The Essence of the Journey!

Safaris & Photographic Trips

The below mentioned trips are expertly guided by Marcelo de Freitas. Alternative itineraries may be arranged as requested.

Zambia | Namibia & Botswana

Breakdown of Safaris of Southern Africa

Zambia - 10 nights:

Kasanka - nights 1 & 2
Fly into Lusaka and then border a charter flight to Kasanka. Accomodation is in the Kasanka lodge on a full-board basis. The major attraction here are the bats, where up to 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats can be seen on a daily basis. There is a special safari planned, where access to a viewing platform over the breeding colony is given. This is the same platform that was used in the recent shooting of the BBC Africa series. This event is a 'must see' and quite spectacular. The biggest mammal migration in the world, this sighting is guaranteed. Birding at Kasanka is also very good and focused around Miombo vegetation. Specials like African Broadbill,Fulleborn's Longclaw and Bohm's Flycatcher can be seen.

Benguelu Swamps - nights 3 & 4
Take a charter flight into Shoebill Swamp, in the heart of Benguelu Swamps. This is where we search out arguably the most sought after bird on any birders list. The whale beak or Shoebill. Access to the search and the swamps is via mokoro, and land arrangements and catering is included. Water-birds are spectacular in Benguelu swamps and we'll be sure to search out White-backed night heron, black & rufous-bellied heron, slaty egret just to name a few. Up to 100 000 lechwe can be seen.

Kapishya Springs - night 5 & 6
On the oldest estate in Zambia - Shiwa Ngandu, this special place of mother Gaia needs to be witnessed to be appreciated. Natural (sulphur free) hot springs, offer the option of taking in a spa treatment or just relaxing at your leisure. The full-board catering offers access to different, yet delicious cooking not to be missed. We also break bread at Shiwa Ngandu and take in some of the old colonialism. Shiwa is a national monument.

North Luangwa - Buffalo Camp night 7 & 8
This is big 5 territory and staying under canvas, we go in search of the big 5. Sometimes on foot and sometimes on vehicle, this is the opportunity to get up close and personal like never before. Photographic opportunities have never been better. Here too&, one can get access to Zambia's primary rhino breeding project.

South Luangwa - nights 9 & 10
A charter flight takes us to South Luangwa, where we can seek out any of the Big Cats that may have eluded us. Bush luxury at its best, South Luangwa offers a different vegetation type altogether. Acacia and savannah are home to one of the densest populations of Leopard in the world. This too is a prime location for the elusive Pel's Fishing owl. We charter into Lusaka for your connecting flight.

Although we have spent 10 nights in Zambia, there are other options in Zambia which may be added on. Luwa Plains offers the 2nd biggest wildebeest migration in the world - about 1 million and is a true wilderness. Kafue is another special wilderness area that could be considered. With the focus on luxury and time saving, charter flights are used.

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Namibia & Botswana

Etosha Pan National Park - Nights 1, 2 & 3
Charter from your arrival in Windhoek to Etosha Pan. We base ourselves on the western side of Etosha - Dolomite Camp. This is the newest and brightest of the Etosha Camps, offering raised vistas over the African Savannah. This is prime habitat for black rhino and African Wild dog, being two of the rarest of Africa's mammals, a real treat. Don't overlook the early morning ratel, resident leopard and other specials that frequent this area. Montagu's Harrier, Kori Bustard (the world biggest bird that can fly) and Hartlaub's Francolin. Namibia's largest elephant population can be found here. Watch these gentle giants in a unique landscape, thriving.

Sossusvlei - nights 4 & 5
The highest dunes in the world - wow. Take in this lunar landscape by climbing the Sossusvlei dune or take a hot air balloon flight. Champagne breakfast awaits, as you let the beauty filter through. The desert oryx are stark reminders of how life in this changing desert is possible. Giraffe, desert rhino and elephant too have accustomed themselves to this harsh environment. The endemic, non-descript dune lark occur nowhere else on earth. Accommodation on a five star, full-board basis.

Fish River Canyon - nights 6 & 7
The second biggest canyon in the world, we charter in to take the stark contrast of this wonder of the world. Herero Chat and Ruppell's Korhaan are just two of the endemics that occur in this area. We stay on a luxurious working farm and eat at some quirky fun places too&. We charter from Namibia into Botswana.

Deception Valley, Central Kalahari National Park, Botswana - night 8, 9 & 10
Some say the ultimate African experience is tracking lion on foot. This is your opportunity. We fly into Deception valley and stay at Deception Valley Lodge. Mark and Delia Owens made this area famous in their book 'Cry of the Kalahari'. Here we get to witness the beauty of the Kalahari (meaning place of great thirst) first hand. One of the highlights is spending time with the local bushmen, where they show us how they survive in this harsh environment from day to day. Digging for tubers, clothing themselves and making shelters, this is a fascinating glimpse into their world. The end of the day brings the Kameeldoring fire and the story telling, and the stars...

Okavango Delta - night 11, 12 & 13
Only flying over this wilderness can one truly understand the vastness of this wilderness? Africa at her best and strangest. The elusive aardvark and her equally rare African wild dog are here. Chief's Island provides us with luxury but the stillness and access to these wondrous waterways. Try your hand at some tiger fishing - some say the 'best' game fish fight in Africa. Photography from these waterways is spectacular. You can get so much closer to animals from here. They just don't feel threatened.

Gaborone - night 14
Fly into Botswana's capital, connecting up with your flight back home.

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