A Safari Adventure Privately Guided by Ralph Bousfield in the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans Party of 4 – 8 guests August 21 – 30, 2018 South Africa and Botswana
GUIDE BIO
Ralph Bousfield comes from a long line of African pioneers and adventurers; he went on his first safari at the age of three. His family has guided safaris for five generations, the first guide in the family being his maternal great grandfather, Major Richard Granville Nicholson, who escorted Princess Eugenie to see her son’s grave and the site where he was killed in the Zulu war on June 1, 1879. Ralph studied Nature Conservation and did his thesis on the Wattled Crane as an Indicator Species of Wetland Destruction. He furthered his studies at the International Crane Institute in Wisconsin under the famous George Archibald, who captive-bred the whooping crane back from extinction. Ralph then worked with his mother to establish Botswana’s first Wildlife Orphanage and Education Center. In 1998 Ralph co-produced and presented a sixteen part series for the Discovery Channel entitled “Uncharted Africa”, which was filmed in Botswana, Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania. His passion for the Kalahari and the Bushmen began at a very young age as he was very lucky to have one of the greatest teachers and mentors, his father, Jack Bousfield. Growing up on safari, and hunting as a professional his whole life, his father worked with some of the greatest traditional hunters and trackers in Africa. Jack's respect for the Bushmen rubbed off on Ralph, and from a very young age, he had the good fortune to spend all his free time on safari with his father. Uncharted Africa was founded in 1993 in honor of Ralph's legendary father, who was a pioneer and African adventurer. Uncharted Africa realizes Jack's vision of bringing travelers to the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana. It is one of the last truly traditional safari operations in all of Africa, and home to the famous Makgadikgadi meerkats. Uncharted Africa's camps and safaris have a completely unique feeling, style and quality. This strong sense of individuality characterizes both the staffing as well as the style of the accommodation and, in a sea of increasingly very similar safari product, is something they are very proud of. Uncharted Africa has proven that one can make a very challenging area successful while at same time pioneering new standards. Their strengths lie in the original, but always sensitive, approach to marginal environments and community issues. Uncharted Africa has achieved substantial recognition within the safari industry. Awards include: Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - The Safari Awards 2017 Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - The Safari Awards 2016 Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - The Safari Awards 2014
ITINERARY
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 Upon arrival of Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met by our local representative who will assist you through South Africa Customs & Immigration Services and with luggage collection. You will then be assisted into the Arrivals Hall to meet your driver for the private individual road transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa. Check-in to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation based on 1 night. Accommodation: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa Room : Grand Chateau Suite Dates : Check in : August 21, 2018 Check out: August 22, 2018 Included : Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis including Wi-Fi internet access throughout public areas, 24 hour access to in-house gym, complimentary transfers to Sandton Shopping District (7 AM – 11 PM) and complimentary transfers to Gautrain Sandton Station (7AM – 7 PM).
Conveniently situated in the Sandton suburb of Morningside Manor, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is an award-winning hotel with 40 highly individualized, world-class suites. A conference center, fully equipped gym, Balinese Spa and a la carte restaurant ensure a full range of services. Once the private home of John and Anna Thacker, the property was originally bought from the Little Brenthurst Trust of Oppenheimer fame, and consisted of 10 acres with horses and stables and rolling green lawns. Portions of the property have been sold off, but it has retained its stately, parklike ambience with huge mature trees and prolific bird-life. With close attention to detail and exceptional service, Fairlawns creates an intimate atmosphere where some of the globe’s most vibrant personalities converge. The chic, upscale suites are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial, each featuring every desired modern amenity. The hotel also caters to a variety of culinary tastes with an array of elegant dining experiences to choose from. Located in Johannesburg - South Africa’s largest city and gateway to the rest of Africa - Fairlawns is situated just 2 miles from central Sandton, and 12 miles from the Johannesburg city center to offer the upmarket traveler a delicate mix of luxury and convenience. Established in 1997, Fairlawns is a property proud in heritage and character.
