African Safaris - Wilderness Travel

Transcription

O
African Safaris
W I T H W I L D E R N E S S T R AV E L
2016
S
ur pe
six
$
Sm cia
sig 500
n-u di
all l O
ps sco
Gr ffe
on unt
o r
mo pe
r p up on
st
Sa
20 ers
16
o
fa
gr n fo
ri
ou
r
t
p s he s
afa fir
ris st
.C
all
us
!
Be Our Guest
Safari—the word means “journey” in
Swahili, and conjures up images of
Discover
Africa’s wonders
endless savannas, incredible wildlife,
and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Wilderness Travel is committed to designing
the absolute best safaris in the world,
bringing you off the beaten path for the
thrilling gameviewing and beautiful camps
and lodges you’ve dreamed of. Our safari
program is as vast and varied as the
continent’s magnificent landscapes: active
adventures, special conservation safaris,
the best route up Kili, and cultural safaris
that witness ancient festivals. Each of
these journeys has been created with our
signature—and award-winning—attention
to detail. Explore our offerings in the
pages that follow, and contact our Africa
Specialists to find the perfect safari for you.
We welcome you to join us!
Bill Abbott, Founder and President
Table of Contents
2
www.wildernesstravel.com
Why Wilderness Travel . . . . . 5
The Right Safari for You. . . . 6
Accommodations. . . . . . . . . . 8
Our Expert Guides. . . . . . . . 10
A Day on Safari . . . . . . . . . . 12
Group Departures . . . . . . . . 14
Private Journeys. . . . . . . . . 30
Cultural Journeys. . . . . . . . 38
Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Giving Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Your Safari Experts
& Trip Finder. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Questions? 1.800.368.2794 or email [email protected]
3
No elephant
ever
complained
about
the weight of
its trunk.
the true safari
Experts
—African
Proverb
4 For a Detailed Itinerary: 1.800.368.2794 or email [email protected]
Why Wilderness Travel?
Let us share with you all that we know,
and love, about Africa. Our safari
program is unparalleled, offering you
the widest range of choices, yet always
with WT’s legendary excellence,
creativity, superb guides and phenomenal
service. We have been exploring the
continent for four decades, and have
the expertise to offer you safaris you’ll
find nowhere else.
Exciting, Romantic, Adventurous...
All of the Above!
Dreaming of an authentic Hemingway-style mobile
safari in Botswana combined with exquisite lodges in
the Okavango? Or witnessing the astounding wildebeest
migration of the Serengeti from an exclusive private
camp, without another group in sight? How about
world-class hiking along South Africa’s Garden Route
combined with a fantastic safari? We’ve got these and
more. Our goal is for you to have the ultimate safari
experience, from amazing wildlife encounters (and
photos!), to enchanting camps and lodges. We take
care of all the details so that you can fully experience
the wonder and discovery of safari, the sense that, as
Isak Dinesen wrote, “Here I am, where I ought to be.”
I will long remember the amazing
wildlife we saw, our safari guides,
and the great group we traveled with.
Mark F., Bowie MD
contact us at 1.800.368.2794 and www.wildernesstravel.com
5
The Right Safari for You
Active walking safaris, delightful lodge-based
safaris, Hemingway-style mobile tented
safaris, fun family adventures—we’ve
created a safari to match your travel style.
All of our journeys feature exceptional safari
guides, hand-picked accommodations,
and our renowned trip design. Wonderfully
detailed itineraries for each of our journeys
are available on our web site, and we invite
you to get in touch—we’d be delighted to help
you find your perfect safari.
The activities were so
varied and exciting we
could hardly wait to
get going each morning.
The attention to detail
made every aspect
Our Small Group departures feature just
8 to 15 guests, and our Private Journeys can
be completely customized. They are ideal for
special and the size of
couples, friends, and families celebrating an
the group was perfect.
honeymoon. Our team of Africa experts can
Ellen W., Oakland CA
anniversary, a graduation, or a very special
help you decide which safari is the best fit—or
they’ll design one just for you.
6 1.800.368.2794 or email [email protected]
Choose
your safari style
7
perfectly placed & wildly
Comfortable
Whether on one of our luxurious mobile safaris
or an enchanting lodge-based adventure,
we’ll have you in the prime location, close to
the wildlife and far from the crowds. Our
exclusive camps grant you unparalleled
proximity to phenomenal game viewing and
access to pristine sections of the parks. Our
lodges are renowned for their superb locations
and authentic style, wonderfully welcoming
and often a bit indulgent. We want you to
experience the serenity and sense of discovery—
the feeling of having all of Africa to yourself
that is such an important part of a great safari.
Our lodges are chosen for their idyllic settings—wonderfully
near the wildlife, and with enchanting comforts. You will
find delightful spaces for dining and relaxing, and lovely,
romantic bedrooms or villas to retreat to at day’s end. All
of the lodges we have chosen have a deep commitment to
the highest environmental standards, and to the communities
surrounding the parks and the wildlife they protect.
Our exclusive mobile camps are
remote and rustic without sacrificing
comfort or romance. They offer large
walk-in tents, hot water showers,
elegant dining beneath a canopy
of stars, and the incomparable ‘Out
of Africa’ thrill of being on safari.
Unbelievable! I could never
have imagined that such
delicious meals and gorgeous
lodging would be found in the
wild. It was more than I could
have ever dreamed of—and
the best trip of my life!
Carole O., Berkeley CA
9
Stanley Dube grew up on the edge
of Hwange National Park, where his
natural affinity for wildlife began at an
early age, and has been a WT guide in
Botswana for more than 15 years. Known
for his eagle-like vision, his favorite part
of safari is “to track and find the elusive
wild dogs.”
Martin Meyer knows his native South
Africa and all of southern Africa as few
others do. Responsible for establishing
exciting new safari routes and finding special
locations, Martin has also led photo safaris
in Botswana and Namibia, guided scuba trips
in Zanzibar, and is the wildly popular leader
of our South Africa adventures.
our expert
Guides
Karibu—welcome to Africa! Our team of safari guides is
simply the best in the business. Trained to the highest
standards, legendary for their ability to spot wildlife,
and utterly unmatched in their talent for sharing the
intricacies of the bush, our safari guides also bring the
incomparable warmth of an African welcome to your
journey. You will be amazed at how much you learn on
safari, how much fun you have in their company, and
how deeply you experience these epic destinations
Samia Asindamu has summited Kili
more than 120 times—and is still counting!
thanks to their incomparable skills. Meet some of these
A professional mountain guide since 1993,
extraordinary leaders here; the full list is on our web site.
his training includes Advanced Technical
Climbing and Wilderness First Aid Response,
and he won the Kilimanjaro Summit Race (he
ran up the entire mountain in just 18 hours!).
Our Trip Leaders took
the time to explain and
Orlando Petrus
Haraseb is a former
show us things that they
soccer star and was
were proud of and found
captain of Namibia’s
national soccer team, but
unique to their country.
his current claim to fame
is being one of the best
I felt they were sharing
guides in the world—and he
special secrets and stories
has the 2015 International
Wanderlust Guide of
that only we as their
the Year Silver Award to
guests were being told.
prove it.
Ruarri T., Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada
Mzee Justice Mangyangi
has been a professional guide since
1994 and is also an incredible
conservationist in his home country
of Tanzania. “Mzee” means “revered
elder” in Swahili, and to us, that
translates to a wonderful combination
of charm, humor, and a wealth
of knowledge.
11
EARLY MORNING Imagine waking up
at dawn to the roar of a nearby lion, and
watching the morning glow of the sun
paint the plains pink. After enjoying your
cup of coffee or tea, prepare for the day
and head out to search for big game as
the sun—and the animals—begin to rise.
a day on
Safari
Every journey is different in its own wonderful way, but
here is a taste of what to expect when you join us for
adventure in Africa.
LATE EVENING Enjoy sharing stories
by the campfire beneath the starlit sky,
and on many safaris, set out on a night
game drive to see nocturnal animals
on the prowl. Senses are sharpened
with the darkness and the spellbinding
sounds of the African night. Back
at camp, return to the comfort of
your chalet or tent to dream of the
adventures tomorrow holds.
