Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AND
ISLAND GETAWAY TO ZANZIBAR
SAFARI TO ZIMBABWE
FOR**
Based on a fly-in package, enjoy four nights on the Mara which allows for three full days of
game viewing activities with resident camp guides.
Relax at a beach resort in Zanzibar.
Explore Hwange and enjoy canoeing in Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.
Visit Victoria Falls.
Enjoy scenic Cape Town.
KENYA
The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the finest wildlife area in Kenya. All of the big game is here: elephant,
lion, leopard, cheetah and buffalo are prevalent. Other commonly sighted species include zebra, wildebees t,
Thomson's gazelle, Defassa waterbuck, eland and Maasai giraffe. This is the only place in Kenya where topi
are common.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, a northern extension of the Serengeti Plains (Tanzania), is located southwest
of Nairobi and covers 590 square miles of open plains, acacia woodlands and riverine forest along the banks
on the Mara and Talek Rivers, which are home for many hippo, crocs and waterfowl.
As the park teems with resident wildlife, game viewing is, in fact, good year -round. The migration is when
great herds of wildebeest (1.4 million) and zebra (250,000) reside in the Mara, from approximately July to
October. During the migration, prides of 40 or more lion may be seen. From the southern Serengeti of
Tanzania, a major portion of the migration moves northwest toward Lake Victoria, then north across the
Mara River into Kenya in search of grass, usually returning to Tanzania in late October. The best time to
witness large numbers of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River is from mid/late July to mid/late
September.
Activities can range from shared game drives, walking safaris in the Mara Conservation area, and visits to
Maasai communities supported by the camp. Riverside bush breakfasts, sundowners and dinners can usually
be arranged. Optional balloon safaris can be arranged at most of these camps and lodges.
5353 North Federal Highway, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 U.S.A
Tel: 800·882·9453 Tel: 954·491·8877 Fax: 954·491·9060
email: safari@AfricanAdventure.com www.africanadventure.com
ZIMBABWE
- Game viewing is done in an open 4x4 vehicle.
- The accommodations on the safari are in first class mobile -tented accommodations where your tents
have been set up at each camp before the group's arrival and a rustic lodge. Two nights are spent in a
hotel in Victoria Falls.
The tents are large, with insect proof windows, comfortable single beds with fresh linens,
private verandas and a private hot water "bus h-bucket" shower/toilet tent for each sleeping
tent. The tent dimensions are approximately 12ft x16ft.
You have full camp service that will prepare your meals and provide hot water for your showers.
- Each park that you visit has a unique ecosystem and as you have three or more nights in each area you
can have some quality game viewing opportunities.
Victoria Falls is approximately 5600 feet wide, twice the height of Niagara Falls, and one and one
half times as wide. It is divided into five separate wate rfalls.
The northern region of Hwange National Park is made up of two areas called Sinamatella and
Robins. This part of the park is good for spotting kudu, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo,
klipspringer, warthog, lion, hyena and leopard.
Mana Pools covers a section of the Middle Zambezi Valley. During the summer months, shortages
of food and water force the animals back towards the Zambezi - a prime time to game view by
canoe, foot and vehicle. From a canoe and on foot you will experience the thrill o f approaching
close to elephants and other wildlife. Mana Pools is a world heritage site and one of the most
beautiful parks in Africa. Walking and canoeing amongst the elephants is an experience like no
other!
The professional safari guides in Zimbabwe are the finest on the continent of Africa! Their education and
experience is second to none which makes a safari to Zimbabwe a unique and thrilling adventure.
It takes an average of 5-7 years to qualify as a fully licensed guide. It is given in two parts. First is the
Learner License which is a set of written exams covering National Parks Law, Ballistics, Habits and
Habitats, general Zimbabwe knowledge, plus Flora and Fauna. Currently there is no set curriculum and t he
applicant hopes they have learned enough before the exam. The level of difficulty to pass the Learner
License is high and during a recent test, 143 people took the exam and only 12 passed.
