African Dream

Leave the bustle of Johannesburg behind as you head toward the South African Lowveld, driving through the southern section of the scenic Panorama Route on the way. Travel on to the Umbuvu Camp, situated on the border of the Kruger National Park and your home for the next two nights.

Spend the next day exploring the Kruger National Park. With about 146 animals and over 500 bird species, this is definitely South Africa's flagship wildlife-viewing destination. Go in search of the Big 5 on full-day game drives and enjoy the option of another game drive in the evening to spot the nocturnal animals.

After breakfast you’ll leave the Lowveld behind as you sit back and enjoy a long, scenic drive to Polokwane, the capital of South Africa's rich Limpopo Province. Drive past the Blyde River Canyon and make a stop to take photos from magnificent viewpoints like God's Window and Three Rondavels. Camp in a lush, green campsite in Polokwane and spend the evening relaxing around the campfire.

Enjoy yet another day of ever-changing scenery as you drive north toward Zimbabwe and arrive at South Africa's hottest town - Musina. Camp at the Tshipise hot water springs and relax in the pools or go on a scenic walk along the nature trails.

Today you will cross the border into Zimbabwe and make your way to Masvingo. Situated on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, this is the perfect place from which to explore what was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. Wander through these remains and take advantage of the brilliant photo opportunities.

Continue your journey north to Gweru, in the heart of Zimbabwe's midlands. Make a memorable stop at the Antelope Park where you will get the rare opportunity to swim with elephants and view wildlife on horse-back.

After breakfast, you will travel to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, known for its wide streets and colonial architecture. The British Colonial history can be seen mainly in the many buildings that are maintained as heritage sites. Pay a visit to the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the community upliftment project at Mzilikazi Arts Centre as you explore this vibrant city.

The next day you will visit the Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds for both the black and white rhino. Keep your eyes peeled for the very illusive leopard and black eagle as the park is renowned for its high concentration of these animals. As remembrance of the traditional San inhabitants of the area, you can also view original rock art as you explore parts of the area on foot.

Today you will make your way to the world-renowned Victoria Falls. Your campsite for the next three nights is located in the centre of the town of Victoria Falls, close to all the adventure booking agencies and restaurants.

Your next few days will be filled with adventure and wonder as you admire the falls in many different ways. Go white-water rafting down the Zambezi or take a relaxed boat ride to get close to the water.

Go on a scenic plane ride to admire the falls, the Batoka Gorge and the islands on top of the falls from the air or wander through the Victoria Falls National Park to see this natural wonder from the many viewpoints.

Enter yet another country today as you cross the border to Botswana. Admire the new surroundings as you head to Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. This river forms the border between Namibia, Botswana and Zambia and is also the main water source for the Chobe National Park.

Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise and look out for hippo and elephant on the banks before packing up and moving to your mobile camp in the heart of the National Park where you will spend the evening completely immersed in the sounds of the wilderness.

Continue your search for wildlife on a morning excursion, before returning to Kasane and heading to Livingstone in Zambia. From here you can enjoy a different view of the Victoria Falls as you stroll through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and end the day off with a boat cruise down the breathtaking Zambezi River.

Begin your morning early as you head north through southern Zambia, passing by some of Zambia's smaller villages and towns along the way. Arrive at the outskirts of the country's capital, Lusaka, where you will spend the evening learning about Zambia's history.

Spend most of the next day driving along what used to form part of the route from Cape Town to Cairo, now known as the Old East Road. Cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge on the way as you approach the Zimbabwean and Malawian borders. Stop to purchase fresh, local produce before finally arriving at a beautiful campsite in Chipata, just 10km outside the border of Malawi.

You’ll cross into Malawi early in the day. Make a quick stop at the capital of Lilongwe and take the chance to view the contrast between its old town and new administrative centre. Reach Lake Malawi, a magnificent water mass that covers 20% of the country, and set up camp at the central Lake for the first of four nights beside this spectacular site.

The next few days will be spent scouring the local markets for a bargain or meeting the locals to learn about their everyday lives. Spend hours relaxing on the lake's pristine beaches and cool off by swimming in the clear blue waters. Take a ride on a traditional dug-out canoe and learn new appreciation for the skills of the local fishermen as you try and manoeuvre one yourself. Take part in a variety of water sports, explore the area on horse-back or visit the local villages.

With four full days of relaxing behind you, it is time to leave Malawi and head on to Tanzania, crossing the border at Songwe. Drive through the twisting roads of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations and admire the beauty of these new surrounds. Spend the evening in a farmhouse campsite and enjoy a taste of Amarula hot chocolate - a local delicacy.

An early morning start sees you travelling toward the Tanzanian Coast. Pass through the Mikumi National Park along the way and keep your eyes peeled as the resident wildlife can usually be seen from the roadside.

Enter the vibrant and cheerful outer suburbs of Dar es Salaam and make your way through these bustling parts to reach your seaside campsite overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.

You have the option of staying in Dar es Salaam, where you will spend the next few days relaxing beside the coast or taking a ferry to Zanzibar to explore this perfect holiday island over the days to come. As meals and accommodation are on your own account whilst in Zanzibar, you have the ideal opportunity to take your pick of the varying local spots on this magnificent Spice Island.

The coming days are easily spent strolling through the peaceful streets of the old Arabic Stone Town, admiring the Medina-like shop fronts and palaces of the Sultans or taking a spice excursion to see the colourful spice plantations. Relax on the beautiful beaches and take a trip to see the giant tortoises of Prison Island. Another way to appreciate the beauty of the coast is to go on a full-day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional Dhow.

Whatever way, your next few days will easily be spent immersed in the culture and sites of this magnificent island.

Spend one last morning in Zanzibar before taking a ferry back to Dar es Salaam where this absolutely memorable tour will come to an end.