Zimbabwe Rediscovered

Your overland adventure begins today as you depart Johannesburg in South Africa and head north-east towards the border of Botswana. Though its a long drive, its fairly uneventful to the border.

Cross into Botswana and set up camp along the banks of the Limpopo River. Following a brief from your guide, head out on an optional sunset game drive.

From here, continue through Botswana to Francistown - Botswana's second largest city and the site of Southern Africa's first 'gold-rush' back in the late 1800s. After enjoying dinner, you could go out for a night on the town at one of the city's many jazz clubs and casinos (for your own account).

After an early morning game drive, you'll enjoy lunch at the camp before driving north to Victoria Falls - also known as 'The Smoke That Thunders'. Settle in at the Victoria Falls rest camp before visiting the local operator to book your adventure activities for the following day.

Spend an entire day indulging in the activities offered at the Falls. White-water raft down the Zambezi, bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge or even take a helicopter or microlight flight to the top of the Falls. Take a walk through the National Park and enjoy the many viewpoints, taking advantage of the brilliant photo opportunities and perhaps end the day off with a sunset cruise down a quiet part of the Zambezi River.

This morning, you'll cross over the historical railway bridge that links Zimbabwe and Zambia at Victoria Falls, and travel into Livingstone, the capital of Zambia. After collecting any passengers that are beginning their overland tour here, you'll head to the Zambezi River and sit back for a long, yet scenic, drive along this mighty river.

Reach Machembere Camp in the evening where a delicious dinner awaits.

Today you'll begin your canoe adventure in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a wildlife-rich park in southern Zambia. Beginning early in the morning, you’ll set off in your canoe and float gently on the current, paddling only when it's necessary.

You’ll reach a small island in the late afternoon where you'll set up camp for the evening, hidden far away from civilisation and immersed in this incredible wilderness. Continue your canoe trip the following morning, looking out for wildlife that may be walking along the riverbanks.

If the river levels are too high and dangerous, these two days will be swapped for a two-night houseboat excursion on Lake Karibia.

Finish your canoeing adventure this morning with a transfer back to the truck. Drive from the Lower Zambezi National Park to Lake Kariba - the world's largest man-made lake. Enjoy an optional evening cruise or just relax at the bush camp.

Today you have the option of spending the afternoon hiking in the Chinhoyi Caves. These caves are the largest public cave system in Zimbabwe.

After visiting the caves this morning, you can enjoy a short drive to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, where you'll have time for some shopping and lunch. Although Harare has not had much positive press in the past few years, you may be surprised at just how safe and accessible this capital is.

After lunch you'll travel into the Eastern Highlands and on to the Chimanimani National Park. This mountain range that separates Zimbabwe and Mozambique is known as the Chimanimani Range, and is the site of some truly spectacular hiking trails. If time allows, you'll enjoy a short walk to the Bridal Veil Falls in the late afternoon.

After breakfast this morning, you'll leave the Chimanimani behind and head towards the renowned Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a magnificent site dating back to the 11th century. Some of the walls are up to five meters high and are still standing after so many centuries, making this a great visit for history and culture enthusiasts.

From the Ruins, you'll head out on a long drive to Bulawayo and the Matobo National Park. Once here, there's a variety of activities that you can enjoy during the afternoon.

Visit the grave site of Cecil John Rhodes and enjoy a game drive in Matobo National Park - home to a successful breeding program of both black and white rhino. In the evening, enjoy a night out at one of the local Bulawayo restaurants.

Pay a visit to the Bulawayo Historical Museum this morning, before commencing the drive back to South Africa. Cross the border at Beitbridge and make your way to the border town of Messina, situated in one of the hottest areas of the country, where you'll camp for the night.

Your final overland tour day dawns this morning. Depart Messina early and head to Johannesburg - the City of Gold. Enjoy beautiful scenery as you move through the bush and baobabs of the Limpopo Province and then on to the Highveld region of Gauteng, where you'll drive through Pretoria and arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon.

Although this final night is not included in the itinerary, many people choose to get together for dinner out at one of Johannesburg's excellent restaurants.