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African Sunset Total Eclipse of the Sun
Zimbabwe/Botswana

On June 21, 2001, the earth, sun, and moon will be perfectly aligned for a few precious moments, and the magnificent solar corona will be visible to the naked eye. The total solar eclipse, of which there are fewer than 70 each century, is one of the most exquisite of natural phenomenon. The total solar eclipse of June 21, 2001 will sweep directly across one of the world's most exotic regions, Southern Africa.

Rico Tours presents a fabulous tour of a lifetime where you will witness the eclipse from your private campsite in Zimbabwe. After the excitement of the eclipse, you will visit the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy game safaris at Chobe National Park in Botswana. Lou Carter Keay, travel author and eclipse expert, will be the host on this once-in-a-lifetime sojourn.


Click to View Itinerary:

Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8


Maps copyrighted by Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com)


Day 1

Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - Depart the USA
Wednesday, June 20, 2001 - Arrive Harare, Zimbabwe.
Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is a lovely modern and spacious city named after a former African ruler. The word 'Harare' means 'one who does not sleep'! The city has tree-lined pavements, contemporary architecture, colorful public parks and lush private gardens. This beautiful setting makes it a garden city of wide streets, busy commercial area and friendly outdoor sports-loving people.
Meikles Hotel Transfer to the Meikles Hotel.
This luxury five-star hotel provides exceptional accommodation, hospitality and service. It reflects a skillful blend of gracious, Old World charm and classic facilities.
Dinner at the Bagatelle Restaurant.
Tonight's dinner will be a la carte cuisine in this stylish French restaurant.
Overnight: Meikles Hotel.

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Day 2

Thursday, June 21, 2001 - Harare to Guruve.
Cheetahs Breakfast at the Hotel and transfer to our private camp at a local farm in Guruve.
The farming area of Guruve is about two hours drive from Harare. This is a very scenic drive along the Golden Stairs, and through the Mazowe region, which is steeped in history. En route, one passes the Mazowe Dam and citrus area plus several farms and villages.
After arriving at our private camp, you will be presented a welcome drink on the lawns of the farmhouse overlooking the valley. Soon afterwards, you will board trailers and be transferred by tractors or open 4 x 4 vehicles to a beautiful dam set amongst hills and trees. This is a working tobacco farm with granadillas and various other crops also produced on this farm. Eclipse of the Sun There is a strong chance of seeing game, such as giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest.
Enjoy lunch and witness what you have been waiting for...the total eclipse of the sun. After the eclipse, you may enjoy optional activities. Optional Suggestion: Fishing - $60.00 each person additional. (Includes: drinks, snacks, rods/equipment, lures, worms, organization / assistance fee by local fisherman). Tonight, enjoy a Barbecue Dinner at the dam site and overnight in tented accommodations.

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Day 3

Friday, June 22, 2001 - Guruve to Harare.
Full English breakfast at the dam site. Stone Sculpture Transfer to Harare via Tengenenge - famous stone sculpture center for shopping. Zimbabwe produces a range of handicrafts among the most popular are Shona stone sculptures. Granite, serpentine and green verdite are sculpted, sanded, and fired to yield interesting artifacts.
Picnic lunch.
Dinner at The Ramambo Lodge.
The Ramambo Lodge in central Harare is a truly African Experience offering the atmosphere of a safari camp. Game meats and vegetarian dishes are Ramambo's particular specialties. While you dine, a traditional dance show will be performed to the vibrant beat of African drums. Later, a marimba band will entertain you.
Adjoining the Ramambo Lodge Restaurant, is a veritable treasure trove of African arts and crafts. This is a superb place in which to browse and choose a memento to take home with you as a reminder of a wonderful visit to Zimbabwe.
Overnight: Meikles Hotel.

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Day 4

Saturday, June 23, 2001 - Harare/Victoria Falls/Botswana.
Victoria FallsBreakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Victoria Falls.

The mile-wide Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site, acclaimed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, provides the unique center point, which every program to Southern Africa demands. Victoria Falls, the bustling resort town, offers a variety of quality hotels and safari lodges as well as an extensive range of fun-filled and educational activities, all within a 5-km radius. The town has a relaxed, informal ambiance and one of the finest climates in the world. Victoria Falls is the adventure and cultural capital of southern Africa!
A Room at Mawana Safari Lodge Transfer to Mowana Safari Lodge.
Located on the Chobe River, close to Chobe National Park, the Mowana Safari Lodge stands at the point where four countries meet. This estate has diverse leisure activities and is an ideal base for the wildlife and safari enthusiast.
Lunch in the Serondella Restaurant and early afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon safari cruise on the Chobe River. Buffet dinner in the Serondella Restaurant.
Overnight: Mowana Safari Lodge - All Inclusive.

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Day 5

Lion Sunday, June 24, 2001 - Botswana.
Early morning safari drive in the Chobe National Park.
This is one of the great wildlife sanctuaries of southern Africa featuring massive herds of elephants. The park gives absolute protection to some 4,600 square miles of bush country. The stretch along the Chobe River is the most beautiful part of the park and a legendary place for animal viewing.
Afternoon safari drive or cruise.
Overnight: Mowana Safari Lodge - All meals at the lodge

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Day 6

Monday, June 25, 2001 - Botswana/Victoria Falls.
This morning, enjoy either a safari cruise or drive.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park, and is just four kilometers from the majestic Victoria Falls. This deluxe 72-roomed African Lodge prides itself on hospitality and food rivaled only by uninterrupted views and magnificent sunsets. Created with a keen eye for detail; hardwoods, thatch, vibrant colors - the effect is awe-inspiring.
Sunset Lunch at the Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant.
The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant with its tranquil atmosphere is always an excellent lunch time venue. You may be lucky enough to see wildlife drinking at the water hole in the midday heat.
Transfer to Victoria Falls for a guided tour and sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Dinner in the Boma Restaurant.
Overnight at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

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Day 7

Tuesday, June 26, 2001 - Victoria Falls.
Canoeing on the Zambezi River Morning canoeing on the Zambezi River followed by breakfast.
Scenic "Flight of Angels" over Victoria Falls.

The ultimate way to take in the panoramic grandeur of the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and the national park is a bird's-eye view from a helicopter. You'll depart from the custom-built heli-port to "ride the rainbow" for 15 minutes in a luxury 1992 Bell Longranger (6 passengers).
Lunch at your leisure at the Makuwa-Kuwa.
Dinner in the elegant Livingstone Room.

Completely restored to its original, colonial grandeur, the Livingstone Room epitomizes the elegance of Edwardian dining. Silver service and crisp white linen will reinforce the graciousness of the evening. After dinner, you may dance the night away to the Mandevu Band.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

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Day 8

Wednesday, June 27, 2001 - Victoria Falls.
Thursday, June 28, 2001 - Arrive USA.
Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure.
Transfer to the Craft Market.

Victoria Falls Morning of leisurely shopping experience, rich in culture and history. There are a wide variety of curios and souvenirs and countless bargains in modern shops or at the open-air curio markets, where Zimbabwe's famous stone and woodcarvings are a specialty.
Farewell lunch in the Palm Restaurant.
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport.
Check in for international flight.
Arrive JFK for connection to your home city.

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