24 - Day Overland Explorer - Johannesburg to Johannesburg

5 Nights; Cabin

4 Nights; Inn

14 Nights; Camping

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 best parts of five countries, and endeavours to highlight 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. An open and flexible approach is essential for this tour.

Included Highlights: 5 Countries Dhow Trip Mozambique Beaches Chobe Game Drive Victoria Falls National Park Zambezi Canoe Trip Luangwa Game Reserve Lake Malawi Mulanje Mountain Hike Maputo Kruger National Park   Optional Activities: White Water Rafting Bungi Jumping Scuba Diving Elephant Back Safari Luangwa Night Drive Deep Sea Fishing

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 Makgadikgadi salt pans. Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

Day 2: Chobe National Park Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 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 DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN.

Day 3 - 4: Victoria Falls

Breakfast, Dinner

During our stay here we will view the spectacular Falls 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

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 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

Breakfast, Dinner

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 National Park

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 elusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa's best. Optional night drive (own expense).

Day 12 - 13: Lake Malawi

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 snorkelling 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

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travelling 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

Breakfast, Lunch

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 will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense)

Day 18 - 20: Inhambane

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 DRIFTERS BARRA 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 to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense).

Day 21: Maputo

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards our last beach stop in Mozambique - the capital Maputo.

Day 22: Kruger National Park

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafés 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 - Hazyview

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN.

Day 24: Johannesburg

Breakfast

A leisurely start today. After enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the DRIFTERS INN in the late afternoon.