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THIS TRIP HAS 1 Spot Left (Single Male Only) !
WE HAVE AVAILABILITY FOR OUR 2014 DEPARTURE
Please enquire so we can send you detailed trip info in a PDF package.
You have to be in Longyearbyen on August 6th.
This means flying to arrive in Oslo on August 5th, spending the night (not included in cost), and then flying to Longyearbyen on the 6th.
Both Dana Allen and Rinie Van Meurs will be with us on the trip. Rinie van Meurs will be co-leading the expedition, and is one of the best current polar experts, while also being a professional photographer. Rinie has written three books already on the Polar regions, and along with Dana will provide for an exceptional experience.
There will be a MAXIMUM of 12 guests on the ship plus the crew. All plans and arrangements will be customized with Rinie, Dana, and the ship’s captain.
Zodiac excursions will take place as needed based on sightings and terrain to be visited, visiting the bird colonies, walrus groups, and polar bears on the shore.
The fantastic part is we are free to plan any changes in the itinerary based on local conditions and preferences of the group.
The trip includes all land costs (hotel in Longyearbyen) and group dinner on the evening of the 6th from Longyearbyen, to departure on the 17th. On the morning of the 7th, we will be visiting the local museum and also having lunch before boarding the expedition vessel.
The cost of the trip is $13,000 per person.
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS
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NAMIBIA 2013 Panoramas, Vistas, and The Oldest Desert in the World
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September 19th - October 1st, 2013 (Spots Available)ONLY 8 Spots Left!
Join Journeys Unforgettable with Dana Allen and Ben Willmore (http://digitalmastery.com) on an adventure to NAMIBIA, which is home to the oldest desert in the world!
This photographic adventure program will highlight the dunes of Sossusvlei, the desolate beauty of the Skeleton Coast, and encounters with Rhinos and more in Etosha National Park.
While the beautiful vistas of the Namib Desert will be the main focus of the trip, unique creatures that live in this harsh and arid environment surely won’t be missed. Also, we have special plans to capture the beauty of the night sky, as it illuminates distant galaxies and stars!
Sept. 19 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner
Sept. 20 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Windhoek. Upon arrival in Windhoek, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted with the flight on the two chartered caravans on Wilderness Air to your first camp, Kulala Desert Lodge in Sossusvlei for 3 nights.
Sept. 23 The group will transfer on the Caravans to Luderitz for two nights, staying at the Luderitz Nest Hotel. Here you will spend the time photographing the old deserted town of Kolmanskop.
Sept. 25 You will transfer from Luderitz to Skeleton Coast Camp for 3 Nights.
Sept. 28 You will transfer to your final camp, Ongava Tented for 3 Nights.
Oct. 1 You will return to Windhoek, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
Total Cost Per Person is $15,448*
ONLY 14 TOTAL Spots Available!
There is a POST TRIP EXTENSION to BOTSWANA for 6 Nights from October 1 – 7. We will be staying at 2 Camps for 3 Nights Each. Details Pending. Only 6 Spots Available for Extension.
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS
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BOTSWANA 2013 Babies and Lush Landscapes...The Green Season Spectacular
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November 30th - December 10th, 2013 (Spots Available)Join Journeys Unforgettable on an adventure to BOTSWANA, which is home to the Okavango Delta!
The Okavango Delta will be at the very end of the dry season, with the summer rains soon approaching. The seasons are changing here and as we move cold dry winter into our warmer rainy season, the wildlife photography should be spectacular!
Named the “GREEN SEASON” because the wildlife areas and animals come to life, as the young are being born and the landscape turns from golden to green.
November 30 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner
December 1 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Maun,Botswana. Upon arrival in Maun, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted with the flight on Wilderness Air’s charted caravans to your first camp, SAVUTI CAMP for 3 nights.
Savuti Camp lies on the Savute Channel in northern Botswana, a famous waterway in a thrilling state of flux. For a quarter of a century, the Savute Channel was dry, creating wide-open grassland, home to both quantities and varieties of wildlife and a legendary predator’s enclave. In 2008, the waters returned, andSavuti Camp now has front-row seats to view the abundant game that has congregated and adapted in its wake.
December 4 The group will transfer to our second camp for our adventure. The beautiful LITTLE VUMBURAcamp will be our home for three nights.
