RUNNING WILD   

The Ultimate Flying Safari Through Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
17-Day, Air-Inclusive Holidays.  Participation Limited to 12 Passengers.

Day 1, Depart U.S.A. or Canada

 Days 3-4, Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

You're off on your adventure as you meet your pilot and depart by charter aircraft to the colossal, wind-sculpted dunes of Sossusvlei.  Begin your program with a 4-wheel-drive safari into the dunes with time for roaming, climbing, and quietly absorbing the beauty of sandy giants rising to heights of 1000 feet.  On Monday, arise early to witness the changing hues of the desert under the rising sun, and to catch the play of light and shadow on the dunes' curves and angles.  Afterwards, a thrilling flightseeing tour takes you soaring over the infamous Skeleton Coast, where the shipwrecks of early explorers lie strewn along the shore, doomed by treacherous fogs and currents.  Conclude your excursion with a boat tour of Walvis Bay, with its squawking colonies of flamingoes, seals, and penguins.  Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp (Daily: B,L,D)

 Days 5-6, Etosha National Park - Ongava Private Reserve
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Depart to Namibia's quintessential safari park, Etosha, one of Africa's most abundant and varied wildlife habitats.  Your stay here features safaris into Etosha, plus activities not permitted within the park such as bush walks and night drives.  Back at your lodge, watch the ongoing procession of elephants, rhinos, antelopes and birds at the surrounding waterholes, and enjoy meals under thatch at the African boma before retiring to your charming chalet.  Ongava Lodge (Daily: B,L,D)

 Days 7-8, Okavango Delta, Botswana - Jao Private Reserve

A spectacular flight takes you into the vast, lush wetland delta of the Okavango, a river that fans out across northern Botswana for hundreds of miles before finally being absorbed into the hot Kalahari Desert sands.  Your contemporary, African-style luxury camp lies in a densely-wooded, private island reserve surrounded by an exceptional variety of habitats.  Enjoy an all-round Okavango experience here, with mokoro and boat excursions, walks, game drives and night drives available.  Wildlife vary with the water levels, but there are permanent waters with waterfowl, sitatunga, hippos, and crocodiles; and savannahs where lion, cheetah and leopard prey upon the antelope, zebra, and wildebeest who gather at seasonal pools.  Jao Camp (Daily: B,L,D)

 Days 9-10,  Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Fly to the eastern edge of the Delta to Moremi, one of Africa's oldest and finest wildlife reserves, established by local tribes.  Here your newly-renovated luxury camp is set on an island in the heart of big game country, offering privacy, a prime setting, and possibly the best game viewing in Botswana.  Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah are common in the region, birdlife is prolific, and large packs of wild dogs have thrived here in recent years.  Drives in open-topped 4x4 vehicles will take you exploring the plains where large concentrations of wildlife abound.  Between outings, game-view right from your veranda, enjoy a refreshing swim, and dine on excellent cuisine served in the open-air kgotla.  Mombo Camp (Daily: B,L,D)

 Days 11-12, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
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The huge volume of water that pours over Victoria Falls creates a massive cloud of spray visible from more than 20 miles away, as you'll witness on today's dramatic flight to this wonder of nature, locally known as Mosi Oa Tuna, "the smoke that thunders".  Set on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, your time here is highlighted by a journey across the great bridge to view the falls from both countries.  Your varied program also includes a Zambezi River sunset cruise and fishing, and a visit a traditional village.  River Club (Daily: B,L,D)

Days 13-14, Mana Pools National Park

Fly toward the pristine wilderness of northwest Zimbabwe, to your camp at Mana Pools National Park and World Heritage Site.  Here your legendary camp creates a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere from which to explore this wild and remote area of the Zambezi Valley.  To many, this beautiful and unspoiled country embodies the magic of Africa.  The landscape comprises a series of pools and riverine forests through which an enormously rich and varied assortment of game move, from lion and leopard, to all the "big five", to fascinating smaller creatures.  Enjoy two days of exploring by boat, open vehicle or foot, with some of the best naturalist/guides in the continent.  Chikwenya or Ruckomechi Camp (Daily: B,L,D)

 Day 15, Johannesburg

Bidding farewell to Africa, you depart today on your scheduled flight home

 Day 17, U.S.A. or Canada

Your journey draws to a close as you arrive in the U.S.A. or Canada and connect with a flight to your hometown.