Ultimate Safari in Africa

This unique, low-level flying safari will explore the great "Waters of Africa." I will personally fly only four fortunate people over Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi, the Luangwa River, the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, the Atlantic Ocean's Skeleton Coast, finishing in luxury in Cape Town.

I have flown throughout Africa all my life, but until last year, never before had I explored all these great watercourses in one safari. From the source of the Nile to the southern tip of this continent, these waterways define life in Africa. On this year's trip, our flight plan will cover eight of the greatest game countries on earth.

KENYA:	Depart Nairobi to fly over the migration and the shores of Lake Victoria.
TANZANIA:	3 nights on Lake Tanganyika, trekking for chimpanzees, 1 night in Katavi.
MALAWI:	Fly over the northern shores of Lake Malawi and the Nyika Plateau.
ZAMBIA:	3 nights in South Luangwa Park - Africa's least traveled wilderness. 3 nights at Victoria Falls - rafting, walking across to ZIMBABWE.
BOTSWANA:	3 nights in Okavango Delta, the world's greatest wetland, great wildlife.
NAMIBIA:	4 nights of the Skeleton Coast and climbing the world's highest dunes.
S. AFRICA:	2 nights in Cape Town to celebrate the most exclusive flying safari ever!

We take off from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to begin our survey of the Great Rift Valley waters. We first fly low over the Masai Mara where the wildebeest migration will be in full flow, and then along the shores of Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile. Just two hours later we will land at Mwanza, on the southern end of the lake, to clear customs into Tanzania. Airborne again, we fly southwest along the Burundi border, joining the Great Rift Valley and the crystal blue waters of Lake Tanganyika, 4,700 feet deep and the world's longest lake.

Landing in the Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania, we will spend three days at the Greystoke Camp, in elegant comfort right on the lake shore. Tropical forests hang full of vines, waterfalls course down the mountain slopes and thousands of butterflies flutter like confetti. Here you will explore the national park on foot and go fishing from a traditional Arab dhow. Trekking up through lowland and montane forest, we will spend time with the oldest habituated group of chimpanzees in Africa. Some are so accustomed to human presence that they allow you to sit amongst them. There are other primates too, including Colobus and Blue Monkeys.

The shores of Lake Tanganyika lie at the foot of the Rift Valley's eastern wall, territory well known to Stanley and Livingstone. Surrounded by spectacular forests and a daily crescendo of powerful sunsets, the lake's clear waters are home to a vast number of cyclids, vividly-colored tropical fish, offering superb snorkeling and fishing. Hippos in Africa

Flying low along the rugged shores of Lake Tanganyika and southern Tanzania we will land on the vast open plains of Katavi, a wild and remote home to some of the best game in Africa. Here we refuel and proceed to a fly camp near Katavi Chada to spend the night. At this time of year we will be stunned by the most spectacular congregations and behavior of hippo and crocodiles anywhere in Africa.

We continue on to across the scenic highlands to Mbeya to stretch legs and clear customs out of Tanzania. Winging south over the hills of northern Zambia, we will follow the western shore of Lake Malawi. Crossing the famed Nyika plateau we will notice how much this remote countryside has changed, before landing at Mfue two hours later for Zambian customs. Our final short hop is to Tafika on the sandy, lazy Luangwa River.

In Zambia's remote South Luangwa Park lies Tafika, the home and unique safari camp of John and Carol Coppinger, nestled on a sweeping bank of the Luangwa River. Whilst here, John will take you for a fly along the river in his micro-light to see the vast pods of hippo, giving you yet another perspective.