Little Vumbura Camp is an intimate escape hidden on a picturesque island surrounded by the floodplains and deep, clear channels for which the Okavango Delta is so famed. Mokoro, boating and game drives take advantage of both habitat and wildlife.
December 7 The group will then transfer to the third and final camp for our journey, the famous and exclusive MOMBO CAMP for 3 Nights.
Mombo Camp has arguably the best big game viewing in Africa. Located in the Mombo Concession onChief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, the sheer numbers and variety of wildlife all year round defy description. Mombo Camp is the Africa only seen in documentaries: from elephant to buffalo to tiny steenbok, vast herds of herbivores are trailed by numerous predators on the hunt!
December 10 You will return to Maun, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
ONLY 8 TOTAL Spots Available!
TOTAL COST PER PERSON is $12,493
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and ALL COST DETAILS
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NAMIBIA 2014 Oldest Desert, Panoramic Vistas, and Waterhole Galore!
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May 10th - 20th, 2014 (Spots Available)
Join Journeys Unforgettable with Dana Allen (http://www.photosafari-africa.net) on an adventure to NAMIBIA, which is home to some of the largest desert dunes on Earth!
This photographic adventure program will highlight the three core areas of Namibia…Sossusvlei, the Skeleton Coast, and Etosha.
March 10 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner
March 11 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Windhoek,Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted with the flight on Wilderness Air’s charted caravans to your first camp,Kulala Desert Lodge for 3 nights.
Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei. Kulala Desert Lodge has a main area, lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.
March 14 The group will transfer to our second camp for our adventure. The amazing Serra Cafema camp will be our home for three nights.
Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west ofNamibia on the banks of the Kunene River in theHartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by a three hour light aircraft trip from Windhoek. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating a lush oasis along its banks – a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north.
Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
March 17 The group will then transfer to the third and final camp for our journey in the heart of the Etosha National Park, Ongava Tented Camp for 3 Nights.
Ongava Game Reserve, a 70,000 acre private reserve on the southern boundary of Namibia’s Etosha National Park.
March 20 You will return to Windhoek, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
ONLY 7 TOTAL Spots Available!
TOTAL COST PER PERSON is $13,790
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and ALL COST DETAILS
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BOTSWANA 2014 “FALL” The Jewel of Botswana, The Okavango Delta!
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May 18th - 29th, 2014 (Spots Available)
Join Journeys Unforgettable with Dana Allen (http://www.photosafari-africa.net) on an adventure to BOTSWANA, which is home to the Okavango Delta!
This photographic adventure program will highlight the three core areas of Botswana…the delta itself, the Linyanti, and woodlands.
The Okavango Delta will almost be in full flood and will be absolutely beautiful. The seasons are changing here and as we move out of our hot rainy season toward our cool dry winter, the wildlife photography should be spectacular!
May 19 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner
May 20 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Maun,Botswana. Upon arrival in Maun, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted with the flight on Wilderness Air’s charted caravans to your first camp, TUBU TREE for 3 nights.
Tubu Tree Camp is a small, intimate experience built on the western side of Hunda Island, in the Okavango Delta’s Jao Concession. Usually a water-inundated area during the floods, Hunda Island is the largest stretch of dry land in the area. This affords Tubu Tree Camp the most diverse game viewing within the concession, from the water-loving lechwe to blue wildebeest of the plains. Leopard sightings are also a highlight of this camp!May 23 The group will transfer to our second camp for our adventure. The beautiful Chitabe camp will be our home for three nights.
Chitabe Camp borders the famous Moremi Game Reserve, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Chitabe Camp has all the scenery you would expect to enjoy on a luxury African safari - open floodplains, waterways, marshlands, dry acacia and mopane woodlands, riverine areas and open grasslands. The wildlife in this breathtaking mix of the Okavango Delta is as diverse as it is prolific: from elephant to impala and lion to wild dog.May 26 The group will then transfer to the third and final camp for our journey in the heart of the Linyanti, the famous Savuti for 3 Nights.