EVENING As darkness unfolds, return to the welcome of your camp
or lodge with time to wash up and change, then savor a delicious
three-course meal as you share tales of the day’s highlights.
MORNING For the next several hours, you’re on the hunt!
Your guide is incredible at spotting game and sharing
the fascinating intricacies of how the species interact.
You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn! Your thrilling
encounters with wildlife may include elephants, zebras,
hippos, giraffes, and the big predators including lions with
their cubs, cheetahs, and leopards. And for your ‘Out of
Africa’ moment? Savor a mid-morning tea and coffee
break with your guide in the shade of an acacia tree.
EARLY AFTERNOON Return
to camp for a delicious and
freshly prepared meal featuring
salads, soups, and hearty
fare–you’ll be delighted with
the variety. Midday for humans
and wildlife alike is for relaxing.
As the animals retreat to the
shade and the bush becomes
quiet, you can kick back with a
book or journal in hand.
LATE AFTERNOON Time for a new game
drive or walk to new exciting encounters.
The whole feel of the bush changes as
shadows lengthen and the predators set
out once again. Herds of graceful impala or
zebra graze on the open grasslands, while
baboons watch from their perches in nearby
trees. Elephants gather at watering holes,
their babies splashing in the mud. And as
the sun sets, your guide will find the perfect
spot for you to enjoy the delightful African
custom of sundowners—a cold beer or a
very British gin and tonic to be savored as
evening comes to the bush.
13
Group
departures
Thank you for planning such an amazing
safari—from beginning to end, it was perfect
in every way. We will treasure our memories
from this trip for the rest of our lives.
Travel With Kindred Spirits
Discover the world of safari in the company of like-minded
travelers—our groups are just 8 to 15 guests, the perfect size
for sharing the experience. Our journeys are renowned for the
camaraderie you’ll enjoy with your group and expert leader
on thrilling game drives, exciting game walks, on night drives,
and during authentic cultural encounters. At day’s end, savor
golden sunsets and sundowners together, and share tales and
laughter around the fire under a star-filled sky.
15
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
Tanzania is a vast and spectacular haven for wildlife.
With more than 35 years of experience in this magical
realm, we’re delighted to bring you the quintessential
safari adventure. Our exclusive private tented camps
are set right among elephants gathered by the hundreds,
lions and hyenas calling in the night, and the herds of
the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Join us for exciting
game walks, night game drives, cultural encounters with
the Masai, bush breakfasts, champagne lunches, and
sunset sundowners—no one else brings you this close to
the action, and in such comfort!
Special Offer!
$500 discount per person for the first six
sign-ups on most of our 2016 group safaris.
Call us for details.
THE ULTIMATE SAFARI EXPERIENCE: TARANGIRE, NGORONGORO
CRATER, AND THE SERENGETI DAYS 1-5 In baobab-strewn Tarangire,
watch vast herds of elephants as they graze near the permanent waters
of the Tarangire River. Our private camp, set in the territory of one
of Tarangire’s largest prides of lion, is the perfect place for game walks, night
drives, an optional sleepover in a “fly camp,” and visits
with the Masai. DAYS 6-8 Search for game across
An incredible
adventure! The private
camps were
wonderful and the
guides superb.
Leo and Christine S., Wayzata MN
16 www.wildernesstravel.com
lush Lake Manyara National Park, home to troops
of baboons, and in Ngorongoro Crater’s renowned
landscape, you’ll marvel at the number of zebras,
wildebeests, lions, and cheetahs that roam here—and
you may even see the rare black rhino! DAYS 9-13
Round out your journey on the savannas of the
Serengeti as you witness migrating animals play out
a battle of life and death with their predators across
the endless plains.
TRIP COST
from $8195
DATES
Jan 11-23, 2016 Jan 29-Feb 10
Feb 16-28
Mar 10-22 Jun 18-30
Jul 15-27 Aug 7-19 Sep 10-22 Dec 23 -Jan 4, 2017 Jan 15-27, 2017
Feb 5-17
Feb 23-Mar 7
Extend Your Adventure: Gorilla Tracking!
Your Tanzania safari wouldn’t be complete without the
ultimate gorilla tracking safari! In the spectacular montane
forests of Rwanda’s Parc des Volcans National Park,
savor the exhilarating experience of tracking and observing
the magnificent clans of mountain gorillas.
Highlights
More Extensions
• Exclusive activities:
off-road travel, night
drives, walking safaris,
Masai encounters
• Masai Mara National Reserve
•Zanzibar
• Secluded private camps,
uncrowded game viewing,
spacious tents, candle-lit
dinners, and star-filled nights
• Witness the Great Migration
in the Serengeti, massive
elephant herds in Tarangire,
and stunning Ngorongoro
Crater
17
WT’s route is far better than the
ones used by most trekkers. We were
the only group at many campsites
Climb Kilimanjaro!
If you’re going to climb Kili, you want do it right! We’ve
perfected the climb to the celebrated “snows of
Kilimanjaro” via the Lemosho-Crater Camp Route, a
and felt like we were the only people
beautiful, uncrowded trail on Kili’s remote southwest
on that magnificent mountain.
flanks. With seven days on the ascent for maximum
Trenholm W., Charleston SC
acclimatization, our route offers the greatest chance of
summit success—plus a short summit day to view the sunrise
on top of Kilimanjaro (not the grueling 9-hour climb in the
dark required on other routes!). Our camps have the
finest amenities on the mountain, and for extra security,
we always carry oxygen and a Gamow bag. Our legendary,
highly trained Kili guides and wonderful crew will make
your climb an unforgettable experience.
TREK TO AFRICA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN DAYS 1-2 From our private camp at
6,500 feet on Mt. Meru (14,900’), set within Arusha National Park, enjoy a warm-up
hike through lush cedar and podocarpus forests. The hike is a great way to
acclimatize for Kili. DAYS 3-11 From the Lemosho trailhead,
climb through forests, heath, and moorland zones to Shira
Plateau, with glorious views of Kili’s glaciated face. Ascend
through alpine desert zones to Crater Camp (18,500’), then
make a short and dramatic climb to Uhuru Peak (19,340’),
Kili’s summit. Descend via the Mweka Route, and by late
afternoon on Day 11, you’re back at our lodge for a welldeserved hot shower and festive victory celebration.
Highlights
• Climb to the summit of
Africa’s highest mountain
on uncrowded trails—and
with no retracing of steps!
•Crucial extra days for
maximum acclimatization
•Led by top guides with
specialized high altitude
training and the most
experience on the mountain
•Includes park fees ($1450)
and porter tips ($325)
Extensions
• Ngorongoro Crater and
Serengeti Safari
•Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s
Parc des Volcans
•Zanzibar
18 www.wildernesstravel.com
TRIP COST
from $6195
DATES
Feb 17-27, 2016 Mar 15-25 Jul 4-14
Aug 16-26
Sep 1-11
Dec 16-26
Dec 22 -Jan 1, 2017
Jan 7-17, 2017
Feb 3-13
Extensions
Highlights
• Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s
Parc des Volcans
• Ngorongoro Crater Safari
• Zanzibar
• Specialist guides offer
photo tips and assist
in setting up the best
shots during the day’s
ideal light
• Only 4 people per
vehicle—plenty of room
and window seats for all!
• Exquisite tented camps
with full amenities
and amazing access
to wildlife
Masai Mara: The
Ultimate Migration Safari
Have you always dreamed of seeing—and photographing—
the Great Migration in all its grandeur? Our superb new
safari, timed for the height of the Great Migration in
Kenya’s Masai Mara, is geared for avid photographers and
paced for optimal opportunities to photograph its
phenomenal wonders: wildebeests crossing wild rivers full
of hungry crocs, lions on the prowl in golden savannas,
fiery sunsets, and red-robed Masai guarding their herds.
Carefully selected permanent tented camps offer stylish
lodging in sublime settings—and gorgeous views right
from your tent!
A PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM JOURNEY DAYS 1-4 Dramatic photo
ops are in every direction in the heart of the Masai Mara—lions stalking
wildebeests and solitary leopards surveying from their perches in acacia
trees. An optional balloon safari is an unforgettable experience here. DAYS 5-7
In Mara Ngenche, an intimate camp set at the convergence of the Mara’s
two main rivers, witness the thrill of herds crossing rivers and learn about
the Masai culture from our expert guides. DAYS 8-11
Enjoy uncrowded access to abundant wildlife and
wonderful game walks, night drives, and other activities
not permitted within the Mara reserve itself at Naboisho
Camp in the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
TRIP COST
from $7995
Special Offer!
DATES
Jul 17-27, 2016
Aug 14-24 Sep 11-21
For a detailed itinerary: 1.800.368.2794 or email [email protected]
19
Highlights
Extensions
• Thrilling up-close
encounters with
chimpanzees and
endangered mountain
gorillas
Parc des Volcans
• Masai Mara National Reserve
•Phenomenal game viewing
safari by land and water
in the legendary Great
Rift Valley
•Comfortable lodges set in
serene forests with superb
access to the wildlife
Mountain Gorilla
Safari
With its mystical forests sheltering half the world’s
population of magnificent mountain gorillas, its
sun-dappled savannas brimming with wildlife,
and the enchanting snow-capped Ruwenzori
Mountains, Uganda truly has it all! On this epic
adventure in the “Pearl of Africa,” we’ve paired
two unforgettable experiences—a thrilling big game
safari and the rare opportunity to observe mountain
gorillas up-close. You’ll also track chimpanzees on
foot, and enjoy wonderful sightings of elephants,
lions, and leopards—and the largest concentration
of hippos in the world!
GORILLAS, CHIMPS, AND A BIG GAME SAFARI DAYS 1-3 Head to
Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll track bands of chimpanzees
as they scamper in the treetops. DAYS 4-6 Queen Elizabeth National
This is one of those experiences one will
never forget. The beauty of Uganda and its
people, along with the extraordinary
viewing of primates and other wildlife,
couldn’t have been better. Many, many thanks.
Joseph B., Portsmouth RI
Park teems with wildlife and some 500 avian species. Safari by 4WD
vehicle and boat on the Kazinga Channel, with its huge population
of hippos—up to 30,000! DAYS 7-9 Enjoy the
spine-tingling experience of coming face-to-face
with mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park.
With two full days here, you’re virtually assured
of encounters with these elusive creatures.
DAYS 10-11 Options in Entebbe include a visit to
Ngamba Island’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
20 For more details on our Africa trips, visit www.wildernesstravel.com/trips/africa
TRIP COST
from $6495
DATES
Jan 9-19, 2016 Feb 20-Mar 1
Jul 5-15
Aug 2-12
Jan 9-19, 2017
Feb 20-Mar 2
Madagascar:
Off the Beaten Path
Watching lemurs leap from tree to tree or dance across
your footpath are some of the delights awaiting you in
Madagascar. With our superb Trip Leader Vy Raharinosy
to help unlock the island’s secrets, hike fantastic trails
in a dazzling array of wildlife reserves and search for
Magical Madagascar
Explore renowned Andisabe (Perinet),
Berenty, with its ring-tailed and sifaka
lemurs, and spectacular landscapes
of the Ankarana and Amber National
Parks. May 15-27, Jul 3-15, Sep 4-16,
Sep 25-Oct 7, 2016. From $4695.
endemic species found nowhere else on earth. Explore the
magical cloud forest of Ranomafana, the surreal limestone
landscapes of Isalo, Kirindy Forest, with its amazing nocturnal
creatures, and world-famous Andisabe (Perinet), home
of the black-and-white Indri indri, the largest species of
lemur. If you’re a nature lover, this trip is a must!
WHERE NATURAL HISTORY ABOUNDS WITHOUT LIMITS DAYS 1-6
Explore Antananarivo, with lunch in a private home, visit artisan workshops
in Antsirabe, then head to Ranomafana’s rainforest, home to the rare golden
bamboo lemur. DAYS 7-10 Community-run Anja Reserve is the ideal place to get
eye-to-eye with ring-tailed lemurs, and we’ll hike in the dramatic canyons of
Isalo before exploring Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, with fantastic birding.
DAYS 11-13 Enjoy a Malagasy sundowner in the photogenic Avenue of
the Baobabs, then head to remote Kirindy Forest, the best
place for night walks with nocturnal species such as the
rare Coquerel’s giant mouse-lemur. DAYS 14-16 Hike in the
lush montane landscapes of Andisabe, a world brimming
with ferns, orchids, fantastic birdlife, and colorful reptiles.
TRIP COST
from $5495
DATES
Apr 24-May 9, 2016
Sep 4-19 Sep 25-Oct 10
Oct 16-31
Highlights
• Hikes in five national parks
and reserves, fascinating
night walks, and special early
morning walks for birders
•Private dinner with a wildlife
researcher
•Extra local guides at each
park for avid photographers
and easier hiking options
Extension
• Ankarana and Amber
Mountain National Parks
• The Seychelles Islands
Questions? 1.800.368.2794
21
Highlights
Extensions
• Experience an
incredible walking safari
in an unspoiled African
wilderness
• Johannesburg
•Lake Malawi: Pumulani Beach
Lodge
•Lower Zambezi Canoe and
Walking Safari
•Victoria Falls
•Excellent leopard sightings
and predator-prey
interactions
•Night drives allow us
to get closer to fascinating
nocturnal creatures
•Private Journey available—
call us!
Zambia Walking Safari
Zambia, birthplace of the legendary walking safari, is
remote and untamed, and we’ve created an adventure
that’s the perfect match for its wonders. With consummate
safari guide Jason Alfonsi, set out on foot to explore the
incredible sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush
firsthand. Seeing big game this way is a whole different
experience, and 3,500-square-mile South Luangwa
National Park is as wild as it gets, with welcoming lodges
and mobile camps ensuring total comfort along the way.
Bush walks, night game viewing, 4WD safaris by open
vehicle, and magenta sunsets over an unspoiled African
wilderness—if you’re looking for excitement, it’s all here!
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE IN UNTOUCHED AFRICA DAYS 1-2 A charter
flight brings you to Nkwali Camp, a lovely lodge on the banks of the Luangwa
An absolutely amazing safari.
River. Evening game drives reveal the nocturnal world of leopards, lions, genets,
Everyone should get the
and hyenas. DAYS 3-6 Exciting bush walks at sunrise offer the chance to see
elephants, waterbucks, zebras, and with luck, the full
opportunity to
complement of predators. DAYS 7-10 From Tena Tena Camp,
go on a trip like this!
set along the Luangwa River, head out on bush walks
Julia V., St. Louis MO
forests, then raise your sundowner cocktail to Zambia’s
and game drives along stunning oxbow lakes and in ebony
wonders as elephants and hippos bathe in the river nearby.
TRIP COST
from $6195
DATES
Jun 20-29, 2016 Jul 10-19
Aug 16-25
Sep 1-10
Zimbabwe!
Make it a Private Journey!
After years of flying below the radar, Zimbabwe is the new
hot safari destination. Our exciting—and active—adventure
brings you to an extraordinary array of environments
overlooked by many travelers, with phenomenal wildlife
experiences throughout. From our exclusive lodge set high
above Batoka Gorge to our gorgeous tented camps in the
You pick the dates and your best
mates, and we’ll immerse you in the
wild wonder of Zimbabwe with
exciting game drives, walking safaris,
and up-close elephant encounters.
famed elephant refuge of Hwange as well as Zambezi National
Park, explore the realm of lions, hippos, cheetahs, and more.
Savor special lantern-lit dinners under the stars, sundowners
aboard a vintage railway car, visits with local schoolkids
(you’ll even learn a few words of their click language), game
drives with the flexibility to get out and hike, and canoeing
on the great Zambezi. This is adventure Zimbabwe style!
THRILLING SAFARI AND SPECTACULAR LODGES DAYS 1-2 From your
lodge perched high the above Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge, watch black eagles
soar on the evening thermals and hike the mile-long trail facing magnificent
Victoria Falls. DAYS 3-5 A charter flight gives you a bird’s-eye view of Hwange,
home to over 40,000 elephants, and in the game-rich Ngamo Plains, you’ll
enjoy game drives, walks, and the unique “look up” blind, where you’ll have
water-level views of wildlife as they come to drink. DAYS 6-7 Ride aboard a
vintage railway car to dreamy Nehimba Lodge, wrapped around
a waterhole that is very popular with elephants! DAYS 8-10 On
the banks of the upper Zambezi, search for hippos, crocs, and
buffalo, as well as a myriad of birdlife, canoe around Siansimba
islands, and delight in an elegant brunch out in the bush.
