Heart of Southern Africa with Singer Rankin

Our intimate journey through Southern Africa will be led by Singer Rankin, founder of WorldWomenWork (WWW). “I had been traveling extensively in Africa and Asia for 25 years and was becoming increasingly concerned about the loss of habitat for wildlife and the seemingly endless cycle of poverty. One day as I was trekking on Kanchenjunga in Nepal, the world’s third largest mountain, and the idea just came to me: buy beautiful things made by indigenous women and sell them to my friends and women who love hand-crafted, quality goods. Then donate the profits to conservation and towards education projects for women. A simple way to change lives and help the environment!”…and thus WorldWomenWork was born.

For ten years, Singer has combined Africa and Asia, meeting women artisans who make beautiful, unusual things and help them organize to market their goods to the outside world. WorldWomenWork provides a steady stream of income which grows local women’s enterprises, sells their products, and ultimately donates all proceeds from the sales to projects that educate girls, build economic independence for women and their families, and protect the natural world. On this extraordinary trip you visit some of Singer’s favorite places in Africa, experience the best of African wilderness and wildlife, and meet the remarkable women who are gaining economic independence through their work with WWW.

DAY 1: USA / International flight to Johannesburg

Depart the US for Johannesburg, South Africa.

ZAMBIA

DAY 2: LUSAKA / SOUTHERN SUN RIDGEWAY HOTEL

Upon arrival in Johannesburg you connect to your flight to Lusaka, Zambia. Here you are met and transferred to the Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Lusaka, famed for its beautiful flowering trees, the Southern Sun Ridgeway is set in attractive, landscaped gardens and offers travelers a welcoming atmosphere. The guest rooms are tastefully furnished and offer every modern facility. The restaurant has a scenic view across the gardens and you can enjoy light meals by the pool as well. This afternoon is at leisure to relax. In the evening meet our fellow travelers and enjoy dinner by the pool where you are introduced to some of Zambia’s most dynamic women leaders who share a common interest in women empowerment.

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DAY 3 & 4: LOWER ZAMBEZI / ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE

On the morning of Day 3, you are transferred to the Lusaka Airport to board your flight to the Royal Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi (1/2 hour flight). Here you are met by your private guide and driven to the Royal Zambezi Lodge which is located on the bank of the Zambezi River at one of its broadest points. singer3 The Lower Zambezi is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in Africa, and home to a plentitude of wildlife, especially elephants. It is also the base for one of WorldWomenWork’s exciting projects.

The next couple of days are dedicated to appreciating the fabulous landscape and wildlife of the area which is famed for its dense populations of elephant. There are many options during your stay – motor boat or canoeing safaris are available from the camp anytime, manned by expert guides who steer you as you explore the numerous interesting channels and islands in search of the many photographic opportunities that invariably arise. Fishing for the world-renowned "Tiger fish" is also available. You also have the option to take game drives in the adjacent Lower Zambezi National Park which is remote and unspoiled with a diverse range of eco-systems, offering stunning scenery and varied wildlife viewing. The Park is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as the regular plains game including kudu, zebra, impala, warthog, bushbuck and baboons. Lion and leopard are common and Wild-dog also reside in the Lower Zambezi National Park, but are not often sighted.

singer2 Game drives are offered in the morning and evening and the open air spa is always open for business where you can have a massage while watching elephants cross the river.

The Lodge is a striking combination of contemporary style and comfort in a completely unspoiled bush environment directly across from the famed Mana Pools World Heritage Site. Offering king-size beds in large, fully netted, canvas tents under thatched canopies, comfortable sofas in front of roaring open fires and airy verandahs, the lodge is a luxurious base from which to explore this beautiful area.

The open plan reception area, dining room and lounge have classic architectural lines and lofty thatched roofs. A wide copper-roofed verandah provides an informal space for al fresco dining or taking tea in the afternoon. Timber decks extend over the river shallows, perfect for fine dining under the stars, or sitting around the campfire listening to the sounds of the African night. During the day, the decks overlook a reed bed, a fascinating micro-ecology affording close study of bird and fish life as well as elephant, hippo and buffalo. There are also large pods of hippo in the river directly in front of the lodge, as well as crocodile.

