Journeys with Purpose (JWP05) the Great Zambezi Expedition 2020

Zambia
15 to 25 June 2020
10 nights/11 days

Fly in: Lusaka International Airport on 15 June 2020 (*Please arrive before 10am*)

Fly out: Livingstone Airport on 25 June 2020

Group size: 6-12

Rate: US$ 3980pp sharing (US$600 non-refundable deposit required to book a seat)

Summary

The Legend of the Zambezi River boldly states that “whoever drinks from its waters will one day return to do so again.” Much of Southern Africa’s great beauty is due to her magnificent waterways, the Zambezi River Basin being the most important. The Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa’s , snaking a 1600-mile journey from Northern Zambia to the coast of Mozambique.

The story of the Zambezi is the story of water in Africa, and this is a journey that explores the stunning Lower Zambezi region, just across the river from famed World Heritage site of Mana Pools National Park. When last have you done something remarkable?

When you join our elite group of global eco-adventurers, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of exploring a unique environment at the Lower Zambezi National Park; a rare and authentic opportunity to learn about African communities and the challenges they face including climate changes and conflict with wildlife; and you will contribute to sustainable green travel by raising funds for Conservation Lower Zambezi while witnessing first-hand the phenomenal work they are involved in. You will also spend a night on a houseboat on Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake or reservoir, and visit Victoria Falls (from the Zambian side), one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This is an evocative journey of discovery and purpose. Are you up for it?

Our 1000km fundraising expedition starts in the Zambian capital, Lusaka and ends in Livingstone in the country’s south-west. Long, bumpy African roads lead to amazing wildlife and breath-taking scenery. We will journey across far-flung, traditional villages, and national parks with incredible game-viewing. Travelling with only five vehicles, our group will be led by one of Africa’s most experienced adventurers and humanitarians, Carla Geyser and her Blue Sky Expeditions crew, who will provide daily briefings on the regions visited and routes and roads to be undertaken.

Highlights

Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to includes:

  • 11 days / 10 nights in Zambia
  • Exploring the stunning Lower Zambezi region by land and water
  • Spending a night on the largest man-made Lake Kariba on the Bateleur houseboat
  • Visiting one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-Oa-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders” (we will visit from the Zambian side)
  • Cruising the Great Zambezi river at sunset
  • Spending a day with Conservation Lower Zambezi at a school and/or seeing their community projects and K9 unit
  • Visiting Lilayi Elephant Orphanage in Lusaka (*viewing starts at 12pm on 15 June 2020)
  • Interacting with like-minded travellers who are passionate about making a difference in Africa
  • Enjoying an exceptionally organised once-in-a-lifetime African experience where all logistical details are taken care of for you
  • Raising funds for Conservation Lower Zambezi

 

Frequency: Bespoke once-off expedition

Fitness Ratings: Moderate

Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation, Cultural Exchange, Youth Conservation Education, English-Spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation Groups, Men/Women

Beneficiary: Conservation Lower Zambezi

Accommodation: Mostly camping /bungalows /rooms

Price range: Mid-range

Min: 6 eco-adventurers

Max: 12 eco-adventurers

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Includes

  • Expedition leader and crew
  • Expedition vehicles
  • Fuel & toll fees
  • Basic accommodation (mostly camping)
  • All meals & water in itinerary
  • All camping equipment (*Except sleeping bags and pillows. Please bring your own*)
  • National Park Fees & bed levies
  • Car insurance & border crossing fees for vehicles
  • US500pp fundraising (per car of 4 people) for our chosen beneficiary: Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ)
  • Entry to Victoria Falls waterfall
  • All activities detailed in the itinerary
  • Relocation fee of cars to get to Zambia
  • Transfers to and from Lusaka International Airport

Excludes

  • Any flights & any necessary transfers to get to the start/finish of any expedition (Lusaka International Airport)
  • Gratuities *We recommend US$ 5 to 10 per guide or activity.
  • Any Visas & border costs
  • Alcoholic drinks & Snacks
  • Any personal expenses
  • Comprehensive travel insurance (*This is compulsory*)
  • Extra nights’ accommodation (pre/ post expedition)
  • Meal: lunch at Livingstone on Day 10
  • Any extra activities not mentioned in itinerary – river rafting, helicopter flights, devils pool swim etc.

