NEW YEAR IN BOTSWANA & CAPE TOWN
curated by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
$9,750 per person (based on double occupancy) Dec 28, 2020 - Jan 6, 2021
Single room supplement: USD 500 (sold out. Waiting list only!)
Single room supplement: USD 500 (sold out. Waiting list only!)
Welcoming the New Year amongst the elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, lions, hippos, birds and a hundred other animals, out-of-this world deluxe & remote bush camps, safari on both land & water, and finishing it all up in a quaint South African town for a trip to a vineyard and farm sanctuary.
WE'RE OFF TO BOTSWANA AND CAPE TOWN!
For many, a safari holiday is one of those trips we start dreaming about in our childhood. And then to have a 100% vegan safari trip, well, that's just a pipe dream...
Dream no more!
We're off to Africa to visit with animals in complete nature and do it in style! And we get to welcome the New Year amongst the animals. How cool is that! This is the trip you've been dreaming of!
Our trip starts in gorgeous Cape Town, with a welcome dinner/feast to remember. We recommend arriving a few days early to not only take care of jet-lag, but also to take in the wonderful sights on offer in this world-class city.
Next up, we fly into Botswana, an absolute animal-lover's paradise. We'll visit with lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, birds, the list goes on -- all doing their own thing in their natural habitat, and thanks to Botswana's quality-over-quantity approach to tourism, we won't be encountering the crowds and zoo-like atmosphere of other countries in the region.
The best way to view all of these animals on their own turf is to go and stay where they live, and that's exactly what we'll do. We're taking over 2 luxurious and remote camps, and getting there by small bush-planes. It's the stuff dreams are made of.
You'll be spending your mornings and afternoon on blissful safaris, returning each time to our deluxe camps for 100% plant-based meals and snacks, with plenty of free time to relax with a book and a glass of wine and maybe even a swim. Your nights will start with a drink by the campfire before going to sleep amongst the sounds of nighttime animal activity. We've opted to stay 3 nights in each camp to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the surroundings and not constantly rush from one activity to the other.
Certain to be one of the best New Year's Eve of your life, we get to welcome 2021 in style at our first camp, with a party, drinks and food worthy of the occasion.
After 6 nights on safari, we'll celebrate the fact we saw lions (!!) with a 2-night stay in South Africa's quaint town of Greyton. Here we'll explore the charming one-street town, visit an extraordinary farm sanctuary, and toast to our adventures at a local winery. Tough life!
So lace up those hiking boots, charge those camera batteries, order the best binoculars you can afford, dust off that safari hat you've always wanted to wear, and join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to one of the best wildlife spotting place on earth. Botswana, Cape Town, here we come!
WHAT IS A CPG CURATED TRIP?
If you've missed out on traveling on of our trips hosted by author, podcaster and animal activist Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, no worries! Our CPG Curated Trips offer the chance to experience the same adventures as she did: the same fun activities, deluxe accommodation, yummy food and animal visits, etc.
Colleen personally ensures all of the curated trips fit her high standards and quality. These are real CPG VEGAN TRIPS, just without CPG herself.
WE'RE OFF TO BOTSWANA AND CAPE TOWN!
For many, a safari holiday is one of those trips we start dreaming about in our childhood. And then to have a 100% vegan safari trip, well, that's just a pipe dream...
Dream no more!
We're off to Africa to visit with animals in complete nature and do it in style! And we get to welcome the New Year amongst the animals. How cool is that! This is the trip you've been dreaming of!
Our trip starts in gorgeous Cape Town, with a welcome dinner/feast to remember. We recommend arriving a few days early to not only take care of jet-lag, but also to take in the wonderful sights on offer in this world-class city.
Next up, we fly into Botswana, an absolute animal-lover's paradise. We'll visit with lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, birds, the list goes on -- all doing their own thing in their natural habitat, and thanks to Botswana's quality-over-quantity approach to tourism, we won't be encountering the crowds and zoo-like atmosphere of other countries in the region.
