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Savanna Dawn

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

Prices for African Overland Truck Adventures

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Savanna Dawn

Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe

For an Africa overland safari with a myriad of experiences, landscapes and cultures in one trip, embark on our Savanna Dawn Kenya to Zimbabwe safari. From visiting two of the worlds best known gameparks in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, lying on the white sands of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean to the fresh water of Lake Malawi and seeing one of the wonders of the world in Victoria Falls, African safari travel does not get much more varied than this. What’s more, you’ll have a real adventure while still having the time to relax.


DAY 1 - 4 Our Kenya to Zimbabwe safari begins! We depart Nairobi early morning and immediately find ourselves in hot savannah grasslands with thorn trees and acacia providing the only shade. We should see some game, usually zebra and giraffe as we head south and cross into Tanzania and the town of Arusha. Here we use a local African safari travel company to guide us through Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Parks. On the crater floor you can spend the day viewing the abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos. From here you can also choose to go into the Serengeti for a day where vast herds of wildebeest roam the plains. There is also the option, for those who wish to visit a local Maasai Village and learn about their culture and way of life.

DAY 5 - 9 It's one-day drive to Dar Es Salaam, and just another day in the life of an Africa overland safari. We’ll pass a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering peak of Kilimanjaro. At Dar Es Salaam we camp for about 4 nights in a campsite on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. From here most people take the ferry out to Zanzibar for the full four days and venture into the narrow bustling streets of StoneTown and its famous spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons. There is also time to enjoy yourself on Zanzibar's famous white beaches before returning to Dar Es Salaam.

DAY 10 - 12 After meeting the Zanzibar ferry we begin the journey through the interesting and often mountainous hinterland of Tanzania. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads, we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. African safari travel is synonymous with wildlife, and in this national park we usually see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside. We now pass rivers and small waterfalls as we head for and enter Malawi which is dominated by its huge fresh water lake.

DAY 13 - 17 The next 2 days marks the midpoint of this Kenya to Zimbabwe safari and will be spent on a small laid back campsite on the edge of Lake Malawi. Camping here sums up the spirit of an Africa overland tour with Oasis Overland. From here we follow the lake shore south and spend a further 2 or 3 nights on one of the fully equipped larger camps where you can windsurf, scuba dive, water ski etc. If you are more inclined to just relax there is no better place than on the shores of Lake Malawi. This really is a warm friendly country and some people will go off for a couple of days and stay in one of the many villages nearby, or visit a school or one of the craft markets, where artisans produce some exquisite pieces of furniture and carvings out of ebony and mahogany.

DAY 18 - 21 From here we continue on to Blantyre in the south of the country where we stop for two nights. Here we organise our Mozambique visas as well as possibly visit the local brewery - which is always eagerly anticipated! From Blantyre we cross into Mozambique and head for Zimbabwe to continue our African overland tour.

We follow the infamous ‘Tete Corridor’ which was well known in the days of Mozambique’s long running civil war as the ‘Gun Run’. Thankfully these days things are a lot different! We enter Zimbabwe and travel to Harare where we spend two nights to round off the first leg of the Savanna Dawn overland safari.

Those on the 21 Day Kenya to Zimbabwe tour finish here in Harare, while those on the 31 Day tour carry on to Victoria Falls.

DAY 22 - 24 From Harare we head south to Gweru. Here we visit a privately run horse and game ranch where you can go game viewing on elephant and horseback or even take a walk with Lion Cubs! Its our destination for the next two days and always a highlight!

DAY 25 - 27 From here we travel to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins which was once the greatest medieval city in Sub Saharan Africa and where the name Zimbabwe derives from, literally meaning ”house of stone”. From here we continue south for Bulawayo, where our African safari tour continues.

DAY 28 - 29 You have the option of leaving the truck for a day and a night and using a local safari company, venture into Matobo National Park where you may well see the elusive Black Rhino amongst hordes of other game. There is also the opportunity to visit Cecil Rhodes' grave and Worlds End view point before catching an old colonial style sleeper train to meet up with the truck again at one of the greatest adventure playgrounds of the world - Victoria Falls.