Itinerary

DAYSDATEDAYDETAILSACTIVITIES /COMMENTS
115-JunTuesdayLusakaTransfer from airport

Lilayi Elephant Orphanage *Viewing at 12pm*

216-JunWednesdayLusaka to Lower ZambeziDriving + Activity: Afternoon boat cruise on Zambezi River (2hrs)
317-JunThursdayLower ZambeziConservation Lower Zambezi – School + Community + Tree-planting
418-JunFridayLower ZambeziActivity: Lower Zambezi Game Drive (Full day)
519-JunSaturdayLower ZambeziActivity: Game Drive or Game Walk or Canoe (Half Day)
620-JunSundayLower Zambezi to KaribaDriving + Houseboat (7 people)
721-JunMondayKaribaHouseboat (7 people)
822-JunTuesdayKaribaRelaxing Day /Community or School  (TBC)
923-JunWednesdayLivingstoneDriving
1024-JunThursdayLivingstoneActivities: Visit Victoria Falls + Zambezi sunset boat cruise
1125 JunFridayGuests departTransfer to airport

 *Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and Conditions do apply due to availability.

DAY ONE – ARRIVAL DAY

Airport pick-up. Welcome to Zambia! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport with a #JWP05 signboard. You will be whisked away to your hotel in Lusaka to meet the rest of the group. Please make sure you arrive BEFORE 10am as we are visiting the Lilayi Elephant Orphanage at 12pm which is run by Game Rangers International.

Meals: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Accommodation: Eureka Camp or similar

Type: Room/Chalet

DAY TWO – Lusaka to Lower Zambezi

We head out early towards the magnificent Lower Zambezi area. This will be our home for the next four nights where we will base ourselves and explore. Nestled on the meandering banks of the mighty Zambezi River is the perfect place to satisfy that thirst for adventure: Mvuu Lodge or Place of the Hippo. This park is still relatively undeveloped. Its beauty lies in its natural wilderness. Mvuu is situated in a secluded location deep within the game-rich Chiawa Game Management Area (G.M.A).

The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and huge acacias. The hills that form the backdrop to the Park are covered in broadleaf woodland. In the afternoon, we will do our first sunset boat cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Canoes ply the river, which is home to hippos and crocodiles. In the east, the river passes past the striking red cliffs of Mupata Gorge, with its fish-filled waters. North is the steep and rugged Zambezi Escarpment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mvuu Lodge

Type: Camping

DAY THREE – Lower Zambezi

Today we meet with Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) – our beneficiary for this trip. We will visit a school, see their community projects and meet the anti-poaching K9 unit and rapid response unit. We are looking at also doing a tree planting educational on this day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mvuu Lodge

Type: Camping

DAY FOUR – Lower Zambezi

We enjoy a full-day game driving in the Lower Zambezi National Park! Founded in 1983, the park covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers along the north western bank of the Zambezi River in Southern Zambia. In the south, the Zambezi River valley is known for abundant wildlife, including buffalo, fish eagles and herds of elephants. There is an escarpment along the northern end that acts as a physical barrier to most of the Park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. Keep a lookout for ‘island-hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck! The park is also home to good populations of lion and leopard, as well as fish eagles. While the diversity of wildlife is not as wide as the other big parks, the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular at Zambezi National Park. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mvuu Lodge

Type: Camping

DAY FIVE – Lower Zambezi

Today, you can choose from a half-day canoe on the Zambezi River, or a game drive or game walk. In the afternoon, there will be a much-needed time to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mvuu Lodge

