The Zambezi River Basin Transboundary Carnivore Project
In association with The African Predator Carnivore Research Project and Dr. Michael Briggs Project Director
September/October 2006
Day 1
NEW YORK / JOHANNESBURG
Depart New York on SAA flight #202 to Johannesburg, South Africa at 5:55PM.
Day 2
JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival in the late afternoon we are met and transferred to the Park Hyatt Johannesburg (35 minutes from the Johannesburg Airport), situated in the leafy, cosmopolitan suburb of Rosebank which is north of Johannesburg.
The hotel is centrally located in one of Johannesburg's most important social and business districts. Characterized by a unique blend of elegance, modernity and inspiring, regional works of art, Park Hyatt Johannesburg provides a luxurious haven. Dinner on our own account this evening in the hotel's gourmet restaurant or at a local restaurant in the Rosebank area.
PARK HYATT HOTEL
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 Day 3
MAUN / MOREMI GAME RESERVE, KHWAI AREA
In the late morning of Day 3 we transfer to the airport to board Air Botswana flight #212 to Maun, Botswana. Upon arrival we are met and driven (approximately 4 hours) to our mobile camp in the Khwai area in the Okavango Delta. An authentic, tented safari camp set up in a private location awaits our arrival. Each of the "Hemingway style" safari tents have two beds with linens and an attached bathroom with long drop loo and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
The Okavango Delta qualifies as one of the most unique and beautiful environments on Earth. It is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world and is particularly well known for its predators. Lion and leopard are commonly found as well as herds of buffalo, elephant and hippo. Other game in the area include just about everything imaginable including tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, elephant, sable and giraffe.
Hundreds of tiny islands are formed as the Okavango River fans out over the flat Kalahari sands of Northwestern Botswana, creating a verdant Eden-like Utopia for wildlife. The Okavango Delta covers an area of over 12,000 square miles.
We take daily morning and afternoon game drives along the Khwai River and at this time of year it is not unusual to view a hundred or more elephants coming to the Khwai River for an afternoon drink and wash. Watching elephant babies play together is a wonderful experience. The Khwai River is also renowned for its eagles -- over 12 species can be found here. The terrain is drier and forested with huge acacia trees, a favorite for giraffes.
We may also venture into the Moremi Game Reserve just across the river. Game drives through this sector of Moremi take one through a large variety of different vegetation types, down winding tracks, through mopane forests and across lush grasslands. The waterways are either forded by vehicles or crossed on rustic log bridges. This spectacularly beautiful area, often referred to as the "Eden-like jewel of the Kalahari", covers 14,000 square km and is a veritable wonderland of African wildlife.
LUXURY MOBILE TENTED CAMP
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Days 4 & 5
OKAVANGO DELTA
On the morning of Day 4 we are driven to Kwara Camp which is situated on the edge of the permanent waters of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and shares a common boundary with Moremi Game Reserve.
Due to the specific location of the camp, Kwara is able to offer, power boating, mekoro (dug out canoe) trips, walks and game drives. In addition Kwara is in a large private concession enabling the game drives to operate both off road and at night which is critical in order to see interesting mammal species that are mainly active at night such as leopard, lion, wild dog, hyena, the elusive civit cat, bat-eared fox and the genet or take an evening cruise of the delta to look for baby crocs and the exquisite malachite kingfisher. Africa's largest populations of elephant live in the Delta and the pristine environment, plentiful food supply and low human population make for large herds of buffalo and antelope as well as lion, cheetah, hyena and nearly 500 species of birds. The highly endangered and fascinating wild dog and honey badger are also frequently sighted.
Accommodation is in spacious Meru tents situated on raised teak decks to afford views over the surrounding plains and lagoon with the resident hippos.
KWARA CAMP
Days 6-9
NORTHERN BOTSWANA / KWANDO RESERVE / LION RESEARCH PROJECT
On the morning of Day 6 we drive to the Kwando Reserve in Northern Botswana where our big adventure really begins! Here we are met by Dr. Michael Briggs and Beth Ament, veterinary technician, co-founders of the African Predator Conservation Research Organization (APCRO).
