SA 18: 23 Nights/ 24 Days Wilderness Safari Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & South Africa

Day 1: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana

Departing Johannesburg, we cross the border into Botswana. We continue to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a project designed to reintroduce Rhino into Botswana. We get to see how the project is working up close while on a game drive. (D)

Day 2: Maun – Botswana

We head to Maun, the gateway to the Delta, where we make preparations for our Delta trip. You may also visit the nearby Crocodile Farm. (B,D)

Day 3-4: Okavango Delta – Botswana

This morning we venture into the wild bush of Africa, far from any form of civilization. We begin our search for the abundance of wildlife that inhabits the Delta. The days are filled with game walks, tracking different species and exploring the waterways of the world renowned Okavango Swamps, by mokoro (dug out canoe). Drifting silently through the channels, we set up camp on islands in the Delta. After a breathtaking sunset, relax around the campfire listening to songs sung by our guides and sounds the nights have to offer. On the last afternoon we return to Maun, where we shop in the local town and enjoy a well deserved local braai. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Continuing north, we set up camp in Kasane, on the edges of the Chobe River, where you can relax and enjoy some great game viewing on an optional river cruise. (B,D)

Day 6-8: Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia

After an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park we leave Botswana and set up camp in Livingstone, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, and tonight we enjoy a Zambezi sunset cruise. This will give you a perspective on the Falls and provide some game viewing opportunities. The Victoria Falls are one of Africa’s premier attractions, as well as being one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It’s also Africa’s adrenaline capital with plenty of extreme sports available, including white water rafting on one of the few commercially rafted grade 5 rivers in the world, bungy jumping from one of the highest jumps in the world, gorge swinging, micro lighting and much more. (B)

Day 9: Luangwa Bridge – Zambia

Heading north through rural Zambia we spend the night at Luangwa Bridge at a campsite on the banks of the Luangwa river that also forms the border between Zambia and Mozambique. Relax at the campsite’s bar and enjoy a magnificent sunset over this amazing river. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Chipata – Zambia

From Luangwa we transit through the very rural regions of Zambia, viewing some of the many small villages as we pass through. Our drive will take us through wonderful forests where we will set up camp near the small border town of Chipata near the Malawi border. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Lilongwe – Malawi

This morning we depart for Malawi, the “warm heart of Africa” where we spend the night in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Here we also prepare for our trip to the Lake and have the opportunity to shop at some of the many local markets. (B,L,D)

Day 12-14: Lake Malawi – Malawi

Crossing into Malawi, the ‘warm heart of Africa’, we journey through the capital Lilongwe to our campsites on the shores of Lake Malawi. We relax on the shores of the lake, explore the area and shop in the markets. There are many water sports available on Lake Malawi, as well as the opportunity to meet the locals and see their craftsmen, famous for their carved mahogany chairs and other artifacts. (B,D)

Day 15: Blantyre – Malawi

After breakfast we head southwards to the town of Blantyre, the unofficial commercial capital of Malawi. Established by Scottish missionaries the town is the crossroads to Mozambique. This is also reputed to be the busiest city in the country. Here we will spend our last night in Malawi. (B,D)

Day 16: Chimoio – Mozambique

Today we cross into Mozambique. The former Portuguese colony was devastated by years of civil war and since the 1995 peace accord has made great strides in reconstruction. See the evidence for yourself as we enter the country and make our way to the camp at Chimoio. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Vilanculos – Mozambique

We reach the coast of Mozambique and relax on the beach of this coastal town. Once a sleepy fishing village, Vilanculos is one of the most scenic spots on the Mozambique coast and the jumping off point to the Bazaruto Archipelago. (B,L,D)

Day 18-20 Bazaruto – Mozambique

You have the chance here to spend these idyllic days, sailing around the Bazaruto Islands. We board our traditional Arab Dhows, which take us out to the spectacular Bazaruto Archipelago, a remote set off islands of the coast of Vilanculos. We stay on Benguerra Island and spend our time exploring the area. We take our own snorkelling and fishing gear, so we can often stop at any of the reefs. There are also sand dunes and walks. After spending 2 nights on the island, we then return to Vilanculos. (B,L,D)

Day 21-22: Inhambane/Tofo – Mozambique

Our beach days are not over yet, as we get back to the mainland and make our way south to Inhambane and the beach of Tofo. We set up camp in a remote campsite near the beach and town, where we will spend 2 nights. During your free day you can snorkel, scuba dive, take a walk along the coast o explore the markets of Inhambane. (B,D)

Day 23: Maputo – Mozambique

Leaving the peace and tranquillity of the beach behind, we continue on to the bustling capital city of Maputo. With its attractive tree lined avenues it has a unique almost European feel about it. We spend the night here and you get the chance to sample the capital’s fantastic nightlife. (B)

Day 24: Johannesburg – South Africa

Leaving Maputo we travel the short distance to the South African border where we make our way back to Johannesburg by late afternoon.