Overland Safari

30 Days
Johannesburg to Nairobi

21 Nights Camping / 5 Nights Cabin / 3 Nights Inn

The ultimate experience for the adventurous is an overland camping safari through Africa. A cultural experience second to none, and with adventure around every corner, sometimes finding oneself so isolated that the nearest town could be some 300 kilometres away, this trip is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg - Limpopo Depart Johannesburg early and trek north. Stop en-route to do some last minute shopping, head for our rustic bush camp set on a private game reserve in the Limpopo Valley. Arrive early and familiarise ourselves with the vehicle and equipment, before camping the night. Enjoy a traditional “braai”. Day 2: Zimbabwe Ruins Travel the short distance to the border where we complete formalities and travel directly to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The afternoon is spent exploring this massive complex, and delving into the mysteries surrounding their origin. Tonight we enjoy a night of relative comfort, and a catered meal (own expense).

Day 3: Bulawayo / Matobo
A short drive today, we pass through the wide streets of Bulawayo, and on to our camp nestled amongst the precariously balanced boulders of Matobo. This afternoon we enjoy an open vehicle drive into Matobo National Park where we will track Rhino and other animals on foot.

Day 4: Hwange
Rise early and proceed onto Hwange National Park. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive drive in search of the animals for which Hwange is so well known. Tonight we drift off to sleep to the sounds of the wild at our bush camp in the Hwange area.

Days 5-6: Victoria Falls
Head for the amazing spectacle of Victoria Falls, and the surrounding tourist village. Two nights at the Drifters Victoria Falls Inn. There are numerous activities to pursue, such as bungi jumping, white-water rafting and aircraft flips (own expense and explore the town. One evening meal will be at a local restaurant (own expense),the other will be a "braai" with traditional dancers at the pool.

Day 7: Kafue Camp
An early start, we have a last view of the falls whilst crossing the historic Livingstone Bridge over the Zambezi Gorge into Zambia. Our journey takes us across southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we set up camp. Relax by the pool and enjoy a hot shower.

Days 8-10: Zambezi Canoe
Begin our canoeing adventure with excellent bird and game viewing opportunities. Hippo and other big game may be encountered at close range and at night we camp wild on islands. End the paddle at the Chongwe River, and camp on the mainland. Conduct a short game walk before transferring back to Kafue camp by power boat, for a hot shower and a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

Day 11: Luangwa
Continue north via the capital city, Lusaka, where we stock up on provisions and enjoy an own expense lunch, before moving along the Great East Road to our overnight camp. We will cover as much distance today as possible.

Days 12-13: Luangwa National Park Travel on to camp on the banks of the Luangwa River where we overnight for two nights just outside the Luangwa National Park. We enter the southern park for some spectacular game viewing with excellent opportunities for Leopard sightings. Camp both nights. (Optional night drive, own expense) Days 14-15: Lake Malawi Enter Malawi, and visit the curio stalls in Lilongwe, we continue down to the lake where we spend two nights literally camping on the beach. The days are spent simply relaxing and soaking up the sun, or for the more energetic, the crystal clear waters offer excellent snorkelling and lovely beach walks.

Day 16: Northern Malawi
Following the winding road along the lakeshore, we continue north and again camp the night on the beach, enjoying Lake Malawi, one of Africa's jewels.

Day 17: Mikumi
Entering Tanzania, we begin our journey across this vast country. Tonight we will camp in the remote village of Mikumi.

Day 18: Dar Es Salaam
We arrive in Dar Es Salaam, the historic port of Tanzania, around noon. We will spend some time in this bustling city before moving to the North Coast where we will camp the night on the beach.

Days 19-22: Zanzibar
Head directly to the harbour and embark on a ferry ride across to the spice island, Zanzibar. Exploring the island thoroughly, spend time at the remote villages and sandy beaches of the north, enjoy the mystique and history of the Stone Town. Visit slave pits and participate in a spice tour, sample the local cuisine one night (own expense).

Day 23: Zanzibar / Dar Es Salaam
Board the ferry for our journey back to the mainland. We camp the night north of Dar Es Salaam at a small resort.

Days 24-25: Arusha
Head for Arusha and spend two nights camping in this bustling town. Enjoy a full day of curio shopping and exploring the numerous markets, etc. At this stage it is possible to view Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, if the clouds oblige.

Days 26-28: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater
Travelling from Arusha to Serengeti and arrive at the Seronera Camp for the night. Continue game viewing for the entire day, before exiting the park and making for Simba Camp to camp the night on the lip of the Ngorongoro crater. Descend into the crater on the steep dirt track cut into the crater wall. Exit the crater after lunch to return to Arusha for the night.

Day 29: Arusha-Nairobi
After a final hopeful glimpse of Kilimanjaro we head due north to enter Kenya and to travel directly to Nairobi. We overnight in a simple hotel with an evening farewell meal (own expense).

Day 30: Nairobi
After breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow travellers and depart on our separate ways.

2010 Departures: 13 Jan, 03 Feb, 24 Feb, 17 Mar, 07 Apr, 28 Apr, 19 May, 09 Jun, 30 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep, 06 Oct, 20 Oct, 03 Nov, 17 Nov, 01 Dec, 15 Dec, 29 Dec.

Age limit: 18-45 years

All prices in Australian Dollars

Price Includes: Transportation, most meals, sightseeing, all camping equipment, accommodation, entry fees, permits and a professional guide.

Note: No single supplement.

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