17 Day Chobe, Victoria Falls, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Ngorongoro Safari
Countries: South Africa , Botswana , Zimbabwe , Kenya , Tanzania
Destinations: Johannesburg , Chobe National Park , Victoria Falls , Nairobi , Masai Mara , Amboseli National Park , Karatu
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 17
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
17 Day trip covering Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannesburg | City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport |
| 2 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Bush Lodge |
| 3 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Bush Lodge |
| 4 | Victoria Falls | Shongwe Oasis |
| 5 | Victoria Falls | Shongwe Oasis |
| 6 | Victoria Falls | Shongwe Oasis |
| 7 | Nairobi | Emara Ole Sereni Hotel |
| 8 | Nairobi | Emara Ole Sereni Hotel |
| 9 | Masai Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
| 10 | Masai Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
| 11 | Masai Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
| 12 | Nairobi | Eka Hotel |
| 13 | Amboseli National Park | Amboseli Serena Lodge |
| 14 | Amboseli National Park | Amboseli Serena Lodge |
| 15 | Karatu | Kitela Lodge |
| 16 | Karatu | Kitela Lodge |
| 17 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Johannesburg
After landing at O R Tambo International Airport (arrival flight not included in quotation) you make your way to O R Tambo City Lodge within the airport precinct to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
South Africa
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Johannesburg
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture.
With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport
Conveniently located at Africa’s busiest airport, the 365-room City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport, allows both business and leisure travellers a convenient and comfortable place to rest at the end of a long flight.
The hotel is walking distance to and from the airport terminal buildings and is adjacent to the Gautrain Airport Station.
Business travellers will appreciate the simplicity of staying at the airport for short visits, while leisure travellers won’t have to worry about where to stay for that one night between flights to their final destination.
The expansive lobby lounge, displaying flight information boards; uncapped WiFi; three boardrooms and conference facilities for 46 guests and fitness room are just some of the services on offer.
The #Café restaurant and bar are complemented by a sparkling swimming pool with deck, ideal for a refreshing swim in the sunshine before or after the next stage of travel.
Access to a wide variety of retailers, restaurants and banking facilities within the airport building completes the package.
Day 2 : Chobe National Park
This morning you will walk back into the airport in time for your flight to Kasane where you will be met at Kasane Airport and transferred to Chobe Bush Lodge to spend 2 nights on a full board basis. Two boat cruises on the Chobe River and two game drives in Chobe National Park are included in your stay here. You partake in the first of these activities this afternoon.
Botswana
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
Chobe National Park
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Chobe Bush Lodge
With its intimate, modern and contemporary design, Chobe Bush Lodge is found in Kasane along the Chobe River, within eye distance of Chobe Safari Lodge. We are close to three international airports – Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane – and daily road transfers or charter flights connecting all these airports with Chobe Bush Lodge make us easily accessible.
Day 3 : Chobe National Park
You have two of your included game viewing activities today and additional village excursions or game drives can be arranged with the lodge.
Day 4 : Victoria Falls
After a morning activity, at a time to be advised, you will be transferred across the Zimbabwe border to Victoria Falls to spend 3 nights at Shongwe Oasis on a bed and breakfast basis. You have the remainder of the day at leisure for activities of your choice and dinner at your choice of venue.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially.
However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.
The people of Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.
Victoria Falls
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Shongwe Oasis
Exclusivity, quality, and tranquility are at the heart of what Shongwe Oasis provides. The newly-opened sister lodge to the award-winning Shongwe Lookout, Oasis is an adults-only retreat complete with an on-site spa, jacuzzi, sit-in infinity pool, and a restaurant and bar area.
Situated only 2 kilometres from the majestic Victoria Falls, Oasis is exactly what the name suggests; a haven of relaxation in the heart of our beautiful town.
Victoria Falls’ first adults-only lodge offers 19 luxuriously furnished rooms set amongst stunning tropical gardens.
Head to our spa for a couple’s massage, bathing therapy, or on-site beauty care, sit back and sip your favourite cocktail in our infinity pool, or just enjoy a quiet moment in our jacuzzi before you head to dinner at our open-air restaurant.
Best of all do it knowing that you are contributing to our town and the region.
