Cancellation Insurance Your planning information includes an application for travel insurance covering cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage. 5. Share policies Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip. Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived. 6. Passports and documents International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions. 7. Arrival and Departure Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day. 8. Equipment & clothing You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information. 9. Airline reservations The land cost of your trip does not include airfare. 10. Limitation of liability This section defines Orvis Travel s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully. Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them. Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers. Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation orvistravel@orvis.com 7