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INCENTIVE ITINERARY: ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA
OCS INCENTIVE GROUP – VICTORIA FALLS AND CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Group of 20 PAX | May-June 2014
5 nights / 6 days
Itinerary at a glance (Option 1):
3 nights Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Hotel 5* 2 nights Chobe National Park – Chobe Bush Lodge 4*
Itinerary at a glance (Option 2):
2 nights Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Hotel 5*
2 nights Chobe National Park – Chobe Bush Lodge 4*
For more information on our incentive program approved hotels
please check on:
Victoria Falls Hotel: http://www.africansunhotels.com and Chobe Bush Lodge: http://www.chobebushlodge.com/
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DETAILED PROGRAM
Day 0: Departure from home. Depart from home and take your preferable airline to South Africa, O. R. Tambo
International Airport (JNB).
O. R. Tambo International Airport hosts international airlines such as British
Airways (BA), South African Airways (SA), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Air
France (AF), Qatar Airways (QR), Turkish Airlines (TK), Emirates Airways (EK),
Lufthansa (LH), Swiss (LX) and several domestic and regional flights.
Day 01: Arrival | Johannesburg | Victoria Falls
On arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport and after connecting to your regional flight
to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe via transit terminal, ABC Africa representative will be at hand
to assist. Then group will board regional scheduled flight to Victoria Falls (one and the half
hour flight). On arrival, ABC Africa representative will assist the group to obtain Zimbabwe
Visa (double entry) currently at USD 80.00 and then exit the airport.
The group will be transferred to Victoria Falls Hotel in 18-22 seater air-conditioneded
coaches. On arrival they will be offered welcome non-alcoholic drink and express group
hassle free check in. After the group is comfortably settled in their rooms, they will be
invited to have a light lunch (snacks and canapé selection) on the loans of the Victoria
Falls Hotel by the swimming pool.
After lunch group will enjoy rest in the hotel after the overnight flight, followed by
Exclusive Welcome Dinner on Zambezi River (inclusive of local brand drinks) during
cruise onboard the cruise vessel.
Group overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel
Day 02: VICTORIA FALLS After breakfast at the hotel, the group will be picked up by teambuilding coordinators and
transferred to the beautiful Batoka Gorge on lower Zambezi river for a full day White
Water Rafting Teambuilding Adventure (please see description below). During lunch
break stop at one of the lower Zambezi Rapids, group will be offered picnic lunch baskets.
Teambuilding will continue after lunch.
The group will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. After some rest, the group will be
invited to the Victoria Falls Hotel Restaurant for non-exclusive group set menu dinner.
Group overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel
Please note: This day will be excluded from the Option 2 of the programme (2
nights Victoria Falls + 2 nights Chobe National Park).
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Day 03: VICTORIA FALLS After breakfast at the hotel, the group will be picked up by the guides and will be
transferred to Jumbo Junction for a half day Elephant Interaction Experience (please
see description below). They will be able to closely interact with these magnificent giants
and hand feed them, will learn about elephant habitat and behaviour. Interaction will be
followed by the buffet menu lunch at Jumbo Junction. After lunch group will continue their
day programme and proceed to the Victoria Falls National Park for the Guided Tour of
Victoria Falls and the Rainforest.
The group will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening group will be
transferred to the Victoria Falls Boma for non-exclusive Traditional African BBQ buffet
Boma Dinner around the bonfire. During dinner, Boma guests will be entertained by local
Tribal Show, including traditional singers and dancers performances, drumming show
blessed by traditional healers.
Group overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel
Day 04: VICTORIA FALLS | CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will check out from the hotel and will be transferred
to the Botswana Border (one hour drive). On arrival guides will assist with border crossing
formalities, after which, the group will board ferry motor boats and cross the river to the
Botswana side, after formalities on Botswana Kasane Border Post, the group will be
transferred to Chobe Bush Lodge, situated on the banks of Chobe river. On arrival at the
lodge will be offered welcome non-alcoholic drink and express group check in. Buffet
menu lunch will be served at the lodge restaurant. After lunch, the group will board safari
motorboats for a safari cruise on Chobe River. Return to the lodge for dinner in the late
afternoon.
Group dinner and overnight at Chobe Bush Lodge
Day 05: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, the group will board open game viewing 10-seater safari vehicles and
enter Chobe National Park for the safari drive. Breakfast will be served at the lodge upon
the group’s return, followed by time at leisure. After lunch, the group will return to
National Park for the afternoon safari drive. Return to the lodge for dinner in the late
afternoon.
