Botswana & Rwanda Photographic Expedition 15th to 26th November 2013 (12 days/11 nights)
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions are proud to present a carefully crafted expedition to two of Africa’s ultimate wildlife photographic destinations; Botswana & Rwanda. Home to some of the world’s most coveted mammals and a spectacular wilderness Botswana is the perfect start to this magical photographic expedition. On this photographic expedition, you will explore the shimmering blue and green gem of the verdant Okavango Delta and stay in arguably the finest accommodation available; Duba Plains & Mombo. This voyage, teeming with wildlife, and superb photographic opportunities that are just a click of the shutter away, represents a fantastic opportunity to build on our photographic collage of memories. Our Rwanda Gorilla extension, takes us to the bamboo-clad slopes of Volcanoes National Park. This is home to the Virunga Volcanoes where close photographic encounters with Mountain Gorilla are almost guaranteed. Here we have the opportunity to track the large Virunga race of these magnificent beasts, a separate subspecies from those found at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Although this Gorilla trek here can be strenuous, staring into the eyes of one of these magnificent beasts from only a few feet away is nothing short of a life changing experience, and is rated by many as one of the greatest wildlife experience on the planet! Professional safari guide and international award-winning wildlife photographer, Marius Coetzee, will personally guide you on this expedition. Marius Coetzee www.mariuscoetzee.com is a Professional Safari Leader and multi Award-winning wildlife photographer. His photos have graced the covers and pages of numerous premier publications and, with over 13 years experience in the safari industry, Marius has become a highly sought-after guide. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for both wildlife and photography are encyclopedic. In 2012 Marius’s image titled Cape Buffalo Silhouette was a highly commended winner in the Natures Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards. His image titled ‘Panic in the Pan’ was awarded an honorable mention in the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest; he has won 6 awards in Africa’s largest wildlife photographic competition, the Getaway Fujifilm Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Furthermore, Marius was also a finalist in the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010, the world’s most prestigious wildlife photographic competition. Marius has also attained the highest level of guiding qualifications in South Africa. His knowledge of animal and bird behavior and his interpretation of the African savanna compliment his photographic knowledge and enhance his ability as a leader. Marius is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience on both these subjects, and combined with his charm and witty sense of humor, he has understandably become a highly rated wildlife photographic tour leader. He has now led photographic, birding and wildlife expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falklands, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, India, Ethiopia and South Africa.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Your safari at a glance‌ Tour Dates Tour Price Tour Size
15th to 26th November 2013 Botswana & South Africa: On Request per person in shared accommodation Rwanda Extension: On Request per person in shared accommodation 4 Participants and 1 Oryx Photographic Leader
Day 1, 15th November
Maun to Duba Plains (Overnight Duba Plains)
Day 2, 16th November
Botswana (Overnight Duba Plains)
Day 3, 17th November
Botswana (Overnight Duba Plains)
Day 4, 18th November
Botswana (Overnight Duba Plains)
Day 5, 19th November
Botswana Duba Plains to (Overnight Mombo)
Day 6, 20th November
Botswana (Overnight Mombo)
Day 7, 21st November
Botswana (Overnight Mombo)
Day 8, 22nd November
Mombo to Maun fly to Johannesburg (Overnight D Oreale Grande )
Day 9, 23rd November
Johannesburg to Kigali (Serena Hotel)
Day 10, 24th November
Kigali to Volcanoes NP (Overnight Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge)
Day 11, 25th November Day 12, 26th November
Volcanoes NP – Gorilla Trek 1 (Overnight Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge) Volcanoes NP - Gorilla Trek 2 to Kigali and Depart for Final Destination
Bookings : Call an Africa safari expert Australian Reservations : Phone : 1300 362 166 Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Your safari in detail… Day 1, 15th November 2013: Johannesburg to Duba Plains (via. Maun) Today you will fly from OR Tambo International Airport to check in for your international flight to Maun (own arrangements), the gateway of the world-famous Okavango Delta. Upon arrival you will clear customs before being escorted to your scheduled departure to the fabulous Duba Plains. The Duba Plains Camp is a private 77,000-acre reserve located in the northern reaches of Botswana's famed Okavango Delta and situated just north of the Moremi Game Reserve. Inaccessible for most of the year by any means other than aircraft, it is this remoteness that solidifies Duba Plains as the soul of ‘wild Africa’! Duba offers 12 guests an idyllic all-round Okavango experience, with vast, seasonally inundated floodplains that are home to huge herds of buffalo, which in turn make for one of the undisputed highlights of the area. Complemented by permanent channels and a number of larger wooded islands, a diverse array of wildlife is guaranteed, affording some spectacular photographic opportunities. This camp prides itself as a ‘home away from home’, with all the touches of personal service and superb safari experiences. Overnight Duba Plains
