The Best of Botswana
South Africa • Zimbabwe • Botswana • Namibia
June 25- July 5, 2024
Hosts: CWRU President Eric Kaler & Ms. Karen Kaler
Optional pre-trip to Victoria Falls and post-trip extension to Namibia
Join CWRU President Eric Kaler and Karen Kaler on an epic adventure to Southern Africa. Why Botswana? See the Okavango Delta- a pristine water landscape, where the rainwater from the Angolan Highlands travels over 1,200 kilometers through a meandering and complex series of rivers, tributaries and underground aquifers to fill up a massive delta that is home to thousands of bird species and land animals. Visit Chobe National Park that has bragging rights to some of the largest herds of elephants. In the Central Kalahari region are some of Africa’s oldest tribes- the San bushmen. These hunter gatherers still practice their traditions and today, they are amazing wildlife guides. You will spend a few days with them and learn about the desert ecosystem and their knowledge that has been passed down from their forefathers.
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June 25, 2024 - Depart U.S.
Suggested departure date and overnight flight.
June 26, 2024
Welcome to Johannesburg. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy welcome cocktails with your fellow travelers.
*If you wish to arrive early, please contact Immersion Journeys for assistance in booking your early arrival hotel ($285 per night including breakfast)
*An optional pre-trip to Victoria Falls is available. Please click on the pre/post trip tab for details.
Peermont D’Oreale (Welcome Cocktails)
June 27 Johannesburg – Kasane (Botswana)
Take a scheduled flight to Kasane which is the gateway to Chobe National Park. Your lodge overlooks the Chobe River and Caprivi floodplains. It is also the only permanent safari lodge in the park. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to game viewing in this wild part of Africa and the prized Big Five take center stage. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Chobe Game Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, non-premium drinks)
June 28 & 29 - Chobe National Park
Spend your days on game drives and river cruises with front row seats to a wildlife spectacle.
Chobe Game Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, non-premium drinks)
June 30 Chobe National Park – Tau Pan (Central Kalahari Game Reserve)
Fly to Tau Pan in Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Tau translates to lion and it has derived its name from the black-maned Kalahari lions that frequent the camp. Botswana’s landscape is predominantly desert with the Kalahari eco-system extending west into Namibia and south into South Africa. Like any desert, it is full of life with oryx, the desert-adapted springbok, jackals, the rare brown hyena, red-crested Korhaan and herds of wildebeest.
Tau Pan Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, non-premium drinks)
July 1 – Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Like any desert, the Kalahari is full of life with oryx, the desert-adapted springbok, jackals, the rare brown hyena, red-crested Korhaan and herds of wildebeest. Your camp is one of a wild and untamed experience where you can enjoy daily nature walks with Bushman trackers, game drives and watch the bright, unhindered southern African skies at night.
Tau Pan Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, non-premium drinks)
July 2- Kalahari – Okavango Delta
Take a bush flight into the Okavango Delta. This wilderness and ecological sensitive area is a topographical depression that fills up with water each year from local rains and a river system that carries water from the Angolan highlands over 1,200 kilometers bringing with it much needed sustenance for the animals and birdlife that rely on it. Embark on an afternoon safari game drive.
Mma Dinare (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, non-premium drinks)
July 3 & 4 Okavango Delta
As the waters of the Delta rise and fall, experience game viewing by canoe (depending on water levels), vehicle and walking with professional guides. Each day is different in the wilderness. What you experience in the morning may be completely different a few hours later. The Okavango Delta is home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds and the water system provides them the sustenance to survive the seasons of wetness and extreme dryness.
Mma Dinare (All meals and non-premium drinks)
July 5 Okavango Delta – Maun – Johannesburg
Take a bush flight to the town of Maun and connect to a scheduled flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to your airport hotel. Later this evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
*Those going on the Namibia extension will overnight at the hotel (please click on Optional Pre & Post Extension tab above).
Main Tour (June 26 – July 6, 2024)
$13,499 per person (double occupancy)
Due to the very limited space available in the lodges, all rooms require double occupancy. Should you have any questions, please contact Sarah Doody at (904) 432-3141.
INCLUSIONS:
- All accommodations indicated.
- All arrival and departure airport assistance and transfers.
- Welcome cocktails in Johannesburg, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners.
- Non-premium beverages in Botswana properties.
- Meals as indicated.
- Scheduled group flights in economy class: Johannesburg to Kasane and Maun to Johannesburg.
- All bush flights within Botswana.
- All safari activities as indicated with professional guides.
- Full time local tour director.
EXCLUSIONS:
- International flights.
- Visas (if applicable) * U.S. passport holders don't need visas for South Africa and Botswana.
- Vaccinations.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Beverages not indicated in the itinerary.
- Trip insurance.
- Tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, lodge and hotel staff, tour manager.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Travel will be in a combination of coaches, small planes, commercial planes and safaris will be conducted in 4x4 safari vehicles often over bumpy terrain. Other safari activities on offer include guided traditional canoeing and walking. Guests can opt out of them but and can be assured that the quality of their experience will not be compromised. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort however it will be the responsibility of the guest to advise the tour operator and Case Western Reserve University regarding any concerns you may have. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.
Pre-trip: 4 nights to Victoria Falls (June 25-27, 2024)
$1,999 per person (double occupancy),
$450 single room supplement
June 24, 2024 - Arrive Johannesburg. Peermont D’Oreale Hotel
June 25, 2024 - Flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Evening sunset cruise. Ilala Lodge (Breakfast, Dinner)
June 26, 2024 - Guided walking tour of the Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge (Breakfast, Dinner)
June 27, 2024 - Overland border crossing into Botswana. Join the main group.
Inclusions:
- All airport transfers.
- Johannesburg to Victoria regional flight (economy class).
- 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
- Guided tour of the Victoria Falls.
- Victoria Falls to Kasane, Botswana transfers and cross-border assistance.
- All Immersion Journeys coordination.
Exclusions:
International flights, Zimbabwe visa on arrival ($30/ person- cash only), beverages, additional meals, tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, restaurant staff, hotel and lodge staff, vaccinations, any services not mentioned above.
Post-trip to Namibia (July 6-10, 2024)
$4,999 per person (double occupancy),
$1,050 single room supplement (limited availability)
July 6, 2024- Flight to Windhoek. Connect to bush flight to Soussevlei. Kulala Desert Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
July 7, 2024 - Guided tour to the dunes, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon. Kulala Desert Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
July 8, 2024 - Flight to Swakopmund. The Strand Hotel (Breakfast)
July 9, 2024 - Marine and Sandwich Harbor Cruise.
June 10, 2024 - Flight to Windhoek and connect for your flight home.
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip economy fare flights: Johannesburg – Windhoek – Johannesburg.
- All airport and airstrip transfers.
- Bush flights within Namibia.
- 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
- All guided activities in Soussevlei and Swakopmund.
- All Immersion Journeys coordination.
Excludes:
International flights, Namibia visa on arrival (if applicable. U.S. passports holders do not need a visa), beverages, additional meals, tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, restaurant staff, hotel and lodge staff, vaccinations, any services not mentioned above.
TOUR RESERVATION FORM- The Best of Botswana
To reserve a space, please complete and return this form with your non-refundable deposit of $1,000 ($1,450 per person including Victoria Falls and/or Namibia extension) payable to Immersion Journeys.
Mail to 455 Main Street, Suite 5M, New York, NY 10044 or email: info@immersionjourneys.com. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620/ info@immersionjourneys.com if you have any questions about the registration process.
