Great Southern Africa Safari 2019

A Small Group Safari in Comfort & Style with the personal Back Track Adventures touch

Back Track Adventures offer a totally unique, comfortable and stylish African Overland Safari Holiday. At the same time we provide our fellow travellers, all the ‘fun stuff’ without the ‘rough stuff’ that is the traditional  African Overland Safari.
Spectacular wildlife, stunning scenery, meaningful cultural interaction, the romance and as well, the fun and adventure of being immersed in nature in its grandest in the wilds of Africa.

This trip is an “All Inclusive” costed Safari Holiday. Our top inclusions are:

• “The Beast” our primary means of transport. The Beast is an original, classic, Mercedes Benz, Overland Truck. The Beast, now heavily modified to carry us in comfort and unique style is a real rough and tough character. No one messes with The Beast. He is also our Safari Mascot. We love him, you will too. PLUS, when necessary, we’ll use small 4WD vehicles, canoes, and charter flights. Though not an air-conditioned tour bus, The Beast is well ventilated, provides good high viewing and is definitely unique.
• A Safari Crew of four staff. Driver, Chef, Safari Leader and Courier. A crew, dedicated to providing 1st class service while being part of the group and enjoying the camaraderie, fun and adventure. Additional Specialist Guides engaged for our 3 night camping highlight and in areas where local knowledge is helpful;
• A relaxed pace, personally hand-stitched Victoria Falls to Windhoek itinerary. No tour operator offers an experience that can match our unique itinerary and style while travelling through four countries. Our  Itinerary spends considerable time in most locations so you  are not continuously, on the road;
• Exceptional wildlife encounters and a profound connection with nature in Africa’s famous Wildlife Reserves and National Parks;
• Spectacular scenery every day including travel icons, the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Etosha National Park, and more;
• Unique quality accommodation, all ensuite, in a variety of African Safari Lodges, picked for character and charm;
• All meals. Introducing “The Beast Bistro” serving mouth-watering campfire food, prepared by our own chef. Plus, restaurant and lodge meals, bush dinners and BBQs. Nothing beats dinner under an African star-filled sky;
• “The Beast Bar” your exclusive, members only, safari bar, dispensing non-alcoholic and alcoholic Sundowners, Cocktails and our famous Mojito’s. Beers, soft drinks, mixers and a fine selection of South African wines plus pure drinking water all included;
• All entrance fees, activities detailed in the itinerary and all tips and gratuities.

To ensure your Safari experience is extraordinary, the following are very important. How we travel, where we stay, good food and wines, professional friendly guides and safari crew and meaningful contact and interaction with the local people wherever we travel.

Throughout your safari we never lose sight of the fact that most people come to Africa to experience the wildlife. Though we cannot guarantee that you will have a cheetah jump into the back seat of the vehicle with you, we can guarantee that you are up for a breathtaking wildlife experience, all in comfort and style.

Our Back Track Adventures crew

You will be escorted from Brisbane by Jim Drapes, an experienced African traveller.  In Victoria Falls we will be joined by our friends: Trish our courier, Henry our drive and Israel (Izzy)  our cook.  The crew is very knowledgeable about the birds, wildlife and local culture. They are a great source of information on game drives and when interacting with the locals.

Trish was born in Zimbabwe and together with her husband Garth are Directors of African Journeys (AJ), a safari company based in Victoria Falls. Back Track has been working with AJ for over 10 years and during that period we have operated many wonderful and unique safaris together, including the popular Great Southern Africa Safari. Escorting our safaris is a way of life. Trish is a fun travel companion and her knowledge and experience of the African bush adds immensely to the enjoyment of the safari.

Jim has had a love affair with Africa since his first visit to Zimbabwe in the ’80s and has escorted many African safaris over the last 26 years from Kenya to Cape Town. During that time he has continued his guiding duties in regions all over the world, but continues to come back to Africa and in particular Southern Africa. Like many others Jim has fallen in love with the wilds of Africa and will grasp at any opportunity to get back into the African bush. He has a deep knowledge of the Africa eco-systems in which you will be visiting and looks forward to sharing a wonderful experience with you.

