ELEPHANT TRAILS SAFARI Co. FACT SHEET
INTRODUCTION
Elephant Trails Safari Co. was established in 2007 by Guy Symons and Edurne Martinez who between them have over 30 years of experience in the safari industry, especially in Botswana.
We are dedicated to sharing with our guests the best possible wildlife experience in a fun, safe and educational manner.
It is very important for us to share our passion for the sustained and sensible conservation of our environment.
PRODUCT
We offer 3 distinct types of safari.
Luxury Mobile Safaris are conducted over a period of approximately 8 days and comprise of a combination of our large , en-suite "Meru" tents with some of the best lodges in Botswana.
Affordable Mobile Safaris usually last for 10 nights with the first and last nights in hotel accommodation in Maun and Victoria Falls. The 8 nights in between are spent on safari in spacious "Dome" tents travelling through the national parks of Botswana , spending 2 or 3 nights at each camp site.
Photo Workshops are led by professional photographers and usually spend 4 to 5 nights in one area . They are intense and educational but still fun and enjoyable . They are a great way for novices and advanced photographers to learn and share skills.
SOME MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LUXURY SAFARIS
Game Viewing
We place great emphasis on game viewing on our safaris. We believe it is very important to spend time observing wild animals so that we may get a better insight into their behavior and " what makes them tick ". Our guides are fully committed to giving guests the finest possible wildlife experience and to this end we may spend more time out there than may be the norm with other operators. We feel that since you have travelled so far to experience our part of the world with us we owe it to you to do our best in providing you with wonderful memories of a very special part of our planet. Our guides will inform you of the ecology , biology , geography and history of the area on game drives that are as much fun as they are educational.
Our open sided 4 x 4 vehicles are fully equipped to enhance your experience. We will always try and ensure that every passenger has a window seat to maximise viewing and photographic opportunities. This also allows more space for cameras , binoculars etc.
Meals
Our meals are wholesome and hearty. After a long day in the bush a fresh "home cooked " meal is very welcome indeed. We use fresh produce as much as possible, and we also bake fresh bread over the coals in camp on a daily basis Early morning breakfast consists of a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate , toast , a variety of jams, cereal, oat meal porridge and sometimes pan cakes.
Morning tea is served while we are out on safari and there is a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits or cake.
Lunch is served as a picnic on travel days or as a hot meal in camp when we are not moving to another camp site. A typical picnic consists of fresh bread, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cold meats, tuna salad, beet salad, etc. The hot lunch in camp could vary from a stir-fry to shepherd’s pie and is usually served with fresh bread and salad.
Our main meal of the day is supper. It is usually a 3 course meal and varies from soups to roast brinjal salad for starters, casseroles to roast chicken to barbeques for the main and melva pudding to chocolate fridge tart for desert. Vegetables and starch are also plentiful with these meals.
The only drinks that we supply as part of the package is tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit squash and water. Any other drinking requirements can be purchased in Maun or Kasane prior to departure or a list can be sent to us which we will purchase on behalf of the guest.
We will cater to special dietary requirements if we are informed in good time.
Daily Life In Camp
Luxury mobile camps are setup in prime areas, using secluded and private camp sites within National Parks, Private Concessions and Community Areas.
Early in the morning you will be woken by a gentle "koko" (the local way of saying knock knock) and the sound of warm water being put in to your hand basin. You can use this water to wash your face brush your teeth and have a shave. After this we will have light breakfast before departing on our morning game drive and returimg to our camp for lunch. We have a couple of hours of downtime in camp before going on our afternoon activity. We offer showers in the afternoon or early evening before dinner. On the days where we travel we ask you to have your bags packed before coming out for breakfast to enable the camp crew to begin striking camp as soon as possible Once we have had breakfast we set off on a game drive en route to our next destination.
Accommodation
The tents used on these safaris are either luxury, walk-in "Meru" safari tents, furnished with 2 comfortable beds, linen, blankets, pillows, gown, towels, and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet or smaller "Bow" tents fitted with comfortable "camp" beds and bedrolls with sheets, duvets and pillows and en-suite shower and toilet.
Your tent will be serviced morning and evening by your appointed housekeeper for the duration of your safari. Laundry service is available. Your housekeeper will generally collect your laundry in the morning and return it in the late afternoon. Kindly remember that the laundry is washed by hand, we ask you not to hand over any special care clothing.
