Day 1 – 3

Nungwi (Zanzibar Excursion) – 2 Nights Nungwi Beach and 1 night Stone Town

After meeting your fellow travellers and crew, we make our way to Zanzibar Island from Dar es Salaam, where we will board a local ferry that carries us from Dar to Zanzibar. We are transferred to the island’s north region where we will spend time unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches.

While you are staying in Zanzibar we encourage you to explore, snorkel, scuba dive or go on sunset cruises. Explore the many attractions on a rented scooter or unwind on the serene beaches soaking up some sun.

Due to the dominant Islam religion in Zanzibar, conservative clothing should be worn most places except on the beach, where your regular clothes and swimsuits are acceptable. It is recommended that women wear t-shirts and knee-length shorts or skirts in town. The Islamic religion frowns upon the showing of arms above the elbow or legs above the knee. Shoulders should also remain covered and no revealing necklines are acceptable. Men’s clothing is less restrictive, allowing them to wear shirts and shorts. However, on the beach or in our resort, there are no dress codes other than the regular ones adhered to in most pool/public areas.

If you happen to be visiting Zanzibar during the month of fasting (Ramadaan), please speak to your local guide about the customs adhered to during this period. Regular eating times during the day are forbidden and most locals will be sure to make you aware of this. Majority of shops and restaurants will be closed during Ramadan, but it is acceptable as a foreigner to have meals at hotels or resorts. Your guide will be able to inform you of what is appropriate and when.

The main industries of Zanzibar are spices, raffia and tourism. In addition to this, Zanzibar is also home to the extremely endangered species of the Red Colobus Monkey. The word ‘Zanzibar’ was derived from the Persian term ‘zangi-bar’ meaning ‘coast of the blacks’. However, it is believed that the name could have also originated from the Arabic ‘Zayn Z’al Barr’ meaning ‘fair is this land’. ‘Zanzibar’ frequently refers specifically to Unguja Island and is sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, though this term is more often associated with the Indonesian Maluku Islands.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Amaan Bungalows (Day 1 & 2), All Seasons Hotel (website not available)  (Day 3)
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x3, Dinner x3
Route: Dar es Salaam to Nungwi (Zanzibar), Nungwi to Stone Town
Included highlights: Zanzibar Excursion, Prison Island boat tour / Walking Spice Tour
Optional Activities: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours and more

Day 4

Mikumi, Tanzania

We depart from the warm Indian Ocean coastline today and begin our journey to Mikumi National Park. Mikumi contains countless lions, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephants.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Camp Bastian 
Facilities: En-suite ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Mikumi Game Drive

Day 5

Iringa, Tanzania

Iringa is situated on a cliff and overlooks the Ruaha River Valley. The town takes visitors into the past with its German colonial influence and a popular market. There is the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery which memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII.

Tanzania is a mountainous region in the northeast, where Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located. The Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest lake, famous for its unique fish species) are to the north and west. Central Tanzania is comprised of a vast plateau complete with savannahs and fruitful land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the exotic island of Zanzibar situated just offshore.

Tanzania has tropical temperatures and, in the highlands, the climate ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. The remainder of the country has temperatures that seldom drop lower than 20 degrees Celsius. The hottest season is between November and February, reaching temperatures of over 30 degrees, whilst the coldest season is between May and August, dropping to below 15 degrees.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Kisolanza Farm
Facilities: En-suite Ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Mikumi to Iringa ±360 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Mbeya Region

We will visit a coffee plantation during our tour, where we will have the opportunity to see how the plant is grown and harvested beans, as well as sample some.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Utengule Coffee Lodge or similar
Facilities: En-suite bathroom. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Iringa to Chitimba ±462 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Coffee Plantation Visit

Day 7 – 8

Lake Malawi, Malawi

We enjoy the magnificent views and sounds of Lake Malawi. You could either laze around at the pool at your accommodation or snorkel/swim in Lake Malawi. We spend the afternoon exploring the small village of Ngala. The next day, we travel further south of Lake Malawi. Accommodation this evening is on the shores of this magnificent lake.