How we travel – introducing “The Beast”

THE BEAST is our own classic overlanding vehicle. There would be no safari without him. He is big, tough and reliable and protective of his passengers. No one messes with him. The Beast has taken us all over Africa, from the gorillas in Rwanda to the snows of Kilimanjaro and to the Horn of Africa and back.  He’s our mate, we love him, you will to.

The Beast has soft, comfortable seating and is designed for excellent game viewing and sight-seeing. Originally a 28 seater, recently modified, The Beast now seats 18. There is plenty of room to spread out, plus, ample storage space for luggage, safari supplies and equipment. We have two fridge freezers fitted so drinks are always cold and food fresh. A cold water dispenser is available to keep your water bottles full with fresh clean drinking water.  A charging desk for portable electrical equipment, as well as a TV monitor, sound system, library and reading tables. The Beast handles the road conditions perfectly and is a safe, reliable, and well maintained. The Beast carries 18 passengers plus your four safari crew, in comfort and unique style.

Other Transport

In Chobe, we use smaller, 4WD safari vehicles specifically designed to handle local conditions. As well, we charter fly into the famous wildlife area -Moremi in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where we utilise specially modified 4WD vehicles on safari and local canoes to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta.

Where we stay

We stay in a variety of handpicked accommodation rated from 3 to 4 star, encompassing quality hotels, lodges and chalets, and a comfortable mobile safari camp.

Comfortable Camping

Camping has never been so comfortable. In Moremi, we camp, away from the tourist hoards, in an exclusive private campsite for 3 nights. Our camp provides comfy chairs, roomy twin share walk-in style tents, kitted with beds, thick foam mattresses and covers, warm doonas, pillows, pillow slips and led lighting. You have your own ensuite toilet. After a private hot shower, relax around the campfire. We dine at night under the stars or in our dining tent. All camp equipment is supplied, even wine glasses. Just 1 star short of ‘Glam‑Camping’.

Lodges and Hotels

On arrival in Vic Falls, we ‘Home Stay’ in the family-run Bayete Lodge. Private Chalets scattered in a tropical haven of peace and beauty. Everyone soon adjusts to the ‘relaxed pace of life’ that will be our holiday style for the next 25 days.

The term ‘Lodge’ encompasses the variety of hand-picked accommodation used on our Safari. We use only 3 star plus accommodation throughout our safari

Meals and Drinks

Meals are provided either by our accommodation hosts or are prepared by our own chef who cooks delicious, wholesome and healthy campfire breakfasts, lunches and dinners from our onboard kitchen, ‘The Beast Bistro”. If you wish, you can go food shopping with the Chef in local markets and supermarkets.  The only meals not supplied are lunches at times you may wish to be out and about in Victoria Falls, Swakopmund and Cape Town doing your ‘own thing’. We set up comfy chairs around the campfire for dinner, drinks and conversation most nights. Campfire dinners, under the stars, add to the relaxed safari lifestyle.

We have arranged some very special dinners including: a beach BBQ and a dinner at the Light House Restaurant in Swakopmund, as well as a candlelight dinner while cruising on the Zambezi River. Plus, our ‘Welcome to Africa’ dinner at the Boma Restaurant when we first arrive at the Falls. A few years back, an elephant joined us during our a candlelight dinner. Luckily he didn’t eat or drink much.

‘The Beast Bar’ is always popular for dispensing gin and tonics (purely to prevent malaria) and our world famous alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and mojitos.  All drinks at “The Beast Bar” at Dinner are included in the safari price. Soft drinks, wine, beers, spirits and mixers are carried.   South Africa has wonderful wines and we stock some of their best. Pure drinking water is always available 24-hours.

Participation

A dedicated supportive crew attend to all camp duties. Your only involvement is to enjoy your holiday. If you wish to help Chef slice the veggies, go shopping, or, assist our Driver to ‘maintain’ The Beast, you are welcome to get involved, only if it is fun for you to do so.

