With the majestic backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Tortilis Camp is widely regarded as the prime location for witnessing the majesty of snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree that surrounds the camp, the Acacia Tortilis.

Amboseli is also known for its magnificent elephants – a population of over 1500 elephants, and some of Africa’s largest, reside in the park’s unique eco-system. Game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals all take place both inside the Amboseli National Park and within a private 30,000 acre game concession, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Tortilis Camp guides are based in camp in Amboseli, and know their backyard intimately. More than half are Maasai, and have a combined Tortilis Camp guiding experience of 80 years- our head guide has been at Tortilis Camp since it opened! All the guides are Gold, Silver or Bronze level Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified.

Accommodation

Tents

With Mt. Kilimanjaro peering down over the entire camp, each of Tortilis Camp’s 16 tents has a glorious view of the mountain.
Each makuti-covered tent consists of a main bedroom with twin or double beds, en-suite bathroom and a spacious verandah. Let us know if you require twin beds or double bed.

[All tents can fit one extra bed, for children under the age of 16 yrs only]

Family Tent

With outstanding views of Mt Kilimanjaro, enjoyed from the comfort of your own private family verandah, Tortilis Camp’s new Family Tent is another great addition to this child-friendly safari camp in Amboseli.

The Family Tent consists of one double en suite bedroom, one twin en suite bedroom, and a spacious private verandah.

Featuring a brand new swimming pool shared with the Private House.

[Both bedrooms can fit one extra bed for children under the age of 16 years only]

Private House

With Mt. Kilimanjaro peering down over the entire camp, Tortilis Camp’s Private House has a glorious view of the mountain.
The Private House consists of one en-suite double bedroom, one en-suite twin bedroom, and a spacious sitting / dining room with verandah. Featuring a brand new swimming pool shared with the Family Tent.

[Both bedrooms can fit one extra bed, for children under the age of 16 yrs]

A first in Kenya

Tortilis Camp has open game drive vehicles, the first camp to use open vehicles in a National Park. The current fleet are new, specially fitted, 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers. The vehicles are unrivalled with feature enhancements specifically designed for comfort and photography – open sided with 3 rows of seats, photographic equipment stands, and charging sockets. Clients will share game drives unless “exclusive use of vehicle” has been pre booked at an extra charge.

With only 10% of Amboseli National Park utilized by most safari vehicles, combined with Tortilis Camp’s unique location on the western edge of the park (most lodges are outside of the eastern gate of the park), guests can enjoy an almost private Amboseli. We also have private game driving within our own 30,000 acre Kitirua Conservancy, which is the western part of the Amboseli ecosystem.

As part of my first trip to Africa, I organised a week with a small group through Kenya. About six weeks before I was due to leave, I was advised that the trip had been cancelled as I was the only person booked on them – I wouldn’t have objected to being the sole guest, but I guess commerce is commerce! Because of the change, instead of doing the full week in Kenya, I flew in a small plane to just the Masai Mara for a few days. This was a wonderful introduction to the bush and, as an extra bonus, I didn’t have to be driven for many hours on a major highway which was in reality a gravel road held together by potholes.

For my first afternoon game drive in the Mara, it was pouring with rain. I was with a couple of young English guys, also on their novice drive and, for some reason, our guide stopped the vehicle close to a strange sort of stripy orange rock. I couldn’t figure out why he was interested in this rock until it suddenly stood up, leisurely stretched, and then shook itself all over, spraying water everywhere! This magnificent male lion was obviously feeling extremely miserable about the seemingly endless deluge of water falling from the sky. It’s really tough when you don’t have any means of protection from the weather! I must say that I became extremely excited with this sighting as I had managed to video the lion vigorously shaking the water from his mane and spraying it everywhere. The guys were so busy chatting to each other that they didn’t manage to capture the moment at all.