Savuti Camp lies on the Savute Channel in northern Botswana, a famous waterway in a thrilling state of flux. For a quarter of a century, the Savute Channel was dry, creating wide-open grassland, home to both quantities and varieties of wildlife and a legendary predator’s enclave. In 2008, the waters returned, and Savuti Camp now has front-row seats to view the abundant game that has congregated and adapted in its wake.May 29 You will return to Maun, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
ONLY 8 TOTAL Spots Available!
TOTAL COST PER PERSON is $9,876
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and ALL COST DETAILS
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SVALBARD POLAR EXPEDITION 2014 An Amazing Polar Experience for Nature Enthusiasts and Wildlife Photographers
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27th July -- 6th August & 6th -- 16th August (Spots Available)2014 Polar Bear and Arctic Wildlife Adventure
A Photographic Expedition to Svalbard, Norway
12 GUESTS TOTAL Per Departure
26th July — 6th August
Rinie van Meurs and Dana Allen
5th — 16th August
Rinie van Meurs and Chris McLennan
Join Journeys Unforgettable for our annual visit to Svalbard. Rinie van Meurs, who will be your expedition leader and arctic expert, will co-lead with Professional Photographic Experts Chris McLennan and Dana Allen. Bios and additional trip information below.
$13,993 Per Person
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and to RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Includes:
- 10 Day Expedition on M/S Stockholm which has been Sub-Charted to Journeys Unforgettable (to allow for our customized itinerary)
- 1 Overnight with Dinner in Longyearbyen, prior to boat departure
- A Museum Tour and Lunch Prior to boarding boat
- Transportation to/from Airport, and to/from Ship Pier
- Current Satelitte Updated Ice Charts During Expedtion to Faciliate Seaching for Bears
- All Food and Drinks aboard the M/S Stockholm (Special Dietary Requirements can be made)
Why is Journeys Unforgettable Polar Bear Trip Special?
THE SHIP
We are chartering M/S Stockholm, for our exclusive use, which means that we can best optimize the itinerary for all our travelers.
The M/S Stockholm was built in 1953 at the Helsingborg shipyard for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she started her career as a passenger ship and has been cruising the Arctic waters of Svalbard every summer since.
The M/S Stokholm’s unique deck layout, unlike any other vessel visiting Svalbard, allows for all participants, to view all the sightings, from the same vantage point simultaneously, regardless of the position of the sighting relative to the ship. For photographers, it becomes very easy to move arround without hindering your fellow shipmates and photographers. This also facilitates quick and easy zodiac excurions.
The design of the ship allows for a unique “Eye Level” viewing experience.
For those that that want a bird’s eye view of the North Pole, and not scared of heights, climb up into the ship’s crow-nest!
The daily itinerary is easily arranged due to all interests, as we have full flexbility with sightings, mealtimes, and areas visted with a fully chartered vessel.
A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT NON-PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TRAVELING COMPANIONS
This adventure most importantly is about experiencing a disappearing and harsh polar environment, including the natural wonders of ice cap peaks, glacial reflections, and mysterious connection between the changing climatic conditions and the adaptability of the arctic wildlife. This will leave all of us with amazing and special memories.
For those traveling and not as “serious” about the photography, but wanting to visit this magical area, our unique departures and tour itineraries will inspire all travelers given the enthusiasm and special interests of our guides. This especially as our itinerary is adapted during the journey, based on sightings, special interests, the weather, and information gleaned from continuously updated ice charts.
Your enjoyment of this expedition will be unforgettable, regardless of whether you are taking any photographs.
THE EDUCATION and PHOTOGRAPHY
This journey will be an immersion of educational and life changing experiences. We will see an amazing polar world and natural wonders whilst circumnavigating these arctic environments.
With the challenges of global warming, you will be witnessing a place on earth that seems to be slowly vanishing.
On each departure, we have two expert photographers and importantly, an internationally respected arctic expert. Our trip and expedition leaders are chosen for their understanding of this environment, animal behavior, and their expertise in not only taking incredible photographs, but more importantly being able impart their passion and teach the participants how to improve their own skills.
We have personally enjoyed many adventures with each of these individuals, and without questions, their passion for teaching is endless!
All three leaders have very engaging philosophies that will help you improve the entire photographic process, from capture to output!
Special projects for when you get home like making your own coffee table book, or canvas prints, to be shared with your friends, will be facilitated by these teaching professionals.