Type: Camping

DAY SIX – Lower Zambezi to Lake Kariba

After breakfast, we pack up and head south-west to Eagles Rest resort, situated on the shores of Lake Kariba near the tourist town of Siavonga, just 8km from the spectacular Kariba Dam Wall. Set amidst four hectares of exquisite countryside, Eagles Rest is nestled in a secluded wooded area on the shores of the Lake with beach frontage and magnificent views across the Lake to the Matusodona Mountains. Over the next two nights, our group will split in two to give us the opportunity to spend a night on a houseboat on Lake Kariba.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Eagles Rest Resort, Siavonga

Type: Camping / Houseboat (7 people)

DAY SEVEN – Kariba

Day to relax, explore, do some canoeing or fishing. The second group will head out to spend the night on the houseboat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Eagles Rest Resort, Siavonga

Type: Camping / Houseboat (7 people)

DAY EIGHT – Lake Kariba

Community and school visit. (TBC)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Eagles Rest Resort, Siavonga

Type: Camping

DAY NINE – Lake Kariba to Livingstone

We leave Kariba and head further west on the on the Great North Road. After a long day’s drive, we will arrive in Livingstone, a town in south-western Zambia just a few kilometres from the Zambezi River and the border with Zimbabwe. Livingstone is a hub for visitors to the Victoria Falls. The adjoining Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park surrounds the Zambian side of the falls. The Livingstone Museum traces local history and archaeology, and the life of the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, after whom the town was named.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Livingston Waterfront

Type: Tents

DAY TEN – Livingstone

A day to relax or take part in some of the activities in Livingstone. You are encouraged to go and view the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.  The more adventurous among us can try white river rafting or bungee jumping or a helicopter flip (own cost). In the afternoon, we wrap up our day on “Macube” Livingstone’s Favourite Sunset Cruise! What better way to celebrate the end of the day and the end of this expedition with a spectacular sunset on the Zambezi River! The scheduled Sunset Cruise drifts past Siloka Island, where you can enjoy spotting abundant wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River. Each cruise takes approximately 2 hours. With a fantastic hospitality team including barmen and hostesses, you will be taken on a family-friendly river adventure

whilst looking out for hippo, crocodile and some good birdlife. You could even spot elephant, giraffe, buffalo and buck. What a perfect way to end an epic journey!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (*Lunch for own account*)

Accommodation: Livingston Waterfront

Type: Tents

DAY ELEVEN– Livingstone

Early breakfast and then drop off at Livingstone International Airport for our final farewells.

You are among friends when you are with us. Together, we are in a safe space and you have the freedom to be yourself and to explore. Whether you have never left your home country or are a seasoned solo traveller, this trip is guaranteed to offer you adventure, friends, and breathless beauty.

*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and Conditions do apply due to availability.

These self-drive adventures are organised and led by Carla Geyser, the founder of the Blue Sky Society Trust (BSST) and Blue Sky Expeditions who has, to date, led many successful trips into Africa. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and takes life as it comes, then this is for you! #JWP brings together like-minded people from around the world on trips that focus on visiting and raising funds for wildlife initiatives along the route.

#JWP EXPEDITIONS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE

Carla handpicks the expedition members, always looking for well-rounded individuals of various skills and interests. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and who takes life as it comes, then our next #JWP expedition could be for you.

REMOTE AND MEMORABLE

These expeditions often involve driving long distances over bumpy dusty roads, camping in remote areas, at times being without mobile phone service for days, and of course loads of giving back through hands-on charity work.

This is not a tour but rather a team expedition, and every member of the team is expected to pitch in with cooking, cleaning, camp set-up etc. It is the experience of a lifetime, and we would love to have exploratory fun-filled compassionate spirits along for the ride.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

This is a LIMITED entry journey, which means only a few people get to experience this unforgettable never-to-be repeated experience. Minimum enrolment for this trip is six people. If minimum enrolment is not met 90 days prior to departure date, then trip may be cancelled in which full payment including deposit will be refunded.  (Minus the non-refundable deposit of US$600).