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Days 2 to 4, 16th to 18th November 2013: Duba Plains Whether it be summer, winter, autumn or spring, Duba Plains is a year-round delight, offering large concentrations of game that congregate on the open plains, while predators lurk in the denser forests on the edge preparing to launch into a hunt. The permanent waterways provide extraordinary bird watching and a steady supply of water for passing elephant herds. Red lechwe, the consummate Botswana wetland antelope, dash through the Delta waters by the hundreds. Made famous in Dereck and Beverly Joubert's National Geographic film, Relentless Enemies, the Duba Reserve is home to extraordinary daytime lion versus buffalo interactions. Whilst the hunting of large prey by lions is legendary, please note that it is never guaranteed, so patience is therefore required. The lions, renowned for their pursuits of the buffalo herds, are a formidable force. It’s a perfect recipe: the open plains’ nutritious grasses, coupled with the Delta’s clean, clear waters, combine to create the perfect habitat for buffalo; and, where such herds abound, the lions are never far behind. Contrary to usual behavior, the Duba lions are most often active during the day hours, with many of their famous buffalo hunts occurring in broad daylight. The prides occur in extraordinary concentrations and in all combinations of ages and sexes - from playful young cubs to old, wise parents and relatives.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
While Duba Plains is most famous for its large elephant herds and lion and buffalo interactions, the plains game, birds, leopards and other sightings complete the experience. Some days we will spend hours with a single pride of lions, watching the tiny cubs playing with their mother, aunts and siblings; other days we may roam the plains absorbing the splendor of a large herd of Red Lechwe running through the channels, or perhaps photographing the area's fantastic birdlife, including the rare Slaty Egret and regal Wattled Crane. Tucked under the cool shade of large mangosteen and fig trees and looking across the reserve’s vast floodplains, the six traditional “Meru-Style” sturdy canvas en-suite tents are raised off the ground on wooden decks. This enables stunning views across the floodplain as well as capturing fresh, cool breezes. Each of the tents has a private verandah leading to large double doors, through which one enters these very impressive canvas-constructions. High ceilings with fans and large windows bring the outside in, while still affording ample privacy. A writing desk, comfortable lounge furniture and large beds with the finest linen draped in mosquito nets make for a romantic yet authentic space. The en-suite dressing area, with a double basin vanity, indoor and outdoor showers and a flush toilet, provides all the necessary home comforts, with appropriate style and luxury. Hot water is available 24 hours a day and is solar heated. Overnight Duba Plains
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Day 5, 19th November 2013: Mombo Camp After your final morning safari at Duba and breakfast you will depart by light aircraft to Mombo. Mombo Camp has arguably the best big game viewing in Africa. Located in the Mombo Concession on Chief's Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, the sheer numbers and variety of wildlife all year round defy description. Mombo Camp is the Africa only seen in documentaries: from elephant to buffalo to tiny steenbok, vast herds of herbivores are trailed by numerous predators on the hunt! Overnight Mombo Camp Day 6 & Day 7, 20th to 21st November 2013: Mombo Mombo Camp is located in the Mombo Concession on the northern tip of Chief's Island within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. This area boasts enormous concentrations of plains game and predators - providing arguably the best big game viewing in all of Africa. Built under large, shady trees and overlooking the floodplains which teem with wildlife all year round, Mombo Camp comprises nine spacious tents raised two metres from the ground. Bathrooms are en suite, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Magnificent vistas are the order of the day, with all the rooms, the sala, long veranda and lounge area taking advantage of the very best that the Okavango Delta has to offer. Mombo Camp's main living and dining areas are under thatch, but a boma adds traditional flavour to a delicious dinner under the stars. There is also a plunge pool in which to relax. The best big game viewing experience starts on the veranda at Mombo Camp, with wonderful concentrations of game occurring right in front of the camp.