SOUTHERN & EASTERN AFRICA

THE BEST OF AFRICA - 26 DAYS

 

South Africa - Zimbabwe - Zambia - Malawi - Tanzania - Zanzibar - Kenya

 

Starting in Johannesburg and finishing in Nairobi.

(Also available in verse, starting in Nairobi and finishing in Johannesburg)

 

Highlights

Victoria Falls - Zambezi Canoeing - South Luangwa National Park

Lake Malawi - Zanzibar - Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater - Nairobi

 

An exciting and challenging itinerary for the adventurer and Africa lover. Our itinerary follows the old Cape to Cairo route and includes some of the best game parks in central and east Africa. Lake Malawi and its unspoilt beaches, and "the spice Island" of Zanzibar provide time for relaxation.

 

To make a booking contact us on thebestofafrica@safari-africa.co.uk

or call us on ++ 44 (0) 1995 679 776

 

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - TSHIPISE

We depart at 06h30 from the Randburg Towers, in Randburg, north of Johannesburg and travel via the great north road to set up our camp at the hot spring of Tshipise.

 

DAY 2: BULAWAYO - ZIMBABWE

The city is the administrative centre of Matobeleland, the northern home of the Ndebele people, lying at 1356m above sea level on a plateau summit of the central Zimbabwe ridge.

DAYS 3 / 4: VICTORIA FALLS / LIVINGSTONE

The Victoria Falls is without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights where the waters of the mighty Zambezi River tumble down in continuous thunder. Various optional excursions ore available:- A flight over the mighty falls on a microlight, white river rafting, river boarding, bungi jumping, or a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Days at leisure.

DAY 5: ZAMBIA

We travel through southern Zambia to set up our camp on the banks of the Zambezi River at Kiambi Camp.

DAYS 6 / 7: LOWER ZAMBEZI CANOEING

We board our canoes for a 2 day canoe excursion on the Zambezi River.

DAY 8: LUSAKA, RUFUNSA AREA

We travel via the capital city of Zambia, Lusaka and set up our camp near Rufunsa.

DAYS 9 /10: SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

The ecologically unspoilt South Luangwa National Park is undoubtedly one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa -The 9 050 sq.km has elephant, hippo, buffalo, and numerous species of antelope a predators. The birdlife is a birdwatcher's delight. During the rainy season (November-April) the park may become inaccessible.

DAYS 11 / 12: SALIMA - LAKE MALAWI

The lake, with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and beautiful bays is surrounded by high rugged peaks and mountains. We set up our camp on the lakeshore, swim, suntan and relax for two days.

DAYS 13 / 14

We travel through friendly villages on the shores of Lake Malawi, in the direction of Tanzania.

DAY 15: IRINGA - TANZANIA

Today we cross the border into Tanzania and set up our camp near the small town of lringa.

DAY 16: SOUTHERN TANZANIA (VIA MIKUMI) - DAR-ES-SALAAM

Mikumi is the name of the spindle-shaped Borassus Palm Tree that grows in this particular area. The park has a rich variety of wildlife such as buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, lion and the rare wild dog etc. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park including Eurasian migrants from October to April. We set up our camp north of Dar-es-Salaam.

DAYS 17 / 18 /19: ZANZIBAR

We travel by ferry from Dar-es-Salaam to Zanzibar, set like c jewel in tranquil coral waters, the island of spices has attracted many navigators and great European explorers such as Livingstone, Burton, Speke and Stanley. The narrow streets of the old stone town are vivid reminders of the island's long and colourful history. Days at leisure. Accommodation in guesthouse/ hotel (bed and breakfast).

DAY 20: TANZANIA

We return to the mainland by ferry and travel through the friendly villages of northern Tanzania.

DAY 21: ARUSHA

Today we travel north towards Kilimanjaro "the shining mountain". Lying only 3 degrees south of the equator, at an altitude of 5 895m, the majestic snow capped Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain.

DAYS 22 / 23: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - OLDUVAI GORGE

The skull of the "Nutcracker Man" was unearthed at Olduvai by Prof. L. Leakey in 1959. Serengeti, "endless plains" in the Masai language, is one of the best known wildlife sanctuaries in the world. About 35 species of mammals can be seen including the "BIG 5". Large herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra begin their spectacular migration in late May or early June, from the central plains to the permanent water in the north and west of the park. Nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded here. These excursions are included in the tour fare.

DAY 24: NGORONGORO CRATER

The gigantic 259 sq.km crater is one of the wonders of Africa. It is teeming with an abundant wildlife and birdlife that can be seen at close quarters in their natural habitat.

DAY 25: ARUSHA

We return to our base in Arusha after a wonderful visit to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

DAY 26: NAIROBI

We enter Kenya and arrive in Nairobi at +-16h00.

 

IMPORTANT

All participants must be fit and in good health. The route will depend on local conditions. This safari is not suitable for participants who cannot adapt themselves to the unpredictable conditions of travel in Africa. The South Luangwa National Park may become inaccessible during the rainy season (November-April).

 

The itinerary will depend on local conditions.

 

Full participation safari. Accommodation: 22 nights camping, 3 nights guesthouse / hotel in Zanzibar.

Meals: All meals when camping, except 1 dinner in Victoria Falls / Livingstone. Breakfast only in Zanzibar.

Group Size: 10 - 20 participants. Subject to a minimum of 10 people for guaranteed departure.

Transfers: Private transfers are available in Johannesburg (+/- USD15 p/p) on request. Taxis are available in Nairobi (+/- USD25 p/p).

 

Canoeing: We canoe between 25 - 30km, for a period of 5 - 7 hours per day, including a lunch break. No previous canoeing experience is necessary however participants must be fit and in good health.

 

		                    Departing Johannesburg		Ending Nairobi
                                            6th January			   31st of January
			                      10th March			   4th April
			                      5th May			         30th May
			                      2nd June			        27th June
			                      7th July			         1st August
			                      4th August			    29th August
			                      8th September		     3rd October
			                      6th October			  31st October
			                      14th November		    9th December
			                      15th December		    9th January 2002

Kenya to South Africa

		                          Departing Nairobi	      Ending Johannesburg
			                     13th January			   7th February
			                     3rd February			  28th February
			                     7th April			         2nd May
			                     2nd June			         27th June
			                     30th June			       25th July
			                     4th August			     29th August
			                     1st September		       26th September
			                     6th October			   31st October
			                     3rd November		       28th November
			                     12th December		     6th January 2002