 In the dry season from August through November, this area abounds with predators and other wildlife. Kwando is definitely "elephant country"…the area is home to more elephants than the entire country of South Africa! These fantastic herds alternate between the mopane woodland and the Kwando River in search of feeding grounds, shade during the midday heat and the cool clear water of the Kwando. Antelope graze on the wide flood plains in spectacular scenery under the ever watchful eye of the predator. And predators do abound, from lion to wild dog and leopard. Nature plays out its drama between species on a daily basis. Here at Kwando, with the aid of Dr. Briggs and his team and a little luck, we have the opportunity to be involved in an intimate and thrilling way with these great predators that only a handful of people have ever experienced.
We stay at Lagoon Camp, a luxury camp shaded under massive African Ebony trees, situated on the banks of the Kwando River and surrounded by over a million acres of private concession land and 80 km of river frontage. Lagoon offers regular and reliable sightings of lion, wild dog, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, impala, wildebeest, buffalo and waterbuck in stunning settings.
 'Normal' excursions are in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles with professional guides who will teach us how to track animals. Our guides give an in-depth interpretation of animal behavior as well as discussing the surrounding ecosystems and current threats to the Okavango Delta. If there is time we also have the opportunity to go on game walks as well as venture into the lagoon on a double-decker boat for fishing and game viewing from a different perspective. Night drives are also available (with a spotlight) to view the fascinating mammals that are active at night such as the elusive civit cat, bat-eared fox and the genet.
 All these wonderful activities are on offer, however we are kept busy by Dr. Briggs and his team in activities that go far beyond the usual expectations of a safari! During our time at Kwando we become intimately involved with the on-going lion research of APCRO. APCRO consists of a diverse group of researchers, primarily from the fields of veterinary medicine and genetics, whose common goal is to gather knowledge and initiate original research projects of carnivores in their natural environment. These investigations thoroughly examine the role of disease, genetics, reproductive potential, parasitism, nutrition and pathology as it relates to the ultimate survival of these species. APCRO recognizes these predators continually interact with one another at various levels and thus is committed to examining the interactions of the various species as they affect disease transmission, parasitism and pathology. The animals studied also will be compared by levels of genetic variability, reproductive potential, and nutritional status in similar and dissimilar ecosystems. Genetic materials gathered from the animals are also utilized by zoos to keep captive populations genetically diverse. APCRO also supports field projects that have an overall positive impact on environments that support sustainable populations of carnivores.
In Northern Botswana APCRO has recently established a long term research study area in the Kwando region of the Zambezi River Basin. The immediate goal of the project is to conduct a thorough census of the number of lion in the area and examine current viability and health of the animals as well as evaluating their potential for long-term survival.
 This remote and pristine private reserve is the ideal environment to study lion, leopard and other predators which abound within its nearly 1 million acres of wilderness. The goal of this trip is to involve participants in a meaningful way with the project and teach them how the research works, what its goals are, and to provide an up-close and rare opportunity to experience the animals intimately.
The general plan is that participants come out after lions are located and observe animals at the time of being immobilized or immediately after immobilization. This often happens at night and primarily involves lion and hyena.
There may be other species that are immobilized and sampled as well, including African wild dog, leopard, and black back jackal, but the immediate needs of the research and animal location dictates what species are sampled.
If all goes as planned participants are able to be close to the immobilized animals and to observe the collection of biological samples. Other activities that are possible are: participation in ongoing census work , observing a lion "call-up" with audio equipment and pre-recorded sounds of lion or hyena kills, tracking and baiting of leopards, measuring animals, processing of biological materials gathered from the sedated animals and recording of data gathered on site.
Dr. Briggs and staff give various talks on the results of previous studies he has conducted, the use of satellite tracking devices and many other subjects as they arise. The staff of APCRO will spend as much time as possible discussing the research, the process, and project goals with participants, as well as unique animal experiences.
