35th Parallel - adventure travel & sports community

Sausage Tree Camp

Rated in the Top 10 destinations in the WORLD by BBC, Sausage Tree Camp is quite simply going to blow you away.  We finish our trip with three nights of sheer luxury at Sausage located on the banks of the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia.  Sausage is owned and operated by Jason, Tony Loxton's best friend since high school, making your stay here a very special and intimate experience.  Jason & Tony were lucky enough to actually be part of the building crew when Sausage was first erected back in 1996 so have spent plenty of time here and know this area very well.

Check out the great photos and videos from other travellers in our community!

Botswana Mobile Safari - Okavango Delta, Moremi & Chobe

Botswana has long been regarded as the premier wildlife destination in Africa.  With the Kalahari desert in the West and South, and the Okavango Delta and Chobe in the North, there is huge diversity on offer in Botswana.  The Okavango Delta is absolutely stunning, with crystal clear waterways weaving through wide grassy floodplains, this area boasts a magnificent array of wild animals in one of the most beautiful environments in Africa.

Moremi Game Reserve supports the most diverse habitat and animal populations in Botswana. Resident species include wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra, kudu, lechwe, sable and roan antelope.  Further north in Chobe, the landscape changes completely of Elephants in Chobe are the larges in body size in all of Africa and number in excess of 120,000.

White Water Rafting & Riversurfing

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls is the widest curtain of falling water in the world, making it one of the Natural Wonders of the World!  It truly is an amazing sight, and one that isn't fully appreciated until you get up close and personal.  It is 1,600 metres wide, and falls approximately 110 metres into the Batoka Gorge where our white water rafting trip will begin.

Swimming in the Devil's Armchair

You're not going to believe this until you do it!  We are going to swim in a small pool on the very edge of the Victoria Falls known as the Devil's Armchair.  Quite simply, this is the most beautiful  place you'll ever take a dip!

Check out the great photos and videos from other travellers in our community!

Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP) is one of our favourite national parks in all of Africa and is a relatively new National Park, officially gazetted in 1983.  The four thousand square kilometres of national park are bordered by the Zambezi Escarpment to the North, and the Lower Zambezi River to the South.  The Lower Zam (as the locals call it) is home to an abundance of wildlife where you can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, crocs and much more... including the most amazing birdlife you'll ever see!  Check out our wildlife photo galleries in the scrap book for images taken in the Lower Zam.

Day 1: Maun to Xakanaxa, Botswana

Your 35th Parallel guide, and specialist Botswana safari guide will welcome you on arrival at Maun Airport - some people will be arriving from Cape Town (having done the extension) and others may have spent the previous night in Maun. We begin our journey to Moremi Game Reserve, stopping for a picnic lunch en-route, and arriving at our pre-erected camp in the Xakanaxa region of the reserve in time for sundowners. Spending our first three nights camping in the Xakanaxa region, we explore the surrounding wilderness on game drives during the day. You can expect to see a wide range of wildlife including large breeding herds of African elephant that live in the mopane scrub. On the open plains large herds of buffalo and lechwe can be seen and in the waterways rafts of hippopotami are a common sight - not to mention the amazing birdlife in this region. D

Day 2: Xakanaxa Exploration Day, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

We'll wake for an early breakfast for the start of our first full day on safari!  This morning we'll explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta by boat which is a very memorable experience.  You can expect to see plenty of hippos and crocs, as well as amazing frogs and other water dwellers.  We'll also see plenty of game on the banks of the waterways.

In the afternoon we'll drive around the area. Moremi is amongst the best game reserves in Africa for viewing the endangered African wild dog. Xakanaxa is home to a resident herd of several hundred buffalo whose range covers the territories of at least 4 prides of lion which may often be seen flanking the ever moving herd. Breeding herds of elephant move between their browsing areas in the mopane forests and the fresh water of the Okavango. Red lechwe are one of the more unusual antelope species and commonly found here, while the rare sitatunga antelope may be spotted from motor boat along the water-ways. After a full day of game viewing by vehicle and boat, we'll relax in camp with a great dinner, before heading out on a night drive for a completely new perspective!  B/L/D

Day 3: Xakanaxa to Khwai, Botswana

We're on the move through the national park today, from Xakanaxa to Khwai. The Manuchira Channel is known as the Khwai River at its eastern most extremity. The day’s journey follows this water course, with the track weaving from the riverside and floodplains into the mopane veld and the woodlands that make Khwai one of the most scenic areas of the Okavango. We pass the magnificent Dombo Hippo Pools in the morning stopping to enjoy the scenery and the antics of the resident hippo.

