AAVE's Africa Summer Adventure Camp

DAY 1: South Africa - Johannesburg Arrivals & Orientation:
You will be met upon arrival at the airport gate by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained and the process of growing together as a group begins. We spend the night at a comfortable lodge on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

DAY 2-4: Zambia - Victoria Falls:
One of the most exciting areas to visit in Africa is Zambia. We fly to Livingstone and stay on the banks of the Maramba River, a popular watering hole for local elephants. We enjoy the many adventure activities offered in this area, including a visit to the "The Smoke That Thunders" Victoria Falls (on the Zambia side), as well as the local craft markets in Livingstone. During our stay in Livingstone we spend quality time at an orphanage where we will donate blankets and other necessities, and sing, dance, laugh and play games with the local children.

DAYS 5-6: Chobe National Park:
We get an early start and cross the Zambezi River into Botswana where we camp next to Chobe National Park, home to 45,000 elephants, some of which have already visited our camp in the evening happily chomping at the mopane trees. Our campsite is set on the banks of the Chobe River, with a pool overlooking the great river. During the next two days we enjoy a Game Drive in a 4x4 open safari vehicle as well as a spectacular sunset Boat Cruise into Chobe National Park. We try our hand at tiger fishing on the Chobe River (optional); the local fish makes for some of the finest fresh water eating fish in Africa.

DAYS 7-8: Namibia - Caprivi Strip:
We now head west into Namibia (Caprivi Strip). This is out of the normal tourist route, remote and natural. We spend two nights at this magnificent part of untouched Africa. We take a short voyage on mokoros (two-man wooden dugout canoes). This is a great opportunity to learn about the people of the area. Each two-man mokoro has a "polar" or local guide who grew up in the area and lives in the local village. We also participate in a village walk with the locals to give us more insight into the amazing people of the Caprivi Strip.

DAY 9-10: Botswana:
The Tsodilo Hills in the southwestern corner of Botswana, filled with an air of mystery, are believed by the Bushmen to be the site of first Creation. They painted more than 3,500 rock paintings against the unique stone faces of the hills. Some of the paintings date back to between 800 and 1300 AD. We spend two days hiking and exploring the hills with a local guide in search of history and adventure! We will also have the opportunity to participate in a community service project, where we will work very closely with the local people that live between these hills.

DAYS 11-13: Community Service:
In appreciation of the land and people of Africa, we take part in a community service project and cultural exchange around the area of Sepupa, Botswana, a small fishing village on the banks of the Okavango River known as the "pan handle". Through gift giving, community involvement and hard work, our group is able to uniquely bond with the people of the area. We present gifts of writing materials, books and sports equipment to the local school. We also have the opportunity to participate in maintenance and beautification projects at the school, such as painting, fencing, and repairing and constructing student desks. Our final day is dedicated to interacting with the school children and villagers by participating in a village-wide soccer tournament and fishing on the Okavango River with the local fishermen.

DAYS 14-16: Overnight ATV Adventure:
After breakfast, we head to Gweta where we set up camp and relax. The following day we have an early start as we get packed and ready for our overnight ATV adventure. We head out on quad bikes to explore the wide open areas of the magnificent Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. These salt flats are the largest in the world, situated on an ancient lake that evaporated 10,000 years ago. The area is also home to one of Africa's biggest zebra populations. We overnight at one of the islands in the Pans and sleep under a blanket of stars. The next morning, after breakfast, we slowly make our way back to camp.

DAYS 17-18: Tuli Wildlife Viewing:
Following our overnight ATV adventure, we take our time and travel southeast towards the Tuli Conservation Area. We stay at a bush camp that is situated deep in the Mopane veld along the dry Mohave River, set amongst tall Apple-leaf and Tamboti trees. Enjoy exciting wildlife viewing activities like night game drives and game walks conducted by qualified and armed rangers. Animals that frequent this area include elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, spotted hyena and many more!

DAYS 19-20: Johannesburg:
Back to South Africa! On our way to Johannesburg, we stop at Warmbaths and enjoy the hot mineral pools, swimming and water slides. Finally, we return to Johannesburg where we pay a visit to the Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind; it illustrates the rise and fall of a unique part of South African history. Taking a trip further back in time we visit Gold Reef City and enjoy a tour of an underground gold mine and exhilarating rides at the theme park. We finish our African adventure with a dinner out to toast our new friends and all of our accomplishments.

DAYS 21: Airport Departure:
We head for Johannesburg International Airport where we bid you: "Hamba Gashle Umgani" (Go well our friends) until we meet again!

Price Includes:
One AAVE leader and two South African guides; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Johannesburg, South Africa; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!