Pricing is at the bottom of this page.
See Below for the VETS Africa Safari 2023 Itinerary!
July 23, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Click the Gorilla picture to learn more about the Mountain Gorilla Pre-Trip!
Click the Penguin picture to learn more about the Capetown Post-Trip!
VETS is proud to deliver an incredible safari experience that will take you from the Okavango Delta in Botswana to the breathtaking Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
July 23, 2023 - August 1, 2023
We’ll meet in Johannesburg, at the Intercontinental Hotel at OR Tambo Airport. Our colleagues that visited the gorillas will be arriving and meet us at the hotel for cocktails that evening. The next morning we’ll be escorted to our flight to Maun, Botswana, where we’ll clear customs and meet our bush pilots for our flights to the safari camps. Flight times from Maun will be about 40 minutes or just over an hour, depending on your assigned camp.
Our Adventurers will ALL visit two different ecosystems (Savannah and Aquatic) in the Kwando Concession, a huge private area bordering the Okavango Delta on the South and West of the concession, Namibia on the North and Zambia/Zimbabwe on the East.
The VETS group will be the only people in the area of our camps. Many (us included) consider Botswana as the prime game area of all of Africa. Botswana prioritized conservation, outlawed hunting and required game camps to stay small and in harmony with the wilderness. You’ll find the big and fancy lodges in other countries often in areas of game “farms” where they house wildlife in fenced areas.
Botswana is the “real thing”. No fences, wildlife migration as it’s always been, smaller and ecofriendly camps supporting local native populations, and a focus on wildlife and conservation.
Our guides will be certified for driving and walking safaris, the highest level of certification possible and requiring more study and testing.
Because the camps are small we’ll break our group into four subgroups of approximately 18 people each and place them in two different ecosystems. The Giraffes and Elephants will visit Kwara and Lebala camps, with half flying in bush planes to each camp for three nights, then swapping camps. The Lions and The Hippos will do the same thing, half going first to Splash or Lagoon Camps, then swapping after three nights.
All groups will have a chance to meet up in the bush, with a common bush dinner while at Kwara and Splash, and a common sundowner cocktail/appetizer meet up while at Lebala and Lagoon.
The Giraffes & The Elephants
The Giraffes will start at Kwara Camp and the Elephants at Lebala Camp, then switch after 3 nights providing both with ample time in two different ecosystems.
Kwara Camp (aquatic)
Recently remodeled so likely to be the “newest” looking camp
Dining area, lounge, curio shop, 2 small pool areas at each end of camp with more private lounge areas. Small bar and pool loungers at each pool.
All camps are isolated and do not have WiFi or cell phone connectivity. Enjoy and embrace the natural culture of the camp!
9 canvas tents with spacious deck overlooking the lagoon, en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a gorgeous bath, all with views of the floodplains. Ceiling fan and mosquito nets around bed.
Permanent water close by.
Day & night game drives, game walks, fishing, boat cruises, mokoro trips. Boat cruises are on a double decker boat that visits the Godikwe Lagoon in the Moreimi Game Reserve, known for abundant birdlife.
Kwara is known for consistent sightings or predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and on rare occasion, white rhinos. Herds of elephants frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippos.
Lebala Camp (savannah)
Lebala means “wide open spaces” and is where the Kwando River disappears into the marshland to the east. The camp is away from the dense mopane woodland to the east allows for ease of traversing the private unfenced wilderness.
The main areas of the camp include a dining area, curio shop, lounge & bar and a small library. There is also a small swimming pool and communal fireplace area perfect to drinks and stories at the end of a successful safari day.
All camps are isolated and do not have WiFi or cell phone connectivity. Enjoy and embrace the natural culture of the camp!
Lebala has 9 custom tents with unique mosquito net walls allowing an unobstructed flow of cooling breezes and stunning views. Each tent has a its own viewing deck, bathroom and luxurious double outside showers.
Lebala has permanent water a short drive from the camp to attract game.
Day & night game drives and game walks are offered.
Lebala is known for consistent sightings of zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and tsessebe. Elephant, hippo, buffalo, lions, cheetah and hyena are ever-present, and wild dogs are a frequent sighting.
The Lions & The Hippos
The Lions will start at Splash Camp and the Hippos at Lagoon Camp, then switch after 3 nights providing both with ample time to experience two different ecosystems.
Splash Camp (aquatic)
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta yet within the private Kwara Reserve, this is a newest of the Kwando camps. The name comes from the huge water crossings that need to be negotiated to access the camp area. There is permanent water as well as seasonal flood plains and extensive dry wilderness.
The main area has a plunge pool, lounge/dining room & bar, orientation center and curio shop. There is a fire pit where breakfast is served before departing on your safari, and the place to be for cocktails and stories at day’s end. There is a separate area with another plunge pool, dining area, lounge and bar.
All camps are isolated and do not have WiFi or cell phone connectivity. Enjoy and embrace the natural culture of the camp!
