Gay Safari Tour: Escorted vacation to South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls for gay and lesbian travelers

SOUTHERN AFRICA TRIFECTA!
Cape Town + Botswana Wildlife Safari + Victoria Falls
May 3-13, 2010

Cape Town and Botswana safari for gay travlers

Gay Safari: Guided tour of Southern Africa

Gay Travel: Escorted vacations in Southern Africa

INTRODUCTION

Venture Out is pleased once again to offer a tour that blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, other outdoor activities, and gorgeous scenery -- beginning in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and the gay center of Africa. We will cover a vast, majestic land, and this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime!

Cape Town is certainly one of the world’s most scenic cities — and the gay capital of Africa. We will visit the environs of the city — the lovely Winelands area that produces most of South Africa’s vintages and the fantastically scenic Cape Peninsula down to the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom of Africa.”

Being a natural wonderland, the country of Botswana is rich in wildlife, and its vast expanses of nature are filled with a wide variety of fauna and flora to see and experience. This means that safari tours in Botswana are exciting and will leave you awestruck. Botswana is home to one of the world's great natural phenomena, the tranquil Okavango Delta, a 6,000-sq.-mile inland flood plain that fans out in the northwestern corner of the country, creating a paradise of palms, papyrus, crystal-clear channels, and backwaters. Set in a massive sea of Kalahari Desert sand, this fragile wonderland of waterways, islands, and forests is an oasis for wildlife, drawn to its life-giving waters from the surrounding thirsty lands. The evening air is filled with the sounds of birdcall, frogs, and antelope rustling in the reeds. Wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra roam the islands; elephants wade across channels under the watch of hippopotamus and crocodiles; and predators like lion and leopard rule the night.

The Linyanti Game Reserve, on the western boundary of famous Chobe National Park, is a 275,000-acre private reserve with abundant wildlife and renowned for its predators. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers rise in southern Angola flowing into a 350-square-mile flood plain, known as the Linyanti marshes. Secluded and uncrowded, the wildlife is plentiful here, especially in the dry winter months when great concentrations of elephant, buffalo and zebra congregate along the river, with giraffe, impala and roan antelope being seen in the forests. Both the Kwando and the Linyanti rivers are permanent, so for the animals in Chobe and Northern Botswana they are valuable sources of water. The region is a great mix of habitats -- floodplains and twisting waterways, grasslands and mixed woodland -- and it becomes a magnet for thirsty animals. It's also a seriously good birding area and has a well-deserved reputation for raptors.

Straddling the western border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is justifiably called one of the Wonders of the Natural World, and spans a little more than a mile, making it the largest show of its kind on earth. The sight of more than 2 million gallons of water per second from the Zambezi River crashing 300 feet down (twice the height of Niagara) is one not easily forgotten. On a clear day, the veil of roaring spray can be seen from up to 50 miles away, and the rain forest that clings to the cliffs opposite the falls in the Victoria Falls National Park is nourished by this constant spray. It is this phenomenon that gave the falls its local name: Mosi-Oa-Tunya -- literally, "the smoke that thunders."

Participation on this wonder-filled trip is limited to just 16 group members. Join us for this truly special journey through Southern Africa!

Day 1 - Monday, May 3, 2010 - Arrival into Cape Town, South Africa
Your air arrangements will take you into Cape Town, and then you’ll transfer on your own to our group hotel in the center of this beautiful and fascinating city. (If you’d like a private transfer from the airport to the hotel we can set that up for you.) We’ll come together later on for a drink at happy hour (also known as “sundowners” in this part of the world) and an orientation meeting to hear about what’s in store on this amazing journey through Southern Africa. Our Welcome Dinner in Cape Town will follow.

The town where modern South Africa was born is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a marvelous meeting of mountain and ocean (two of them, in fact) — and the center of the country’s gay culture. Table Mountain, at 3400 feet, looms over the city and is one of the most spectacular urban geographic features in the world, an incredible environment for hundreds of species of endemic flora. According to some sources, Table Mountain is the oldest mountain in the world.

