Chobe and Victoria Falls (16CV5) – Tour Dossier Introduction This exciting holiday offers you a comprehensive insight into some of Southern Africa’s best adventure attractions. This unique itinerary has been carefully designed maximizing your experience within the short time you spend on holiday with us. Take a visit to where elephants swim and the smoke thunders. The sight of the mighty Zambezi plunging into Batoka Gorge at Victoria Falls amidst Africa’s rich plains is not to be missed. This is combined with a day trip to Chobe National Park to take in the beautiful African bush and river. This tour allows you to touch and embrace the magic of Zimbabwe and Botswana leaving you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this dynamic and diverse continent.

Included Highlights Victoria Falls visit Zambezi Sunset Cruise Full Day tour/ Orphanage and School Chobe River Cruise

Intended Itinerary Day 1: Victoria Falls The tour begins upon arrival in Victoria Falls where you are met and transferred to your comfortable hotel. This afternoon we enjoy a sunset on the Zambezi River, a few kilometres above the mighty Victoria Falls themselves. With binoculars and cameras at the ready we have a good chance of spotting hippo, crocodile, various species of antelope as well as elephants that come down to the water’s edge to drink before sunset. A magical start to your safari! Accommodation: Hotel with en suite, swimming pool Meals included: None Day 2: Victoria Falls – Full day tour Today we immerse in the local Zimbabwe culture with a full day in the Victoria Falls area. We visit Victoria Falls National Park and then browse the local curios market before spending an afternoon at the Chamobondo primary school where we will interact with students and learn more about the Zimbabwe educational system from the teachers. From the school we go to a local restaurant for a traditional African lunch, before finishing our tour with a visit to an orphanage. Founded in 2007 by a lady called Sima Moyo in response to the growing number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS on the streets of Victoria Falls, Sima was moved by their stories and began feeding them out of her own home using her own savings. Today Rose of Charity is home to 7 orphans and provides clothes,school fees and medication to 70 HIV positive children from the surrounding community.They have also successfully managed to reunify a 6 year old boy with his family in Chitungwiza Harare, about 1000km from Victoria Falls. Accommodation: Hotel with en suite, swimming pool Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures

Day 3: Victoria Falls – Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls Distance travelled: +/- 160km return Approx driving day: Full day Today we depart early for Chobe National Park in Botswana. After border formalities we arrive in the small town of Kasane and prepare for our morning safari into Chobe National Park. With sun block and cameras in hand we board our safari vehicle in search of lion, leopard, hyena, elephant, giraffe and a host of antelope and bird species while snaking our way through the sandy tracks and rugged terrain. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and by size; it is the third largest park in the country. The Chobe River is one of Africa’s most beautiful and supports a huge concentration of animals. We scan the horizon and riverbanks in search of scattered wildlife seeking water. The park is renowned for its large herds of Elephant that migrate freely between neighbouring Hwange National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. After our safari we transfer straight onto our pontoon boat for our second safari expedition of the day, this time cruising the Chobe River. A truly breathtaking excursion getting close to hippo, crocodiles, elephant and other wildlife that may come to the water’s edge to drink. We also enjoy a buffet lunch whilst cruising on the Chobe River before being transferred back to Victoria Falls, arriving in the early evening. Accommodation: Hotel with en suite, swimming pool Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Day 4: Victoria Falls – At Leisure Today is a free day at your leisure. There’s time again to relax by the guest house pool. However, you might like to take one of the optional activities that are offered in abundance in the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’. Try scenic flight over the falls or throw yourself off the famous Livingstone Bridge linking Zimbabwe and Zambia in a 111m 1

Chobe and Victoria Falls (16CV5) – Tour Dossier bungy jump and much much more! Alternative less adventurous activities that can be enjoyed include having ‘High Tea’ at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel or enjoy lunch or dinner at the popular Boma restaurant where the specialty is a smorgasbord buffet of exotic BBQ meats and salads. We recommend that you chat to our guide about options and pre-book these on day one or two of the tour. Accommodation: Hotel with en suite, swimming pool

Meals included: Breakfast Day 5: Victoria Falls – Airport Transfer After breakfast you have the rest of the day at your leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Please arrange a pick up time with your guide locally. Accommodation: None Meals included: Breakfast

