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This overland adventure and beach safari tour offers the renowned Big 5 game parks, the friendly laid back beaches of Lake Malawi, the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, and the Victoria Falls. Its ideal for those wanting to see the best of East Africa.
Day 1. Johannesburg to Hazyview Highlights. Shangaan tribal dancing .
Departing early this morning for our first day of our adventure to Nairobi our route takes us from Johannesburg out via the Panoramic route and down dramatic escarpments to Mpumulanga province and on to the town of Hazyview which is our gateway to the wold famous Kruger National Park.Day 2. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.
We transfer onto specialised 4x4 game viewing vehicles with local expert guides today. Leaving in the darkness before dawn we make it to the park gate as they open at dawn to make the most of our full day in the park.Day 3. Hazyview to Tshipise Highlights. Tshipise, South Africa.
Back on the truck today as we continue our journey northwards. Travelling around the length of the Kruger National Park, our journey takes us into the Limpopo province and our camp in the beautiful rolling hills. 3 images Tshipise, South AfricaDay 4. Tshipise to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Highlights. Bulawayo.
An early start this morning as first stop is the border with Zimbabwe and crossing the Limpopo River at Beitbridge.Day 5. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.
Time for our second game experience and again we meet a local expert guide and transfer into specialised 4x4 game drive vehicles for our half day excursion in this interesting park. We might also be lucky enough to enjoy an exhilarating walking safari.Day 6. Bulawayo to Livingstone, Zambia Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.
From Bulawayo, we travel on to the town of Victoria Falls and crossing over the bridge that spans the gorge to connect Zimbabwe and Zambia we complete the border formalities and continue to our camp a few kilometres upstream from the falls themselves.Day 7-8. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.
We have two days at leisure in Livingstone and our camp on the banks of the Zambezi makes for the perfect base to explore and partake in a variety of activities.Day 9. Livingstone to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.
Visiting the falls themselves and exploring the trails to take in the view this morning before hitting the road again and heading through the lush countryside to the nations capital, Lusaka and our camp a short distance from town on a farm which is home for the night.Day 10. Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
Swapping the tar sealed roads for the dirt tracks we head in to the varied South Luangwa National Park. Situated along the banks of the Luangwa River which acts as the parks lifeblood during the dry season ensuring that its wonderful to visit the park year round.Day 11. South Luangwa National Park Highlights. South Luangwa National Park.
The best time to game view in the park is late in the afternoon so we spend the heat of the day relaxing by the pool in camp or possibly exploring the area on an optional drive and walk.Day 12. South Luangwa National Park to Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Leaving the national park behind this morning we head towards the border with Malawi and patiently wait as formalities are completed. Soon we can continue with our journey greeted by friendly smiles and waves we travel through Malawi, 'The Warm Heart of Africa' to our camp for the next couple of nights, Kande Beach.Day 13. Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.
We have the day at leisure today and there are a wide range of activities on offer here. Horse riding through the villages and forests is a fantastic experience, ending off with a cooling dip in the fresh waters of the lake. Snorkelling and diving in the clear fresh waters is also an amazing experience. 4 images Kande Beach Activities, MalawiDay 14. Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach.
Continuing up towards northern Malawi today we travel through scenic countryside dotted with rubber plantations to the northern provincial capital, Muzuzu. Stopping here to stock up in the colourful market we have the opportunity to explore the small town before heading back down to the lake sure and our camp on the beach at the foot of the Livingstonia Plateau. Home for the next two nights. 2 images Chitimba BeachDay 15. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi.
We have the opportunity to stretch our legs today with an optional hike up the scenic Livingstonia Plateau to the Manchewe Falls. For the effort, we are rewarded with stunning views and a refreshing dip in the cool pools.Day 16. Chitimba to Iringa, Tanzania
Leaving the beautiful Warm Heart of Africa today we cross into our fifth country of our adventure, Tanzania. After crossing the Songwe River we steadily climb up through scenery dotted with tea plantations into the Southern Highlands of Tanzania with a cool fresh climate.Day 17. Iringa to Mikumi National Park area
Our journey heads east towards the Mikumi National Park. Here you will be stunned by the landscape of endless grassy plains. This park is the forth largest in the country and hosts an array of wildlife. Should time allow you can explore the park with an optional game drive in the afternoon. Soak the beauty in at the campsites swimming pool, enjoy the restaurant/bar and then marvel at the night time stars around an open fireplace.Day 18. Iringa to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
We have a long journey today via the Mikumi National Park in hope to spot some animals near to the roadside.Day 19. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Swapping our truck for the fast ferry across to the island of Zanzibar. With a long history as a trading hub for everything from slaves to spices our first stop is the capital, Stone Town.Day 20-22. Stone Town to Kendwa Beach Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.
