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Hello Ralph,
Having returned from South Africa, I wish to convey to you my great appreciation (and that of my wife) of the programme you devised for us. Everything in our programme went off without a single hitch.
We are back in Australia after experiencing a wonderful month long trip throughout South Africa, Victoria Falls and the Chobe River on your Ichobezi Safari Boat and at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. The countries we visited were just amazing and every part of our holiday more than surpassed what we expected. At Victoria Falls we stayed at Ilala Lodge. The hotel is in a great position to allow guests to wander at their leisure be it about the lodge or within the town, making it easy to go anywhere at anytime. Being small than most of the other Hotels there was much nicer and more personal. Then to move onto the Safari Boat after our Vic Falls stay was fantastic. Our stay on 'the boat' for the two nights with the two other couples (one couple who only live about 80 kms from us here in Queensland and a couple from Switzerland) was fantastic. We enjoyed each others company for those days, as well as venturing out on the boats viewing game etc. Given and the boys on the boat were very helpful making sure we were well looked after and doing what 'we wanted to do'. The boat accommodation and lounge areas, meals and drinks provided us with enjoyable and relaxing days.
Then to move to Ichingo River Lodge for another two nights 'put the icing on the cake' of a wonderful holiday. The Meru tents and lounge and dining areas were wonderful and beautifully appointed. We were thoroughly spoilt by yourself, David and staff for the two days we where there. We found a real treasure in Robert being our guide for the days, and he also made sure we were looked after. His knowledge of the area and the stories he told us we will keep with us for a long time. To you personally, I thank you for your personal attention and it was lovely to dine with you and learn all about your involvement in the island community. Also thank you for looking after making purchases on our behalf for the island school. I felt very sad leaving both the boat and the lodge, and would love to return - if only Australia wasn't so far away. In fact I felt sad in just leaving Africa - I fell in love with the place and I will return one day.
have included four of our photos taken during our stay. Maybe Robert might like a copy of his photo.
Once again, a very big 'thank you' to all.
ITINERARY
Day 01
Meet, greet with Wild Horizons off SA 040 at 12h40 and transfer by road from Victoria Falls Airport to Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls. The transfer takes about 20 minutes during which your driver will give you a brief but informative commentary on the area and places of interest.
Day 01 to Day 05
4 nights at Ilala Lodge in a standard twin room with en suite bathroom on a bed and breakfast basis. Small and privately owned Ilala has just 32 rooms. It is ideally situated as it is the closest to the Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. Most rooms have a view of the Victoria Falls National Park which borders the property and wild animals often graze on the lawns. Ilala is justifiably proud of its friendly, personalised service and informal atmosphere. Please note Ilala Lodge is not in a position to accept credit cards.
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Day 01
Enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the tranquil waters above the Falls, where canapes and sundowners are served, whilst you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zambezi River and marvel at the beauty of an African sunset.
Day 02
One of the seven natural wonders of the world the Victoria Falls is a truly spectacular sight. On your guided tour of the Zimbabwe side of the Falls you will have the opportunity to experience its awesome unspoilt grandeur as your guide explains how this 150-million-year-old phenomenon was created. Start at Livingstone's statue and Devil's Cataract and proceed through the rain forest to Danger Point. The walk is 3km and there are many view points along the way.
Day 02
The lion encounter is a truly remarkable experience. Guests are transferred from their hotel to Masuwe estate where a short introductory talk is given on the African Encounter Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild program followed by a safety briefing. It will be emphasized that although the lions are hand reared they are not there to be petted – full interaction is a bonus. Guests are taken to a designated area to meet both the lions and their handlers. The next hour or so will be spent walking with the lions through the bush of the Masuwe River Valley which is home to a variety of wildlife. You may be lucky enough to experience the young cubs attempting to stalk prey. No leashes, no collars, just a natural African wildlife experience! The safari ends with snacks and drinks (beers, soft drinks and bottled water) set up in the bush after which you are transferred back to your hotel. Minimum age 15 years and minimum height 1.5m or 5ft 1 inch tall.
Day 03
Discover the magnificence of the Victoria Falls on a 12/13 minute helicopter flight of angels. The helicopter provides superb photo opportunities as it banks and swoops over the Falls and islands.
Day 04
An elephant back safari is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Guests are transferred from their hotel to Masuwe estate where a short introductory talk is given prior to guests being introduced to the elephants and their handlers. After mounting the elephants the safari begins. As you amble slowly along the Masuwe River valley you may well see elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala, leopard and on occasion lion. The safari ends with snacks and drinks (beers, soft drinks and bottled water) after which you are transferred back to your hot.
Day 04
Return transfer with Wild Horizons at 19h00 from Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the Boma Dinner.
The boma is not just another ethnic restaurant but a cultural experience. Specialising in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes - diners are invited to sample delicacies such as sadza and mopane worms. Traditional customs, such as local beer tasting and pre-dinner handwashing, are observed while the sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by Ndebele performers who captivate diners with their vibrant and energetic songs and dance.
Day 05
Transfer by road with Wild Horizons at 11h15 from Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls to Kasane Immigration. Transfer time is approximately 1 hr 30 minutes and immigration and customs must be cleared at both the Zimbabwe and Botswana border posts. Ichobezi Boat to pick up from Kasane Immigration.
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Day 05 to Day 07
2 nights on board Ichobezi Moli or Ichobezi Mukwae house boat in a twin cabin with en suite facilities on a fully inclusive basis. The Ichobezi house boats are moored at Impalila Island which is situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. These specially designed houseboats each have four twin cabins with sliding windows opening onto the water. On the top deck there is a lounge, bar, sun loungers and plunge pool. It’s the perfect platform to enjoy the constantly changing panorama as you slowly cruise along the waterways of this diverse and special corner of Africa. You will be enthralled by sightings of a variety of game including hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and the shy Chobe bushbuck. Tender boats are available to ensure that each guest has the freedom to partake in activities that are best suited to their personal needs – these may include birding, fishing, walking and a visit to a local fishing village. Apart from being a birders paradise the area is also famous for great tiger and bream fishing that will challenge the most enthusiastic angler
Day 07
Inter transfer by boat from Ichobezi to Ichingo River Lodge
Day 07 to Day 09
2 nights at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge in a twin bedded tent with en suite facilities on a fully inclusive basis. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge has a beautiful location on Impalila Island at the very eastern tip of the Caprivi Strip. This delightful, privately owned, lodge has just eight secluded tents set under large shady trees on the banks of the Chobe River with the main lodge building extending out over the river. Essentially a water lodge activities are varied and flexible as each guest is allocated a guide with boat. Enjoy game viewing into the Chobe National Park where huge herds of elephants come down to the waters edge to drink and play. Evening sundowners surrounded by elephants is an unforgettable experience. The area is a birders paradise with over 400 wetland and woodland species recorded. World famous for their Tigerfish and Bream, the Chobe and Zambezi rivers will delight and challenge both the angling enthusiast and the novice – over 100 kms of rivers and waterways are available to guests. Impalila Island itself boasts an interesting history that your guide will be happy to share with you whilst introducing you to the various local villages. These walking safaris will give you an insight into the life of local inhabitants and introduce you to the natural beauty of the area.
Day 09
Transfer by road with Wild Horizons at 09h30 for SA 041 at 13h30 from Kasane Immigration to Victoria Falls Airport. Transfer time is approximately 2 hrs 45 minutes and immigration and customs must be cleared at both the Botswana and Zimbabwe border posts.
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