Our Arctic Expedition Leader, is renowned expert Rinie van Meurs, who is an Arctic Guide, author of numerous books, and professional photographer. Rinie’s special passion is Polar Bears and arctic wildlife. His vast knowledge of the various polar regions provides all travelers with an exceptional ecological understanding. Combining this with his special love for polar bears, creates an amazing journey!
Daily presentations, including lectures and slideshows will be given on the evolving and changing arctic environment. Exploring subjects such as glacial formations, natural arctic life cycles, and explanations of the stunning environment you will be traveling through. Additionally photographic techniques and demonstrations will be tailored to guests interest and abilities.
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
- Novice or Advanced Photographers all benefit due to the teaching abilities of our internationally respected tour leaders
- Tour Leaders are Dedicated to teaching and getting participants to learn new ideas, with 1 on 1 Help and Image Review
- Learn about compositional requirements and special camera settings, to optimize your photographic experience of this polar region
- Improve the post-processing your photos with various computer software
- Land excursions on zodiacs will be arranged to spontaneously respond to special sightings, or visit areas to observe certain arctic wildlife such as Walruses and bird colonies
- View and Photograph, snow laden mountains, frozen fjords, and spectacular carving glaciers
- Photograph the world’s 3rd largest Ice Cap, Austfonna and spectacular cliffs with breading Brunnich’s Guillemots
- Arctic Foxes, Raindeer, and if lucky migrating whales
Expedition and Photography Leader BIOS
Rinie van Meurs
Rinie has been working as an expedition leader since 1989. He has lead some 200 expeditions in Franz Joseph Land, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, Scottish Islands, Antarctica and the Sub Antarctic. Svalbard has become so familiar to him, it is like his back yard; no other person has done so many expedition cruises in this archipelago (over a 100 expeditions)!
After finishing his formal education in Forestry Management and Nature Conservation in the Netherlands, Rinie travelled around the world to photograph and study wildlife. He stayed for almost a year in the Falkland Islands.
Rinie is an excellent wildlife photographer and many of his photographs have been published in magazines and photo books. He has written several books about the Polar Regions including a coffee table book about areas “off the beaten track”.
Chris McLennan
Chris is a specialist travel photographer born and raised in the South Island of New Zealand, but now spends his time travelling the globe on photographic assignments around the world. As an EOS Canon Master, his commercial photographic shoots have seen him work in over 40 different countries to date. Chris is highly regarded in the photographic arena – both locally and abroad, and it is his willingness to share those experiences with others and his humbling nature – that make him very respected and admired. http://cmphoto.co.nz/
Dana Allen
Dana was born in California and raised as a global citizen. As a youth he travelled widely, visiting and living in numerous countries around the world. Acquiring his first camera at the age of 12, Dana’s passion for photography has never dimmed. He studied Fine Art Photography in Arizona and was awarded both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree with highest honours. Dana has taught photography in Universities both in the United States and Zimbabwe. Enthused with the environment and its inhabitants, Dana is dedicated to portraying the natural world around us. He founded PhotoSafari in 1991 and has specialized in photographing wildlife, landscapes and tourism activities in Africa ever since. Millions of viewers have enjoyed his images through various publications, cards, calendars and books. http://www.photosafari-africa.net/
ALL PHOTOS © BRENNAN & STEVE RIMER
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ZIMBABWE 2014 Elephants and More Elephants!
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September 20th - 29th, 2014 (Spots Available)
Join Journeys Unforgettable with Dana Allen (http://www.photosafari-africa.net) on an adventure to ZIMBABWE, which is home to some of the finest wildlife in all of AFRICA!
This photographic adventure program will highlight this remarkable country with various habitats and animal species in Hwange and Mana Pools.
September 20 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner.
September 21 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and driven to the Victoria Falls Hotel for your 1 night stay. The group will enjoy a private tour of the falls that afternoon.
September 22 The group will transfer to our first camp for our adventure. The beautiful and organic Little Makalolo camp will be our home for four nights.
Little Makalolo Camp lies in the heart of Hwange National Park, in one of its best game viewing areas, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. The camp’s six rooms have en-suite facilities, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Solar power is used for electricity ensuring a lighter environmental footprint. The living areas include a dining room, lounge, plunge pool and an open fire area for those convivial evening fireside tales. There is a log pile hide overlooking the waterhole in front of camp where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing during the siesta hours.
