Day 1 – 2

Pretoria – Hazyview – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Departing Pretoria, we journey through the scenic area of Mpumalanga that boasts incredible panoramics and dramatic slopes all the way through to the most famous National Park in South Africa, the mighty Kruger. The fences between the borders of the Park and the neighbouring private game reserves were abolished in order to create the Greater Kruger, allowing the animals of the Park to roam freely throughout the entire region. Together, the Kruger and Greater Kruger cover more than 24,000 square kilometres and are home to an abundance of African wildlife, ranging from the dwarf mongoose to Africa’s Big Five. There is also a remarkable variety of bird species and vegetation to be found here. We spend two evenings in the Kruger region, where we are treated to Shangaan tribal dancing on our first night and spend a full day on an open 4×4 safari vehicle game driving through the Reserve the following day in order to make the most of this incredible tour.

Trip Highlights: Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park Game drives, Shangaan tribal dancers
Accommodation: Hotel Numbi – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2
Distance Covered: +/-380kms
Approximate Driving Time: 7 hours
Optional Activities: Kruger Night Game Drive US$60

Day 3

Hazyview, Greater Kruger – Tshipise, South Africa

Leaving the Greater Kruger we travel up through South Africa’s lush countryside to Tshipise, a town located in the northern Limpopo province of South Africa. Our accommodation this evening is set at the foot of the Limpopo’s rolling koppies set close to the Honnet Nature Reserve. Feel free to relax at the hot springs available at the resort.

Accommodation: Forever Resorts – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/- 400kms
Approximate Driving Time: 7 hours

Day 4

Tshipise, South Africa – Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Leaving Tshipise, we journey North towards the Matobo National Park. Arriving later in the afternoon, we settle at the campsite just outside of the national park. The area is a historical and natural heritage and on the following day we get an opportunity to explore the site.

Accommodation: Burke’s Paradise – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Travelled: +/- 400kms
Approximate Driving Time: 10 hours

Day 5

Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

After a good night’s sleep, we start the day early and jump into a 4×4 vehicle for a game drive into the Matobo National Park which is situated a short distance outside of Bulawayo. You will be led by an expert guide through the stunning reserve. The Matobo Hills are sculpted by the strong winds in the area and are the site of various exquisite Bushman paintings. This place contains an exceptional cultural and spiritual significance to the indigenous people. The park has a large concentration of Black and White Rhino and if conditions are suitable, you embark on a guided walk in search of these animals. This reserve also contains the highest population of leopard and black eagle in the world, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent animals. We also try our best to spot giraffe, zebra, and ostrich, as well as a wide assortment of antelope and buck species.

Trip Highlights: Matobo National Park Nature Drive and Wilderness Walk
Accommodation: Burke’s Paradise – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approximate Driving Time: Game Drive & Wilderness Walk – half day
Optional Activities: Upgrade to full day tour including Historical Tour and Village Tour US$55

Day 6 – 7

Matobo National Park – Livingstone, Zambia

Continuing up north, we pass through the town of Victoria Falls, cross the dividing bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia and travel the short distance to the Waterfront Resort campsite a few km’s from Livingstone. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy your time participating in the variety of optional activities available here. A visit to the Mosi O Tunya National Park is included in your tour. The following day is free to explore the town of Livingstone, the markets or simply relaxing at the poolside of your accommodation.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x 2
Distance Covered: +/-450 kms
Approximate Driving Time: 10 hours
Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping US$160, Full Day Abseil US$190, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Game Walk US$110, Chief Mukumi Village Tour US$50, Gorge Swing US$95, Zambezi Jet Boat & Cable Car from US$215, Half Day Canoe US$115, Zambezi Sunset Cruise US$70, Full Day White-water Rafting US$180, Helicopter/Microlight Flights from US$195, Half Day Fishing US$145, Bridge Tour US$65

Day 8

Livingstone, Zambia

Spend the day exploring the town of Livingstone today or unwind at the pool of your accommodation. This would be the perfect time to catch up with social media before making your way to the next part of the tour.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals: Breakfast
Wi-Fi: Yes
Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping US$160, Full Day Abseil US$190, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Game Walk US$110, Chief Mukumi Village Tour US$50, Gorge Swing US$95, Zambezi Jet boat and Cable car from US$215, Half day Canoe US$115, Zambezi Sunset Cruise US$70, Full Day White-water Rafting US$180, Helicopter/ Microlight flights from US$195, Half day Fishing US$145, Bridge Tour US$65

Day 9

Livingstone – Lusaka, Zambia

Today we have a long full day in the truck travelling to Lusaka. Southern Africa fastest growing city is home to 1.7 million people. Camp this evening is set in a relaxing setting on a farm.