Once the guide has his Learner License they have to work in t he industry for minimum of 2 years as well as
some element of hunting. This is usually assisting with problem animal control (such as animals that are
harassing villages or that are injured). Guides must be accomplished hunters as they must be able to pro tect
their clients on a walking safari.
Once they have this experience, they will register for the Professional Hunting Exam. First is a shooting test
on a professional range with marshals, other professional guides and hunters, and members from the
National Parks Department. The level of shooting is very high. Then there is the interview with the Guides
and Hunters Association and National Parks. If they deem you have enough experience and maturity, they
will allow you to take the proficiency test.
The proficiency test is a week-long exam where you have to run a camp with the examiners as your clients
for the week. They will test the guide on everything! From how to conduct a walking safari to bush
knowledge, types of birds and extensive animal be havior. The final exam is to see your competence in
shooting an animal in a real life situation and they are assigned to take down one elephant, one buffalo and
one impala. If you are efficient in the field then you pass!
Guides that you may encounter on your Zimbabwe safari include Nick Murray, Doug MacDonald and Gus
Alexander.
- Your 4x4 vehicles are great for game viewing and photography. There is a maximum of six -seven people
per vehicle.
May 11, 2011
ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 2011
15 Sep (Thu) NAIROBI
On arrival (flights booked under own arrangements) you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital is situated at an altitude of about 6,000 feet (1,830m) and means “place of cool
waters” in the Maasai language.
The Fairmont Norfolk is a traditional, luxury African hotel that still maintains its colonial charm while
being only five minutes from the city center. The hotel has 168 luxurious guest rooms ranging from standard
and deluxe rooms to four levels of suites with some o f the rooms facing a central garden courtyard. There is
an outdoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped health club, and a choice of four dining venues
including the popular Lord Delamere, a popular rendezvous spot since 1904. The Delamere Terrace and Ba r
has been patronized by almost all the first European pioneer settlers. Steeped in history, the Terrace
continues to be a favorite watering hole, serving casual meals and drinks.
Accommodation: The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (B) – Fairmont room – twin room
*PLEASE NOTE* There is a luggage limit of 33lbs (15kg) per person on the flight so please pre-pack your
luggage accordingly in a soft-sided bag.
The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the finest wildlife area in Kenya. All of the big game is here: elephant,
lion, leopard, cheetah and buffalo. Commonly seen species include zebra, wildebeest, Thomson' s gazelle,
Defassa waterbuck, eland and Maasai giraffe. This is the only place in Kenya where topi are common.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, a northern extension of the Serengeti Plains (Tanzania), is located southwest
of Nairobi and covers 590 square mil es. Open plains, acacia woodlands and riverine forest along the banks
on the Mara and Talek Rivers are home for many hippo, crocs and waterfowl.
As the park teems with resident wildlife, game viewing is good year -round. The migration is when great
herds of wildebeest (1.4 million) and zebra (250,000) reside in the Mara, from approximately July to
October. During the migration, prides of 40 or more lion may be seen. From the southern Serengeti a major
portion of the migration moves northwest toward Lake V ictoria, then north across the Mara River into
Kenya in search of grass, usually returning to Tanzania in late October. The best time to witness large
numbers of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River is from mid/late July to mid/late September.
Governor’s Camp is a luxury tented camp consisting of 38 tents with en suite facilities. It’s found in the
northwest area of the park overlooking a marsh where elephants come to feed. Early morning game drives
are followed by breakfast in the camp. It’s us ual to do two-three game drives a day. Vehicles carry an
average of four guests, so small groups may be asked to share vehicles. Optional walks and balloon safaris
are offered.