The best way to view all of these animals on their own turf is to go and stay where they live, and that's exactly what we'll do. We're taking over 2 luxurious and remote camps, and getting there by small bush-planes. It's the stuff dreams are made of.
You'll be spending your mornings and afternoon on blissful safaris, returning each time to our deluxe camps for 100% plant-based meals and snacks, with plenty of free time to relax with a book and a glass of wine and maybe even a swim. Your nights will start with a drink by the campfire before going to sleep amongst the sounds of nighttime animal activity. We've opted to stay 3 nights in each camp to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the surroundings and not constantly rush from one activity to the other.
Certain to be one of the best New Year's Eve of your life, we get to welcome 2021 in style at our first camp, with a party, drinks and food worthy of the occasion.
After 6 nights on safari, we'll celebrate the fact we saw lions (!!) with a 2-night stay in South Africa's quaint town of Greyton. Here we'll explore the charming one-street town, visit an extraordinary farm sanctuary, and toast to our adventures at a local winery. Tough life!
So lace up those hiking boots, charge those camera batteries, order the best binoculars you can afford, dust off that safari hat you've always wanted to wear, and join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to one of the best wildlife spotting place on earth. Botswana, Cape Town, here we come!
WHAT IS A CPG CURATED TRIP?
If you've missed out on traveling on of our trips hosted by author, podcaster and animal activist Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, no worries! Our CPG Curated Trips offer the chance to experience the same adventures as she did: the same fun activities, deluxe accommodation, yummy food and animal visits, etc.
Colleen personally ensures all of the curated trips fit her high standards and quality. These are real CPG VEGAN TRIPS, just without CPG herself.
Highlights
- see elephants, giraffes, lions, baboons, zebras, buffaloes (the list goes on and on and on), all in their natural habitat!
- welcome the new year with a New Year's eve party in the Botswana bush!
- several driving safaris in world famous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa's greatest concentration of animals
- get close to hippos and crocs on water-based excursions in the Moremi Game Reserve
- spot an incredible variety of birds, including many rare and secretive species
- we're taking over 2 luxurious and out-of-this world camps, and getting there by bush plane
- sample South African wine right from the source in Greyton, one of the Western Cape's most charming town
- visit with rescued pigs, goats and more at an amazing South African farm sanctuary
- lots of surprises and spoiling along the way!
- experience it all with 22 like-minded travelers
Check out your Botswana camps!
- Why you'll love this trip! -
Itinerary
We're hoping to whet your appetite (pun definitely intended!) with the itinerary below, but please note that sometimes things do and can change.... especially in Africa. We've tried to be as specific as we can down below, but please allow us some leeway for small activity and meal changes. If we have to change anything, rest assured it will be for the best! The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better.
We're hoping to whet your appetite (pun definitely intended!) with the itinerary below, but please note that sometimes things do and can change.... especially in Africa. We've tried to be as specific as we can down below, but please allow us some leeway for small activity and meal changes. If we have to change anything, rest assured it will be for the best! The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
DECEMBER 28th, 2020
Welcome to South Africa! Our adventure begins in beautiful Cape Town. Your trip includes an airport pickup, regardless of what day or what time you arrive. If you arrive one or more days before the trip and decide to stay in your own accommodation, no worries -- we'll drive you there too!
There are no planned activities during the day, up until our first meeting (at around 3pm -- we'll reconfirm a few months before the trip), where you'll first get to meet your tour leaders and fellow travelers. A few glasses of bubbly and all-around introductions later, and we're off to our first dinner.
It's a World Vegan Travel and CPG Vegan Trips tradition by now that our first meal together is often an event in itself. You shouldn't expect anything less this time around. Oh, and make sure to come hungry ;)
Once we're all fed, we'll head back to our hotel for an "early" night. We're off on an adventure tomorrow!