Accommodation: Eureka Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-450kms
Approximate Driving Time: 9 hours

Day 10

Lusaka – South Luangwa

Today we get up bright and early and head off on the Great Eastern Road through the beautiful countryside making our way across the Luangwa River towards the South Luangwa National Park. The nature reserve is home to over 60 different animal species and 400 bird species. The River forms beautiful oxbow lagoons throughout the park. The river itself is the most intact and unaltered major river system in Africa and covers 9059 km². On arrival we setup at our accommodation and spend our time on optional walking safaris, village walks and game drives or simply cooling down and relaxing in the swimming pool.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-600 kms
Approximate Driving Time: 12 hours

Day 11 – 12

South Luangwa National Park –  Kande Beach, Malawi

You can relax around the pools edge during the hotter hours of the day and in the afternoon we enjoy an open vehicle game drive along the river’s edge where you will see the variety of bird and animal life in the area. The tour includes a guided game drive during our stay. Additional excursion such as walks and drives can be booked upon arrival.

Following our last night in Zambia we head across the border to Malawi. Formally known as ‘Lake Nyasa’, Lake Malawi covers almost an entire fifth of the country’s area, providing a strong root of livelihood for most of the local Malawi folk. Fishermen, fish traders, and canoe and net makers all practice their trades here, and a typical sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato (dugout canoe made from a hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of dawn. The Lake is something of a marvel to visitors, and has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species in the world. We arrive at our accommodation, situated on the lake’s shore, in the afternoon and we have the rest of the day to ourselves. Feel free to spend this time indulging in a relaxing swim or exploring the beach and surrounding areas.

Please note: Although it is our intention to adhere to the accommodation described, a certain amount of flexibility is built into our time in Malawi and the crew may make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the Malawi section of the dossier as a guideline only.

Accommodation: South Luangwa: Wildlife Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities. Lake Malawi: Kande Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Distance Covered: +/-420kms
Approximate Driving Time: 8 hours
Optional Activities: Horse Riding US$55, Village Walk US$10, Snorkelling Day Trip from US$15, Fresh Water Scuba Diving from US$45, Canoe Hire from US$15

Day 13

Kande Beach, Malawi

Today is at leisure to enjoy some of the optional activities available here, some of which include water sports such as diving, and snorkeling, or horse riding along the beach. You are also free to simply unwind and delight in the fresh waters of Lake Malawi. This leg of the trip also allows you the opportunity to meet the locals who are generally known as some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Trip Highlights: Lake Malawi
Accommodation: Kande Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Optional Activities: Horse Riding US$55, Village Walk US$10, Snorkelling Day Trip from US$15, Fresh Water Scuba Diving from US$45, Canoe Hire from US$15

Day 14

Kande Beach – Chitimba Beach

Today we embark on a beautifully scenic drive that takes us through rubber plantations and through to the Capital of the northern region, and third largest town in Malawi, Mzuzu. We stop for a bit to gather supplies and browse the local markets before arriving in Chitimba Beach. The afternoon is free to enjoy the surrounds of the beautiful Lake Malawi.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-240 kms
Approximate Driving Time: 5 hours

Day 15 – 16

Chitimba Beach – Iringa, Tanzania

Today is free to laze around at the beach or enjoy a lovely walk in the village. There is also a full day trip to the Manchewe falls where, after 11km of hiking, you can cool off in a natural bath. The view of the surrounding hills is incredible and truly worth the effort. For those staying at the accommodation, there is a local market you can visit or you could enjoy the day relaxing by the shimmery waters on the beach.

