Departing Johannesburg you head towards the Lowveld and the world famous Kruger National Park. Your camp for the next 2 nights is 8km from Kruger Park's Numbi Gate. Spoilt by a swimming pool and good hot showers you spend the evening around the campfire anticipating your game drive tomorrow.

Today you explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21 497 sq km - 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has been recorded to have more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23 000 plant species. Today is spent in the park on a full day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. This evening there is the option of a night drive in the park.

After a quick stock replenishment, you leave the Lowveld, climbing up in altitude to the beautiful town of Graskop. It is from this gateway that you get to explore the beauties of Mpumalanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Our stops for the day include the striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. There is a chance to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offers fantastic photographic opportunities. You then set up camp on lush green grass, and enjoy the luxury of a spectacularly situated swimming pool. For those in a party mood, the small town of Graskop's nightlife should be experienced.

A long, yet lovely day's drive as you head up North toward Zimbabwe. This is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the continually changing scenery. Tonight is your last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina - said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but when the mines closed in the 1990s it receded into the near desolation of a ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has regained its former glory and is rich with history.

Leaving South Africa you enter Zimbabwe, a country of tradition, culture, soul and scenic beauty. You make your way to the town of Masvingo, which lies in the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara, and provides evidence that this ancient African civilisation was relatively advanced. The name 'Zimbabwe' is derived from the Shona word, meaning 'great stone houses'. The grand setting and history-steeped walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of your trip. You will have the time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for your 1st night in Zimbabwe.

Once you have finished exploring this historic area you continue your journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here you stop over at the Antelope Park, where you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience, unique to the park - 'Walking with Lions'. In addition to the lions, there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park such as elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and over 150 bird species.

Today is spent at leisure with a variety of activities to entice you. From walking with lions, riding on elephants, to trying your hand at fishing - the list is endless.

Bulawayo is the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe and has a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is characterised by the many British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo such as the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre, providing work for over 70 people.

Today you take in Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black & white rhino, and the region is renowned for its high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock paintings which, once again, is evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay. You spend time game driving through the park, giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment.

Heading North you make your way to the mighty Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world and one of the most memorable sights on your African safari. There are many activities available all year round in Victoria Falls such as flights which give you a panoramic view of the falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the falls. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park (entrance US$20) with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the fainthearted. White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, visiting the Crocodile Ranch and Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise.

The next 2 days are at your own leisure to partake in activities or relax at the campsite swimming pool. You will also have some new group members joining you for the 2nd part of the tour.

This morning you will pack up camp and depart Victoria Falls. Exiting Zimbabwe, you cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. You head to the western waters of Lake Kariba, your base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of the largest manmade lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, birdlife and unique flora and fauna.

Here you have the option to take a 2-night trip on the house boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to partake in the house boats, there are many activities you can do at the campsite, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, exploring the local village or just relaxing on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy soaking up the sun.

House Boat option 2-night/2-day: You board the house boats at approx 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. You depart the harbour at approx 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset, and overnight on the house boats. Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets.

The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of the house boat and enjoy the onboard Jacuzzi. For those of you feeling a bit more active in the early morning you take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats or you have the option of doing a game walk on the island in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains' game and many different species of birdlife. After lunch you head to Maaze Island where you tour the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while you sit back and enjoy sundowners over the lake.

After everyone has reunited, you bid goodbye to Lake Kariba and head North through southern Zambia to a camp just before the capital city of Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife, and has beautiful facilities.

From Lusaka you cross the north-eastern side of Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10km away from the Zambia/Malawi border. Here you spend the night under the stars before heading into Malawi the following day.

Leaving Zambia you cross the border into Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. You visit the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area composed of the beautiful Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-waters all year round.

You travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days - this is the time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can wander along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen, who still use traditional methods, sorting their daily catch. You have the chance to appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in your own dug-out canoe.

Visit the nearby villages and schools, dine in the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets, learn the game of bao with some locals - or simply relax on the pristine white beaches.

You depart Malawi via Karonga and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe. You continue your journey through the Tanzanian countryside, and take in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea plantations and banana plantations. Just before Iringa is the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania where you spend the night. Try one of the signature Amarula hot chocolates.

The next morning you proceed to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally unperturbed by humans and their vehicles. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, you spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the North of the city, and prepare for your departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes you to the "Spice Island", where you will spend 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quests for new lands.

Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have preferred to explore the island independently. Therefore, accommodation and food is for your own account whilst on Zanzibar.

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of Stone Town 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 still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and 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 - giant lobsters being a popular specialty. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food, African style at a very reasonable cost.

Leaving Zanzibar you take the ferry back to mainland of Dar es Salaam to finish this safari.