Group dinner and overnight at Chobe Bush Lodge
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Day 06: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK | VICTORIA FALLS |
JOHANNESBURG | DEPARTURE
In the morning, the group will board safari motorboats for a safari cruise on Chobe River.
After breakfast at the lodge, the group will check out from the lodge and will be
transferred to the Zimbabwe Border (twenty minutes drive). On arrival guides will assist
with border crossing formalities, after which, the group will board ferry motor boats and
cross the river to the Zimbabwe side, after formalities on Zimbabwe Kazangula Border
Post, the group will be transferred to the Victoria Falls International Airport. On arrival,
the group will be met by ABC Africa representative, who will assist with border
registration to regional scheduled flight departing to Johannesburg, South Africa (one and
the half hour flight). On arrival to Johannesburg, ABC Africa representative, will meet the
group and guide them to the transit terminal. The group will check in to their outbound
international flight and proceed to the International Departures terminal, followed by
flight back home.
END OF ABC AFRICA TRAVEL & TOURS ARRANGEMENTS
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ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA HOTEL / SAFARI LODGE:
VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL
The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in
the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive
Leading Hotels of the World group. It is one of only three 1S0-accredited hotels in
Zimbabwe. The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated
and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new.
Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it
provides the tranquility and seclusion that many guests seek. The famous Victoria Falls
are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that
thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this
luxurious landmark. World-class service, and food and beverage choice and preparation
second to none, make the hotel a magnet for international visitors and locals alike. The
opulent Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, The Jungle Junction with its famous
breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment in the evenings, offer variety and
wide choice. Stanley’s Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge, connecting
Zimbabwe and Zambia, is renowned for its cocktails and afternoon teas. The Terrace has
been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century. The ambience of the hotel
is steeped in that history with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of
Zimbabwe’s colonial era.
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ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES
It has 161 rooms comprising 37 standard rooms, 58 traditional rooms, 48 deluxe rooms,
7 junior suites, 4 honeymoon suites, 6 executive suites and the Royal Suite. The latter, as
the name suggests, has seen reigning monarchs, presidents and, more recently, many
famous Hollywood stars among its privileged occupants. The corridors reflect and tell the
history of this unique part of Africa, with particular reference to the building of the railway
from Cape Town to what is now Zambia. It is very much part of the unrealized “Cape to
Cairo” dream of Cecil John Rhodes. Small executive meetings and private dining facilities
are easily arranged for those who wish to combine a little business with a lot of pleasure,
and all in a secluded and discreet environment. A large swimming pool, two tennis courts,
a library, reading rooms and chapel are part of the complex. Golfers can enjoy 18 holes
on the championship course of the nearby sister hotel, Elephant Hills Resort. For guests
who wish to take in some game viewing, a five kilometre drive (or walk) brings them to
the national park and, guided by professional rangers, they will seek out Zimbabwe’s “big
five” – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo – and be able to capture their encounters
forever, on camera! A sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from the
magnificent falls, is another must for the visitor and will be arranged by hotel staff.
Crocodiles, abundant hippo and new friends are the staple of these legendary exhilarating
cruises. But it is the Victoria Falls Hotel that remains the major attraction for visitors.
Waking up to the sound of “the smoke that thunders”, seeing the sun rise beneath the
mist of one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the lunar rainbow at night, all
the while soaking up the history and ambience of a bygone era, is more than
unforgettable – it is unique.
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CHOBE BUSH LODGE
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Chobe Bush Lodge is brand new addition to the Under One Botswana Sky properties,
opens late January 2014. Right on their doorstep, four African countries meet (Botswana,
Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia); Chobe Bush Lodge will therefore offer an excellent
gateway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi. Chobe National Park is known for its
great lion population and massive herds of elephant and buffalo. Chobe Bush Lodge offers
luxurious accommodation with a touch of bush style, consisting of 38 luxury en-suite
rooms, each with full open-plan bathroom, air-conditioning, TV and safe. In addition
there will be 4 large family rooms with two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite
facility. The lodge will have views over Chobe National Park and the Chobe floodplains in
the far distance.
Facilities:
The bush restaurant, with indigenous flavours of Africa will serve combination of a
buffet and a la carte style meals
Swimming pool and pool deck
Cocktail bar with beautiful views over African bush
Lounge areas with Wi-Fi hotspots
Curio & Craft Shop
Secluded viewing platforms overlooking Chobe National Park
Close proximity to Victoria Falls International Airport, Livingstone International Airport
and Kasane International Airport makes us easily accessible, with daily road transfers or
charter flights connecting all these airports with Chobe Bush Lodge. Chobe Bush Lodge is
home to a variety of wildlife animals including abundant herds of elephant and buffalo,
hippo, giraffe and the unique red lechwe, puku, kudu, impala, sable antelope, crocodile,
lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog and jackal. Guests are taken on a morning and evening
game drive, accompanied with a guide, where they are able to enjoy sightings of these
wildlife animals. Additional activities at the lodge includes boat cruises, a trip to the
Victoria Falls, a trip to Okavango Delta, scenic flights, fishing, a Namibian Village walk and
a visit to the reptile walk.
