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Trekking, Birding, Wildlife, Cultural, Camping, Overland Safaris and Adventures

African Safaris and Overland Adventures    African Wildlife Adventure Safaris    African Budget Truck Adventures    Trans Africa Expeditions
 

If your request itinerary reads, palm fringed beaches, interacting with and learning about the local tribes and customs, exploring the mighty waterways of Africa and searching for the Big 5 then this 26 day safari is for you. From Sultana’s places on the spice island of Zanzibar to the vibrant shanty towns of South Africa, this trip incorporates it all. Come and experience some of the best spice, flavour and wildlife that East and Southern Africa has to offer. 

This trip begins in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and travels to Zanzibar and then south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana before ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This trip departs from Dar Es Salaam early on Saturday morning.  Should you wish to explore Dar Es Salaam, 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:                      Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni.

Check-In Time:                        07h30

Departure Time:                      08h30

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:  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. 

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 2 & 3:  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 4:  Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam. 

DAY 5:  Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south.  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.  We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

DAYS 6 to 10:  Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B / L / D)

Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe. 

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi.  We travel the 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 white 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 11:  Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.

DAY 12:  Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)

From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka.  The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland.

DAY 13:  Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)

An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone.  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.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari!  The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity.  Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 14:  Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)

We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

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.

DAYS 15 & 16:  Victoria Falls (B on both days)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

DAY 17:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds. The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset.

DAY 18:  Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 19:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into The Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.  Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball.

DAY 20:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

DAY 21:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 22:  Maun to Francistown (B / L / D)

An early start sees us head for a late afternoon arrival in Francistown.  Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s.  Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here we stock up on our supplies for the next few days.

DAY 23:  Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning we cross into South Africa.  We cross the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane.  This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on our way to the Kruger National Park.

DAY 24:  Polokwane to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Polokwane we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park.  We return to our camp, just 8 km the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 25:  Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that eluded us on our first visit.

DAY 26:  Hazyview to Johannesburg (B)

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination, Egoli, the place of gold.  On arrival in Johannesburg 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.