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Activities at Mombo Camp include morning and afternoon game drives. Open 4x4s provide an excellent vantage for viewing the high concentrations of plains game and all the predators - including the big cats. Lion sightings are frequent. Guests at Mombo Camp can also expect to see leopard, wild dog, spotted hyaena, large herds of buffalo, elephant, white rhino, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest and Burchell's zebra. Black and white rhino have been reintroduced to the region with outstanding success (albeit most are further away from Mombo Camp), thanks to the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Programme. Overnight Mombo Camp
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Day 8, 22nd November 2013: Mombo to Johannesburg via. Maun After your final morning safari and breakfast, we will depart back to Maun via light aircraft in order for your international check in to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be transferred to untold luxury and regal comfort ... the 5-star Peermont D'oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace which is conveniently located next to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. All rooms incorporate air-conditioning, multi-channel satellite TV, complimentary wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) and the convenience of 24-hour room service. Guests can dine at the elegant Aurelia's Restaurant, meet or relax in private conclaves of the reception area, absorb the gentle strains of the piano in the Aurelia's Lounge and Cocktail Bar. Overnight D’ Oreale Grande Hotel Day 9, 23rd November 2013: Johannesburg to Kigali At a time to be advised we will be transferred from D’ Oreale Grande Hotel to OR Tambo Airport for our flight to Kigali. Upon arrival we will meet our driver who will transfer us to the Serena Hotel. The Serena Hotel is ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art! Overnight Serena Hotel Day 10, 24th November 2013: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park This morning you will transfer from Kigali to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. You will have a city tour through Kigali and a visit the Genocide Memorial Site, from where you will be transferred to the Volcanoes National Park.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali. The lodge is situated in the foothills of the mighty Virunga’s, the chain of 15,000ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lodge itself is approximately one kilometre from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the Sabyinyo.
Overnight Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Day 11, 25th November 2013: Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Tracking 1 In the morning you will make the short drive from the lodge to Volcanoes National Park, where you have the opportunity to go ‘trekking’ for the magnificent Mountain Gorilla. Volcanoes was made famous by the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and featured in the film “Gorillas in the Mist”, and is one of the best places in the world to see the rare Mountain Gorilla!
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
The park is covered in a broad assortment of montane ecosystems that range from evergreen and bamboo forest to open grassland, swamp and heath. It is also home to five of the eight Virunga mountains volcanoes, where from its name is derived. Interestingly enough, taxonomists now regard these gorillas as a separate subspecies to those in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in neighbouring Uganda. These treks generally take between one and four hours, and are guided by the park’s highly experienced rangers who know both the area and the gorillas intimately. We can expect to find them going about their daily business totally unperturbed by our presence. Spending time with these gentle giants is, without a doubt, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, especially when one is positioned only metres away from a huge silverback (an imposing creature up to three times the size of an average man!).
Overnight Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
Day 12, 26th November 2013: Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla tracking 2 Today we have another opportunity to track Mountain Gorillas. While searching for these amazing animals, we are also likely to come across the spoor of the mountains elusive buffalo and elephant populations, though we are unlikely to spot these exceptionally shy creatures. While in this montane wonderland we will have the opportunity to see a number of Albertine Rift Endemic birds, including the dazzling Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Archer’s Ground Robin, and skulky Mountain Sooty Boubou. After tracking we will head back to Sabyinyo to freshen up and breakfast before departing back to Kigali International Airport for your flight to your final destination of choice. This is the ULTIMATE African photographic expedition!!!!