Accommodation: Governor’s Camp (Full Board)
Zanzibar, known as the "Spice Island", which is only 22 miles from the mainland of Tanzania, is a beautiful
island unspoiled by tourism. The narrow stree ts and Arabic architecture of historical Stonetown are
exceptionally mystical and beautiful on a moonlit night. Main attractions include the Zanzibar Museum,
Arab Fort, Sultan's Palace, clove market and the Indian bazaar. The town has a strong Arabic influ ence,
while the beaches have simple but good hotels. Zanzibar and its sister island, Pemba, grow 75% of the
world's cloves.
The Bluebay Beach Resort is situated on a fine white sand beach on the east coast in 25 acres of palms and
gardens. It is a twenty five minute drive from Stone Town.
There are 88 rooms in two story bungalows. The rooms have four poster beds with en suite bathrooms and
large verandahs. There are several restaurants and bars to choose from as well as water sports, a large
swimming pool, scuba diving, tennis courts and evening entertainment to fill your day.
Accommodation: Bluebay Beach Resort (B.D) – Superior room
The park covers a section of the Middle Zambezi Valley, extending from the Zambezi River in the north to
the escarpment in the south. The Zambezi Valley is a western extension of the Great Rift Valley. The Pools
of Mana are lakes that mark former courses of the Zambezi. They are refilled by the swollen river during
the rains and are home to populations of hippo, crocodiles and birds. During the summer months, shortages
of food and water force the animals back toward s the Zambezi River. This is prime time to game view for
elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, and other species including eland, lion, leopard and hyena.
Vundu Tented Camp is located within the park and has eight large tents (five doubles and three singles)
with en suite shower and toilet. The main lodge area is set in a canopy of the riverine trees on the bank of
the Zambezi River. Raised 10 feet off the ground, it is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the
elephants feed on the bushes below you o r the monkeys in the nearby trees. The thatched roof provides
shade from the mid-day sun.
From your camp you will take leisurely canoeing safaris, game drives and walks to explore and appreciate
the rich floodplain and river channels of Mana Pools Nati onal Park.
Accommodation: Vundu Tented Camp (Full Board)
25-27 Sep (Sun-Tue) MANA POOLS
Enjoy three days of game viewing activities within Mana Pools National Park.
Accommodation: Vundu Tented Camp (Full Board)
Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park and is famous for its large herds of elephant. Predominant
species also include rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lion, wild dog and bat -eared fox. This is one
of the best parks on the continent to see sable antelope.
The park ranges from semi-desert in the south to a plateau in the north. The northern part of Hwange is
mudstone and basalt, and the southern part is Kalahari sand veld. The park has an average altitude of 3,300
feet. Winter nights can be cold, and summer days can be over 90°F, while average temperatures range from
65 to 83°F. The wilderness area of Makalolo/Linkwasha in the southeastern part of the park is excellent for
seeing a great variety of game
There are no rivers and only a few streams in the north of the park, but waterholes (fed by wells) provide
sources of water year-round for wildlife. During the dry season, these permanent water holes (pans) provide
an excellent stage for guests to view wildlife performing day-to-day scenes of survival.
Little Makalolo Camp, completely rebuilt in 2008, is located in a private concession area of Hwange
National Park. The camp has six classic tents with en suite bathrooms, including a f lush toilet, and
shower with hot and cold running water - as well as an outdoor shower under the stars. The main living
area is under canvas and houses the dining room, lounge and pub, and a small plunge pool.
The camp overlooks a small waterhole and gue sts can enjoy game viewing during the "siesta" hours in a
wood-pile hide. Day and night game drives and walks are offered. Due to the private game concession,
few other vehicles will ever been seen.
Accommodation: Little Makalolo Camp (Full Board)
The world-famous Victoria Falls were discovered in 1855 by Scottish explorer, David Livingstone. As
news of the falls spread it attracted traders and a small settlement, originally called “Old Drift” was
established on the Zambian side of the falls. A bridge was built over the Zambezi Gorge as part of the
Cape-to-Cairo railway in 1902 making it possible for people to visit the village of Victoria Falls. In 1906
the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel was built and put the thriving village on the map. It officially became a town
in 1972. Today it is the jumping off or finishing point for many safaris and offers a variety of exciting
activities such as world-class white water rafting and elephant-back safaris.