TRIP COST
from $5195
DATES
Jul 11-20, 2016
Aug 3-12
Sep 22-Oct 1
Highlights
• Enjoy open vehicles, canoes,
game drives, night drives,
game walks—the freedom of
safari in southern Africa!
•Your safari directly supports
community-based tourism
organizations in Zimbabwe
Extensions
•One of our lodges won best
new safari property at the
2016 Safari Awards!
• Mana Pools
•Victoria Falls
23
We have loved all our WT trips,
but this one stands above them
all. Fantastic itinerary and our
Namibia Expedition
Otherworldly landscapes surround you in Namibia, where
a sea of sand mountains turns red at sunrise, the lone
guides were the best ever—it
tracks of desert elephants trace across salt pans, and
doesn’t get any better than this!
6,000-year-old rock carvings adorn flat-topped sandstone
Jeannee S., Milwaukee WI
peaks. Under the deep blue skies of this photogenic country,
you’ll track cheetahs and leopards, climb the dunes of the
Namib Desert, and meet traditional Himba nomads. For a
grand finale to your diverse adventure, hike across the wilds
of NamibRand Nature Reserve amid majestic mountain
ranges, orange dunes, and wondrous desert silence.
ETOSHA, HIMBA TRIBES, SOSSUSVLEI DUNES, AND A DESERT HIKE
DAYS 1-5 At delightful Okonjima Bush Camp, enjoy up-close encounters
with cheetahs and radio-track leopards with a specialist, then head to the
salt pans and savannas of Etosha National Park, where elephants, lions,
giraffes, elands, gemsboks, zebras, and rhinos abound. DAYS 6-10 Explore
the table-topped mountains of Damaraland, visit a remote Himba settlement,
and walk the trail at Twyfelfontein to view the most incredible San rock
etchings in Africa. In the heart of magical Namib-Naukluft
National Park, climb the shimmering dunes at sunrise and
sunset, capturing the colors of Sossusvlei in perfect light.
DAYS 11-14 Hike across the private NamibRand Nature
Reserve as your specialist guide brings the immense diversity
of the desert world to life, and sleep under the open sky
beneath a brilliant canopy of stars.
Highlights
• Our Trip Leader Orlando
Haraseb, a top recipient
of the International
Wanderlust Guide of the
Year Awards
•Wonderful cultural visits in
the remote Himba villages
in Damaraland
•Climb some of the world’s
highest free-standing
dunes in Sossusvlei
Extensions
• Shumbalala Game Lodge,
South Africa
•Cape Town
24 Questions? 1.800.368.2794
TRIP COST
from $6595
DATES
May 6-19, 2016 May 20-Jun 2
Jul 1-14
Jul 19-Aug 1
Aug 12-25
Sep 9-22 Highlights
Extensions
• Sossusvlei Dunes
•Cape Town
• Go behind the scenes
at AfriCat for close
encounters with cheetahs
and leopards, including
our special “Vet Check”
Departure
•Exclusive safari—just 6
participants—with expert
tracker and naturalist
safari guide Jason Nott
•Meet with field staff of
Save the Rhino Trust,
responsible for saving
Namibia’s black rhinos
from extinction
In the Realm of the
Desert Lion
In the desert folds of Namibia lies the most extraordinary
story of wildlife conservation. On our spectacular and
utterly unique safari, you’ll have incredible behind-the-scenes
access to conservation projects that protect wildlife
including endangered black rhinos and the world’s largest
population of free-roaming cheetahs. And, you’ll have
the exclusive experience of tracking magnificent desert
lions, which exist nowhere else on earth, alongside renowned
conservationist Dr. Flip Stander. This the safari of a lifetime!
A THRILLING CONSERVATION SAFARI DAYS 1-3 In Okonjima, visit the
AfriCat Foundation, the largest cheetah and leopard rescue-and-release
program in the world. Search for leopards and track cheetahs on foot. Our
special “Vet Check” departure offers the exclusive opportunity to witness
(and assist!) in the annual check-up of big cats. DAYS 4-6
At lovely Desert Rhino Camp, enjoy an insider’s look at the
extraordinary work being done to ensure the survival of
the black rhino, and search ephemeral riverbeds for desert
elephants. DAYS 7-12 From our mobile camp in the heart
of the Kunene, search for desert lions with the chance to
meet (and even track with) Dr. Flip Stander, whose work has
been critical in ensuring the survival of this unique species.
TRIP COST
from $6895
WT Expedition: Khaudum,
Bushmanland, and the Caprivi
DATES
May 18-29, 2016 Jun 20-Jul 3* Sep 3-14
May 14-25, 2017 Jun 23-Jul 6*
Sep 3-14, 2017 *AfriCat Annual Vet
Check Departure
Join acclaimed Trip Leader Orlando
Haraseb to journey with huntergatherers and explore hidden game
parks of Namibia’s northeast frontier.
June 18-27, 2016. From $6195.
For more details on our Africa trips, visit www.wildernesstravel.com/trips/africa
25
Botswana
Special Seasonal Expeditions
Kalahari Explorer: Witness the unique desert wildlife of
Botswana’s Central Kalahari Reserve during the optimal
game viewing season. Includes Okavango Delta and Chobe
National Park. Apr 10-23, 2016, Apr 9-22, 2017. From $8195.
Okavango Explorer: The lush paradise of the Okavango
teems with wildlife when waters are at their highest.
Your unforgettable days here reveal a full spectrum of
predators and prey—along with wonderful birding—by
boat and mokoro (canoe). Includes Chobe National Park.
Jun 26-Jul 9, Aug 21-Sep 3, 2016. From $8495.
Kalahari San Tribe Expedition: Only offered every
two to five years! Immerse yourself in the heart of
Botswana, with incredible cultural encounters with the
San tribes, the skilled hunter-gatherers of the Kalahari.
Includes Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, and
Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Mar 4-20, 2016. From $11,495.
26
Wildlife Safari
Sprawled across golden savannas, woodlands, and shifting
Kalahari sands that cradle the incredible Okavango Delta,
Botswana is a geological Eden brimming with wildlife.
We’ve paired the best places to see animals—from vast herds
of elephants to prides of lions—with welcoming lodges and
An extraordinary trip.
The tent camping
exclusive private mobile camps. Enjoy game viewing by 4WD
experience and the
vehicle, riverboat, and, a Botswana specialty, mokoro (dugout
lodges were outstanding!
canoe), cap off your nights by the fire, gazing at the sparkling
John M., Alexandria VA
stars and listening to the distant roars of the wild.
MOREMI GAME RESERVE, THE OKAVANGO DELTA, AND CHOBE NATIONAL
PARK DAYS 1-3 Moremi is an exquisite mosaic of mopane scrub and wetlands.
Search for tsessebes, Burchell’s zebras, and track predators including wild dogs
and spotted hyenas before you return to our special camp, set near secret pools
and open grasslands with no one else around—except maybe vervet monkeys in
the trees! DAYS 4-5 Welcoming Xugana Lodge is the base for your explorations
in the Okavango Delta, with its amazing array of birdlife and unique animals
including the semi-aquatic lechwe and sitatunga antelopes. DAYS 6-10 A private
charter flight whisks you to Chobe National Park, a legendary
elephant refuge with abounding wildlife from elegant gemsboks
to sleeping crocodiles. Unforgettable moments here include
golden-red sunsets along the Chobe River, thousands of elephants
browsing in thick acacia woodlands, buffalo herds on open
plains, and the cry of the African fish eagle piercing the air.
Highlights
Extensions
•Ruggedly comfortable
mobile camping (you’ll
even have your own tent
steward)
• Victoria Falls
•Cape Town
•Cape Winelands
•Johannesburg
TRIP COST
from $7095
DATES
May 22-31, 2016
Jun 12-21
Jul 17-26
Sep 4-13
Sep 18-27
•Thrilling boat excursions
and game viewing in the
Okavango Delta, a World
Heritage Site
•Fantastic photo
opportunities by 4WD
vehicle—every seat is a
window seat!