The Grand Chateau wing offers 20 suites, which can be enjoyed as a private residence due to the area’s direct drop off access. This wing offers special needs access and an elevator. Grand Chateau suites are 540 square feet and include the following amenities: Air conditioning, Cable/Satellite TV, CD Player, Clock Radio, Desk, Laundry Facilities, Room Safe, Room Service, Separate shower and Bath, Complimentary bathrobes, Hairdryer, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Telephone, Wireless Internet, and Elevator Access.
Dining at the Fairlawns is designed to be elegantly smart casual. The candlelit tables and soft music give an enchantingly intimate and romantic atmosphere to the Italian influenced décor of the terrace restaurant. The restaurant boasts an exquisite menu, paired with a Diamond Award Winning wine list. The Manor House Bistro features more casual, al fresco dining, in a contemporary setting that caters to eclectic tastes. The restaurant is elegant, yet still homely and welcoming, and features some of your favorite café style meals - not to mention the Strawberry Daiquiri tea trolley serving decadent sweet treats. Partake in a classic high tea, with morning and afternoon tea served daily. You can also indulge in Champagne or sparkling wine served by the glass. The award-winning Bali-inspired Spa offers tranquillity, complete with de-stressing water features and birdsong in the bamboo groves. They have designed an extensive selection of packages, massages, facials and grooming treatments to pamper and rejuvenate our guests. It is a true haven for wellness and restoration. Website: http://www.fairlawnshotel.co.za/
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 After breakfast this morning, the group will be privately transferred by road to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport and provided with VIP airport assistance to check-in for the commercial flight to Maun. Upon arrival of Maun International Airport, and after clearing Botswana Customs and Immigration Services, an Uncharted Africa representative will assist you to check-in for the scheduled light aircraft transfer to Xakanaxa airstrip. Upon arrival of Xakanaxa airstrip, Ralph Bousfield will greet you at the airstrip and transfer you a short distance to camp. Accommodation based on 3 nights. Accommodation: Moremi Luxury Mobile Expedition Camp Room : Tented Room Dates : Check in : August 22, 2018 Check out: August 25, 2018 Included : Accommodation on a Full Board basis including all meals, local drinks (premium imported beverages excluded), park fees, limited laundry service, expert guiding and private activities.
The unsurpassed wildlife diversity that Botswana has to offer is best experienced on the move and a Mobile Expedition provides a more adventurous and authentic alternative to the usual permanent camps. With the flexibility to move camp into the most remote areas, we can accommodate personal tastes and preferences offering a wider variety of experiences than a permanent camp. Mobile safari expeditions hold true to the ideals of Jack Bousfield’s original operations in East Africa. Traditional and spacious tents appointed with 1920’s luxury and style blend bygone comfort with rugged panache. Polished copper water jugs, paraffin lamps, pure white cotton sheets and feather bedding ensure an authentic safari experience – real adventure in unreal style! Each meal is a special experience. Imagine lunch sheltering under the shady bough of an acacia or dinner beneath the astral blaze of the Milky Way. An essential part of any successful expedition, meals are beautifully prepared and presented by a skilled kitchen team. Tables decked with crisp white damask and silver are set against the rugged austerity of the African bush. Uncharted Africa Safari Co. is renowned for fresh tastes and original interpretations of classic dishes. Three course
meals under the stars include such offerings as ostrich piccata, rare roast Botswana beef, delectable fresh herb salads and rich chocolate tarts. Afternoon Tea is an indulgent affair with treats like banana caramel layer cakes and crisp pecan shortbread. All bread is baked daily on the coals in trunk ovens and full cooked English breakfasts are served every day. A private expedition allows you to immerse yourself completely in the incredible spectacles the delta has to offer. If you choose to watch lions hunting or spend the day at a busy waterhole the decision is yours. Observe elephants from the safety of boats as they wash and feed on the roots of aquatic plants. Picnic and siesta in the arms of a giant baobab tree and spend the afternoon seeking out hyena dens.
