OKAVANGO DELTA AND VICTORIA FALLS

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1 PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM OKAVANGO DELTA AND VICTORIA FALLS Bellingham Safaris Scheduled Expedition BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE 06 to 14 August 2017/2018

2 2 TOUR AT A GLANCE Day Date Location Accommodation Aug Moremi Moremi Tented Camp Aug Moremi Moremi Tented Camp Aug Moremi Moremi Tented Camp Aug Khwai Khwai Tented Camp Aug Khwai Khwai Tented Camp Aug Khwai Khwai Tented Camp Aug Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Hotel Aug Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Hotel Aug Depart DATES AND PRICES These costs are based on 8 adults travelling Per adult in double room 6 14 August 2017 $ Single Supplement 6 14 August 2017 $ Per adult in double room 6 14 August 2018 $ Single Supplement 6 14 August 2018 $ SMALL PARTY SUPPLEMENT: Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged. INCLUDES Accommodation Meals and local beverages Internal flights: Maun to Moremi and Khwai to Kasane Ground transportation Activities as per the itinerary Reserve entrance fees Services of a specialist Bellingham Safaris Guide Local staff gratuities EXCLUDES Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes Items of personal nature Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required) Travel Insurance Excess baggage costs Gratuities for your tour leader Any items not included in the inclusions above

3 3 DAILY DETAIL Day 1, 6 Aug Moremi PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM On arrival in Maun Botswana s safari capital you will board an unforgettable charter flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. As you wing your way over the southern delta towards Moremi the vastness and diversity of the delta will unfold beneath you. At the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is home to habitats ranging from wide-open floodplains to marshes, lagoons, papyrus fringed channels, vast reed-beds, woodland and savannah. This diversity of habitat is matched by a phenomenally rich fauna making this one of the most rewarding areas on the continent for viewing game. After touching down you make your way to your tented camp in the Xakanaxa region in time for sundowners serenaded by the sounds of the African savannah. Here you will explore the savannas and waterways of Moremi Game Reserve from your open game drive vehicle and motor boat. The lush grasses and reed beds of the area are home to a cohort of interesting species including Hippopotamus, Red Lechwe and Sitatunga, a specialized swamp dwelling antelope. Thriving on the islands and in the surrounding woodlands are Giraffe, African Elephant, and an impressive suite of Africa s big predators including Lion, Leopard and Spotted Hyena. The Okavango with its vast areas of unspoilt habitat is a stronghold for a number of species that are now becoming rare elsewhere. Notable is the African Wild Dog and Moremi is indeed one of the best reserves in Africa for viewing this increasingly rare and interesting species. Wild Dogs are remarkably social animals relying heavily on cooperation between members of the pack. Physical conflict is thus avoided with elderly and sick dogs minded and fed by pack members. Watching a pack hunting at dusk or dawn is one of Africa s greatest spectacles and, with one of the highest success rates of any predator, you stand a chance of seeing this species in action! This area is also home to a resident herd of several hundred Buffalo whose range covers the territories of at least four prides of Lion. Buffalo are a much favoured prey species for these big cats and it is not uncommon for us to find them flanking the ever moving herd.

4 4 Flight: Maun to Moremi Overnight: Moremi Tented Camp Day 2 & 3, 7 to 8 Aug Moremi PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM You have two full days exploring this premier wildlife area. Overnight: Moremi Tented Camp Day 4, 9 Aug Khwai Today you will make your way overland from Xakanaxa to the Khwai River or the Manuchira Channel. For much of today you will follow this water course, with the track weaving from the riverside and floodplains through the Mopane woodlands. This is no ordinary travel day and there will of course be plenty to see as you make your way north. You will enjoy lunch en-route and in the mid to late afternoon arrive in the community area of Khwai where your camp crew will have erected your camp. There will be time for a shower before afternoon tea and your initial exploration of the nearby floodplains. Khwai is situated just outside of the national park so you are free to enjoy spotlighting for mammals at night. Before settling down for the night you will head out in search of game that are rarely encountered by day including the endearing Bat Eared Fox, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Lesser Bushbaby and the odd looking Spring Hare. Overnight: Khwai Tented Camp

5 5 Day 5-6, 10 to 11 Aug Khwai The floodplains and woodlands of the Khwai area are rich in wildlife and you can expect two full days of rewarding game viewing here. The floodplains are home to several impressive old elephant bulls that can often be seen revelling in the cool waters of the Khwai River. Like Moremi, this area is also brimming with game and predators; Leopard, Serval, African Wildcat and Lion are common predators and though less common, Cheetah and Wild Dog can also be found. Game species include Southern Giraffe, Burchell s Zebra, Impala, Tsessebe and Red Lechwe. The magnificent Roan and Sable antelope are also possible here. PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM Although mammals are the focus of the tour, you will certainly not ignore the menagerie of magnificent birds found in the area. The endangered Wattled Crane, Rufous-bellied Heron, Pygmy Goose, Long-toed Plover, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Bat Hawk, the rare Cuckoo Hawk, Long Crested Eagle and Black Sparrowhawk are all possible. Overnight: Khwai Tented Camp Day 7, 12 Aug Victoria Falls After breakfast you will enjoy a final morning game-drive before catching your charter flight to Kasane, where you will cross the border into Zimbabwe and road transfer to your hotel. The hotel lies within a tranquil leafy garden, replete with unobstructed views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the ascending spray from the falls. A private path will lead you into the Victoria Falls rainforest, a mere ten minute walk along the path. The Smoke that Thunders, accurately describes the rising shining spray and foaming waters that roar deafeningly as the river hurls itself 103m down the falls. This afternoon will be spent at leisure, and you will have a relaxed evening before setting off on your exciting explorations in the morning.