DAY 5 & 6: LOWER ZAMBEZI / KANYEMBA CAMP

On the morning of Day 5 you take a leisurely cruise upstream to the Mugurmeno Cultural Village where you stop for the morning to experience the singer4 fascinating Goba culture. Partake in traditional dances, Goba folklore as well as learn about their farming practices and construction methods for the Goba hut. One of WWW’s projects is located at this village. WWW provides the funds to send local women to professional tailoring school for four months in-residence training. WWW purchased sewing machines for their use and has helped them form a cooperative. The local women participating (some of who have never held a pencil) are singer5 learning to make bags and other crafts to sell to safari lodges along the nearby Zambezi River and products for local purchase, from school uniforms to dresses.

This project not only provides skills and income to the women involved, but it also gives them the ability to see beyond their village and the status to take part in decisions concerning the way their lands are being used. In 2010, WWW will provide the funds for several more women to attend sewing school and will also fund new classes in organic farming.

Afterwards, a wonderful traditional lunch is served at the village. Continue by boat to the charming Kanyemba Lodge which is also located on the banks of the Zambezi River. Completely surrounded by nature, the lodge is a small and exclusive lodge with six chalets built of natural materials which blend in perfectly with the surroundings. Each chalet has a private verandah overlooking the Zambezi River.

On Day 6 you are met by Isaiah Museto (the community board member of the Chiawa Leaseholders Association Community and Conservation Project - CLA). He takes you to Chiawa Village to meet Charles at the clinic and Francis who is the headmaster of the school. During these visits you learn about the community needs and the value the Lower Zambezi Conservation Trust (LZCT) project is bringing to the area. Another of WWW’s projects is located here so you once again witness first hand the work of these village women.

DAY 7: LUSAKA / LIVINGSTONE / THORNTREE LODGE

This morning you are driven to Lusaka stopping along the way for lunch at Riverside School where WWW sponsors the women’s training projects. singer6 Afterwards transfer to the airport to board your flight to Livingstone.

Upon arrival you are met and driven to the magnificent Victoria Falls 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.

Thorntree Lodge is wonderfully situated on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River with comfortable 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 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. There is a possibility to see herds of elephant drinking along the banks of the Zambezi.

BOTSWANA

DAY 8: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK / CHOBE SAFARI LODGE

Early this morning (7:00AM – 10:00AM) you visit Zambia’s first “Elephant Camp” which offers a once in a lifetime insight into these gentle giants. The experience begins with a short introductory talk by the local guide, after which you are introduced to the elephants and their handlers; each elephant is under the charge of a handler. Climb aboard the elephants and the safari begins! The trail leads through the riverine bush alongside the Zambezi River and even crosses the shallow parts of the river onto the islands. Actual time spent riding the elephants is approximately one hour. During the safari you are likely to see numerous species of wildlife including kudu, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and impala. There is also excellent birding with over 50 species to be sighted. After singer7_1 dismounting the elephants, there is the opportunity to feed and interact with them, during which time the local guide gives a talk on the African elephant and its relationship with man.

After lunch back at the lodge, you are driven to the border of Zambia and Botswana. Here you take a short speed boat ride across the mighty Zambezi to the Kazangula border post. After clearing customs continue on to the Chobe Safari Lodge, beautifully located on the magnificent Chobe River.

Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime game-viewing areas. Here one finds all of the “Big Five”, except for rhino. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world. The Park forms part of Botswana’s northern-most border and is a singer8 contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. Dominated by the Mababwe Depression, the Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and thousands of antelope all find safety in this huge national park. The spectacle of large flocks of waterfowl winging their way towards the sunset is just one indicator that this is one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges.

Take a game drive this afternoon in an open vehicle to come face to face with the numerous large herds of elephant or buffalo. There is also the option of taking a spectacular boat cruise where you are sure to experience one of the most memorable sunsets in Africa, with herds of elephant along the banks as you sip your chardonnay.