Website: www.unchartedafrica.com
Thursday – Friday, August 23 – 24, 2018 Enjoy two full days of private guiding and private activities in the Moremi Game Reserve. The Moremi Game Reserve is remote, wild and starkly beautiful. Travel along the maze of channels stopping to admire the fantastic bird life. Learn about the ecology of the waters and look at the important components of the ecosystems. Walking, game drives and boat trips fade seamlessly into one enthralling blur.
Saturday, August 25, 2018 At the appropriate time today, you will be transferred to Xakanaxa airstrip for the scheduled charter flight to Tsigaro airstrip. Upon arrival of Tsigaro airstrip, an Uncharted Africa representative will greet you at the airstrip and transfer you a short distance to camp. Accommodation based on 2 nights. Accommodation: San Camp Room : Tented Room Dates : Check in : August 25, 2018 Check out: August 27, 2018 Included : Accommodation on a Full Board basis including all meals, local drinks (premium imported beverages excluded), park fees, laundry, expert guiding and private activities.
San Camp is situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remnant of an extinct super lake that once covered most of Botswana. Turn around 360° and nothing crosses the eye but the bowl of the sky. This is God's own minimalism. Classic white tents stand majestically on the shore of an enormous sparkling salt pan, each sheltered by a cluster of stately desert palms. Pared down safari elegance with minimal ecological impact is combined with spectacular vistas. San Camp runs almost entirely on solar energy, thus dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels. Expert guiding, incredibly friendly habituated meerkats, unique desert species, old-world safari styling and superb cuisine all come together to create an experience that is completely different to any other. Facilities include a magnificent mess tent with a small natural history museum and library, a tea tent decorated with cushions to provide a sheltering sanctuary, and a tented yoga pavilion. San Camp has a reputation for delicious, fresh and original menus. Plated meals are elegantly presented and indulgent, decadent teas are served daily. Venturing far into the center of the Makgadikgadi on 4wd quad bikes, you are able to explore remote archaeological sites, periodically discovering never before documented fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo. The fact that you can travel across the pans at great speed and still arrive nowhere only underlines the pan’s immensity. The Kalahari Desert is its own universe. It is the only place where guests are virtually guaranteed to see the rare and elusive brown hyena and be able to walk through the Kalahari with a gang of habituated but, wild meerkats!
Sunday, August 26, 2018 Enjoy a full day of activities and game viewing at San Camp. A small group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen will join you on morning walks and game drives. Offering a window into the past, the Bushmen teach us how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using ancient knowledge of plants, animal behavior and survival skills. The cunning tricks and survival struggles of the feisty inhabitants of the Makgadikgadi are not certainly without drama and, here, the emphasis is on observing the intricacies of a truly unique ecosystem.
Monday, August 27, 2018 Today you will transfer from San Camp to the Lost Island of the Baobabs via quad bike (2 guests per bike). The ride is approximately 75 miles. Accommodation based on 2 nights. Accommodation: Lost Island of the Baobabs Room : Bedroll under the stars Dates : Check in : August 27, 2018 Check out: August 29, 2018 Included : Accommodation on a Full Board basis including all meals, local drinks (premium imported beverages excluded), park fees, limited laundry service, expert guiding and private activities.
Enjoy a unique opportunity to combine San Camp with an epic quad bike journey across the pans. Sleep out under the stars for two nights among the boulders and baobabs. One of the most graphically beautiful spots in Botswana; it is full of intriguing detail, such as stone walls and Bushman beads. It is also close to what is probably the biggest greater and lesser flamingo breeding site in the world. The best way to get across the saltpan is to fly like the kites and the crows, otherwise it is a quad bike. This is low-impact trespass. Bikes carry bedrolls, food and water, a long-range desert patrol driving in convoy fashion. Here you lose contact with time, space and direction. You hum along, travelling without perceptively moving, while all the power and conceit of commerce and position evaporate, the delicate network of friends and plans and diaries, all the human hierarchy of achievement and aspiration ebb away. As the sun begins to drop, a 2.7 billion year old granite mound rises unexpectedly out of the vast and empty salt pan flatness of Sowa Pan.