Accommodation
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 2: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 29th, 2020
Today is a day of travel. After our vegan breakfast, we'll pack up our bags and head to Cape Town airport for our 2h45 flight to Maun, Botswana.
Of important note: while in Botswana, we will be taking small planes in order to reach our remote bush accommodation. As such, the following luggage restrictions are strictly enforced:
If your bag is bigger/heavier than this, it may be left behind in our partner's Maun office. You'll be able to retrieve them later, when we're flying back to Cape Town on day 8.
Back to our trip: once in Maun, we'll transfer over to our small planes which will take us to our 1st camp. The flight time will be around 20 minutes. Depending on the day, we may be on a 8 or 13-person plane. We will therefore need a few planes, and the group as a whole will therefore get to the camps at slightly different times.
Our first camp is located in the Moremi Game Reserve. Situated on the fringe of the watery Okavango Delta, Moremi is home to some of Africa's densest population of wildlife. The habitats here range from woodland and thorn scrub to dry savannah, grassland and floodplain. There are also permanent waterways, lagoons and islands. Since the reintroduction of rhinos, it's now home to the big five, and notably Africa's largest population of lechwe. The reserve also protects one of the largest remaining population of endangered African wild dogs. If you're a bird enthusiast, you'll find yourself in heaven. Birding here is incredibly varied and rich, and it's arguably the best place in Africa to view the rare and secretive Pel's fishing owl.
Our home for the next 3 nights is the Camp Moremi, a wonderful introduction to Botswana safari life. One of the area's oldest permanent camp, it was completely rebuilt in early 2019. It now features amazingly comfortable and deluxe rooms, and incredible public areas such as a swimming pool and campfire pit. Wildlife is at its doorstep. In fact, on a recent visit to the camps by the World Vegan Travel team, there was a hippo (affectionately named Oscar by the staff) who visited daily, and an army of baboons constantly keeping the staff busy by trying to raid the kitchen!
Depending on our time of arrival today -- which is only confirmed a few weeks before our arrival as it's tied to the bush plane schedules -- we may have time for a safari drive before dinner. We also have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush!
Seriously: can life get any better than this?
Accommodation:
Included Activities:
Flights:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 3: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 30th, 2020
Waking up in the heart of Africa is something that can only be experienced. And experienced early!
We set off at the crack of dawn. That's when the animals are at their most active! Following a light vegan breakfast, you'll head off on your first safari activity. This could be either boarding your 4x4 vehicles and heading out into the bush, or boarding the camp's motorized boat for a journey down waterways and lagoons. Whatever you choose, you'll be taken along by our expert local guides who can truly answer any questions you may come up with. Seriously, we've never been able to stump them! They are a walking Wikipedia/Google page!
If you prefer to sleep in, no worries at all! We have 2 full days at this location and you can build your own adventure. Our tour leaders will be on-hand to help out with any decision-making tips.
The morning activity will lead to lunch and an afternoon rest period where you can enjoy your room or go for a swim in the camp's own swimming pool!
Once the midday heat subsides a bit, the animals will start getting active again, and so we're off on another safari activity. This is the perfect time to sit back and watch some lions nap or stroll about with a glass of wine in-hand.
We'll be back at the lodge in time for sun-downer drinks, maybe a campfire if the weather cooperates, and a dinner under the stars.
Below is an example of a daily schedule, though please note that it serves only as an example. The daily program is flexible based on the guests' interests, travel times and availability of activities.
Accommodation:
Included Activities:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 4: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 31st, 2020
While it's easy to say that today is just more of the same -- we're off on safari activities again -- the truth is that no 2 safaris are ever the same. Some animals are more elusive than others, and the odds to spot them increase with every outing.
Of course you are free to join a morning or afternoon activity, or both, or simply stay back at the camp and enjoy your surroundings. Our camp has a great viewing deck, and so does your room! It's the perfect place to sit back with a book and some tea and try to spot animals right from your own private veranda!