You will have time to relax and absorb the magnificent wilderness atmosphere of the scheduled private bush camps. These safaris are aimed at the discerning guest who prefers to travel in style while not losing the “Real Africa” experience
Hygiene
Each safari vehicle has a tap on the side and a bar of soap, which you are free to use at any time to wash your hands especially after being to the bush toilet.
Mineral water is available and recommended to use.
Hot bucket showers will be available from the afternoon between lunch and tea time or in the evening after returning from the game drive.
We provide hand basins and soap at the dining area.
Health and Entry requirements
A valid passport is required and visas are required by some nationalities. We recommend clients check requirements with visa authorities well in advance. No inoculations are required at this time but anti-malaria tablets are advisable all year round.
Clothing and Climate
Light weight tropical clothing with rainwear from November to March. The evenings can be cool from May to August, during the winter months. Neutral colours are best on safari and smart casual is suitable for evenings (camouflage clothing is not permitted) there is a 12kg baggage limit on the internal flights and soft bags are recommended. There is a daily laundry service in most camps. Sun block, sunglasses, hats, and insects repellents are essential.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Services of a professional guide
-Services of a back up crew including chef and waiter
-All transport while on safari
-All meals (except at Victoria Falls/Livingstone)
-Tea , coffee , fruit squash and 1.5 litres of mineral water per day(all drinks on luxury mobiles)
-National Park entry fees (except at the Victoria Falls)
-All camping equipment
-Laundry service twice while on safari(daily on luxury mobiles)
EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE
-All flights , international and domestic
-All visa entry fees
-All drinks above those on the included list
-Staff and guide gratuities
-Optional activities at the Victoria Falls or in Maun
-Compulsory travel insurance that includes a medical evacuation and repatriation plan
DO NOT FORGET
-TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
-TRAVEL INSURANCE
-MALARIA TABLETS
-SOME CASH (US DOLLARS ARE THE SAFEST)
- MOST IMPORTANT , COME WITH AN OPEN MIND!
Philosophy
"We are committed to providing highly memorable safaris that are safe, fun and educational. Our primary goal is to share the unique beauty of this exquisite wildlife continent with those who are looking for the true African experience. Africa is a continent like no other and should be visited at least once in your lifetime. A Safari to Africa will spiritually enlighten you and have you longing to come back time and again."
INTRODUCTION
Elephant Trails Safari Co. was established in 2007 by Guy Symons and Edurne Martinez who between them have over 30 years of experience in the safari industry, especially in Botswana.
We are dedicated to sharing with our guests the best possible wildlife experience in a fun, safe and educational manner.
It is very important for us to share our passion for the sustained and sensible conservation of our environment.
PRODUCT
We offer 3 distinct types of safari.
Luxury Mobile Safaris are conducted over a period of approximately 8 days and comprise of a combination of our large , en-suite "Meru" tents with some of the best lodges in Botswana.
Affordable Mobile Safaris usually last for 10 nights with the first and last nights in hotel accommodation in Maun and Victoria Falls. The 8 nights in between are spent on safari in spacious "Dome" tents travelling through the national parks of Botswana , spending 2 or 3 nights at each camp site.
Photo Workshops are led by professional photographers and usually spend 4 to 5 nights in one area . They are intense and educational but still fun and enjoyable . They are a great way for novices and advanced photographers to learn and share skills.
SOME MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LUXURY SAFARIS
Game Viewing
We place great emphasis on game viewing on our safaris. We believe it is very important to spend time observing wild animals so that we may get a better insight into their behavior and " what makes them tick ". Our guides are fully committed to giving guests the finest possible wildlife experience and to this end we may spend more time out there than may be the norm with other operators. We feel that since you have travelled so far to experience our part of the world with us we owe it to you to do our best in providing you with wonderful memories of a very special part of our planet. Our guides will inform you of the ecology , biology , geography and history of the area on game drives that are as much fun as they are educational.
Our open sided 4 x 4 vehicles are fully equipped to enhance your experience. We will always try and ensure that every passenger has a window seat to maximise viewing and photographic opportunities. This also allows more space for cameras , binoculars etc.
Meals
Our meals are wholesome and hearty. After a long day in the bush a fresh "home cooked " meal is very welcome indeed. We use fresh produce as much as possible, and we also bake fresh bread over the coals in camp on a daily basis Early morning breakfast consists of a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate , toast , a variety of jams, cereal, oat meal porridge and sometimes pan cakes.
Morning tea is served while we are out on safari and there is a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits or cake.