The following day we leave the warm beach of Chitimba, and drive a short distance north to cross the border into Tanzania. We gradually climb up through the Southern Highlands of Tanzania all the way to Kisolanza Farm House, our destination for the day at an altitude of 1600m. The climate is crisp and is one of the most scenic areas the country has to offer. Kisolanza has been the home of the Ghaui family for more than 70 years and it remains a working farm that provides organic meat and vegetables to the city of Dar es Salaam and neighboring markets. The Kisolanza Farm House is renowned for the marvelous hot showers, delectable chocolate brownies, and hot chocolate and Amarula drink that can be purchased at their quaint candlelit bar.

Trip Highlights: Mzuzu, Lake Malawi beach, Curio markets
Accommodation: Chitimba Beach (Chitimba), Kisolanza Farm House (Iringa) – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Distance Covered: +/- 550kms
Approximate Driving Time: 11 hours
Optional Activities: Livingstone day hike US$10

Day 17

Iringa – Mikumi National Park Area

Today we travel east towards the Mikumi National Park. We enjoy sundowners at the local bar and in the evening we laze around an open fire under the stars.  Our accommodation  is located a short distance outside the park. If time is on our side, there is an option to do a game drive in the early evening.

Accommodation: Tan-Swiss Lodge – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/- 200 kms
Approximate Driving Time: 5 hours
Optional Activities: Mikumi Game Dive US$150

Day 18

Mikumi National Park area – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Continuing toward the Indian Ocean coast and the port city of Dar es Salaam, or ‘Haven of Peace’, the route we follow runs through the Mikumi National Park, and with some luck we may be able to spot giraffe or elephant feeding on the roadside. Dar es Salaam is the hub of commerce and industry in Tanzania – a hot, humid and lively seaport city peppered with high rises, vibrant markets and stunning Arab-influenced architecture. It is situated on the coast, accessing one of the most crucial sea routes on earth. To most travelers though, Dar es Salaam is the port of call to the more exotic island of Zanzibar and other Archipelago islands. Our accommodation for the evening will be set up on the beach just outside of the city. We have an opportunity to browse the curio markets best known for beautiful ebony wood, to taking in the gentle sea breezes of the Indian Ocean and preparing ourselves for our trip to exquisite Zanzibar.

Trip Highlights: Dar es Salaam, Indian Ocean beach
Accommodation: Kipepeo Village – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/-300kms
Approximate Driving Time: 8 hours

Day 19 – 22

Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic sandy, palm fringed beaches; romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests and you will find all these here along with an interesting history.  Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and was once a major trading centre of spices. For centuries Zanzibar has traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for many generations, navigating the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town. This influence can be seen all along the Eastern coast – the Swahili language is a result of the mixing of Arab and African languages and cultures over many centuries.

Some of the history of Zanzibar is not as romantic. The island was once a staging post for slaves bought from the African interior who were detained before being shipped to Middle Eastern slave owners. The places where these men and women were held can still be seen and even the shortest visit is enough to convey the atrocious conditions they were forced to endure. On a lighter note though Zanzibar is the home of the Zanzibar Colobus Monkey, the Zanzibar Servaline Genet and the possibly extinct Zanzibar Leopard.

Our time spent in Zanzibar is not structured and your time is at leisure. One of the best ways to see Stone Town is on foot, where you can explore the bazaars for old maritime trinkets and cloths. You can also partake in activities such as visiting mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of the old town. Spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper are grown in nearby plantations and you are encouraged to take day tours where you are free to have your senses dazzled. If you are the kind of person who leans more toward leisure time spent on the beach, you are always free to enjoy the white sand and sparkling ocean and to simply soak up the sun’s rays. If you are looking for a good swim or dip in the sea, head out to the northern beaches to experience the warm and inviting Indian Ocean at it’s best where you can try your hand at snorkelling and diving, indulge in some tasty, lavish seafood or just relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book in hand.

