24 Day Southern Circle

From

$3100 USD

Safari summary

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 of several countries, and endeavors to 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 deserted beaches of Mozambique, you will experience built up cities and rural homesteads, good highways and dirt tracks. 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. An open and flexible approach is essential for this tour. This is an 18-55 Age Only Tour

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Walking safari—with armed guard
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Botswana Malawi Mozambique South Africa Zambia
	Parks	Chobe Kafue Kruger Lake Malawi Majete Mosi oa Tunya North Luangwa South Luangwa Victoria Falls

Fine details

Safari highlights

Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
Night game drives

Itinerary

Day 1

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – NATA Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30, we head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities we continue to Nata, an oasis- like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans. Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

Day 2

Chobe | Victoria Falls

DAY 2: CHOBE NAT. PARK This morning we 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 LODGE . B L D

Day 3

DAY 3 – 4: VICTORIA FALLS During our stay here we will view the spectacular Falls 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 we enjoy traditional dancing and a “braai” at the pool. On the last night we eat at a local restaurant (own expense). B D ; B

Day 5

Kafue | Lower Zambezi | Zambezi

DAY 5: KAFUE CAMP Crossing the original railway bridge, we have a last view of The Falls before entering Zambia. Our journey today takes us through southern Zambia and then down into the Lower Zambezi Valley to Kafue, where we will camp the night. Relax at the pool this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing. B L D

Day 6

Kafue | Zambezi

DAY 6 – 8: ZAMBEZI CANOE The Zambezi River needs little introduction, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, this provides for 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. We will spend two nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the third day we are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense). B L D ; B L D ; B L

Day 9

DAY 9: LUANGWA Reunited with our vehicle we travel through the capital of Lusaka and then along the “Great East Road” to our next overnight camp. We will cover as much distance as possible today. B L D

Day 10

DAY 10 – 11: LUANGWA NAT. PARK Our next stop is the Luangwa National Park, where we spend two nights camping on the banks of the river, well known for its impressive Hippo population. 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. Optional night drive (own expense). B L D ; B L D

Day 12

Lake Malawi

DAY 12 – 13: LAKE MALAWI Crossing into Malawi today, our first stop is Lilongwe, the capital. After stocking up with groceries and curios, we continue to Lake Malawi, an impressive inland freshwater sea. The snorkeling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We spend two nights here, camping literally on the beach. B L D ; B L D

Day 14

DAY 14 – 15: MULANJE MASSIVE Turning south, we head for Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. We will spend two nights camping in the area, and will enjoy a hike to the plateau from where the views are exceptional. B L D ; B L D

Day 16

Zambezi

DAY 16: CHIMOIO Traveling via Blantyre, today we enter Mozambique. Our journey takes us through the Tete corridor, across the Zambezi River and alongside the mountains that form the border with Zimbabwe. We camp wild tonight in the remote region of Chimoio. B L D

Day 17

DAY 17: VILANCULOS Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos – on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the night here in casitas, situated literally on the Beach. Tonight we enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (own expense). B L

Day 18

DAY 18-20: INHAMBANE Moving south along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our camp under the Coconut Palms on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in casitas at this camp and during our 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 we enjoy a catered meal (Own expense). Those who wish have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). B L D ; B L D ; B L

Day 21

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

DAY 22: KRUGER NAT. PARK Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafes 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

DAY 23: KRUGER NAT. PARK - HAZYVIEW No visit to Africa would be complete without Kruger. We spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and in the late afternoon travel the short distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW LODGE. B L D

Day 24

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG A leisurely start today, after enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the DRIFTERS LODGE in the late afternoon. B

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