Southern Africa Expedition 2019

January Trip: January 27 – February 5, 2019  (10 Days 9 nights)

Feburary Trip: February 5- February 14, 2019  (10 Days 9 nights)

Led by Tahuayo Lodge Owner/Tour Leader Dolly Beaver &

Head Guide Nelly Alvarado

Group Size: 16 Traveler Limit

Difficulty: Easy

Interested in joining us for this expedition? Let us know here!

Trip Highlights

Throughout this journey, you will get to experience the great diversity of African wildlife and the beautiful vistas. 

Some highlights of the trip include:

  • Experience Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world

  • Take the path less traveled for several days of safari rides on land and boat alongside lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and more in the Phinda Game Reserve and the wetlands of Chobe National Park

  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river

Accommodations

 

During your adventure, you will experience several parts of Southern Africa. Amazonia aims to provide you with the best possible experience and will be traveling to the following locations. Please note that hotels are subject to replacement with equivalent accommodations based on availability.

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Johannesburg

  • Upon arrival in Johannesburg, guests will connect onto a flight to Richards Bay on South African Airways (SAA1207) departing at 1:15 PM and arriving at 2:20 PM SAST (South Africa Standard Time). (Flight not included) (Optional) – Overnight in Johannesburg on Jan 26th Arrive Richards Bay | 2:20 PM
  • A team member will welcome and assist you into your transfer vehicle. Guests will transfer to their lodge located in the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Arrival time: 4:35 PM
  • The Phinda Private Game Reserve nestles in the lush KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. Phinda is in the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which is a World Heritage Site, the Game Reserve comprises 14,000 hectares of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats are home to an abundance of amazing and unique wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species. Unlike the national parks crowded with safari vehicles, you will enjoy this more exclusive private reserve.
  • Check-In | The guests will check into their lodge and enjoy Lunch upon arrival.  Within Thanda Tented Camp you will encounter minimal lighting and simple with beautiful nature and jawdropping scenery enhanced by flickering firelight from the boma and warm paraffin lanterns to guide your feet along the walkway. Experience the bush as nature intended: open, inviting, unconstrained. So if you are the kind of traveler who values the genuine over the glorified; reality over richness, this is where you want to be.
    You will encounter unparalleled closeness to the bush and its sounds; unspoiled views of the night’s millions of stars; and absolute authenticity.
  • Dinner | A delicious dinner will be served at the lodge.
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: All road transfers with an English Speaking guide
    • Entrance fees included: None
    • Meals Included: Dinner (Excluding Beverages)
    • Overnight accommodation | Thanda Tented Safari Camp | Luxury Tent | Full Board + 1 Safari Drive
Day 2 & 3

Thanda Game Reserve

  • A truly African experience goes beyond the five senses. It is felt. Early morning or late afternoon safari is the best way to absorb the sights, smells, and sounds of Africa.
  • Encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo): the animals that inspire a longlasting connection with the continent. Moreover, once you have found them, go looking for Africa’s other famous five – the Little Five (elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise, ant lion and buffalo weaver).
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: None
    • Entrance fees included: 2 Safari’s Daily
    • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily (Excluding Beverages)
    • Overnight accommodation | Thanda Tented Safari Camp | Luxury Tent | Full Board + 2 Safari Drives Daily
Day 4

Thanda to Johannesburg

  • Early morning Safari Drive & Check Out | Guests will enjoy their final safari drive before enjoying breakfast at the lodge and checking out.
  • Transfer | 11:00 AM Transfer to the Richards Bay Airport (arrival time 12:35 PM) for their onward flight back to Johannesburg on SAA1208 departing at 3:05 PM and arriving at 4:20 PM. (Flight not included)
  • Arrive Johannesburg | 4:20 PM On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, the guests may board the complimentary Southern Sun OR Tambo International
    Airport Hotel shuttle to the hotel.
  • Services Included
    • Coach & guide services: Transfer from lodge to airport
    • Entrance fees included: Morning Safari Drive
    • Meals Included: Breakfast
    • Overnight accommodation | Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport Hotel | Standard rooms | Bed & Breakfast
Day 5

