Southern Circle 24 days
Price from: €1895 pp
Local Payment: n/a
Highlights: Dhow Trip, Six Countries Visited, Mozambique Beaches, Chobe Game Drive, Victoria Falls, Zambezi Canoe Trip, Luangwa Game Reserve, Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain Hike, Maputo, Kruger National Park
Tour 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 highlights of several countries, and endeavours 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg - Nata
Departing from Johannesburg, 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
(B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Day 2: Chobe Nat. Park (B L D )
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 VICTORIA FALLS INN. 
Day 3 - 4: Victoria Falls (B D)
During our stay here we will view the spectacular Fall’s 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).
Day 5: Kafue Camp (B L D )
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.
Day 6 - 8: Zambezi Canoe (B L D )
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).
Day 9: Luangwa (B L D )
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. 
Day 10 - 11: Luangwa Nat. Park (B L D )
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 ellusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa’s best. Optional night drive (own expense).
Day 12 - 13: Lake Malawi (B L D )
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.
Day 14 - 15: Mulanje Massive (B L D )
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.
Day 16: Chimoio (B L D )
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. 
Day 17: Vilanculos (B L )
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).
Day 18 - 20: Inhambane (B L D )
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 BEACH 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). 
Day 21: Maputo (B L )
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)
Day 22: Kruger Nat. Park (B L D )
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.
Day 23: Kruger Nat. Park – Hazyview (B L D )
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 HAZYVIEW INN.
Day 24: Johannesburg (B )
A leisurely start today, after enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the Joburg Inn in the late afternoon.
Important Information
For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other
inconveniences encountered in developing countries. A sleeping bag, towel and pillow are required for this tour. Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia; these are the client’s responsibility. Seasonal precautions against malaria are advisable and are locally obtainable. A small daypack is advisable for the hike on Mulanje. The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations.
Included
Our price includes all transport, accommodation, entry fees and permits, game drives and walks, Vic Falls entry, canoe trip, group equipment, professional guides and most meals. Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement agreeing to our booking conditions and general information.
All Transport
4x4 Truck - Limited to 13 passenger seats to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities. This truck is specifically adapted to suit rough terrain, it tows a trailer, enabling us to set up camp, and then proceed on game drives without having to repack.
These vehicles are also fully equipped for maximum client comfort.
For small groups, Toyota Landcruisers are used.
Refrigeration facilities - drinks can be kept cold and food fresh.
Shade awning, long range fuel tanks, concertina allows for direct communication between passengers and driver at all times, intercom for guide to communicate with passengers.
State-of-the-art camping and cooking equipment
Stainless steel wash basin, table and cooking equipment - provides for hygienic food preparation and dish washing facility.
Gas cookers provide a clean, quick and efficient cooking facility, campfires are only used when it can be done without degradation to the environment.
Maps provided - for passengers use.
Library - reference books provided for passenger use
Individual passenger lockers which are accessible whilst travelling
Powerful turbo-charged diesel engine
Sorage lockers - for equipment
300 litre water tank to provide safe water for use at all times
Accommodation:
14 nights Camping, 4 nights Operator Owned Inn and 5 nights Cabin
Excluded
Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, and optional excursions are for the client’s own expense.
Optional Activities:
Elephant-back Safari
White Water Rafting
Bungi Jumping
Scuba Diving
Luangwa Night Drive
Deep Sea Fishing
Departures
Departs: Every second SundayStarts: Johannesburg - Finishes: Johannesburg
18 Oct 09 - 10 Nov 09
01 Nov 09 - 24 Nov 09
15 Nov 09 - 08 Dec 09
29 Nov 09 - 22 Dec 09
13 Dec 09 - 05 Jan 09
27 Dec 09 - 19 Jan 09
Feedback
Feedback
