African Dream | 27 Days JHB to Dar es Salaam

DAY 1: Johannesburg (No meals)

We start the trip in hustle and bustle of South African city, Johannesburg. Tonight we will stay in twin-share rooms at Airport Lodge (or similar).

DAY 2: Johannesburg to Kruger Adventure Lodge (Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Johannesburg, we head towards the Lowveld and our camp situated close to the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our lodgings for the next two nights will be a short drive from the Kruger Park. These two nights we will stay in twin-share rooms at Kruger Adventure Lodge (or similar).

DAY 3: Kruger Adventure Lodge (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 19 485 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park keeping an eye out for these.

DAY 4: Kruger Adventure Lodge to Polokwane (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. Tonight we camp at Blyde River Canyon (or similar).

DAY 5: Polokwane to Sherwood (Breakfast / Lunch)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we drive toward Botswana. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Tonight we will stay in twin rooms at Kwa-Nokeng (or similar).

DAY 6: Sherwood to Gweta (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

From Sherwood we travel to the Botswanan town of Gweta where we will camp at a charming campsite called Planet Baobab (or similar) surrounded by spectacular baobab trees with edible fruit and a lovely swimming pool.

DAY 7: Gweta to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

From Gweta we travel to Maun, the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight and tomorrow night we stay in twin-share rooms at Sitatunga (or similar).

DAY 8: Maun to Okavango Delta to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

Here we have the opportunity to take the included excursion into the Delta. We drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the village are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional way of transport- the mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the mokoro station, we meet our Polers and pack our supplies before heading out to the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive in the heart of the Okavango.

Day 9: Maun to Nata region (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning as we depart to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands (or similar). The drive will take you through a very unpopulated landscape where donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at the campsite, you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or bush walk (time dependant). Your crew will provide you with more information.

Day 10: Nata region to Kasane (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

After breakfast, we head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the campsite while we watch another glorious African sunset. Tonight we camp at Thebe River Lodge (or similar).

DAY 11: Kasane to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast / Lunch)

Leaving Kasane, we head to Victoria Falls. Named after the famous world heritage site and water falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi river and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. The main road takes you to the entry point to view the Falls, situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-ao-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 1700m wide and around 100m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African safari! After our adventure activities briefing, the afternoon is spent relaxing at the lodging’s pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town. Tonight we will sleep in twin share rooms at Shearwater Lodge (or similar).

DAYS 12 & 13: Victoria Falls (Breakfast on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek. These two nights we sleep in twin share rooms at Shearwater Lodge (or similar).

DAY 14: Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia) (Breakfast / Dinner)

An afternoon departure takes us accros the span bridge to Zambia and our campsite for tonight. The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-ao-Tunya National Park, Zambia- a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the option of enjoying an optional sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Tonight we camp at Victoria Falls Waterfront (or similar).

DAY 15: Livingstone to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. The difference is evident in the cities with the availability of foreign stores, banks and imported cars, while the villages and smaller towns are still to catch up. Tonight we camp at Eureka Camping Park (or similar).

DAY 16: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc. Tonight we spend camping at Croc Valley Camp (or similar).

DAY 17: South Luangwa to Chipata (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Tonight we spend camping at Mamarula’s campsite (or similar). The town of Chipata is a convenient stop on the way to the Malawian border, situated in an agricultural area, where farming include maize, nuts, beans, sunflowers and other important agricultural staples.

A variety of attractions can be found in this exquisite country such as, forest, mountains and many a rural village, but there is one major attraction – Lake Malawi. There are many small rustic resorts along this fresh water lake where you can kick back on the sand and enjoy the perfect sunset over this lake. Malawi will offer you the perfect sub tropical climate, allowing you ample time to soak up the sun and work on that tan. Lilongwe is the largest city in Malawi, as well as the capital city. Malawi plays host to just over 12 million people, with English and Chichewa being the main languages.

DAYS 18- 19: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Zambia, we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We camp first at the central Lake, and then in the northern area over the next 3 days. These nights we send in twin share rooms at Kande Beach Lodge (or similar).

DAY 20: Chitimba (Breakfast)

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! At night you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school. Tonight we stay in standard rooms at Chitimba camp (or similar).

Optional Activities vary; we do however recommend the village tour in Kande Beach.

Please note that you can take pens, pencils, notepads etc with on this tour for the villagers.

Tanzania’s natural environment and geographical features have made it one of the best tourist destinations in Africa. Being the biggest country in east Africa, Tanzania has heaps to offer her visitors, including 13 game reserves and national parks. Tanzania also forms part of the world’s largest animal’s movements, the great migration. Inland are the vast Serengeti National Park and the animal-packed Ngorongoro Conservation area, and thousands of people every year fulfil their lifetime achievement of climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. On the coast, Zanzibar is exotic, intriguing and steeped in the unique Swahili culture.

DAY 21: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After a relaxing 3 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite (or similar).

DAY 22: Iringa to Mikumi (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. Tonight we camp at Tan-Swiaa Lodge (or similar).

DAY 23: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast / Lunch)

This morning we head off early and make our way to Dar es Salaam. The sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. Tonight we stay in charming beach bandas at Kipepeo Beach and Village (or similar).

DAY 24 & 25: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar. For these two nights we will be staying in twin share rooms at Amaan Bungalows (or similar).

PLEASE NOTE: Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the excursion.

PLEASE NOTE: New legislation prohibits the taking of photographs during the Zanzibar ferry ride. Spot fines can be issued, if legislation is not obeyed.

DAY 26: Zanzibar (Breakfast)

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer. Tonight we stay in twin share rooms at Swahili House (or similar).

DAY 27: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast)

Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland arriving back to camp in the late afternoon, or early evening. On arrival, where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!