Johannesburg to Chobe

  • Breakfast & Check Out | 09h00 Guests will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
  • Transfer to Airport | Afterwards, the guests will board the complimentary return shuttle service at 10h00 from the hotel to the airport for their flight to Kasane on SA8306 departing at 11h45 and arriving at 13h30 (Flight not included).
  • Arrive Kasane | 13h30 On arrival in Kasane, guests transfer to their lodge in the Chobe National Park to check in. Transfer time is 5 minutes.
  • Aptly and fondly known as ‘The Land of The Giants’, Chobe National Park in the north of beautiful Botswana is home to Africa’s largest elephant population and comprises more than 10,000km2 of rich ecosystems, diverse landscapes and an almost unparalleled abundance of wildlife and birdlife all centred around the stunning Chobe River, and in close proximity to a number of Southern Africa’s other safari must-sees.
  • Chobe National Park sits near the borders with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, making it a popular and easy day trip destination for visitors from Victoria Falls as well as for those on tours throughout the wider region of southern Africa. With one of our exciting safari offerings, a Chobe visit can be conveniently combined with some Botswana’s and the wider region’s other unmissable safari gems. The town of Kasane on the border of Chobe National Park has a small international airport and a good array of other services and amenities.
    Chobe Safari Lodge, on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana, is the best destination for serious game viewers. Situated in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is close to where the borders of four African countries meet – Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia. If you are planning to visit the Chobe area, the majestic Victoria Falls or the Caprivi region, then Chobe Safari Lodge is the ideal choice for accommodation.
  • Lunch | Dependent on the time of arrival, the guests may enjoy lunch at the lodge.
  • Afternoon Safari | Safari drives in the Chobe National Park offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. If you allow yourself adequate time here you will probably see nearly all the major species: giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu,
    buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland and accompanying predators including lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox and possibly even cheetah, and wild dog.
  • Dinner | A delicious dinner is enjoyed back at the lodge.
  • Services Included
    • Coach & guide services: Transfer from Kasane to lodge
    • Entrance fees included: Afternoon Safari
    • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Excluding Beverages)
    • Overnight accommodation | Chobe Safari Lodge | Standard rooms | Full Board + Safari Drive
Day 6

Early Morning Safari

  • Along with many species of big game, Chobe National Park boasts the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, and our safari drives and boat safaris offer visitors the opportunity to witness this amazing spectacle. Due to our physical location, we are also in the position
    to offer you a variety of other activities.
  • Meals | Guests will enjoy breakfast and lunch at the lodge.
  • Afternoon Boat Safari Take to the waters of the Zambezi River in our specialty safari boats. Our safari boats let you get up close and personal with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants playing at the water’s edge. Chobe National Park is well-known for its large herds of elephant that frequent the Chobe wetlands on a daily basis. In the dry season, an estimate of up to 85,000 elephants can be dispersed within the Chobe National Park, where the majority of them can be found along the river. Apart from the herds of elephants, Chobe also has lots more to offer. The Park has lion, leopard, buffalo and a whole host of antelope-like sable, puku, kudu, eland, roan and many others which you can get to see. The river is filled with big pods of hippos and some of the biggest crocodiles in Africa. The chance of seeing wildlife on the islands and riverbanks is very high as is the likelihood of seeing large numbers of bird species, including goliath herons, malachite kingfishers, and beautiful bee-eaters. Crocodiles and other wildlife including monitor lizards are common. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and hippo are also frequently seen with sable, leopard and numerous antelope also being regulars
    on guests’ checklists.
  • Dinner | A delicious dinner will be served back at the lodge after the boat safari.
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: Transfers to activities
    • Entrance fees included: Morning Safari Drive and Afternoon Boat Safari including park fees
    • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Excluding Beverages)
    • Overnight accommodation | Chobe Safari Lodge | Standard rooms | Full Board + Safari Activities
Day 7

Chobe National Park

  • Chobe Safari: Chobe Safaris are the number one activity to experience while visiting Kasane and the Chobe National Park. Chobe Safaris are offered in custom built 4×4 safari vehicles. These vehicles have open sides which offer exceptional views for the guests. Qualified guides conduct all safaris and are registered with the Botswana guiding council. The local experience and knowledge offer a great insight into animals and their behavior.
    • Meals: Guests will enjoy breakfast and lunch at the lodge.
  • Chobe Boat Cruise: The Chobe Safari Lodge offers boat safaris to provide their guests with an opportunity to combine the experience of being part of nocturnal Chobe with fine dining. Happy, hungry cruisers can expect to taste locally and internationally influenced cuisine consisting of a starter, main course and a dessert accompanied by a selection of wines. The Zambezi River that runs between the shores of Namibia and Botswana is a beguiling location during the daytime, with hippos wallowing in the water and a variety of other wildlife wandering on the riverbanks. Not many visitors have the opportunity to truly experience the setting from the water when the sun goes down. A dinner cruise under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the unique surroundings of the Chobe, is a thrilling way of taking in the true splendor of Botswana.
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: Transfers to activities
    • Entrance fees included: Morning Safari and Evening Boat Safari including Park Fees
    • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Excluding Beverages)
    • Overnight accommodation | Chobe Safari Lodge | Standard rooms | Full Board
    • Safari Activities
Day 8