Lunch is served as a picnic on travel days or as a hot meal in camp when we are not moving to another camp site. A typical picnic consists of fresh bread, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cold meats, tuna salad, beet salad, etc. The hot lunch in camp could vary from a stir-fry to shepherd’s pie and is usually served with fresh bread and salad.
Our main meal of the day is supper. It is usually a 3 course meal and varies from soups to roast brinjal salad for starters, casseroles to roast chicken to barbeques for the main and melva pudding to chocolate fridge tart for desert. Vegetables and starch are also plentiful with these meals.
The only drinks that we supply as part of the package is tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit squash and water. Any other drinking requirements can be purchased in Maun or Kasane prior to departure or a list can be sent to us which we will purchase on behalf of the guest.
We will cater to special dietary requirements if we are informed in good time.
Daily Life In Camp
Luxury mobile camps are setup in prime areas, using secluded and private camp sites within National Parks, Private Concessions and Community Areas.
Early in the morning you will be woken by a gentle "koko" (the local way of saying knock knock) and the sound of warm water being put in to your hand basin. You can use this water to wash your face brush your teeth and have a shave. After this we will have light breakfast before departing on our morning game drive and returimg to our camp for lunch. We have a couple of hours of downtime in camp before going on our afternoon activity. We offer showers in the afternoon or early evening before dinner. On the days where we travel we ask you to have your bags packed before coming out for breakfast to enable the camp crew to begin striking camp as soon as possible Once we have had breakfast we set off on a game drive en route to our next destination.
Accommodation
The tents used on these safaris are either luxury, walk-in "Meru" safari tents, furnished with 2 comfortable beds, linen, blankets, pillows, gown, towels, and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet or smaller "Bow" tents fitted with comfortable "camp" beds and bedrolls with sheets, duvets and pillows and en-suite shower and toilet.
Your tent will be serviced morning and evening by your appointed housekeeper for the duration of your safari. Laundry service is available. Your housekeeper will generally collect your laundry in the morning and return it in the late afternoon. Kindly remember that the laundry is washed by hand, we ask you not to hand over any special care clothing.
You will have time to relax and absorb the magnificent wilderness atmosphere of the scheduled private bush camps. These safaris are aimed at the discerning guest who prefers to travel in style while not losing the “Real Africa” experience
Hygiene
Each safari vehicle has a tap on the side and a bar of soap, which you are free to use at any time to wash your hands especially after being to the bush toilet.
Mineral water is available and recommended to use.
Hot bucket showers will be available from the afternoon between lunch and tea time or in the evening after returning from the game drive.
We provide hand basins and soap at the dining area.
Health and Entry requirements
A valid passport is required and visas are required by some nationalities. We recommend clients check requirements with visa authorities well in advance. No inoculations are required at this time but anti-malaria tablets are advisable all year round.
Clothing and Climate
Light weight tropical clothing with rainwear from November to March. The evenings can be cool from May to August, during the winter months. Neutral colours are best on safari and smart casual is suitable for evenings (camouflage clothing is not permitted) there is a 12kg baggage limit on the internal flights and soft bags are recommended. There is a daily laundry service in most camps. Sun block, sunglasses, hats, and insects repellents are essential.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Services of a professional guide
-Services of a back up crew including chef and waiter
-All transport while on safari
-All meals (except at Victoria Falls/Livingstone)
-Tea , coffee , fruit squash and 1.5 litres of mineral water per day(all drinks on luxury mobiles)
-National Park entry fees (except at the Victoria Falls)
-All camping equipment
-Laundry service twice while on safari(daily on luxury mobiles)
EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE
-All flights , international and domestic
-All visa entry fees
-All drinks above those on the included list
-Staff and guide gratuities
-Optional activities at the Victoria Falls or in Maun
-Compulsory travel insurance that includes a medical evacuation and repatriation plan
DO NOT FORGET
-TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
-TRAVEL INSURANCE
-MALARIA TABLETS
-SOME CASH (US DOLLARS ARE THE SAFEST)
- MOST IMPORTANT , COME WITH AN OPEN MIND!
Philosophy
"We are committed to providing highly memorable safaris that are safe, fun and educational. Our primary goal is to share the unique beauty of this exquisite wildlife continent with those who are looking for the true African experience. Africa is a continent like no other and should be visited at least once in your lifetime. A Safari to Africa will spiritually enlighten you and have you longing to come back time and again."