The beautifully renovated Safari Rooms include air-conditioning, television and a telephone. Meals at Chobe Safari Lodge are served from either the restaurant or on the pool deck overlooking the river and feature an extensive buffet, including a variety of traditional cuisine.

singer9 DAY 9-11: OKAVANGO DELTA / LUXURY MOBILE CAMP

On the morning of Day 9 you are transferred to the Kasane Airport to board your small charter plane which takes you to the spectacular Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta qualifies as one of the most unique and beautiful environments on Earth – Botswana’s verdant Garden of Eden. 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 Delta covers an area of over 12,000 square miles.

You are driven to your classic “Hemingway style” camp which has been set up for the group in a very private location where you spend the next three nights. Each spacious and comfortable Meru safari tent has two beds with linens and an attached bathroom with long drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). While in the mobile camp one can experience the wonderful night sounds and enjoy true wilderness!

This area consists of mopane forests, acacia woodland and permanent and semi-permanent wetland. The principal water source here is the Khwai River, which provides the lifeline of support for the wildlife in the area. This area is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world and is particularly well known for its predators, especially one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa – the wild dog. 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.

Take daily morning and afternoon game drives along the Khwai River where at this time of year vast numbers of breeding herds of elephants feed on the mopane belts during the day and scramble for the water in the late afternoon. It is not unusual to view a hundred or more elephants at the river for a drink, a wash and a little playtime! Watching elephant babies play together is a wonderful experience. The Khwai River is also renowned for its eagles where over 12 species can be found.

DAY 12: JOHANNESBURG / International flight to Johannesburg

In the late morning you are chartered by small plane to Maun to board the Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival connect to your international flight homeward.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Cost of Safari (2010 price): $6,280.00 per person based on double occupancy. (NOTE: The cost will increase for 2011 but we will not have official cost until June 2010.)

Price Includes: All ground and air charter transportation upon landing in Africa; accommodation, guides and vehicle throughout; park fees; and activities as stated in the itinerary.

In the late morning of Day 12 you are chartered to Maun to board the Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg. Connect to your SAA flight to Cape Town. Here you are met and transferred to the Cape Heritage Hotel situated in Heritage Square, a 5 minute drive from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The Cape Heritage offers a wealth of modern comforts, but retains its age-old charm and character. Each bedroom is individually appointed to enhance its unique historical character.

We suggest the following day tours during your stay in Cape Town (we will be glad to organize the tours ahead of time):

On the morning of Day 14 you are transferred to d’Ouwe Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch. Established in 1802, d’Ouwe Werf is South Africa’s oldest and most historic hotel and has defined hospitality and fine dining for centuries. Enjoy the wonders of the Cape Winelands from the repose of the luxurious accommodation, situated in the historical core of the university town of Stellenbosch, only 45km from Cape Town, 20km from the sea and surrounded by beautiful mountains. Located on vibrant Church Street, d’Ouwe Werf retains the graceful ambience of Georgian style throughout. Soft hues and antique furniture have been tastefully aligned with the comforts of modern living to create a calm haven from which to base your exploration of Stellenbosch. The “1802 Restaurant” is renowned for its traditional and international cuisine and boasts a wine list that will satisfy even the most sophisticated connoisseur.

The wine-producing region around Stellenbosch, is not only the most important wine growing regions in South Africa, but it is the one of the oldest, most beautiful and well-preserved towns in South Africa. The vineyards form a patchwork in the fertile valleys and seem to be overshadowed by dramatic mountains. There is an almost European atmosphere with beautiful Cape Dutch architecture seen everywhere.

During your stay you may wish to visit some of the historic attractions in Stellenbosch which are within walking distance of the hotel as well as visiting the many wine farms in the area. Wine tasting, cheese and chocolate tasting as well as experiencing the wonderful cuisines offered on these breathtaking wine estates are all part of the memorable winelands experience. The hotel can help you arrange any of the above activities and many more.

This afternoon you are transferred to the Cape Town Airport to board your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival connect to your international flight homeward.