September 26 The group will then transfer to the second and final camp for our journey in the heart of the Zambezi, Ruckomechi for 3 Nights.
On the middle reaches of the Zambezi River, a hundred kilometres below Lake Kariba is the Mana Pools National Park situated in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. Ruckomechi Camp lies on the banks of the Zambezi, shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees and with a superb view of the mountains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley across the river in Zambia.
September 29 You will return to Victoria Falls, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
ONLY 7 TOTAL Spots Available!
TOTAL COST PER PERSON is $11,850
***OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ZAMBIA/SHUMBA CAMP***
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and ALL COST DETAILS
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MIGRATION and GORILLAS 2014 "One Million" and Distant Cousins!
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October 13th - 24th, 2014 (Spots Available)Contact Us for ITINERARY DETAILS, COSTING, and ANY QUESTIONS
7 Nights in Tanzania + 5 Nights in Rwanda with 3 Gorilla Treks
ONLY 7 TOTAL SPOTS AVAILABLE !
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BOTSWANA 2014 “SUMMER” Green Season Spectacular!
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December 5th - 15th, 2014 (Spots Available)Join Journeys Unforgettable on an adventure to BOTSWANA, which is home to the Okavango Delta!
The Okavango Delta will be at the very end of the dry season, with the summer rains soon approaching. The seasons are changing here and as we move cold dry winter into our warmer rainy season, the wildlife photography should be spectacular!
Named the “GREEN SEASON” because the wildlife areas and animals come to life, as the young are being born and the landscape turns from golden to green.
December 5 Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at D’Oreale Grand Airport Hotel with group dinner
December 6 In the morning, transfer from hotel to airport and connect on commercial flight to Maun,Botswana. Upon arrival in Maun, the group will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted with the flight on Wilderness Air’s charted caravans to your first camp, CHITABE LEDIBA for 3 nights.
Chitabe Lediba Camp in the Chitabe Concessionneighbours the Moremi Game Reserve in the south-east of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The Chitabe Concession consists of 28 000 hectares of the widest range habitats known to the Okavango Delta. From savannah to tree-filled islands and floodplains, a luxury African safari at Chitabe Lediba Camp makes for the most amazing wildlife sightings.
December 9 The group will transfer to our second camp for our adventure. The beautiful LITTLE VUMBURAcamp will be our home for three nights.
Little Vumbura Camp is an intimate escape hidden on a picturesque island surrounded by the floodplains and deep, clear channels for which the Okavango Delta is so famed. Mokoro, boating and game drives take advantage of both habitat and wildlife.
Surrounded as it is by water and lying close to large rivers, water-based activities are a focus at Little Vumbura Camp with mokoros traversing the floodplains under the guidance of experienced polers. Motor boats make their way up and down the permanent channels.
December 12 The group will then transfer to the third and final camp for our journey, the beautiful DUMA TAU for 3 Nights.
DumaTau Camp is located in the private 125 000-hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve that borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northernBotswana. It is situated close to the source of theSavute Channel on Osprey Lagoon, one of the many lagoons within the Linyanti Swamp system, and between two elephant ‘corridors’ – all of which makes for a plethora of wildlife on game drives along theSavute.
DumaTau Camp, rebuilt completely in 2012, is raised off the ground to take advantage of the sweeping dramatic river views. Each en-suite tent is spacious, spreading out under a canvas roof, with a wraparound clear-storey window that allows for dramatic views of the riverfront, as well as the sounds of Africa, all from the comfort of the room. There is an airy and expansive dining and lounge area, and a guest bathroom, all overlooking the lagoon and its denizens.
December 15 You will return to Maun, where you will then connect for your return flight to Johannesburg and make your connecting international flight back to the USA.
ONLY 7 TOTAL Spots Available!
TOTAL COST PER PERSON is $8,943
*Excludes International Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact Us for ANY QUESTIONS and ALL COST DETAILS
Safari Central Blog
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September 11, 2012 Close Encounter
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September 8, 2012 POLAR BEARS with Journeys Unforgettable 2014
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September 3, 2012 Chris McLennan with Journeys Unforgettable
"Journeys Unforgettable's Digital Photographic Workshop is truly an 'unforgettable' experience for any photographer."