DAY 30 - 31 For some, Mosi oa Tunya - ’The Smoke That Thunders’, is the highlight of their African safari. From the main road, in the bush 20 kms away, a cloud can be seen against the blue sky. As you get closer a low rumble of thunder can be heard. When you arrive it is a surprise to discover the enormity of Victoria Falls. One mile wide and hurling over 5 million cubic metres of water a minute into the Zambezi Gorge this is the setting for the most awesome of grade 5 white water rafting in the world. There is something here for everyone to end off this Kenya to Zimbabwe safari: a day trip over the great Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia with its excellent views of the Falls, a more sedate canoe trip, the Flight of Angels over the Falls in a light aircraft, microlite or helicopter, Sunset Boat Cruises, the Gorge Swing, an Abseil and one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world – a perfect way to end your African experience.

Victoria Falls marks the end of the Kenya to Zimbabwe safari. From here you can travel by bus, train or plane to Johannesburg or Harare to connect with international flights, or begin another Africa overland safari to neighbouring countries.

 

What's Included

  • Ngorongoro Crater & Game Drive

  • Mikumi Game Park

  • Lake Malawi

  • Private Game Ranch*

  • Overnight Sleeper Train*

  • All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck

  • All Camping fees

  • Camping and Cooking gear

  • 3 Meals per day while travelling (2 in towns)

  • Services of Oasis Crew

    *31 day trip only

What's NOT Included

  • Flights

  • Airport Taxes and Transfers

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas - £20 - £90 (depending on nationality most can be obtained en route),

  • Meals taken while in hotels/hostels

  • Drinks

  • Tips and Optional excursions as listed.

 

Optional Excursions

 
Excursion Price (£) Price ($)
Serengeti Nat. Park £105.00 $180.00
Zanzibar Ferry (return) £40.00 $65.00
Zanzibar Hotels per night - from £7.00 $10.00
Meals on Zanzibar - from £7.00 $10.00
Diving Zanzibar £40.00 $70.00
Lake Malawi Diving - from £25.00 $42.00
Great Zimbabwe Ruins (31 day tour only) £6.00 $10.00
Gameride by elephant (31 day tour only) £20.00 $35.00
Gameride by horseback (31 day tour only) £10.00 $17.00
Lion Walk (31 day tour only) £18.00 $30.00
Elephant ride/swim (31 day tour only) - each £15.00 $25.00
Safari - Motobo Nat. Park (31 day tour only) £30.00 $52.00
Flight of Angels (31 day tour only) - from £40.00 $70.00
White Water Rafting (31 day tour only) £60.00 $105.00
Bungee jump off Vic Falls Bridge (31 day tour only) £40.00 $120.00
Entrance to the Falls (31 day tour only) £12.00 $20.00
Video of rafting or your jump (31 day tour only) - from £15.00 $25.00
Abseil/Gorge Swing (31 day tour only) £60.00 $103.00
Sundowner Booze Cruise (31 day tour only) £20.00 $35.00
Jet Boating (31 day tour only) £35.00 $60.00
1 Day Canoe trip (31 day tour only) £50.00 $90.00

 

 

KEY FEATURES OF OVERLAND EXPEDITION VEHICLES

When you travel overland, you will travel in our sturdy purpose-built trucks. For our Africa and Middle East tours, conditions are more extreme, and so all the vehicles visit our Harare workshop every three months for extensive servicing. During the trip preventative maintenance is carried out by our drivers who are trained at our workshop in the UK. Vehicles are built in the UK, with practicality and comfort in mind.


All trucks are equipped with:
 

  • Inward-facing coach seats with head rests, providing more storage space for your souvenirs and luggage as well as more leg room to stretch out on the longer journeys as we travel overland. It means we can't pack as many people in as with 'bus' type forward-facing layouts with narrow aisles, but the extra space is always appreciated!
     

