WINCO ECLIPSE TOURS, INC.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 TO SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2001
3 NIGHTS
CAMP AMALINDA -- 3 NIGHTS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 AND THURSDAY, JUNE 28 - (B, L, D)
Wednesday afternoon we will be driven to the Victoria Falls Airport to board the flight to Bulawayo and Camp Amalinda where we will enjoy a three-night stay. Matobo National Park is a scenic wonderland of dramatic balancing boulders, wooded valleys, secret caves and marshes. The hills were a spiritual home for the Bushmen, who have left behind a legacy of magnificent rock art, and later the Matabele tribe, who buried their kings in secret caves hidden among the hills. To this day it is a spiritual home to the Matabele. It is considered rude to point a finger in any direction lest you offend the gods.
Daily activities include game viewing in the private reserve by vehicle, on foot, or on horseback. In addition there is hiking and rock climbing to view ancient bushman caves and paintings, bird watching (especially Black Eagles, as this is known as the raptor capital of Zimbabwe), and excursions to Cecil John Rhodes' grave. For those who are interested, visit a nearby Ndebele village, visit a local school, or consult with a sangoma.
Amalinda is also well known for its three elephants, rescued as young orphans during a particularly bad drought in 1985, and nursed back to health by the owners of the camp. They have become extremely social animals, with love and physical contact being an important part of their daily routine. Guests are encouraged to spend a good deal of time interacting with them, including walking with them, bathing and swimming with them, resting, and of course riding. This intangible “bonding” with the elephants will probably be one of your most memorable wildlife experiences. (Elephant back safaris are optional at $50.00 per person per trail.)
Camp Amalinda is literally carved out of rock with eight spectacular and unusual granite rooms situated at different levels in amongst the rocks, each with en-suite bathroom. An old Bushman shelter is now the entertainment area, and the lounge, bar, and dining room are under thatch, along with the swimming pool. Each has lovely views out onto the majestic hills. For a truly unique experience: Amalinda has a fully equipped gym - with a great view, too - or one can relax with a sauna or a massage!
FRIDAY, JUNE 29 -- GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS
This morning we will board a charter flight to Masvingo for a full day visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This centuries old (13th Century) “stone city” is recognized as being the largest ancient structure in sub-saharan Africa, and studies continue in order to learn more about this ancient civilization. Great Zimbabwe is cloaked in mystery. The stone bricks lie one upon the other in endless rows, towering corridors, and stairways to empty courtyards. Today, the city is deserted and in ruins, its architects and inhabitants long gone, taking with them their skills and secrets, rites and rituals. The real splendor is lost, but the “spirits” remain, and you will learn about this ancient empire, and conjure up your own images. Lunch is on your own at the adjacent hotel. Late this afternoon return to Amalinda by charter aircraft.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 -- CAMP AMALINDA - (B)
Our adventure comes to an end this morning as we are driven to the Bulawayo Airport for our departure flight.
OUR OPTIONAL SAFARI ARRANGEMENTS END HERE.
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Price: $2, 295.00 per person, double occupancy.
No Smoking.
(Price estimated for 2001, and is meant as a guide only. It is subject to change once 2001 rates are announced, expected in June 2000.)
Please include $1,000.00, non-refundable, per person deposit for each reservation.
Trip cancellation insurance is available and is strongly recommended.
Includes all flights, transfers, transport, and meals as mentioned above; comprehensive Safari preparation and planning.
(Please see “Terms and Conditions” for further details.)
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Winco Eclipse Tours, Inc.
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35 Haynes Road
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Tel: 617-630-0280
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Newton Centre, MA USA 02459-2716
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Fax: 617-969-7930
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