Activities

All activities mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price. The only extra costs will be for optional activities you wish to enjoy in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund. An up to date price list for all optional activities will be provided before we depart, to assist your budgeting.

Safety

The locations through which our safari travels are safe and politically stable and popular with tourists from all over the world. In our years of traveling in this region, we have never felt threatened or had a security or safety incident. Tourists and travelers are always made welcome by the locals.

The African Wildlife

Our safari will bring us into close proximity to wild animals. The wildlife and birdlife spotting is superb. Our campsites in Moremi are safe and secure. It is a never-to-be-forgotten experience to camp in the wilds of Africa. Even in Victoria Falls, where we stay outside the Wildlife Reserve, we still encounter elephants, baboons and warthogs in town. In Etosha National Park as well as our regular game drives we have the opportunity of viewing the wildlife at the waterholes adjacent to our accommodation.

Specialist Safari Guides

We engage specialist Safari Guides while camping for three nights in Moremi.  These guides provide expert local knowledge and wildlife guiding skills essential to our enjoyment and success on what is a highlight of our safari.

The Local People

We take every opportunity to interact with the local communities encountered along the way. We want all to come home with an understanding of the lifestyles of the people in each country we visit. We find that some of our best safari memories are those that involve our interaction with the locals.

WIFI

Many locations now provide WiFi as a service as indicated on the itinerary.

Trip inclusions

This is an ‘’All Inclusive” costed Safari Holiday.

The top inclusions are listed above.

In addition, we cover all tips required for services provided by service providers on the safari. As well you will receive :-Trip notes, polo style safari shirt and cap and more; detailed pre-departure information to ensure you are ready to go; pre-departure telephone conference call for Safari members joining up from interstate; pre-departure get together for members joining from Brisbane; full pre-trip travel services provided via our office, email or our 1300 number; expert assistance with post trek tours in Southern Africa.

Not included

Vaccinations, insurance, optional tours in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund and other locations, single supplement accommodation if required and airport transfers which are provided free of charge by the hotel.

2019 COST & DATES	08 September – 28 September 2019 2019 – land only from Victoria Falls $13,390*pp twin share 2019 Single supplement $950*pp *All prices are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Contact us for the BEST FLIGHT DEALS to Africa
TRIP LEADERS	Jim Drapes, Safari Escort Trish Pritchard, Safari Escort Henry ( Driver) Izzy ( Cook)
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS	Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Twyfelfontein, Khorixas, Cape Cross, Swakopmund, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Fish River Canyon, and so much more…
GRADING	Easy
GROUP SIZE	Minimum 12, maximum 18 people, plus four safari crew and specialist additional guides throughout.

 

Back Track Adventures offer a totally unique, comfortable and stylish African Overland Safari Holiday.

At the same time, we provide our fellow travellers, all the ‘fun stuff’ without the ‘rough stuff’ that is the traditional African Overland Safari.

Spectacular wildlife, stunning scenery, meaningful cultural interaction, the romance and as well, the fun and adventure of being immersed in nature in its grandest in the wilds of Africa.

Most people come to Africa to experience the wildlife. Though we cannot guarantee that you will have a cheetah jump into the back seat of the vehicle with you, we can say that you are up for a breathtaking wildlife experience, all in comfort and style.

^Though we are not expecting any price increases from our suppliers, airline prices and/or taxes could increase. These increases will be added to our quoted holiday costs.

