Ecotravel – Africa
Well……… due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are not planning any trips to Africa in 2020. However, we hope to offer two trips in 2021, one in March and one in July.
Exact dates and prices have not been set, but below you will find the tour itinerary that we had planned for November 2020. The 2021 tours will resemble the one below, but some of the camps below may change.
South Africa and Botswana
Looking for a small group safari in South Africa and Botswana? The trained biologists with Wild Ecotours have traveled extensively into heart of the African savanna for over 20 years. On this adventure, you will meet the creatures of Africa close up, including lions, leopards, giraffes and white rhinos in their natural habitats.
The actual safari dates are TBD. This is when the grass is its greenest from the spring rains, and the impalas are giving birth to a new generation. Many people allow extra days at the beginning and the end to accommodate international air travel, or to book additional excursions.
Sites we will visit include Mashatu, Timbavati, and Entabeni, and the Pafuri River.
Can’t get enough of Kruger and want to extend your stay? Warthog Rest, Wild Ecotours’ own ecolodge on the edge of Kruger, can be booked after your ecotravel adventure ends. We can also arrange posts-trip excursions to Capetown, Namibia, Victoria Falls, or bushcamps in and near Kruger. Check out our Excursion page, or call us for details.
Entabeni Reserve
Entabeni Safari Conservancy, rightfully dubbed “The Place of the Mountain”, is situated in the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere. Approximately a three-hour drive north of Johannesburg, this 22 000 hectare malaria-free reserve boasts five eco-systems. It is a place where the lion still reigns as king and Mother Nature still mesmerizes with her power and beauty.
Our accommodations will be at the Rangercamp. All luxury tents, elegantly furnished in African Baroque style, have private sun decks with breath-taking views across the wetlands, vast open plains and the alluring Hanglip Mountain. Perfectly manicured gardens provide a paradise of foliage and serenity.
Mashatu, Botswana
Mashatu, “Land of Giants”, takes its name from the locally sacrosanct Mashatu or Nyala berry tree (Xanthrocercis zambesiaca) and the giants that roam its terrain. These magnificent dark green trees, which are found along the rivers in the reserve, provide refuge, shade and food to a myriad wildlife. Mashatu, which is one of the largest privately owned game reserves in southern Africa, avails a sanctuary to the largest herds of elephant on privately owned land on the continent. In addition to that, the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe, the world’s largest antelope, the eland, the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard are all part of the game drive experience on Mashatu. Add the king of the beasts, the lion and the iconic baobab tree…and you have Africa’s big seven land based giants.
Pafuri River Camp
Pafuri Camp is situated in the Makuleke Concession of the Northern Kruger National Park. This comfortable camp has 19 luxury designer tents with en-suite bathrooms. The tents offer gorgeous views over the Luvuvhu River, there is also a communal area with a swimming pool – for those balmy days when you need to cool off.
This is a full-service camp and three meals per day are provided. Guests can take part in game drives in the morning and evening. These game drives explore the history and archaeology of the Pafuri area. Wildlife viewing from this camp can be rather extraordinary with large herds of elephant located in the area during the dry months, there is also a healthy population of buffalo and Pafuri Camp is known for regular sightings of leopard and Pel’s Fishing Owl due to its fantastic location on the Luvuvhu River. Guided and specialized birding walks can be arranged on request.
Timbavati
We will be among the first guests at a brand new Jaydee camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This is a private camp with a private chef, and we will be staying in beautifully appointed villas. Relax in the pool after game drives, or enjoy even more from the large deck overlooking a watering hole. A truly spectacular and memorable location!
What’s it going to cost me?
THE COST OF THIS TRIP IS NOT YET FINALIZED. for budgeting purposes, you should plan on around $5000 per person (double occupancy).
What does that include?
All lodging
All meals starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day
All game drives, walks and other camp activities
All road transfers between accommodations and air terminals
Private guide Jackie Navarro
What am I going to have to cover on top of that?
International and Domestic airfare to get to Africa, and Domestic travel within Africa ( ~$200)
Gratuities
Travel insurance
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Where do I sign up?
Send an email to Jackie.wildwonders@gmail.com or call 760.630.9230 to inquire more!
Wild Ecotours is registered with the State of California. CST 2142988-50