Encounter the Elephants

At the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, there are herds of elephants in dire need of saving. On this rare, once in a lifetime journey from Ker & Downey, travel to Africa not only in search of wild adventure and famous game viewing, but in search of meaning.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg / The Westcliff Hotel
  
• Day 2: Victoria Falls / Islands of Siankaba (B,D)
• Day 3: Victoria Falls / Islands of Siankaba (B,L,D)
• Day 4: Chobe National Park / Zambezi Queen (B,L,D)
• Day 5: Chobe National Park / Zambezi Queen (B,L,D)
• Day 6: Okavango Delta / Sanctuary Baines’ Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 7: Okavango Delta / Sanctuary Baines’ Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 8: Okavango Delta / Sanctuary Baines’ Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 9: Mashatu Game Reserve / Mashatu Main Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 10: Mashatu Game Reserve / Mashatu Main Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 11: Mashatu Game Reserve / Mashatu Main Camp (B,L,D)
• Day 12: Departure (B)

Itinerary Description:

With ever-rising human populations, space for an increasing elephant population in Southern Africa has steadily diminished. As a byproduct, elephant habitats have slowly disappeared or have been permanently damaged. On each step of your journey you will meet these gentle giants and a treasured closeness few ever experience.

Your journey begins as you arrive in Johannesburg for an evening at the Westcliff Hotel and morning transfer to Zambia. At the Islands of Siankaba on the Zambezi River you’ll be in prime position between Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Set off on safari on the back of an elephant in search of other wild game in the riverine bush, crossing the Zambezi in shallow water to get onto the many islands. Further explore the Zambezi in a classic style, dug out canoe known as a mokoro. Hippo, crocodile and a variety of bird species can be seen on a mokoro journey, as you glide along the calm waters, poled by a professional guide.

You’ll then experience the thrill of a unique African safari from the Zambezi Queen riverboat, based on the magnificent Chobe River, on your way to the Chobe National Park. Home to the largest populace of elephants in the world, you’ll explore on land and see all the the Chobe offers in an open-air 4 x 4 game vehicle. Along with the elephants, you’ll see prides of lion, massive herds of buffalo, the elusive leopard as well as numerous species of plains game and prolific bird life. Venture out to the other side of the Chobe River, into Namibia and the nearby villages for a unique cultural experience.

Journey on to Sanctuary Baine’s Camp, located on a private concession neighboring the Moremi. Here you will have the exclusive chance to take a journey with three semi-habituated elephants as they personally show you their Moremi habitat and walk you through a day in the life of an African elephant. Travel the waters of the Okavango Delta by motorboat to explore the peaceful haven where cheetah, crocodile, birds and elephants have been protected and preserved for decades.

Your journey will come to a close at Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana, bordering South Africa. View the bush from a whole different angle via walking safaris and pedal your way along elephant paths on mountain bike safari. The highlight of your journey is here at Mashatu, with a very special opportunity to have a hand in giving back to the environment you have been enjoying. Join the Mashatu research team and participate in the actual collaring process of a wild elephant. You will accompany the team as they track, immobilize and affix an advanced collar on the elephant. The movement pattern data this collar produces will aid in the understanding of how to better co-exist with these threatened animals. This is a life-changing experience, where you will be face to face with an elephant in a rare, close-proximity environment.