SAFARI ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1	ZIMBABWE – Victoria Falls. Arrive Victoria Falls. Transfer to Bayete Lodge for 3 nights. Safari briefing late afternoon followed by a poolside BBQ Dinner at Bayete Lodge. Twin share in comfortable well appointed ensuite chalets.	D
Day 2	Explore Victoria Falls. Guided walking tour this morning of the Falls. Commence optional activities. “Welcome to Africa” Dinner tonight at Boma Restaurant.	BD
Day 3	Explore Victoria Falls. Full day for optional activities. Between activities, recommended High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel (optional). Dinner tonight on a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.	BD
Day 4	BOTSWANA Scenic drive over the border to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. Private,lunch cruise on Chobe River to view wildlife spectacular. Accommodation at luxury Chobe Safari Lodge. Ensuite Twin share.	BLD
Day 5	Moremi comfortable Camping.  Early morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Afternoon charter flight to private camp in the Moremi area. Met by crew and 4WD transfer to our comfortable bush camp. Twin Share in well appointed, ensuite mobile tented camp.	BLD
Day 6	Moremi comfortable camping. Morning and afternoon game drives in 4WD safari vehicles with expert guides.	BLD
Day 7	Moremi comfortable camping. Morning guided canoe tour in Okavango waterways. Afternoon game drive in 4WD safari vehicles with expert guides.	BLD
Day 8	NAMBIA | Rhundu. Game drive. Charter flight to Shakawe. Meet The Beast and drive across the border to Nkwazi Lodge on the Kavango River. Twin share, ensuite chalets overlooking the river.	BLD
Day 9	Etosha National Park. Scenic wildlife drive to comfortable Bush Chalets at Namutoni Lodge in Etosha NP for 2 nights. Wildlife viewing at waterhole. Twin Share, ensuite chalets.	BLD
Day 10	Etosha National Park. Explore the area. Game drives, 24 hour wildlife viewing at waterhole.	BLD
Day 11	Etosha National Park. Wildlife drive to comfortable chalets at Okakeujo Lodge for 2 nights. Explore, relax, game drives. 24 hour wildlife viewing at waterhole. Twin share, ensuite.	BLD
Day 12	Etosha National Park. Explore, relax, game drives. 24 hour wildlife viewing at waterhole.	BLD
Day 13	Khorixas. Stunning desert drive to rustic Igowati Lodge. Visit traditional Himba Village. Twin share, ensuite.	BLD
Day 14	Twyfelfontein. Easy drive to newly-built Twfelfontein Country lodge. Visit attractions including the Petrified Forest.	BLD
Day 15	Swakopmund. Full day scenic drive via Cape Cross seal colony and traditional fish & chips lunch in Henties Bay. 3 nights in Alte Brucke lodge. Restaurant dinner tonight. Twin share, ensuite.	BLD
Day 16	Swakopmund. Day at leisure for optional activities. Beach BBQ Seafood dinner tonight. Recommended option: Dolphin & Seal Champaign Cruise.	BD
Day 17	Swakopmund. Day at leisure for optional activities. Last minute shopping frenzy. Lighthouse Restaurant dinner tonight.	BLD
Day 18	Sesriem. Scenic drive to comfortable Little Sossu Lodge for 2 nights. Explore the red dunes ecosystem. Twin share, ensuite.	BD
Day 19	Sesriem. Day to explore the Park. Climb a sand dune to enjoy the views. Visit Dead Vlei. Optional flight available.	BLD
Day 20	Windhoek. Scenic drive to Windhoek. Twin share accommodation at the Safari Court Hotel. Dinner tonight (optional) at famous Joe’s Beerhouse.	BL
Day 21	Group transfer to Windhoek International Airport to connect with group flight home	B
	Meals included as indicated: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

 

 

DAY 1: ZIMBABWE – VICTORIA FALLS – 08 September 2019.

Arriving at Victoria Falls International Terminal you are welcomed by Trish and our Safari Crew and transferred to the small, family-owned Bayete Lodge, our ‘African Home away from Home’. Located in the quiet residential area of town, it features beautifully furnished private ensuite
accommodation, set in a peaceful haven of tropical gardens which includes a very welcoming pool. Afternoon at leisure to relax and unwind after your
International flights.

Breakfast daily will be served here in the gardens and as well we use this lush cool area as a meeting and social point. Tonight, poolside at the Bayete Lodge, before your first ‘safari dinner’, a briefing is held to discuss the safari and organise your activities in Vic Falls over the next few days.