From Stone Town we travel through the island up to the beautiful northern shore and the palm fringed white sandy beaches. This is our home for the next three nights and we can relax on the beach listening to the chilled tunes coming from the nearby beach bars or explore the local villages or take a dhow safari on the beautiful blue clear waters. 9 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, TanzaniaDay 23. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
It's time to get moving again and after a final morning on the beach we head back down to Stone Town to catch the fast ferry across to Dar es Salaam where we are reunited with our truck at the camp on the beach.Day 24. Dar es Salaam to Marangu Highlights. Marangu, Moshi Area, Tanzania.
With a driving day ahead of us its an early start. Making our way out of Dar es Salaam our route takes us inland passing the Para and Usambara and eventually to the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro towering above us at 5895m. If we are lucky enough the skies will be clear enough for us to catch a glimpse of the snow capped peak.Day 25. Marangu to Arusha Highlights. Maasai Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.
Continuing on to Arusha, safari town and the mid point between Cape Town and Cairo we visit the markets before proceeding out of town to our camp on the Maasai plains.Day 26. Arusha to Serengeti National Parke Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Swapping off the truck for a final time, again we are into specialised 4x4 game drive vehicles with our local expert guides we head off into the world famous Serengeti National Park.Day 27. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a night in the wild with the sounds of the bush all around, we rise early and head out on a morning game drive to spot some of the amazing animals that are resident in the area.Day 28. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
We have our final morning of game viewing today and as we descend into the vast crater in the cool of the morning we enjoy driving in this garden of eden. Home to most of the major animal species found in Tanzania it is an awesome experience. It's easy to see why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site while we drive the dirt tracks and observe the wildlife resident here.Day 29. Arusha to Nairobi, Kenya
Packing up one final time we are back on the truck for the last leg of the adventure and our last border crossing.Saba Lodge is selectively chosen as it boasts of quality and comfort as well as being conveniently located. Within 15 minutes drive of O.R Tambo Airport, this establishment offers clients a taste of what their African adventure will entail. Set on 8000 square metres of land, with a tranquil rustic theme, a large deck and swimming pool, free uncapped fibre optic wifi, guests are sure to enjoy their stay. Rooms - single, dorm, family and twin/double en-suite rooms available. Breakfast and airport transfer available.
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Suggested Post-Tour Accommodation. Hotel Boulevard, NairobiConveniently located on Nairobi's Harry Thuku Road and set in manicured gardens, this hotel offers a peaceful oasis in the centre of town. Walking distance to shops and craft markets. Rooms – single, twin, double en suite rooms with balcony and satellite TV. Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, internet, laundry. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION
This tour departs Johannesburg early on day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you - please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.
If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of this part of Africa. Accommodation is usually available locally on arrival but you can also pre book this with Acacia. There is a variety of activities and excursions in the Nairobi area you can arrange locally or with your Tour Leader.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
These are optional activities that are booked during your holiday and paid directly to the provider while on tour. These options offer a variety of experiences and allow you the freedom to decide what activities you would like to do.
ACCOMMODATION:
We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in groundsheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool. In the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater there are basic facilities. On Zanzibar we use basic tourist class local hotels.
TRANSPORT:
24-seater, self-contained, custom-built safari truck with on-board tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, i-pod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers, 4x4 safari vehicle and fast ferry.
GAME PARK VISITS:
In order to maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.
TOUR STYLE:
This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in assisting with the various day to day duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the truck tidy (usually on a rota basis). But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour - most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip.
Meals
28 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches, 21 Dinners
Accommodation
24 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 4 nights tourist class hotel