Shongwe Oasis is a proud member of Africa’s Eden, a not-for-profit collaborative company comprised of 400 members across Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Together, we work towards promoting our region, and supporting local charities, conservation organisations, and small, local businesses on the periphery of tourism.
Day 5 : Victoria Falls
This morning you will be taken on a guided walking tour of the spectacular waterfalls and you have the remainder of the day for your choice from the many cultural, wildlife, and adventure activities available, before being collected for your sunset cruise on the might Zambezi River.
See http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/see-and-do/victoria-falls/ for some more information on the activities available and their prices.
Victoria Falls Guided Walking Tour of Waterfalls (Zimbabwe)
It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is a masterpiece of nature. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest such as the “Big Tree” and the statue of David Livingstone. Guides are also happy to assist you with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.
Zambezi Explorer Sunset Cruise
At the end of the day, cruise upstream in the three decked Zambezi Explorer to celebrate the setting African sun, meandering through the islands, enjoying the abundant wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River. Share in the end-of-day ritual which sees wild herds streaming to the riverbanks for their last drink. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets. Enjoy our range of cocktails served with an accompaniment of delectable hors d’ oeuvres. Bring a camera and create your own golden memories. The cruise leaves from the Zambezi River Cruise Terminal and will take approximately 2 hours.
Day 6 : Victoria Falls
You have the day free today to take part in more activities of your choice.
See http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/see-and-do/victoria-falls/ for some more information on the activities available and their prices.
Day 7 : Nairobi
You will have the morning free today until being collected in the early afternoon and transferred into Zambia and to Livingstone Airport in time to board your flight KQ783 departing for Nairobi at 18h05. After landing at 22h20 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to spend 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel.
Kenya
Kenya - The grand old dame of African safaris, Kenya has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and with iconic reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo, it has earned its place in safari royalty.
Kenya's wildlife is legendary, as is its hospitality, friendliness, and scenic beauty. With the Great Rift Valley running through the country, Kenya is home to some stunning landscapes, with lakes, valleys and mountains adding to the beautiful plains of the Masai Mara.
To add to the spectacular wildlife, Kenya is one of the best countries to experience the local tribes and cultures, in particular the Masai and Samburu.
Kenyan roads are notoriously bad however, so the majority of safaris we recommend are fly-in options to the various parks. The small group scheduled safaris all operate by road, so you would need to be prepared for what is called "the African massage".
The diversity of areas to visit in Kenya is astounding, with each game reserve offering something truly unique. And to top it off, the country has a splendid coastline which invites some pure relaxation after spending time in the bush.
Nairobi
One of Africa’s major cities, Nairobi is the UN’s fourth “World Centre,” East Africa’s commercial, media and NGO hub, and a significant capital in its own right, with a population of approximately 3 to 4 million.
Little more than a century old, it has real claims to Western-style sophistication and displays enormous vitality and buzz. On the surface the city accepts everyone with tolerance, and, in any downtown street, you can see a complete cross section of Kenyans, every variety of tourist, and migrants and refugees from many African countries.
If you plan to stay in Nairobi for any length of time, you’ll soon get the hang of balancing reasonable caution with a fairly relaxed attitude - thousands of visitors do it every year. If you’re only here for a few days, you’re likely to find it a stimulating city.
Emara Ole Sereni Hotel
Located just off Mombasa road Ole-Sereni is the only hotel bordering a National Game Park. The title of the hotel is taken from the Maasai name for the area meaning place of tranquillity. Ole-Sereni captures the essence of Nairobi, which is the only city in the world that boasts a natural game park within its precincts. The hotel offers its guests views of animals in their natural surroundings at the waterhole in the park from the restaurants, bar, swimming pool and other parts of the hotel.
As The City Hotel by the Game Park Ole-Sereni combines the best features of a modern City Hotel and a traditional wildlife lodge where guests can enjoy natures tranquillity from a very close range. Ole-Sereni is strategically positioned close to the Airport and the city centre, offering world-class facilities and personalized services to business as well as leisure travellers.
The hotel also enjoys proximity to the central business district, international organizations, financial institutions, government offices and the industrial areas of Nairobi.
Day 8 : Nairobi
You will be collected this morning for a full day tour of Nairobi.