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ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA ACTIVITIES AND DINING:
ZAMBEZI RIVER DINNER CRUISE
Guests are met by staff from the Cruise Boat Company and driven to the jetty on the
Zambezi River for boarding. The cruise boat meanders slowly upstream along the length of
the “Mosi-oa-Tunya” National Park looking for game on the way. A number of animals and a
host of bird species can be viewed from comfortable chairs on cool wooden decks. Excellent
hot and cold food buffet selection is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits,
good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served
throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience one of
the most luxurious cruises on the river. Transfers to the jetty are from where guest are
lodging.
Dinner Cruise
The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes buffet menu dinner, local brands of drinks and
transfers. All cruises include River usage fees, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
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TEAMBUILDING: LOWER ZAMBEZI WHITE WATER RAFTING
Since David Livingstone named Victoria Falls after his Queen, thousands of people have
come from all over the world to witness the spectacle, a mile long curtain of water that
stretches across the glistening basalt rock, erupts into spray, and then thunders into the
canyons below. The walls of basalt rock that capture the mighty Zambezi form one of the
great river corridors of the world. This is the domain of the Nyaminyami, the River God of the
Tonga people and is now the highway for our rafts. At Victoria Falls the Zambezi River
plummets into a gorge, which separates the placid river above the Falls and the turbulent
rapids below. The gorge is over 100 meters deep at the fall and increases to over 200 meters
by the end of a full day raft trip. Despite this rugged terrain, the gorges below the Falls are
thick with vegetation and incredibly spectacular. Rafting on the Zambezi is a ONCE IN A
LIFETIME EXPERIENCE. It is the WILDEST ONE DAY RUN IN THE WORLD beneath one of the
Seven Wonders of the World. If you don't do it you'll regret it as soon as you leave!
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DINNER AT THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL
Victoria Falls hotel dining provides some of the finest cuisine in the country. With renowned
veteran chefs you are guaranteed an exquisitely prepared meal at every sitting. Both the
Livingstone Room and Jungle Junctions restaurants offer meticulously prepared menus that
are impressive and varied. The hotel is distinguished for its five star service that is
intentionally aimed to leave every guest feeling like royalty. A fine selection of wines and
liquors are available to accompany each dining experience.
ELEPHANT INTERACTION AT JUMBO JUNCTION
Groups of up to 100 guests can be catered for at Jumbo Junction. Bush dinners, lunch BBQ's,
breakfasts and snacks can be taken with the elephant themselves, who of course provide the
main attraction. An elephant presentation will be given, detailing their lifestyles and history
and then guests can enjoy the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants on a very
personal level. Afterwards sit down & relax whilst enjoying your meal with the elephants in
the background either mud wallowing, swimming or just settling down to a meal themselves.
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TOUR OF THE VICTORIA FALLS AND RAINFOREST
The Victoria Falls – Now In Its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year - Reaches its Zenith in About
May each year. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the
humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature's Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can
begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is
conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route, clients may be taken past the 'Big
Tree' where they may stop and take photos. Clients will be accompanied through the
Rainforest by one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves
as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are
also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of
waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.
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TRADITIONAL BOMA DINNER WITH ETHNIC ENTERTAINMENT
This is not just another ethnic restaurant but a rather unique cultural experience. Excellent
cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is
accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the
Sangoma (story teller) and a local witchdoctor who is available for fortune telling. The Boma
is open for dinner from 19h00 until late 365 days of the year. The Boma nestles in a Gusu
Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. A feast of nightly
entertainment incorporates Shangaan dancers and singers and a local witchdoctor.
Guests are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages.
They are invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer
and snacks, as a prelude to dinner. After dinner, guests are invited to while away the
evening with the restaurant's very own Sangoma - a traditional storyteller to learn more
about the country's folklore, culture and heritage. The highlight of the evening is the interactive drumming and dancing!