The western mopane veld is home to mostly breeding herds of elephant whilst the eastern reaches of Khwai is home to some impressive old bulls. The mature bulls revel in the cool waters of the Khwai and are far more approachable while drinking and bathing than the breeding herds. The river has an unusually high density of hippo as well as some huge crocodile. Leopard, cheetah, serval and lion are common predators along this route and both Xakanaxa as well as Khwai are included in the home ranges of 2 different packs of wild dog. General game includes southern giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, tessebe and red lechwe with roan and sable antelope being less common residents.

We will arrive in our new camp (it will already be setup with beds made and hot showers waiting!) in the mid afternoon, with time for a siesta before dinner and an evening game drive. B/L/D

Day 4:  Khwai Exploration Day, Botswana

The Khwai River forms a boundary between the reserve and the community area. We spend the following two nights camping at an exclusive campsite in the community area, exploring the Khwai floodplains on game drives both during the day and at night. Exploring after dark with spotlights offers you an opportunity to experience some of the nocturnal animals that are rarely encountered during the day.  We will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot and enjoy an up close and personal encounter with Botswana’s flora and fauna. It is important to note that night drives and guided walks are not permitted within the national parks and reserves. These activities are conducted outside the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Khwai community area.  B/L/D

Day 5: Khwai to Savuti, Botswana

A fascinating days drive looking at some of the evidence of the Paleo-Lake Makgadikgadi (salt pans) that dried up some ten thousand years ago. The most challenging part of the trip is crossing the Magwikwe Sand-ridge that formed the shoreline for this massive inland sea. The winding track through this deep sand makes for interesting travel in the early summer! The old lake bed is now the Mababe Depression. The dense clay floor of the depression result in high protein feed for wildlife and the area teams with game after the rains. During the rainy season the depression is impassable due to the “cotton soil” and alternative routes must be used.

This is a day when anything could happen. The range of habitat that is covered encompasses most of the habitat types of northern Botswana. We pass through excellent lion country and some of the best cheetah country that our safari will cover. Elephant occur throughout the drive but are more common at the start and end of the drive where permanent surface water can be found. The Mababe Depression is a birder’s paradise. The nutritious grasses that grow on the rich soils provide excellent seed for an impressive array of estrillids and viduids. Among these are the magnificently coloured Violet-eared Waxbill, Black-cheeked Waxbill, Village Indigobird, Shaft-tailed Whydah and Paradise Whydah.  B/L/D

Day 6: Savuti Exploration Day, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Today we'll explore the famous Chobe National Park.  Unlike the vast majority of the country, Savuti is not flat landscape. Large outcrops of volcanic rock reach up out of the Kalahari sands, towering over the endless savannah. These hills provide habitat for a completely different array of small wildlife, birds and plants. The Savuti Marsh has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. The wide open country, good ungulate populations and particularly strong prides of lion and hyaena clans make for dramatic wildlife interaction and excellent viewing opportunities. The now dry Savuti Channel runs through this landscape linking the dry sand-veld, the waterholes, the hills and the grassland that was the Savuti Marsh.

Undoubtedly it is the interaction between lion and elephant that is the most interesting aspect of Savuti. The area is inhabited by a huge pride of lions with numbers fluctuating from 20-30 members. These remarkable lion have learned over the years how to hunt these massive pachyderms that are supposedly above predation. Launching their attack under darkness and using their numbers, they manage to kill adolescent and even young adult elephant. The marsh is prime cheetah country and in the wet season it is not unusual to have the wild dog hunting here in Savuti.  B/L/D

Day 7: Savuti to Livingstone, Zambia

Following and early breakfast we will leave Savuti for Kasane where the mobile safari ends. Our Botswana safari guide will drop us off for our onward road transfers Livingstone.  The transfer from Kasane to Livingstone takes around an hour and a half by boat and vehicle.

The habitat on today’s drive takes us through the stunted mopane scrub of the Goha clay basin, across the sand-ridge and through the wonderful Zambezi teak woodlands of the Chobe Forest Reserve and along the Chobe River itself. The Chobe floodplain is tens of kilometers wide and in years of exceptional rains the water stretches as far as the eye can see. While there are community areas that we pass through that are settled by local tribes, for the vast majority of the day’s drive we pass through wild country where wildlife moves un-inhibited by fences or man. Roan and sable antelope thrive in the teak woodlands where the low density of predators and lack of competition for food by other ungulates makes this prime habitat for these large ungulates. Leopard occur in these woodlands in low numbers but they are highly secretive and seldom seen. The Goha region has natural waterholes that hold water well into the dry season and herds of buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, greater kudu and elephant come down to drink.