Tour Information TOUR STYLE: WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Short Safaris & Treks Tour highlights, transport, Vitoria Falls Airport Transfers, accommodation, meals as indicated, services of an English speaking guide in Chobe National Park and an Acacia representative on hand in Victoria falls. NB: Your Acacia representative will meet you at the joining hotel to brief you on your activities.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Visas, travel insurance, flights, optional activities, laundry, gratuities, passport & visa fees, items of a personal nature, drinks including mineral water. SAFARI PASS: This small group tour has a Safari Pass which is paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour (or pre-paid by arrangement prior to your tour). This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price, which is paid before travel, and is paid in the currency listed on the website (usually US dollars in clean, un-torn post 2006 edition notes). The Safari Pass covers selected park entries, activities and excursions and some accommodation along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier. The purpose of the separate payment is to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income. ACCOMMODATION: Guest House with en suite, swimming pool TRANSPORT: Minibus, River Boat BOOKING INFORMATION When you make a confirmed booking for your tour you will be sent pre-departure information and related documents. Once you have paid in full you will receive a Travel Voucher giving full details of your joining point. Victoria Falls is well served by a variety of airlines. Your travel agent can advise on flights to and from the start and finish of your tour. Please advise Acacia of your flight or travel details into Victoria Falls as return airport transfers are included. JOINING INFORMATION Meeting Point in Victoria Falls:

Contact Details: E-mail:

Victoria Falls airport or Spray View Hotel Corner Reynard Road & Livingstone Way, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 (13) 44344 [email protected]

Tour start time: Tour finish point:

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Airport

PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION We recommend that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. An airport transfer (on day 1 only) is included for those arriving by aeroplane into Victoria Falls Airport However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.

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Chobe and Victoria Falls (16CV5) – Tour Dossier See below for a guide to extra accommodation costs. These prices are a guide line only and are subject to change so

please check with Acacia or your agent for current prices. Description

Price (US$)

Description

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Price (US$)

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Pre tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jan – 30 Jun

$105

Post tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jan – 30 Jun

$105

Pre tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jul – 31 Dec

$110

Post tour accommodation – twin pppn – 01 Jul – 31 Dec

$110

Pre tour accommodation –single pppn –01 Jan – 30 Jun

$135

Post tour accommodation –single pppn –01 Jan – 30 Jun

$135

Pre tour accommodation –single pppn – 01 Jul –31 Dec

$165

Post tour accommodation –single pppn – 01 Jul –31 Dec

$165

PPPN = Per Person Per Night

PPPN = Per Person Per Night

WHAT TO BRING Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg luggage limit. A large soft holdall or backpack and a smaller day pack is ideal. On this tour you will need a mixture of lightweight cool clothing for the day and warm clothing (i.e fleece, long trousers and hat) for mornings and evenings as it can be cool in Africa. Pack a light rain jacket. It is advisable to bring mosquito spray throughout the year. Bring a towel and a pillow if required. A money belt/pouch that can be worn comfortably beneath your clothing is recommended. Please avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. VACCINATIONS / HEALTH The table below indicates the vaccinations suggested for travel on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. You should seek professional medical advice from your GP or clinic at least six weeks prior to departure. Please note some areas visited are malarial. We recommend you speak to your doctor or travel clinic about appropriate anti-malarial tablets. Country

Tetanus

Diphtheria

Polio

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Meningitis

Yellow Fever

Rabies

Malaria

Zimbabwe

R

R

R

R

-

R

-

-

*

R

Botswana

R

R

R

R

-

R

-

R

*

R

C = Compulsory, R = Recommended, * = If travelling from infected countries a certificate of proof may be required. NB To be used as a guide only. Please see your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date medical advice. VISA REQUIREMENTS The table below indicates the visas required for travel to the countries on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. At least one month prior to travel seek confirmation from embassies or a visa specialist, that these requirements are still current. For UK citizens the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers free up-to-date travel info: www.fco.gov.uk For other nationalities a number of travel advice websites are listed on the Acacia website. NB: We recommend you get a double entry visa for Zimbabwe on arrival Nationality