Accommodation is in large classic safari tents with attached bathrooms, flush toilets as well as hot and cold running water. The spacious outdoor reeded showers capture the essence of Africa.
LAGOON RIVER CAMP
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Days 10 & 11
LIVINGSTONE / VICTORIA FALLS AREA
 On the morning of Day 10 we charter to Livingstone, Zambia (stopping in Kasane on the border of Botswana and Zambia to clear customs). Upon arrival in Livingstone we are met and driven to Thorntree Lodge which is a wonderfully situated camp on the banks of the Zambezi River with luxury stone and canvas chalets hidden in the tangle of lush riverine bush. All chalets have large private bathrooms and are shaded by a large thatched canopy. The atmosphere is informal and one of classic safari style. The wide sweeping panorama of the river lends a special magic to the location.
In the late afternoon we take a sunset cruise downstream (with "sundowners"), watching the banks for many different species of game which utilize the river as a rich food and drinking source. Islands along the river are dotted with crocodiles and families of hippos. Elephant swimming in the river are a common sight and if lucky, we may encounter Zambia's only existing rhino along the banks of Mosi oa Tunya National Park.
On Day 11 we have many options for the day:
 A must is to view the magnificent Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River opens out into an extravaganza of roaring, spray-tumbled water, known to the locals as "mosi oa tunya" (the smoke that thunders). Few sights are as awe-inspiring and the ground shakes and rumbles with the force of the water.
- Spectacular bird watching
- Game viewing through Mosi oa Tunya National Park (see Zambia's last remaining rhino)
- Visit historic Livingstone - the craft market and the Livingstone Museum noted for its artifacts that belonged to David Livingstone.
(At additional cost)
- Guided canoeing down the Zambezi River
- Horseback riding along the Zambezi River
- Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls
- Microlight flight over the Victoria Falls
- Grade 5 white water rafting
- World tallest bungi jumping
- Livingstone Island Lunch
- Visit Zambia's first "Elephant Camp" which offers a once in a
life time insight into these gentle giants. Ride Madinda, Marula, Lewa, Danny or Bop on an exclusive Zambian Elephant Safari through riverine vegetation and beautiful scenery in the Mosi oa Tunya National Park.
THORNTREE LODGE
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Day 12
JOHANNESBURG / NEW YORK
In the early afternoon transfer to the airport to board our Nationwide flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival board SAA flight #203 to New York departing at 7:15PM.
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Day 13
JOHANNESBURG / NEW YORK
Arrive New York's JFK at 7:10AM
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Mission Statement: The African Predator Conservation Research Organization's (APCRO) mission is to initiate and facilitate multidisciplinary conservation research on the continent of Africa to allow for the gathering of scientific information that will increase the potential long-term survivability of native carnivores. Donation included in the cost of the safari is $2000 per person.
Price of safari:
To Be Determined per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement:
TBD
Tour Includes:
All airport transfers and air charter transportation upon landing in Africa; accommodation; breakfast in Johannesburg; all meals and beverages in Botswana; limited laundry throughout (except Johannesburg); optional activities in Livingstone/Victoria Falls; $2000 donation to APCRO (tax deductible).
Tour Excludes:
U.S. domestic and international airfare; airport departure fees; commercial internal Africa air (see below); dinner in Johannesburg; all activities while in Johannesburg; some activities in Livingstone/Victoria Falls area; medical immunizations; passport fees; laundry in Johannesburg; accident/baggage/medevac & cancellation insurance; telephone or fax charges; room service; gratuities to guides and staff; and other items of a purely personal nature.
Internal African Air (not included in cost)
Day 3: Johannesburg to Maun on Air Botswana
Day 12: Livingstone to Johannesburg on Nationwide
Other Trips:
Wild Africa - A Traditional Safari: Walking, Canoeing & Game Drives
From the Heart of the Earth to the Heart of the Sea - Elephants and Whales, Africa's Grey Giants
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