Full Day Nairobi Tour On the tour you will drive by Nairobi landmarks including railway museum, the law courts, parliament buildings and the uniquely shaped Kenyatta International Conference Centre, and perhaps pick up a few bargains at the colourful city market. You will visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary (depending on availability of tickets). The Sanctuary is set in the grounds of the Sheldrick homestead. Visiting times are limited to approximately one hour and are between 11h00 and 12h00 daily. You will see the orphaned animals and meet the people who handle and care for these animals, who are always willing to spend time answering any questions you have to ask. From here, the tour proceeds for lunch to the Carnivore Restaurant (lunch is on own account) one of Africa’s greatest eating experiences, made famous for its succulent steaks, barbecue dishes, game meat and great African hospitality. Following lunch, you head out of town to the suburb of Karen, with the Ngong Hills as a backdrop. Upon arrival at the Karen Blixen Museum, you feel swept immediately onto the film set of Out of Africa. The old colonial farmhouse is simple, housing a few items that Karen Blixen chose and once enjoyed herself. There is also the colourful garden to explore, where several old coffee machines have lain untouched for decades. From here visit the Giraffe Centre, where the highly endangered Rothschild giraffe lives in peace. With an elevated feeding platform, this tour is wonderful for children.
Day 9 : Masai Mara
This morning you will depart Nairobi in your private vehicle to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where you will have an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge for the night. You spend 3 nights at Mara Serena Safari Lodge with full board.
Masai Mara
It is no surprise that the Masai Mara ranks up near the top of most famous game reserves in the world. The land of the Mara is consistently covered with herds of antelope, interspersed with prides of lions, journeys of giraffe, dazzles of zebra, and almost every other collective animal noun you can think of.
The sightings are nothing short of fantastic, and it is definitely the park to visit to tick off your "wildlife of Africa" list. The scenery of the park is similar to the open plains of the Serengeti, although the Mara is dotted with more trees, and the game viewing is equal to, or can be better than, its southerly sister.
Within the boundaries of the reserve, there are certain areas which can seem quite crowded with travellers, although there are places to escape from the crowds, and enjoy the Mara in some exclusivity. Private concessions surround the Masai Mara, allowing more private safari experiences, and additional activities.
The Masai Mara is easily accessed from Nairobi, with a number of scheduled flights operated each morning and afternoon. It can also be reached by road, but be prepared that it can be quite a bumpy 6 hour drive, with sections being particularly broken up.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Discover the Kenya safari of your dreams, a vast, gently rolling landscape of acacia-specked grasslands darkened by migrating wildebeest herds. Mara Serena Safari Lodge invites you to a world where dramatic sights and experiences are enhanced by gracious service and five-star amenities. As the only safari lodge in the famed Mara Triangle, we offer a setting matched by few other hotels in the world: perched high on a bush-cloaked hill with sweeping views of the savannah and the meandering shoreline of the Mara River.
Our Masai Mara hotel lodge is designed in the style of a traditional Maasai Manyatta while offering every modern comfort. Neatly arranged rows of rooms and suites are positioned to offer uninterrupted river views from private balconies. Equally breathtaking sightlines can be enjoyed from the restaurant and bar and rock-enclosed swimming pool. After a day in the bush, a steam shower and an Oringa Massage at the Maisha Spa & Gym offer an exquisite welcome back to civilisation.
Enjoy exhilarating excursions deep into the Masai Mara Game Reserve with activities and adventures as intrepid as you choose to be during your stay. Savour superb chef-prepared cuisine in our onsite restaurant and with unforgettable “Bush Dining” and “Sundowner” experiences. Rediscover how special family time can be with game drives, breakfasts by the hippo pool and visits to an authentic Maasai village.
From savannah to spa, experience Africa in all its wild grandeur at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
Day 10 - 11 : Masai Mara
For these two days you have daily game drives searching for the best vantage points to view the abundant and diverse wildlife.
Day 12 : Nairobi
After a morning of game viewing you will be driven back to Nairobi to Eka Hotel to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Eka Hotel
Conveniently located along Mombasa Road with easy access to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and next to the Nairobi National Park, Eka offers the perfect choice hotel for both business and leisure traveler.
Each of the 167 Eka Hotel rooms are designed to provide the highest levels of comfort, convenience and eciency, supported by the latest in technology.