The usual reason for people to go to the Mara is to see the annual wildebeest migration, however, by the time I arrived at the beginning of August, it was finished for 2008. Timing for the migration all depends on when the rains come – sometimes early, sometimes late, and sometimes there can be a double migration in one season. One day, I might decide to go back for a full-on migration experience … especially now that I know quite a few people who organise small group trips specifically designed to maximise the excitement of seeing the masses of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River. I think, these days, that I am also more prepared for the enormity of this experience. Many visitors to Africa, as I did, visit the Mara on their first trip, without any real comprehension of the magnitude of the annual migration. Although I have watched thousands of hours of television footage of the migration, watching it in person, breathing in the dust and trying to absorb the thousands of wildebeest and zebra just doing what they do naturally, must be absolutely spectacular!

Strangely, there were some African animals that, before that trip, I had never even thought about seeing. In the Mara, we saw a female ostrich walking near the road. Using the logic of, if there is a female walking, there is a male behind her somewhere, sitting on their eggs, my intrepid guide found him sitting on a clutch of 13 gigantic eggs. He was perfectly fine with us driving up close to him, but literally threw a hissy fit when a second vehicle came up behind us. It was amazing to watch him stand up, flap his very large wings, hiss at us, and prance around to try to scare us away – it didn’t work! My guide did panic a little though, as he thought the ostrich might try to peck me through the opening under the pop-top roof. This was a really cool sighting but, because he was so upset, we decided to leave him in peace to protect his unhatched babies.

Complex and infinitely fascinating, it is surely one of the world’s most intriguing countries to visit!
This special Hartley’s India Tour has been designed by Hartley’s India Specialist and ‘travel friend’ for independent first time travelers to India and includes some of her favourite destinations and hotels.
Agra, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi & Pushkar……. including one or two unique destinations in between!

• You’ll be met on arrival in Delhi, travel in superior comfort with your own vehicle and driver, and stay in a variety of charming heritage boutique hotels including a 14th century fort and a remote royal hunting lodge.


• You’ll see the sights of vibrant Jaipur and the ancient blue city of Jodhpur. You’ll see the sun rise on the incomparable Taj Mahal and watch the sun set over the picturesque Aravalli Hills surrounding Udaipur’s mirror-like lakes.


• There will be elephants and camels to ride, Ayurvedic massages to indulge in and a timeless rural village to explore.


• Walking barefoot in serene Hindu temples, wandering the courtyards and battlements of massive Mughal forts, dining on excellent Indian cuisine and bargaining for textiles and kurtas in the crowded bazaars is a uniquely India experience and not to be missed! 


• You’ll also have guides to accompany you for sightseeing at the major destinations, and you will be in constant contact with our exclusive India Agent throughout your stay in India.

Includes - All transport in a good a/c car for 2 - 4 persons with excellent driver. Sightseeing tours with local English speaking guides - Entry tickets to monuments included - Elephant ride in Jaipur. - Daily breakfast & dinners at the hotels where guests stay - Boat ride on Lake Pichola. - Mineral water, during car journeys.

Hotel Accommodation: Twin or double room sharing.

International Airfares not included and will be costed according to city of departure.

Validity: 1st April – end September 2017

• Cost Based on 02 -04 pax = US $ 1990.00 per person.


• Cost Based on 05 -09 pax = US $ 1900.00 per person.


• Cost Based on 10 -15 pax   = US $ 1800.00 per person.


• Single Supplement shall be US $ 710.00


• Flight  Cost  shall be  Extra:
  
  daipur  to  Delhi: USD  120 .00 pp for Travel in  economy class

The  above  cost  is based on room, breakfast  & Dinner  basis only.  Lunches are not included although they are mentioned in the program.



Validity: 1st October 2017– end March 2018

• Cost Based on 02 -04 pax = US$ 2150.00 per person.


• Cost Based on 05 -09 pax = US$ 1990.00 per person.


• Cost Based on 10 -15 pax = US$ 1900.00 per person.


• Single Supplement shall be US $ 710.00


• Flight  Cost  shall be  Extra:- 
  
  Udaipur to Delhi: USD  120.00 pp for Travel in  economy class

The  above  cost  is based on room , breakfast  & Dinner  basis only.  Lunches are not included although they are mentioned in the program.

Hotels Envisaged

Delhi:

The Surya (5* Deluxe) | Deluxe Room | 01 Night.