For a Detailed Itinerary: 1.800.368.2794 or email [email protected]
27
Every single piece of the trip went like
clockwork. The food was excellent, the
Botswana, South Africa,
and Victoria Falls
wildlife viewing a once-in-a-lifetime
Want to see an amazing array of southern Africa’s iconic
experience, the guides phenomenal.
wildlife in great comfort? On our adventure in three different
A stupendous trip.
Suzanne S., Sperryville VA
countries and diverse ecosystems, you’ll experience the
thrill of Big Five encounters in South Africa’s famed Greater
Kruger National Park and neighboring Timbavati, a private
game reserve. Then it’s on to Zambia for game viewing
along the Zambezi River and stunning views of thundering
Victoria Falls. Your grand finale is epic wildlife viewing in
the savannas of Botswana’s Chobe National Park and the
Okavango Delta. Exhilarating game viewing by day, candlelit
dinners at stylish safari camps and lodges by night, and the
expertise of our safari guide extraordinaire—this is what
safari is all about.
ADVENTURES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA DAYS 1-3 On golden savannas
surrounding our elegant camp, head off road in open-sided vehicles for close
views of the Big Five, and enjoy optional bush walks and night drives. DAYS 4-6
Stroll near the crashing waters of Victoria Falls, and search for wildlife along
the banks of the Zambezi during a sunset cruise (with a sundowner in hand, of
course!). DAYS 7-8 Predators and their prey abound in the game-rich Savuti
region of Chobe, and you’ll savor unparalleled elephant
viewing, with animals numbering in the thousands! DAYS 9-11
At remote Xugana Lodge, set on a private island in the
Okavango Delta, game view by mokoro (canoe) in lily–filled
lagoons and enjoy crimson sunsets over the water.
Highlights
• Fall asleep to the distant
calls of animals in the
African night
•Enjoy our safari guide’s
incredible knowledge of
and passion for Africa’s
wildlife and cultures
•Diverse landscapes, from
savannas and woodlands
to riverine glades and
the Okavango’s jewel-like
lagoons
Extensions
• Cape Town
•Sossusvlei Dunes
•Mozambique
28 Questions? 1.800.368.2794
TRIP COST
from $7995
DATES
May 23-Jun 2, 2016 Jun 15-25
Jul 6-16
Extensions
Highlights
• Victoria Falls
• Shumbalala Game Lodge
• Cape Town
• Mozambique
• Up-close game viewing,
including the famous
Timbavati white lions and
the Big Five in Greater
Kruger National Park
• Enjoy oyster tasting in a
harbor village along the
Garden Route
• Superb accommodations,
including Phantom Forest
and Montusi Mountain
Lodge
Great Hikes and Game
Parks of South Africa
We’ve combined the very best hikes of South Africa and a
world-class safari in its phenomenal game parks for the
perfect active adventure. Exhilarating hikes bring you
through phantom fern forests and along the coast of the
spectacular Garden Route to “hanging spear” waterfalls
and ancient Bushman rock paintings in the craggy
Drakensberg Mountains of Zulu country. Our thrilling safari
explores one of the most exclusive private reserves in
the world, Timbavati, part of renowned Greater Kruger
National Park. You’ll head out on foot and by open vehicle
for incredible sightings of lions, leopards, elephants,
rhinos, and buffalos—the legendary Big Five—as well as
cheetahs, zebras, and the elusive wild dog.
HIKING THE GARDEN ROUTE AND DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS, SAFARI IN
GREATER KRUGER DAYS 1-3 Hike in Afromontane forests and along towering
bluffs, beaches, and bays of the Tsitsikamma Coast. DAYS 4-6 In the Drakensberg,
hikes from our mountain lodge lead to fantastic rock formations,
stunning gorges, and ancient rock art. DAYS 7-10 In Timbavati,
experience exceptional game viewing by 4WD vehicle and
on foot. Our deluxe lodge is set near a waterhole attracting
members of the Big Five—an unforgettable safari experience.
TRIP COST
from $5395
Special Offer!
DATES
Mar 5-14, 2016 May 7-16
Jul 23-Aug 1
Oct 1-10
29
I’m extremely happy with your Private Journeys—
it’s the perfect way to travel! You have the
privacy of your own group with the invaluable
itineraries of WT. The logistics were impeccable
and the guides terrific.
Private
journeys
It’s Your Adventure
Our Private Journeys are delightfully flexible—
your dates, your group, customized to your
special interests. Want to sip your way through
Cape Town’s Winelands or bungee jump at
Victoria Falls on your honeymoon? Perhaps a
hot air balloon ride above Namibia at sunrise or
celebrating a birthday, graduation, or anniversary
with a lantern-lit dinner in the bush is more
your style. We plan each trip down to the last
detail, and can transform those milestone events
into unforgettable memories with your family,
friends, or just that special someone.
31
Highlights
Extensions
• Track the Big Five along the
spectacular Ngorongoro
Crater floor, see the elephant
herds of Tarangire
• Gorilla tracking in Rwanda’s
Parc des Volcans
•Zanzibar
•Explore the legendary
Serengeti with your
private guide
•Enjoy exclusive camps
and lodges with the most
uncrowded game viewing in
Tanzania, and opportunities to
follow migratory herds
Tanzania
Private Journey
Prowling lions, hyenas calling in the night, massive
herds of elephants, and shimmering stars
overhead—the mystique and wonder of Tanzania
await you! To bring you wildlife encounters in the
most legendary settings, we’ve combined three
world-renowned sanctuaries—Tarangire National
Park, with migrating wildlife drawn by the permanent
waters of the Tarangire River, spectacular
Ngorongoro Crater, and the mythical Serengeti,
where the earth’s greatest gathering of terrestrial
wildlife roams freely on golden savannas.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK, NGORONGORO, AND THE
SERENGETI DAYS 1-4 In Tarangire National Park, watch as elephant
herds gather to drink from the perennial waters of the Tarangire
River, while wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, and gazelles crowd the
lagoons. Unique activities include bush walks and night drives. DAY 5
On Ngorongoro Crater’s grassy floor lives Africa’s largest permanent
concentration of wildlife—a great place for observing lions and even
endangered black rhinos! At our private camp, enjoy a Masai dance
performance and a unique opportunity to attend
an olpul (Masai feast). DAYS 6-9 Explore the
Serengeti by 4WD vehicle from your own private
camp in a secluded section of the park, far from
the lodges and other park facilities.
TRIP COST
from $6795
DATES
June to October,
December to
March
Uganda
Private Journey
Observing the gorillas
With its wide-open plains dotted with grazing herds and
in their natural habitat was a
its mist-shrouded forests shadowed by great mountains,
life-changing experience.
Uganda is an absolutely gorgeous setting for a safari. With
your own guide and private vehicle, enjoy a fantastic big
Melinda C., Tucson AZ
game safari, with wildlife viewing by boat and the rare
opportunity to track chimpanzees and mountain gorillas
on foot! To observe these endangered creatures up-close
in the wild is one of the world’s most unforgettable
experiences—the excitement of coming within a few feet
of them is simply surreal.
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING, QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, AND
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS DAYS 1-3 Venture through Kibale National Park,
home to 13 primate species. Here you’ll track bands of chimpanzees as they
play, feed, and scamper across the treetop canopy. DAYS 4-5 Queen Elizabeth
National Park supports a wonderful diversity of wildlife, all with the stunning
backdrop of the Ruwenzoris, Africa’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon.” Game
view in the park’s lake-dotted savannas, and boat in the Kazinga Channel, with
its large concentrations of hippos, elephants, and lions. DAYS 6-8 A World
Heritage Site, Bwindi National Park is one of the most
biologically diverse areas on Earth. Among the 11 resident
primate species are magnificent mountain gorillas, and
you’ll enjoy the incomparable experience of tracking, then
quietly observing, the clans that reside here.