The camp staff will get there first; boiling a cauldron of water bubbles for the shower suspended from a tree. The dining table is set and the drinks tray stands close by with Beefeater and Georgian fobs on bottle labels. A mobile drinks chest is set up by the trusty team and guests are able to lean back in their safari chairs while toasting their toes around the roaring camp fire. Dinners are three course culinary extravaganzas, laid out on white damask table linen, decked with fine glassware and bone-handled silver. An embarrassment of riches in this extraordinary and desolate domain! The next two days are spent exploring the fascinating and surreal surrounding area.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018 Enjoy a full day of activities in the Makgadikgadi Pans. The Makgadikgadi was once a great inland sea. The remaining salt pans are the size of Switzerland, a fact that is difficult for many to comprehend. Around the edges are incongruous dunes of seashells, thousands of miles from any coast. There is the clock-stopping frisson of picking up something that was last touched 10,000 years ago by a man who looked over the horizon and could not imagine that his chipping this flint would lead to jumbo jets and skyscrapers. There are tiny beads, glass and stone and ostrich shell that the Bushmen used as decoration for thousands of years. Some are Phoenician and Roman and even Chinese; beads were currency for salt. The salt cakes that glisten like icing sugar on the pan have been traded by the Bushmen for millennia. 30,000 flamingos fledge in the vicinity when water is good and although the mud mound nests are deserted at the times of the year when you will visit Kubu, they are still an extraordinary sight. After two days of luxurious desolation, guests mount their quad bikes to journey back to San Camp for an evening of surreally contrasting sumptuous relaxation! The most important aspect of this trip is that it gives you a chance to truly understand the Makgadikgadi Pans. There is the sense of true adventure and active involvement. The Kalahari is a place of extremes and metaphor and allegory. It shuffles your deck, rearranges the cerebral furniture and messes up your priorities...it is the perfect unrest cure!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Today you will transfer via quad bike from the Lost Island of the Baobabs back to San Camp. Accommodation based on 1 night. Accommodation: San Camp Room : Tented Room Dates : Check in : August 29, 2018 Check out: August 30, 2018 Included : Accommodation on a Full Board basis including all meals, local drinks (premium imported beverages excluded), park fees, laundry, expert guiding and private activities.
Thursday, August 30, 2018 At the appropriate time today, you will be transferred to Tsigaro airstrip for the scheduled light aircraft transfer back to Maun. Arrive Maun International Airport and proceed to check-in for the commercial flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival of Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, please proceed to check-in for your onward commercial flight back to the United States (commercial flight costs not included).
Safari Cost: $18,480.00 per person *Based on double occupancy with a group size of 4 – 8 guests. General Inclusions: 1 night at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in a Grand Chateau Suite on a Bed & Breakfast basis, Johannesburg Airport/hotel transfers (private arrival transfer, group departure transfer), VIP airport assistance as noted, 3 nights Moremi Mobile expedition on a fully inclusive basis with all meals and local drinks, 5 nights San Camp/Lost Island Expedition on a fully inclusive basis with all meals and local drinks, Activities offered on a private exclusive use basis, Private guide fees for Ralph Bousfield, internal Africa commercial flights (Johannesburg-Maun, Maun-Johannesburg), scheduled light aircraft transfers, Limited laundry services on the Luxury Tented Mobile Camp and at the Lost Island Expedition. General Exclusions: Lunch and dinner costs at the Fairlawns Hotel (if required), commercial flight costs (USA-Johannesburg, Johannesburg-USA), All items of personal nature, gratuities, any additional services not mentioned above, such as additional private vehicles (if required) and travel insurance.
For more information on this safari please contact Kathy Schulz.
email: kschulz@frontierstravel.com Toll-Free: 1-800-245-1950