Agra:

The Jaypee Palace Hotel (5*) | Deluxe room | 02 Nights

Kesroli:

The Kesroli Fort (Heritage Hotel) | Heritage Room | 01 Night

Jaipur:

The Diggi Palace (Heritage Hotel) | Heritage Room | 02 Nights

Pushkar:

The Orchard Resort (Luxury Tents) | 01 Night

Jodhpur:

The BAL Samand (Heritage) | Garden View Rooms | 02 Nights   

Narlai:

The Rawla Narlai( Heritage) | Classic  room | 01 Night

Udaipur:

The Lalit Laxmi Niwas Palace (5*) | Deluxe room | 02 Nights

Delhi:

The Surya (5* Deluxe) | Deluxe Room | 01Night



All prices have been costed according to current rate of exchange and are subject to change accordingly and subject to availability at any time and without prior notice.

Please click here to book with one of our consultants or to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary …

Bird watching holidays in Africa are unique, with around 2300 bird species found in Africa, you'll be kept busy almost every moment of your birding holiday. The standard of guiding is superb throughout the continent and you can be sure of a great experience. There are scheduled birding safari departures to specific destinations, but private custom bird watching tours are also available.

From Zambia with over 400 species of bird occurring in The Luangwa Valley, this is a stunning destination for any ornithologist. One of the top raptor spotting destinations in Africa is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, shared between Botswana and South Africa.

Large populations of both Lesser and Greater flamingos breed in some of the Rift Valley Lakes, particularly Lake Nakuru in Kenya. The Rift valley also forms a “flyway’ for many species of migrant moving from southern Africa to Western Asia and eastern Europe.

In central Africa the Albertine Rift Valley of Rwanda and Uganda offers specialist tropical birds with many endemics. Uganda alone has a national checklist of more than 1000 species. “Special sightings” include the Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Turaco and the Green-breasted Pitta. Uganda is also a good place to look for the enigmatic Shoebill.

Madagascar is another birding hotspot – of the approximately 290 species recorded on the island just over 100 are endemic – in other words they are found nowhere else on earth.

Further places to explore would be The Bale Mountains in Ethiopia; Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, the Cape Coastal areas, the Kwa Zulu Natal reserves and the Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Etosha in Namibia to name a few.

When should we go birding?

The best time to see birds in Southern Africa is between November and March. These countries are all excellent destinations with many birding Safaris available: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.

In East Africa, the best time to go birding is January - March. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia are all very popular birding destinations during these seasons.

West Africa offers a huge and exciting variety of birds and the best time to visit Cameroon, the Gambia and other destinations is during the European winter from November to March.

Your journey at a glance:

Rediscover the spirit of adventure as you explore the magnificent Laikipia Plateau on foot, following in the footsteps of explorers of old and camping beneath open skies. Learn the finer details of the bush and experience the traditional lore of your local Samburu guide. Follow the tracks of kudu or zebra and listen to the ancient songs of the Samburu as they water their livestock.

Swim in the cool waters of Africa’s rivers and spend warm nights beneath unbelievably starry skies. Climb to the top of rocky outcrops to admire vast views of endless open spaces and feel your sense reawaken as your nostrils fill with the scent of Africa’s dust. Gain a feel for the land and the wildlife of Kenya before ending your adventure among the spectacular wildlife of the famous Masai Mara.

Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Cost: From USD 5 443 per person sharing
Region: Nairobi, Laikipia and the Masai Mara

What to expect …

• Transfer to Nairobi National Park Day 1
• Overnight in Nairobi National Park Day 1
• Transfer to Wilson Airport Day 2
• Overnight in Laikipia Day 2 -5
• Ride a camel through the wilderness Day 3
• Sleep beneath open African skies Day 4
• Singing wells of the Samburu Tribe Day 5
• Flight to the Masai Mara Day 6
• Overnight in the Masai Mara Day 6 - 8
• Walk the banks of an African river Day 7
• Get a taste of classical safari Day 7 - afternoon
• Flight to Wilson Airport Day 8

SPEND LUXURIOUS NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS SLEEP OUTDOORS ON A STAR BED

The essence of sleeping outdoors on a Star Bed

Luxurious comforts and nature combine to offer a completely novel safari experience. The Loisaba Star Beds is a unique accommodation option in the remoteness of the Laikipia Conservancy. Here, thatched suites open onto raised platforms that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Each evening, guests can retire to romantic four-poster beds that have been rolled out onto the deck, and lulled to sleep by nature’s chorus, under a canopy of twinkling stars – truly memorable!

