Southern Africa Six Country Safari

This Safari starts and finishes in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This is the ultimate 24 day Southern Africa exploration Safari. Departing Johannesburg we cross the border into Botswana where we visit Botswana's premier Reserve, the Chobe National Park, home to some of the largest herds of Elephants in Africa!

Its then off to the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where we will spend a few days partaking in a range of adventure activities on offer.  These include white water rafting; elephant back Safaris and canoe safaris to name a few! From Zimbabwe we cross the border into Zambia where we visit the Kafue and South Luangwa National Parks before we head on towards Malawi.

We will spend a few days on the shores of Lake Malawi relaxing before heading across the Mozambique Border where we will transverse the coast of this tropical paradise before we re-enter South Africa and head to the Kruger National Park, home to Africa's "Big 5".

An adventure of a lifetime!

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG to NATA - BOTSWANA

This safari departs from Johannesburg travelling north towards the Botswana border where we complete immigration formalities and cross into Botswana. We head into central Botswana to the town of Nata, where we camp on the outskirts of the expansive Makgadigadi salt pans. In the evening there is time for you to get familiar with the procedures of the tour over a catered meal (for own expense) at our oasis-like overnight camp.

DAY 2: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK B L D

In the morning we proceed north through the forest reserves of Chobe and on to the perennial Chobe River bordering the famous Chobe National Park. Along the banks of the Chobe River we look out for the huge herds of Elephant Chobe is renowned for, as well as hippo, buffalo and an array of birds.

We embark on a rewarding afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, boasting one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. Chobe Park is home to lion, cheetah, giraffe, elephant, zebra, buffalo and warthog, as well as a variety of antelope species. Other wild animals inhabiting this vast wilderness area include wildebeest, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox and endangered African wild dog.

After exploring game-rich Chobe on our extensive game drive we cross the border into Zimbabwe making our way to Victoria Falls. We stay at a comfortable inn in Victoria Falls for the next three nights.

DAY 3 - 4: VICTORIA FALLS - ZIMBABWE B D

During our time here we visit the mighty Victoria Falls, to witness "Mosi o Tunya", meaning the "The smoke that Thunders". Vic Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world, at 1,7km wide and with the Zambezi River plummeting more than 100m. The impressive Falls send up a spray of water 400m and higher that can be seen from as far as 50km away. Admiring this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is an unforgettable experience! 

Over the next few days at Victoria Falls there is plenty of time to participate in optional adventure activities (at extra expense) and explore the Vic Falls area.

Optional activities at Vic Falls, Africa's Adventure Capital, include scenic helicopter flights over the Falls, Zambezi River Boat Cruises, White Water Rafting, Elephant Back Safaris, and Bungee Jumping from the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Or you could visit a local village to encounter traditional tribes, the African curio market or the crocodile farm among other attractions.

On one of the nights we will get to watch some traditional dancing and have a "braai" (barbecue) at our inn swimming pool. On our last night in Victoria Falls Town we eat at one of the local restaurants (at own expense). 

DAY 5: KAFUE CAMP - ZAMBIA B L D

Today we cross the original railway bridge into Zambia, stopping to take one last look at the spectacular Victoria Falls.

We then travel through southern Zambia heading north to our next overnight camp located in the Lower Zambezi Valley at Kafue. In the afternoon there is time to relax and enjoy the lodge pool, resting before our exciting canoe adventure on the Zambezi River.

DAY 6 - 8: ZAMBEZI CANOE B L D

This morning we set off for our canoe trip on the mighty Zambezi River that starts in central Africa flowing through six countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. The Zambezi meanders through some of Africa's top wilderness areas providing water for innumerable wild animals, plants and people along its course.

Canoeing on the Zambezi provides excellent opportunities for viewing big game, as well as smaller animals and an abundance of birds, from up close as you glide on the waters. We get to experience the canoe adventure of a lifetime -truly one of the finest canoe trips in the world! 

For the two nights of this canoe trip we camp on the unspoiled banks of the Zambezi River in the wilderness. On day three we return to Kafue by boat for the welcome comforts of a warm shower and catered meal (own expense) back at the lodge.

DAY 9: LUANGWA - ZAMBIA B L D

Next we drive to Lusaka, Zambia's capital and largest city, before continuing to our overnight camp. We travel along the "Great East Road", the only highway between the Eastern Province and the rest of Zambia. Today we try to cover as much distance as possible on our journey to Luangwa Park.