  • The Beach - a unique feature which enables several people at a time to be up and out in the open with panoramic views on our Africa and Middle East tours.
     

  • Under-seat storage for your backpack so you have easy access even when driving.
     

  • Side and rear roll-up windows, providing extensive views.
     

  • Large water, fuel and food carrying capacities.
     

  • Onboard truck safe and library, overhead lockers, cassette stereo and a professionally-compiled medical kit.
     

  • Comprehensive range of spare truck parts and tools.
     

  • Spacious two-person tents with in-built ground sheets and mosquito netting, gas cookers, cooking gear and cutlery, cooler boxes, tables,
    campstools and all-weather awnings (for cooking and shade).
     

  • All overland expedition trucks for our Africa and Middle East tours are equipped with sand mats and, where necessary, tyre chains and tirfor winches.
     

Our crew has gained a considerable knowledge and experience of travelling even before they join us. They have a passion and enthusiasm for their work and for the countries and places we visit.
All overland expedition vehicles have two crew - except in exceptional circumstances. Their experience and knowledge will enable you to get the most out of your trip and to have an unforgettable experience as you travel overland.
The diagram below provides a general idea of the layout of an expedition vehicle.

 

Click to close window
 

Essential Africa Travel Information

We offer the perfect option for overland adventure or gap year travel in Africa. However, before you depart, read here for information on travelling with us through this vast, wild and beautiful continent.

Starting and Finishing your Trip
Nairobi, Harare, Victoria Falls and Cape Town are the start and finish points in Africa. We recommend arriving a couple of days before your trip starts in order to acclimatise and give yourself a free day. Most people also leave time spare to visit Cape Town and some will carry on with travel to South Africa for a couple of weeks. Or, if you’re embarking on gap year travel in Africa, a trip with us might be the perfect way to kickstart it, and the end point of Cape Town is the perfect place from which to continue your year abroad. We can advise you of places to stay and can book accommodation for you, as well as advise you on general Africa travel information. Contact us today and see how we can help you!

Travelling Style in Africa
We camp in either designated campsites, or bush-camps using two person tents. We usually cook over open fires in a rota system. Driving days normally start around 8am and finish around 5pm with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won’t be travelling every day, although there are times when we will travel for two days in a row. We will then be stopped for three to four days relaxing somewhere.

Passports and Visas
Most nationalities require visas for some of the countries that we travel through, including travel to South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe. However we get these en-route. The costs listed below are a guideline, please note that prices and conditions can change at anytime without notice. Please ensure that you bring US Dollars to pay for your visas. If you are embarking on travel in Africa, be aware that you will need at least one blank page in your passport for each country you enter, which must be valid for at least 9 months. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport. Contact us for further Africa travel information regarding passport laws.

Uganda - At present all nationalities require visas. We obtain these on the border for most European nationalities, Australian and New Zealanders costing US$ 30 to $50.

Kenya - Tourist visas are currently US$20 to US$50 and are issued on arrival for British, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans. You will need a valid yellow fever certificate and an onward ticket to show immigration on arrival. Americans and Canadians should check with the embassy before travel.

Tanzania - At the moment we can obtain visas on the border. British, Canadians, South African and Americans require a visa currently costing US$60. New Zealanders $30 Australians $50.

Malawi - No visas required for most nationalities.

Mozambique - All Nationalities require a visa. We can obtain a transit visa on route for US$20 so it is not necessary to have this visa before travelling.

Zambia - While in Victoria Falls we usually cross into Zambia for a day. A one day visa can usually be arranged locally at no cost.

Zimbabwe - At present most European nationalities and Australians and New Zealanders require an entry visa, but this is easily purchased on the border. The visa costs US$30 for a single entry and US$50 for a double entry. United Kingdom and Ireland passport holders require a visa costing US$55.

Botswana, Namibia and South Africa - Most nationalities do not require a visa.

Climate
Even though we cover fairly large distances during our travel to Africa, the climate does not change significantly. In East Africa the year is divided into the ’short’ rains (November) and the ’long’ rains (March to May). The ’rains’ usually last for one or two hours each day followed by sunny weather.