Welcome Drink and Welcome Dinner included

ITINERARY NOTE: You may wish to arrive in Cape Town a day or two early if you have the time. We will not be touring the city itself on our itinerary so you may wish to do this on your own. Options include a ride to the top of Table Mountain (you can also hike up); an excursion to Robben Island, the highlight of which is the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated; exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront; museums; and more. An early arrival into Cape Town also helps to shake off some of the jet lag prior to meeting the group. We can arrange extra nights at the hotel for you.

Day 2 - Cape Peninsula Tour
Today we’ll explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula with a guide who loves the region, knows the history, and won’t get us lost! This day trip follows the scenic drive around the peninsula, stopping at the major attractions and for a spot of lunch along the way. The Cape of Good Hope is largely considered the bottom of Africa even if technically it’s not the southernmost point on the continent.

The Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world, a great combination of beaches and mountains. The Chapman’s Peak Drive is a spectacular scenic route (subject to occasional closures) that winds its way along the coast with fynbos-covered mountains on one side and the azure Atlantic Ocean crashing into the other. Down at the dramatic Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, there are numerous walks, and one can witness a great cross-section of flora and fauna. Watch out, too, for the cheeky baboons. The homeward-bound side of the peninsula goes via Boulders Beach and its fascinating penguin colony.

After exploring the historic naval village of Simon's Town we stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Our route then winds through the gracious Constantia Valley and makes a final call at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We are lured by the incomparable site of the Gardens, right at the foot of the final steep escarpment on Table Mountain’s eastern side. The gardens themselves are considered among the most beautiful in the world, exhibiting about 9,000 of South Africa’s 22,000 plant species.

We finish back in Cape Town in time for you to enjoy a “sundowner” and toast a rather marvelous day out. Dinner is on your own this evening, and Cape Town has no shortage of interesting (and excellent!) restaurants. And perhaps you’d like to sample some of the gay nightlife as well. This is Africa’s gay capital, after all.

Breakfast and Lunch included

Day 3 - Cape Winelands Tour
Today will bring us out for a tour of South Africa’s famed wine country. Less than an hour inland from Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and prolific wine producing regions in the world. The Cape has become synonymous with the art of wine making. It was Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, and the other early Dutch settlers who transplanted the first grape vines in their adopted country. The French Huguenots, who arrived from 1688 onwards and settled mainly in the Franschhoek Valley, contributed their sophisticated skills by refining the production of wine, and before long high-quality wines were being produced at the Cape. Even Napoleon Bonaparte, while languishing in a prison cell in St. Helena, was reported “to be longing for the sweet wines of Constantia,” as these wines had been extremely well received in the French Court.

The area around the town of Stellenbosch is the oldest wine route, and lies in the heart of the winelands. More than 400 Stellenbosch wines can be tasted along the well-marked route of Cape Dutch homesteads, although we won’t get to all four hundred. We’ll have a brief visit of this historic and quaint university town. Stellenbosch is the second-oldest European-settled town in South Africa, one of the best preserved, and hence very picturesque. The town is full of architectural and historic gems, is shaded by enormous oak trees, and dwarfed by 5,000-foot mountains.

Near the town of Franschhoek (Afrikaans for “French Corner”), we visit one of the area's nicer wineries to see what all the fuss is about. Our lunch will be in the very charming small town of Franschhoek, which enjoys a cultivated Provençal character, culinary excellence, and perhaps the most perfect setting in the Winelands.

After our return to Cape Town, you are free to follow your own interests for dinner and the remainder of the evening.

Breakfast and Lunch included

Day 4 - Cape Town / Travel to Johannesburg
A good part of the day will be at your leisure to soak up a last bit of Cape Town however you choose. Perhaps you'll be up for some shopping, or just strolling the V&A Waterfront. A ride up the cable car on Table Mountain (weather permitting) is always amazing. Visits to Robben Island or the District Six Museum are informative and thought provoking. A wander through the Company's Garden and the craft stands in Greenmarket Square is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. This afternoon we'll board our flight for Johannesburg (two hours) where we will spend the night close to the airport in preparation for tomorrow morning's trip to Botswana. Our overnight location offers much in the way of restaurants, shopping, cinema, and even a casino.

