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31 DAY DESERT, DELTA & SPICE DAR ES
SALAAM TO WINDHOEK - This trip starts in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and finishes
in Windhoek, Namibia.
Please note that this trip departs Dar Es Salaam on a Saturday,
early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an
earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation
booked through the African Budget Safaris office.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure
point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4,
Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check In Time: 8:45am
TOUR COST: R9390 + Local Payment: US$620
Itinerary:
DAY 01: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island",
where we will spend three nights on this legendary island.
Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting
points for most East African explorers in their quest for
new lands. (B)
Please note: From our experience our clients have felt the
need to explore the island on their own, therefore accommodation
and food is for client’s own account whilst on Zanzibar,
but our trip leader accompany clients to the island and will
be able to book accommodation and tours on the island
DAYS 02 & 03: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for
the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town
still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like
shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast
empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island
is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation
can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby
Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches
to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire
a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.
Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants
offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean
- giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively,
joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is
an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an
unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable
cost.
DAY 04: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an
overnight in Dar es Salaam.(D)
DAY 05: Dar es Salaam to Iringa
Leaving Dar es Salaam we head for Iringa, passing through
Mikumi National Park. It is possible to view a range of wildlife
from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their
vehicles. Tonight we camp at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful
rustic campsite in rural Tanzania. Try one of the signature
Amarula Hot chocolates! (B, L, D)
DAY 06 to 09: Iringa to Lake Malawi
The next morning we head for Malawi passing through the beautiful
tea plantations of Tikuku before exiting Tanzania. We enter
Malawi through the border post of Songwe and head to Chitimba
Beach campsite in Malawi for the night.
The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with
20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi. The
country's temperate climate allows for swimming  in
these clear blue fresh-waters all the year round. We travel
the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various
bays and inlets for the next 4 days. This is the time for
rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water
sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you
can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see
the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods
are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate
their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe
yourself.
Visit the nearby villages and schools as well as dine in
the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets,
learn the game of bao with some locals … or simply relax
on the pristine white beaches. (B,L,D)
(B, L, D)
DAY 10: Lake Malawi to Chipata
We cross the border into Zambia, heading to a beautiful little
campsite just 10kms before the Zambia/Malawi border, where
we spend the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Chipata to Lusaka
The landlocked country of Zambia is quickly crossed, passing
through the capital Lusaka for one night. The campsite is
home to some local wildlife and has beautiful facilities.
(B, L, D)
DAY 12 & 13: Lusaka to Lake Kariba
This morning we will pack up camp early and head south for
Lake Kariba. We head to the western waters of Lake Kariba
and our base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of
the largest man made lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety
of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.
Here you have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House
Boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to
partake in the House Boats there are many activities you can
do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hikes, explore
the local village or just relax on the tranquil banks of Lake
Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can
enjoy soaking up the sun. (B,L,D)
House Boat option 2 night/2 day:
We board the House Boats at approx 1pm and have lunch after
you have settled yourself in. We depart the harbour at approx
2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset
and overnight on the House Boats. Lake Kariba is famous for
its spectacular sunsets. (B; L, D)
The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of
the House Boat and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. House Boats
on Lake Kariba are truly one of the most relaxing ways to
spend a few days. For those of you feeling a bit more active
in the early morning we take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender
boats or you have the option to do a game walk on the island
in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains game
and many different species of bird life. After lunch and head
to Maaze Island where we do a tour of the Crocodile Farm.
Dinner is prepared on the boat while we sit back and enjoy
our sundowners over the lake. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today we cross the border into the town of Victoria Falls.
1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls
are one of the most memorable sights on your African safari.
A couple of days are spent here to enable you to experience
the sights and the many activities available. All year round,
flights can be taken which give you a panoramic view of the
Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the Falls. Flights
can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters.
Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria
Falls Park. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
(B)
White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to
be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids,
there are the "floats” where there is time to admire
the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi
Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into
the Batoka Gorge is one of the latest activities at Victoria
Falls and is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day
trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris,
a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at the Elephant
Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village.
DAY 15 & 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The following 2 days are at your leisure allowing you to partake
in the many activities available, or you can just relax around
the pool at our campsite. (B)
DAYS 17: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and
cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp
for the night. The rest of the day is spent exploring the
area and relaxing on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is
one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the
large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. (B,L,D)
DAYS 18: Chobe National Park
This morning you have the option to do an early-morning game
drive into Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s
premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant
around the Chobe River. After our game drive we return to
camp for lunch. Late afternoon we take a boat cruise along
the Chobe River. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can
be viewed from the boat while we watch the renowned Chobe
sunset. (B, L, D)
DAYS 19: Chobe National Park to Maun
Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, our
base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the
Okavango Delta. Today is a long day’s drive with lunch
on the roadside. (B,L,D)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled
from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest
inland Delta in the World.
Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its
incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals
unique to Southern Africa.
DAY 20: Okavango Delta
Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day /
2 night excursions into the Delta. With this excursion we
travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers
station. From there we hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes,
which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways.
Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon
game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness.
(B,L,D)
DAY 21: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today
you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities
including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a
chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)
DAYS 22: Okavango Delta to Maun
There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before
packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving
back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete
your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset
scenic flight over the Delta region (US$55+ dependant upon
numbers). ( B,L,D)
DAYS 23: Maun to Rundu
Departing Maun we head in a south west direction along the
Kavango River and enter Namibia in the Northern region. We
stock up our supplies in Rundu before reaching our campsite
for the night. This campsite is spectacular and located right
on the banks of the Kavango River complete with “open
air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on
the lawn. (B,L,D)
DAY 24: Rundu to Etosha (Namutoni)
Today we arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon.
Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over
20 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and
bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan,
and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us
to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park
is the floodlit water holes at both Namutoni and Okakuejo.
Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed
viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink.
(B,L,D)
DAY 25: Etosha (Okaukuejo)
Another full day of game driving as we make our way across
150kms of the park from east to west. Tonight you have another
opportunity to spend at leisure around the fantastic floodlit
waterholes. (B,L,D)
DAY 26: Etosha to Cheetah Park
A short drive take us to the Cheetah Park, a private farm
where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah
population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident
cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed!
(B,L,D)
DAY 27: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe
A days drive takes us to Spizkoppe, the 1728m high rock formation,
one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks. There is
opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding
area. A night camping under the stars is a must here! .
(B,L,D)
DAY 28: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
We follow the Atlantic Coast south to visit the Cape Cross
Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals
along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is
the largest. Seals are present through out the year and numbers
fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to
around 200 000 during the breeding season. It was here that
the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross
in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast
of Namibia. We arrive in Swakopmund later afternoon. (B,L)
DAYS 29 & 30: Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct
colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has
several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well
as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art.
There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum,
aquarium and galleries to visit.
Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand
boarding, skydiving, desert flights, water sports, golf and
4WD hire. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are
obtainable but depend in availability.
(B included both days)
DAY 31: Swakopmund to Windhoek
Today is an easy one as we board a coach for the drive to
Windhoek and tours end.
Optional Excursions:
Zanzibar Accommodation US$15p/p
Kariba House Boats (2 nights) US$125
Game Walk on Maaze Island US$10
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Chobe National Park Game Drive US$35
Scenic Flight Okavango Delta US$65
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$25
Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only
and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions,
weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to
new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there
may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices
& Local Payments are subject to change without prior notice.
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