We'll arrive in Livingstone in the afternoon, in time to settle into the Waterfront Lodge in Livingstone, approximately 10kms upstream of the Victoria Falls.  Time permitting, we'll head out to view the falls for the first time - a spectacular sight at sunset with a few G&T's!  B/L/D

Day 8: Victoria Falls & Livingstone Island, Zambia

Today is all about one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls.  As the widest curtain of falling water in the world (1 mile wide!), the Vic Falls is nothing short of spectacular.  We'll travel to the World Heritage area of Victoria Falls around 10am to explore the surrounding area, including the great curio markets where you can pick up some unique African carvings.

At 12:30 we'll be picked up by boat to have one of the most unique and amazing experiences of your life! We'll travel out to the middle of the falls, to Livingstone Island.  Livingstone Island is litterally a small island in the middle of the falls where you can lean over the edge and watch the water fall 110 meters into the Batoka Gorge.  Not only that, but you can have a swim in the incredible Devil's Armchair - swimming in a pool only 3 feet from the 110 metre drop-off!  Have a look at the scrap book for pictures of this - you won't believe it until you see it!  After a good swim, we'll have the island completely to ourselves whilst we enjoy a gourmet lunch!

Day 9: White Water Rafting & Riversurfing, Zambezi River, Zambia

Today we set out on an amazing adventure, beginning directly beneath the famous Victoria Falls - a 2 day white water rafting and riversurfing trip!  Having worked on this river for 5 years, your guide knows these waters intimately and will ensure you have the time of your life!  The trip is mostly done in rafts, however there are rapids and waves on the river that are ideal for riversurfing, so you guessed it, out of the raft you get and onto a boogie board for some riversurfing action!

The first day will take us about 20kms downstream from Victoria Falls through the white water that has made the Zambezi River the "greatest one day white water rafting trip in the world".  We taken on grade 2-5 rapids and have to walk around the only grade 6.  In the evening we arrive at our riverside camp where we will spend a great night enjoying the tranquility in front of an open fire.  B/L/D

Day 10: Rafting & Riversurfing, Sunset Cruise, Zambezi River, Zambia

Today we'll continue downstream for another three hours, taking on more Zambezi white water!  Once we reach our take out point, we'll climb the Batoka Gorge to be met with cold beers and soft drinks for the drive back to Livingstone.  The drive is loads of fun, taking us through some of the outer lying villages where the locals live a very primitive life.  We encourage you to bring colouring-in books, pens and pencils on the trip, and on this drive we'll stop at some of the schools to give them to the teachers and students.

We'll get back to Livingstone around 2pm, with enough time to take a swim and relax before heading out on the upper Zambezi River for a sunset cruise.  The "booz" cruises are loads of fun and can be quite a party, but are also great for seeing a completely different aspect of the Zambezi River.  This part of the river has plenty of wildlife and the vegetation and scenery is unlike anything else you'll have seen so far.  B/L/D

Days 11, 12 & 13: Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park

Today we travel by small charter plane from Livingstone to Sausage Tree Camp, in the Lower Zambezi National Park.  The Lower Zam as it's known, is one of Africa's premier national parks and it quite unique.  Situated about 100km downstream from Lake Kariba, this part of the Zambezi River is very different to where we've come from and what we've seen.  The Lower Zambezi River is wide, shallow, winding and sandy - quite the opposite of the white water gorge, or the river upstream of Victoria Falls.

We will be staying at the amazing Sausage Tree Camp which is a very special place indeed.  Sausage Tree Camp is owned and operated by Jason Mott, who happens to be your guide's best friend.  Jason & Tony were part of the orginal building crew of Sausage Tree Camp back in 1996 when the camp was owned by Tongabezi.  Jason fell in love with the place and would go on to buy it, and still lives there today.  So visiting Sausage Tree with Tony as your guide is very special and you can expect to be treated as family by Jason and the rest of the crew there.

Sausage Tree Camp is five star luxury, and was featured on the BBC's "best 10 places in the world" show in 2003.  Whilst staying at Sausage Tree, we will spend our time going on game drives, canoeing, fishing for tiger fish, walking and enjoying being in one of the most special places on earth.  Sausage Tree Camp is situated on the bank of the Zambezi River and often has wildlife casually walking through the camp - imagine laying in bed and watching a hippo eat the grass in front of your room!  B/L/D all days

Day 14: Departure

This morning we will fly out of the Lower Zambezi to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.  From Lusaka you can meet your international connecting flight, or choose to continue your Zambian adventure - the choice is yours.  B

The Southern African Safari adventure trip is packed with great activities including rafting, riversurfing, game viewing, hiking, canoeing, fishing and much more.