Breakfast included

Days 5, 6 - Travel to Botswana; On Safari
We begin the next leg of our Southern Africa adventure with a flight from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana (approximately 90 minutes). Upon our arrival in Maun -- the gateway to Botswana’s amazing Okavango Delta – we’ll be escorted to our light aircraft for the brief charter flight (20 minutes) to our first luxury camp in the bush and our base for two nights.

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s greatest natural mysteries – channels of water in a desert! The Kalahari Desert is the largest continuous stretch of sand in the world and within it lies the magnificent Okavango Delta, an area that is home to a myriad of animal and bird species. The area is a huge expanse of waterways, floodplains, forested islands, and lagoons that cover about 6,000 square miles – larger than the state of Connecticut. The Delta, in the midst of the Kalahari sands, is Africa's largest and most beautiful oasis. Here the thirstland of the south meets a blue-green wilderness of fresh water, with emerald reedbeds and towering trees. Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango River is a unique natural phenomenon -- flowing more than 600 miles from its source in Angola, this river disappears beneath the sands of Botswana, creating a lush inland delta in the midst of this otherwise arid country. The Okavango Delta is in a constant state of flux, expanding and contracting according to the season. While some parts of the Delta remain permanently flooded, others are only deluged part of the year.

Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta and the areas surrounding our lodge are home to a large number of species, including many predators, as well as a number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Lion prides, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, while families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons.

While lion are commonly encountered here, they are not the only predator found in the area. Although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopards are fairly common throughout the Okavango, particularly in dense riverine forest. Apart from the more commonly encountered predators, the Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair with a strict social hierarchy. One of the most common antelope in the Okavango, the red lechwe is especially adapted for the swampy conditions. Its splayed, elongated hooves give it a sure footing in muddy conditions, allowing it to inhabit the outskirts of the permanent swamps. With an incredible wealth of species, the Okavango is also a wonderful haven for birding enthusiasts. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, which roosts in the densest evergreen thickets. A quintessential African sound, the haunting call of the fish eagle can be heard echoing over the channels.

Our gorgeous safari lodge is set in a private concession of 20,000 acres on the southeastern border of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, thus affording us exclusivity. The clear waters of the Delta glimmer through a maze of brilliant green papyrus in front of the lodge and the game-rich grassy floodplains stretch into the horizon beyond. Our lodge enjoys exclusive traversing over 67,000 acres of wilderness adjacent to Moremi. Gentle breezes drift through window screens and the outdoor shower makes for great stargazing. Take in the sun on raised private decks with great views over the Delta and then cool off in the swimming pool.

Tread in the footsteps of elephants as you walk the ancient paths that bisect the lodge grounds in the shady forest of the Delta. You'll awaken to the sounds of animals, laugh at the antics of baboons and squirrels over breakfast, and spend your days exploring mazes of papyrus and golden, grassy floodplains. Connect with the remote wilderness of Africa in this peaceful luxury camp, where little separates the comfort of the warm interiors from the haunting beauty of the natural spectacles outside.

Activities available include serene excursions by mokoro -- a canoe, dug out of a sausage or ebony tree traditionally, which the guide maneuvers with a long pole (this activity is subject to appropriate water levels in the Delta). Our game drives are in custom-built open 4 x 4 vehicles -- and we have the rare opportunity of night drives. Due to the fact that the camp is in a private concession, we also have the exclusive option of interprative bush walks with an armed professional guide.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included each day

Days 7, 8 - Transfer to Linyati / Safari Continuation
After our morning game activity we’ll return to the camp for a delicious brunch. The pilot for our next charter flight will meet us and fly us to one of the most remote parts of Botswana (about 60 minutes), from where we’ll transfer by road to our next safari base for two nights, in the Linyanti Wildlife Management Area -- truly a hidden gem, not very far from the famed Chobe National Park, but again we are in a private, exclusive concession. Due to its remoteness, the Linyanti is a gorgeous, unspoiled region of waterways and lagoons, riverine forests, huge trees and palm tree islands. Game viewing is superlative, and the birding is exceptional. The private concession we're on is enormous -- about 900 square miles of private wilderness surrounding us. Open grasslands scattered with Ilala Palms stretch to the south and west. The perennial and southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshes before emerging as the Linyanti River.

