Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: botswana's okavango delta & victoria falls tour at Durban
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
From coast-to-coast, South-central Africa is perhaps best-known for its abundance of diverse wildlife and exquisite natural splendour, and a treasure trove of both awaits your discovery during this five-day, four-night overland adventure. Experience the thrill of morning and late-afternoon game-drives at the Chief's Camp in the expansive Okavango Delta of Botswana, and explore the different species that emerge during the morning vs. at dusk from up-close. Next, continue on to Zimbabwe for a visit to Victoria Falls, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Indulge your senses with a guided walking tour along the beautiful Victoria Falls and rainforest, panoramic sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, and the highlight of your visit, a helicopter flight-seeing excursion over Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and Zambezi National Park.
04MIDDUR-O Botswana's Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls
Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Departs from: Durban at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Re-join ship: Cape Town at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for South Africa. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the South African Rand; however, Euros and US Dollars may be accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted at most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during this program).
South-central Africa is perhaps best-known for its abundance of diverse wildlife and exquisite natural splendour, and a treasure trove of both awaits your discovery during this five-day, four-night overland adventure.
DAY ONE - Sunday, April 9, 2023 - Durban/Johannesburg/Maun/Okavango Delta
After disembarking the ship, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg
After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the approximately one-hour transfer to King Shaka International Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour, five-minute morning British Airways flight (Flight #BA 6202 or similar) to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, check-in for your scheduled onward flight to Maun, Botswana
Upon arrival at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, you are met and assisted with check-in for your onward, approximately one-hour, 35-minute connecting Airlink flight (Flight #4Z 300 or similar) to Maun, Botswana.
Upon arrival in Maun, take a short flight via light aircraft to the Chief's Camp
Upon arrival at Maun Airport and after customs and immigration formalities, you are met and assisted to your light aircraft for your short, approximately 15-minute flight to the Chief's Camp. The former royal hunting reserve of Chief Moremi, the Chief's Camp is nestled amidst the heart of the Okavango Delta. Wildlife and wilderness are as abundant as action, adrenaline, refinement, and relaxation at this remarkable remodeled luxury camp. Personalised service, an extraordinary setting, exceptional viewing, and enthusiastic expert guides are the hallmarks of a Sanctuary Retreats experience. Here, at the Sanctuary Chief's Camp, a unique attention to detail, along with strong environmental and philanthropic credentials, ensure the ultimate luxury safari experience.
Transfer to the Chief's Camp for check-in and lunch
Upon arrival, a lodge representative meets and transfers you to the Chief's Camp for check-in and a light lunch. After lunch, you are escorted to your room for the next two nights.
Large, luxurious accommodations with private dining area, outdoor seating area and terraced pool
This award-winning camp re-opened on 1st June 2016 after an extensive rebuild and redesign. At approximately 1,518 square feet-6,673 square feet (about 141 square metres-620 square metres), the 10 bush pavilions and luxury suite are among the largest in the vicinity. Each feature a private dining area, tranquil outside seating area and terrace pool; all perfect for absorbing the surrounding plains and majestic African skies. The Chief's Camp's sophisticated accommodations are adorned with natural hues and materials that complement the charismatic scenery and first-class dining and wines, and regularly earn it rankings among the world's top safari destinations from arbiters such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure.
Enjoy some free time at leisure and afternoon tea, then depart for a game-drive at dusk
After some free time at leisure, return to the main lodge for afternoon tea. Following afternoon tea, meet your rangers and trackers, then depart for a game drive at dusk, the best time to see many of the animal species here at their most active.
Unforgettable encounters with abundant wildlife, mammal, and bird species
The Chief's Camp's expert guides are always on hand to share their wealth of wildlife knowledge whilst you explore the Delta in modified, open-air 4X4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives. The game viewing opportunities at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring. On the plains, you may see the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra, and buffalo that live here year-round. There are also healthy populations of wild dog. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa, and this is one of their last strongholds. There are also several local lion prides, and leopards, genet cats and hyena abound.
Stop for sundowners before returning to the camp for some free time to freshen-up before dinner
Following your game-drive activities, a stop is made for sundowners before transferring back to the Chief's Camp for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner is at the camp.