Perched on a rugged rocky kopje, the Loisaba Star Beds boast panoramic views over a lush rolling valley and a permanent waterhole that is always bustling with fascinating wildlife. Completing the natural surrounds the Star Beds are built with a rustic nature in mind and blend in seamlessly with the craggy landscape. Offering a sumptuously comfortable sitting area, and open plan bathroom with spectacular views, this is the ultimate extravagance.

Lounge mesmerised in your resplendent comforting bed as the first rays of the golden sun strike the rugged plains of the wild things. Be a witness to the heaving of the earth as she awakens and trembles, and the terrain abundant with creatures great and small rouse  to a new dawn.

A myriad of activities awaits you and what a glorious thought, that at the end of your beautiful day you will rendezvous around the log fire in the delightful Star Beds lounge, and share your incredible stories of the enchanting African bush.

The spirit of Loisaba Bush Camp

Tucked away within a rocky outcrop of the renowned Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy is the charming Loisaba Bush Camp; a fantastic safari concept that allows guests to really immerse themselves in the splendour of the African wilderness. Here, comfort meets nature. Consisting of a thatch-roofed accommodation and a raised platform that commands exceptional views of the Laikipia valley, guests can retire to a novel star bed; a luxurious four poster bed that is rolled out onto the uncovered platform each evening. The room also features a comfortable sitting area and an open plan bathroom.

Your hosts, traditional Samburu warriors, will enchant you with their warm hospitality. Days are spent exploring the wonders of the conservancy on interpretive game drives, horseback safaris or nature walks with a Samburu guide. In the evenings, toast a successful day of adventures around a roaring fire before tucking into a mouth-watering menu with your fellow guests.

What we love about Loisaba Bush Camp

• Swap a horseback safari for a fun-filled camel walk – the more adventurous can extend this activity and partake in an overnight camel camp excursion.
• Grab a mountain bike and head out with your guide along one of the trails in the conservancy.
• Gain first-hand knowledge of the all-important, anti-poaching initiatives within the conservancy and meet the team of trackers and their well-trained dogs.

 

Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, measuring approximately 220 km from East to West and up to 40 km wide, covering almost 5,600 square kilometres. The Dam was built in the 1950’s for hydro‐electric power generation and was officially opened in 1959. Besides wildlife, a large number of families were relocated and homed in new towns and villages, now on the shores of the Lake such as Kariba, Binga, Mlibizi and Siavonga. The filling of the Lake between 1958 and 1963 caused more than 20 earthquakes of greater than 5 magnitudes on the Richter scale. The Lake soon became a tourist attraction on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side of the Lake, frequented by local and international visitors. Kariba has many mooring opportunities both on the main land and on islands and offers romantic spots with idyllic waterfalls in places like the Sanyati Gorge.

The Matusadona National Park is the centrepiece in this beautiful landscape surrounding the lake. Kariba also has the most incredible birdlife to be found, rivalled only by the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the land around Lake Kariba on the Zimbabwe side is full of big game, such as: Lion; Elephant; Rhino; Leopard; Cheetah; Impala; Kudu and Eland.

Meticulously built over a number of years the “Matusadona” house boat is the ultimate of style and comfort on Lake Kariba. She is finished in African hardwood timbers and furnished with rich fabrics, leather and Egyptian cotton; Matusadona has been described as “an intimate luxury lodge on the water”. With spacious air-conditioned cabin accommodation for up to seven passengers, situated right on the waterline, you’ll feel at one with nature. The gentle lapping of waves, the frequent grunt of the hippos, the distant lion’s roar, the cough of a leopard, the eerie cry of the Fish Eagle and all the attendant sounds of Africa – you’re in the real bush whilst cocooned in the lap of luxury.