The area is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, as well as an abundance of hippo, buffalo, antelope, and lion. The wetlands and flood plains around our camp offer a wonderful variety of wildlife with excellent sightings of elephant, hippo, lechwe, zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo, and the ever present predators: wild dog, lion, cheetah, and hyena. After dark, spotlights are switched on and the game drives expose our guests to nocturnal sightings of rare and elusive species such as leopard, Selous Mongoose, small spotted genet, and aardwolf, to name a few. Nocturnal bird species that are encountered include Natal Nightjar, Pennantwinged Nightjar, and a large variety of owls.

We’ll enjoy thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles, and we can also join our guides on a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats.

End each day with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, followed by a sumptuous meal lovingly prepared by the expert culinary staff all topped off by a sampling of vintage wines and spirits from the cellar. High teas are often served on the lawn under the shade of the trees.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included each day

Days 9, 10 - Transfer to Zambezi River / Safari Continuation / Victoria Falls
After breakfast we’ll board our final light charter aircraft (about 60 minutes) for the transfer to Kasane airport in Botswana from where we will continue overland (about one hour) just to the other side of the Zimbabwe border along the very mighty Zambezi River. Located a mere 45 minutes from the spectacular Victoria Falls, the Matetsi Private Game Reserve forms part of a huge conservation area that extends throughout northwestern Zimbabwe and into Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana with no fences to restrict the natural movement of species.

Renowned for its rich game viewing and particularly high concentration of elephant, this 120,000-acre private game reserve offers a superb variety of wildlife. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo can be encountered along the picturesque banks of the Zambezi River, while rare sable and roan antelope roam the woodlands. A herd of elephant coming down to the river’s edge to drink, bathe, and wallow in mud is a quintessential African sight that no guest can ever forget. The reserve offers night game drives, giving us an exciting opportunity to view the nocturnal hunting habits of lion, leopard, and spotted hyena. This is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 366 bird species recorded at the reserve.

We enjoy nine miles of exclusive Zambezi River frontage here. We will delight in afternoon riverboat cruises and guided canoe excursions on the river. The fourth largest river in Africa, the Zambezi provides a permanent lifeline for the reserve, attracting large herds of elephant, buffalo and other large mammals. Just 24 miles above Victoria Falls, the river here is broad and dotted with small islands. Nile crocodile and Cape clawless otter frolic in the river’s waters, taking full advantage of the more than 80 species of fish found in the Zambezi, while immense hippo venture out onto the river’s banks to graze at night. Birds are abundant on the floodplains, as are waterbuck and herds of elephant and buffalo.

Nutritious grasses fed by underground water and abundant acacias attract both browsers and grazers. Kudu, impala, and warthog are frequently encountered, as well as lion, spotted hyena, leopard, cheetah, and African wild dog. Numerous birds, ranging from brightly coloured hornbills and barbets to more modest doves and francolins, can be seen. Large trees along the river banks provide nesting sites for all types of eagles and hawks, as well as vultures and other raptors. While lion are often spotted during the day, our night drives provide a unique opportunity to view them on the hunt. This is also home to what is often regarded as the most handsome of antelope -- the sable.

While we're here we’ll witness one of the true wonders of the natural world. It is called “Mosi-oa-Tunya," meaning “the smoke that thunders,” which describes the spray and the roar as the Zambezi River drops over 300 feet into the narrow gorge below. The Falls have fascinated travelers since 1855 when David Livingstone was the first European explorer to see them. Sighting the Falls from his dugout canoe in November 1855, Livingstone could hardly believe his eyes at such a spectacle. He named the Falls for his British queen. The Falls are over a mile wide and dump an average of 120 million gallons of water over the edge every minute. Victoria Falls has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

We’ll return to our lodge after our visit of the Falls. A final game drive or a game-viewing boat excursion will be followed by our delicious farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included each day

Day 11 - Thursday, May 13, 2010 - Departure
This morning we bid farewell to this amazing place. We'll transfer to the Victoria Falls airport (about 90 minutes) for your homeward-bound journey during which you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on your amazing trip to Africa!