Overnight accommodations in a Bush Pavillion Room at the Chief's Camp
DAY TWO - Monday, April 10, 2023 - Okavango Delta
After an early-morning wake-up call & breakfast, take an early-morning game-drive
After an early-morning wake-up call and breakfast, meet your skilled ranger and tracker guides, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicles and depart for an early-morning game-drive. Along the way, search for wildlife that are active in the cool of the mornings. Following your game-drive, return to the camp and enjoy some free time before lunch.
After lunch, some free time and afternoon tea, depart for a game-drive at dusk
After lunch at the camp and some additional free time at leisure, gather in the main area for afternoon tea before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for a game-drive at dusk, typically the best time to observe wildlife at their most active.
Stop for sundowners before returning to the camp
Following your game-drive activities, a stop is made for sundowners before transferring back to the Chief's Camp for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner is at the camp.
Overnight accommodations in a Bush Pavillion Room at the Chief's Camp
DAY THREE - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Okavango Delta/Kasane/Victoria Falls
After an early-morning wake-up call & breakfast, take an early-morning game-drive (time-permitting)
Following an early-morning wake-up call, tea and coffee are served. Afterward, meet your skilled ranger and tracker guides, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicles and depart for a final, early-morning game-drive (time-permitting).
After check-out, fly to Victoria Falls via Kasane, then meet your guide and transfer to your hotel
After check-out, meet your guide and board a light aircraft for the approximately one-hour, five-minute flight to Kasane Airport. Upon arrival, board a second light aircraft for the short, approximately 20-minute flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls Airport and after customs and immigration formalities, meet your guide and transfer to the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel for check-in. This luxury hotel is surrounded by the tranquillity of the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, and conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Falls themselves.
After check-in, proceed for a light lunch and some free time
After check-in, proceed for a light lunch at the hotel. After lunch, some free time at leisure is made available to freshen-up prior to your sunset dinner cruise experience.
Take an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise experience on the Zambezi River
In the early-evening, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the Zambezi River jetty. Upon arrival, embark a boat for an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise experience on the Zambezi River. You are welcomed on board, then escorted to the top floor of the vessel for a panoramic sunset cruise before dinner.
Enjoy snack platters, cocktails, and premium imported spirits served on the upper-deck
Snack platters are served whilst the sun sinks below the shimmering surface of the Zambezi River. A barman and waiters are on-hand to anticipate your needs, serving a selection of lively cocktails and imported premium spirits throughout your journey. The high vantage point on the upper deck of this plush, relaxing vessel provides the ideal space for you to marvel at one of Victoria Falls' famous sunsets.
Head to the lower-deck for a sumptuous, four-course repast of exquisite cuisine
After the sun has sunk below the river line, proceed to the lower-deck for a four-course gourmet repast of exquisite cuisine prepared on board by the chefs. The rich aroma wafts around you and the rest of the guests as your dishes are served, with the sounds of the African bush providing your background music.
Following your sunset dinner cruise, transfer back to the hotel
Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her sides. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky, and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening's experience. The four-course meal with drinks served on board the vessel the ideal complement to your unforgettable sunset dinner cruise at Victoria Falls. At the conclusion of your sunset dinner cruise, disembark the vessel and re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel - Victoria Falls
DAY FOUR - Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - Victoria Falls
After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the mighty, awe-inspiring Victoria Falls
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at the mighty Falls, known as the 'Smoke That Thunders', take a guided walking tour. From the sight of the Falls to their smell and sound, this awe-inspiring sensory experience is truly humbling. Whilst countless photo opportunities abound, no photograph can truly capture the feeling of seeing the mighty Falls for the first time. This awe-inspiring, 150-million-year-old natural wonder reaches its zenith around May of each year.
Learn about the history of the Falls, along with its flora, fauna, and birdlife
Learn about the history of the Falls and its flora, fauna, and birdlife from your guide whilst winding your way through the rainforest. The guides are also happy to assist you and your fellow guests with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls; raincoats are provided as needed.
