On this overland camping tour you can experience some of the incredible contrasts that make up Southern Africa; from the desert landscapes of Botswana to the lush forests of Zambia; the tea plantations of Malawi to the deserted beaches of Mozambique. This trip takes you from built-up cities to rural homesteads, on good highways and dirt tracks. You also see some of the finest game reserves in Africa, including Chobe, Luangwa and Kruger where you will see a huge variety of animals in their natural environments.
- Day 1: Johannesburg - Nata
- Itinerary
Departing from Johannesburg, you head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities, you continue to Nata, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans, the largest salt pans in the world.
You spend your evening getting to know your new travelling companions and familiarising yourself with tour procedures over a catered meal at the lodge (own expense). Tonight you will be camping.
- Day 2: Chobe River
- Itinerary
This morning you 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.
After an extensive afternoon game drive within the Chobe National Park, spotting elephant and other big game, you cross the border and head for Victoria Falls. You spend the next 3 nights in comfort at an inn with a swimming pool.
- Days 3-4: Victoria Falls
- Itinerary
During your stay here you will view the spectacular falls and the other highlights of this, "Africa's Adventure Capital". Those seeking adrenaline may wish to try bungee jumping, white water rafting or one of a variety of aircraft flips (own expense). Other options include an elephant-back safari or sunset cruise on the Zambezi (own expense).
On your first night at Vic Falls you enjoy traditional dancing and a 'braai' (South African barbecue) at the pool. For dinner on your last night, you go to a local restaurant (own expense).
- Day 5: Kafue Camp
- Itinerary
Crossing the original railway bridge, you have a last view of the falls before entering Zambia. Your journey today takes you through southern Zambia and then down into the Lower Zambezi Valley to Kafue, where you will camp the night.
Relax at the pool this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing.
- Days 6-8: Zambezi Canoe
- Itinerary
The Zambezi River needs little introduction; the mighty river winds its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa. This is the setting for what can only be described as one of the finest canoe adventure in the world. What better way to see big game at close quarters than from a canoe?
You spend 2 nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the 3rd day you are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense).
- Day 9: Luangwa
- Itinerary
Reunited with your vehicle, you travel through the capital, Lusaka, and then along the 'Great East Road' to your next overnight camp. It's a long day's drive to cover as as much distance as possible.
- Days 10-11: Luangwa National Park
- Itinerary
Your next stop is the Luangwa National Park, where you spend 2 nights camping on the banks of the Luangwa River, known for its large hippo population.
During your time here you go on an extensive game drive in the park in search of the elusive leopard and other big game. This park has a dense concentration of wildlife and there are great game viewing opportunities at the river and ox bow lagoons.
You also have the option of a night drive to view the park's notcurnal species (own expense).
- Days 12-13: Lake Malawi
- Itinerary
Crossing into Malawi today, your first stop is the capital, Lilongwe. After stocking up with groceries and curios, you continue to Lake Malawi, Africa's 3rd largest lake.
The next couple of days are spent snorkelling; swimming in the lake's deep, clear waters; relaxing on sandy beaches and discovering why Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. For the next 2 nights you camping on the beach.
- Days 14-15: Mulanje Massive
- Itinerary
Turning south, you head for Mulanje Massive. Fondly known as "Malawi's island in the sky", Mulanje is an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. You spend 2 nights camping at the base, and one day hiking to the summit to admire the exceptional views.
- Day 16: Chimoio
- Itinerary
Today you travel via Blantyre into Mozambique. Your journey takes you through the Tete corridor, across the Zambezi River, and alongside the mountains that form the border with Zimbabwe. You camp wild tonight in the remote region of Chimoio.
- Day 17: Vilanculos
- Itinerary
Leaving the wilderness behind you, you pass through many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the coast. Your next stop is Vilanculos on the shores of the Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago.
You spend the night here in casitas on the beach. Tonight you go out for a meal at a local restaurant (own expense).
- Days 18-20: Inhambane
- Itinerary
Moving south along the coast, your next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. You spend some time exploring the bustling local market before continuing to your beach camp.
The next 3 nights are spent in casitas set on the beach and sheltered by coconut palms trees. You can spend your time here relaxing, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun whilst exploring the Mozambique's beautiful, deserted beaches.
On the last night you enjoy a catered meal (own expense). There are also the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense).
- Day 22: Kruger National Park
- Itinerary
Maputo has an interesting, almost latino culture of street cafes and markets. Your morning is spent viewing these and the other attractions of the city, which is slowly recreating some of its former glory.
In the afternoon you cross back into South Africa and make your way to the Kruger National Park to camp the night.
- Day 23: Kruger National Park
- Itinerary
No visit to Africa would be complete without time spent in the Kruger. Your entire day is devoted to viewing animals in South Africa's premier national park which is home to the 'Big 5'.
In the late afternoon you drive to Hazyview and your lodge on the banks of the Sabie river.
Included in tour:
All transport
Accommodation
Group equipment
Professional guides
Meals as per itinerary
Dhow trip
Mozambique beaches
Chobe game drive
Victoria Falls
Zambezi canoe trip
Luangwa Game Reserve
Lake Malawi
Mulanje Mountain hike
Maputo
Excluded:
Alcohol
Soft drinks
Curios
Tips
Visas
Optional excursions
Specified restuarant meals
Optional Excursions:
Elephant back safari
Whitewater rafting
Bunjee jumping
Scuba diving
Luangwa night drive
Deep seafishing
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Johannesburg |
end in |
Johannesburg |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 13 Jan 2008 |
28 Dec 2008 |
|
- |
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
Extra tour notes.
Scheduled departures every 2nd Sunday.
Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi and Zambia: this is your responsibility.
Precautions against malaria are advisable.
A small daypack is advisable for the day hike on Mulanje.
The recommended currency on this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations.
Best time: all year round. April - May is the main rain season in Mozambique, and it can be hot in summer (January). August and September are the most popular months, but the tropical scenery is not at its most spectacular.
For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with delays, detours and the other inconveniences encountered in developing countries.