TRIP COST
from $4695
DATES
June to
September,
December to
February
Highlights
• Enjoy thrilling
encounters with mountain
gorillas in Bwindi
National Park
•Track chimpanzees
on foot in Kibale Forest
National Park
Extensions
•Phenomenal game viewing
in Queen Elizabeth National
Park
•Your own private safari
Parc des Volcans
guide and vehicle
•Masai Mara National Reserve
Questions? 1.800.368.2794
33
Highlights
Extensions
• Choice of full-day private
guided tours including
wine tasting, Table
Mountain, shark diving,
and Cape Town’s marvelous
dining options
• Cape Winelands
•Johannesburg
•Okavango Delta Safari
•Expert ranger-trackers,
off-road safari exploration,
optional game walks
•Optional upgrade to
award-winning properties
of your choice
South Africa
Private Journey
Discover the splendor and diversity of South Africa, often
called “a world in one country.” From glorious Cape Town,
an enchanting base for exploring the Cape’s striking
landscapes, you’ll journey to the Cape of Good Hope, then
experience the wildlife wonders of South Africa at two
exclusive private game reserves for the ultimate in big
game viewing—and a chance to encounter lions, leopards,
elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and cheetahs at close range in
a mosaic of spectacular habitats.
BEAUTIFUL CAPE TOWN AND A CLASSIC WILDLIFE SAFARI DAYS 1-3
Cape Town’s celebrated setting offers many delightful options including
Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, and wine tasting in
the famed Winelands. DAYS 4-6 In the wooded savannas of Timbavati Private
Game Reserve, track lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife—the
birdwatching here is also amazing. Because you are on private land, not in a
national park, enjoy off-road safaris and night drives. DAYS 7-10 Thornybush
and Londolozi Private Game Reserves are extraordinary gamelands adjacent
to renowned Greater Kruger National Park. The Big Five roam freely here,
and on early morning and late afternoon game drives,
enjoy the solitary splendor far from lodges and camps as
you search for leopards, cheetahs, and other animals with
your private guide and driver.
TRIP COST
from $4795
DATES
January to
December
South Africa, Botswana, and
Victoria Falls Private Journey
Discover the captivating beauty and unlimited adventure
A flawless trip. It could not have
of South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana. In South
better met our expectations of a
Africa, journey to some of Cape Town’s renowned
landscapes and outstanding wineries, then head to an
exclusive private game reserve for superb game
dream vacation.
Jim B., Carrollton TX
viewing and a chance to encounter amazing wildlife
from your delightful lodge. At Victoria Falls, experience
the majesty of one of the world’s natural wonders,
where optional activities abound. Your safari ends with
a flourish in Botswana’s legendary Chobe National Park,
with its massive herds of elephants, along with buffalos,
zebras, giraffes, kudus, hippos, crocs, wild dogs, and over
450 species of birds.
CAPE TOWN TO BOTSWANA DAYS 1-3 In Cape Town, visit historic Robben
Island, Table Mountain, the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, or
tour centuries-old wine estates, with their beautiful Cape Dutch architecture.
DAYS 4-6 Enjoy leopard viewing and track lions, buffalos, rhinos, and elephants
on game drives in a private conservancy in Greater Kruger National Park.
DAYS 7-8 Marvel at the splendor of mile-wide Victoria Falls, where your options
include a helicopter ride over the falls and bungee jumping!
DAYS 9-11 Elephants reign supreme in Chobe National Park,
and you’ll see huge herds of buffalos, wildebeests, and the
Big Five in abundance.
TRIP COST
from $5995
DATES
January to
December
Highlights
• Game viewing in search
of the Big Five in
world-famous Greater
Kruger National Park
•Enjoy the spectacle of
hundreds of elephants
bathing in the Chobe River
at sunset
Extensions
• Cape Winelands
•Johannesburg
•Okavango Delta Safari
•Delightful accommodations
from Cape Town to Botswana,
including game lodges,
tented camps, and a hotel
set right near Victoria Falls
35
Highlights
Extensions
• Enjoy nature walks, mokoro
excursions, and thrilling 4WD
game drives
• Cape Town
•Johannesburg
•At intimate tented camps,
enjoy highly personalized
service, superb cuisine, and
have the chance to walk
among semi-habituated
elephants
•Optional activities are tailored
to your interests to make this
an unforgettable journey
Botswana and
Victoria Falls
Private Journey
Considered the ultimate paradise for safari-goers,
Botswana has everything from countless herds of
grazing animals—and their prowling predators—to
bubbly pods of hippos and brightly-colored birds
painting the sky. This journey brings you through
the game-rich floodplains of the Okavango Delta
to Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s legendary
game reserves. By day, enjoy game viewing by
open vehicle, riverboat, and mokoro (canoe), and
by night unwind in intimate safari camps right in
the heart of game country. Your fitting finale is the
world-famous natural wonder of Victoria Falls.
THE OKAVANGO DELTA, CHOBE’S ELEPHANT KINGDOM, AND
VICTORIA FALLS DAYS 1-3 With your expert naturalist guides,
scan the landscapes of the Okavango Delta for sitatungas, red
lechwes, and an abundance of birds, including the rare Pel’s fishing
owl. DAYS 4-6 Chobe National Park and the Linyanti Game Reserve
(an exclusive private reserve on Chobe’s western edge) are the places
to see spectacular concentrations of elephants.
DAYS 7-8 The huge Zambezi River stretches a mile
wide where it creates Victoria Falls, and you can
enjoy many exciting adventure options here.
TRIP COST
from $5595
DATES
January to
December
Namibia
Private Journey
I love WT! You have the best guides
and such special places to stay.
Namibia is an ageless land, a world of desert-adapted
Thank you for creating adventures
animals and infinite blue skies, where space and silence
that expand one’s knowledge while
contribute to a feeling of antiquity, solitude, and wilderness.
making it all enjoyable and fun.
During this journey, explore the amazing dunescapes of
Sossusvlei and the mountains of Damaraland, see a
Nancy D., Little Rock AR
heritage of rock art created during the Stone Age, and
witness an amazing array of wildlife at Etosha National
Park, the greatest wildlife sanctuary in all Namibia. You’ll
be joined by your own private guide and driver for part of
your journey and also have the chance to meet the Himba,
the nomadic pastoralists who have been little influenced
by the modern world. Experience this magnificent and
memorable country in a very personal way!
SOSSUSVLEI DUNES, DAMARALAND, AND ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAYS 1-3 With the soft light of sunrise, gaze at the famous red Sossusvlei dunes,
watching the fantastic colors and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and
curves. DAYS 4-5 Enjoy an amazing bird’s-eye view of the great dune sea that
stretches to the Skeleton Coast as you fly to Damaraland. Explore Twyfelfontein,
a World Heritage Site, with some 2,500 prehistoric engravings, and during game
drives, search for elusive desert-adapted elephants. DAYS 6-8
Etosha’s habitats include grassland, woodland, and savanna,
premium settings for premium setting for seeing lions, giraffe,
and with luck the endangered black rhino.
TRIP COST
from $4295
DATES
April to November
Highlights
• Climb one of the world’s
highest free-standing dunes
in Sossusvlei and walk
among prehistoric rock art
at the World Heritage Site
of Twyfelfontein
•Take a scenic flight along the
Skeleton Coast viewing
shipwrecks, seal colonies,
and dunes
Extensions
• NamibRand Nature Reserve
•Skeleton Coast
•Serra Cafema
•Desert Rhino Camp
•Okonjima Bush Camp
•Enjoy fantastic lodges and
camps with access to
astonishing parks
37
Cultural
journeys
Experience Other Worlds
Delve deep into Africa’s heritage, history,
and iconic landmarks with these fascinating
journeys. You’ll explore remote villages,
experience cultures in an authentic,
meaningful way, take part in unique festivals,
and wander through local markets and
entrancing landscapes that beckon you into
a world like no other.
Highlights
• Kumasi, the heart of the
vibrant Ashanti culture,
known for its colorful
handicrafts and elaborate
funerary rites
•Elmina Castle, fetish
priests of Taneka, the
Tamberma and Somba
people, with their castles
of clay
•Each departure features
the Akwasidae Festival
in Ghana and Egun Mask
festival in Benin
Tribal Ghana, Togo,
and Benin
Thriving traditional cultures, renowned art forms, and
a dazzling ethnic mosaic are the golden gems of tribal
West Africa. Our fantastic cultural odyssey to the lost
tribal worlds of Ghana, Togo, and Benin is woven together by
fascinating festivals and village visits. Meet unforgettable
people including the Tamberma, whose fairytale clay
castles are spectacular examples of uniquely African
architecture, and in the heart of voodoo country along
the coast, witness trance-dances and learn about the
awesome power the voodoo spirits still hold over people.