UK

AUS

Zimbabwe

Yes

Yes

Botswana

No

No

NZ

USA

CAN

BEL

IRE

NED

DEN

ITA

GER

AUT

SWE

FIN

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

NOR

MEX

KOR

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

NB The above is a guide only. Please check all visa requirements at least one month in advance of travel. Most nationalities do not need to obtain any of the above visas in advance. They are available at the border entry points and payable in US$ cash. MONEY MATTERS PERSONAL EXPENSES Naturally you will require extra money for your own personal spending on the tour, for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips and items of a personal nature. Everybody has different spending habits but as a guideline we suggest you budget US$10-15 per day. Most spending will be in Botswana Pula (for incidental expenses along the way, optional activities, most additional accommodation before/after the trip) but it’s a good idea to bring along some US$ cash for any international airport taxes or visas. Only Botswana Pula is accepted in Botswana. - Spending money is best carried as cash in US dollars (US Dollars in clean, un-torn post 2006 edition notes), Sterling or Euro which can be exchanged as you travel. Your guide will give general guidance about spending during the tour - Currencies are as follows: Us Dollar, Botswana Pula - ATM machines are found in Victoria Falls and Kasane although may be unreliable (so we ask that you please do not rely on them)

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Chobe and Victoria Falls (16CV5) – Tour Dossier - Credit cards can be used to pay for larger optional activities although fees for use may be higher than you are accustomed to at home. TIPPING As in many areas where tourism is an important contributor to the economy it has become customary to offer a small gratuity to local staff at the end of the tour if service has been of a high standard. Naturally this always remains at your discretion. OPTIONAL ACTIVITES In order to give you maximum flexibility on tour we offer a number of optional activities on the tour. To help budget, approximate prices are listed below (in US$ unless otherwise stated. All prices subject to change and availability. Activity

Price (US$)

Victoria Falls Vic Falls bungee (single/tandem)

$145

White Water rafting

$140

Gorge Swing

$100

Sunset Cruise

$50

Helicopter 12 Min

$150

INSURANCE It is a booking condition of Acacia that you have full travel insurance valid for the duration of your tour to cover you for medical emergency and repatriation to your home country. Your guide will ask you for a copy of this when you join the tour. It is also important that you leave a copy of your insurance with the person nominated as your emergency contact. We can help provide specialist travel insurance for this tour through our local operator. Please contact Acacia for more information.

Responsible Travel We strongly believe that you get the most out of a journey by respecting the culture and people of the places you visit. On our tours we try to travel in a way that benefits the communities we pass through and minimises negative impact on the environment. This can be from ensuring the accommodation we use are clean when we leave and dressing respectfully in conservative areas to getting involved with local charity projects. We ask that you are open to this when you travel with us. Being proactive in responsible travel helps develop cross-cultural understanding and friendships with the local people, and will greatly enhance your experience in Africa.

Contact Us UNITED KINGDOM Lower Ground Floor 23A Craven Terrace Lancaster Gate London W2 4DQ T: +44 (0) 20 7706 4700 F: +44 (0) 20 7706 4686 E: [email protected]

SOUTH AFRICA PO Box 27632 Rhine Road Cape Town 8051 South Africa T: +27 (0) 21 556 1157 F: +27 (0) 21 557 5983 Skype: acacia-reservations

Get Connected Updated: November 2015 for 2016 Departures

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Chobe and Victoria Falls (16CV5) – Tour Dossier WIFI on tour: While WIFI is becoming more common in some areas of Africa we cannot guarantee the speed, cost or reliability during your tour. Join our Facebook group www.facebook.com/AcaciaAfrica and get connected with other Acacia travellers, check out the pictures, videos and feedback from their tours and meet up with other people booked on your tour Find us on Instagram #acaciaafrica and tag us in your amazing travel photographs! Follow us on twitter @AcaciaAfrica and get the latest buzz. Got a question? Ask us on twitter! Or tag us at #AcaciaIsAfrica Follow our blog at http://acacia-africa.com/blog and get regular updates from our crew on the road as well as other Acacia Travellers Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to get regular updates and special offers www.acacia-africa.com For information on our Camping & Accommodated Overland Tours, Small Group Safaris, Short Safaris & Treks, Short Breaks & City Stays, please visit www.acacia-africa.com

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