Ultimate African Safari: Kruger, Hwange, Chobe, & the Okavango Delta
Ultimate African Safari: Kruger, Hwange, Chobe, & the Okavango Delta
$5499
Ultimate African Safari: Kruger, Hwange, Chobe, & the Okavango Delta
18 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Maun, Botswana
Visiting: Johannesburg, Greater Kruger Area, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Nata, Maun, Okavango Delta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26400
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Ultimate African Safari, an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa's most iconic landscapes. This adventure takes you across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, offering thrilling safari drives in Kruger and Hwange National Parks, where you can spot the Big Five and other wildlife. Feel the mist of Victoria Falls, explore the Chobe River by boat, and glide through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe. Experience cultural moments with local communities, including a traditional South African Braai and a Lusumpuko Women's Club dinner. With a mix of comfortable lodges and tented camps, this tour promises an immersive and diverse exploration of Africa's natural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at any time. After an early evening welcome meeting, enjoy an included Braai dinner to get our first taste of South African fare.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables, homemade salads, and the opportunity to taste some of the South African flavours after your welcome meeting.
Day 2: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
Location: Johannesburg, Greater Kruger Area
Accommodation Name: Awelani Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Johannesburg early to get a jump start on today's long drive. An included lunch along the way will break up the drive and give you a chance to stretch your legs. Arrive to your lodge accommodations in the late afternoon, just in time to freshen up for dinner with the group.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the way to the Greater Kruger Area and your accommodation for the night at the Awelani Conservancy.
Day 3: Greater Kruger Area
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Awelani Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up bright and early today for an included bush walk. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible nature that surrounds you. Enjoy a picnic lunch after the walk and then a few hours of well earned rest back at the lodge. In the later afternoon set off on a safari drive to the wildlife in Kruger National Park.
ACTIVITY: MORNING There are many ways to experience the African soil, but doing it on foot is one of the most exciting ways to immerse yourself in the Great Kruger area. Follow an expert guide into the bush. The area is surrounded with Baobab trees and other plants and bushes endemic to the area. This is a great place to visit for any avid birdwatchers.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot large herds of elephant roaming in the area as well as groups of buffalo, antelope, hyena, and more.
Day 4: Kruger National Park Area
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an early start this morning to enter the park and enjoy the full-day safari drive through Kruger in search of the Big Five. After an exciting day out in the wild, arrive late afternoon to your lodge and enjoy some local fare during dinner this evening.
TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Spend the day in Kruger National Park, trying to spot the big five. Enjoy a full day safari drive en-route to our lodge.
Day 5: Kruger National Park Area
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another full day in Kruger awaits. Hop into a 4x4 to enjoy a more intimate wildlife safari drive, one offering a fresh perspective of the scenery and animals around you. Finish the day with a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.
ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
Day 6: Kruger National Park Area
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a free day in the area and choose which optional activities are best for you. Possible options include a morning or afternoon safari drive in Kruger National Park, or a full-day tour along the Panorama Route to set those photography skills to the test. The route offers unbelievable views at every turn and traverses the Great Escarpment via thrilling mountain passes.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY With loads of optional activities to choose from, there's lots to see and do in Greater Kruger.
Day 7: Kruger/Johannesburg
Location: Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the lodge, witness first-hand the large role conservation plays in Kruger and the surrounding areas on an educational visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden. This animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees is located in the Umhloti Nature Reserve and a tour here is the perfect way to celebrate a visit to South Africa. Arrive to the lively city of Johannesburg in the early evening and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.
ACTIVITY: Chimp Eden, run by the Jane Goodall Institute, is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. This is a home for orphaned and rescued chimps as well as those displaced from their natural habitats in other parts of Africa. Tour the facility and visit viewing areas for two different 'camps' where a guide will introduce you to the chimps and tell you about their history and behaviour.
TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls
Location: Johannesburg, Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: A Zambezi River Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave South Africa behind today and head to the epic wildlife and scenery of Zimbabwe. After breakfast the group will travel to the airport in Johannesburg and catch a flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, there will be free time to get settled and relax before an included group dinner hosted by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a G Adventures-supported initiative.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and relax on your flight between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls.
FREE TIME: Take advantage of some free time to get settled and explore the area around your lodge accommodations before dinner this evening.
