On Safari in Southern Africa 

 Barbara and I have had a love affair going with Africa and we want to share some of our best experiences.  To that end we have worked with one of the great Southern African companies – Wilderness Safari and Londolozi to offer a unique experience in safaris – we are traveling to the game parks in Botswana and South Africa and stopping along the way at one of the wonders of the world – Victoria Falls – the “Smoke that Thunders”  We are planning to leave the last week of March 2011 (dates may change a bit to try and insure we have the lodges we want).  The areas of these lodges are rich with wildlife and in Botswana we will probably not see other tourists at all – the lodges are that remote.  Please check out the websites for the properties we have selected – these can be found at the bottom of the email.  We can also help book air and of course you MUST have trip insurance and we can also handle this for you. 

Because we are only taking five couples we expect to have a full group within the next 45 day to 60 days..  Please call us with questions or comments – but please – if you can – do not pass up this unique opportunity.

Day one arrive Johannesburg – spend evening at Intercontinental Hotel at the Johannesburg Airport (we are met and greeted to South Africa by a Wilderness rep who will assist us to check in at the hotel)

Day two – Meet in lobby where a Wilderness rep will take us to check - in for our flight to Maun, Botswana; arrive in Maun and transfer to Sefofane for light aircraft transfer from Maun to Duba Plains; afternoon game drive at Duba Plains

Day three – full day at Duba Plains where we have sole use of the camp

Day four – after morning game drive and breakfast – transfer to air strip for light aircraft transfer to Savuti Camp; afternoon game drive at Savuti camp

Day five – full day at Savuti camp where we have sole use of the camp

Elephants near Savuti Camp

Day six – after morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to air  strip for light air craft transfer to Kasane Airport; then again light air craft transfer from Kasane to Livingstone Airport; clear customs – purchase visa, then we’ll be met and transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel and in the evening take a cruise aboard the African Queen – sundowner cruise – on the Zambezi river above the falls.

Day seven – meet in the lobby after breakfast for a private tour of the falls; then collect luggage and private transfer to Livingston Airport; Commercial air flight (South African air) from Livingston to Kruger Airport – clear customs and transfer by light aircraft to Londolozi air strip.  (not sure if we will arrive in time for game drive)

Day eight and nine – spend at the Londolozi Varty camp

A Leopard near Londolozi

Day ten after morning game drive and breakfast – transfer to air strip for flight to Johannesburg (those who are not going to Cape Town)

 End of these services

Total price is $10,968 per person plus $1790 internal air fights and air transfers

Deposit is 20% of the landed costs and in Africa, since most of the lodges book their rooms 6 to 9 months in advance – with very little chance of rebooking cancelled rooms – the deposit is non refundable.

Does NOT include:

• INSURANCE (Mandatory)
• STAFF GRATUITIES
• ANY NEW GOVERNMENT TAXES, LEVIES, FUEL OR INDUSTRY INCREASES BEYOND OUR CONTROL
• VISA FEES WHERE RELEVANT – VISA FEES MUST BE PAID IN U.S.DOLLARS (ZAMBIA)
• INTERNATIONAL AIR (U.S. TO SOUTH AFRICA AND RETURN), DEPARTURE TAXES NOT INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE
• ZAMBIAN INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX OF $25 PER PERSON AND $8 SOUTH AFRICA DEPARTURE TAXPER PERSON
• ANY ITEMS OF PERSONAL NATURE.

Here are the websites for the camps and Royal Livingstone Hotel

Duba Plains – www.dubaplains.com

Savuti Camp – www.savuticamp.com

Londolozi – www.londolozi.com

Royal Livingstone - www.royal-livingstone-hotel.com

 WE HAVE A THREE NIGHT EXTENSION TO CAPE TOWN, A FOUR NIGHT EXTENSION TO CAPE TOWN AND THE STELLENBOSCH WINE COUNTRY; A TWO NIGHT EXTENTION IN JOHANNESBURG; AN EXTENSION TO THE SEYCELLES OR TO MOZAMBIQUE – PLEASE JUST REQUEST THIS FROM US.

Sincerely,

Michael & Barbara 

Michael and Barbara King

Email michael@greatgetaway.com or barbara@greatgetaway.com for details

Click here to download:

IMG.pdf (2310 KB)

When Islands Magazine wanted an expert for their Travel Agent Advisory Board, one of the superstars chosen is our own Ken Marshall! Ready for some island hopping, toes-wiggling-in-the-sand relaxation? Ken is THE MAN! Email Ken today, ken@greatgetaway.com, and surprise your Valentine with an Isle of View!

Sometimes I just don't get it. Aren't you worth it---worth receiving a vacation that is practically seamless? Why did you book that vacation to Hawaii online? Are you sure you got the best value? Whose recommendations did you use---hopefully not the photos supplied by the resorts nor the manipulated advice offered on some consumer-based travel website??? Did you know that the villa you booked sorely needs a "facelift?" Of course, you didn't. When was the last time you saw it? Is it your ego that's the problem? Is your goal the bragging rights of "I can do it all by myself" or the quality of the experience---sometimes they aren't the same thing.

Why am I ranting on and on this morning? Because of yesterday----yesterday proves the worth of a trusted travel advisor. Let me explain:

I was sitting in my office working on the text for our new website when I noticed the door to our business open. In walked Judi Chaitman, one of the best examples of the ultimate travel professional. "Judi," I scolded, "Why are you here? It's Saturday! Do you have clients coming in?"

"Hi Barbara, I know it's Saturday. Why are you here? Oh, right, computer network maintenance, I forgot! Am I able to use my computer?" Assured she could access the Internet, Judi went on to explain, "I was working from home and decided to come in because it's just faster and easier. I have clients on the East coast who leave tomorrow for Hawaii and I'm concerned." [Note: As of December 19, 2009 and into December 20, 2009 the East coast of the US was blanketed in heavy snow].

Judi checked the flight cancellations, called the hotels in Hawaii to alert them that the guests may arrive late due to weather, to please hold the specially requested rooms, and that Judi would keep the property updated on the situation. She discussed options with the airlines and finally called the client. "Hi, it's Judi. I want to touch base to tell you what your options are for your departure tomorrow..."

The client was amazed. They had all the information they wanted and needed AND they hadn't even asked for it! They were relieved to know how to proceed and so appreciative that their travel advisor cared enough to interrupt her weekend plans to address their probable trip delays.

This is NOT a rare occurence at Great Getaways. We are a small (but mighty) company and each of our clients becomes a friend, even part of the Great Getaways family. We all care about your vacation and want you to have the best experience possible. I am not bragging---I am stating a fact. We care---we are experienced travel advisors who provide amazing journeys. What we do is NOT our job---it is our career, our passion! Can the travel website you used make that claim? Didn't think so!