Attached to her is a speed-boat for transfers and a game-viewing pontoon geared for water-based game viewing. Matusadona offers a completely different experience to land-based game viewing, watching a herd of elephants coming down to drink, so close you can almost touch them, their calves frolicking in the water with their mothers suspiciously standing by, is a truly memorable experience.

On sweltering summer evenings, sip on refreshing cocktails in the Jacuzzi under the stars, or at the bar, and on the odd chilly African evening, warm up with a Cognac in the cosy saloon and watch a variety of wildlife documentaries.

Travelling to a different and secluded mooring every day, you will always awaken to a new experience, be it on one of the numerous islands, up one of the rivers, or in the Matusadona National Park, these are experiences that many can only dream about.

Matusadona is perfect for an amazing family holiday, a romantic honeymoon or simply a break from ‘real’ life.

Travel with purpose in South Africa and be captivated by a meaningful journey of heart and experience personalised travel that gives back.

Your journey at a glance

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day philanthropic adventure through magnificent South Africa. Starting in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, experience a fascinating community excursion offering a humbling opportunity to learn more about the wonderfully diverse communities of KwaZulu-Natal. Gain first-hand knowledge of various projects, aimed at improving education, healthcare and access to water, as well as the development of local businesses in the area.

Duration: 10 Days, 9 Nights
Rate: From ZAR 80 190 per person
Regions: Phinda, Cape Town, Hermanus

Participate in a rhino notching experience and play an active role in rhino conservation. In Cape Town, interact with the locals on an authentic day tour, angled at any particular philanthropic interests. Move up the whale coast to the gorgeous town of Hermanus, where you will have the opportunity to meet future conservation leaders positively contributing to the region’s unique biodiversity at the Green Futures College on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Choose to delve into the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, and splurge on a whale watching trip, where conservationists will have a chance to showcase their marine conservation initiatives along South Africa’s magnificent coastline.

• 3 nights &Beyond Phinda Game Reserve
• 4 nights Cape Town
• 3 nights Hermanus

What we love about this journey:

• Gain insight into the amazing projects of the Africa Foundation on a community visit
• Marvel at abundant wildlife and safari experiences at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Treasure a life-changing rhino notching conservation experience
• Explore the scenic beauty and attractions of Cape Town with your choice of exciting activities
• Enjoy an authentic Day Tour visiting community and social projects in the city of Cape Town
• Delve into Grootbos’s Green Futures College or the Siyakhula Organic Farm on the Cape Whale Coast
• Splash about at the African Seabird and Penguin Sanctuary or participate in a whale watching trip

Perfect for:

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Philanthropists
• Families, children and groups

‘Riding with heart’ on the Nedbank Tour de Tuli - Africa’s ultimate wilderness mountain bike experience.

All funds raised from the event are directly channelled into Children in the Wilderness.

Date: 02– 07 August 2018
Region: Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa

Riding to change lives – The Nedbank Tour de Tuli is Africa’s ultimate mountain bike experience and the main fundraiser for non-profit organisation Children in the Wilderness (CITW). Riding routes will take you along ancient elephant trails, offering the opportunity of experiencing the wonderful scenery, cultural interaction, and wildlife sightings of these areas.

The annual Nedbank Tour de Tuli brings together riders from all walks of life to experience a thrilling adventure with a purpose. Since 2005, the Tour has hosted over 3 700 riders and raised over R20 million; this continued success has enabled CITW to host over 6 900 children and 400 teachers on its camp programmes, to train over 600 Eco-Club Mentors and teachers, and to award more than 400 scholarships to dedicated students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Ride through some of Africa’s most pristine wildlife and geologically-rich areas
• Meet community members supported by Children in the Wilderness at local schools in Botswana and Zimbabwe
• Experience the beauty of three African countries while riding along ancient elephant trails
• Share this unique experience with friends, family and like-minded individuals
• Enjoy high standards of service, tented accommodation and delicious meals in remote wilderness areas
• Take your time to explore – this is a tour and not a race.

Itinerary:
Riders will average between 60 and 80 km per riding day.

