ZAMBIA – Cultural and Wildlife Awareness Safari
9 Night - 10 Day Cultural and Wildlife Awareness Safari
DAY 1
Arrival at OR Tambo Airport where you will be collected by Xtreme Safari Africa and transferred to your accommodation, Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace for overnight stay and rest.
DAY 2
Good morning breakfast and thereafter you will take transfer with Xtreme Safari Africa from Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace to your connecting flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport. Meet and greet at the Airport by Xtreme Safari Africa where we will provide you with a welcoming gift and directly transferred to your backpacking accommodation in Livingston. Jollyboys Backpackers was the first hostel in Zambia and has been catering to travelers since 1996. Still owner run and managed to pride themselves on great service, up to the minute travel information and catering to the unique needs of their clients. After you are settled, we will enjoy a lovely lunch, get to know one another and introduce the itinerary to you as well as a couple of stories that will delight you. Edwin Nguni will join us and you will meet a born and bred inspirational Zambian man with a lot of passion for his village in Simonga, a cultural tour and participation in his ventures to assist in educational and culture change to build his community and educate the children thereof. We head of to Simonga Village with a project in mind and getting to know the children while still enjoying the cultural surrounds. On return to the backpackers Lodge we enjoy a light meal and retire for the evening after a sundowner whilst absorbing the beautiful sunset.
DAY 3
Good morning breakfast and we leave for Mosi –oa –Tunya National Park (The smoke which thunders) this is a spectacular event where there are many activities to participate in and your tour guide will take you on foot to experience one of the seven wonders of the world in all her majestic glory, followed by a bridge walk viewing Batoka Gorge, beautiful photographic opportunities and an experience that will leave you in awe. We will enjoy a light lunch and Safari through the popular Nature Reserve. On return we enjoy a cultural dinner experience at the Boma restaurant delighting you with traditional attire, Bongo drums and delicacies, laughter and a great atmosphere. We return to backpackers and retire for the evening.
DAY 4
Good morning, a fresh start with a cup of coffee, a rusk or 4 and a picnic to go. Today is a very important day. Today Edwin is going to allow us to make a difference in his community and we will assist in completing a few projects that he has set aside for us, we are going to get down and dirty today, so wear something comfortable. We will build something, paint something and plant something and leave your mark for future generations, a very humbling experience to become involved in this passionate venture. Intrigued? You should be! After all your hard work we will be treated to a traditional meal and a chance to purchase some crafts to support Simonga village. We head back to our accommodation and enjoy some homemade brews or a beautifully aged bottle of red wine over a traditional “Potjie”
DAY 5
A good hearty breakfast and a bush hike with an educated tour guide, they are homegrown and understand the dynamics of ecotourism and safety. Today we take in our scenic surrounds and enjoy the Flora and Fauna along the Zambezi River. A delectable picnic with a scenic views inspiring memorable photography and allows us to take in our surrounds, become one with nature and to learn about Zambia’s heritage sites and abundance of Wildlife. After many amazing hours we head back to the lodge where you may enjoy the evening at your leisure after we enjoy a hearty meal at The Elephant Café.
DAY 6
Good morning guys! It’s time to explore a little more of Zambia, pack a few things for overnight, we are heading to Kafue National Park. Kafue National Park covers a massive area in western Zambia. It’s known for its abundant wildlife and the Kafue River, running north to south through the park. In the north, the fertile Busanga Plains are home to lions, zebras, abundant birdlife and the sycamore fig trees of Busanga Swamps. In the more remote south, elephants and antelopes roam the Nanzhila Plains, and hippos swim in the waters of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi. On route we will stop and enjoy the cultures of smaller towns and the cultures of Zambian Village people. When we reach our destination we will overnight in a tented camp in Kafue National Park, while listening to the animals calling in the wild around a bon fire and great Company before we rest for a sunrise Safari, the best time of the day for sightings of Wildlife while we enjoy steaming coffee, breakfast croissants and traditional rusks. After a perfect day we head back to our accommodation in Livingston by late afternoon. Tired and exhilarated we retire for the night.
DAY 7
Enjoy a late morning leisurely breakfast, before we venture to the The Livingstone Museum, formerly David Livingstone Memorial Museum and Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, is the largest and the oldest museum in Zambia, located in Livingstone near Victoria Falls. The museum has exhibits of artifacts related to local history and prehistory, including photographs, musical instruments, and possessions of David Livingstone, the explorer and missionary. In order to get a feel of how the Zambian people live and where they shop we head to Argon Mall and view and purchase items from locals in support of their work ethics. We decided to give you a traditional Southern Africa “braaivleis” so a rump steak that fills the plate will be sufficient, along with Krummel pap, tomato & onion relish and a healthy salad.