ACTIVITY: Start your visit to Victoria Falls off on the right foot by sitting down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you’ll be served a farm-to-table dinner made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives’ 20 members – changing their lives and families in the process.
Day 9: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time for a free day of exploration in Victoria Falls, home to the world’s largest sheet of falling water, and considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders. There are many activities to choose from like white water rafting, bungee jumping, the Bamba tram, or you can prebook the Victoria Falls helicopter ride. Come back together with the group in the evening for the Simunye Theatrical Show for a captivating performance and where dinner will be served.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend a full free day in Victoria Falls and choose from a wide variety of optional activities offered locally. If you're feeling very adventurous there's a helicopter ride over the falls you can pre-book or other options include the Bamba Tram, ziplining, and white water rafting.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a lively theatre performance directed by the acclaimed handspring Puppeteer Mongiwekhaya, showcasing local professional artists in an intimate, open-air venue. This captivating fusion of dance, puppetry, music, and visuals delivers a powerful message of love and community and the universal spirit of togetherness.
Day 10: Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park
Location: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Accommodation Name: Hwange Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Hwange National Park today with a stop along the way to the Painted Dog Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre for a tour of the facilities. Learn about their efforts to save wild dogs in the area and reintroduce them to the wild. Then, continue on to your lodge stay where there will be free time to enjoy the property’s amenities or choose to join an optional afternoon or night safari drive into the national park.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Painted Dog Conservancy and learn about the work being done to rehabilitate animals that have been injured from poaching. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated wild dogs back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching.
FREE TIME: Spend a free afternoon enjoying the amenities at the lodge or opt for a daytime and/or night safari drive in open vehicles through the national park.
Day 11: Hwange National Park
Location: Hwange National Park
Accommodation Name: Hwange Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning the group will set out early for a safari drive through Hwange National Park. The park boasts over 100 mammal and 400 bird species, and houses all of Zimbabwe’s specially protected wildlife. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring on your own. Choose between enjoying the lodge’s amenities or perhaps another afternoon safari drive into the park.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest park, and home to elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. Get your cameras ready and keep an eye out for Africa's "big five," as well as other predators, over 300 bird species, and discover a remote portion of Hwange National Park where you will seldom see another vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon in the area. Choose to relax and enjoy the amenities at the lodge, or choose an optional safari drive back into the park to see more wildlife.
Day 12: Hwange NP to Chobe NP via Kasane
Location: Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: Thebe River Safaris Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Hwange National Park this morning and transfer to Victoria Falls where you’ll be able to grab a quick lunch on your own before crossing the border into Botswana. Arrive at the lodge near Chobe National Park in the afternoon. There will then be free time to get settled and relax. Or you could choose to join the optional Chobe River Sunset Cruise for a taste of what’s to come on this next leg of your adventure.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Your transfer today involves the Kazangula Border crossing into Botswana.
FREE TIME: Take advantage of free time in Chobe. Get settled at the lodge and opt to book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise for a taste of the magnificent wildlife in this area of Botswana.
Day 13: Chobe National Park
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: Thebe River Safaris Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Savour breakfast at the lodge before a morning safari drive through the wild landscape of Chobe National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa and boasting some herds numbering in the hundreds. Other animals you may see while on safari here are lions, leopards, hippos, gazelles, and large herds of buffalo. Return to the lodge for lunch on your own before a free afternoon for optional activities in the area. Choose to prebook the Four Corners of Africa River cruise for a unique experience in the water where four countries meet. Dinner is included at the lodge this evening.
ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source.
During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON The afternoon will be free for travellers to partake in optional activities in the area or to simply relax in the cozy setting of the lodge.
Day 14: Chobe NP to Nata via Kasane
Location: Chobe National Park, Nata
Accommodation Name: Elephant Sands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Nata after breakfast and arrive in the early afternoon. Then, take advantage of free time to explore on your own and perhaps choose to go on the Makgadikgadi Pans Sundowner Safari Drive. This safari experience takes you into Botswana’s salt pans to enjoy the dramatic landscape, spot wildlife, and witness a colourful sunset weather depending. Dinner is included back at the lodge in the evening.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: Take advantage of this free afternoon in Nata to relax or prebook the Makgadikgadi Pans Sundowner Safari Drive. This drive will take you out into the unique landscape of the salt pans and give you a taste of the incredible wildlife that can be found there.