Breakfast included

ITINERARY NOTE: Our tour officially ends when we are dropped off at the Victoria Falls airport. The air arrangements for your return flights should originate out of Victoria Falls (airport code VFA). Flights from here (on South African Airways or British Airways) go to Johannesburg, from where you will continue your journey.

Breakfast included

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
Day 1: Please ensure that your flight arrives in Cape Town no later than 4:00pm on May 3, 2010. You will need some time to get to the hotel and settle in before meeting for the Welcome Drink and orientation. We can arrange a private transfer from the airport to the hotel if you'd like. Taxis are also readily available.

As of this writing, there are direct flights into Cape Town from London on both British Airways and South African Airways. There is also a direct flight from New York on Delta Airlines as well as a direct flight from Amsterdam on KLM/Northwest Airlines. Alternatively, there are direct flights to Johannesburg from New York or Washington on South African Airways. There are also direct flights to Johannesburg from various European cities. From Johannesburg you would then connect to Cape Town (about two hours).

Day 11: From Victoria Falls you will have to fly to Johannesburg (on South African Airways or British Airways) before connecting with flights to the U.S. or Europe.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Following is a description of the lodgings we intend to use on this tour. We reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations if necessary.

Cape Town
We have selected a small, tastefully-restored hotel on the edge of Cape Town's historic Bo-Kaap area, and it is well-placed for trendy restaurants and shops. Authentic finds from the original buildings (dating back to 1771), including murals and artefacts, have been carefully preserved and now form an integral part of the decor. The hotel opened in 1998 as part of an ambitious project to restore a collection of historical buildings in downtown Cape Town. The result is a beautiful little enclave of trendy shops, restaurants, hotel, and art gallery. The hotel overlooks the heart of the complex -- a pretty 18th century courtyard providing a delightful retreat from the bustle of the city center. Stylish Georgian, Cape Dutch, and Victorian architecture has been combined with elegant interiors featuring original teak beamed ceilings and polished yellowwood floors. Accommodation is in 17 tastefully decorated rooms, all designed along a different theme, among them African, Malay, and Japanese. Service is personal yet professional, and there are cozy lounges for reading. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is a friendly team.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Botswana -- Okavango Delta
Camouflaged under a tumbling canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig leaves, eight thatched cottages emerge in leafy clearings right on the edge of the Delta’s waterways. This property was listed in the 2009 Conde Nast Traveler "Gold List" of the Best Places to Stay in Africa and the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler "Readers' Choice Awards" of the Top 50 Resorts in Africa. The cottages have overhead fans and are airy with all windows covered in gauze to maximize views of the forest. Private bathrooms include twin hand basins; the toilet is separate; and the shower is open-air. Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, the tranquil beauty of this lodge surprises not only guests but even the occasional wandering animals, startled as rough wooden beams and thatched roofs take shape within the leafy groves. The sounds of Africa lull and soothe guests, as elephants splash in the quiet waters, baboons chatter, and myriad birds call and twitter in the trees. The greens of the river bank peer into spacious guest cottages through large, airy screens. Earthy ochre tones bring the forest floor indoors, while tactile textures, from leather and silk to rough hewn wood, celebrate the natural beauty of the setting. You can gaze out onto the banks of the river from under the canopy of your king size bed or spend a restful hour watching the quiet play of light on water from your private raised deck. At one with the forest, enjoy the warm luxury of the sun skipping across your skin in the large outdoor shower. Lazy hammocks slung in the dappled shade beckon and the wooden deck by the shaded poolside offers refreshment. Layered guest areas with comfortable couches invite you to while the afternoon away among cozy cushions. Open sides in sitting and dining areas draw your eyes outward to dazzling plains and reeded river banks. Relax over scrumptious Pan African meals in the dining room with fine wines from the unique charcoal-cooled wine cellar, while animals wander only yards away, or enjoy the cozy shelter of the fire-lit boma as thousands of stars light up the African sky.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Botswana -- Linyati Area
Our selected camp serves up dramatic vistas of the vast plains of the Linyanti wetlands scattered with palms and tree groves. A private sundeck provides the perfect retreat to enjoy delicious sundowners. This elegant camp boasts eight spacious luxury safari tents, which are raised on teak decks and have a lovely ensuite bathroom, complete with Victorian ball-and-claw bathtub, twin hand basins, and an alfresco shower. The tents were designed specifically for this camp and are laid out with maximum comfort and privacy in mind. The secluded tents have an entrance foyer with a reading and writing area, and each one is set back among the trees. The endless vistas from the large windows and decks across the vast plains make this property one of the finest wilderness camps in Africa. Guests can tuck into delicious menus, served in the intimate open-sided dining room and, afterwards, relax around a mesmerizing camp fire with a cup of coffee or nightcap. A sparkling swimming pool, comfortable sitting area, and bar area are perfect retreats for whiling away the hours before the next game drive. Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, guided nature walks, and birdwatching. As you drift off to sleep, you may hear hippo grazing out of water near your tent.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Zambezi River / Victoria Falls
This magnificent lodge is a fusion of teak, slate, and thatch reflecting the spirit of ancient Zimbabwe and the legendary Zambezi River itself. In the shade of tall mangosteen and waterberry trees, bold spacious suites come with sweeping views of the mighty Zambezi -- one of Africa’s greatest rivers. Following the contours of the river bank, each suite offers privacy and solitude in an idyllic setting. Deep blue accents, woven mats, and dark ebony carving evoke the ancient legends of this mysterious land. A wide private deck with a deep private plunge pool in the shade of a canopy of leaves offers the perfect vantage point to view the comings and goings of the riverine forest’s inhabitants. The huge bathroom has twin hand basins, separate toilet, bath tub, and indoor and outdoor showers. Suites come with both overhead fans as well as air conditioning. The open-sided common areas beckon with its comfortable sofas and large fireplace. Leafy boughs provide shelter for leisurely Pan African meals served on the river banks. Echoing the tranquil tones of the mighty river, the cool colours of the lodge soothe and refresh, while warm smiles welcome you to the family. Languid hammocks on the river’s edge entice guests to dream the afternoon away, while the thundering smoke of Victoria Falls issues an invitation to visit -- only 40 minutes away. The mighty Zambezi is a constant partner on your adventure, whether splashing quietly through the waters on a canoe excursion, watching the sun sink beneath the waves on a riverboat cruise, or simply idling away the hours contemplating the silent waters rolling by. Succulent meals are served on dining decks along the river’s side. A welcoming fireplace provides a cozy focal point for evening conversation. Deep pillows invite you to sink into comfortable sofas in the elegant outside area and share your day’s experiences on the mighty Zambezi.