DAY 8
Good morning, early rise and shine and off to a luxurious train ride. The Victoria Falls Bridge Run
The train will travel on the “Cape to Cairo” mainline which will then take us to the Victoria Falls Bridge. Once on the mainline the train leaves the outskirts of Livingstone and travels into The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The train will stop on the bridge for approximately 20 minutes and guests will have a chance to disembark from the train at this point. A five course set dinner will be served at the Palm Grove siding before heading back to the Bush tracks Station. Dress Code: Smart casual. The service and 5 course meal is equally fantastic and an experience that should be savored and appreciated. On returning we head back to our accommodation, put our feet up, take a dip, enjoy a glass of “champers” and relax while taking in the glory of the day. The remainder of your evening will be enjoyed at leisure. Sleep tight.
DAY 9
Today we need to return to Simonga Village to offer our assistance with regards to the school children and Edwin Nguni’s mission and outreach program as he will graciously explain the relevance of the much needed funds for the for the SIMOONGA THANDIZANI TRUST school.
Their Mission: To nurture pupils to be confident and compassionate adults and ultimately responsible individuals and citizens.
It is a very humbling experience to see a little face light up at something as simple as new stationary or a special soft toy, something personal that creates remembrance, Xtreme Safari Africa will allocate pocket money to our guests to buy something special for 30 children and it will come from your hearts, something I am sure they will treasure. Xtreme Safari Africa will also ensure that a percentage of every tour booked to Zambia will be donated to the educational needs of the school and much needed school desks, uniforms, stationery, learning material, staple foods etc. After a humbling day spent with Edwin and his “family “and a farewell dinner, we return to our accommodation for the evening and prepare for our return trip to our homelands and connecting flights.
DAY 10
Farewell breakfast at the Victoria Fall waterfront gives Xtreme Safari Africa the opportunity to thank you for joining us and humbling thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, friendliness and kindness. We bid you farewell and safe travels at the airport on transfer.
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingston Zambia
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingston Zambia
All accommodation
All meals and daily refreshments - 3 times daily
Guided Game Drives and boat trips as per itinerary
All activities as per itinerary
All road transport
Victoria Falls guided walking tour (Hike)
Park fees
Air fares and airport taxes included as per request at an additional price
Local Government taxes
Gratuities/tipping
Air fares and airport taxes
Import taxes where applicable
Visas - where required
Departure tax
Any in-room treatments
Certain excursions like bunjee jumping, helicopter flights etc. (Victoria Falls etc.)
A fully comprehensive travel insurance policy (with medical and evacuation insurance) valid from the date of itinerary confirmation (all guests must be covered by such a policy)
In the event of clients cancelling their reservations Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right either to claim the total amount of any deposit paid by such client or to claim any damages suffered by the company. In accordance with the international policy adopted by tour operators Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded without any further obligation on the part of the Company. If you wish to cancel your booking you must advise us immediately. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
• When we have a signed booking form and the reservation is cancelled (even without a deposit received), Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right to claim any damages suffered by the company due to this cancellation.
• Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges, of whatsoever nature, imposed by the suppliers providing the component parts of such travel arrangements.
• Xtreme Safari Africa charges a cancellation fee equal to 40% of the package price on any finalised booking. However, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total package, in its sole discretion, in particular circumstances. Any monies, which you have already paid to Xtreme Safari Africa, will be taken by us as payment or part payment of any cancellation charges.
Booking Conditions
Please read the following booking conditions carefully, as they set out the terms and conditions of the contract between you and Xtreme Safari Africa. Bookings for our services will form a direct contract between you and the Xtreme Safari Africa, and will be subject to our standard terms and conditions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Xtreme Safari Africa shall not be liable for injury, damage or loss including consequential loss to any person or their possessions how so ever caused, including personal injury, disease or death caused by or contributed to by negligence by the corporation, its employees or agents. Xtreme Safari Africa shall not be liable for any claims or if any additional expenses incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries beyond the control of Xtreme Safari Africa (e.g.: flight delays, wars, strikes, weather, act of God, etc) or considered advisable by us, such expenses are to be borne by the client. If Xtreme Safari Africa considers any client as an unsuitable person for any tour, it may in its absolute discretion, cancel such client’s booking or decline to carry such person further. All baggage including personal items is at all times and in all circumstances at "owner’s risk". The information in the brochures, circular, leaflets and other advertisements issued by Xtreme Safari Africa is given in good faith and unless specifically stated shall not form part of any contract between the client and Xtreme Safari Africa. No agent, servant, representative or client of Xtreme Safari Africa has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these conditions. While every precaution is taken on the tour, Xtreme Safari Africa does not hold itself responsible for death or any injury or loss, which might occur to such persons sustained from any cause whatsoever. The client hereby indemnifies and holds Xtreme Safari Africa harmless against any and all claims in respect of personal injury or damages, either direct or consequential arising from any cause whatsoever as a result of the participation by the client and persons under his authority on the tour.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
A deposit of 25% (non-refundable) is required to secure a booking. The exchange rate on the date of final payment will be used as the basis to calculate the balance of your tour package. The balance of payment is due no later than 30 days prior to date of departure. Bookings shall be considered full and paid up once a final invoice has been issued and paid within 48 hours of the issuing of such an invoice. Should the invoice not be paid within this time, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to re-issue the invoice if increases in foreign exchange rates or any other related costs occur. Booking confirmations are not released until Xtreme Safari Africa has received full payment & a complete signed booking form.
