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Victoria Falls is Zambia's most celebrated spectacle. Measuring some 1.7 kilometres in width, with a drop of around 105 metres, an immense volume of water passes over the cataract at the height of the inundation, with a flow rate of about 550,000 cubic metres per minute. This massive rush of water sends a huge plume of spray into the sky, visible for miles and providing a stunning spectacle as we walk the paths that border the ravine.
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's largest and its northern section abutting on to the Chobe River is wonderfully picturesque. The waters of the Chobe River are home to a fabulous range of birdlife - you don't have to be a birder to be soon enthralled - and large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. These same waters also attract large numbers of land dwellers, foremost of which are herds of elephant, which, during the dry season, are probably the largest left anywhere in Africa as they congregate close to the permanent water of the river. To see these animals drinking at sunset, or even swimming out across the river to some of the islands which dot its course, is an experience that can only be described as magical. This all takes place in an area which is scenically beautiful and which provides truly memorable sunsets across the river.
Important Information
Age limits and responsibility for minors The minimum age required to join this tour is four years old. This family trip is designed for families only (i.e. at least one adult and at least one child). The parent or guardian is fully responsible for their children throughout this tour. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further advice.
The flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone is not included and must be booked for the morning of Day 8.
Please note your local tour leader will leave you in South Africa on day 7. In Livingstone you will be met by a representative and escorted to your included activities. A local guide will join you at Vic Falls National Park and local specialist wildlife guides will escort you on your game drives in Chobe National Park.
Visas and Permits
Botswana
Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Botswana. For other nationalities that do require a visa to enter into Botswana, this is no longer able to be purchased upon arrival. Visa will need to be pre-arranged - please contact your travel agent for assistance.
South Africa
Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for South Africa. Upon arrival you will be given a free three-month multi-entry visa stamp. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Please note that you require six blank pages and your passport needs to have a minimum of six months validity to enter South Africa. Also note that to enter South Africa you may be required to show proof of onward travel plans and a valid yellow fever certificate (especially if entering or re-entering from East African countries).
Zambia
Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently do require a visa for Zambia. A visa can be purchased at the airport or on the border on arrival. The visa must be paid in cash in USD. If you are entering Zambia more than once it is suggested that you request a multiple entry visa. The cost for a single entry visa is US$50 and a double entry visa is US$80. A multiple entry visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A day visa is US$20. If obtaining the visa on arrival, please check that you have been given enough days to cover your stay in Zambia. If you overstay the dates on your visa, then you will be charged an additional US$250 per person, per day. Please ensure you have US dollars cash and that the notes are series 2001 or later in issue.
Today our time in Livingstone is our own to use as we see fit. In addition to visiting the falls, there are many various activities that you can partake in. These include canoeing and inflatable kayaking along the upper Zambezi (well above the falls!), whitewater rafting beneath the falls (along the lower section of the river) and morning or afternoon game drives or walks in Zambezi National Park. Alternatively, an excellent range of curio and craft shops provide a pleasant distraction for those seeking a more sedate kind of day. Details of optional activities are set out in these notes (below) and can be booked through our local operator.
This morning we are taken on a guided tour of Victora Falls from the Livingstone (Zambian) side. Once inside the park our guide takes us through the falls area, stopping at different viewpoints and explaining about the history of the falls and its surroundings. After returning from the tour we check out of the lodge and are collected by our Botswanan operators at 10.30am and transferred to Kazangula. Here we complete border formalities (please bring along your passport and sufficient US dollars to purchase a new Zambia visa, if necessary, when returning) and then take the ferry across to Botswana. It is then just a short drive to Chobe Safari Lodge which is situated on the river-front a little way out of the park. After settling in and having lunch, there is time to relax until the mid-afternoon when we take a game drive into the park. Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest population of elephants. The sunsets on the river can be breathtakingly spectacular. We return to our lodge soon after sunset for dinner and overnight. Chobe Safari Lodge is a delightful lodge comprising various styles of accommodation. We stay in family safari rooms with private facilities and balcony/veranda. The lodge is situated on the southern bank of the mighty Chobe River bordering Chobe National Park. The pool is a great place to relax during the hotter part of the day. Today we drive for about 100km - a journey that takes us about two hours.
A full day is planned with an early morning game drive followed by relaxation during the heat of the day and a mid-afternoon boat trip out on the river. The bird life on the water is often spectacular and hopefully we also get a chance to see families of hippos taking a bath! Keep your eyes open for crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river – although they are surprisingly shy creatures! We might even see a large monitor lizard trying to steal the crocodile’s eggs. Please note that a visit to Chobe National Park itself is not a complete wilderness experience - we will see other people, boats and vehicles when inside the national park. However, we also see wildlife that can be the equal of anything anywhere in Africa.
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