From the vast deserts of Botswana, through the lush and ecologically unspoiled South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, to the rugged Mountains peaks surrounding Lake Malawi, we explore the best of the sights, wildlife and culture that Southern Africa has to offer. We camp on the banks of the Chobe River, with its abundance of birdlife and wildlife, before we cross to the great Victoria Falls ("Mosi oa Tunya" - The smoke that thunders), which are an inspiring backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options. We canoe down the gentle currents of the Lower Zambezi, watch the wildlife from our camp, and take an optional night game drive in search of predators in South Luangwa. Visiting traditional African villages, spending days camped under coconut palms near the wide deserted beaches of Mozambique, overlooking the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and visiting the colourful and vibrant local markets ensures we appreciate the real beauty of this part of the amazing African continent. We pass through the famous Kruger National Park, before heading back to Johannesburg, where we conclude this classic southern African journey.
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Botswana
Please note that it is an early departure! Please ask your reservations consultant if you would like to book an pre- tour night here. Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30, this is mainly a traveling day, as we head north 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 and enjoy a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.
DAY 2: Chobe National Park
This morning we travel through the Chobe forest reserves up to the mighty Chobe River and adjoining National Park where huge herds of Elephant gather at the water. This is an area famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Chobe National Park, in Botswana’s northwest, was the country’s first official national park. It original inhabitants were the San bushmen, a nomadic people who moved constantly in search of food. Original San paintings can still be found inside rocky hills of the park. The park is best known for it’s number of Kalahari elephants, over 50,000, which is Africa’s largest concentration. Lion, hyena, antelope, wildebeest, warthog, hippopotamus and zebras are also commonly visible. The areas bird life is also prolific with more than 450 species recorded in the park. 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 Lodge.
DAYS 3/4: Victoria Falls
”MOSI-OA-TUNYA” - the smoke that thunders
During our stay here we will view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa and enjoy the other highlights of “Africa’s Adventure Capital”. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter over the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris etc. One night we enjoy traditional dancing and a “braai” at the pool. Breakfast is included on Day 4 and that night we eat at a local restaurant (own expense).
DAY 5: Lower Zambezi – Zambia
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.
DAYS 6/8: Zambezi Canoeing
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. Various wildlife may be seen grazing on the banks of the river and the area has abundant birdlife. Whilst paddling downstream with the gentle current of the river, we relax and enjoy the profound sense of peace and tranquility of the Lower Zambezi Valley. 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).
DAY 9: Luangwa
Reunited with our vehicle we continue through Zambia via the capital of Lusaka. We will cover as much distance as possible today and travel along the “Great East Road” to our next overnight camp.
DAYS 10/11: Luangwa National Park
The ecologically unspoilt Luangwa National Park is undoubtedly one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. 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 9050km2 park in search of the elusive Leopard and home to numerous predators and species of antelope. that make this park one of Africa’s best. Optional night game drive (own expense).
DAYS 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 lake, with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and beautiful bays, is surrounded by high rugged peaks and mountains. The snorkelling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We spend two nights here, camping literally on the beach.
DAYS 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.
DAY 16: Chimoio, Mozambique
Traveling via Blantyre, today we enter Mozambique. We enter the scenic eastern highland mountains with their many scattered traditional African villages. 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. The evening is spent enjoying the solitude of our bush camp.
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 will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (own expense).
DAYS 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 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 days are spent at leisure: relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the wide, deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. From here it is possible to enjoy one of the optional activitied including horse riding on the beach and scuba diving or snorkelling the colourful reefs off the coastline (own expense). On the last night we enjoy a catered meal (own expense).
DAY 21: Maputo
Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of cashew nuts towards our last beach stop in Mozambique - the capital Maputo. (Dinner own expense)
DAY 22: To Kruger National Park, South Africa
Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafés 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 famous wildlife sanctuary of the Kruger National Park, one of the oldest game reserves in Africa, to camp the night.
DAY 23: Kruger National Park
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 Lodge.
DAY 24: In Johannesburg, trip concludes
We have a leisurely start today. After enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the Drifters Lodge in the late afternoon, trip concludes.
DAY 25: Johannesburg
After an early morning game drive we leave Kruger Park ending back in Johannesburg approximately 4pm. (B,L)