DAY 2: VICTORIA FALLS

After breakfast, you start the day with a guided walking tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls.
The remainder of the day is free to partake in the numerous optional activities the Falls has to offer, including easy canoeing on the mighty Zambezi, scenic flights and for adrenalin junkies, there are the world famous whitewater rafting activities and for the totally fearless or foolhardy, bungy jumping. There are much more adventure and even ‘sedate’ activities to choose from. Organising activities is a simple process and you will be well looked after. This evening, you’re invited to a ‘Welcome to Africa” dinner at the Boma Restaurant.

DAY 3: VICTORIA FALLS

Day at leisure in Victoria Falls. Some Safari members will be involved in optional activities. A good option is to have ‘High Tea’ consisting of cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, all served from silver platters while seated on the cool veranda of the Victoria Falls Hotel.
A walk around town and a visit to the curio markets is a must. A visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) to meet ‘Sylvester’ their Cheetah mascot and hear about their work is a highlight. Tonight we celebrate our last night before departing the Falls with a candlelit dinner while
cruising on the Zambezi River.

DAY 4: BOTSWANA – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Approx distance travelled 100km/2hrs

After a leisurely breakfast, we board The Beast and cross into Botswana. A short drive takes us to the small town of Kasane located at the gateway to world famous Chobe National Park. We check into the 4-star Chobe Safari Lodge. Here our safari starts in earnest. We head out on a captivating private lunch cruise on the mighty Chobe River. The quantity, quality and variety of animals and birdlife viewed from our boat is incredible. After our return, we meet to watch the African sun set on our first safari day while enjoying an amazing smorgasbord dinner at the lodge. Chobe National Park is one of the finest game-parks in Africa, encompassing 1000 square kilometers. The Park contains Botswana’s densest and most varied game
population, including an estimated 73,000 elephants.

DAY 5: MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE

We head off after breakfast for an early 4WD wildlife drive into Chobe Park. On our return, we pack lightly, leaving The Beast to transport most of our travel luggage on to Shakawe. We then charter fly into Moremi in the wilds of the Okavango. On arrival at Khwai, we are met by our specialist Botswanan Safari Guides (who are long term friends of Back Track) and transported by small 4WD vehicles to our private bush camp. After unpacking, we head off on a late afternoon game drive with our highly knowledgeable guides. The stories told around the camp fire at night about anything associated with the African bush are amazing to listen to and highly informative.

DAY 6: MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Up early, we have a quick cup of tea and toast and head off in search of the wildlife and to learn about the African bush. The animals are far more active early, so we need to be out there. Mid-morning we break for a late breakfast, which we might carry with us on the vehicles, or we return
to camp for brunch and a rest before we plan another game drive later in the afternoon. In this same area a few years back we had a leopard approach and observe our campsite late one evening. It was an amazing experience for us and probably the leopard as well. Lion and elephant are regularly spotted from our camp site. The cacophony of sounds of an African night while sitting around a campfire deep in the wilds of Moremi will not easily be forgotten.

DAY 7: MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Another wonderful day in this special area exploring. We will spend a half day on the waterways of the Delta in local canoes (mekoros) being poled by locals who know the area intimately. Birdlife is prolific and canoeing provides an interesting perspective on this incredible ecosystem. If conditions are right, we will visit and view any nearby hippo pods.

DAY 8: NAMIBIA – RUNDU

Approx distance travelled 250km/4hrs

This morning we enjoy our last game drive in Moremi as we head back to Khwai airstrip, say goodbye to our guides, (now your friends) and enjoy another scenic flight to Shakawe where our crew and the Beast will be waiting to collect us. After lunch, we hit the road for Namibia. After border formalities, we drive on to Rundu where we overnight at the pleasant family run Nkwazi Lodge on the banks of the Kavango river, on the border with Angola.

DAYS 9-10: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK: Namutoni Lodge 

Approx distance travelled 434km/7hrs

We don’t have to break any land speed records today and take a very leisurely approach to the days’ journey. We find somewhere nice for a lunch break and punctuate the journey with the occasional stop at any place of interest we discover along the route. Our Chalet’s at Namutoni for the next two nights are very comfortable and welcoming after a long day on the road. After dinner and a drink or two at The Beast Bar, a stroll to the waterhole will hopefully provide a grand wildlife encounter. On our second day here, we will explore the area using
the Beast.