• 2 Aug: Depart Johannesburg by coach to arrive at midday at the Limpopo Valley Airfield in Mashatu, Botswana. Register and meet your team before dinner and the welcome address.
• 3 Aug: Head out with your team from Limpopo Valley Airfield to Limpopo River Camp – the second overnight campsite situated on the banks of the Limpopo River (Botswana).
• 4 Aug: Cross an informal border from Botswana into Zimbabwe to overnight at Nyala Berry Camp on the Pazhi River.
• 5 Aug: Explore further into Zimbabwe on a loop across Sentinel Ranch and Nottingham Estate before returning to overnight at Nyala Berry Camp.
• 6 Aug: Leave Zimbabwe and cross an informal border between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Overnight at the Mapungubwe Confluence site in South Africa for the final night’s celebratory party.
• 7 Aug: Return on the coach to Johannesburg.

Meet your Hosts

Grant Woodrow
Grant joined Wilderness Safaris in 1996 and has held a number of positions over the years, from working on the development of the world-renowned Mombo Camp in its infancy in 1999 to managing camps in the Okavango and Linyanti. Today, Grant works as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Wilderness Safaris, managing our southern Africa operations.

Grant has been involved in the Tour since its start, some 13 years ago, and loves the camaraderie and beautiful areas of the countries where we ride. The Tour remains a highlight of his year – four blissful days of riding in pristine and wildlife-rich areas, it doesn’t get much better than that!

With a BSc degree in Zoology and an Honours degree in Wildlife Management, riders can look forward to Grant’s expertise when it comes to identifying fauna and flora along the way.

Derek de la Harpe
Derek de la Harpe has more than 35 years’ experience working in southern and East Africa, with brief work stints in south-east Asia and Central America, during most of which he has been focused on wildlife and environmental conservation and ecotourism.   

Derek is Wilderness’ Chief Sustainability Officer and its Commercial Director, overseeing sustainability, risk management, legal affairs and the Group’s aviation businesses. When it comes to mountain biking, Derek has taken part in a number of events both in Zimbabwe and South Africa. While he no longer races, he manages to get plenty of time in the saddle on his commute to and from work.

“The thing I love about the Tour is the atmosphere. The fact that this isn’t a race and that we are contributing to a great cause seems to infuse the event with a special vibe. And, of course, it is completely unique with those border crossings...!” Derek de la Harpe

Francis Antrobus
Francis Antrobus works as the Chief Technology Officer at Wilderness Safaris. Despite being a technology guru, Francis is by no means your stereotype tech guy... He loves working for Wilderness Safaris, doing what he does best, while knowing that he’s part of a company that is changing lives and making a difference throughout Africa.

Always up for an adventure, Francis took off time earlier in his career to explore Africa on an overland trip from Cape Town to Ethiopia. Mountain biking is another passion of his and he tries to ride as often as possible. He even has a specific ‘date night’ with his bike!

Although Francis will be taking part in a number of races during this year, he is most excited about being on the Tour (his second one to date). He is looking forward to meeting like-minded people (and enjoying a few beers in camp after the day’s ride). Mostly he’s excited to be part of a group committed to making a difference to both communities and conservation in Africa.

Beneficiary
Children in the Wilderness

It is our vision to develop sustainable conservation through leadership development.
By exposing children to their natural heritage, Children in the Wilderness aims to create a network of learning sanctuaries that uplifts and cares for our children, creates leadership values amongst them, and conserves our planet. In this way, we hope to inspire the children to care for the environment so that they can become the custodians of these areas in the future.

All funds raised by the Tour are channelled directly into Children in the Wilderness. Since 2005, the Tour has hosted over 3 700 cyclists and raised over R20 million. This has allowed us to host over 6 900 children and 400 teachers on our camp programme since 2001.

We have trained over 600 Eco-Club Mentors and teachers since 2009, with over 3 300 children currently participating in our Eco-Club programme in their local rural schools.

https://www.childreninthewilderness.com/

Please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

Deep in the heart of the African wilderness, where the mighty waters of the Chobe River run through Namibia into Zimbabwe falling over the iconic Victoria Falls in a dazzle of thunder and spray, you’ll find the Zambezi Queen, a floating hotel that combines the best of luxury and elegance with the wild essence of Africa.

