The Ultimate Safari: Rwanda-Botswana-Zambia
Tour Group 1
In Partnership with:
Experience a dramatic safari experience of a lifetime - journey to Victoria Falls and suspend upstream in luxury eco-treehouses; embark upon a floating safari along Zambia’s Chobe River aboard the Zambezi Queen hotel yacht; encounter silverback gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on treks with the renowned conservationist, Craig Sholley, SVP of the African Wildlife Foundation as a pre-trip extension to this magical THIRDHOME Adventure!
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Pre-trip extension: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking (4 nights/5 days)
Limited Availability for only 14 people
Start Date: June 18th, 2020
End Date: June 22nd, 2020
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the Convention on Biological Diversity, lies Kigali Serena Hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located close to the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans, from where guests trek on foot to see the magnificent Mountain Gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.
Johannesburg & Victoria Falls Exploration (4-nights/5-days)
Johannesburg: Intercontinental Johannesburg Airport
Victoria Falls: Sussi & Chuma Lodge
Limited Availability for only 14 people
Start Date: June 22nd, 2020
End Date: June 26th, 2020
Named after Dr. David Livingstone's faithful friends Sussi and Chuma, the lodge is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Zambezi amidst Jackalberry trees and Phoenix palms, providing unrivalled views and exclusivity. Accommodation is in twelve Sussi tree-houses, connected by wooden walkways. There are also two private Chuma houses, each with two bedrooms.
The Zambezi Queen Floating Safari (3 nights/4 days)
Start Date: June 26th, 2020
End Date: June 29th, 2020
Limited Availability for only 28 people/14 cabins (double occupancy only)
With ten standard suites and four master suites, the Zambezi Queen is a boutique floating hotel offering unsurpassed elegance and luxurious comfort. This unique African river safari traverses 25km of the Chobe River while you soak up beautiful scenery and enjoy mouthwatering food.
Age Requirements: Attendees must be 18+
FULL ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
- Exclusive Pre-Trip Extension into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park accompanied by Craig Sholley, SVP of African Wildlife Foundation and protégé to Dian Fossey, with a Premium Permit to hike up into the protected habitat of the silverback gorillas
- Escape into a sanctuary built upon Victoria Falls within luxury Eco-Treeptop Houses & River Cottages
- Safari along the great Chobe River onboard the luxury 5-star Zambezi Queen Floating Hotel
- View extensive wildlife from unique vantage points in three phenomenal regions of Africa
- OPTIONAL - Extend your Adventure with a post-trip custom safari to another luxury camp
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION HOST
Craig R. Sholley
Craig Sholley’s experiences with wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire, Africa. He has worked and traveled extensively since that time providing conservation expertise in a variety of world arenas. As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970’s, Craig studied mountain gorillas at Rwanda’s celebrated Karisoke Research Centre with Dian Fossey. Returning to the US, he redirected his interests designing natural history educational programs and wildlife tours for the Baltimore Zoological Society. Concurrently, Craig led nature expeditions and photographed wildlife throughout Africa, South America, and Asia.
In late 1987, Craig returned to Africa full time to direct Rwanda’s internationally-known Mountain Gorilla Project. Turning the project over to the Rwandan government in early 1990, Craig continued in Rwanda acting as Scientific Advisor for the award winning IMAX film, Mountain Gorilla. Craig has served as a Senior Associate of the African Wildlife Foundation and on AWF’s Board of Trustees. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society. Throughout much of the 90’s, Craig was Director of Conservation and Education for International Expeditions, an organization widely recognized for its ecotourism initiatives.
Craig returned to Rwanda in 1995 on assignment with the National Geographic Society surveying the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda in the aftermath of Rwanda’s civil war. The findings of that trip are the basis of a 1995 article in National Geographic Magazine on mountain gorilla conservation. Craig has worked full time with the African Wildlife Foundation for the last 16 years and presently serves as Senior Vice President.
Craig has led countless safaris to natural destinations throughout the world. His favorite continental travel destination remains Africa and he has a strong positive bias for Uganda and Rwanda.
