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]
After a relaxing morning at the lake shore, we drive up the escarpment to the city of Lilongwe. Crossing the border back in Zambia we 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, one at night 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]
We re-stock 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.

Livingstone to Lilongwe “Zambia Malawi” tour ends at 14:00pm on day 12 at Lilongwe airport.

Day 12 - 13 TRANSIT MOZAMBIQUE [camping BLD]
Heading south again we enter Mozambique at Zobue border post. Making our way back over the Zambezi we travel through the Tete region, camping en route in this remote part of Mozambique. (Campsite facilities are very basic.)

Day 14 - 15 BAZARUTO ISLANDS [camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Upon reaching the Indian Ocean we stay overnight in Vilankulos. We take a full day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, snorkeling, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood available – what a day! 

Day 16 - 17 INHAMBANE [casitas Bx2 Lx2 Dx1]
Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200-year-old cathedral, before moving to our casitas (reed cabin) under the palms next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense). 

Day 18 BILENE [camping BL-]
We travel further south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with clear water and white, sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options of kayaking and snorkelling (own expense), and swimming in the shallow, calm waters.

Day 19 - 20 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [camping BLD] 
We travel into Kruger National Park - visit big game country! Exciting game drives to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness. 

Day 21 - 22 MPUMALANGA - JOHANNESBURG [chalets Bx2 Lx1 Dx1]
Departing Kruger, we tour the Panorama Route, visiting Bourkes Luck Potholes, God’s Window and the Three Sisters.

We return to Johannesburg in the afternoon of day 22, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends @ 18:00.

Please note: we do a free drop off at Johannesburg airport on day 22 at +/- 16:00pm so you can book your flight out for the last day of tour.

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