Lake Malawi is the third biggest in Africa and the eighth biggest in the world, located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake offers fantastic snorkelling and diving adventures and its tropical waters contain more species of fish than any other lake on earth. These fish support the locals who rely on the lake for survival, using mokoros (dug-out canoes) to set out massive nets. There is a massive variety of different ethnic groups dwelling in this area and as a result, there are plenty of dialects to be learned and spoken. Majority of these groups are Christians due to the countless missionaries who passed through the area, whilst the remainder have maintained their traditional belief systems.

Accommodation: First night: Two Per Room: Majizuwa, Second night: Two Per Room: Ngala Beach Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: North Lake Malawi to Central Lake Malawi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Malawi Village Tour

Day 9

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Today is another day free for leisure. Feel free to go snorkelling and discover the interesting creatures in the lake or take the time to relax, read and soak up the sun. We stay another night on the edge of Lake Malawi before making our way to Zambia.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Ngala Beach Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In the early morning we enjoy our last sunrise before we travel from Malawi and make our way into Zambia, carrying on to the South Luangwa National Park. We cross the border and stop briefly in Chipata before making our way to our camp, where we spend the following two evenings on the riverbanks. You can frequently spot hippos and other wildlife from the camp’s bar.

Accommodation: Two per Permanent Tent: Wildlife Camp or Marula Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Nkhotakota Region to South Luangwa National Park ±560 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Zambia: Mwani Border / Tel: +260(0)21 138 1930, Malawi: Mchinji Border / Tel: +265 (0)12 42215

Day 11

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

We spend the day exploring this magnificent park. You will have a chance to partake in an optional game drive this morning or you could join one of the walking safari that is on offer here. In the afternoon we embark on an included sunset game drive through the beautiful South Luangwa National Park where there is an opportunity to spot nocturnal species and enjoy a sundowner along the way.

On average, there are most likely up to 42 hippos per kilometre. These magnificent creatures are crucial to the Park’s ecosystem as their excrement which is released into the river fertilises the waters and supports the fish population which, in turn, sustains the crocodiles. The South Luangwa National Park is also believed to contain the largest population of leopard throughout the entire African continent. It is estimated that there is one leopard for every kilometre of river in the Luangwa Valley. Therefore, the possibility of spotting this elusive and majestic nocturnal creature is fairly high.

Accommodation: Permanent Tents: Wildlife Camp or Marula Lodge
Facilities: Share Ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activity: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

Day 12

Petauke, ZambiaWe

depart from South Luangwa today. Along the way, we stop at the Tribal Textiles for a visit. The town of Chipata is home and producer of Chipata Cotton. For those interested, you can enjoy a tour of the Tribal Textiles of the African Culture, during the months of March to December to see how these fabrics are crafted. Afterwards, we journey through to Petauke where we spend the afternoon unwinding. Purely African, Zambia is somewhat of an adjustment to the more western ways of Southern Africa.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Chimwemwe Executive Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: South Luangwa National Park to Petauke ±170 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Textile project visit (full tour available March to December)

Day 13

Lusaka, Zambia

Our travels to the lively capital of Lusaka leads us along a fascinating path. On weekdays there may be a chance to pay a visit to one of the intriguing local markets in the area.

The capital and biggest city of Zambia, Lusaka has two primary spoken languages – English and Nyanja. It is situated in the southern region of the central plateau of Zambia at a height of 1300 metres and has a population of approximately 1.7 million. With one of the most rapidly developing city centres in Africa, Lusaka is situated in a prolific farming region and is Zambia’s administrative, financial and commercial centre. It is believed that with proper and effective economic improvements, Lusaka (as well as Zambia as a whole) will advance significantly. Lusaka is home to a varied community of foreigners, many of whom work in the aid industry, as well as diplomats, representatives of religious societies and several business people. Historically, Lusaka was once the site of a village named after its headman, Lusaka, which was situated at Manda Hill; close by to where the National Assembly building now stands. The area was extended by European settlers in 1905 with the construction of the railway.