ROYAL FESTIVALS, MASK DANCES, VOODOO SPIRITS, CASTLES OF
CLAY DAYS 1-3 Along Ghana’s palm-fringed coast, explore Elmina Castle,
the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa. DAYS 4-5 Wander
through the bustling markets of Kumasi, spiritual center of the flourishing
Ashanti Kingdom. DAYS 6-9 In northern Benin, marvel at tribal architecture
of adobe clay, hike to an ancient Taneka village, with its fetish priests, and see
the encampments of Fulani herders. DAYS 10-15 Near Lomé,
Togo’s capital, meet traditional healers at a “voodoo hospital”,
visit a fetish market and glass bead workshop, and watch a
real voodoo ceremony accompanied by hypnotic rhythm of
chanting and drums.
TRIP COST
from $5995
DATES
Feb 13-27, 2016
Oct 29-Nov 12
Feb 8-22, 2017
Did you know?
LeapingStone, a wonderful non-profit
that builds and upgrades schools
in West Africa, was founded by WT
Adventurer Natalie Huberman after she
joined our trip to this region.
39
Highlights
Extension
• Tribal villages of the Dorze,
known for their weaving,
and the Karo, with their body
painting
• Harar
•Spectacular festivals on each
trip: Timkat (January) or
Meskel (September)
•Private charter flight avoids
two days of driving—more
time for exploration!
Lost Worlds of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is truly a world unto itself, from its
Orthodox Christian heritage, revealed in stunning
rock-hewn churches, to its unique animistic tribes.
We’ve created an adventure that takes in the full
sweep of this fabled land. You’ll discover intriguing
places including Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient holy city
and a World Heritage Site, and encounter indigenous
tribal people such as the Mursi, with their striking
clay lip plates. Each trip is timed for a unique
festival—Timkat, the famed Epiphany celebration
with is procession of the sacred Tabot or Meskel,
with its bonfires and carpets of meskel daisies—
profound cultural experiences of an ancient land.
TRIBES OF THE OMO VALLEY AND SPECTACULAR FESTIVALS
DAYS 1-6 After exploring Addis, fly to Axum, where the original Ark
of the Covenant is said to reside. Lalibela’s astounding rock churches
and Gondar’s towering medieval castles offer a further glimpse into
My third trip with WT and it
certainly won’t be my last. The
itinerary was fascinating, our Trip
Leader delightful, and the WT
office wonderfully responsive.
Sandra C., New York NY
Ethiopia’s history. DAYS 7-9 In the Rift Valley savannas, visit the
fantastic tribal country of the Omo Valley. DAYS 10-12 Visit the
Karo, who excel in body painting, and watch one
of their traditional dances. Meet the Mursi people
and hike to a Bume village. DAYS 13-15 Back in Addis,
witness the Timkat Festival’s lively processions of
Orthodox priests in vividly hued gowns (or on the
September departure, the dancing, feasting, and
massive bonfires of Meskel).
TRIP COST
from $7395
DATES
Jan 7-21, 2016*
Jan 12-26*
Sep 12-26** Jan 6-20, 2017* Jan 11-25 * Jan 17-31 * * Timkat Festival
**Meskel Festival
Expedition to Sudan
Imagine approaching historical sites that are as dramatic
as they are unknown, just as explorers did long ago. In
Sudan’s arid landscapes, our cultural and archaelogical
journey brings you to the confluence of the Blue Nile and
White Nile for a private sunset cruise, then overland by
4WD vehicle to grand and seldom-visited monuments,
from the painted tombs of Napata to the breathtaking
Pyramids of Meroe. Along the way, enjoy desert picnics,
visits to chai houses to sip cinnamon tea, hidden
Nubian villages, a mystical Sufi dance, and an optional
camel ride in the desert.
THE NILE VALLEY, NUBIAN DESERT, AND PYRAMIDS OF MEROE
DAYS 1-5 After exploring Khartoum’s historic sites, head to the red sandstone
mountain of Jebel Barkal, sacred to the Nubians since the time of the New
Kingdom (1500 BC). You’ll cross the Nile to reach the pyramids at Napata,
with their multicolored hieroglyphics, and the pyramids of Nuri, burial place of
21 Kushite kings, before enjoying a traditional Nubian dance performance.
DAYS 6-7 Crossing the volcanic Bayuda Desert, visit Bisharin nomads roaming
with their camels, and reach spellbinding Meroe, with its 40 mysterious pyramids
perched on a hilltop. You can ride a camel (or walk) to explore
this astonishing World Heritage Site and savor amazing
pyramid views right from the veranda of your safari-style
tent at our camp. DAYS 8-9 Round out your adventure at the
temples of Naga and Mussawarat, and watch the spinning of
the Sufi whirling dervishes at sunset at the Tomb of Ahmed
TRIP COST
from $5295
DATES
Jan 7-15, 2016
Feb 5-13
Oct 28-Nov 5
Nov 11-19
Jan 5-13, 2017
Feb 9-17
al-Nil as chanting and music fill the air.
Highlights
• Explore stunning pyramids
at Nuri and Meroe, both
World Heritage Sites
•Traditional dance
performances, open-air
markets, local specialties
from lemon-laced kabobs
to sweet ginger coffee
Extension
• Egypt
•Accommodations include a
charming guest house and a
safari-style tent camp steps
away from archaeological
sites
41
This trip was so well thought out with an
itinerary that captures the spirit of the
country. Everything I had hoped for, and it
had been on my list for years!
Cindy B., St. Louis MO
Make it a Private Journey
Fabled casbahs, medieval medinas, royal cities, golden dunes, red-rock
canyons—and all at your own pace, with your own group. Our Private
Journey reveals this wondrous land and its vibrant heritage. Discover
remarkable Fez, delight in the warm welcome of Berber nomad families
in the Atlas Mountains, and savor the scent of spices and sizzling
lamb kebabs from the markets of Marrakesh. Stay in elegant riads—
mansions turned boutique hotels with tiled courtyards and lovely
rooftop gardens. Choose your dates and we’ll customize the itinerary
to your interests—you’ll have your own private guide and driver!
From $3795.
Morocco: Camels to Casbahs
From imperial cities with labyrinthine souks to the
awesome grandeur of the Sahara, our cultural journey
perfectly captures the sensuous beauty of Morocco.
Explore the graceful city of Fez, suspended in a medieval
dream, and cross the High Atlas Mountains, meeting
Berber nomad families along the way. Then it’s off
into the silent world of the Sahara by camel, foot, or
vehicle. With the horizon as your guide, slip into the
timeless beauty of this stunning desert realm. At
journey’s end, discover the soul of Morocco in seaside
Essaouira and vibrant Marrakesh.
FEZ, MARRAKESH, ESSAOUIRA, AND THE GOLDEN DUNES OF THE
SAHARA DAYS 1-4 From Casablanca, head to Rabat’s picturesque Oudaya
Kasbah, explore the Roman ruins of Volubulis, then enter magical Fez, with
Highlights
• Enjoy your lovely tented
camp in the golden
Sahara, savoring the
desert and watching the
sunset and the brilliant
night sky
•Explore the hill town
of Moulay Idriss, the
fabulous ruins of
Volubulis, and the
vibrant markets in
Marrakesh
•Meet the Berbers of the
High Atlas Mountains,
who greet you with a
warm welcome
its honeycomb of twisting alleys of Arabic-Moorish architecture. DAYS 5-8
Cross the Atlas Mountains, descend to Erfoud, then venture into the
Sahara as you make your way to the famed dunes of Erg Chebbi.
DAYS 9-11 Meet friendly Berber families in the red-rock canyons of the
Todra and Dades Gorges, and visit the mud-brick citadel of Ait Ben Haddou.
