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A medley of Southern Africa's most astounding wilderness areas, from the Sabi Sand to Botswana's pristine safari outposts.
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Guests are met and welcomed on arrival at O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or at any other location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria. From there they will be assisted with check-in for a flight bound for Maun in Botswana , from where a charter flight carries guests into the heart of the Okavango Delta - the first destination of your Best of Southern Africa Safari. The Okavango Delta is one of the most remote and unique wilderness areas in the world. During peak flooding, the delta's area expands to over 16 000 square kilometers in extent.
At the safari lodge , two game activities are conducted daily by experienced rangers and trackers. The game activities alternate between land-based open 4x4 game drives and water-based game viewing along the channels and waterways of the Okavango Delta. The behavioral insight of your rangers and trackers, along with their knowledge and understanding of the ecology and history of the region, are sure to make your safari a unique and memorable experience.
A last morning safari activity in the Okavango is followed by a short charter flight to the Linyanti safari area to the north of the Okavango Delta. The Linyanti's waters weave and meander as they make their way eastwards towards Chobe , forming myriad pools and lagoons which are favored by hippo, crocodiles and incredible birdlife. These pools also attract game from the dry lands to the east and during the dry season they hold the only permanent water found in the region.
At the lodge, two game activities are conducted daily by experienced rangers and trackers. As with the Okavango Delta, these game activities may take the form of either open 4x4 game drives or water-based game viewing from motorized boats. Linyanti is not as well-known as the Okavango Delta, but this area is sure to be a highlight on any safari in Botswana , as it is one of the most remote and isolated of all Botswana's game viewing areas.
A morning game activity and breakfast are followed by a light charter flight to Kasane in the northeastern corner of Botswana. Guests will be met on arrival at Kasane airstrip and then transferred via the Kazungula border post to Livingstone in Zambia. The town bears the name of the famous British explorer Sir David Livingstone, who is reputed to be the first European to lay eyes on the majestic Victoria Falls . The afternoon is spent at leisure.
The morning is devoted to visiting the falls section of the ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park’. The local name translates in English to ‘the smoke that thunders’ and has been commonly used in the area for many hundreds of years. The sanctuary affords incredible views in all directions. A walk across the knife-edge bridge, with the falls thundering into the chasm below, is sure to be an exciting prospect. During peak flow, the mist rising above the falls can be seen from as far as sixty kilometers away. At the falls' entrance there is also an extensive African curio market and guests may take some time to view the different arts and crafts on display before returning to the hotel around midday.
In the late afternoon, a sunset cruise is enjoyed on the mighty Zambezi River. Traditional cocktails and snacks are served aboard the river boat, with the sight of the sun setting over one of Africa's most impressive areas sure to be remembered for a lifetime.
The morning is devoted to an elephant-back safari in a wilderness area not far from Livingstone. On arrival at the venue, guests will enjoy a short presentation about the project, as well as be given a short lesson on how to interact with the elephants, after which the safari begins. An experienced elephant minder accompanies each elephant and client. The route follows a trail through the surrounding woodland and might include a stop along the banks of the Zambezi River. Riding silently atop a gigantic pachyderm is certainly an unforgettable experience. Your safari ends with a short training session and interaction with the elephants, which is followed by a late breakfast or early lunch.
Guests then enjoy some rest and relaxation at the lodge before visiting a local village and craft market. The visit will expose you to the customs and culture of the Leya people, who have inhabited the Victoria Falls area as far back as the eleventh century. The village was visited on numerous occasions by Dr. David Livingstone. After this experience guests are returned to their lodge.
A last glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls is followed by a transfer to Livingstone airport and from there a flight to Johannesburg in South Africa . Guests will be met on arrival in Johannesburg and transferred to their overnight destination in Sandton. Sandton is an exclusive area north of Johannesburg and has in recent years become the headquarters of corporate South Africa, with a resulting dramatic change in the city skyline. The area is modern, vibrant and home to a great number of shopping centers and restaurants. Numerous theaters and cinemas add to the cultural experience, which may be enjoyed in the area.
Breakfast is followed by a transfer to O R Tambo International for a flight to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve . The reserve is the most well-known of all the private game reserves in South Africa and is home to most of our finest game lodges. The area forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is widely regarded as the finest safari area in South Africa.
At Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, two open 4x4 safaris are conducted daily by professional local rangers and trackers. The morning safari departs shortly after sunrise and returns to the lodge for a late breakfast about three hours later. Guests then take the opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation during the day before embarking on a late afternoon game drive extending into the evening, which allows guests the rare opportunity to observe the nocturnal creatures of this area. The large predators such as lion and leopard are also more active during the night, providing guests with the opportunity to witness some incredible sightings.
A last morning game drive in the Sabi Sand is followed by breakfast, after which guests fly to Johannesburg. Guests will be met on arrival at O R Tambo International, from where they will be transferred to any location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria after a memorable Best of Southern Africa Safari.
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