East - South Safari | 27 Days Dar es Salaam to JHB

DAY 1: Dar Es Salaam (No Meals)

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. Tonight we will be staying in Beach Bandas at Kipepeo Beach & Village (or similar).

DAY 2 & 3: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we 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.

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. These two nights we stay 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 will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. 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. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

DAYS 4: Zanzibar (Breakfast)

Today we travel back to the main town & tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at Swahili House (or similar).

DAY 5: Zanzibar to Mikumi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. 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. This is where we spend the night camping at Tan-Swiss Lodge (or similar).

DAY 6: Mikumi to Iringa (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

From Mikumi we travel towards Iringa where we spend the night camping in a beautiful rustic campsite called Old Farmhouse (or similar).

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.

Lake Malawi

Most your time in Malawi will be spent enjoying the white beaches and warm waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is also known as “the lake of stars”, offering an abundance of water activities. With the staggering amount of 500 species of fish, this lake makes for an excellent spot for fresh water diving after meeting and greeting all the welcoming locals.

DAYS 7 - 9: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast)

Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days.

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. The first night we will spend in twin-share rooms at Chitimba Camp (or similar) and the second and third night in twin-share rooms at Kande Beach Lodge (or similar).

Optional activities vary; however, we do recommend that you do the village tour.

DAYS 10: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

We travel from Lake Malawi over the border to the beautiful country of Zambia. We will spend our first night in Zambia in the small town of Chipata. We will camp at Mamarula’s (or similar).

DAY 11: Chipata to Luangwa National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early start takes us the South Luangwa National Park. 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 camp at the Croc Valley campsite (or similar).

DAY 12: Luangwa National Park to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we depart this amazing National Park and make our way down south. 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. Tonight we camp at Eureka Camping Park (or similar).

DAY 13: Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian towns mostly supporting local agriculture and farming on our way to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-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).

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.

DAY 14: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

We leave Zambia and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of 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. Our lodging is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. For the next two nights we will stay in twin-share rooms at Shearwater Lodge (or similar).

DAY 15-17: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. 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, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-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 1700 m wide and around 100 m 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 day is spent relaxing at the campsite, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Optional Activities: Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

The size of this successful country can be compared to countries such as Kenya or France, and fairly smaller than Texas. Botswana is a landlocked country with borders such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which can all be crossed overland. For such a small country, it boasts an array of spectacular game viewing opportunities such as, hundreds of elephants splashing in the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta and its maze of lagoons.

DAY 18: Victoria Falls to Kasane (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After breakfast, we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and 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 19: Kasane 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 the donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at our campsite you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or a bushwalk (time dependant). Your crew will provide you with more information.

DAY 20: Nata Region to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

Maun is 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 21: Maun to Okavango Delta to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

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 villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode 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 into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive in the heart of the Okavango.

DAY 22: Okavango Delta to Gweta (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability). After that we hit the road and travel to Gweta where will will be camping tonight at Planet Baobab (or similar).

DAY 23: Maun to Palapye (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading out early, we have a fairly long drive today to the small town of Sherwood. This popular ‘stopover’ town for those en route to South Africa, is well known. Tonight we will be camping at Kwa Nokeng (or similar).

With nine different provinces, 11 official languages and 3 capital cities, South Africa will most definitely make you stop in you tracks and go – WOW.

DAY 24: Sherwood to Polokwane (South Africa) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we cross into South Africa and stop to sightsee at the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Named for the Blyde River that runs through it, the canyon is 26km long, and averages 800m deep and forms the northern edge of the impressive Drakensberg Mountain Range. It is classified as a ‘green canyon’ due to the uncommon occurrence of vegetation that lines it (uncommon as most canyons are in desert areas and are fairly barren). The main viewpoints along the canyon are the 3 Rondavels, named for the shape of the traditional huts or houses the indigenous people of the area used to live in; and Gods Window that affords a breathtaking view across the canyon and surrounding area.

Please note that there is a small entry fee at each of these attractions that will need to be paid upon arrival. The money generated goes toward the support of the local communities. There are also many locals you sell their local crafts in this area. Tonight we camp at Blyde Canyon (or similar).

DAY 25: Polokwane to Kruger Adventure Lodge (Breakfast / Lunch)

Heading through the breathtaking Panorama Route, we stop off at various viewpoints today including scenic God’s Window. We pass through the small town of Graskop, and head toward the Kruger National Park and our lodge close to the park. Tonight and tomorrow night we stay in twin-share rooms at the Kruger Adventure Lodge (or similar).

DAY 26: Kruger Adventure Lodge (Breakfast / Lunch)

Today we visit the amazing Kruger National Park (19 485 km²) in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that make this park their home. We travel in our truck along the main game viewing routes within the park and stop off at some of the camps along the way. For those who wish to upgrade to an open vehicle game drive, this can be arranged with the trip leader at an additional cost.

DAY 27: Kruger Adventure Lodge to Johannesburg (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination; Egoli the place of gold (Johannesburg), Johannesburg is the capital of Gauteng, which is a province in South Africa. On arrival in Johannesburg we unload the truck for the final time, exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here. Post tour accommodation can be booked through your agent or the Africa Travel Co office.