On the 5th February 1875, Frank Oates died of fever on his way back from visiting Victoria Falls. Less than a handful of people know where this great pioneer, naturalist, artist, is buried. Ice Tracks a travel company is teaming up with the museum to offer a once in a life time opportunity to visit the places Frank saw and to pay our respects to the great explorer, led by one of the few people who can take us to the graveside.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 1: 9 SEPTEMBER Flight from UK to Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg).
DAY 2: 10 SEPTEMBER Welcome in Victoria Falls and transfer to The Elephant Camp. The Elephant Camp is nestled within a Private Wildlife Sanctuary, a 2000 hectare stretch of pristine, untouched wilderness. We will lodge in safari-chic suites, enjoying a private plunge pool, decks overlooking the distant mist of the falls. A scenic drive to the edge of the Batoka Gorge, an impressive natural crater that overhangs the Zambezi Zambezi River is a perfect viewpoint and spot for sundowners. Overnight at The Elephant Camp on a full board basis, including scheduled activities.
DAYS 3&4: 11-12 SEPTEMBER We can either visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, or spend time in the breath-taking rainforest surrounding one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Elephant Camp is a short drive from town, and guests can choose a decadent lunch at the Lookout Cafe which is included.
DAY 5: 13 SEPTEMBER Today we will transfer to the Old Drift Lodge, a natural utopia along the Zambezi River that embodies a bygone era of safari romance and a private guided visit to the Victoria Falls in the morning. During the afternoon we will venture into the wilderness in an open four-wheel game drive vehicle or cruise along the Zambezi in one of the private river safari boats. An option to return to camp to enjoy its fabulousness or an exclusive bush dinner in the Zambezi National Park is on offer.
DAY 6: 14 SEPTEMBER Today we will bid farewell to Zimbabwe with a significant highlight, a helicopter flight over the majestic Victoria Falls. Road transfer from Victoria Falls Zimbabwe to Kasane Airport (2 1/2 hours). Flight AirBotswana Kasane to Francistown. Welcome in Francistown and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the Marang Motel (B&B).
DAY 7 – 15 SEPTEMBER An early start and an approx two hour drive with our guides will take us to the little known Frank Oates grave. Here we will spend as much time as we need to pay our respects to the great pioneer and naturalist. A special commemorative dinner at the Hotel hosted by our expert explorers and historians. Overnight at The Marang Motel (B&B).
DAYS 8, 9 & 10: 16-18 SEPT. Flight Air Botswana Francistown to Gaborone. Welcome in Gaborone and road transfer to Madikwe (South Africa). 3 nights at the stunning Jaci’s Lodge Tented Suites – Full board. Madikwe Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest game reserve and one of the lesser known parks in South Africa. It a hidden gem, regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Southern Africa.
DAYS 11, 12 & 13: 19- 21 SEPT. Road transfer between Madikwe and Waterberg Rhino Sanctuary. A road transfer through a fascinating area of South Africa to the Waterberg area where an opportunity to experience at first hand the Save the Waterberg Rhino mission to protect and conserve rhino populations in the Waterberg biosphe biosphere area. 3 nights fully inclusive at the superb Ant’s Nest lodge and reserve. The lodge will be of exclusive use for Wild Tracks.
DAYS14: 22 SEPTEMBER Road transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport in time for our evening flight back to London.
DAY 15: 23 SEPTEMBER Early morning arrival in the UK
PRICE £ 5,855 per person sharing
£ 300 Domestic Flights
5% Off Trackers Loyalty Membership Programme
UK Office: (+44) 1926641938
Proceeds from this trip go towards Gilbert White & The Oates Collections and save the Waterberg Rhino charities.
Spaces are limited and must be booked quickly!