PLEASE NOTE: As we leave the truck on the mainland, basic tourist class accommodation (B&B) is included in the tour price but for the sake of flexibility other meals are left for your own account. Typically, we spend one night in Stone Town and the next two nights in the north of the island at one of the beaches. Your tour leader will be available to assist if you if you have any questions or need activities arranged. Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Dar es Salaam. Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings.

Trip Highlights: Ferry to Zanzibar, Stone Town, Northern beaches, Optional Zanzibar activities
Accommodation: Stone Town (1 night), Kendwa Northern beaches – Sunset Bungalows or similar (3 nights) – Twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast included with hotel accommodation
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: Ferry crossing
Optional Activities: Spice Tour US$35, Scuba diving local US$130, Yacht Trip US$120, Snorkelling Safaris from US$40, Massages from US$20

Day 23

Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This morning gives us time to complete any last minute shopping or to enjoy one last swim before hopping onto the ferry that takes us back to the African mainland to Dar es Salaam. From there, it’s onward to our accommodation on the coast for the evening.

Trip Highlights: Zanzibar, Zanzibar ferry, Indian Ocean beach
Accommodation: Kipepeo Village – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: Ferry crossing

Day 24

Dar es Salaam – Marangu, Tanzania

Today we leave early and travel north to Marangu. Set below the flourishing slopes of the remarkable Usambara and Pare Mountains, located in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. “Marangu” means “full of water”. If the sky is clear today we may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the stunning snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain of 5895m.

Trip Highlights: Eastern Arc Mountain Range
Accommodation: Marangu Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-570 kms
Approximate Driving Time: 11 hours

Day 25

Marangu – Arusha, Tanzania

Driving past the town of Moshi, we arrive at Arusha – a city situated mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo. Known as the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania, 2 million people call this area their home. We have some time to explore the town before we head off to our camp outside of the city, at the edge of the Masai plains. In the afternoon we embark on a guided walk to a local school and clinic, a Masai museum and the wonderful Meserani Snake Park. From here, we have time to prepare for our two night/three day trip to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Trip Highlights: Arusha, Meserani Snake Park, Masai Culture experience and Museum
Accommodation: Meserani Snake Park – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/- 120kms
Approximate Driving Time: 2.5 hours
Optional Activities: Camel ride US$5, Guided walk US$7

Day 26 – 28

Arusha – Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Tanzania

Switching to smaller, more game park-friendly vehicles, we drive west across the Great Rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘Mosquito Creek’) and entering the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. Heading into the park, we drive around the Crater’s rim and down onto the plains of the Serengeti. A luscious green after the rains, and brown and burnt after the droughts, this area is home to a vast variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Masai Mara, the Serengeti is simply enormous. In fact, the name is derived from the Masai word Siringitu, meaning ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. Game viewing is a fantastic! Spending your nights sleeping in the unfenced campsite where lion and hyena roam freely is an enthralling and extremely memorable experience.

The next day we leave the plains and spend the day game driving. After lunch we begin to ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. It is here that we spend the night camping on the rim, where wildlife roam freely and where you will definitely need a warm jacket to combat the cold night air. The Ngorongoro, at 326 square kilometres in area, is Africa’s largest intact crater, as well as a World Heritage Site. The spectacular view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) makes the site from the Crater floor even more enjoyable at approximately 600 metres below sea level. All of the major mammals can be seen here, except for the giraffe who cannot manage the steep slopes leading downward to the floor of the Crater.

The next mroning we rise early to descend the almost vertical dirt roads for a morning of game driving and stop for lunch at the top of the Crater for one last magnificent view over the Ngorongoro before heading back to our camp at Arusha.

Trip Highlights: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Serengeti National Park: Bush Camp, Ngorongoro Crater: Simba Camp, Arusha: Meserani Snake Park- Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
Distance Covered: +/-250kms each way on the first and last day
Approximate Driving Time: Full days including game drives

Day 29

Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya

Following our final night in Tanzania, we head across the Masai Steppe toward the Kenyan frontier. Once we’ve completed formalities at the border post of Namanga, we make our way down the last stretch of road to Kenya’s capital of Nairobi, where our tour will come to an end.

Trip Highlights: Nairobi
Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance Covered: +/-270kms
Approximate Driving Time: 7 hours

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.