This is our last night in the Moremi Game Reserve, and the very last night of 2020! Tonight is party time, as we welcome the new year in style, as we eat, dance and toast to a very happy new year indeed!
Accommodation:
Included:
Excluded:
DECEMBER 28th, 2020
Welcome to South Africa! Our adventure begins in beautiful Cape Town. Your trip includes an airport pickup, regardless of what day or what time you arrive. If you arrive one or more days before the trip and decide to stay in your own accommodation, no worries -- we'll drive you there too!
There are no planned activities during the day, up until our first meeting (at around 3pm -- we'll reconfirm a few months before the trip), where you'll first get to meet your tour leaders and fellow travelers. A few glasses of bubbly and all-around introductions later, and we're off to our first dinner.
It's a World Vegan Travel and CPG Vegan Trips tradition by now that our first meal together is often an event in itself. You shouldn't expect anything less this time around. Oh, and make sure to come hungry ;)
Once we're all fed, we'll head back to our hotel for an "early" night. We're off on an adventure tomorrow!
Accommodation
- Cape Town: hotel to be announced later
Included:
- airport pickup
- welcome drinks
- dinner
Excluded:
- breakfast & lunch
DAY 2: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 29th, 2020
Today is a day of travel. After our vegan breakfast, we'll pack up our bags and head to Cape Town airport for our 2h45 flight to Maun, Botswana.
Of important note: while in Botswana, we will be taking small planes in order to reach our remote bush accommodation. As such, the following luggage restrictions are strictly enforced:
- 20kg / 44lbs per person (total weight inclusive of luggage and hand luggage/camera equipment)
- soft sided luggage, non-rigid bag
- max dimensions: 25cm wide x 45cm high x 62cm long (10 inches wide x 18 inches high x 24 inches long)
- if your luggage has wheels, please ensure that the frame supporting the wheels at the back is not a rigid/solid frame
If your bag is bigger/heavier than this, it may be left behind in our partner's Maun office. You'll be able to retrieve them later, when we're flying back to Cape Town on day 8.
Back to our trip: once in Maun, we'll transfer over to our small planes which will take us to our 1st camp. The flight time will be around 20 minutes. Depending on the day, we may be on a 8 or 13-person plane. We will therefore need a few planes, and the group as a whole will therefore get to the camps at slightly different times.
Our first camp is located in the Moremi Game Reserve. Situated on the fringe of the watery Okavango Delta, Moremi is home to some of Africa's densest population of wildlife. The habitats here range from woodland and thorn scrub to dry savannah, grassland and floodplain. There are also permanent waterways, lagoons and islands. Since the reintroduction of rhinos, it's now home to the big five, and notably Africa's largest population of lechwe. The reserve also protects one of the largest remaining population of endangered African wild dogs. If you're a bird enthusiast, you'll find yourself in heaven. Birding here is incredibly varied and rich, and it's arguably the best place in Africa to view the rare and secretive Pel's fishing owl.
Our home for the next 3 nights is the Camp Moremi, a wonderful introduction to Botswana safari life. One of the area's oldest permanent camp, it was completely rebuilt in early 2019. It now features amazingly comfortable and deluxe rooms, and incredible public areas such as a swimming pool and campfire pit. Wildlife is at its doorstep. In fact, on a recent visit to the camps by the World Vegan Travel team, there was a hippo (affectionately named Oscar by the staff) who visited daily, and an army of baboons constantly keeping the staff busy by trying to raid the kitchen!
Depending on our time of arrival today -- which is only confirmed a few weeks before our arrival as it's tied to the bush plane schedules -- we may have time for a safari drive before dinner. We also have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush!
Seriously: can life get any better than this?
