A 21-day journey covering the heart of the wild continent, from Zambia through Malawi and down the Mozambique coast to South Africa. A diverse and fascinating journey along the old trade routes!
Summary
• A diverse African adventure – discovery route.
• All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife through Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa!
• Vic Falls, Lower Zambezi canoeing, South Luangwa, Lake Malawi, Benguerra Island, Kruger National Park – great diversity!
Why travelers like this trip
• Variety - a tour that discovers the diversity of East and Southern Africa! Spectacular Victoria Falls - National Parks, Zambian wilderness, Lake of Stars, Tropical Island get away, and wildlife in Kruger. From the wildlife areas and cultural interaction to historical sites all set in beautiful landscapes!
• National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit the world famous Lower Zambezi conservation area, South Luangwa NP in Zambia, Kruger National Park in South Africa as well as other lesser known wildlife areas. This trip covers a huge variety of African wildlife of Southern Africa.
• Culture and history - for example the history of the slave trading on the “Inhambane” Mozambique, the friendly people of Malawi.
• Scenery - You can’t ask for more than this trip, from Victoria Falls to the Benguerra Island and everything in between!
• Small group - traveling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
• Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Lower Zambezi, Luangwa NP, Lake Malawi & Benguerra Island. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Adventure - activities available include: canoe trail, boat excursions, dhow rides, diving, snorkeling, game drives, fishing, horse riding and game walks!
Departs: Livingstone, Zambia on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Ends (12-day): Lilongwe, Malawi on Thursday at 2:00pm.
Ends (21-day): Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday at 6:00pm.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
Highlights
• Victoria Falls - natural wonder of the world
• Lower Zambezi - canoeing
• South Luangwa NP - game walk & 4WD game drives
• Lake Malawi - snorkeling & beaches
• Benguerra Island – explore islands on a dhow
• Inhambane – beaches and scuba diving
• Kruger National Park – morning and afternoon game drives
Includes
• 2011: 2 nights in casita/tented lodge en suite, 4 night casita shared ablutions & 14 nights camping
• Entrance fees
• Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillows)
• Transport in safari truck or 4WD
• Meals as per itinerary
• Professional guide
• Canoeing on the Lower Zambezi
• Benguerra Island excursion |
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12-Day Option
SAFARI
COST (2012): $2,260 per person sharing, plus local payment of US$300 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single tent supplement $160.
21-Day Option
SAFARI
COST (2012): $3,050 per person sharing, plus local payment of US$300 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single tent supplement $215. If you are a single traveler, you will be assigned to room with another same gender single traveler and there is no supplemental payment required. If you request to room alone, then a price supplement will be charged.
ADD-ON: All Trade Route departures can be combined after the Botswana Wildside Safari or after the Classic Botswana Safari for an extended wildlife experience or after the Botswana Kalahari & Delta Safari for a complete tour of Southern Africa. |
DAYS 1 - 2;
(2 Nights)
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Camping - breakfast x1] |
  The group will meet in Livingstone, Zambia at 2:00pm, 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 an 111m bungi jump (own expense).
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Includes: Entrance to see the Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: N/A
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more.
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DAY 3;
(1 Night)
KAFUE RIVER, Zambia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia to the Kafue River, where we camp the night.
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool & bar.
Distance / Time: 505kms, ± 8 hours, excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
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DAYS 4 - 5;
(2 Nights)
LOWER ZAMBEZI CANOEING, Zambia [Lodge - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  We drive down into the Lower Zambezi Valley and spend two nights at our lodge on the banks of the river. Enjoy a full day canoeing down the Zambezi River, home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. The river attracts elephants and other wildlife from the surrounding wilderness. After a day highlighted by bird watching and game viewing, relax around the campfire in the evening.
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Includes: Full day canoe safari on Lower Zambezi with local river guides.
Overnight: Lodge – twin rooms en-suite facilities, swimming pool & bar.
Distance / Time: 380kms, ± 5½-7½ hours (subject to road conditions), excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 6; (1 Night)
LUSAKA, Zambia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
 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.
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swilling pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 380kms, 6½ hours (subject to road conditions), excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 7 - 9;
(3 Nights)
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, Zambia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Make our way down into “the valley” of the Luangwa River. South Luangwa National Park is wild and remote. It has an abundance of wildlife that is rarely seen in other game reserves and is one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, full of hippo, crocodiles, elephants, lion and leopard. We camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and explore the area on a game walk and an open 4WD night drive, with spotlights, to see nocturnal animals.
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Includes: Entrance fees to South Luangwa National Park, 2 game walks, and 1 night game drives.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swilling pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 500kms, ± 8 hours (subject to road conditions), excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Game drives.
Revised 2012: During December - April walks may not be possible due to bush conditions after rainfall but will be replaced by game drives. |
DAYS 10 - 11; (2 Nights)
LAKE MALAWI, Malawi [Camping - breakfast & lunch] |
  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.
