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The Zambezi Safari and Travel Co. in conjunction with Safari Par Excellence and Aardvark Adventures is offering a 15 day Zimbabwe/Zambia Tour, exploring the world of wilderness and leaving civilisation far behind. This interesting and comprehensive itinerary includes visits to the major National Parks, the famous Victoria Falls and a Canoe Safari on the Lower Zambezi River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• Matopos National Park
• Rhodes Gravesite
• Hwange National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi Valley
• Lower Zambezi Canoeing.

On arrival in Harare, you will overnight at the Quality International Hotel based in the Harare City centre. The tour guide will meet clients at the hotel for a pre-departure discussion.

DAY TWO: GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS - MASVINGO

Visit the mysterious ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe means "House of Stone". The stone structures are the largest ancient man-made buildings in Africa, south of the Sahara. Overnight at campsite.

DAY THREE/FOUR: MATOPAS NATIONAL PARK

The park contains some majestic granite hills, domes and rock castles of extraordinary shape. With caves painted by Bushmen constituting the complex, an atmosphere of unique beauty enhances the area. Cecil Rhodes is buried on the summit of the gigantic rock mass, regarded as one of the world's most scenic viewpoints. Overnight camping in the National Park.

DAY FIVE/SIX/SEVEN: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

The 14650 sq. km Hwange National Park is one of the great wildlife sanctuaries of Africa. Common sightings are herds of Elephant, Buffalo and many other animals which can be viewed from the observation platforms situated at several waterholes. One can sit and watch an endless procession of game coming to drink and bath at the waterholes. Overnight camping is at the picnic sites within the National Park which have limited although very sufficient facilities.

DAY EIGHT/NINE: VICTORIA FALLS "MOSI OA TUNYA"

The Victoria Falls is without a doubt one of the greatest and most unforgettable scenic spectacles in Africa where the waters of the Zambezi River tumble down in a continuous thunder.

Various optional excursions are available, including: -

• A flight over the Falls.
• A sunset cruise on the Zambezi river
• White water rafting in the gorges below the Victoria Falls.

Overnight for two nights at Thorntree Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi in Livingstone Zambia.

DAY TEN: ZAMBIA

Travel through Southern Zambia to the Lower Zambia River. On arrival at the Kafue pontoon, transfer to the Lower Zambezi River to set up the overnight camp.

DAY ELEVEN/TWELVE: ZAMBEZI CANOEING

Load canoes for the two-day excursion on the Zambezi River. Whilst paddling down the gentle current of the river one can relax and observe numerous species of game and birdlife at close quarters. The harmonious interaction of species is combined with a profound sense of peace and tranquillity. Overnight in permanent tented camps along the banks of the Zambezi. On completion of the canoeing experience, drive through the Lower Zambezi National Park and back to the riverside camp. (Mana Pools National Park is closed from November to April. During this period there will be one extra day canoeing and one day on Lake Kariba.)

DAY THIRTEEN/FOURTEEN: (NOVEMBER/APRIL)

During this period (November/April) whilst Mana Pools is closed, one extra day is spent canoeing on the Zambezi river. On day 14 travel to Lake Kariba, where an evening sunset cruise is enjoyed surrounded by the Lake's stunningly beautiful shoreline backdrop to the magnificent Lake Kariba. Overnight camping.

DAY FIFTEEN: HARARE

Return to Harare, the attractive capital city of Zimbabwe. Travelling through the Zambezi Valley. Connect with onward international flights with happy memories of two very special countries.

NOTES

Please note that Aardvark Adventures have the correct permits for the National Parks visited in this itinerary and that the canoeing in Zambia is done by Safari Par Excellence who hold the appropriate permits and licences for this sector.

VEHICLES

This safari is conducted in a custom built Toyota Land Cruiser with a soft-top roof to enable clients to have excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities.

GUIDES AND STAFF

A professional guide conducts the safari along with a local assistant who helps with all the various camp duties.

EQUIIPMENT

The camping equipment is of a very high standard with large bow tents (2.4m x 2.4m x 2m), high-density foam mattresses, gas fridges and cooler boxes.

MAXIMUM PAX AND AGE LIMIT

A maximum of nine clients per safari with an age limit of 18 to 65 years.

ACTIVITIES

All activities in Victoria Falls and the canoeing are done through Safari Par Excellence.

MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION

All camping on the safari includes 3 meals per day. The Quality International Hotel (Harare) and Thorntree Lodge (Livingstone, Zambia) are on a bed & breakfast basis.

