By Atlanta Mahanta
The unexpected is what makes travel so enjoyable. Now is the time to daydream about your next adventure and lay the foundations for it. Even if they’re difficult to locate, the universe is full of wonders. Although the pandemic has put a halt to our travels, it hasn’t discouraged our curiosity. This trip has a light/moderate activity rating; travelers should be in good health, comfortable climbing stairs and walking or standing for long periods of time, and prepared to be active for several hours on certain days. City walking tours, visits to historic or cultural sites, game drives, or nature walks are all potential everyday activities, with more physically challenging activities such as hiking and snorkeling also available. Certain events, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda, would include a signed medical form from your doctor before you can participate. If required, alternative destinations or events may be planned. Any medical conditions that require special care, diet, or treatment should be disclosed when making a reservation so that accommodations can be made.
MOROCCO
GHANA
BOTSWANA
BOTSWANA
TANZANIA
TANZANIA
RWANDA
Africa by Private Jet offers 39 trips which includes:
Botswana (6) Egypt (2) Ghana (1) Kenya (4) Madagascar (2) Morocco (8) Namibia (6) Rwanda (7) South Africa (14) Tanzania (7) Uganda (3) Zambia (6) Zimbabwe (7). Based on Interest: “Birdwatching, hiking, history & archaeology, Nature & Wildlife, People & Culture, Photography and Snorkeling & Diving.” Under five categories (Adventure, Culture and History, Nature, Family, Sustainability). A trip to Africa’s four corners will introduce you to a diverse range of exotic animals as well as breathtaking wildlife and scenery. Gorillas, lions, leopards, and a number of other species can be seen on safari in Botswana and Rwanda. Visit the woodcarving workshops in Ghana and artisans in Fez’s medieval streets. From a slave fortress on the Gold Coast to Nelson Mandela’s island prison, hear inspiring stories of resilience and imagination as you journey through the continent’s history. On an adventure that marks the many wonders of Africa’s nature, history, and the spirit of humanity; take a panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula, visit the Victoria Falls fortress, and visit the Zanzibar Spice Plantations.
Photo Source: National Geography
Steve Boyes
CONSERVATIONIST, BIOLOGIST
DEPARTURES WITH THIS EXPERT: May 19-Jun 7, 2022
Conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and TED Senior Fellow Steve Boyes has dedicated his life to preserving Africa’s wilderness areas and the species that depend upon them. A native of South Africa, he founded the Cape Parrot Project with support from National Geographic, and is the scientific director of the Wild Bird Trust. In 2015, Steve launched what has become the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project to promote broader protection for the Okavango Delta’s watershed and its wildlife. Steve’s work takes him all over Africa, studying wildlife rehabilitation and biodiversity, fighting the wild-caught bird trade, and planting thousands of trees in forest restoration projects.
Photo Source: www.sandeshkadur.com
Sandesh Kadur
FILMMAKER, PHOTOGRAPHER
DEPARTURES WITH THIS EXPERT: May 19-Jun 7, 2022
Filmmaker, photographer, author, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer (2013) Sandesh Kadur creates award-winning wildlife documentary films and photography books exposing the need to conserve threatened species and habitats around the world. With subjects ranging from king cobras to clouded leopards, his films have appeared worldwide on the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, the Discovery Channel, and elsewhere. His photographs also have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Recently, Sandesh joined conservationist and National Geographic Fellow Steve Boyes and the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project team in Botswana to document a new 360-degree video series, The Okavango Experience. Sandesh’s many awards include CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year, the Nature’s Best photography award, the International Conservation Photographer award, and two Green Oscar nominations at the Wildscreen film festival.
Photo Source:USA Science & Engineering Festival
Mireya Mayor
CONSERVATIONIST
DEPARTURES WITH THIS EXPERT: May 19-Jun 7, 2022
National Geographic Explorer Mireya Mayor is a primatologist and conservationist who has reported on wildlife issues for more than a decade. As a correspondent on National Geographic’s Ultimate Explorer television series, she went underwater with six-foot-long Humboldt squid, tracked gorillas in central Africa, and worked with leopards in Namibia. In 2000, Mireya co-discovered a new species of mouse lemur in Madagascar and convinced the nation’s leaders to declare the species’ habitat a national park. Mireya has worked extensively with the gorillas of central and eastern Africa and was featured in the Nat Geo Wild program Mystery Gorilla. A Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation Fellow, Mireya has appeared in numerous publications and on MSNBC, CNN, and NBC’s Today show.
Photo Source: National Geographic Travel
ABOUT THE JET: Well suited for this incredible journey, a Boeing 757 provides unparalleled flexibility with its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports. Flying direct and avoiding layovers, we are able to maximize our time in each destination while delivering a superior travel experience. Instead of the standard 233 seats, the jet’s sleek interior has been customized to accommodate 57 guest travelers in a spacious two-by-two seating configuration, along with trip experts and staff. Each reclining, VIP-style seat is handcrafted from the finest European leather and outfitted with a center console, leg rest, fold out footrest, and four-way headrest, offering supreme in-flight comfort as we travel between destinations. You’ll also enjoy excellent access to experts and staff, who provide informative briefings and lectures throughout the expedition.
DAY 1: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
DAYS 2-3: FEZ, MOROCCO
DAYS 4-5: ACCRA, GHANA
DAYS 6-8: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
DAYS 9-10: PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
DAYS 11-13: VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA, AND CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA
DAYS 14-15: ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
DAYS 16-18: KIGALI AND VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA
DAYS 19-20: ROME, ITALY
Some of the world’s best accommodations are available on this expedition. These hotels and lodges were chosen for their excellent guest service, luxurious facilities, and close proximity to the locations they visit. It offers the best available lodging in more off-the-beaten-path locations to ensure your convenience. They have also organized special dining experiences with traditional entertainment in a variety of cities, offering a glimpse into local cultures.
Amazing sights abound in Africa, from towering sand dunes to savannas teeming with wildlife. Experts will take you to Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda, Morocco, and more to see the continent’s many wonders. Witness the annual wildebeest migration on a Serengeti safari, or take a photo tour of Morocco’s sun-drenched towns. On an exciting family safari in South Africa, see lions, tigers, giraffes, and more. They have organized visits to National Geographic-sponsored research sites and talks with field scientists on several of the Africa expeditions.
Reference: National Geographic Travel, National Geographic Partners, National Geographic Expeditions, National Geographic Society Newsroom, www.sandeshkadur.com, USA Science & Engineering Festival.