DAY 12 In the charming walled city of Essaouira,
explore the medina, artisan workshops, and the tiny
harbor where fishing boats are still built the traditional
way. DAYS 13-14 Your explorations of Marrakesh
include the souks, where everything from pottery and
fabrics to silver and spices are on display and artisans
are on every corner.
TRIP COST
from $4695
DATES
Feb 27-Mar 11, 2016 Mar 19-Apr 1
Apr 9-22 Sep 4-17
Sep 18-Oct 1
Oct 16-29 Nov 13-26
43
UGANDA
KIBALE FOREST
NATIONAL PARK
AFRICA
Kampala/Entebbe
QUEEN ELIZABETH
NATIONAL PARK
Kigali
RWANDA
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE
NATIONAL PARK
PARC DES
VOLCANS
ZAMBIA
ETOSHA
NATIONAL PARK
SOUTH LUANGWA
NATIONAL PARK
Lusaka
Caprivi Strip
Livingstone Harare
Victoria Falls
ZIMBABWE
NAMIBIA
SKELETON COAST
NATIONAL PARK
Swakopmund
Maun
Windhoek
BOTSWANA
Johannesburg
SOUTH AFRICA
NAMIB-NAUKLUFT
NATIONAL PARK
Durban
OKAVANGO DELTA
NATIONAL PARK
MOREMI
NATIONAL PARK
44 1.800.368.2794
Cape
Town
CENTRAL KALAHARI
GAME RESERVE
CHOBE
NATIONAL PARK
KENYA
SAMBURU
NATIONAL PARK
MASAI MARA
NATIONAL PARK
SERENGETI
NATIONAL PARK
NGORONGORO
NATIONAL PARK
TARANGIRE
CONSERVATION AREA
MT. KILIMANJARO
NATIONAL PARK
SELOUS
NATIONAL PARK
ANKARANA
NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi
Arusha
TANZANIA
Zanzibar
Dar Es
Salaam
LAKE MANYARA
NATIONAL PARK
MADAGASCAR
ANDISABE (PERINET)
NATIONAL PARK
Antananarivo
ISALO
NATIONAL PARK
Africa’s stunning
Parks
ZAMBEZI
NATIONAL PARK
There is so much to experience on this magnificent
continent. Whether this is your first safari or if safaris
have become a lifelong passion (as they do for
GREATER KRUGER,
LONDOLOZI & MALA MALA
many!), we have created the most varied program
imaginable, from the classics done right (think
exclusive camps and special access) to magnificently
HWANGE
NATIONAL PARK
remote adventures. Hebu kwenda—let’s go!
45
This trip was way beyond
expectations. I started
missing Africa and the
whole experience even
before I left!
Valerie D., Prescott AZ
Giving
back
Making a Difference
Africa is a dream destination, but it is also a fragile one.
Wilderness Travel is committed to preserving the continent’s
wildlife and cultural heritage. We support—and our guests
have visited—the projects of leading conservationists including
Jane Goodall, elephant expert Iain Douglas-Hamilton, and
cheetah expert Laurie Marker. An award-winning reforestation
project on the slopes of Kilimanjaro was founded by our Trip
Leader Sebastian Chuwa and is restoring the ecosystem as
well as providing employment for village women. We have
funded anti-poaching camps in Namibia and our special
conservation safaris support, and give you exclusive access
to, projects like Africat’s annual “Vet Check” of the big cats
Brochure edited by: Barbara Banks
Written by: Dena Bartolome, Kirstina Bolton
Photo Editor: Brian McGilloway
Editorial Assistants: Shannon Hastings, Pam Shandrick
New Trip Development: Barbara Banks
Designed by: Krystie Bonzelet-Nettelman
Produced by: Bonzelet Graphic Design, Novato, CA
and Dr. Flip Stander’s extraordinary work with desert lions.
Educating the next generation is also of critical importance,
and we are honored to support schools throughout Africa.
Your safari with us supports this work.
Wilderness Travel Trip Calendar
PAGE DESTINATION
# OF TRIP COST
DAYS LEVEL FROM
2016
JAN
FEB
MAR
11,29
16
10
17
15
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
18
DEC
2017
JAN
10
23
15
1
16,22
7
AUG
SEP
15
7
4
16
17
14
11
5
2
OCT
NOV
G R O U P D E PA RT U R ES
16
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
13
2+
$8195
18
Climb Kilimanjaro!
11
7
$6195
19
Masai Mara: Ultimate Migration Safari
11
2+
$7995
20
Mountain Gorilla Safari
11
3+
$6495
21
Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path
16
2+
$5495
21
Magical Madagascar
13
2+
$4695
22
Zambia Walking Safari
10
3
$6195
9
20
24
15
23
Zimbabwe!
10
2+
$5195
Namibia Expedition
14
3
$6595
6,20
25
In the Realm of the Desert Lion
12-14
2+
$6895
18
25
Namibia: Khaudum & the Caprivi
10
2+
$6195
26
Botswana Wildlife Safari
10
2
$7095
Botswana: Kalahari Explorer
14
2
$8195
26
Botswana: Okavango Explorer
14
2
$8495
26
Kalahari San Tribe Expedition
17
2
$11495
28
Botswana, South Africa & Victoria Falls
11
2+
$7995
29
Great Hikes & Game Parks of South Africa
10
2+
$5395
3
20
24
26
9
4,25
10
16
4,25
16
1
11
3
22
1,19
12
9
20
3
18
22
12
17
4,18
10
26
21
4
23
5
15
7
6
23
1
P R I VAT E J O U R N EYS
23
Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls
9
2+
$4895
32
Tanzania
9
2
$6795
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
33
Uganda
8
3+
$4695
g
34
South Africa
10
2
$4795
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
35
South Africa, Botswana & Victoria Falls
11
2
$5995
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
36
Botswana & Victoria Falls
8
2
$5595
37
Namibia
8
2
$4295
42
Morocco
9
2
$3795
g
C U LT U RA L SA FA R I S
39
Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin
15
3
$5995
40
Lost Worlds of Ethiopia
15
2
$7395
7,12
41
Expedition to Sudan
9
1+
$5295
7
42
Morocco: Camels to Casbahs
14
2+
$4695
15
4
$3995
web Morocco: The High Atlas Trek
13
29
12
5
27
19
9
4,18
6,11,17
28
11
16
13
5
30
Numbers in calendar months indicate starting date of trip. For Private Journeys, a indicates which month is best for traveling.
For trip level descriptions, please see our website at www.wildernesstravel.com
g
Our Africa Specialists
Experience counts! We have been bringing adventurers on safari for almost
four decades, and our team of Africa Specialists is phenomenal. We believe
in expertise, not call centers staffed with salespeople. Our team knows every
detail of our safaris: the unique features of our hand-picked lodges and
exclusive camps, the best season of travel, the wildlife you will see in each
region, and how to prepare for your adventure. They will help you choose—or
create—the perfect safari for you. They know these regions, and our leaders,
personally, and collectively have over 55 years of collective safari experience.
You will find that their knowledge is unmatched, and their enthusiasm for
Left to right: Lisa Laferte, Jeffi Norris, Barbara Wright
sharing the wonders of safari make your trip planning a delight.
47
Wilderness Travel
1102 Ninth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710-1211
1-800-368-2794
[email protected]
Come Experience
the Wonders
of Africa!
Our renowned program
includes phenomenal
wildlife safaris, fascinating
cultural journeys,
exclusive camps, and
unique itineraries. With
small group departures
and a full program of
Private Journeys that
you can customize, we
have the widest range
of safaris, and the most
intriguing adventures
to choose from. Contact
our Africa Specialists,
and let us share the
thrilling world of safari
with you.
Special Offer!
$500 discount per person
for the first six sign ups
on most of our 2016 group
safaris. See our website, or
call us for details.

African Safaris - Wilderness Travel

Transcription

Similar documents

1 Kanha National Park India.indd

Going for a walk has never been so exciting!

Bewitching Botswana

Trip to Chudleigh`s Farm

Fact Sheets 2013 - Chessington World of Adventures

LEGEND - African Lion Safari

booklet Loyk Mara Camp

To this: Davidsonville Wildlife Sanctuary Wetland Restoration Best

GATORLAND FLORIDA