US$ 1595.00 (11 NIGHTS CAMPING AND 3 NIGHTS IN HOTELS)

TOUR CODE and 1998 DATES

ZZO1 05 MARCH - 19 MARCH

ZZO2 02 APRIL - 16 APRIL

ZZO3 30 APRIL - 14 MAY

ZZO4 04 JUNE - 18 JUNE

ZZO5 25 JUNE - 09 JULY

ZZO6 16 JULY - 30 JULY

ZZO7 06 AUGUST - 20 AUGUST

ZZO8 03 SEPTEMBER - 17 SEPTEMBER

ZZO9 01 OCTOBER - 15 OCTOBER

ZZ10 05 NOVEMBER - 19 NOVEMBER

ZZ11 03 DECEMBER - 17 DECEMBER

ZZ12 08 APRIL - 22 APRIL 1999

ZZ13 06 MAY - 20 MAY 1999

MODUS OPERANDI

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Sleeping Bag - essential
• Torch - essential
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre - essential)
• Hat - essential
• Bath towel
• Camera and film
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Washing line & powder etc.
• Aspirin
• Personal toiletries
• Swimming costume
• Binoculars
• Lip balm
• Wet ones/moist tissues
• Sunglasses
• Malaria tablets
• Basic first aid etc.

LUGGAGE:

Luggage is restricted to: -

• 1 bag up to 12kgs (65 x 46cm)
• 1 sleeping bag
• 1 small day pack for personal effects

CLOTHING

Comfortable, casual, "wash & wear" clothes. It will be possible to wash clothes every few days on safari. Avoid bright coloured clothing for game viewing. Warm clothes are required at night in the Winter months from June to August, e.g. Warm jumper/tracksuit, T-shirts, shorts, long sleeve shirt, light trousers/jeans, casual clothes for Victoria Falls, comfortable walking shoes, thongs/sandals.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX:

Zimbabwe: US$ 20.00 (exact money required and payment MUST be in US dollars).

VISAS:

Most passports do not require a visa for entry into Zimbabwe. However, some passports will require a visa for Zambia. PRIOR to commencing your holiday PLEASE check with us if you require a visa for the countries you will be visiting and ensure you have all necessary visas.

CURRENCY:

The currency units in the various countries are as follows:

Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Dollar (ZW$)

Zambia - Kwacha (ZMK)

Foreign currency can be changed at International Airports, commercial banks and major hotels. However, some currencies such as the Zimbabwe dollar and the Zambian Kwacha cannot be changed back into hard currency (e.g. US Dollars)

It is recommended you bring Traveller's cheques and an amount of cash as well.

Credit cards are accepted in major towns and hotels.

SPENDING MONEY

Enough to cover drinks, souvenirs, meals and optional excursions available. The prices given below are a guideline ONLY. Please note prices are subject to change without prior notice.

• WHITE WATER RAFTING US$ 95.00
• SUNSET CRUISE US$ 20.00
• FLIGHT OF ANGELS
  • Fixed wing US$ 45.00
  • Helicopter US$ 55.00

• BUNGI JUMPING US$ 90.00
• ULTRALIGHT US$ 95.00
• SKY DIVE
  • Tandem US$ 150.00
  • Static US$ 105.00

• HORSE RIDING US$ 45.00

PHOTOGRAPHY

Video camera batteries can be recharged off the battery of the vehicle. Binoculars are also very useful. Film can be very expensive and difficult to get in remote areas. It is best to bring an adequate supply with you. Remember that a camera is a must.

ACCOMMODATION

Large dome tents accommodating two people are used. Tents and hotel rooms are allocated on a twin share basis. Thick comfortable foam mattresses are supplied but NOT pillows or sleeping bags.

HEALTH/VACCINATIONS

There are no specific vaccinations officially required for Zimbabwe or Zambia. The main exception is for people coming from a Yellow Fever infected area in the previous six days. Nonetheless it is best to check with your doctor before leaving.

MALARIA is a serious problem in many areas of Southern Africa. A course of anti-malaria tablets is highly advisable. In addition, covering up and using insect repellent at night is recommended.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is COMPULSORY for all clients. Please ensure YOU have arranged travel insurance in your own country prior to leaving to cover unexpected medical expenses and loss/theft of personal effects.

PARTICIPATION

A guide and an assistant are provided on the trip. However, it is a "participation" safari and everyone assists making and breaking camp, loading and unloading vehicles and assisting preparing meals when asked.

SPECIAL REQUIREMNTS

Please inform us of any special requirements such as dietary requirements (vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) or medical conditions. This will ensure that the tour leader is informed and prepared for these requirements.

AFRICAN CONDTIONS

Travelling in Africa is a challenge! A safari is an adventure. At times, conditions and circumstances can be unpredictable and beyond the guide's control. As a result the itinerary is flexible and will depend on local conditions.