DAY 10 - 11: LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK B L D

We camp in the magnificent Luangwa National Park for the next two nights. Our campsite is set on the banks of the Luangwa River, home to an impressive hippo population, as well as attracting various other wild animals.

Luangwa is one of Africa's best game reserves being truly wild and extremely rich in game. This remote wildlife haven covering 9050 km² is home to leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and impressive herds of elephants, zebras and buffalos. The amazing variety of wildlife found in Luangwa includes hippo, giraffe, hyena, primates, predators such as crocodiles and an array of antelope species.

We we will explore this untamed wilderness on an extensive game drive going in search of the abundant wildlife found here, including the elusive leopard. You also have the option of taking a thrilling night drive in search of Luangwa's nocturnal wildlife (at extra cost).

DAY 12 - 13: LAKE MALAWI B L D

Today we cross into Malawi visiting its capital and largest city, Lilongwe, first. There is time for us to stock up on supplies and shop for curios in Lilongwe before heading to the vast Lake Malawi. Also known as Lake Nyasa, this beautiful lake is the third largest and second deepest in Africa, covering a fifth of Malawi.

Relax on the sandy palm fringed beaches of this African Great Lake, surrounded by mountains in a picturesque setting. Lake Malawi's clear blue, warm waters are home to a massive variety of fish species, making this freshwater lake ideal for snorkeling and swimming. This inland Malawi lake destination is renowned for its fresh fish and friendly locals. We camp right on one of Lake Malawi's beaches for the next two nights.

DAY 14 - 15: MULANJE MASSIVE - MALAWI B L D

From Lake Malawi we head south to Mulanje, where one of Africa's highest peaks, Mount Mulanje rises to around 3000m above the surrounding forests, lush plains and tea plantations. The summits of this impressive granite mountain range peak through the clouds in this scenic part of southern Malawi.

During our two nights' stay in the Mulanje area we will take a hike to the plateau to enjoy the spectacular views over the rolling hills and grasslands. 

DAY 16: CHIMOIO -  MOZAMBIQUE B L D

Travelling via Blantyre, the financial capital of Malawi, we move on to Mozambique, our fifth country on this Southern African Safari today. We then drive through the Tete corridor dotted with giant baobab trees, crossing the Zambezi River and continuing south with the mountains bordering Zimbabwe next us. Tonight we camp in a remote part of Chimoio.

DAY 17: VILANCULOS B L

Passing through numerous bustling villages we make our way to Vilanculos on the beautiful coast of Mozambique. Vilanculos is located on the Indian Ocean coastline offering warm waters and stunning views of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique's unspoiled island paradise. We overnight in casitas (little guest houses) set on the beach and sample some of the fine local cuisine at a local restaurant (at own expense).

DAY 18 - 20: INHAMBANE B L D

Following the coastline on our journey south we visit the old port town of Inhambane, visiting the lively local market. After exploring Inhambane we drive to our camp where we will be based for the next three nights. Accommodation at our camp is in comfortable Casitas under coconut palm at the beach.

Here we have time to swim, snorkel, enjoy the sunshine and unwind on the quiet beaches of Mozambique. You also have the choice of going scuba diving or taking a horse ride on the beach near Inhambane (at own expense). We have a catered meal (own expense) on our last night at the beach camp. 

DAY 21: MAPUTO B L

Maputo, Mozambique's capital city is our final coastal destination today. Travelling via expansive floodplains we proceed through Cashew Nut forests to the once glorious Maputo where we will spend the night (dinner at own expense).

DAY 22: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SOUTH AFRICA B L D

On day 22 we spend the morning exploring Maputo and its unique African-Protuguese culture. We visit Latino style street-side cafés and vibrant markets viewing the attractions of Maputo. In the afternoon we return to South Africa heading to the world-renowned Kruger National Park where we camp overnight.

DAY 23: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK- HAZYVIEW B L D

We spend a full day game viewing in South Africa's premier Kruger Park, Big Five territory teeming with wildlife. This vast game park covering around 20,000 km² boasts some 147 mammal, 114 reptile and 502 bird species.

After game viewing in one of Africa's best game reserves we cover the short distance to our overnight inn.

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG B

In the morning we take a leisurely walk on the inn property, before returning to Johannesburg where our Southern Africa Six Country Safari started. In the late afternoon we arrive in Johannesburg bringing this fantastic African adventure to a close.

Imortant Information

For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in developing countries.
Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambie; 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.