All the rooms are on a deck overlooking the pan that attracts game year around. They are en-suite with bathrooms, double sinks and indoor plus outdoor showers. Each room has a private veranda with lounge chairs.
Permanent water close-by.
Day & night game drives, game walks, fishing, boat cruises, mokoro trips.
Splash camp is known for consistent sightings or predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and on rare occasion, white rhinos. Herds of elephants frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippos.
Lagoon Camp (savannah)
Located on the banks of the Kwando River, in a heavily forested site, Lagoon camp provides great access to the wildlife found on the plains as well as those in more aquatic environments.
The common areas include a bar and sitting area (dining room), outdoor deck with a swing, curio shop, orientation center and a cozy library.
All camps are isolated and do not have WiFi or cell phone connectivity. Enjoy and embrace the natural culture of the camp!
All the rooms are on a deck overlooking the pan that attracts game year around. They are en-suite with bathrooms, double sinks and indoor plus outdoor showers. Each room has a private veranda with lounge chairs.
Permanent water close-by.
Day & night game drives, game walks, fishing, boat cruises, mokoro trips.
Splash camp is known for consistent sightings or predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and on rare occasion, white rhinos. Herds of elephants frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippos, and wild dogs are a frequent sighting!
We’ll then fly in our bush planes to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (after a brief stop to clear customs in Kasane), and be transferred to our final lodging.
In Victoria Falls you have two choices for lodging:
The Elephant Camp is in the Victoria Falls National Park and overlooks the Zambezi Gorges. It rates as one of the best tented lodges in Zimbabwe and is a “bonus” safari experience (with WiFi) with lovely rooms. They have an elephant sanctuary and orphanage that you can visit, and offer some elephant experiences.
The other choice is to stay at the Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel. Accommodations are roughly equivalent to the Elephant Camp but you’re in a hotel environment with beautiful grounds and an award winning restaurant!
We’ll come together for a group experience with cocktails on a cruise above Victoria Falls, looking for crocodiles and hippos. We’ll visit the famous Falls themselves and have an opportunity to spend some time in the town of Victoria Falls. Maybe you’ll want to lunch at the Vic Falls Hotel, built in 1906? There are craft shops, craft fairs and other opportunities to shop. We’ll say more about shopping later as it’s all beautiful but somethings are much better than others.
We have a special opportunity to participate with wildlife veterinarians who are removing the horns of rhino’s to protect them from poaching. In small groups you’ll be there watching as the dart the rhinos (probably from a helicopter), then, when the rhino becomes woozy, they cover their eyes and lay them down. After photos and surgery a reversing agent is injected and we watch the rhino walk or run away. Photo opportunities and interacting with the veterinarians is great fun, and we’ll be contributing to rhino survival. This is an optional activity open to all our guests for a fee.
The next day we’ll fly commercially back to Johannesburg where you’ll either connect to a flight home, or extend your stay with the option to Cape Town, or head off to an adventure you’ve planned elsewhere.
There is a wonderful optional pre-trip to Rwanda for TWO Mountain Gorillas treks.
VETS has also arranged an optional post-trip to Capetown.
Pricing
For the Safari: Double Occupancy costs $14,995.00 PER PERSON.
Total cost for two people: $29,990.00 PER COUPLE
This does not include airfare to Johannesburg (from the USA). Pricing does include air travel within Africa — Rwanda—> J’Burg, J’Burg —-> Safari Camps, Safari Camps —> Victoria Falls.
Optional Rhino Darting is $200 per person
Optional Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (Pre Trip)
Price: $9,450.00 per person based on double occupancy.
Capetown Post Trip
Itinerary and Price to be decided.
Day By Day Itinerary
23 Jul 2023 - Sunday - Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa (*flight to be determined), you will be met by a Menzies Representative, who will assist you through immigration, the collection of your luggage and through customs. You will be escorted to your luxury airport hotel.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Accommodation: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is a safe, easy walk from the international arrivals hall at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. We are perfectly located for business travelers and just a 14-minute train ride from the Sandton CBD. Enjoy unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi, quiet soundproofed rooms, quick check-in and a host of services designed to meet the needs of the modern business traveler. Refurbished in 2008, we offer the most sophisticated airport accommodations on the African Continent.
24 July 2023 - Monday - J’burg —> Kwando
After breakfast a Menzies representative will escort you back to the Johannesburg airport and assist with your connecting scheduled inter-Africa flight to Maun, Botswana. On arrival you will be met by your pilot and board the private charter flight to Kwando Concession.
*PLEASE NOTE* There is a luggage limit of 44lbs (20kg) per person on the flight so please pre-pack your luggage accordingly in soft-sided bags.
Activities: Private afternoon and night game viewing activity
25-26 July 2023 - Tuesday & Wednesday - Kwando
Enjoy two days of morning, afternoon and night game viewing activities. During your stay the two groups from both camps will meet for a sundowner.
