Overland tour south africa and east africa South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania Gap Year, Career Break, Mature volunteer projects africa

EAST-SOUTH SAFARI - 26 DAYS
DAR ES SALAAM TO JOHANNESBURG

This is an action packed trip combining the atmospheric tropical island of Zanzibar in East Africa, with the best game viewing in southern Africa. This 26-day trip offers palm-backed beaches, scenic lakes and rivers, the majestic Victoria Falls, the opportunity to watch elephant in Botswana's Chobe National Park, the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta and the opportunity to track the 'big five' in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The trip departs from Dar Es Salaam early on Saturday morning. Anyone wishing to explore Dar Es Salaam should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.

Location:

DAR ES SALAAM TO JOHANNESBURG

Dates:

Regular start dates throughout the year

Fees:

£695 - 26 days
USD 575 - Local Payment

Payment:

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

Reference:

AT032

General Information

Start and finish point: Dar Es Salaam to Johannesburg
Countries visited: Tanzania, Malwai, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa
Departure Point Dar Es Salaam: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check in time: 7.30 am (departure time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5.00 pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam is taken to the "Spice Island,” where there is the option to spend the next three 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and meals are not provided whilst on Zanzibar, as experience has shown that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader is available and can arrange accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 2 - 3: 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 for anyone wanting 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 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)

Leaving Zanzibar, and returning to the mainland for a night in Dar es Salaam.

DAY 5: Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)

This morning the group will leave Dar es Salaam and head south passing through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. Arriving at Iringa the night will be spent in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

DAYS 6 - 10: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B /L / D)

Take in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations before heading towards Malawi and 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. The length of the western side of the lake will be travelled stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next five days - which will be spent learning the game of bao from the locals, scouring the markets for a bargain or simply relaxing on the pristine white beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue freshwater lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore and meet 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 11: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)

From Lake Malawi, the trip crosses into Zambia to spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.

DAY 12: Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)

To-day head south from Chipata to the 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 13: Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)

An early morning start sees the group 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 there is the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 14: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)

To-day sees the crossing of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River from Zambia, and entry into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, camp is set up in the town’s centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

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! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAYS 15 - 16: Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next two days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some fellow passengers will leave in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining for the next leg of the trek.

DAY 17: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast the border into Botswana is crossed and the trip heads to Kasane where camp is set up on the banks of the Chobe River which forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds. In the late afternoon there will be a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while another glorious African sunset is watched.

DAY 18: Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today's travel is in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the destination, Maun from where the exploration of the Okavango Delta starts

DAY 19: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

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 unique to Southern Africa. Here there is the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. Driving north from Maun for a couple of hours the mokoro poler’s station is reached. Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After the guides find a place to camp, the afternoon game walk commences allowing everyone to experience the Delta wilderness. Those preferring not to explore the Delta can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball.

DAY 20: Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today there will be the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling a mokoro!

DAY 21: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

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

DAY 22: Maun to Francistown (B / L / D)

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

DAY 23: Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa (B / L / D)

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

DAY 24: Polokwane to Hazyview (B / L / D)

Leaving Polokwane and heading west towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park the camp, just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate is reached. Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool and a relaxing evening around the camp fire before the game drive tomorrow.

DAY 25: Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today the amazing Kruger National Park is visited in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that were elusive on the first visit.

DAY 26: Hazyview to Johannesburg (B)

After a delicious breakfast the journey back to the final destination, Egoli, the place of gold. On arrival in Johannesburg addresses will be exchanged and everyone will part company, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Please note that this itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions. All local payments are subject to change with prior notice. Due to tourism laws in some countries visited there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

Optional Excursions

Tanzania, Zanzibar:
Zanzibar Fast Ferry Return - $10
Transfer to Nungwi - $8
Zanzibar Accommodation - from $20 - $50 per day
Spice Tour including lunch - $20
Prison Island Snorkelling Trip - $20
Dolphin/Jozani Forest - $30/$8
Diving, Snorkelling and Fishing - from $30
Dhow Sunset Cruise - from $20
Motorbike/Car Hire -0 $25 - $30/$50 - $70 + local drivers licence/insurance at $5

Malawi:
Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach - $40 (additional dives $25 each)
Horse Riding at Kande Beach 2 hour/3 hour (Bush, Beach and Swim) - $50/$70
Village Walk at Kande Beach - from $5
Village Walk at Chitimba Beach - $2
Witch Doctor/Personal Reading - $2/$2
Livingstonia Mission Hike - 30 km return - $5
Carving Lessons and Local Fishing - price to be negotiated on arrival

Zambia, Livingstone:
Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise (including meal and drinks) - $50

Zimbabwe:
Victoria Falls National Park Entry (for viewing the Falls) - $20

Victoria Falls :
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi (full day) - $110
Bungee Jump (111 m) - $105
Tandem Bungee Jump - $145
River Boarding combo Raft and Board - $140
Canoeing on the Zambezi - half day/full day - $90/$105 + $10 park fees
Half Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zip Line and Flying Fox - $105
Full Day Adrenaline - as above + Abseil and Rap Jump - $140
Elephant Bank Safari - $110
Walk with Lions - $115
Micro Light over the Falls - 15 mins - $120
Micro Light over the Falls - 30 mins - $230
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 12 mins - $115
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls -19 - 25 mins - $175 - $220
Zambezi Sunset Cruise - $45
Horse Safaris - 2 hour Novice/3 hour Experienced - $60/$70
Hwange National Park (2 nights/3 day safari) - $450
Chobe Botswana - full day - $170

Please note that all accommodation and activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash

Botswana:
Okavango Delta (3 Day/2 Night) - $150
Scenic Flight over Delta ($300-$350 per plane - max five passengers) - $70

South Africa:
Kruger National Park Game Drive - $45

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 upon booking the trip and our staff are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before the trip begins there will be a full orientation at 5.00 pm 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 the trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

The trips are camping trips, and spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet are provided. Most nights will be spent 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 there will be the choice at extra cost to upgrade to a bed if required. Occasionally, when it is impossible to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, it may be necessary to bush camp. The 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 the trip, although passengers 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 three healthy square meals a day on the road are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased 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 should be arranged into Dar es Salaam International Airport. Be sure to 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