6 6 PHOTO CREDIT: THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL Flight: Khwai to Kasane Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel Day 8, 13 Aug Victoria Falls PHOTO CREDIT: DANA ALLEN Today you ll set off after breakfast to be mesmerised by this extraordinary phenomenon and you ll see why there is no doubt that the Falls have been given the status of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world! David Livingstone discovered the falls in 1855, giving them the highest honour he could by naming them after his Queen. The continual spray from the falls has created a verdant

7 7 rainforest and you will undoubtedly find some interesting birds here which may include Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills, Bearded Scrub Robin, Yellow-breasted Apalis, various sunbirds including Amethyst, Collared and Purple-banded, Black-backed Puffback, Tropical Boubou and Red-winged Starling. The paths along the edge of the falls may produce glimpses of mammals and you should keep an eye out for shy Bushbuck, Banded Mongoose, Vervet Monkey and Baboons. Today you also have the option (at an extra cost) to embark on an exhilarating flight of the Angels, an unforgettable helicopter flip over the falls. Victoria Falls is also one of the meccas for purchasing traditional African art and crafts and depending on time you may have a chance to browse through the market, which offer a wide range of carvings (in both wood and stone), kitchen utensils and basket-ware. In the afternoon you will board a tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi replete with canapés and sundowners to toast your days spent in the African bush. Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel Day 9, 14 Aug Depart Today you are transferred back to the Victoria Falls airport in time for your onward flight home. PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM

8 8 MOREMI AND KWAI TENTED CAMPS IN: 6 AUGUST OUT: 12 AUGUST Spacious and comfortable tented overland safari accommodation, including beds, bed linen and towels, with a private bathroom en-suite.

9 9 VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL IN: 12 AUGUST OUT: 14 AUGUST Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as "the grand old lady of the falls", is a luxurious 5-Star Hotel on a World Heritage site overlooking the magnificent "Victoria Falls", one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Established in 1904, and recently redecorated. This gracious colonial style hotel is set in the lush tropical gardens and epitomizes the romance of grand travel, offering total relaxation. Echoing its glorious past, the Victoria Falls Hotel s traditional rooms and suites are truly a five star experience. Style and sophistication are trademarks of the hotels executive suites, which are luxuriously appointed with décor being warm, inviting and rich with tradition. All rooms are air conditioned with every modern amenity including digital satellite television and a personal safe. The old fashioned bath tubs of the stable wing turn the bathroom into a haven of relaxation. Rooms are stable deluxe rooms.

10 10 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Payment In the event of a go ahead we will require a non-refundable 30% deposit and the balance to be settled 2 months prior to arrival. We may have to impose more stringent payment and cancellation terms, should that be demanded of us by any of our individual suppliers that have been included in your itinerary. The tour price is always fixed in the currency quoted, and the actual cost in the other currencies will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (payments can be made either in USD or ZAR). We use the exchange rate of the day with a 3% margin (the typical exchange rate applied by credit card companies), using this source: the currency quoted is plugged into the Currency I Want and the INTERBANK +/- is adjusted to 3% automatically generating the rate of the day. Guests are given 7 days to process with wire, after which we may need to update the exchange rate. Please note Upon confirmation of this tour, the cancellation policy for Bellingham Safaris will be effective immediately and the parties agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions as stated in our booking form. In the event of the Booking Form not being signed, the placement of any booking/s, by any means including , shall be deemed to be confirmation that the Terms and Conditions have been read, understood, any queries have been addressed to the satisfaction of the parties and that the parties agree to be bound by thereto. Rates quoted are subject to change if there are any increases in park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services, currency fluctuations or any other circumstances beyond our control. We will use our best endeavours to bring such changes to your attention, but you are nevertheless bound thereby. Prices are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs. Should an amendment in a routing or itinerary be necessary, we will adjust the price but such adjustment will be for your account. If the number of nights or dates of travel or number of participants should change, this may have an effect on the cost. We will re-cost accordingly and you agree to be bound by such recosting. Please be sure to carefully check your visa requirements before your intended date of travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary visa requirements not be fulfilled. Please remember that in some cases you may need to apply for a multiple entry visa. Please be sure to carefully check your passport requirements before your intended date of travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary number of blank pages and passport validity dates not be fulfilled. Please consult your physician before you travel for advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis. Bellingham Safaris strongly advises that you take out comprehensive travel insurance covering yourself for personal effects, cancellation and curtailment. Personal accident, medical and emergency travel expense insurance is mandatory on any of our tours. Some activities and services may have weight and/or height restrictions per guest. For the sake of your own comfort, please advise us at time of booking if you are particularly bulky or tall and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please note additional costs may apply. Luggage restrictions are applicable including the use of hard suitcases. Details of luggage restrictions per region are available on our pre-departure documentation. Please peruse all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.

11 11 Some flights may involve stops before reaching the final destination. Please check your itinerary and all flight information supplied by the airline concerned. Although we will try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible and include all the activities mentioned there may be changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Flights, times and routes are subject to change without notice. Please make sure that you are aware of the check-in times for flights and give yourself ample time in this regard. Please advise us prior to booking should you have any health concerns. Also please notify us if your age is above 80 as you may require a doctor s certificate. There may be some age restrictions with certain activities, most notably canoe rides and walking. All accommodations, activities and other services are subject to availability at the time of booking