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Day 1: June 17th
Depart USA or home location
Day 2: June 18th
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
THIRDHOME members who are beginning their journey in Rwanda will fly to Kigali where they will be met by Craig Sholley, from the African Wildlife Foundation, who will accompany you to the Kigali Serena Hotel for the night with dinner included. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 3: June 19th
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will explore a bit of Kigali before visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial - the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Through education and peace-building, the museum honors the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed during this horrific episode. After touring the memorial, the group will receive a private presentation by the Museum’s Director – Honore Gatera whose personal story of family loss is a compelling microcosm of the majority of his fellow countrymen and women.
Lunch is at a local restaurant before driving to Volcanoes National Park - home to a large percentage of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park protects the steep slopes of a magnificent Virunga Mountains, a chain of extinct volcanoes that tower up to nearly 15,000 feet. It also protects the rich mosaic of montane and bamboo forests that provide habitat for the world’s most endangered great ape. Volcanoes National Park was the base for famous naturalist, Dian Fossey, who carried out her research on gorillas. She is widely credited with saving the gorillas from extinction by bringing their plight to the international community.
Your accommodations for the next three nights are at the luxurious Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. The concept for the lodge was crafted by the African Wildlife Foundation 10 years ago. At the time, the idea of local community ownership in a high-end tourist lodge was cutting-edge; paving the way for a business philosophy that simultaneously benefits wildlife conservation and improves the livelihoods of local people. This evening enjoy personal stories and experiences from Craig’s lifetime memories with the gorillas and working with Dian. Craig will also provide an orientation on mountain gorilla behavior, conservation and help you prepare for the gorilla trek again for our next day. Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: June 20th
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek
Today you will encounter the mountain gorillas ‘on their turf.’ THIRDHOME has arranged for exclusive access and will divide the party into two small groups in order for each to visit one of the gorilla families. Exclusive access also means that you will bypass the bureaucratic and time consuming process of attaining a visitation permit, and get straight to visiting your pre-assigned gorilla family. With guides, you will travel by vehicle to a specific departure point to start the trek. The trekking can take from one to six hours and climb to elevations not in excess of 9,000 feet. Although the hike can be physically demanding, and the terrain is rough and muddy at times, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make it well worthwhile.
Once you've found your gorilla family, you will be able to observe the special nature of this family group and their interacting dynamics. This wildlife contact is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of flash card memory is recommended. These are wild animals, but experienced guides are with you and will share their knowledge, expertise and stories. Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: June 21st
Volcanoes National Park (Choose Your Premium Experience)
Today you may choose another outing. Choose to gorilla trek another day (with exclusive access) to gain a second experience with a gorilla family (8 participants are required per trek to operate). Or you may opt to not trek, and instead visit the fascinating golden monkeys. These primates have a prominent golden fur coat, which adds to their unique attractiveness. The golden monkey is an endangered species and are endemic to the Virunga Mountain ranges that cover the whole Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. This species’ habitat is amongst the bamboo forests and the verdant jungle of the Volcanoes Mountains. There are two habituated troops within the Volcanoes National Park and the larger troop is found in Sabyinyo which has approximately 80-100 members. Spend your afternoon at leisure to relax before dinner. Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: June 22nd
Return to Kigali & Departure for Johannesburg
Today you begin our journey to South Africa by returning to the Kigali airport for your onward flight. Continue to the following phase of this exciting Adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION INCLUSIONS
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking includes:
- 1 Night Accommodations in Kigali at The Kigali Serena Hotel with Dinner
- 3 Nights Accommodations at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Laundry Services, Room Service, Wines, Beers & Sodas
- Premium Permit for 1 Exclusive Hike to encounter with the Silverback Gorillas
- Ultimate Rwanda Safari Leader & SVP of AWF, Craig Sholley
- All Ground Transportation & Naturalist Guide Services
- OPTIONAL experiences: Additional Gorilla Trek Day with Exclusive Access (OR) Encounter with Golden Monkeys Tour
NOT INCLUDED
- Premium Drinks (champagnes, liqueurs and spirits)
PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- Passports MUST BE VALID 6 MONTHS (or more) beyond the scheduled return date
- Visas & additional entry requirements for US Citizens is available at – U.S. Department of State's website.
- Inoculation information available at the CDC's website.