Proceed to the Lookout Cafe for a light lunch accompanied by stunning views of the gorge
Following your walking tour, proceed to the Lookout Café for a light lunch accompanied by stunning panoramic views overlooking the gorge. After lunch, re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the hotel.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, and/or participate in a variety of touring options
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You might enjoy soaking up the sun at the inviting swimming pool, relaxing and unwinding with a spa treatment at your expense, or taking an optional afternoon game-drive or horseback safari.
Game-Drives: Led by expert guides, Stanley & Livingstone's early-morning and late-afternoon drives take guests into a wilderness where the abundance of wildlife is king. This includes the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino, and an abundance of other wildlife, mammal, and bird species.
Horseback Safaris: Africa's vast wilderness vividly comes to life when experienced on horseback; a heady mix of adventure, natural beauty, up-close wildlife encounters, and a sense of nostalgia. Different rider category levels are available: Experienced Riders, Intermediate-Advanced Riders (must ride frequently, be confident at all paces, and be able to perform a rising trot at a stretch without difficulty), and Novice Riders (riders with limited experience on horseback, or who have not ridden for a very long time).
Following your optional excursions, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner is at the hotel.
Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel - Victoria Falls
DAY FIVE - Thursday, April 13, 2023 - Victoria Falls/Cape Town
After breakfast, take an exhilarating, 12-minute flight over Victoria Falls and its surrounds
After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the helipad. Upon arrival, receive your safety briefing before boarding your helicopter for an approximately 12-minute 'Flight of Angels'.
Spectacular panoramic views photo opportunities
Upon seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855, David Livingstone famously wrote that 'Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight'. Little did he know that 150 years later, he could have that exact opportunity. The best way to appreciate the true splendour of Victoria Falls is to view them from the air. The helicopters utilised on this tour have specially designed, 'bubble shaped' windows that are ideal for panoramic viewing and offer wonderful photo opportunities from all seats.
Soar over the mighty Victoria Falls, Zambezi River and Zambezi National Park
Due to the close proximity of the Maramba Aerodrome to the Zambezi River, the helicopters are over the spectacular scenery of the Zambezi River within 30 seconds after lift-off. After take-off, the helicopter turns out towards the magnificent Victoria Falls. From here, your pilot flies left- and right-hand circuits over the Falls in both directions, giving you the best viewing, photographic, and video opportunities. A trip up the Zambezi River and back over Zambezi National Park completes your flight. Following this exhilarating helicopter flight-seeing excursion, return to the helipad and re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the hotel.
After check-out, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your scheduled flight to Cape Town
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and complete check-out. Afterward, meet your guide and transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately three-hour afternoon Airlink flight (Flight #4Z 391 or similar) to Cape Town.
Upon arrival in Cape Town, transfer to the pier and ship
Upon arrival in Cape Town and after customs and immigration formalities, meet your guide and transfer to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of driving and extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 4WD vehicles, embark/disembark the boat, board/de-board the airplane and helicopter, and 10-20 steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, insect repellent, camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 80 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Each helicopter seats a maximum of 3 guests. The total passenger weight cannot exceed 260 pounds (about 120 kilograms). Guests weighing more than 170 pounds (about 80 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 12 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat cannot be guaranteed. It is imperative that accurate weights for all guests are forwarded 48 hours prior to flight. If the weights differ to what was sent, they may be asked to stand on scales; if the difference causes the guest not able to take the flight, there is no refund. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. This is a malaria-risk area; please make sure the necessary medication has been taken. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme's sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Programme Includes:
- Two-night stay in a Bush Pavillion Room at the Chief's Camp - Botswana
- Two-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel - Victoria Falls
- Scheduled flights: Durban/Johannesburg/Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls/Cape Town (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
British Airways restricts baggage allowance to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 35x30x17 inches (about 90x75x43 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 51 pounds (about 23 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x18x10 inches (about 56x45x25 centimetres). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about ten kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms)
- Five breakfasts (a boxed breakfast is provided in-flight on Day 1), three lunches, and four dinners, with drinks included
- Morning and late-afternoon game-drive with sundowners - Chief's Camp
- Sunset dinner cruise - Zambezi River
- Guided walking tour of Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls
- Lunch at the Lookout Café - Victoria Falls
- Panoramic helicopter flight-seeing tour - Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Zambezi National Park
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.