Accommodation:
- Camp Moremi: luxurious tented camp with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Included Activities:
- Safari Drive from the airfield to the camp
- possible evening safari drive (depending on our time of arrival at the camp)
Flights:
- international flight from Cape Town (South Africa) to Maun (Botswana): duration 2h45
- private charter from Maun to Camp Moremi: duration 20 minutes
Included:
- all meals & drinks
- all flights
- safari excursion upon arrival
- laundry once at our Botswana camp
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 3: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 30th, 2020
Waking up in the heart of Africa is something that can only be experienced. And experienced early!
We set off at the crack of dawn. That's when the animals are at their most active! Following a light vegan breakfast, you'll head off on your first safari activity. This could be either boarding your 4x4 vehicles and heading out into the bush, or boarding the camp's motorized boat for a journey down waterways and lagoons. Whatever you choose, you'll be taken along by our expert local guides who can truly answer any questions you may come up with. Seriously, we've never been able to stump them! They are a walking Wikipedia/Google page!
If you prefer to sleep in, no worries at all! We have 2 full days at this location and you can build your own adventure. Our tour leaders will be on-hand to help out with any decision-making tips.
The morning activity will lead to lunch and an afternoon rest period where you can enjoy your room or go for a swim in the camp's own swimming pool!
Once the midday heat subsides a bit, the animals will start getting active again, and so we're off on another safari activity. This is the perfect time to sit back and watch some lions nap or stroll about with a glass of wine in-hand.
We'll be back at the lodge in time for sun-downer drinks, maybe a campfire if the weather cooperates, and a dinner under the stars.
Below is an example of a daily schedule, though please note that it serves only as an example. The daily program is flexible based on the guests' interests, travel times and availability of activities.
- 05:00: Early morning wake-up call
- 05:30: Light continental breakfast served in the dining area.
- 06:00: Leave for morning activity, (approximately 3 – 4 hours).
- 11:00: Brunch is served at the dining area.
- REST TIME: Relax and enjoy the lodge facilities and surroundings.
- 15:30: Afternoon tea is served on the open air patio.
- 16:00: Depart for afternoon activity (approximately 3 hours).
- 19:00: Arrive back at the lodge.
- 20:00: Dinner is served at the dining area.
Accommodation:
- Camp Moremi
Included Activities:
- Game Drives: morning and afternoon game drives to explore the many different ecosystems that the Moremi Game Reserve has to offer.
- Motorised boat safaris: Explore the Xakanaxa Lagoon and its surrounding channels by boat for a chance to enjoy the picturesque waters of the Okavango Delta, in hard-bottom aluminum boats. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.
Included:
- all meals & drinks
- laundry
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 4: CAMP MOREMI - MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
DECEMBER 31st, 2020
While it's easy to say that today is just more of the same -- we're off on safari activities again -- the truth is that no 2 safaris are ever the same. Some animals are more elusive than others, and the odds to spot them increase with every outing.
Of course you are free to join a morning or afternoon activity, or both, or simply stay back at the camp and enjoy your surroundings. Our camp has a great viewing deck, and so does your room! It's the perfect place to sit back with a book and some tea and try to spot animals right from your own private veranda!
This is our last night in the Moremi Game Reserve, and the very last night of 2020! Tonight is party time, as we welcome the new year in style, as we eat, dance and toast to a very happy new year indeed!
Accommodation:
- Camp Moremi
Included:
- all meals and drinks
- all safari activities
- New Year's Eve party!
- tips for the guides and camp staff
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 5: CAMP SAVUTE - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
JANUARY 1st, 2021
Today we leave the Moremi Game Reserve behind and board our small plane for the 25-minute flight to our next home for the next 3 nights.
Savute Safari Lodge is located in Chobe National Park, Botswana's first national park and also the most biologically diverse. Located in the north of the country, it is Botswana's third largest park and has one of the greatest concentrations of animals in all of Africa. The park is widely known for its large elephant population, estimated to be around 50,000. Elephants living here are Kalahari elephants, the largest in size of all known elephant populations. They are characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks. If this wasn't spectacular enough, the park is also noted for having a population of lions which has been known to actually prey on African elephants, mostly juveniles or sub-adults, but occasionally fully-grown adults!
