Taking in the vast beauty of the Kruger National Park, exploring the history and wildlife of Zimbabwe, standing mere metres away from one of the worlds natural wonders. This safari promises to deliver. Travelling towards the coast our journey takes in mountain ranges, sisal plantations and many a village before arriving at the bustling port of Dar es Salaam. Just off the coast lies the spice island of Zanzibar which is ours to explore and immerse ourselves in for three days. From scuba diving, fishing, spice tours to just sitting back and watching life go by African style. After 26 days you will truly understand and feel the heart, soul and beat of Africa.

This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and to Zanzibar, ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday morning.  Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting:           Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                      Backpacker’s Ritz - 1A North Road, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg

Check-In Time:                        07h45

Departure Time:                      08h00

Please Note:

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

DAY 1:  Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park.  On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2:  Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park.  Covering 21 497 km² - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species.  23 000 different types of plants have been recorded.  We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these.  There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3:  Hazyview to Graskop (B / L / D)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop.  It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window.  The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities.  We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.  Graskop’s night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4:  Graskop to Musina (B / L / D)

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines.  However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5:  Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (B / L / D)

Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition.  We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.  This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization.  The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona.  Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6:  Masvingo to Gweru (B / L / D)

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands.  Here we stop over at The Antelope Park.  It is said “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls… and the Antelope Park.”  A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope!  We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7:  Gweru (B / L / D)

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

DAYS 8:  Gweru to Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon.  The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council.  Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9:  Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino.  This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle.  Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.  Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!)  We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10:  Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B / L)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 & 12:  Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari.  All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters.  Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side.  All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!  All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site.  White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class.  Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 13:  Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia) (B / L / D)

We leave Zimbabwe and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zambia at the town of Livingstone.  We have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.  Another fantastic photo opportunity.  The day affords us the opportunity to participate in the activities available in Zambia we weren’t able to do on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls.  Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 14:  Livingstone to Lusaka (B / L / D)

An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka.  The campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.

DAY 15:  Lusaka to Chipata (B / L / D)

From Lusaka we head north east to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border.  Here we spend the night before heading into Malawi.

DAYS 16 to 20:  Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi) (B / L / D)

Leaving Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.  We stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi.  We travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches.  Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round.  Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch.  Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself!  The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

DAY 21:  Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania) (B / L / D)

After a relaxing 5 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe.  Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

DAY 22:  Iringa to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)

The next morning we make our way to Dar es Salaam.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic.  On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. 

DAY 23:  Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights.  Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.  New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

PLEASE NOTE:  Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own.  The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 24 & 25:  Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor.  Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade.  The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience.  Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow.  Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island.  Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise.  Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality.  Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.

DAY 26:  Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note    

- these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).  

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

"Safari Njema"         

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.