Travel to South Africa and Southern Africa means that the ‘dry’ season is April to October and the ‘wet’ season is November to March. Although at night temperatures can be very cold the days are usually hot. If you’re embarking on gap year travel to Africa, you’ll experience all the different seasons. Because of this, make sure you pack appropriate equipment and clothing for all weather types.
 

CLIMATE / RAINFALL (mm)

Temp°C
High-Low

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

KENYA
(Nairobi)

25-13
38

26-13
64

25-14
125

22-14
211

21-13
158

21-11
46

21-11
15

24-11
23

24-13
31

23-13
53

23-13
109

23-13
86

TANZANIA
(D.Salaam)

27-19
66

27-20
66

27-20
130

27-19
290

28-19
188

28-18
33

28-17
31

29-17
25

29-19
31

29-21
41

27-20
74

26-19
91

MALAWI
(Lilongwe)

27-17
208

27-17
218

27-16
125

27-14
43

25-11
3

23-8
0

23-7
0

25-8
0

27-12
0

30-16
0

29-17
53

28-18
125

ZIMB'WE
(Harare)

26-15
196

26-16
178

26-14
117

26-13
28

23-9
13

21-7
3

21-6
0

23-8
3

26-12
5

27-14
28

27-16
97

26-16
163

BOTSWANA
(Maun)

32-19
107

31-19
79

29-16
71

28-14
18

26-10
5

24-8
3

26-8
0

28-11
0

30-15
0

32-17
23

33-18
56

32-18
86

NAMIBIA
(Swakopmund)

29-17
0

28-16
5

27-15
8

25-13
3

22-9
3

20-7
0

20-6
3

23-8
0

25-12
0

29-15
0

29-15
0

30-17
0

S.AFRICA
(Cape Town)

25-14
15

25-14
8

24-13
18

22-10
48

19-6
79

17-4
84

17-4
89

20-6
66

23-9
43

25-12
31

25-13
18

26-14
10


Spending Money and Local Payment
At the beginning of your trip the crew will collect the Local Payment in Cash, Sterling or US Dollars. For personal spending we suggest an average of £80 to £120 per week. Personal spending habits vary hugely depending on individuals. We cannot specify every cost, but you need to allow for visas, drinks, occasional meals out, curios and local crafts, telephone calls and emails etc. Budget on optional side trips separately. Credit cards are virtually useless outside main cities so you need to bring at least a third of your spending money in Cash US Dollars and the rest in Sterling or Dollar Travellers Cheques. For those continuing with travel in Africa, major cities have cash points and foreign exchange facilities within easy reach.

Health
Vaccinations - You will have to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and will need an International Vaccination Certificate to prove this when we cross some borders. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Meningitis. Consult your doctor about the necessity of having Hepatitis B and Rabies shots and further Africa travel information regarding medicine and vaccination.

Malaria - Some GPs are quite well versed in tropical medicine, vaccination requirements and malarial prevention. However, many are not! If you are not happy with the information your doctor has provided, contact a reputable travel clinic in your area or phone us and we can give you the number of several clinics. There are a number of prophylactic malarial treatments on the market and requirements do change. Also, a particular regimen might suit you better than another. It is also wise to take a sample of which ever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change regimens if necessary. For gap year travel in Africa or other long periods of travel, a vaccination booklet is an easy way of keeping records of your immunisations.

Prices for African Overland Truck Adventures

 

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Footprint Adventures Ltd.

Registered Office 5 Malham Drive, Lincoln, LN6 0XD, UK.  Tel + 44 (0) 1522 804929 Fax + 44 (0) 1522 306156
 
Footprint Adventures Ltd is a limited liability Company Registered in England registration no 2363685, VAT number 619307049
© 1988 - 2008 Footprint Adventures and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.
Travel Trust Association Member R704x. The Travel Trust Association

The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is
ATOL T7080
ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.

Last Updated 04/07/2008

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