SAFETY:

Safety is always a priority. We have a satellite phone, SATIB Insurance 24-hour medivac and assistance on call, and access to doctors 24/7.

PAYMENT & BOOKING:

  1. DEPOSIT: A $600pp non-refundable deposit is required to be paid within 24 hours to reserve/book your spot on the expedition.
  2. PAYMENT TWO: To be paid within 30 days of booking confirmation
  3. FULL PAYMENT DEADLINE: The remaining balance should be paid 90 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 90 days of departure, then full payment is required at the time of booking.  (By 15th March 2020)
  4. OR Full payment upfront (100%)

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

  1. 30 days (one month) or less: Cancellation by you up to 30 days prior to departure results in no refund. (100% Cancellation fee applies i.e. no refund)
  2. 30 – 90 days (one to three months): 70% cancellation fee applies. 30% will be refunded.
  3. 90 – 150 days (three to five months): 30% cancellation fee applies. 70% will be refunded.
  4. 150 days or more: Cancellation by you up to 150 days prior to departure to will result in full reimbursement MINUS deposit of US$600pp.
  5. Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or family emergencies.
  6. A cancellation request must be received in writing by email from the participant. Verbal notice will not serve as a valid cancellation.
  7. Should you choose to withdraw from the program, kindly note that the deposit is non-refundable.
  8. In the event that the trip is cancelled due to inadequate enrolment, Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets. While we do our absolute best to fill each trip, we highly recommend that you buy refundable airline tickets.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

  • Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance, it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed to buy plane tickets.
  • Please ARRIVE at Lusaka International Airport (Kenneth Kaunda International Airport) by 15 June 2020 (BEFORE 10am)
  • Please book your DEPARTURE from Livingstone airport for the 25 June 2020 (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport)
  • Travelling before or after the program is totally fine – just let Blue Sky Expeditions know your plans.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

  • Please note the itinerary may change slightly but we will keep you posted as to any amendments or changes. This is Africa (TIA).
  • Blue Sky Expeditions would like to do educational work in rural schools as well if possible, handing out educational booklets to children and/or visiting communities.
  • We will send you emails detailing the documentation and correspondence we require from you. An Expedition Agreement contract will be sent and needs to be read, understood , signed and returned to confirm your place.
  • MEALS: Most meals will be eaten together at the places we stay. Food restrictions and allergies can be accommodated, just please let us know beforehand.
  • SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Pricing is based upon a double occupancy sharing. Unless a specific person has been identified, you will usually be assigned a roommate. Each person will have their own bed.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE:

  • Here at Blue Sky Expeditions we do our best to ensure that every program is a success. However, in the event of something unexpected, we want you to be fully protected. We REQUIRE that you purchase international travel insurance.
  • Make sure you have sufficient supplies of any prescription medicine. In fact, it might be wise to bring a small personal first aid kit, including any patent medicines you prefer. You are responsible for taking all necessary health precautions before and during your trip. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they seek professional medical advice before travelling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures.
  • Vaccinations:  Be an informed traveller! Ultimately, it is up to you to consult a physician. We are here to help but cannot legally provide medical advice.

ENTRY & VISA INFORMATION

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport (the back page does not count).

MONEY & TIPPING:

  • The currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha. Credit cards are not widely accepted so please do not rely on this as your main form of payment. Reliable ATM’s in banks are available in cities only. You may also bring cash to exchange at banks and exchange offices.
  • There will some situations where you may feel the need to tip but, as always, it is up to your discretion. Typically, it is customary to tip our local guides $5-$10 per day per guide.
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The Blue Sky Society Trust is an accredited Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation. NPO number | NPO 118-708 PBO Registration number | 930046151

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