Financial Arrangements… The price for the Botswana & South Africa – Photographic Expedition and Rwanda Gorilla Extension Photographic Expedition is on request. Due to the highly personalized nature of ORYX Worldwide Photographic Tours prices are put together on request. Bookings : Call an Africa safari expert Australian Reservations : Phone : 1300 362 166 Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Botswana Cost Includes:
All scheduled charter internal flights within Botswana; All ground transfers; All accommodations as per the itinerary; Full board and beverages (except premium brands); All scheduled game activities; Service of Oryx leader Marius Coetzee. Entrance fees to National Parks; and Laundry services.
Botswana Cost Excludes:
International Flights; Visa fees and Travel Insurance; Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls; Insurance for cancellation, medical or curtailment in arrangements; and Any items not included in the inclusions above.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
South Africa Cost Includes:
Return transfer from OR Tambo to D’ Oreale Grande; Service of Oryx leader Marius Coetzee. Accommodation; and Breakfast.
South Africa Cost Excludes:
International Flights; Visa fees and Travel Insurance; Dinner & Lunch; Beverages; Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls; Insurance for cancellation, medical or curtailment in arrangements; and Any items not included in the inclusions above
Rwanda Cost Includes:
All road transfers; All meals and beverages, except dinner and drinks at Hotel Mille Des Collines; All accommodation in luxurious lodge and hotel; Entrance fees to National Parks; Tourism Levy’s for National Parks; All transfers in Rwanda; Genocide memorial visit; Service of local guides; 2 Gorilla Permits per person (US$750 per permit per trek) ; and Service of Oryx leader Marius Coetzee.
Rwanda Cost Excludes:
All international flights; Items of personal nature e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls; Special gratuities; Travel Insurance and Travel Visas.
IMPORTANT: Rates are per person sharing and are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration (a minimum of 4 paying participants), a small party supplement will have to be charged. Also, costs are subject to major foreign exchange fluctuations and unforeseen increases in expedition related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. Furthermore, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware, however, that we will attempt to stick as close to the original program as possible. Finally, accommodations and flights are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au
Botswana & Rwanda: Photographic Expedition 2013 __________________________________________________________
LUGGAGE BOTSWANA:
Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb) per person travelling in Botswana. Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Should your guest require a bag, we do have a supply of soft canvas carry-all bags at a reasonable cost. These bags are ideal for use on light aircraft and are the correct dimensions. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm high (10 inches), so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment. A collapsible wheeled luggage frame/trolley (separate to the bag) is allowed, as long as basic dimensions are similar to that of the bag. These limits are applicable to guests travelling on a seat rate basis so may differ if guests have booked a private charter option in which case the maximum's depend on the type of aircraft and the number of passengers booked. Accommodation throughout the trip is of a high standard Due to the presence of potentially dangerous game we will be spending much of this tour in vehicles and photographic hides. Both Mombo as well as Duba is unfenced. The camp takes necessary precautions but clients are asked to keep vigilant. This photographic safari occurs in a malaria area and a prophylaxis is necessary.
TIPPING: As noted above, gratuities for local guides, trackers, lodge staff, butlers etc are NOT included on this tour. We emphasize that such gratuities should be at your own discretion and based solely on the level of your service satisfaction. PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance or advice in this regard, kindly contact the Oryx office. FLIGHTS: As our guests come from all over the planet we do not include international flights to and from your home in our tour prices. IMPORTANT: DO NOT book your international flights until you have confirmation of your tour departure. . Photo credits: All wildlife images by Oryx Leaders ©Lodge images by service providers.
Call an Africa Safari Expert | Australian Reservations Phone : 1300 362 166 | Email : sales@aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au Visit : www.aboveandbeyondholidays.com.au