AFRICAN DREAM – 26 DAYS
SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA, MALAWI, TANZANIA

Taking in the vast beauty of the Kruger National Park, exploring the history and wildlife of Zimbabwe, standing metres away from one of the world's natural wonders and spending time on the 'lake of stars' in Malawi, this safari has a diverse range of highlights. From South Africa's powerhouse of Johannesburg to the tropical island of Zanzibar, we travel south to north through varying landscapes. There's a lot to do including adventure activities, scuba diving, fishing, spice tours or simply chilling on the beach.

	Location:	SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA, MALAWI, TANZANIA	Dates:	Departs regularly
	Fees:	£635 - 26 days USD 575 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT024

General Information

Start and finish points: Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam
Countries visited: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania
Departure Point Johannesburg:  Backpackers Ritz, 1A North Road, Dunkeld West
Check-in time: 7.45am (departure 8.00am)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate. We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2: Hazyview

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering over 21,000 km2, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species. 23,000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these. There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the
nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3: Hazyview to Graskop

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop. It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the
Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool. Graskop’s night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4: Graskop to Musina

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight we’ll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines. However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe)

Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. It is said “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls…and the Antelope Park.” A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

DAY 8: Gweru to Bulawayo

Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!) We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. 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 Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo opportunities. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 - 12: Victoria Falls

The next two days are 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. All year round, flights 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 ambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities. White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia)

We leave Zimbabwe and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. We have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Another fantastic photo opportunity. The day affords us the opportunity to participate in the activities available in Zambia we weren’t able to do on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 14: Livingstone to Lusaka

An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.

DAY 15: Lusaka to Chipata

From Lusaka we head north east to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border. Here we spend the night before heading into Malawi.

DAYS 16 - 20: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi)

Leaving Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the full 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 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 21: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania)

After a relaxing 5 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

DAY 22: Iringa to Dar es Salaam

The next morning we make our way to Dar es Salaam. 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. 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 23: 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 for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 24 - 25: 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 26: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Optional Excursions

South Africa, Kruger National Park - Night Drive US$ 45
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 95
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 90
Zambia, Livingstone - Sunset Dinner Cruise US$ 40
Malawi, Lake Malawi - Water Skiing US$ 15
Malawi, Lake Malawi - Village Walk & Meal US$ 10
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$ 20
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 25

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

International flights can easily be arranged into South Africa's Johannesberg International Airport.  Make sure you arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays, as the truck will leave early on the day of departure. 

(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