Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Five Country Camping Safari

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Detailed Trip Description

This incredible safari takes you on a circuit through five different countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique. Enjoy canoeing on the Zambezi River, camping on the shores of Lake Malawi & the tropical beaches of Mozambique, and hiking Mount Mulanje. You’ll visit several villages during this 25 day itinerary and have the opportunity to learn about local culture. The route also takes you through some prime game viewing areas such as Chobe National Park and the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and Kruger National Park in South Africa.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Johannesburg

 
Hotel

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Protea Waterfront Hotel, Centurion, north of Johannesburg, for your overnight.

Johannesburg Hotel picture

Day 2 - Johannesburg

 
Johannesburg - Martin’s Drift.
Private Car Service

Depart at 6:30 am from the Randburg Towers, and travel via Ellisras to Martin’s Drift near the Botswana border. Approximate driving distance: 450km; approximate driving time: 7 hrs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Johannesburg Private Car Service picture

Day 3 - Botswana

 
Magkadikgadi Pans.
Private Car Service

Cross the border into Botswana and travel north via Francistown to Nata.

Sightseeing

The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of a great lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. Less than 10,000 years ago, climactic changes caused the lake to evaporate, leaving behind salt deposits. The pans are dry most of the year, except during the rainy season (December-March). If accessible, drive to the edge of the pans to experience the spectacular sunset. Approximate driving distance: 500 km; approximate driving time: 8 hrs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4 - Kasane

 
Chobe River - Kasane.
Private Car Service

Drive to the Chobe River, famous for its beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

You may also see herds of elephants drinking at the river during your afternoon cruise. Approximate driving distance: 350km; approximate driving time: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5-6 - Livingstone

 
Livingstone - Victoria Falls.
Sightseeing

The Victoria Falls is without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa, where the waters of the mighty Zambezi River tumble down in continuous thunder. “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” directly translates into “The Smoke That Thunders.”

Sightseeing

Enjoy these two days spent at leisure for optional excursions. Approximate driving distance: 70 km; approximate driving time: 3 hrs. Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 7 - Zambezi

 
Lower Zambezi.
Camping

Travel through Zambia to set up camp on the banks of the Lower Zambezi River at the Kiambi Camp and enjoy the sunset from the deck overlooking the river. Approximately: 650 km; 8 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8-9 - Zambezi

 
Zambezi Canoeing.
Canoeing

Board your canoes for a 2-day excursion on the Zambezi River. While paddling downstream with the gentle current of the river, relax and enjoy the profound sense of peace and tranquility. You will canoe between 25-30 km for a period of approximately 5-7 hours per day with a lunch break.

Camping

On the night of Day 9, you will set up a bush camp.
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 10 - Lusaka

 
Luangwa River.
Private Car Service

Drive through Zambia to the capital city of Lusaka.

Camping

Set up camp near the Luangwa River. Approximate driving distance: 550km; approximate driving time: 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 11-12 - Lusaka

 
South Luangwa National Park.
National Parks

Today you will visit the ecologically unspoiled South Luangwa National Park - undoubtedly one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The 9,050 km² park has elephant, hippo, buffalo, and numerous species of antelope and predators. The bird-life here is a bird-watcher's delight.

Safari

You may have the chance to go on an optional night game drive (booked locally). Approximately: 280 km; 5 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 13-14 - Malawi

 
Lake Malawi.
Sightseeing

Leave Zambia and travel to Lake Malawi, with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and beautiful bays, and surrounded by high rugged peaks and mountains.

Camping

Set up your camp on the lake-shore, suntan and relax for two days. Approximately: 450 km; 8 hrs. Note: If you are only doing half of this safari, you will either depart or join the trip on Day 13 in Lilongwe, Malawi, on the way to Lake Malawi. Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 15-16 - Mulanje (Mlange)

 
Mount Mulanje.
Sightseeing

Enjoy a scenic drive to your campsite at the foot of Mount Mulanje. An early start the following morning will take you up the impressive mountain, which is one of the most remarkable sights in Malawi.

Hiking

Some may reach the summit, some may not; regardless, spend this day hiking up the mountain, enjoying the bird life in the unique Mulanje cedar forests on the way.

Camping

Return to your base camp in the late afternoon. Approximately: 450 km
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners.


Day 17 - Mozambique

 
Chicamba Area.
Sightseeing

Cross the Zambezi at Tete and enter the scenic eastern highland mountains of Mozambique, with their many scattered traditional African Villages.

Camping

Tonight, set up a bush camp in the Chicamba area. Approximate driving distance: 570km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 18-19 - Vilanculos

 
Sightseeing

Today, pass through many small rural villages en-route to Vilanculos. Your delightful campsite under the coconut palms, near the wide deserted beaches gives you the opportunity to swim during the day in thes warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Snorkeling

Days are spent at leisure swimming, simply relaxing on the beach or enjoying one of the optional activities including snorkeling and diving (booked locally).

Food and Dining

In the evenings, you will sample the local seafood cooked over an open fire. Approximately: 600 km. Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 20-21 - Mozambique

 
Morrongulu.
Camping

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn on your way to Morrongulu. Your delightful campsite under the coconut palms near the wide deserted beaches, allows you to swim during the day in the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Scuba Diving

From here it is possible to enjoy deep-sea fishing and scuba diving or snorkelling the colorful reefs off the coastline (activities booked locally). Approximately: 300 km. Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 22 - Mozambique

 
Casa Lisa.
Sightseeing

This morning, pass through many interesting local villages en-route to Casa Lisa, stopping for short breaks. You have a chance to explore these villages on your own, as the towns are very small yet interesting. The colorful and vibrant local markets, along with the social and economic hub of life in the towns and villages provide you with an insight into the richness of the local culture.

Camping

Your camp at Casa Lisa is situated north of Maputo. Approximate driving distance: 430km; approximate driving time: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 23-24 - Mpumalanga

 
Kruger National Park.
National Parks

Travel to the famous wildlife sanctuary of Kruger National Park, one of the oldest game reserves in Africa.

Safari

Here you will spend your time exploring the park on early morning and late afternoon game drives, observing numerous species of animals and birds. Approximately: 200 km; 8 hrs. Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners


Day 25 - Johannesburg

 
Safari

After an early morning game drive, leave Kruger Park and drive back to Johannesburg, arriving around 4:00pm.

Airport Transfer

You will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight home. Approximately: 450 km; 5 hrs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


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