Our first evening we will set off on a game drive by car and on foot to spot the great black - maned lions lounging on the river bank, elephants, massive herds of buffalo, and always-elegant giraffe. The next morning we will walk through some of Africa's wildest country with an armed safari guide to Crocodile Bush Camp, a wilderness haven. We return for a second night at Tafika, having experienced first hand many of the African bush's glories. African Elephants in Water

Flying low on over the wild northern Zambian bush, we pick up the Luangwa river again, merging dramatically into the Zambezi coming in from our left. Half an hour later, we descend over the stark Zambian escarpment and over the Zambezi itself, our circling brings us over Zimbabwe's Mana Pools before settling on the sandy strip at Jeki. Here we will be met and board our boat to take us gently upstream, casting our lines for tiger-fish and marveling at the elephant forging across this mighty river. After lunch and a game drive back to the plane, we skim low along the river observing the massive flow of this African powerhouse. In the evening light the spray from Victoria Falls announces its thunderous cauldron. We fly overhead the Falls for unforgettable views crowned with rainbow effects, before landing at Livingstone.

Located 10 miles upstream from the Victoria Falls, Sindabezi Island offers magnificent views overlooking other islands and a nearby floodplain of the Victoria Falls National Park. Sindabezi is unique, being the only island lodge on the Upper Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls area. There is the chance here to experience elephant, hippo, and awaken to the dawn chorus - possibly the best wildlife experience in the Victoria Falls region.

Home to a maximum of eight guests, Sindabezi's comfortable chalets are built from local timber, reed and thatch, each with a spectacular private view over the Zambezi. African river by air

Whilst here we will game view by boat, canoe, or on foot (all with a professional guide) fish, star gaze, and simply relax in Sindabezi's superb setting, entertained by the camp hippo.

We will boat up river to have a cordon bleu lunch on Livingstone Island, and plunge into a rock pool on the very lip of the Falls. Other options are the thrill of a full or half day's white water rafting on one of the most exciting rivers in the world, and or stimulating your adrenalin with a bungee jump!

We will fly over the Falls again, clear customs and shop in Maun and fly into the wilds of northern Botswana to land at Selinda Airstrip. Met there and game drive to Zibalianja Camp, a small intimate four-tented camp located on the edge of the northern Linyanti Swamps, near the Zibalianja Lagoon. Its position on a tranquil palm island, in an immense sea of blonde savannah grassland, affords it a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding floodplains. This cosy camp accommodates only eight guests, in four twin-bedded "Meru" tents, each with its own private, raised deck and en-suite facilities. Game passes in front of camp, across the plains, to reach the waters of the lagoon. A canvas dining area and bar atop an anthill completes the facility, making this a true safari camp in the old African traditional style.

This beautiful area of Botswana offers excellent wildlife viewing as the Selinda Spillway, a watercourse linking the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti Swamps, forms a floodplain wonderland where great herds of zebra, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo and red lechwe converge to drink and graze. With them come their predators for this is big cat country too.

This area is wonderful for lion and it is featured in the National Geographic film "Eternal Enemies" in which conflictsbetween hyenas and lions are well documented. Cheetah and leopard along with wild dog and more also call Selinda home!

Wake early in the morning and fall asleep at night to the sounds of the impala's mating calls, the hippo's chortle, and the lion's rumble off in the distance. Your hosts at Zibalianja will make our stay an nforgettable experience here in the heart of Botswana's remote bushland.

The next morning, I will pilot our plane into the heart of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest pristine wetland. At this time of the year the waters will still cover much of the Delta's Kalahari sands. Flying low, we will witness many species of wildlife. Red lechwe, elephants, lion, zebra will be spread out below, wallowing in large lagoons and splashing through the river systems.

A boat will meet us at our airstrip and will take us on a 10-minute ride into Xigera Lodge, situated on a wooded island in the heart of the Delta. Our days here will be filled with the peace and tranquility for which the Okavango is famous. Mokoro dug-out-style boat excursions offer unforgettable, unobtrusive wildlife viewing with professional guides poling us peacefully through shallow waters and reeds.

In the gentle nature of the local Bushmen, they will share their knowledge of the area's medicinal plants and traditional lore. We will enjoy great viewing of antelope and other mammals; and birders will barely need their binoculars to enjoy sightings of the unique wattled cranes and rare gymnogene found here.

