South Africa, Botswana & Zambia with Africa 2000

A query in ITN’s “Person to Person” section led to a deluge of recommendations for Africa 2000 (P.O. Box 1204, Hilton 3245, South Africa; phone +27 33 3433911, fax 3431786).

My husband, Frank, and I and three other couples (a very nice group size) worked for many months with the Africa 2000 owners, Gill and Graham Maskell, to develop a trip which suited all our interests and budgets. The result was the trip of a lifetime, March 25-April 17, 2008.

The cost, including our airfare from Phoenix, was about $28,000 for my husband and me. Everything was included except lunch and dinner for the first week or so. (We were responsible for those meals so as to keep the price down.) Even laundry and alcoholic beverages were included in most places.

We started in Cape Town, South Africa, a beautiful city with wonderful sights and fine dining. We spent time in the wine country and in two game parks, one near Kruger (at Notten’s Bush Camp) and one in Chobe, Botswana. The animals were thrilling, unfenced and up close.

Victoria Falls in Zambia was in full force and spectacular. We took a 15-minute ultralight flight over the falls.

Our accommodations were lovely and unique throughout the trip. However, our lodge in Zambia, Siankaba Lodge, deserves special mention. On a private island in the Zambezi River about 25 miles from the falls, it’s small (seven chalets), with top-notch service and dining in a memorable setting. Leeanne and Josh, the managers, have an outstanding staff.

The most informed and delightful guide imaginable, Graham Maskell, was with us the entire time. His knowledge of all things Africa (and beyond) revealed itself as the trip progressed.

This is a wonderful part of the world. So many of our traveling friends had advised us that it just might be our all-time favorite traveling experience. They were right. We would be thrilled to elaborate should any of ITN’s readers wish more information. E-mail me c/o ITN.

LINDA BESNETTE

Sedona, AZ