Our camp is located in the Savute marsh region, renowned for its intense predator encounters and exceptional animal viewing. The camp is located right by a watering hole, where many animals -- including elephants!!!! -- come for a drink. Perhaps some will join us for sun-downers?
Depending on our time of arrival today, we may only have time for a safari drive on the way to the lodge, and perhaps a short one before dinner. No worries -- we have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush!
Accommodation:
Included Activities:
Flights:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 6: CAMP SAVUTE - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
JANUARY 2nd, 2021
Good morning! How about some coffee/tea/orange juice... and a game drive to start the day?
Savute is all about game drives. Its flat, wildlife=packed expanses and rocky outcrops make it one of the most rewarding safari destination on the continent. It's especially teeming with lions so -- fingers crossed -- it won't take too long before spotting a pride!
As we'll be visiting during the rainy season, zebras and other grazing animals will have migrated over, rendering the scenery awash with animals of all sorts... including the following predators!
We'll be back at the lodge for brunch and a rest before setting out again in mid-afternoon.
Accommodation:
Included Activities:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 7: CAMP SAVUTE - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
JANUARY 3rd, 2021
Today is more game drives, and our guides will make sure to take you to different areas. Don't forget to rest and enjoy the lodge and a good book!
Accommodation:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 8: GREYTON, SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY 4th, 2021
After our last breakfast in the bush, we're off to the airfield (once again, expect to see animals along the way!!) to catch our 40-minute bush-plane flight to the small city of Maun, where we'll transfer over to our international flight back to Cape Town (2h45).
Once back in South Africa, we're boarding our coach right away for an absolutely stunning 1.5 hrs drive to our home for the next 2 nights. Quaint Greyton is a two-street town filled with shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Our hotel, The Post House, is situated right smack in the middle of it all, and includes elegant rooms, a private garden & lawn area, and a swimming pool.
After a quick check-in, we'll enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation:
Flights:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 9: GREYTON, SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY 3rd, 2021
We begin our morning with yet another delicious breakfast. You will also have a bit of time to walk around town and explore some of its shops and galleries.
We're then off on a 15-minute drive to the amazing Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary. Situated over 40 hectares of private farm, the sanctuary was founded by Nicola Vernon in 2014, and is now the forever home to some 90 pigs, 30 sheeps, and a few goats, geese, chickens, dogs, cats and even a duck!
Our lunch today will be at a nearby winery, where we'll also indulge in some wine tasting and some walks around the gorgeous property. This is a great way to enjoy our last day together in Africa.
Our last dinner, back on the beautiful grounds of our hotel, will be the chance to say goodbye to each other, share some photos, friending ourselves on Facebook, and toast to a successful trip.. and hopefully to the next one!
Accommodation:
Included:
Excluded:
DAY 10: CAPE TOWN & DEPARTURE
JANUARY 4th, 2021
All good things must come to an end, and so after breakfast we're back on the bus for our final journey together. We will provide transfer to both Cape Town Airport, or if you choose to spend a few more nights in Cape Town, we'll drive you to your next hotel. Please do not book any ongoing flights until after around 1pm or so.
If you choose to extend your holiday, you're spoiled for choice. South Africa has plenty to see and do, including more safari possibilities. Or why not head over to neighboring Namibia for a completely different style of safari in some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa.
If this was your first time in Africa, it probably won't be your last. The continent has a way to seep into your soul and steal your heart. It becomes an addiction, one that you are more than happy to satisfy. It's a huge place with so much more to see... so here's to next time!
Included:
Excluded:
JANUARY 1st, 2021
Today we leave the Moremi Game Reserve behind and board our small plane for the 25-minute flight to our next home for the next 3 nights.