The view is ever-changing: elephants wading in the shallows or crossing in merry groups, fish eagles wheeling overhead, sunsets that will take your breath away. Experience it all from your private suite aboard the luxury 45 metre houseboat, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness.

Embarking from her base in Namibia, the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe, taking in a huge variety of wildlife both on the shore and in the river itself. Guests can enjoy unparalleled photographic opportunities, whether viewing game from the deck or by tender boat – a unique chance to get up close to wildlife on the river’s banks.

This leisurely safari allows you to experience the thrill and tranquillity of a bushveld adventure, with all the civilized comforts of a luxury hotel. Just 80km away by road, you’ll find the Victoria Falls, one of the great wonders of the natural world. Many guests choose to combine a stay on board the Zambezi Queen with a visit to this incredible sight.

The Matusodona accommodates 10 Suites and 4 Master Suites - all are en-suite with private balconies, king size beds and are furnished to the highest level. Two of the four Master Suites have their own private deck with outdoor furniture and the remaining two having superb panoramic views with doors and windows on two sides.

2/3 night itineraries available with rates from:

• Standard suite pp sharing from USD 1485
• Master suite pp sharing from USD 177

This includes: Accommodation; All meals; All soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, tea, beer and wine; water based game viewing and bird watching on smaller tender boats; land based cultural tour of a local village; tiger and bream fishing in season; arrival & departure road transfers from Kasane airport to Kasane immigration; boat transfers between Kasane immigration and the Zambezi Queen

Excludes: Premium beverages (spirits, sparkling wine and dessert wine); visa fees, gratuities and curio shop; purchases; Chobe NP game drive - can be arranged at additional charge; travel insurance.

David Seaton Hartley, the founder of Hartley’s Safaris, passed away on the 15th July this year in hospital in Gaborone, Botswana.

David was a multi-talented man, always innovative, determined and passionate. He was a gregarious person who loved chatting and debating, particularly about Africa, her wildlife and wilderness but he was also just as comfortable and knowledgeable talking about stock markets, politics and any number of other subjects.

Always willing take an idea and run with it he was a pioneer of the safari tourism industry in Botswana and initiated many practices and ideas that are now followed throughout the industry. He was the first to introduce the use of VHF radios as the standard form of communication for tourism staff scattered across remote parts of Botswana’s Okavango Delta and was the first to keep his camps open during the end of year rainy season, something that no other safari operator had considered feasible.

David was born in the small South African town of Magaliesberg on 19 October, 1941. He married Tessa Barlowat the St Mary’s Church in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on the 20th April 1968, and they formed a strong team, in both life and business, until Tessa’s death in 1999.  While David was the more flamboyant partner, Tessa always provided the quiet, solid support essential in effective teamwork. When Tessa became gravely ill David handed many of his business duties to colleagues so that he could nurse her through her final months.

David and Tessa are survived by their daughter Caroline, who inherited their love of animals and is devoted to her dogs, cats and horses.

In keeping with his broad array of interests David, with Tessa at his side, participated in many business projects and, at various times, was a farmer in the Cape Province, a sheep farmer, ran large irrigation schemes and ventured into many other projects as an entrepreneur.

One of their first forays into the tourism industry in Botswana was to form a partnership with Tim and June Liversedge in the building of a houseboat, dubbed the Sitatunga Houseboat, which was launched on the Okavango River near Shakawe in 1973. This was the only houseboat tourism operation on the Okavango at the time.

Although he was still busy with his projects in South Africa David also began building some of the first formal photographic-tourism safari camps in the Okavango Delta. Determined to fill his camps he did what came naturally to him – he rose to the challenge and started Hartley’s Safaris to ensure he attracted sufficient guests. Once Hartley’s started achieving this goal he then decided that best way of getting his visitors to some of the more remote spots was to fly them in – so he started anaircraft charter operation, one which is still in operation today. David himself, was a very competent flight having logged many hours flying for the South African Airforce and then later using his Beechcraft Baron as his main means of transport between his lodges in Botswana, South Africa and when exploring new destinations.