Day 15: Nata
Location: Nata
Accommodation Name: Elephant Sands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day early with a guided bush walk where you’ll learn about the fascinating uses of native plants and how to identify different kinds of animal tracks. Being on foot is a unique way to smell, hear, and experience the essence of the bush. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend the remainder of the day free in this incredible area that offers a fascinating contrast between a lush oasis and surrounding arid plain. Choose between a safari drive through the landscape, or simply spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the lodge’s surroundings. Dinner will be included tonight.
ACTIVITY: Head out into the bush to learn more about the area. Keep your eyes open and your binoculars ready to spot eagles, bustards, flamingoes, and blue-cheeked bee-eaters.
FREE TIME: Spend most of the day free to do as you choose. Options available are safari drives, horseback riding, and relaxing at the lodge with the beautiful sounds of nature as your background music.
Day 16: Nata/Maun
Location: Maun
Accommodation Name: Cresta Riley's Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Maun today and arrive at the lodge around lunchtime. Maun is considered the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. Upon arrival there will be free time to get settled and then you can choose to experience a scenic helicopter ride through the Delta. Dinner at the lodge is included tonight.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time in Maun this afternoon. Choose to book the Delta Scenic Helicopter Flight or simply relax at the lodge after today's longer drive.
Day 17: Okavango Delta Day Excursion
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: Cresta Riley's Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the lodge in Maun the group will enjoy a day excursion into the Okavango Delta. This special place is the world’s largest inland delta, creating a unique ecosystem with lush wetlands and islands amid the Kalahari Desert. Search for epic wildlife like elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and a vast array of birds. Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride along the waterways, and soak up the landscapes and animals that can be found in this premier African safari destination. Tonight, return to the hotel in Maun for a relaxing evening and included dinner.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy wildlife walks, wildlife viewing, mokoro trips, and birdwatching in the pristine wilderness area of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. This excursion is a day trip and the group will be returning to the hotel in Maun for the evening.
Day 18: Maun
Location: Maun
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment
Experience a Lusumpuko Women's Club Dinner in Victoria Falls.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group upon arrival.
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Foodie Moment
Enjoy a Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue) in Johannesburg.
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Discover Moment
Explore Victoria Falls.
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Nature Walk
Participate in a guided nature walk.
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Wildlife Safari Drive
Experience thrilling wildlife safari drives.
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Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local dancing.
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Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
Embark on an open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park.
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Chimp Eden Tour
Visit the Chimp Eden sanctuary.
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Simunye Theatre Show
Attend the Simunye Theatre Show.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities during free time are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with a combination of plane, private vehicles, safari vehicles, walking, and traditional mokoro canoe, ensuring a diverse and immersive journey through Africa's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a tented camp, and 11 nights in lodges, offering a perfect retreat after thrilling safari days.
Meals Included
17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 16 dinners
Group Size
Max 18, avg. 14
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari drives?
During the safari drives, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, hyenas, and a wide range of bird species. The tour covers areas like Kruger National Park, Hwange National Park, and Chobe National Park, which are home to the Big Five and many other animals.
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What is a mokoro ride and where will it take place?
A mokoro ride is a traditional canoe experience that takes place in the Okavango Delta. It allows you to glide through the waterways of the delta, offering a unique perspective of the lush wetlands and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
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What is the Painted Dog Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre?
The Painted Dog Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre is a facility dedicated to the conservation of wild dogs in Zimbabwe. It focuses on rehabilitating injured animals, educating local communities, and ultimately releasing rehabilitated wild dogs back into the wild.
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What activities are included in the Okavango Delta day excursion?
The Okavango Delta day excursion includes wildlife walks, wildlife viewing, mokoro trips, and birdwatching. This excursion allows you to explore the unique ecosystem of the world's largest inland delta and observe its diverse wildlife.
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What is the Simunye Theatre Show?
The Simunye Theatre Show is a lively performance that takes place in Victoria Falls. It features a captivating fusion of dance, puppetry, music, and visuals, showcasing local professional artists and delivering a powerful message of love, community, and togetherness.
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What is the Lusumpuko Women's Club Dinner?
The Lusumpuko Women's Club Dinner is a traditional Zimbabwean meal hosted by a group of women from a nearby township in Victoria Falls. It provides a farm-to-table dining experience with local, in-season ingredients and supports the cooperative's members by providing much-needed income.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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