Savute Safari Lodge is located in Chobe National Park, Botswana's first national park and also the most biologically diverse. Located in the north of the country, it is Botswana's third largest park and has one of the greatest concentrations of animals in all of Africa. The park is widely known for its large elephant population, estimated to be around 50,000. Elephants living here are Kalahari elephants, the largest in size of all known elephant populations. They are characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks. If this wasn't spectacular enough, the park is also noted for having a population of lions which has been known to actually prey on African elephants, mostly juveniles or sub-adults, but occasionally fully-grown adults!
Our camp is located in the Savute marsh region, renowned for its intense predator encounters and exceptional animal viewing. The camp is located right by a watering hole, where many animals -- including elephants!!!! -- come for a drink. Perhaps some will join us for sun-downers?
Depending on our time of arrival today, we may only have time for a safari drive on the way to the lodge, and perhaps a short one before dinner. No worries -- we have 2 more full days to explore this awesome region, so settle in, unpack your bags, grab a cold beer, enjoy a sunset by the campfire and get hungry for our first vegan dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush!
Accommodation:
- Savute Safari Lodge: luxurious chalets with full en-suite bathrooms, fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, private and public viewing decks and a fully stocked bar
Included Activities:
- Safari Drive from the airfield to the camp, and possible in the evening
Flights:
- private charter from Camp Moremi to Savute Safari Lodge: duration 25 minutes
Included:
- all meals & drinks
- safari excursion upon arrival
- laundry once at our Botswana camp
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 6: CAMP SAVUTE - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
JANUARY 2nd, 2021
Good morning! How about some coffee/tea/orange juice... and a game drive to start the day?
Savute is all about game drives. Its flat, wildlife=packed expanses and rocky outcrops make it one of the most rewarding safari destination on the continent. It's especially teeming with lions so -- fingers crossed -- it won't take too long before spotting a pride!
As we'll be visiting during the rainy season, zebras and other grazing animals will have migrated over, rendering the scenery awash with animals of all sorts... including the following predators!
We'll be back at the lodge for brunch and a rest before setting out again in mid-afternoon.
Accommodation:
- Savute Safari Lodge
Included Activities:
- Safari Drives to Savute region in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Many excursions will incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give you a chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel at the marsh against a backdrop of teeming wildlife.
- you can also enjoy a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills – a small hilly outcrop which forms a prominent landmark in the otherwise flat landscape.
Included:
- all meals & drinks
- laundry
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 7: CAMP SAVUTE - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
JANUARY 3rd, 2021
Today is more game drives, and our guides will make sure to take you to different areas. Don't forget to rest and enjoy the lodge and a good book!
Accommodation:
- Savute Safari Lodge
Included:
- all meals and drinks
- all safari activities
- tips for the guides and camp staff
Excluded:
- premium alcoholic drinks at the Botswana camp
DAY 8: GREYTON, SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY 4th, 2021
After our last breakfast in the bush, we're off to the airfield (once again, expect to see animals along the way!!) to catch our 40-minute bush-plane flight to the small city of Maun, where we'll transfer over to our international flight back to Cape Town (2h45).
Once back in South Africa, we're boarding our coach right away for an absolutely stunning 1.5 hrs drive to our home for the next 2 nights. Quaint Greyton is a two-street town filled with shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Our hotel, The Post House, is situated right smack in the middle of it all, and includes elegant rooms, a private garden & lawn area, and a swimming pool.
After a quick check-in, we'll enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation:
- The Post House, Greyton
Flights:
- private charter from Savuti Safari Lodge to Maun: duration 40 minutes
- international flight from Maun to Cape Town (South Africa): duration 2h45
Included:
- all tips for Savuti Safari Lodge guides and camp staff
- flights from Savuti Safari Lodge to Cape Town
- all transportation
- all meals
- all drinks during included meals
Excluded:
- extra drinks outside of meals (in South Africa)
DAY 9: GREYTON, SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY 3rd, 2021
We begin our morning with yet another delicious breakfast. You will also have a bit of time to walk around town and explore some of its shops and galleries.
