Itinerary

 

The Trade Route is an extraordinary journey across South Eastern Africa. Active days canoeing on the Zambezi River and snorkeling in the warm Indian Ocean, game viewing in the world famous Kruger and bush walks in South Luangwa. We recommend Malaria prophylactics. Border crossings can be slow, so you need to be prepared for the experience. This journey has challenges and is for the adventurous traveller but also has magnificent highlights.

 

Day 1 - 2 LIVINGSTONE  [camping Bx1 --] 
(B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) 
The group will meet in Livingstone, in Zambia, at 14:00 where we have 2 days to explore Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, or a 111m bungi jump (own expense).

Day 3 KAFUE RIVER  [camping BLD] 
A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we camp the night.

Day 4 - 5 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 camp wild on an 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 starting campsite.

Day 6 LUSAKA  [camping BLD] 
We head to Lusaka where we stock up on supplies in the bustling shops and markets of the Zambian capital. Taking the Great East Road we drive this afternoon until sunset.

Day 7, 8, 9 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK  [camping BLD] 
Make our way down into “the valley” of the South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries where hippo, elephants, lion and leopard abound. We camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and explore the area on 2 game walks and 2 open 4WD game drives, with spotlights, to see nocturnal animals.

(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  [camping BLD] 
Malawi “the warm heart of Africa”. We restock with fresh supplies in the markets of Lilongwe before heading to our camp on the beach at Lake Malawi. We’ll take a boat out to the islands to explore the fantastic bays and coves in the area.

Day 12 LILONGWE – TOUR ENDS  [- B--] 
After breakfast you will be transferred by mini-bus from Lake Malawi, to Lilongwe.

HIGHLIGHTS

Victoria Falls – natural wonder of the world

Lower Zambezi – canoeing

South Luangwa NP – game walk & 4WD game drives

Lake Malawi – snorkelling & beaches