This circular tour covers 5 countries highlighting uniqueness of each. Some highlights include Kruger National Park, Zambezi River and Chobe National Park and Mozambique..
Luangwa Valley National Park
Chobe National Park
Spectacular hikes
Canoeing
Kruger National Park
Mozambiquan coast
Dhow trip
Lake Malawi
An overland for those that wish to experience the highlights of Southern Africa with the convenience of flying in and out of Johannesburg. This tour will show you the best parts of five countries, and endeavour to highlight 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 deserted beaches of Mozambique. This tour also concentrates on some of the finest Game Reserves in Africa, including Chobe, Luangwa and Kruger where you will see a huge variety of animals all in their natural environment. Group size usually numbers between 6 and 17 clients.
Start: Johannesburg Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport
Day 1 Makgadikgadi Pans Depart from Johannesburg, head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities, continue to Nata, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. Familiarise yourself with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.
Day 2 Chobe National Park Travel through the chobe forest reserves up to the mighty Chobe River and adjoining National Park where huge herds of Elephant gather at the water. After an extensive afternoon game drive within the Chobe National Park, we cross the border and head for Victoria Falls, to spend three nights in comfort at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn. Breakfast, lunch dinner included.
Day 3 - 4 Victoria Falls During your stay here you will view the spectacular Fall's and the other highlights of this "Africa's Adventure Capital". Those seeking adrenaline may wish to try the Bungi jump, White Water Rafting or a variety of aircraft flips (own expense). One night you enjoy traditional dancing and a "braai" at the pool. On the last night you eat at a local restaurant (own expense). Breakfast and 1 dinner included.
Day 5 Crossing the original railway bridge, view the falls for the last time before entering Zambia. Journey on through southern Zambia and then down into the Lower Zambezi Valley to Gwabi. You will camp the night. Relax at the pool in the afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 - 8 Zambezi River The Zambezi River needs little introduction. A mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, providing what can only be described as the finest canoe adventure in the world. What better way to see big game at close quarters than from a canoe! Spend two nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the third day you are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included, except for day 8.
Day 9 Luangwa River Lusaka Reunite with the vehicle. Travel through the capital of Lusaka and then along the "Great East Road" to your next overnight camp. You will cover as much distance as possible today. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 - 11 South Luangwa National Park Your next stop is the Luangwa National Park, where two nights are spent camping on the banks of the river, well known for its impressive Hippo population. 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. Optional night drive (own expense). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 - 13 Lake Malawi, Lilongwe Crossing into Malawi today, your first stop is Lilongwe, the capital. After stocking up with groceries and curios, continue to Lake Malawi, an impressive inland freshwater sea. The snorkelling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. Spend two nights camping literally on the beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 - 15 Mulanje Turning south, head for Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. Spend two nights camping at the base, and enjoy a hike to the summit from where the views are exceptional. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 16 Chimoio Travelling via Blantyre, enter Mozambique. Journey through the Tete corridor, across the Zambezi River and alongside the mountains that form the border with Zimbabwe. Camp wild in the remote region of Chimoio. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 Bazaruto, Vilanculos Leaving the wilderness behind, today you pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the coast. The next stop is Vilanculos - on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. Spend the night here in casitas, situated literally on the Beach. Tonight you enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (own expense). Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 18 - 20 Inhambane Continuing south along the coast, your next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. You spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to the Drifters Barra Beach Camp under the Coconut Palms on the beach. You will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in casitas at this camp and during your time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. On the last night you enjoy a catered meal (Own expense) those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Maputo Today you cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards the last stop in Mozambique - the capital Maputo. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 22 Maputo, Hazyview Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafes and markets, and you will spend time this morning driving through and viewing these and the other attractions of this once grandiose city. This afternoon, cross back into South Africa and make your way to the Kruger National Park to camp the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 23 Southern Kruger, Central Kruger No visit to Africa would be complete without a visit to the Kruger National Park. Spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and then travel the short distance to the Hazyview Inn. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 24 A leisurely start today, after enjoying a walk on the property, you make your way back to Johannesburg. Arrive back at the Drifters Inn in the late afternoon. Breakfast included.
End: Johannesburg Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport
Important Information For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in developing countries. Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi and Zambia: these are the client's responsibility. Precautions against malaria are advisable. A small daypack is advisable for the hike on Mulanje. The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations. The itinerary may vary slightly according to conditions en route.
Rate includes All transport, accommodation, entry fees and permits, game drives and walks, canoe trip, group equipment, professional guides and most meals.
Rate excludes Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, and optional excursions are for the client's own expense.
Group size Minimum: 3 Maximum: 17
Guestbook
The African landscapes that we encountered on the Southern Circle ranged from dry savannah to tree-dotted mountainside to lush tropical forests. Coming from a place where everything is buildings and streets, to see such unspoiled areas was a true delight... the entire trip was amazing. One reason why I initially chose this trip was because of the 2 day canoe trip along the Zambezi, and it proved to be a truly unique experience. Not only was it our only true 'wild' camping, but it was also our closest encounter with the wildlife. We got the incredible opportunity to be within a 'trunk's distance' from elephants, hippos, birds.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about indigenoues flora and fauna all over Southern Africa. In the national parks and along hikes he would often stop to describe plant/animal purpose/life in Africa. It was a definite learning experience. He would also be quick to answer any questions the group had.
I was pleasantly surprised about many things on my African adventure, and I would recommend your company, as well as Drifters for any travel to Africa.
Melanie McCaffery (USA), Drifters 24 day Southern Circle, June 2006