We're then off on a 15-minute drive to the amazing Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary. Situated over 40 hectares of private farm, the sanctuary was founded by Nicola Vernon in 2014, and is now the forever home to some 90 pigs, 30 sheeps, and a few goats, geese, chickens, dogs, cats and even a duck!
Our lunch today will be at a nearby winery, where we'll also indulge in some wine tasting and some walks around the gorgeous property. This is a great way to enjoy our last day together in Africa.
Our last dinner, back on the beautiful grounds of our hotel, will be the chance to say goodbye to each other, share some photos, friending ourselves on Facebook, and toast to a successful trip.. and hopefully to the next one!
Accommodation:
- The Post House, Greyton
Included:
- all transportation
- all meals
- all drinks during included meals
- winery tour and wine tasting
Excluded:
- extra drinks outside of meals (in South Africa)
DAY 10: CAPE TOWN & DEPARTURE
JANUARY 4th, 2021
All good things must come to an end, and so after breakfast we're back on the bus for our final journey together. We will provide transfer to both Cape Town Airport, or if you choose to spend a few more nights in Cape Town, we'll drive you to your next hotel. Please do not book any ongoing flights until after around 1pm or so.
If you choose to extend your holiday, you're spoiled for choice. South Africa has plenty to see and do, including more safari possibilities. Or why not head over to neighboring Namibia for a completely different style of safari in some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa.
If this was your first time in Africa, it probably won't be your last. The continent has a way to seep into your soul and steal your heart. It becomes an addiction, one that you are more than happy to satisfy. It's a huge place with so much more to see... so here's to next time!
Included:
- breakfast
- transfer to Cape Town airport or your next Cape Town hotel
Excluded:
- lunch & dinner
- accommodation
- any other transportation options other than what's included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Due to our taking 3 small bush planes in Botswana, luggage will be strictly limited to the following:
- all meals from the official start of the trip until the end, all 100% vegan, all delicious!
- in Botswana: all safari activities each day, including 4x4 safari drives and motorized boat safari
- 2 remote & private deluxe safari camps in Botswana
- New Year's Eve party at Camp Moremi
- all house drinks at the Botswana camp/lodges, including water, juice, coffee, tea, and selected alcoholic drinks (ie wine, beer, spirits)
- in South Africa: deluxe accommodation in 2 locations: Cape Town and Greyton
- all drinks during included meals in South Africa
- visit to a wineland winery and farm sanctuary in SA
- all tips to guides, drivers and camp staff on all included activities
- all ground transportation
- return international flight to/from Cape Town to Maun (Botswana)
- 3 domestic bush plane flights in Botswana
- pickup and transfer to and from Cape Town airport
- gift bag with some travel essentials
- laundry at Botswana camp/lodge
- two professional tour leaders
- live Q&A before the trip, so you can ask all your questions directly to the tour leaders
- games, treats and surprises
- lots -- and we mean A LOT -- of animal sightings!!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- flights to/from our departure/finish points: Cape Town, South Africa
- medical travel insurance
- optional activities outside of what we've planned (see itinerary for more detail)
- extra snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals outside of what's included (see itinerary)
- premium brand alcoholic drinks in Botswana camp/lodge
- laundry in South Africa
- tips for guides/drivers on non-included activities, or to hotel staff
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Due to our taking 3 small bush planes in Botswana, luggage will be strictly limited to the following:
- 20kg / 44lbs per person (total weight inclusive of luggage and hand luggage/camera equipment)
- soft sided luggage, non-rigid bag
- max dimensions: 25cm wide x 45cm high x 62cm long (10 inches wide x 18 inches high x 24 inches long)
- if your luggage has wheels, please ensure that the frame supporting the wheels at the back is not a rigid/solid frame
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Or contact Donna at Green Earth Travel for more information donna@greenearthtravel.com or call 301 229-5666 |