CANCELLATIONS
In the event of clients cancelling their reservations Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right either to claim the total amount of any deposit paid by such client or to claim any damages suffered by the company. In accordance with the international policy adopted by tour operators Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded without any further obligation on the part of the Company. If you wish to cancel your booking you must advise us immediately. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
• When we have a signed booking form and the reservation is cancelled (even without a deposit received), Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right to claim any damages suffered by the company due to this cancellation.
• Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges, of whatsoever nature, imposed by the suppliers providing the component parts of such travel arrangements.
• Xtreme Safari Africa charges a cancellation fee equal to 40% of the package price on any finalised booking. However, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total package, in its sole discretion, in particular circumstances. Any monies, which you have already paid to Xtreme Safari Africa, will be taken by us as payment or part payment of any cancellation charges.
TOUR LEADER RESPONSIBILITY
The traveller who signs the booking form for and on behalf of all travellers will be responsible for passing on all information, vouchers, schedule changes or any other information forwarded by Xtreme Safari Africa to him/her/them. Xtreme Safari Africa does not take any responsibility for failure to do so.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is strongly advised that all clients take out adequate insurance cover such as cancellation due to illness, accident or injury, personal accident and personal liability, loss of or damage to baggage and sports equipment. Xtreme Safari Africa will not be responsible or liable if the client fails to take adequate insurance cover or at all. Kindly check with the respective credit card companies in order to obtain specific details for the cover of your credit cards as well.
PASSPORTS, VACCINATIONS, VISAS & INOCULATIOINS
It is entirely the clients duty to ensure that all passports & visas are current, valid, obtained on time and that any vaccinations, inoculations, prophylactics (e.g. for malaria) and the like, where required, have been obtained. Xtreme Safari Africa and their staff cannot be held liable for any required travel documents such as visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor can it be held liable for the cost of obtaining visas and other required documents. Passports must be valid for 6 months after return to South Africa.
UNSCEDULED EXTENSIONS / CHANGES In the unlikely event of there being an unscheduled extension to the holiday caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other cause which is beyond the control of Xtreme Safari Africa, it is understood that expenses relating to those unscheduled extensions will be for the passenger’s account. Whilst Xtreme Safari Africa uses its best endeavours to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against Xtreme Safari Africa for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is found. If the guest is unable to use any of the services provided in the amended itinerary, no refunds will be due. In the event when the itinerary must be re-route by our service providers Xtreme Safari Africa cannot be held responsible.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Documents (vouchers, itineraries, etc.) are only prepared on receipt of full payment of the package price, and signed & completed Booking Form, and will be ready 48 hours after payment has been received. It is important that you check all details of your travel documents (including your itinerary) before leaving. If there are any inaccuracies on any of your travel documents, or should you have any further queries, you should contact your travel agent immediately. Xtreme Safari Africa will not be liable for any delay and/or loss occasioned as a result of any inaccuracies on any travel documents once you are in receipt thereof and you have left.
BREAK-AWAYS, CLAIMS & REFUNDS
Except for verifiable extenuating circumstances, refunds are not made for any missed tour services. Whilst it is possible to break away from the planned holiday itineraries, it is understood that such break-aways will be for the passenger’s account and there will be no refunds under any circumstances for unused services unless prior arrangements have been made with Xtreme Safari Africa prior to the issue of documentation. Refunds will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. Xtreme Safari Africa will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 7 days of the termination of your tour.
COMPLAINTS
In the event that you have any reason to complain, or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the supplier of the services in question. If you are still dissatisfied, you must notify Xtreme Safari Africa immediately to enable us to resolve the problem. Failure to give us the opportunity to resolve any problem at the time it occurs may result in either a reduction, or complete extinction, of any rights which you may have to claim compensation. If you remain dissatisfied, contact your booking consultant with full details of your complaint.