Elephant Camp is located on a private concession bordered by the Masuie River and Zambezi gorges. Nine
luxury suites feature private viewing deck and plunge pool, air -conditioning, mini-bar and en suite bath with
indoor/outdoor showers. Two complimentary transfers to Victoria Falls town are included daily. The main
lounge area invites you to enjoy the views of Victoria Falls’ spray and the gorges which separate Zimbabwe
and Zambia. Meals are served in the open -air dining room.
As a guest of Elephant Camp you have the opportunity to meet the elephants from the onsite elephant
sanctuary (please note to ride the elephants is an additional charge). The camp also has an orphaned cheetah
named Sylvester who you may see duri ng your stay.
Accommodation: Elephant Camp (Full Board)
One&Only Cape Town is ideally located in the heart of the city’s harbor and Victoria & Alfred
Waterfront. The brand new hotel is features 131 room and suites, each decorated in dark African woods and
contemporary artwork. Ninety-one rooms are housed in the Marine Rise each with private balconies and
views of the harbor and Table Mountain. The remaining 40 rooms are located on a secluded island and
views include the private waterway that surrounds the island. All rooms and suites have 24 -butler service,
pillow selection menu, aromatherapy turndown menu, dvd player, mini -bar and complimentary WiFi access.
The hotel features some exciting new restaurants including Nobu (famous Japanese restaurant), maze (Chef
Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant), Isola (poolside bar and restaurant), and the Vista Bar (with amazing views of
Table Mountain). During your leisure time you may enjoy the free -form infinity pool with private shade
pavilions. There is also a spa with a full range of treatments, Beauty salon, and Fitness Center with special
yoga classes are held in the Yoga Pavilion.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town (B) – Mountain-facing Marina room
Leave Cape Town and drive towards the wine lands r egion nestled below the spectacular Boland Mountains
some 50 minute drive from the city. Today will be a leisurely experience as you explore the Cape’s wine
route towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Estates visited vary and are selected after di scussing
personal preferences. Examples are Uitkyk, Warwick, Moreson, Mont Rochelle and Remshoogte for fine
red and white wines and Glen Carlou or Fairview for wine and cheese tasting.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. For the nature lovers a visit to Spier Wine Estate for
the cheetah sanctuary or the Paarl bird sanctuary can be included, and you can visit the Afrikaans Language
Monument with its indigenous gardens and sweeping views across the Boland.
A drive to Boschendal to visit the historic estate with some of the most beautifully preserved Cape Dutch
buildings in the Cape, and its collection of priceless period furniture is a must. This estate gives us an insight
into how the early settlers lived at the Cape.
Included: Entrance fees for wine tastings, cellar tours and museums, a -la-carte lunch and bottled water
Departure: approx 9.00am (to be reconfirmed directly with guests the day before).
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town (B) – Mountain-facing Marina room
05 Oct (Wed) CAPE TOWN
Enjoy a day at leisure.
The following optional tours are available either as a scheduled group tour or with a private guide and
vehicle (highly recommended). Lunch is included in most of the private full -day tours.
Half-day tours include visiting the Cape Peninsula; Constantia Winelands; City and Table
Mountain; Robben Island; private Cape Town shopping excursion; False Bay shark eco -charter; and
Cape Mala Cultural cooking experience.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town (B) – Mountain-facing Marina room
06 Oct (Thu) CAPE TOWN
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips to staff and guides
- Other drinks and laundry
- Extra meals in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Cape Town
- Optional tours in Victoria Falls and Cape Town
- Departure and Airport taxes (payable directly)
- Other personal expenditure
- International and inter-Africa scheduled airfares
- Travel insurance
- Zimbabwe visa and Kenya visa