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CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Whether arriving by air or road, the first glimpse of the river – deep and dazzling in the
sandy terrain – is always breathtaking. It appears as a swathe of brilliant, peacock blue
ribbon, winding its way through the tiny town of Kasane, and ensuing wilderness – the
Chobe National Park. Undoubtedly one of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe
supports a diversity and concentration of wildlife unparalleled anywhere else in the
country. Established in 1968, the park covers approximately 11,700 sq kms,
encompassing floodplains, swamps and woodland. The Chobe River forms its northern
boundary. There are four distinct geographical areas in the park: the Chobe Riverfront,
the Ngwezumba pans, Savuté and Linyanti. The most accessible and frequently visited of
Botswana’s big game country, the Chobe Riverfront is most famous for its large herds of
elephants and Cape Buffalo, which during the dry winter months converge upon the river
to drink. During this season, on an afternoon game drive, you may see hundreds
of elephants at one time. You may be surrounded by elephants, as the main Serondella
road becomes impassable and scores of family herds cross the main road to make their
way to the river to drink, bathe and play. Driving the loops that hug the river’s edge, you
may see up to 15 different species of animals on any one game drive, including
waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be
seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons,
along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. Take a river
cruise – and you’ll experience the park, and the animals, from another vantage point.
Here you’ll get up close and personal with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of
water birds. Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of
Africa’s premier venues for bird Safaris. Common species to be seen include the Sacred
ibis, Egyptian Geese, the ubiquitous cormorants and darters, Spur-winged Geese, Fishing
Owl, carmine Bee-eaters, most members of the kingfisher family, all the rollers, the
unmistakable Fish Eagle, the Martial Eagle, and many members of the stork family. The
Chobe River rises in the northern Angolan highlands, travels enormous distances before it
reaches Botswana at Ngoma. Like the Okavango and Zambezi rivers, the Chobe’s course
is affected by fault lines that are extensions of the Great Rift Valley. These three mighty rivers carry more water than all other rivers in Southern Africa.
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“BIG FOUR” (UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO POACHING ISSUES, PARK’S RHINOCEROS HAVE
BEEN RESETTLED INTO MORE SECURE CONSERVATION AREA)
LION: The term is still used today in most tourist and
wildlife guides, and are usually high on the priority list and
a real treat for many a visitor to African game reserves.
The Lion is a large carnivorous feline, with a short tawny
coat and a tufted tail. Males have magnificent heavy
manes around their necks and shoulders. Considered by
many the best of the Big Five, lions are very dangerous animals, and would attack if given a chance.
ELEPHANT: The African Elephant is a very large
herbivore with thick, almost hairless skin. The upper
incisor of the elephant forms long curved tusks of ivory.
The African Elephant is difficult to spot because despite its large size, they are able to hide in tall
BUFFALO: The African (Cape) Buffalo is a large horned
bovid. Buffalos are considered the most dangerous of the
Big Five, reportedly having caused many hunter deaths.
Buffalos are known as the "Black Death" in Africa, with
wounded animals reportedly ambushing and attacking its
pursuers.
LEOPARD: The Leopard is a large, carnivorous feline with
either tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings, or black
fur. Leopards are very difficult to spot as they have
nocturnal feeding habits and secretive
nature. Leopards are also extremely wary of humans, and
will take flight in the face of danger.
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ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA MAPS AND INFORMATION
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ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe (former Southern Rhodesia) is one of Southern Africa’s most beautiful
countries. As not so many visitors been coming into the country, when they actually do,
they are treated as absolute royalty. Tourists are still able to see the stunning sights and
sheer beauty of Zimbabwe - the wilderness of Mana Pools National Park, the Save Valley
Conservancy, the Chimanimani National Park, the famous mystical ruins of Great
Zimbabwe and the stunning views from the mountains looking over Mozambique in the
Eastern Highlands. Be treated to fine dining in Harare and bungee jumping over
breathtaking Victoria Falls, white water rafting, elephant rides and amazing safaris,
Zimbabwe caters for everyone.
BOTSWANA
Botswana is a land of unique, diverse beauty, and is ideally located in the very heart of
Southern Africa. Its attraction lies in its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, captivating delta
and cultural diversity. A large percentage of Botswana's land area is dedicated to national
parks and game reserves. Visitors can explore the lush green of the Okavango Delta in
the north to the surreal red desert dunes and magnificent Chobe National Park with its
abundant wildlife in the south. There is an incredible variety of wildlife species and birdlife
in the most picturesque of surroundings. There are camp sites within the national parks
and game reserves, some very basic, whilst other areas have formal ablution blocks.
Hiring a 4x4 is highly recommended to navigate some of the trickier roads. The country
focuses on high quality, low volume tourism to create a sustainable industry that employs
a large percentage of its people, while still preserving the natural environment. Take the
opportunity to view the unique San rock art, geological wonders, and traditional art found
in various parts of the country. Botswana offers a truly unique African experience.
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ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA CLIMATE
ZIMBABWE
BOTSWANA