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Includes: Island boat excursion.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, & hot showers.
Distance / Time: 510kms, ± 7 hours (subject to road conditions), excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 12 - 13; (2 Nights)
TRANSIT - Mozambique [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  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.
Livingstone to Lilongwe “Zambia Malawi” tour ends at 14:00pm on day 12 at Lilongwe airport.
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities, & hot showers (sometimes!).
Distance / Time: 800kms, ± 6-7 hours per day (subject to road conditions), excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, village visits & water sports. |
DAYS 14 - 15;
(2 Nights)
BAZARUTO ISLANDS, Mozambique [2010: Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] [2011: Casitas - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Upon reaching the Indian Ocean we stay overnight in Vilanculos. We take a full day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood available – what a day!
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Includes: Full day Dhow excursion to Bazaruto Islands.
2010 Overnight: Campsites – good ablution facilities, & hot shower (sometimes!), restaurant and bar.
2011 Overnight: Casitas – twin rooms with shared ablutions, hot showers (sometimes!), restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 530kms ± 5 hours per day (subject to road conditions), excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Snorkeling. |
DAYS 16 - 17; (2 Nights)
INHAMBANE, Mozambique [Casitas - breakfast x2, lunch x2, dinner x1] |
  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 Praia de Barra to our casitas (reed cabin) under the palms next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense).
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Casitas – twin rooms with shared ablutions, hot showers (sometimes!), restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 330kms, ± 4½ hours, excludes stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, Ocean safari, Quad biking & Horse riding. |
DAY 18; (1 Night)
BELENE, Mozambique [2010: Casitas - breakfast x1, lunch x1] [2011: Camping - breakfast x1, lunch x1] |
  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.
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Includes: N/A
2010 Overnight: Casitas – twin rooms with shared ablutions, hot showers (sometimes!), restaurant & bar.
2011 Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant, bar & shop.
Distance / Time: 375kms, ± 5 hours, (sometimes!)
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, Ocean safari, Quad biking & Horse riding. |
DAYS 19 - 20; (2 Nights)
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  We enter the greater Kruger National Park and Transfrontier Limpopo Park and 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.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Kruger National Park, morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant, bar & shop.
Distance / Time: 340kms, ± 6 hours (sometimes!), excluding border formalities & lunch stop (a long day!) and game drives.
Optional Activities: Night game drives in National Park game viewing vehicles. |
DAY 21
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa [breakfast] |
After an early morning game drive we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends at 6:00pm. |
Includes: N/A
Overnight: N/A
Distance / Time: 450kms, ± 6½ hours, excluding stops for lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
Note:The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo
stops!
ADD-ON: All Trade Route departures can be combined after the Botswana Wildside Safari or after the Classic Botswana Safari for an extended wildlife experience.
DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Camping – 14 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are at best basic but generally clean. There are hot, but sometimes only cold, showers, washing facilities at some of the campsites. Some camps in Zambia have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets! Sunway supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
• Wild camping – There is a possibility on this trip that, due to local conditions, we will camp wild. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the “dig and bury” variety.
• Casitas, Casa Barry – for 2 nights in Inhambane (Praia do Tofo) we stay in reed and thatch casitas. These are basic twin rooms with bed and mattress and shared ablutions. Bar, restaurant, telephone.
• Chalets, Smugglers – for 2 nights in Vilankulos we stay in twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone.
• Lower Zambezi, Mvuu Lodge - on the Lower Zambezi River we spend 2 nights at a riverside permanent tented camp. Tents are twin sharing and have beds with mattresses and insect nets and are en suite.
Transport
• On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour.
• Canoe – a full day canoeing down stream on the Lower Zambezi River on flat water. Two-man Indian canoes provided which are stable and easy to paddle. An experienced river guide will accompany the group and no previous paddling experience is required.
• Open Game drives – for game viewing activities in South Luangwa NP we use open game viewing 4WD vehicles. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!
• Safari Truck – custom built safari truck with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a great view. There are a couple of long days of traveling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed and these countries lend themselves to the pace of African travel. The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things.”
Local Payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. A large part of this tours local payment is used for the National Park entrance fees. The payment must be made in cash (South African Rand) and they cannot accept traveler’s checks nor credit cards.
Participation
An essential part of this safari is participation – from helping around the camp fire, to packing away in the morning, to helping with cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for curios en route is diverse and rewarding. Remember - if you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along.
Food
• We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except where shown in itinerary, where we try out local restaurants or fresh produce markets.
• The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
• We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
• We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
• Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. Simple campsites are enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
• This is a long distance trans Africa safari - there is a lot of distance to be covered and so there will be some long traveling days. Due to local conditions, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route / schedule - please remember that this continent has its own time scale and things work differently here. Keep an open mind and a sense of hum our - it’s all part of the adventure!
• Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
• Includes all National Park entrance fees, canoeing in the Lower Zambezi River and a trip out to Benguerra Island in the warm Indian Ocean.
• You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Please note that these can be arranged in advance and cannot always be obtained at the border.
• Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring day pack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.
• Because of limited banking facilities and tour schedule clients will only be to change traveler’s checks in Livingstone, Lilongwe, Blantyre & Vilanculos. We recommend that you bring Euro or US$ for personal expenses on this trip. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities. Ask us for approximate costs of drinks and meals etc.
• The trip begins and ends at a local address; if you require transfers, please advise. Transfers are US$45 each way.
Common questions about this trip
• What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a water bottle and a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
• Is it safe? Africa and on the route we follow is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. We do not enter Zimbabwe on this trip. In the cities keep a careful eye on your belongings and don’t leave anything lying about - petty theft is rife. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip!
• Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
• Can I charge camera batteries? We recommend that you bring extra batteries as well as a 12/24-volt cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the vehicle if necessary. Charging in the vehicle will be at the discretion of the guide, as it will not be allowed if there is a risk of draining the vehicle's battery. The power supply of most of the countries you will be visiting is 220-240 volts.
• Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way.
2012 DATES
SCHEDULED SAFARI
DATES - 2012
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Departure
Date |
Language |
Departing
From |
Ending
Date |
Ending
In |
Options
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01 January |
English |
Livingstone |
12 January |
Lilongwe |
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01 January |
English |
Livingstone |
21 January |
Johannesburg |
|
29 January |
English |
Livingstone |
09 February |
Lilongwe |
|
29 January |
English |
Livingstone |
18 February |
Johannesburg |
|
26 February |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
08 March |
Lilongwe |
|
26 February |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
17 March |
Johannesburg |
|
01 April |
English |
Livingstone |
12 April |
Lilongwe |
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01 April |
English |
Livingstone |
21 April |
Johannesburg |
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29 April |
English |
Livingstone |
10 May |
Lilongwe |
|
29 April |
English |
Livingstone |
19 May |
Johannesburg |
|
27 May |
English |
Livingstone |
07 June |
Lilongwe |
|
27 May |
English |
Livingstone |
16 June |
Johannesburg |
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24 June |
English |
Livingstone |
05 July |
Lilongwe |
|
24 June |
English |
Livingstone |
14 July |
Johannesburg |
|
08 July |
English |
Livingstone |
19 July |
Lilongwe |
|
08 July |
English |
Livingstone |
28 July |
Johannesburg |
|
15 July |
English |
Livingstone |
26 July |
Lilongwe |
|
15 July |
English |
Livingstone |
04 August |
Johannesburg |
|
22 July |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
02 August |
Lilongwe |
|
22 July |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
11 August |
Johannesburg |
|
05 August |
English |
Livingstone |
16 August |
Lilongwe |
|
05 August |
English |
Livingstone |
25 August |
Johannesburg |
|
12 August |
English |
Livingstone |
23 August |
Lilongwe |
|
12 August |
English |
Livingstone |
01 September |
Johannesburg |
|
19 August |
English |
Livingstone |
30 August |
Lilongwe |
|
19 August |
English |
Livingstone |
08 September |
Johannesburg |
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02 September |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
13 September |
Lilongwe |
|
02 September |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
22 September |
Johannesburg |
|
09 September |
English |
Livingstone |
20 September |
Lilongwe |
|
09 September |
English |
Livingstone |
29 September |
Johannesburg |
|
16 September |
English |
Livingstone |
27 October |
Lilongwe |
|
16 September |
English |
Livingstone |
06 October |
Johannesburg |
|
30 September |
English |
Livingstone |
11 October |
Lilongwe |
|
30 September |
English |
Livingstone |
20 October |
Johannesburg |
|
07 October |
English |
Livingstone |
18 October |
Lilongwe |
|
07 October |
English |
Livingstone |
27 October |
Johannesburg |
|
14 October |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
25 November |
Lilongwe |
|
14 October |
GERMAN |
Livingstone |
03 November |
Johannesburg |
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04 November |
English |
Livingstone |
15 November |
Lilongwe |
|
04 November |
English |
Livingstone |
24 November |
Johannesburg |
|
11 November |
English |
Livingstone |
22 December |
Lilongwe |
|
11 November |
English |
Livingstone |
01 December |
Johannesburg |
|
02 December |
English |
Livingstone |
13 December |
Lilongwe |
|
02 December |
English |
Livingstone |
22 December |
Johannesburg |
|
30 December |
English |
Livingstone |
10 January 2013 |
Lilongwe |
|
30 December |
English |
Livingstone |
19 January 2013 |
Johannesburg |
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ADD-ON: All Trade Route departures can be combined after the Botswana Wildside Safari or after the Classic Botswana Safari for an extended wildlife experience.
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