SOUTHERN AFRICA SAFARI
August - September
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Lions of Botswana* |
Africa... the world's
second largest continent. It conjures visions of tawny lions, stately
giraffes, lumbering elephants and a host of other strange and wondrous
creatures. On this safari, we travel to the southern part of the
continent, to parks legendary for their diversity of wildlife and
scenic
wonders - meandering floodplains, open woodlands, and vast inland
marshes. This landscape supports an array of fascinating plants ranging
from towering cactus-like candelabra trees to the bizarre, massive
baobab tree. Such diverse habitats draw dense concentrations of
wildlife
for which Africa is so famous, offering unparalleled opportunities for
viewing and photography.
We will find, photograph and
observe animals as we take game drives in specially modified four-wheel
drive vehicles, boat outings in marsh areas, and bush walks with
professional guides. The result will be unbelievable sightings and
lifelong memories of our planet's most spectacular animals.
Our adventure begins in
Maun, Botswana's gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Wildlife Reserve. This region is a mecca
for
those who wish to experience the African wild. Part of a vast basin, each year the Okavango Delta seasonally
fills with water, drawing
large numbers of animals to its numerous islands. From our lodge in the heart of the Delta, we'll be perfectly situated to do explorations on foot and in traditional dugout mokoro canoes. Experienced African guides will pole us through winding channels and reed
beds,
an absolutely primeval environment. We'll take bush walks and follow
game trails for views of antelope, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and elephants. We'll return to our chalets for dinner and
cocktails and a spectacular view over the Delta.
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Mokoro Canoe Ride at Sunset * |
Next we'll visit Botswana's
Chobe National Park. Game drives in open jeeps and boat explorations
will bring close, awe-inspiring views of great African mammals -
hippos,
lions, buffalo, and antelope, including the puku, a Chobe specialty.
This is the heart of elephant country and we will watch the huge herds
beside the Chobe River. Chobe has the largest elephant population in
all
of Africa - estimated at over 50,000. The river attracts stunning birds
like spoonbills, carmine bee-eaters, saddle-billed storks, malachite
kingfishers, and fish eagles.
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Elephants of Chobe National Park** |
We continue our journey at
Victoria Falls, where we'll walk the trail that leads to the "Smoke
that
Thunders." A mile wide and nearly twice the height of Niagara, Victoria
Falls is the stuff of legend. We will walk through spray-drenched
forest
to the gorge edge. We'll also visit one of Africa's largest craft
markets, with fine carvings, traditional baskets, and colorful cloth.
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Victoria Falls * |
This is a safari in the true
African tradition. In the Okavango,
we'll stay in individually designed reed chalets with en-suite bathrooms, each nestled among trees on the banks of the Boro River. For the camping portion, guests are accomodated in fully serviced comfort in domed tents with camp beds, clean linen, bedside tables and battery lamps, toilets (two for eight guests), and hot showers. Our last night will be at the beautiful Ilala Lodge, within earshot of the distant thunder of the Victoria Falls.
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Lilac-breasted Roller** |
This trip is a small group experience: we can accomodate 8 people, plus your guide, on one safari vehicle. We may have the option to add a second safari vehicle, if there is demand.
A lifelong naturalist with an irresistible curiosity, Peter Debes, your Nature Discoveries guide, has excited
hundreds of travelers about the fascinating wonders of nature. Peter brings years of study, interest and love for all
living things to this expedition. Peter has led seven previous safaris
to
southern Africa, as well many other expeditions to remote corners of
our
planet, including Madagascar, Peru, and the Galapagos.
For the entire trip, we'll
have the added expertise and assistance of professional guides,
drivers,
and boatmen, who know the ways and whereabouts of the local wildlife.
Nature Discoveries is
pleased to again offer this incredible safari to Botswana and Victoria
Falls. We guarantee you'll have treasured memories that will last a
lifetime.
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Photographs by Peter Debes copyright 2005
** Photographs by Marcia Birken copyright
2005
Comments of our Africa
Safari Travelers
"Thank you for a great,
unforgettable trip!"
"Highlights? The animals, the birds,
especially the jousting giraffes, the wild dogs, the bee-eaters...and
the mokoros gliding through the water lilies...and so much more!"
"Landscape at Motobo Hills was totally
unexpected."
"Excellent leadership and planning...great
itinerary."
"Sunset over the Chobe River...night sounds
in the Okavango."
"Victoria Falls was breathtaking!"
"Visiting the villages...seeing the home and
family life [of local guides]."