Wilderness Jacana is an intimate luxury tented classic camp situated in the stunning private Jao Concession on the western side of the Okavango Delta. This is very much a water camp and is completely surrounded by water when the flood is up.
Maun Airport (MUB)
The safari experience here is mainly based around water activities such as boating and mokoro activities and fishing but game drives are also possible. There are plenty of elephant in the area, especially when the wild date palms are in fruit. Birding at Wilderness Jacana is excellent including the seldom seen Pel’s Fishing Owl and there are some of the greatest concentrations of the endangered Wattled Crane in the area. Wilderness Jacana is set in the most densely populated wetland area for sitatunga antelope and red lechwe, and hippo and crocodile are regularly sighted. In the dry season lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, wildebeest and zebra are prevalent, with lion, cheetah and leopard often sighted.
Located on a beautiful island and surrounded by the seasonally inundated floodplain and papyrus swamps, Wilderness Jacana consists of 5 oversized Meru-style tents built on raised wooden decks under a thatch each with its own deck with panoramic views over the water. Each tent has an enclosed en-suite bathroom. The main dining area is on an elevated platform between two magnificent sycamore fig trees and surrounded by dense wild date palms. Wilderness Jacana also has a cosy drinks and lounge with an area for an open fire under the stars; and a plunge pool for cooling off in the midday sun.
We’ll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Luzern (Lucerne) for a “Welcome to Switzerland” meeting. Then we’ll take a meandering evening walk through Switzerland’s most charming lakeside town, and get acquainted with one another over dinner together. Sleep in Luzern (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zurich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.
Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Favorite At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