Activities: Two days of morning, afternoon and night game viewing activities
Kwando Concession
The Kwando concession area, northeast of the Okavango Delta and northwest of the Savute marshes within Chobe National Park, are home to many crocodile, hippo, sitatunga, lechwe, southern giraffe, elephant, buffalo, lion, wild dog (with good chances of seeing them) and spotted hyena. The region is, in essence, a mini “Okavango Delta” with a lot of big game. During the dry season this is, in fact, big elephant country with literally thousands in the region.
The Kwando and Linyanti Rivers form the region's border with Namibia. The Kwando River flows southeast and then meets the end of the Great Rift Valley. This causes the river to flow northeast, and at this point its name changes to the Linyanti River and later to the Chobe River, which eventually meets the Zambezi River.
Here you have an opportunity to spend hours watching the elephant herds and the large variety of wildlife in and around the waters of the Kwando River.
Kwando has 4 camps, and our plan is for you stay at two of them— one in an aquatic ecosystem and the other in a savannah ecosystem.
27 July 2023 - Thursday - Okavango Delta
Enjoy a private morning game viewing activity. Afterwards you will be transferred to the airstrip for the private charter flight to your next camp in the Okavango Delta. You will be met by your guide and game drive to your camp. Enjoy a private afternoon/evening game viewing activity.
Activities: Private morning, afternoon and night game viewing activities
28-29 July 2023 - Friday & Saturday - Okavango Delta
Enjoy two days of private morning, afternoon and night game viewing activities.
During your stay the two groups from both camps will meet for a communal dinner.
Activities: Two days of private morning, afternoon and night game viewing activities
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, covering over 6,000-square-miles (15,000-km2), is a natural mosaic of palm-fringed islands, open savannah, flowing rivers, crystal- clear lagoons and floodplains sprinkled with water lilies, and gigantic baobab and jackalberry trees.
The Okavango River originates in the central African highlands, located in Angola which is about 600 miles (1,000 km) northwest of Botswana, then it fans out into the Kalahari Desert to create a vast system of thousands of waterways, separated by innumerable islands, and it eventually disappears into the Kalahari sands.
Game viewing for the larger land mammal species is excellent in many parts of the Delta. Large herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe and a variety of antelope are often seen. Lion, leopard, cheetah and other predators are also frequently encountered. Hippo and crocs are found in the waterways and bird lovers will relish the incredible variety.
30 July 2023 - Sunday - Kwando —> Victoria Falls
Enjoy a private morning game viewing activity. This morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for the private charter flight to Kasane. Connect with the private charter flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. On arrival, you will be taken to Elephant Camp or the Stanley & Livingstone for lunch. In the afternoon you will have a private sunset cruise including drinks and snacks.
Activities:
Private morning game viewing activity
Private Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
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 waterfalls: Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract, ranging in height from 200-355 feet. Fortunately the area immediately around the falls has not been commercialized, and there are unobstructed views from many vantage points connected by paved paths. Be prepared to get wet as you walk through the rain forest surrounding the falls, a result of the continuous spray. A path called the Chain Walk descends from near Livingstone's statue into the gorge of the Devil's Cataract, providing an excellent vantage point.
31 July 2023 - Monday - Victoria Falls
Today you will have a Tour of the Falls and an optional rhino darting conservation experience.
This evening the group will enjoy a farewell dinner.
Activities:
Tour - AAC Complimentary Tour of Victoria Falls
Tour - Victoria Falls Optional Tours Available ($)
Optional Rhino darting conservation experience
1 August 2023 - Tuesday - Victoria Falls
This morning you will be privately transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport for your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met by a Menzies Representative who will assist you through immigration, collection of your luggage and assist with check-in to your international flight (*flight to be determined).
Activities: Menzies Meet and Assist
LAND COSTS INCLUDE:
Accommodations
All meals and game activities on safari (Full Board)
Breakfast only (B) in Johannesburg
Touring as stated in Victoria Falls
All airport and road transfers
Park and guiding fees
Private charter flights between the Botswana camps and from Kasane to Victoria Falls (*There is a luggage limit of 44lbs (20kg) per person on the flight so please pre-pack your luggage accordingly in soft-sided bags)
All local drinks and laundry in the Botswana camps NOT INCLUDING:
Extra meals in Johannesburg
Drinks and laundry not specified
Tips to staff and drivers
Travel insurance
International air fare
Inter-Africa flights
Zimbabwe Visa
Additional touring in Victoria Falls
Required COVID PCR tests
Rhino Darting experience -
Increases in park fees, VAT and air charter rates
Pricing
For the Safari: Double Occupancy costs $14,995.00 PER PERSON.
Total cost for two people: $29,990.00 PER COUPLE
This does not include airfare to Johannesburg (from the USA). Pricing does include air travel within Africa — Rwanda—> J’Burg, J’Burg —-> Safari Camps, Safari Camps —> Victoria Falls.
Optional Rhino Darting is $200 per person
Optional Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (Pre Trip)
Price: $9,450.00 per person based on double occupancy.
Capetown Post Trip
Itinerary and Price to be decided.