Southern African Circle Tour

Lake Malawi, Victoria Falls, Kruger Park

Experience the highlights of several countries of Southern Africa with the convenience of flying in and out of Johannesburg. This tour will reveal the contrasts that make up this region. From the desert landscapes of Botswana to the lush forests of Zambia, the tea plantations of Malawi to the still empty beaches of Mozambique, you will experience built up cities and rural homesteads, good highways and dirt tracks. Get to know some of the finest Game Reserves in Africa, including Chobe, Luangwa and Kruger. See a huge variety of animals in their natural environment. These tours depart from Johannesburg every second Sunday.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Rhinos

Day 1: Johannesburg - Nata 
From Johannesburg we head directly to the Botswana border. After having completed the immigration formalities we continue to Nata, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans. In the evening we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Overnight in tents.

Day 2: Chobe NP
In the morning we ride through the Chobe Forest Reserve until we reach the mighty Chobe River. In the adjoining Chobe National Park huge Elephant herds gather around the waterplaces. Make an extensive afternoon game drive within the National Park. Later on, we head for Victoria Falls across the border to Zimbabwe to spend the next three nights at the comfortable "Victoria Falls Inn". B/L/D

Days 3-4: Victoria Falls
Enjoy the spectacular view of the Falls and other highlights of the so-called "Africa's Adventure Capital". You may wish to try the Bungee jump, White Water Rafting or a variety of aircraft flips (own expense) to get your adrenaline pumped up. In the evening of day 3 enjoy traditional dancing and a "braai" at the poolside. Dinner on day 4 at a local restaurant (own expense). 2xB/D

Day 5: Kafue 
Have a last view of The Falls before crossing the original railway bridge, entering Zambia. Our journey today takes us through southern Zambia into the Lower Zambezi Valley to Kafue, where we will camp overnight. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool to prepare yourself for the upcoming days of canoeing. B/L/D

Great fishing

Days 6-8: Zambezi Canoeing
The Zambezi River, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, provides for one of the world's finest canoe adventures. From the canoe you are able to see big game at close quarters. We will spend two nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the third day we are transferred back to Kafue by boat to enjoy a shower and a catered meal (own expense). 3xB/3xL/2xD

Day 9: Lusaka - Luangwa

Reunited with our vehicle we pass through the capital of Zambia, Lusaka. Further on, we drive along the "Great East Road" to our next overnight camp. We will try to cover as much distance as possible today. B/D

Days 10-11: Luangwa NP
Our next destination is the Luangwa National Park. During our stay here we will partake in an extensive game drive in the park in search of the elusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa's best. We will spend two nights camping on the banks of the river, which is well known for its impressive Hippo population. Optional night drive (own expense). B/L/D

Days 12-13: Lake Malawi
After reaching the border crossing to Malawi today, our first stop is the country's capital, Lilongwe. Here, we can stock up with groceries and curios, before we continue to Lake Malawi. In this impressive inland freshwater sea, snorkelling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We will spend two nights on the lakeshore, camping literally on the beach. B/L/D

African barbecue

Days 14-15: Mulanje Mountain Area
On our way South, we come to Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600 m above the surrounding forests and lush tea plantations. We will spend two nights camping in the Mulanje area. Enjoy a hike to the plateau from where the views are exceptional. 2xB/2xL/2xD

Day 16: Chimoio
Passing by the town of Blantyre, today we cross into Mozambique. We travel through the Tete Corridor, across the Zambezi River and through the mountains at the border with Zimbabwe. In the remote Chimoio region, we camp wild tonight. B/L/D

Day 17: Vilanculos
En-route to the coast, we pass through many vibrant and bustling villages, leaving the wilderness behind us. Our next stop is Vilanculos on the shores of the warm, azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the night literally on the beach in "casitas". Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense) B/L

Day 18-20: Inhambane
Moving south along the coast, we arrive at the ancient trading port of Inhambane. Spend some time exploring and visiting the local market before continuing to the Coconut Palms of the Barra Beach Camp. Enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in casitas at this camp. During our time here, we will relax, snorkel, and explore the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). On day 20, enjoy a catered meal (own expense). 3xB/3xL/2xD

On the beach

Day 21: Maputo 
Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards our last stop in Mozambique - the capital Maputo (Dinner own expense). B/L

Day 22: Kruger NP
Maputo has an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafés and markets. and we will spend time this morning driving through and viewing these and the other attractions of this once grandiose city. This afternoon we cross back into South Africa and make our way to the Kruger National Park to camp the night. B/L/D

Day 23: Kruger NP - Hazyview

No visit to Africa would be complete without the Kruger. Spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and in the late afternoon travel the short distance to the "Hazyview Inn". B/L/D

Day 24: Johannesburg

After enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg, where we arrive back at the "Drifters Inn" in the late afternoon. B