Wildlife Safari Itinerary (24days)

DAY 1

Depart from your Guest Lodge in Johannesburg and travel east to the Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Travel through typical African countryside to arrive at Hlane Royal National Park in the afternoon. In the evening you will set up camp, and at barbecue time, get to know each other around the campfire. Full Board.

 

DAY 2

Wake up early morning, have an early breakfast in order to go for a game walk in search of the wildlife in the park.

Thereafter return to the camp for lunch. The rest of the time is spent game-viewing or birding at the waterhole. A late afternoon's game walk rounds off the day.

 

DAY 3

Pack up early morning and cross the border into Mozambique to Laguna Camp near the town of Bilene. En route you transverse through sub-tropical plantations of cashew nut, banana, mango and paw-paw trees. The afternoon is spent exploring the markets, and experiencing the Afro-Portuguese culture.

 

DAY 4

The road north leads past the Quissico Lagoon and Lake Poelela. The mystical turquoise blue of these waterways offers fantastic photographic opportunities. We are heading for the secluded Barra Point , a tropical peninsula in paradise. We enjoy snorkelling or diving the offshore reefs, long walks on the white beaches or a game of Volley Ball. Maybe even just relaxing at the beach bar, reading or writing to those unfortunate friends back home. BLD

 

DAY 5

Today we visit Old World Africa. Inhambane, one of the oldest European settlements in Southern Africa. We spend an extensive period exploring the Afro-Arabian culture mix, historic buildings and 200-year-old cathedral. A short journey on to Morrungulo , our tropical paradise camp for the next two nights. BLD

 

DAY 6

Time off in Morrungulo on the endless deserted beaches, where the coconut palms meet the ocean. The clear warm Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Whale watching trips are organized in season. All diving excursions can be booked at the campsite.

NB: Look out for the falling coconuts! BLD

(Excursions own expense)

 

DAY 7

Our destination, Blue Water Lodge at Vilankulo , a pristine beach lodge across from the Islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the afternoon lazing about the terrace observing the islands whilst contemplating the excursion that tomorrow promises. BLD

 

DAY 8

The Bazaruto Archipelago was given National Park status in order to preserve the sensitive marine ecosystem that lies beneath the Indian Ocean waters. We do a comprehensive excursion to Magaruque Island. Here we spend time alone to snorkel and absorb the dramatic tropical beauty. Return back to the mainland in time to freshen up and enjoy a seafood feast. BL

 

DAY 9

Its farewell to the beach sand and inland we head towards Mozambique 's Premier game Reserve. Gorrongosa NP. We set up camp and enjoy fantastic birding opportunities in the park.

This is wildest Africa at its best. BLD

 

DAY 10

We rise with the sun and set out in search of the wildlife endemic to this area. Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo are some of the exciting species found herein. After our drive / walk we return for a hard earned brunch.

Late afternoon finds the group out in the wilds once more. BrD

 

DAY 11 (Today is a Third World African Experience, facilities are limited.)

We leave Gorrongosa NP and transverse dense bush land broken by many granite outcrops and local thatched villages. Cross the mighty Zambezi River on a suspension bridge to camp in a small third world mission campsite in Tete. Meet the local villagers tonight. BL

 

DAY 12

After border formalities, we enter Malawi , the "Warm Heart of Africa" and head for the " Lake of Stars ”. Lake Malawi, the final lake in the Great Rift Valley of Africa. The lake covers one third of the area of Malawi and is the lifeblood of the Malawi people. Camp on the white beaches of the Lake in a pristine campsite. BLD

 

DAY 13

Lake Malawi. The morning is spent at a major craft market purchasing exotic masterpieces, carved in Ebony.

A fine example is the Malawian Chair. You could lose yourself amongst the secretive coves of the bay enjoying the warm African sun, cool clear water and the cry of the fish eagle.

Late afternoon onto Lilongwe, the Capital. Tonight enjoy a meal in a local restaurant. BL

 

DAY 14

Early shopping in Lilongwe to re-stock supplies and finally it is time for wildlife in the South Luangwa National Park. This park is the ultimate game park in Zambia and is rated as one of the greatest National Parks in Africa.

After a strenuous drive, our campsite on the Luangwa River, bordering the National Park, is reached.

The evening is spent around the fire listening to the wild sounds of Africa. BLD

 

DAY 15

The absolute highlights of this safari are the game drives in an open 4x4 game-viewing vehicle in the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. We will do an extensive early morning game walk in search of the diurnal animals, hoping to observe elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a great variety of antelope species. This Park has over 400 species of birds and, for those who enjoy birding; the Reserve will fulfil many expectations. Return to camp for breakfast and siesta. We board the game-viewing vehicle in the late afternoon for an exciting night drive. Here we search for the nocturnal animals. The elusive leopard, a species for which this park is famous, might appear in our spotlight. The nocturnal animals we hope to find include Lion, Hyena, Civet, Genet and the Birds of the night.

Enjoy our restaurant dinner whilst we share the excitement of the game drive experience.

The local guide will surely be rewarded for his efforts, dedication and knowledge that he has so humbly shared with us. B

 

Day 16

Leaving the Luangwa Valley today we make our way back to the great east road and onto a local campsite called Bridge camp overlooking the Majestic Luangwa River. ( Harsh Road conditions).

Relax after the strenuous drive and share a beer with the local people.

Enjoy the Rural Zambian Culture. BLD

 

DAY 17

Midday finds us in the bustling city of Lusaka, where we have the chance to restock and enjoy civilization as we have come to know it. The late afternoon is spent enjoying the swimming pool and bar in our campsite en route to Victoria Falls. BL

 

DAY 18 and DAY 19

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls in Zambia, is our destination for the next two days. We have the opportunity to enjoy the myriad of adventure activities that are offered at the falls, be it Bungi Jumping, Rafting the mighty Zambezi, Elephant back riding and Micro or Ultra light flights over the Smoke that Thunders.

An enjoyable time. 2xB 1xL 1xD. NB: Victoria Falls entry own expense.

 

DAY 20

On crossing over the Zambezi on a ferry and crossing the border into Botswana, we make our way to the Chobe National Park. We camp next to the park on the banks of the Chobe River. In the afternoon we do a boat cruise into the Chobe N.P., an area that abounds with Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and many Antelope species. We hope to find the Puku Antelope, an antelope endemic to the Chobe floodplains. The park contains a multitude of aquatic bird species and the visitor is sure to observe the majestic Fish Eagle or the acrobatic Bee-eater. BL D

 

DAY 21

After breakfast we cross the migration corridor between Hwange in Zimbabwe and Chobe in Botswana, hoping to add to our long list of sightings. Lunch is spent at an oasis in the Makgadigadi Saltpans. We explore the pans in the afternoon in search of Flamingos and Pelicans. Camp the night for the last time in a beautiful campsite in Francistown. B

 

DAY 22

The final journey. On leaving Botswana today, we make our way down into South Africa through the Northern Province of the country, reaching the “City Of Gold ” in the late afternoon.

The tour ends this afternoon upon arrival in Johannesburg.
Enjoy an evening reminiscing about the incredible journey. B

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