During 1935, Lusaka was selected to replace Livingstone as the capital of the British colony of northern Rhodesia, due to its relatively central location on the railway. After the union of northern and southern Rhodesia in 1953, Lusaka became the heart of the independence movement, resulting in the formation of the Republic of Zambia. Zambia became the 9th African state to gain independence from the British colonialists in 1964, following which President Kaunda came to power, with Lusaka as the country’s capital.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Eureka Camp
Facilities: Shared ablutions. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Petauke to Lusaka ±410 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today we journey from Lusaka and make our way across the border of Zimbabwe into the town of Victoria Falls and we get a first glimpse of the magnificent Victoria Falls. There are a variety of optional activities on offer here and can be booked upon arrival in the town.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel (01 Jan to 31 March 2020), Shearwater Explorers Village (From 01 April 2020)
Facilities: Two per room with en-suites. Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Lusaka to Victoria Falls ±480 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We begin the day by visiting the magnificent Victoria Falls viewing the thundering Zambezi River as it drops to the Batoka Gorge below. Spend your day partaking in a variety of optional activities for those adrenaline seekers. There are also craft markets for those looking to have a more relaxed afternoon and a delicious high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Shearwater Explorers Village
Facilities: En-suites Bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Visit to the falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience

Day 16

Victoria Falls – Kasane, Botswana

We start the day with a delicious breakfast before we travel to the Botswana border crossing into Kasane where we setup camp on the banks on the Chobe River. We explore the park in 4×4 vehicles on an optional game drive where we enjoy up close and personal experiences with elephants along the river. We end the afternoon with an incredible sunset cruise and enjoy a delicious meal around a camp fire.

The second biggest park in all of Botswana, Chobe National Park spreads over approximately 10,600 square kilometres of northern Botswana. The park forms part of the medley of lakes, islands and floodplains created by the river systems of the Kwanda, Linyanti and Chobe Rivers. This region is well-known for it’s enormous buffalo and elephant herds – the population of which is presently around 120,000. The Chobe elephants migrate often and travel up to 200 kilometres from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they gather during the dry season to the pans in the southeast portion of the park during rainy season. They can be identified by their frail ivory and short tusks which is probably due to the lack of calcium in the soils. Because of their high population, much damage to vegetation is caused in certain areas and therefore, culls have been considered but never carried out due to the enormous controversy surrounding the act.

The initial inhabitants of this region were the San people, known in Botswana as the ‘Basarwa’. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers who travelled from place to place searching for the next source of food and water. The San were eventually forced out by groups of the Basubiya people and, in 1911, a congregation of Batawana moved to the area. It was decided in 1931 that a national park would be erected in order to guard the wildlife from extinction as well as to attract tourists. During 1932, an area of approximately 24,000 square kilometres in the Chobe region was declared as a non-hunting zone. Throughout the years, the boundaries of the park have been modified and the people who have settled in the region have been relocated. Chobe National Park was eventually completely rid of human occupation in the year 1975, and in 1980 (and once more in 1986) the boundaries were once again altered, increasing the park to it’s current size.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Thebe River Safaris
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Victoria Falls to Kasane ±100 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Border Post: Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00 Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50330, Open: 06h00-20h00

Day 17

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Accommodation: Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris
Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Dinner, Lunch and Dinner
Included Highlight Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity Chobe National Park Game Drive

Day 18 – 19

Savuti Game Reserve, Botswana

Accommodation: Magotho / Boga Campsite (no website available)
Facilities: Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom
Route: Kasane via Savuti Game Reserve to Moremi South Gate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Full Day Game Drive through Savuti Game Reserve in 4×4 safari vehicles

Day 20

Khwai Conservation Area, Botswana

Accommodation: Accommodated: Magotho / Boga Camp (no website available)
Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Morning Mokoro Excursion / Khwai Conservation Afternoon Game Drive.

Pre Departure