Click on images below to enlarge.

TOUR COST
On most Venture Out tours, the price of the trip depends on the final number of people who sign up. This way we are generally able to offer slightly lower pricing if we get a higher number of guests enrolled on the trip.

$5645 (with 15 to 16 participants)
$5795 (with 8 to 14 participants)

Single Supplement: $995
PLEASE NOTE: There is a limit of two single supplements on the Botswana / Victoria Falls portion of the itinerary (from Day 5 to end). There is no limit to the number of single supplements on Days 1 through 4.

Single Supplement in Hotels Only: $350
(shared accommodation during safari portion)

Scheduled commercial flights:
Please allow approximately $400-500 for flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg and from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana. Venture Out will have these flights booked for you.

Tour Cost Includes:
* All accommodations as described above
* 3 private light-aircraft charters to/from the camps in Botswana
* Meals as indicated after each itinerary day
* Alcoholic beverages (except for premium brands) at the Botswana safari accommodations (Days 5 through 8)
* 2 full-day guided tours outside of Cape Town as described in the itinerary
* Visit to Victoria Falls
* Fully guided wildlife safari activities as described in the itinerary
* Services of a Tour Escort throughout the program
* Laundry service at the safari accommodations (Day 5 to end)
* Fees for parks, reserves (except as noted below), wine tastings, and other excursions and sights mentioned in the program
* Ground transportation in and around Cape Town and from Botswana to the Zambezi River / Victoria Falls
* Airport transfer to Victoria Falls airport on Day 11