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
Note: June 21st – Required departure date if coming from the USA or elsewhere to join into this portion of the Adventure Safari
Johannesburg & Victoria Falls Exploration
Day 1: June 22nd
Departure from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali / Arrival into Johannesburg
For those arriving from the USA or another destination, this will be your arrival day into Johannesburg. For those who have joined the Rwanda Gorilla trek, today the group will transfer from Volcanoes National Park back to Kigali airport, for a flight required from Kigali to Johannesburg. Upon arrival into Johannesburg, the group will have a VIP meet & greet and assistance through Customs/Immigrations. Ground transfer from airport to the group hotel. Overnight accommodations at O.R. Tambo Intercontinental Airport Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast for those on Gorilla Trek
Day 2: June 23rd
Transfer from Johannesburg Hotel to Airport / Flight to Livingstone – Victoria Falls
Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel to the airport for a flight required from Johannesburg to Livingstone. Upon arrival at Livingstone airport, private ground transfer to Sussi & Chuma TreeHouse (OR) Tongabezi Lodge for the next three days of the safari adventure. Located on the Zambian side of the Falls, Sussi & Chuma and Tongabezi Lodges offer guests an extraordinary vantage point, with its location only a few miles upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls. Each day, enjoy hikes and walking tours of the Falls, game drives along with walking safaris, sundowner cruises, local school and village tours, fishing, and canoeing excursions. Overnight at either Sussi & Chuma Treehouses (OR) Tongabezi Lodge River Cottages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: June 24th
Victoria Falls
Additional day to take in the dramatic scenery of your Victoria Falls sanctuaries. Each day, enjoy hikes and walking tours of the Falls, game drives along with walking safaris, sundowner cruises, local school and village tours, fishing, and canoeing excursions. Overnight at either Sussi & Chuma Treehouses (OR) Tongabezi Lodge River Cottages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: June 25th
Victoria Falls
Additional day to take in the dramatic scenery of your Victoria Falls sanctuaries. Each day, enjoy hikes and walking tours of the Falls, game drives along with walking safaris, sundowner cruises, local school and village tours, fishing, and canoeing excursions. Overnight at either Sussi & Chuma Treehouses (OR) Tongabezi Lodge River Cottages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ONWARD ITINERARY
Zambezi Queen Floating Safari
Day 5: June 26th
Departure from Livingstone-Victoria Falls / Transfer to Kasane for Zambezi Queen Embarkation
Depart Livingstone-Victoria Falls this morning via private ground transfer to Kasane (1 ½ hour drive). Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of the Zambezi Queen Collection staff, who will help with formalities at passport control for Botswana & Namibia. The Zambezi Queens guides will also assist with luggage and then the group will be taken across the Chobe River to the Namibian side of the immigration process. Journey 20-minutes further on the Chobe River to arrive at the dock, to board the Zambezi Queen for a 3-Night floating safari adventure. Once all guests have boarded in the late afternoon, and if the weather permits, you will go in search of some big game by tender boat.
This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals, as they gravitate towards the river before night falls. Return back to the Zambezi Queen and freshen up before meeting your Captain on the upper deck with a welcome cocktail. After a safety briefing, you’ll make your way to the dining room where you’ll be served a delectable three-course dinner along with an excellent choice of paired wines. Finish off with an espresso or nightcap at the bar before retiring to bed accompanied by the sounds of African nighttime wilderness.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: June 27th
Onboard the Zambezi Queen Floating Safari
Some guests like to watch the sunrise as they sip on their coffee while others like to take a more leisurely approach. You choose your morning activities, depending on the type of holiday you’re searching for. Perhaps you want to enjoy a water-based safari or a village tour on the Namibian side of the river. Or perhaps you’d prefer bird watching or fishing instead. You may even decide to simply remain on board as the luxurious Zambezi Queen glides its way along the banks of the Chobe River. After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on a tender boat where you can get up close to an array of wildlife, including some of the 120,000 elephants for which the Chobe is well known. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your luxurious suite.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: June 28th
Onboard the Zambezi Queen Floating Safari
After a hearty breakfast, head off to experience those activities you didn’t manage to fit in yesterday: enjoy a water-based river safari by tender boat, go bird watching or go fishing for tiger or bream. Return for lunch on board and some relaxation time before the afternoon activities start. Again, you have the choice between tiger or bream fishing, game viewing by tender boat or bird watching. In the evening, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy a traditional African dinner, served with festive African singing and dancing. You can even join in the festivities if you feel like it!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: June 29th
Disembarkation with transfer to Kasane Airport / Journey home (OR) Continue onward
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast as you do your last bit of animal spotting and take some memorable pictures. Disembark and bid the crew a reluctant farewell and make your way via boat to the Namibian Immigration Office. Once you’ve had your documents stamped, you’ll be transferred via boat to the Kasane Immigration Office where you’ll have your documents stamped once again before entering Botswana. Private ground transfer to the Kasane Airport for your return flight via Johannesburg home (OR) continue onward with a post-trip custom extension to another safari camp through THIRDHOME Travel & Concierge.
Meals included: Breakfast
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
Johannesburg & Victoria Falls includes:
- 1 Night Accommodations in Johannesburg at the O.R. Tambo Intercontinental Airport Hotel
- 3 Nights Accommodations in Victoria Falls – choice of Sussi & Chuma (OR) Tongabezi Lodge
- Airport Assistance & Private Transfers as noted per itinerary
- All Meals & Local Beverages except premium import brands while at Victoria Falls Lodges
- Daily Lodge Activities during your stay at Victoria Falls - Walking tours & safaris, game drives, sundowners, local school & village tours, fishing, canoeing
- All taxes - except park fees (see not included)
- Laundry included at Sussi & Chuma and Tongabezi
NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights
- Domestic Internal Flights- a per person cost will be quoted by THIRDHOME Travel
- Visa Fees
- Premium Imported Beverages
- Gratuities to drive/guides and staff
- Park Fees into Victoria Falls – approximately $10 USD per person per visit & Falls Entrance Fees are approximately $20 USD per person per visit (subject to change)
PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- Passports MUST BE VALID 6 MONTHS (or more) beyond the scheduled return date.
- Visas & additional entry requirements for US Citizens is available at – U.S. Department of State's website.
- Inoculation information available at the CDC's website.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
Zambezi Queen Floating Safari includes:
- 3-night accommodations onboard the Zambezi Queen Floating Yacht
- All meals while onboard
- All soft-drinks, mineral water, coffee & tea, beer and wine throughout voyage onboard
- Water-based game viewing and bird watching on tender boats
- A land-based cultural tour of a local village
- Tiger & Bream fishing when in season
- Ground Transportation as noted per itinerary
- ZQ Dedicated Professional Guides
- ZQ Staff to assist with Immigration Clearing & Luggage Handling
- OPTIONAL experience: 4x4 Game Safari Drive into Botswana’s Chobe National Park
NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights
- Domestic Internal Flights – a per person cost will be quoted by THIRDHOME Travel
- Gratuities for voyage – is at Member Discretion (guideline is $10 per person per day)
- Visa Fees
PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- Passports MUST BE VALID 6 MONTHS (or more) beyond the scheduled return date.
- Visas & additional entry requirements for US Citizens is available at – U.S. Department of State's website.
- Inoculation information available at the CDC's website.
ADVENTURE PRICING
Pre trip extension: Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Price: $7670 per person* (based on Double Occupancy required)
*Price includes $1000 voluntary tax-deductible contribution to the AWF International Gorilla Conservation Program focused on the conversation of the species.
Johannesburg, Victoria Falls & Zambezi Queen Safari
$5995 per person (based on Double Occupancy)
Single Supplement Add-On may apply – please inquire
DEPOSITS DUE: February 15th, 2018 - amounts listed below
- $3835 per person Rwanda Gorilla Trek
- $3575 per person for Victoria Falls and Zambezi Queen Floating Safari
FINAL BALANCE DUE: MARCH 1st, 2020
Optional travel insurance available: Please inquire for a quote
Deposit and Final payment are non-refundable
Note: Member Cancellations & Name Changes are allowed up until before final payment is made. A deposit refund will be allowed if THIRDHOME is able to rebook your spot, at which time an incurred $150 per person penalty will be processed. After final payment, changes are not permitted and Adventure is fully nonrefundable.
Terms & Conditions Apply to All Adventures
ADVENTURE GALLERY
Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Victoria Falls
Zambezi Queen Safari
Credits:
Created with images by McRonny - "mountain road lonely bergstrasse" • Hollie Harmsworth - "Twr Mawr lighthouse" • Mean Shadows - "RAGEEEEEE! ..lol" • skeeze - "aircraft turboprop military aviation flying lockheed c-130" • mam5032 - "north carolina autumn fall" • Florian Schneider - "Looking Glass Falls" • Cristina Gottardi - "untitled image" • Jordan Koons - "cold eyes"