SOUTHERN SAFARI – 32 DAYS
NAIROBI TO JOHANNESBURG

From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, to haggling in local markets and sitting around a camp fire, this 32 day trip is a true taste of what Africa has to offer. Zanzibar is an island paradise, there's the thunderous splendour of the mighty Victoria Falls, while Kruger is home to the 'big five'. This diverse trip offers an ever changing mix of culture, scenery and wildlife.

	Location:	NAIROBI TO JOHANNESBURG	Dates:	Departs twice monthly
	Fees:	£715 - 32 days USD 595 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT006

General Information

Start and finish points: Nairobi to Johannesburg
Countries visited: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya
Departure Point Nairobi: Hotel Boulevard, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi
Check-in time: 8.45am (departure 9.00am)
Pre-departure Meeting: 5pm the day before at the at the departure point (optional)

Itinerary

DAY 1: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania)

This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the newest leg of our trek. We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before potentially heading out on an optional excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

DAYS 2-4: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL)

Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore. The optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.  After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience. 

DAY 5: Arusha to Pangani

After the morning, we head south towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam. 

DAY 6: Pangani to Dar es Salaam

Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. 

DAY 7: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar. PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are not provided for whilst on Zanzibar, as in our Experience, passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader will join you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 8 - 9: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its

spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the

more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive

seafood is on offer. 

DAY 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam. 

DAY 11: Dar es Salaam to Iringa

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! 

DAYS 12 -16: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi)

Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.  Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.  Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug-out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

 

DAY 17: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km over the Malawi/Zambia border. 

DAY 18: Chipata to Lusaka

From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland. 

DAY 19: Lusaka to Livingstone

An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the OPTION of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. 

DAY 20: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the

many sights and delights of this town!  A myriad of optional excursions are available, including flights over the Falls which can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side.

All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.  Choose from white water rafting in the Batoka Gorge to elephant back safaris. 

DAYS 21 - 22: Victoria Falls

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari.

 

DAY 23: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Listen out for the resident hippos! The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. This National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks,

renowned for its large elephant herds.  Adventurous spirits can choose to sleep overnight in the Chobe National Park, spending the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to our set camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning we continue our exploration and after stopping off at the camp for lunch, we meet the rest of the group for the sunset boat cruise. 

DAY 24: Chobe National Park to Maun

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. 

DAY 25: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa. Here we take an optional 3 day/ 2 night drive-in mokoro Excursion into the Delta. From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. Mokoros are traditional dug-out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience the Delta wilderness. 

DAY 26: Okavango Delta

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming (dependant on area & water levels), game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro! 

DAY 27: Okavango Delta to Maun

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta. 

DAY 28: Maun to Francistown

An early start sees us head for a late afternoon arrival in Francistown. Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s. Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here we stock up on our supplies for the next few days.

 

DAY 29: Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa)

This morning we cross into South Africa. We cross the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane. This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on our way to the Kruger National Park. 

DAY 30: Polokwane to Hazyview

Leaving Polokwane we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. We return to our camp, just 8 km the Kruger’s Numbi Gate. Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow. 

DAY 31: Hazyview

Today we visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species that eluded us on our first visit. 

DAY 32: Hazyview to Johannesburg

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination, Egoli, the place of gold. On arrival in Johannesburg we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! 

Optional excursions

Tanzania, Arusha - 3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * -$380
Zanzibar - Accommodation from $20 pp, pn.
Zanzibar Stone Town Spice Tour -$25
Lake Malawi Village Walk & Meal - $10
Lake Malawi Water Skiing - $15
Zambia, Livingstone - Sunset Dinner Cruise - $40
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Bungee Jump - $90
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls White Water Rafting - $95
South Africa, Kruger National Park - Night Drive - $45
Victoria Falls White Water Rafting - $90
Botswana, Maun - 3 Day Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion - $150
Botswana, Maun – Scenic Flight over the Delta - $70
*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%. 

All prices are in US dollars.  For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after your trip, please email or call Amanzi Travel on 0117 904 1924.  

Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change, and where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost. 

Support

Support and advice is available from your Trip Guides whilst on your expedition and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support.

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to you upon booking your placement and we are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before your trip begins, you will have a full orientation at 5pm at the departure point by the project coordinator including information on the current status of the overland trip.  The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet your trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

Our trips are camping trips, and we provide spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet.  Most nights you will stay in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool.  Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion you have the choice at extra cost to upgrade to a bed if you want to. Occasionally, when we are unable to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, we may have to bush camp.  Our vehicles are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.

 

The safari cook does all the cooking on your trip, although you may have to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis.  Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but you can be ensured of three healthy square meals a day on the road.  We purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from market stalls, which is supported by a bulk buy of goods bought prior to departure.  In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.

Getting There

The most convenient airport to fly into for this trip is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.  Make sure you arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays.  We offer help with organising local accommodation if required. 

(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

 

Project Fees

What is included

• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle

• All cooking and camping equipment

• Meals

• Game park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

• Trip leader and safari cook

What is excluded

• Sleeping bag and mat

• Personal travel insurance

• Visas

• Items of a personal nature

• Optional excursions which are detailed below

• Restaurant meals and drinks