We fly in 45 minutes from the Delta to the dusty traders' crossroads of Maun to clear customs, and perhaps a bit of shopping before continuing on for 2.5 hours to Grootfontein to handle Namibian formalities. A short 20-minute hop then sees us landing near Otavi, at Andre Schoeman's ranch - Camp Uisib, a classic Namibian farm. We will then drive up into the hills above the farm to explore the limestone caves which for hundreds of years have been home to the Bushmen people, before enjoying a home cooked Namibian barbecue under Southern Africa's crystal clear stars.

The next day we wing west across the raw, rugged backbone of Africa to pick up the Atlantic Coast at Terrace Bay. After an invigorating walk to stretch our legs and a picnic lunch on the tail of the plane, we take off to fly south to fly along the legendary Skeleton Coast. Fog banks perennially roll in and out over the coast as the warm air hits the cold Atlantic Ocean.

We will skim low over ghostly shipwrecks from ages gone by, huge flocks of flamingoes, their wings reflecting all colors of pink in the soft light, and colonies of hundreds and thousands of fur seals on our way to Swakopmund to refuel. We have a one-hour hop along the coast and inland to the world's highest dunes at Sossusvlei, whose red sands explode in the evening sun.

On the very edge of a 250-meter-high dune, the Wolwedans Dune Lodge overlooks the prominent Losberg Mountain to the east. The Chateaux Viewpoint on the west is one of Namib Rand Nature Reserve's most enchanting panoramas, and can be reached by foot in just five minutes. Sundowners in totally unspoiled dunes will add to the incredible memories being created and shared by our little band of aviation pioneers!

The comfortable tented rooms are on wooden platforms with spacious verandas, and each is well appointed, with a private bathroom with hot shower, washbasin and flush toilet. The cozy lounge, and dining area allow guests to drink and dine with the few other guests, enjoying superb cuisine. A sundowner deck with a fire pit provides relaxation, emsbok viewing, and exquisite stargazing. We will have a full-day safari, exploring this great wilderness, stopping at midday to picnic in the shade of impressive granite boulders or perhaps a hardy camel-thorn tree.

Airborne again, circling slow and low over the dunes on the last leg of our epic journey, we land at Walvis Bay to connect with your flight direct to Cape Town. As the majestic landmark Table Mountain looms into sight, you will have completed a classic journey - the most exclusive flying safari ever!

Elite Chauffeur will transfer you to The Cape Grace Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Africa.

Located in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, you are amongst a multitude of restaurants and shops. It is just a five minute walk to the Robben Island Ferry for a poignant tour of Nelson Mandela's jail cell.

Wed Sep 14 Elite Chauffeur Services will take you on a private day trip to the wild Cape of Good Hope with an enroute visit to the amusing penguin colony. Time permitting, you can also visit the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, home to 9,000 protea and other southern African flowering plants, spectacularly set under the rugged south side of Table Mountain.

Elite Chauffeur Services can drive you to the Stellenbosch wine district for some tastings and exploration of this beautiful area. Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch has become famous throughout the world for top quality wines. Forty-four cellars comprise "The Wine Route," wandering along the four main roads leading to Stellenbosch. Most vineyards offer cellar tours and lunches in shaded gardens or restaurants, and the chance to savor a bottle of wine of your choice.

It is easy to make new friends as you enjoy the traditional South African hospitality. Take this opportunity to stay on a few days at some of the world's most famous wineries such as Cellars-Hohenhort or La Courronne.

On another day you can explore Cape Town and the surrounding area. One option is taking a cable car up Table Mountain, ascending in a modern, slowly rotating, cable car - or you can hike to the top, if you are feeling fit. You could also spend the day on a 50-foot yacht, cruising this famous coastline.

And so your journey ends, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - where the cold Antarctic swells merge with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

How fun will it be? A quote from Alison Jones - Explorer on the Ewaso Flying Safari, September 2004:

"Skimming low over vast, abstractly-patterned waterways and spending 3 weeks on the banks of these wondrous rivers and lakes, I saw the starkly obvious: No water, no life. No one other than Tim could offer such a unique view of Africa, given his piloting expertise, professional safari knowledge and bush experience. The thrill of exploration overlays the privilege of being part of each one of these brilliantly dawning days and Southern Cross starlit nights"