His love of Africa’s wilderness and wildlife was boundless and it was in wild places that he really felt at home. Although he and Tessa owned a beautiful homestead in Maun, Botswana, David preferred to live in a safari tent in the garden because it was closer to nature.

He never tired of finding new and remote places to visit and although he could have stayed with friends and colleagues at comfortable lodges all over Botswana he often chose to camp simply in small tents. On one memorable evening a lion decided to pop its head into David’s tent, an intrusion to which David responded by bashing the lion on the head with a heavy torch, sending the lion scurrying away.

His love of the wilderness is perhaps unsurprising because his great-great grandfather was the explorer and hunter Henry Hartley, who some historians believe visited the Victoria Falls before the famous David Livingstone. Livingstone is usually credited as being as the first European man to see the Falls and report on their existence to people in Europe and elsewhere.

Despite his gregarious nature David was also a maverick, and even his friends acknowledged that at times he could be difficult to deal with. This he countered through a fabulous sense of humour and strength of character, and a genuine love of entertaining guests from all walks of life and introducing them to the African bush.

Over the years he hosted many celebrities including Britain’s Prince Charles and Prince Bernard of the Netherlands.

David and Tessa ashes are buried together in the Hartley family cemetery on top of a hill in the Magaliesberg Mountains.

David Seaton Hartley - 19 Oct 1941 – 15 July, 2018.
Tessa Hartley - 26 May 1945 – 24 August, 1999.

Jann Kingsley – friend, business partner and Director at Hartley’s Safaris.

Brent Dodd was born and raised in Zimbabwe; growing up on a farm in the Eastern Highlands and attending one of Zimbabwe’s premier boarding schools, Peterhouse Boys. His subject matter is uniquely reflective of his own experience and his affection for this world of adventure and fascination. Committing his thoughts and findings to canvas, he portrays humans, landscapes, and wildlife with equal precision and empathy.

It was this upbringing that provided him with the foundation from which he launched his venture into the international art world. Having exhibited in New York, Las Vegas, Dallas, London and across the African subcontinent, he enjoys a strict schedule of international travel, building a footprint to satisfy his love of art.

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge is a Big 5 destination set in the heart of South Africa’s East Coast. The Zululand Rhino Reserve is a 23 000 hectare sanctuary to a plethora of wildlife and bird species, covering landscapes of rocky outcrop to riverine forest – the perfect destination for your art safari!

The early morning game drives afford one the ideal opportunity to stop and sketch under the expert guidance of internationally represented artist, Brent Dodd.  Back at the lodge, the studio environment allows each individual the chance to develop their sketches into paintings. Over the course of the five-day safari, guests can build up their portfolio while being introduced to new creative techniques suited to the outdoor environment.

Whether you’ve never picked up a brush or are a seasoned exhibitor – this is the art experience you’re looking for.

Itinerary:

Date:     16 - 19 December 2018

Day 1

• Transfer from Durban International Airport to Zebra Hills Safari lodge. Comfortable two and half hour drive.
• Unpack and relax.
• Short introductory demonstration by Brent Dodd in the techniques of both sketching and en plein aire painting for the outdoor setting.
• Ranger guided evening drive that will expose you to the area and offer an opportunity to take world class reference photos.
• Dinner and discussion of artwork styles and individual goals.

Day 2, 3 and 4

• Early Morning
• Game drive to first painting destination – set up and workshop for two hours in situ.
• Return to lodge for a scrumptious breakfast.  Continue developing painting using reference and guidance of techniques by Brent Dodd.

Afternoon

• Drive for sketching and watercolour,
• Ranger guided tour of daily hot spots to refine wildlife sketching and watercolour painting of a magnificent landscape – learning and honing the skills required to catch the moment in time whilst having evening drinks.

Evening – in order to record quick moments in time

• Evening game drive with drinks and reference photography,
• Dinner and reflection including Artwork Analysis,
• Documentary Discussions of other artists in Africa and their own methodology.

Day 5

• Early morning
• Game drive.
• Breakfast at the lodge and summary of the week’s activities.
• Transfer back to Durban International Airport.

Tour info:           

• Six people per trip
• All materials and accommodation/meals included
• ZAR7000.00 per person
• Air travel excluded but can be arranged