Chobe to Victoria Falls

  • Check Out & Transfer | 11:00 AM After the morning safari and breakfast, guests will transfer from Chobe Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls at 11:00 AM. Transfer time is 75 minutes.
  • Taking its place alongside the Pyramids and the Serengeti, Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya – the ‘smoke that thunders’) is one of Africa’s original blockbusters. Moreover, although Zimbabwe and Zambia share it, Victoria Falls is a place all of its own. As a magnet for tourists
    of all descriptions – backpackers, tour groups, thrill seekers, families, honeymooners – Victoria Falls is one of Earth’s great spectacles. View it directly as a raging mile-long curtain of water, in all its glory, peek precariously over its edge from Devil’s Pools; the sheer power
    and force of the falls is something that simply does not disappoint.
  • Check-In | 12:30 PM The guests will now check into their hotel.
  • Batonka Guest Lodge is an upmarket boutique guest lodge and simply put is just beautiful. This eco-friendly lodge, which opened its doors in June of 2016 is located in the residential suburbs just 2.5 kilometers from the Victoria Falls entrance. Being new it has all the up-to-date modern conveniences. The large central area encompasses the reception, curio shop, lounge and indoor dining room as well as a very large outside terrace which overlooks the gardens and swimming pool.
  • After arrival, spend a few hours at leisure before departing on an Afternoon Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River.
  • The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is one of our most popular activities and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. 
  • Return to hotel | Afterwards, guests will return to their hotels to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
  • Dinner | The guests will enjoy a lovely dinner at the hotel
  • Services Included | Coach & guide services: Transfer from Chobe to Victoria Falls Hotel with English speaking driver
  • Entrance fees included: Morning Safari & Afternoon Sunset Cruise including Park Fees
  • Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Excluding beverages)
  • Overnight accommodation | The Batonka Guest Lodge | Standard rooms | Half Board Basis
Day 9

Victoria Falls

  • Breakfast | This morning, guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing on a tour of Victoria Falls
  • The Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls UNESCO site is not just a World Heritage Site; it is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The term Mosi-oa-Tunya translates to “The Smoke that Thunders.” This waterfall has earned its recognition despite the fact that it is not the widest or the highest waterfall in the world. It earns the recognition based on the combined width of the waterfall, which produces the largest sheet of falling water.
  • Lunch | Guests will enjoy a two-course lunch at the Lookout Café.
  • The Lookout Café offers fresh, tasty daytime dining and a spectacular view. It is perched 120m above the turbulent rapids of the Zambezi River, overhanging a giant chasm of the Batoka Gorge, just down from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge which forms part of it is
    spectacular backdrop.
  • Return to lodge | 15h00 Afterwards, continue to explore the falls and return to the lodge on your own time.
  • Dinner | The guests will enjoy a lovely dinner at the lodge
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: Return transfers to Victoria Falls with English speaking driver
    • Entrance fees included: Victoria Falls Tour
    • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Excluding beverages))
    • Overnight accommodation | The Batonka Guest Lodge | Standard rooms | Half Board Basis
Day 10

Victoria Falls to Airport

  • Breakfast |Start with an early morning walk to the falls guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
  • Check Out | 11h00
  • Transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight home. Transfer time to the airport is 20 minutes. (Flight not included)
  • DEPARTURE
  • Services Included:
    • Coach & guide services: Transfer from the lodge to the airport with an English speaking driver
    • Entrance fees included: None
    • Meals Included: Breakfast

Reserve Your Expedition Today!

Deposit: $1000/person

$4290 per person (double occupancy)

For a single room + $800

Includes all but International flights (we can help to find discount air)

NOTES:

  • Prices for park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
  • Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
  • All the passengers must have an Identification Card/Passport with them
  • Itinerary subject to changes only if beyond our control
  • Reservation made with deposit of $1000 per person
  • Payment can be made by credit card on our PayPal site
  • Cancellation Policy: 50% of cost up to 120 days before departure.
  • We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. https://buy.travelguard.com/TGI2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=51868&agentlinkasp=yes

 

This Trip Includes:

  • Meet and greet services
  • All meals except those in airport or Johannesburg when traveling between countries, and one meal (lunch) at Batonka Lodge.
  • All excursions listed in the itinerary
  • Services of an English speaking driver and guides
  • All accommodations
  • All park fees and government taxes

This Trip DOES NOT Include:

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Driver, guide, or local escort tips
  • Drinks and dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
  • Medical, evacuation, or travel insurance

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

What Our Guests

Have to Say…

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!