Overland from South Africa - Southern Circle Safari

Prices for - African Adventure Safaris

SOUTHERN CIRCLE SAFARI

24 – DAY OVERLAND EXPLORER

Johannesburg to Johannesburg

HIGHLIGHTS: 5 Countries, Makgadigadi Salt Pans, Chobe Game Drive, Victoria Falls, Zambezi Canoe Trip, Luangwa Game Reserve, Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain Hike, Mozambique Beaches, Dhow / Boat Trip, Maputo, Kruger National Park

For those that wish to experience the highlights of southern Africa with the convenience of flying in and out of Johannesburg. This tour will show you the best parts of five countries, and endeavours to highlight the contrasts that make up this region. From the desert landscapes of Botswana to the lush forests of Zambia, the tea plantations of Malawi to the deserted beaches of Mozambique, you will experience built up cities and rural homesteads, good highways and dirt tracks. This tour also concentrates on some of the finest Game Reserves in Africa, including Chobe, Luangwa and Kruger where you will see a huge variety of animals all in their natural environment. An open and flexible approach is essential for this tour.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – NATA
Departing from Johannesburg, we head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities we continue to Nata, an oasis- like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans. Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

DAY 2: CHOBE RIVER
This morning we enjoy a short excursion onto the fragile crust of the salt pans. During the rainy season, huge flocks of water-birds are attracted to the pans, a sight not to be missed. We then continue up to the mighty Chobe River and adjoining National Park where huge herds of Elephant gather at the water. After an extensive afternoon game drive within the Chobe National Park, we cross the border and head for Victoria Falls, to spend three nights in comfort at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN. B L D

DAY 3 – 4: VICTORIA FALLS
During our stay here we will view the spectacular Falls and the other highlights of this “Africa’s adventure capital”. Those seeking adrenaline may wish to try the Bungi jump, White Water Rafting or a variety of aircraft flips (own expense). One night we will eat at a local restaurant (own expense). B D

DAY 5: KAFUE CAMP
Crossing the original railway bridge, we have a last view of the Falls before entering Zambia. Our journey today takes us through southern Zambia and then down into the Lower Zambezi Valley to Kafue, where we will camp the night. Relax at the pool this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing. B L D

DAY 6 – 8: ZAMBEZI CANOE
The Zambezi River needs little introduction, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, this provides for what can only be described as the finest canoe adventure in the world. What better way to see big game at close quarters than from a canoe. We will spend two nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the third day we are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense). B L D

DAY 9: LUANGWA RIVER
Reunited with our vehicle we travel through the capital of Lusaka and then along the “Great East Road” to our next overnight camp. We will cover as much distance as possible today. B L D

DAY 10 – 11: LUANGWA NAT. PARK
Our next stop is the Luangwa National Park, where we spend two nights camping on the banks of the river, well known for its impressive Hippo population. During our stay here we will partake in an extensive game drive in the park in search of the illusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa’s best. Optional night drive (own expense). B L D

DAY 12 – 13: LAKE MALAWI
Crossing into Malawi today, our first stop is Lilongwe, the capital. After stocking up with groceries and curios, we continue to Lake Malawi, an impressive inland freshwater sea. The snorkeling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We spend two nights here, camping literally on the beach. B L D

DAY 14 – 15: MULANJE MASSIVE
Turning south, we head for Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. We will spend two nights camping in the area, and will enjoy a hike to the plateau from where the views are exceptional. B L D

DAY 16: CHIMOIO
Travelling via Blantyre, today we enter Mozambique. Our journey takes us through the Tete corridor, across the Zambezi river and alongside the mountains that form the border with Zimbabwe. We camp wild tonight in the remote region of Chimoio. B L D

DAY 17 : VILANCULOS
Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos – on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the night here in casitas, situated literally on the Beach. Tonight we enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (own expense). B L

DAY 18-20: INHAMBANE
Moving south along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our Drifters BARRA BEACH CAMP under the Coconut Palms on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in casitas at this camp and during our time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. On the last night we enjoy a catered meal (Own expense) those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense) B L D

DAY 21: MAPUTO

Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards our last stop in Mozambique – the capital Maputo B L

DAY 22: KRUGER NAT. PARK
Maputo boasts an interesting, almost latino culture of street cafes and markets, and we will spend time this morning driving through and viewing these and the other attractions of this once grandiose city. This afternoon we cross back into South Africa and make our way to the Kruger National Park to camp the night. B L D

DAY 23: KRUGER NAT. PARK - HAZYVIEW
No visit to Africa would be complete without Kruger. We spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and in the late afternoon travel the short distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN. B L D

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG
A leisurely start today, after enjoying a walk on the property, we make way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the DRIFTERS INN in the late afternoon. B

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in developing countries. Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi and Zambia ; these are the client’s responsibility. Precautions against malaria are advisable. A small daypack is advisable for the hike on Mulanje. The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations.

Our price includes all transport, accommodation, entry fees and permits, game drives and walks, canoe trip, group equipment, professional guides and most meals. Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, and optional excursions are for the client’s own expense.

Recommended guide of what to bring along.

Backpack/Barrelbag/Soft Suitcase
Sleeping Bag & Small Pillow
Water Bottle
Torch/Flashlight
Sport Shoes/Sneakers
Sandals
Toiletries
Sun Cream
Long Trousers/Tracksuit
Shorts
Waterproof Windbreaker
Insect Repellant
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Propholaxis
Jersey/Jumper
**Refreshments
T-Shirts/ Shirts
Money (laundry expenses, gratuities)
Socks
Underwear
Camera
Binoculars (Film)
Swimming Costume
Books (Birds, Mammals etc.)
Towel
Pen
Hat
Passport/Visas (if applicable)

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory and we can arrange excellent travel/medical cover for you.

TRANSPORT

We use Mercedes trucks, Mercedes vans, Landcruisers, Samils and Unimogs, all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 20 clients depending on the application.

GROUP SIZE AND AGE

Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 20 persons. By travelling in small groups it means that we don't invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service for our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours make them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years. The minimum size of a group for a guaranteed departure must be 6 people, although we may run with less.

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

Clients must realize that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarize themselves before travelling.

PARTICIPATION

The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for any of our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the mere nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.

GUIDES

Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in their environment, their experience and their ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and Satour.

SLEEPING Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilise Inns, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels, even under the stars, if desired. Thin sleeping mats are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag, (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aeroplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

EQUIPMENT HIRE

We hire out sleeping bags if required.

SPENDING MONEY

Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual's needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of travelling, curios, alcohol and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes and transfers and additional excursions not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.

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.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Prices for - African Adventure Safaris