All the rooms are air-conditioned and well appointed. Of the167 rooms, 158 are Superior rooms, 2 rooms for guests with special needs, 4 Junior suites and 3 Executive suites.
All guests have exclusive access to free high speed internet (Wifi).
Day 13 : Amboseli National Park
This morning you will depart Nairobi in with your private guide and vehicle to Amboseli National Park to spend 2 nights on a full board basis at Amboseli Serena Lodge.
Amboseli National Park
The combination of masses of animals, diverse eco-systems, and the splendid views of Mount Kilimanjaro make Amboseli National Park high up on the must-see list of any Kenyan safari.
With desert landscapes to lush green swampland, the scenery changes entirely during game drives, with new photo opportunities presenting themselves all the time.
Amboseli is famous for its huge elephant herds, and is home to a remarkable concentration of species and birdlife, all the while being watched over by the highest peak in Africa.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was created for adventurers with an African dream. With Mount Kilimanjaro soaring majestically just beyond the golden, acacia-specked savannah, the safari lodge offers a graceful blend of stark beauty and lavish comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
Nestled in an acacia grove by a gentle mountain spring, our hotel, comprising a Maasai-inspired design, a garden restaurant and a palm-shaded swimming pool and sundeck, provides uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. In every detail, the ambience captures the essence of Maasai culture, warmth and indomitable spirit. The setting our Amboseli safari lodge is breathtakingly beautiful, the wildlife abundant and the cuisine, hospitality and amenities unrivalled.
Mornings bring stirring views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. Whether embarking on a safari to see “The Big Five” (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino), planting your very own tree as part of our Re-Forestation Programme, or enjoying a bush dinner and glass of wine as the bonfire cinders waft into the indigo night, your stay will be infused with unforgettable moments.
Day 14 : Amboseli National Park
Today will be spent on game drives exploring Amboseli National Park.
Day 15 : Karatu
Your safari continues into Tanzania today, as you are driven to the Namanga Border Post, pass through immigrations, and meet your Tanzanian guide. You will be driven to Karatu outside of the Ngorongoro Crater to spend 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis at Kitela Lodge .
Tanzania
A land full of icons, with the names Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar immediately evoking images of exotic locations and abundant wildlife. A Tanzanian safari is an experience for all of the senses, and caters for every kind of traveller.
Tanzania is a country which was seemingly designed with the word "safari" in mind. There are enough national parks and different safari activities to keep travellers coming back year on year, with the added benefit of easily combining beautiful tropical beaches with the wildlife rich plains.
A Tanzanian safari is a journey in the true sense of the word, with each itinerary feeling like an exploration out into the wilderness. Moving from park to park, either by road or air, the countryside offers something new at each stop.
The plains of the Serengeti have become synonomous with an African safari, and by visiting the right areas and camps, you will be able to see the legendary wildebeest migration as it moves across the grasslands in constant search of fresh grazing and water.
To the south of the country are the remote reserves of Selous and Ruaha, while in the west you can trek into the mountains to witness chimpanzees along the shores of the mystical Lake Tanganyika.
Karatu
Kitela Lodge
Luxury, relaxation and African elegance in a spectacular refuge in middle of the mountains.
Kitela Lodge rises up on the hillside of a valley with beautiful views of a coffee plantation and a waterfall within the incredible highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It consists of 20 colonial style cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens, a coffee plantation and a working farm.
In the setting of the majestic mountains, this exclusive hotel is a haven of peace and comfort with all the attentions and the luxury of a traditional country villa. The relaxation the spa offers and its swimming pool are the perfect contrast to the intense excursions and safaris available from the lodge to the Ngorongoro area.
Day 16 : Karatu
This morning you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a six-hour tour of this unique and amazingly diverse habitat, populated by an abundance of varied wildlife. This afternoon after a picnic lunch near a hippo pool you drive from the crater and head back to your lodge.
Day 17 - Day of Departure
You will have an easy morning this morning before being drive back to Arusha in time for lunch (lunch on own account), following which you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International in time for your departure flight KQ6721 departing at 18h30 and landing at 19h30 in Nairobi, where you will connect onto flight KQ764 departing at 21h00 and landing in Johannesburg at 00h15 (on 14 September).