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
* International airfare into Cape Town (CPT) and returning from Victoria Falls (VFA)
* Airport transfer from Cape Town International Airport to hotel (a private transfer can be arranged if you'd like)
* Scheduled flights on Day 4 from Cape Town to Johannesburg and Day 5 from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana (See cost estimate above – Venture Out will book these flights.)
* Any meals not specified after each itinerary day
* Alcoholic beverages on Days 1 through 4 and Days 9 and 10
* $15 per person private game reserve fee at the Zambezi River camp to be settled directly at the camp
* Tipping to tour guides, rangers/trackers, and camp staff
* Additional hotel nights pre- or post-tour that may be necessary or desired
* Medical immunizations and malaria prophylaxis (if applicable)
* Travel insurance (highly recommended for trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, etc.)
* Passport
* Expenses of a personal nature

{Please note: Over the past few years the value of the U.S. dollar has steadily declined on the foreign exchange markets — and in an unfavorable direction for the dollar. We reserve the right to alter the trip pricing indicated here should there be a significant fluctuation of the dollar in either direction — up or down.}

Special deposit and cancellation policies apply to this tour. Download the Terms & Conditions and the Trip Enrollment Form.

CLIMATE
During this period Cape Town should have high temperatures in the upper 60s; low temperatures around 50-55. Total rainfall is about 2 inches in the month of May, so there’s a chance of rain. The “Southeaster” is an unpredictable wind that can get very strong.

In Botswana highs are likely to be in the 80s; lows in the 50s; negligible chance of rain.

LUGGAGE
We have three small-aircraft charter flights on this itinerary with very strict weight limitations on baggage. Each passenger’s total baggage must not exceed 44 pounds, including hand luggage and accessories such as cameras and binoculars. (Forty-four pounds of luggage is more than most people think!) Keep in mind, too, that the safari camps all include laundry service. It is also possible to leave a bag at the Johannesburg airport which you can pick up when you return there after the safari portion of the tour.

WILD ANIMALS
The animals we come to see in Africa, while beautiful and different, are potentially dangerous. Though attacks by wild animals are very rare, no vehicle or walking safari can guarantee immunity from attack by wild and potentially dangerous animals or reptiles. Generally, wild animals and reptiles are afraid of man and usually avoid contact. Venture Out is not to be held responsible for injuries or death sustained during any incident involving wild animals and reptiles.

Please note: Experienced travelers know that wildlife viewing is an activity for those who are patient. The world of nature, especially in the African bush, is at once fast and exceptionally slow. To obtain the most out of a safari experience one should be patient, observant, respectful, quiet, and aware.

MEDICAL INFORMATION / INOCULATIONS
Venture Out is not in a position to provide medical advice as to whether a certain individual should have a particular vaccination. Please consult with your personal physician, a travel clinic, the Centers for Disease Control, and/or MD Travel Health.

In the end, it is largely a matter of personal choice as to which preventive measures are taken, but many travelers to Botswana do take malarial precautions as the northern part of the country, where we travel, is in a malaria zone with the highest-risk period lasting through April, May, or June -- depending on your source of information. It also depends on how wet the preceding winter will have been. There are a few antimalaria drugs available. You should check with your health-care provider or a travel clinic about which is appropriate for you. The CDC says that Chloroquine is NOT one of the effective antimalaria drugs for Botswana.

It is also a good idea to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as measeles/mumps/rubella (MMR); diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT); and polio. The CDC recommends a vaccination for Hepatitis A (or an immune globulin shot) and typhoid fever.

ITINERARY CHANGES
While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of activities, trip routing, and meals, rather than an inflexible schedule of events; it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the Terms and Conditions as detailed in the Trip Application Form.

To realize the maximum enjoyment from your Venture Out trip, you must remember that it is an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity and enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected. With a spirit of adventure and positive attitude, we’re sure you will have a very special travel experience. If you are uncertain about the level of comfort, difficulty, or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Venture Out at 1-888-431-6789 to discuss your concerns.

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Superb Tours for Discerning Gay & Lesbian Travelers Since 1998