Caprivi Strip Educational 2008
Northern Exposure Caprivi Educational, 3rd 9th May 2008
This is a small group educational designed to highlight the outstanding small safari properties of the East Caprivi, the regions best game viewing and access to the area.
You can read a recent trip report to the area here.
Elephant Valley Lodge 3rd May
Elephant Valley Lodge is situated in the Kasane Forest adjacent to the Chobe National Park. This 20 tent property is situated to make the most of the largest wild elephant population in the world. The lodge is located in a secluded valley which serves as a natural migratory route for elephants and other species in the area.
Impalila Island Lodge 4th May
Impalila Island Lodge is a 16-bedded luxury lodge situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the place where 4 countries meet - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities. Impalila is the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the very best of the Chobe River.
At Impalila game viewing by boat in the Chobe National Park for Africa's big game is preferable during the mid afternoon to sunset when game comes down to the waters edge to drink. The Chobe is just a short distance away and one of the attractions is to take a late afternoon cruise into the Kasai channel and from there into the Chobe - famous for vast elephant herds, buffalo, lion, hippo, the rare Chobe bushbuck and puku. Elephant cross the Chobe onto Impalila Island often, and along with hippo, sitatunga can be seen from Impalila Island Lodge.
Away from the water, guided walks offer a closer insight into the ecological marvels of this Cradle of Rivers. The surrounding islands offer unrestricted walks, including a visit to a 2000 year-old baobab from whose lofty heights all 4 countries and the convergence of the mighty rivers can be seen.
Afro-Botanical walks offer insight into the traditional medicinal uses of plants and trees.
Ntwala Island Lodge 5th May
Ntwala Island Lodge offers four ultra luxury styled suites artfully appointed, each inclusive of a private plunge pool fringed by white sand and opulent viewing deck, bay bath feature; indoor and outdoor shower; as well as a private sala extending out over the water. The staff ensure personalised service, culinary expertise and quality privately guided big game activities. These small islands offer exclusivity and isolation a complete holistic African experience.
Surrounded on all sides by seductively wild and powerful waterways with intricate floating walkways linking an untouched Namibian cluster of islands within the Mambova rapids where the Zambezi and Chobe rivers converge, only 80km upstream from the Victoria Falls and where white sands and palm trees add to the romance.
Activities at Ntwala are predominantly water borne and privately guided. Each suite has a boat and guide to ensure individual choice, flexibility and privacy.
Meander the multiple waterways with your personal guide and private boat, indulging in a vast array of activities; mokoro the quiet backwaters or take in an exclusive Chobe sunset cruise whilst viewing Africas big game. This is another wonderful location to pursue the famed Tigerfish on fly.
Lianshulu Lodge 6th May
Overlooking the pristine Kwando River and situated on a private concession inside the Mudumu National Park. Traditional flair and superb food combine with unobtrusive comfort and personal service. 10 individually styled chalets afford privacy and uninterrupted views. Experienced guides enhance a great wilderness experience. Cradled between the enigmatic Okavango River to the west and the mighty Zambezi River to the east, Lianshulu Lodge nestles beneath a canopy of shady Jackalberry and Mangosteen trees, on the banks of the meandering Kwando River. Here, in the heart of the Mudumu National Park, dry Mopane woodlands meet the allure of a fragile Kwando wetland ecosystem.
Nature drives inside the Mudumu National Park are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles. Other activities include guided morning walks in the park, bird watching, boat excursions and sunset cruises on the Kwando River. Optional night drives are offered between May and November. All activities are conducted by experienced, resident naturalist guides.
Susuwe Island Lodge 7th & 8th May
Situated on a remote private island in the Kwando River - a permanent water source which nourishes delicate ecosystems and sustains varied game and birdlife. Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount here. The lodge was built to incorporate the riverine forest - the main complex has lofty canopy viewing decks overlooking endless savannahs, glistening lily-studded wetlands and ancient Kalahari woodlands, as well as a fire pit, spacious lounge and dining areas, curio shop and small reference library.
Six spacious brick and thatch suites equipped with double bathroom, bedroom, lounge and wooden viewing deck each with private plunge pool offer our visitors the opportunity to merge unhurriedly with Africa's timeless evolution of hazy days and star-studded nights.
Game drives are taken in open 4 x 4 vehicles in the Bwabwata National Park. Wild life sightings in this cradle of rivers could include vast herds of roaming elephant and buffalo, lion, wild dog, hippo, leopard, sable, roan, lechwe and puku for example. Night drives at Susuwe offer an even closer insight into the intrigue of the African bush.
9th May Transfer from Susuwe and scheduled flight from Livingston to JHB.
Daily travel and transfer times:
3rd May
Road/boat/road transfer from Livingstone airport to Elephant Valley Lodge - approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4th May
Road transfer from Elephant Valley Lodge to Kasane airport 15 minutes
Road transfer from Kasane airport to Kasane Immigration (Chobe river) - 10 minutes and a further 25 minutes by boat from Kasane Immigration (Chobe river) to Impalila Island Lodge, stopping on route to clear customs into Namibia.
5th May
Boat transfer between Impalila Island Lodge and Ntwala Island Lodge 5 minutes.
6th May
Boat/road transfer from Ntwala Island Lodge to Impalila Island airstrip - 15 minutes. Charter flight transfer from Impalila Island airstrip to Lianshulu Lodge airstrip and then onto the lodge 1 hour.
7th May
Road/boat transfer from Lianshulu Lodge to Kongola bridge check point and then onwards to Susuwe Island Lodge 1 hour and 30 minutes.
9th May
Boat/road transfer from Susuwe Island Lodge to Immelman airstrip - 40 minutes.
Charter flight transfer from Immelman airstrip to Livingstone airport 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Please note: daily flights from JHB to Livingstone are operated by Nationwide. If you would like the Islands in Africa office to arrange a seat for you, they can assist you in January when the confirmed Nationwide rates are published.
Tour cost: US$ 445.00 per person
Including all accommodation (shared) on a full board basis, drinks on activities, guided activities at all properties, transfers/scheduled flights as listed above.
Excluding: International flights, drinks outside activities, park entrance fees, passenger departure taxes, Zambian departure taxes as well as visa costs.