Riversurfing & Rafting

Riversurfing is one of the most adrenalin pumping sports in the world.  With a lifejacket, fins, helmet and boogie board, you set off down a river surfing waves and running rapids.  Beginners are first taught the basic skills required in flat or slow moving water.  Then, once comfortable with the basics, you head downstream taking on gradually larger and larger rapids.  All the time you're lead by expert guides who know the river intimately and can ensure you don't get into harms way.

Along the way downstream, you'll stop and surf standing waves.  The waves vary in size, shape and location depending on the water level of the river at the time.  There is always plenty of surfing to be had on the Zambezi River - infact we used to refer to it as the Hawaii of riversurfing!  Your guides will show you how to surf the waves and then encourage you to have a go.  You'll have plenty of time to get the hang of it before continuing downstream to find the next wave, or drop-in to the next rapid!

In the late 90's, Serious Fun used to run commercial riversurfing trips on the Zambezi.  Check out this promotional video to get an idea of what it's all about.

Land Cost

USD$4,995 per person
Single Supplement - upon application

Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double or twin accommodations.  If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay the Single Supplement Fee.  If you’re travelling alone and wish to share accommodations, we’ll do our best to find you a roommate.

A 3.5% credit card processing fee will be charged to all payments.  To avoid this fee, contact us to arrange payment by bank transfer. See our Terms and Conditions of Travel for more information on cancellations and refunds.

What’s Included

All activities, meals and accommodation mentioned in the itinerary as included.  Further inclusions are:

• Expert leadership and guides
• Rafting equipment
• Airport transfers
• Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
• Ground transportation
• Additional guides where necessary
• All camping equipment & bedding
• Entrance fees and permits

What’s Not Included

International airfares; optional activities; optional tipping to leader/guides; gratuities; meals not noted as included on the itinerary; travel insurance (we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance - 35th Parallel can provide this if you like); excess baggage charges; airport taxes; costs of medical immunisations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry etc.).

Optional Extras

The following are all optional extras and will incur an additional cost:

• Helicopter flight out of the Batoka Gorge after the rafting trip;
• Optional activities where available (such as the gorge swing, bungee jumping etc.)
• If you wish to commemorate the experience, we can provide hats, t-shirts and soft jackets with custom printing or embroiding.

Sporting Conditions

Many of the sporting activities we do are weather dependent.  Whilst we make every effort to ensure the conditions are right by selecting the most suitable time of year and location, the actual conditions on tour are of course completely out of our control.  For this reason, there are no refunds due to lack of suitable weather conditions. For further details, please see our detailed Terms and Conditions of Travel.

Air Travel

Airfares to and from the departure point for this trip are not included in the land cost.  We are happy to provide a quote for your domestic and/or international travel, or you can source your own airfares via the internet or your preferred travel agent.  Please be sure to check your tickets with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets.  We need to verify your arrival and departure schedule and ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip.

Seasonal Considerations

The weather in Botswana and Zambia will be very warm both during the day and night (approx 28-38°C).  The heat in Zambia and Botswana will be dry heat, so even thought it is hot, it isn't humid and uncomfortable.  So you should be prepared for warm weather and pack accordingly - the pre-departure information pack provided once you've booked will outline exactly what you'll need to pack for this trip.

Accommodations

To maximise the “local” aspect of our adventures, wherever possible we avoid staying in large hotels or “tourist traps”.  We prefer to stay in accommodations that would normally be frequented by the locals, thereby giving us more opportunities to travel like locals, and meet locals.  On this tour the accommodations range from mobile tented safari (everything is provided for you) through to luxury safari lodge.  We'll also be camping on the riverside in the Batoka Gorge with everything provided.

First Aid

We provide a comprehensive expedition first aid kit but prefer everyone to be independent with basic first aid items. Your personal first aid kit should include: Pain killers, Plasters (Band-Aids), strapping tape, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), Diamox, throat lozenges, re- hydration salts & other personal medication of your choice.  Please be sure to read the comprehensive pre-departure pack for this trip to get an understanding of what to expect and what to bring.

We are in the process of updating our booking process, so if you're interested in this trip, please contact us.

If you've got any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call:
In Australia: +61-8-9463-6642
Toll Free from USA/Canada: 1888-460-1280