DAYS 11-12: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK: Okakeujo Lodge

Approx distance travelled 135km/4hrs

We have two nights at Okakakeujo Camp. Our accommodation is once again very comfortable. We have booked early in order to secure as many bush chalets as possible within a short walk to the waterhole. At night and during the day, from safe viewing areas you can observe the abundant wildlife that visit the waterhole. During the day we can also journey out into the park on wildlife expeditions.

DAY 13: KHORIXAS

Approx distance travelled 246km/4hrs
A beautiful drive today through stunning desert scenery. On the way, we stop for fuel and supplies at Outjo where we might encounter the colourful Herero people and people from the remote nomadic Himba tribes that come from isolated areas on the Angola border. Our home tonight is
at the comfortable Igowati Lodge near Khorixas. Igowati Lodge is situated in the ancient Huab Valley in the Kunene region of Namibia (formerly known as Damaraland). The entire area, is now known as the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy, and boasts a multitude of rock engravings and paintings. These are a silent testimony to the first hunter-gatherer and subsequent Khoikhoi inhabitants of 6000 years ago, who used the area as a
place of worship and shaman rituals. To preserve this unique region, Twyfelfontein was declared

DAY 14: TWYFELFONTEIN

Approx distance travelled 114km/2 hrs

Today, we visit Twyfelfontein with its rock engravings. We leave the lodge early morning just after breakfast and visit the Burned Mountain, Petrified Forest and the Organ Pipes. Accommodation tonight at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.

DAY 15: CAPE CROSS

Approx distance travelled 395km/5hrs
We depart early for the Atlantic Ocean Coast. Scenic wise, one of Back Track’s favourite days. Arriving at our accommodation at Cape Cross lodge we can undertake a short walk into the reserve to view the large fur seal colony. The foggy Atlantic Ocean ambience of the Lodge is spectacular, especially after our time in the deserts. All rooms look out over the big Atlantic swells of the wild ocean.

DAYS 16-17: SWAKOPMUND

Up early and head for Swakopmund, further south on the Atlantic Ocean. With its old world charm and relaxed atmosphere, it’s our base for 2 nights. The distinct German colonial character of the town has been well preserved, with the predominant language being German and shops selling traditional cakes and pastries. The stop here has proven popular with our safari members. Options include scenic flights over the Dunes, quad biking, fishing or our recommended option, the Dolphin & Seal Champagne cruise which offers a unique insight into the local ocean ecology. The shopping is fabulous. We also enjoy a beach BBQ and a dinner at a local Swakopmund restaurant. Accommodation for the two nights is at Alte Brucke Lodge, located within easy walking distance of ‘downtown’ Swakopmund.

DAYS 18-19: SESRIEM 

Approx distance travelled 349km/6hrs
Leaving Swakopmund we head south to the Namib Naukluft National Park. This is the home of world’s largest red sand dunes, some reaching 300 metres. We have 2 nights here and ample time to explore this breath-taking desert ecosystem. We find time to climb one of the beautiful red dunes for stunning views out over the desert and explore Deadvlei for stunning photographic opportunities. Our home for 2 nights is Moon Mountain Lodge. It affords beautiful desert views from all our chalets. A wonderful location from which to explore the region.

DAY 20: WINDHOEK

Approx distance travelled 334km/6hrs

Another early start sees us heading back Northeast to Windhoek the Capital City of Namibia. Our accommodation is the modern Safari Court Hotel. Clean up and head out for our last nights’ dinner (optional) at famous Joe’s Beer House.

DAY 21: DEPARTURE DAY

After breakfast a transfer is provided to connect with the group departure flight. The end to an amazing African Safari experience.

We hope you can join us in 2019.

 

Please a read below comments from Back Track trekkers who have travelled with Back Track Adventures in Africa: