Itinerary

 

An exciting safari experience exploring the diversity of the lesser travelled South Eastern African countries. This tour is not for the faint hearted, and requires some patience; the travelling can be slow, some nights the accommodation is basic, however the journey offers amazing scenery and fantastic highlights, well worth the long travel days. We recommend malaria prophylactics. A safari for travellers with a sense of adventure.

Day 1  LIVINGSTONE [lodge Bx1 --]
(B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
The group will meet in Livingstone, in Zambia, at 14:00. This afternoon we explore Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge.

Day 2 KAFUE RIVER [lodge BLD]
A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia and down into the lowlands and our lodge on the banks of the Kafue River.

Day 3 - 4 LOWER ZAMBEZI CANOEING [camping BLD]
We paddle down the mighty Zambezi River, home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. Canoeing past local riverside villages and magnificent scenery. We overnight in wild campsite on Elephant Bones Island in the heart of untamed Africa. The following morning we continue our canoe safari through an area teaming with elephants, hippos and other wildlife. We will be collected by a motorboat, and are transferred back up river to our lodge.

Day 5 LUSAKA [lodge BLD]
A leisurely start to the day before we head to Lusaka where we stock up on supplies in the bustling shops and markets of the Zambian capital.

Day 6 GREAT EAST ROAD [lodge BLD]
Today is a transit drive, as we travel along the “great east road” across the Luangwa River Bridge and to the town of Nyimba. Villages line the road at intervals and there is an opportunity to witness the rural Zambia lifestyle.

Day 7- 9 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK [lodge BLD]
South Luangwa is well known for its large concentration of wildlife along the river, boasting huge numbers of hippos, crocodile and elephants. We explore the diversity of habitats including woodlands, grass plains and riverine forest on open vehicle game drives as well as on foot on exciting game walks. From the comfort of our tented lodge we often see elephants crossing the river at sunset. (In the green season, Dec – Apr, walks may not be possible in which case we’ll do extra game drives).

Day 10 - 11 LAKE MALAWI [lodge BLD]
We make our way to Lake Malawi to our lodge on the lake shores. From here we will discover the lake’s islands on a boat trip and snorkel with the jewelled fish, the Cichlids. The friendly people of Malawi make it the “warm heart of Africa”.

Day 12 - 13 TRANSIT MOZAMBIQUE [lodge BLD]
We journey south and enter Mozambique. For the next two days we cross this magnificent country passing traditional villages and farm lands as we make our way to the warm waters of the Indian ocean.

Day 14 - 15 BAZARUTO ISLANDS [chalet Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Tropical paradise and golden beaches, we spend the next two nights in Vilankulos, where we take a full day trip on a traditional Arab Dhow to the beautiful island of Magaruque. The guides will prepare a picnic lunch under the palm trees while you snorkel with the colourful tropical fish. This is a definite highlight of the safari.

Day 16 - 17 INHAMBANE [casitas Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Historically Inhambane was a centre of trade dating back hundreds of years where slaves were traded alongside spices and gold. We explore the town before we head to the beach and our casitas under the palm trees. Seafood, sun and surf, we have the following day to relax on the beach or cross the bay to Maxixe on an Arab Dhow. Scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are available (own expense).

Day 18 BILENE [casita BL-]
A large lagoon near the costal town of Bilene is our next stop offers clear water and white beaches. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon, and swimming in the shallow, calm waters.

Day 19 - 20 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [hut BLD] 
Kruger National Park is famous for its variety of wildlife. We cross the rugged wilderness of the Transfrontier Limpopo Park and enter the national park and head to our camp. We spend our time on game drives which offer pristine wildlife and we hope to spot the shy leopard, lion, zebra and elephant over the next two days.

Day 21 - GREATER KRUGER - JOHANNESBURG [chalets Bx2 Lx1 Dx1]

The Panorama Routes’ wide open vista is the final stop on our magnificent journey. An area of mountains, escarpments, streams and forests. We explore Bourkes Luck Potholes, God’s Window and the Three Sisters. The tour finishes in Johannesburg in the afternoon of day 22, having had the experience of a lifetime. Tour ends @18:00pm

HIGHLIGHTS

Victoria Falls – natural wonder of the world

Lower Zambezi – canoeing

South Luangwa NP – game walk & 4WD game drives

Lake Malawi – snorkelling & beaches

Benguerra Island – explore islands on a dhow

Inhambane – beaches and scuba diving

Kruger National Park – morning and afternoon game drives