We find that on these deserted white beaches we are able to make friends with someone we have known all our lives, ourselves. It is a safari for the romantic - moonlit beaches, ceilings of stars and carpets of sand. We meet Africa face to face, and in doing so, come away with emotions often buried by modern civilizations.
We hope that by joining us on this tropical paradise safari you’ll be enriched by the experiences we go through. And on top of all these emotions, we’ll have another special destination: The Luangwa Valley, the ultimate wildlife paradise of Africa.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg / Swaziland
We depart from our Guest Lodge in Johannesburg and head east for the Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Travel through typical African countryside to arrive at Hlane Royal National Park in the afternoon. Set up camp, and at barbecue time, get to know each other around the campfire. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Hlane Royal NP
Wake up early in order to do a game walk in search of the wildlife in the park. Thereafter it's back to camp for brunch. Siesta period is spent game-viewing or birding at the waterhole. A late afternoon's game walk rounds off the day. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Hlane Royal NP / Bilene
The Indian Ocean is calling! We pack up early to cross the border into Mozambique. ?Our destination: the Lagoon of Bilene via Maputo. En route we transverse through sub-tropical plantations of cashew nut, banana, mango and paw-paw trees. The afternoon is spent exploring the markets of Maputo, and experiencing the Afro-Portuguese culture. Later we drive for the Lagoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Bilene / Bay of Tofu
The road north leads past the Quissico Lagoon and Lake Poelela. The mystical turquoise blue of these waterways offers fantastic photo opportunities. We are heading for the secluded Bay of Tofu, a tropical peninsula in paradise. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Bay of Tofu
We enjoy our day here by snorkeling or diving the offshore reefs, long walks on the white beaches or a beach-game of Volley Ball. Maybe even just relaxing at the beach bar, reading or writing to those unfortunate friends back home. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Bay of Tofu / Inhambane / Morrungulo
Today we visit Old World Africa. Inhambane is one of the oldest European settlements in Southern Africa. We spend an extensive period exploring the Afro-Arabian culture mix, historic buildings and 200-year-old Cathedral.
Thereafter we board an ancient Arabian sailing vessel, the dhow, and cross the bay to Maxixe where we meet up with our guide and the vehicle. A short journey gets us to Morrungulo, our tropical paradise camp for the next two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Morrungulo
Time off in Morrungulo on the endless deserted beaches, where the coconut palms meet the ocean. The clear warm Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Whale watching trips are organized in season. All excursions can be booked at the campsite (Excursions at own expense). NB: Look out for the falling coconuts! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Morungulo / Vilankulo
Our destination today, Blue Water Lodge at Vilankulo, a pristine beach lodge across from the Islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the afternoon lazing about the terrace observing the islands while contemplating the excursion that tomorrow promises. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Vilankulo
The Bazaruto Archipelago was given National Park status in order to preserve the sensitive marine ecosystem that lies beneath the Indian Ocean waters. We do a comprehensive excursion by dhow to Magaruque Island. Here we spend time alone to snorkel and absorb the dramatic tropical beauty. Return back to the mainland in time to freshen up and enjoy a seafood feast at the Blue Water Restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Vilankulo / Casa Msika
It's farewell to the beach sand and inland we head towards a picturesque setting called Casa Msika on the Chicamba Dam. We spend sunset at the poolside, sipping sundowners. The birding in the hills is fantastic. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 11: Casa Msika / Tete
Today is a Third World African Experience, as facilities are limited. We leave Casa Msika after brunch and transverse dense bush-land broken by many granite outcrops and local thatched villages. Cross the mighty Zambezi River on a suspension bridge to camp in a small third world mission campsite in Tete. Meet the local villagers tonight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12: Tete / Lake Malawi
After border formalities, we enter Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa" and head for the "Lake of Stars". Lake Malawi is the ‘grand finale’ in the Great Rift Valley of Africa. The lake covers one third of the area of Malawi and is the lifeblood of the Malawi people. We’ll camp on the white beaches of the Lake in a pristine campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Lake Malawi / Lilongwe
The morning is spent at a major craft market purchasing exotic masterpieces, carved in Ebony. A fine example is the Malawian Chair. We could lose ourselves amongst the secretive coves of the bay enjoying the warm African sun, cool clear water and the cry of the fish eagle. Late afternoon we leave for Lilongwe, the Capital. Tonight enjoy a meal in a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 14: Lilongwe / Luangwa
Early shopping in Lilongwe to re-stock supplies and finally it is time for wildlife in the South Luangwa National Park. This park is the ultimate game park in Zambia and is rated as one of the greatest National Parks in Africa.
After a strenuous drive, our campsite on the Luangwa River, bordering the National Park, is reached. The evening is spent around the fire listening to the wild sounds of Africa. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15-16: Luangwa National Park
The absolute highlights of this safari are the game drives in an open game-viewing vehicle in the pristine wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. On both days we will do an extensive early morning game drive in search of the diurnal animals, hoping to observe elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a great variety of antelope species.
This Park has over 400 species of birds and for those who enjoy birding; the Reserve will fulfill many expectations. Return to camp for breakfast and siesta. We board the game-viewing vehicle in the late afternoon for an exciting night drive. Here we search for the nocturnal animals. The elusive leopard, a species for which this park is famous, might appear in our spotlight.
The nocturnal animals we hope to find include Lion, Hyena, Civet, Genet and the Birds of the night. Enjoy our restaurant dinner whilst we share the excitement of the game drive experience. The local guide will surely be rewarded for his efforts, dedication and knowledge that he has so humbly shared with us. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 17: Luangwa NP / Zulu Kraal
Leaving the Luangwa Valley today we make our way back to the great east road and onto a local campsite called The Zulu Kraal near Petuake or Bridge camp (Road conditions!). Relax after the strenuous drive and share a drink with the local people and enjoy the rural Zambian Culture. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 18: Zulu Kraal / Lusaka
Midday finds us in the bustling city of Lusaka, where we have the chance to restock and enjoy civilization as we have come to know it. The late afternoon is spent enjoying the swimming pool and bar in our campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 19-20: Lusaka / Victoria Falls
One of Nature’s Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls in Zambia, is our destination for the next two days. We have the opportunity to enjoy the myriad of adventure activities that are offered at the falls, be it Bungee Jumping, Rafting the mighty Zambezi, Elephant back riding and Micro or Ultra-light flights over the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ how locals are calling the falls.
All enjoyable times? (NB: Victoria Falls entry & all activities are on own expense). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 21: Victoria Falls / Francistown
On crossing over the Zambezi by ferry, we’ll make our way south to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for lunch. We camp in Francistown in a splendid campsite tonight and have dinner at the nearby hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 22: Francistown / Johannesburg
The final day of our long journey. On leaving Botswana today, we make our way down into South Africa through the Northern Province of the country, reaching the "City Of Gold" in the late afternoon. The tour ends this afternoon upon arrival in the Johannesburg. We’ll enjoy an evening reminiscing about this incredible journey. (Breakfast)
- End of our tour and services -
Price includes:
- All Itinerary and activities as specified
- Fully equipped Land Rover safari vehicle with knowledgeable driver
- All camping and catering equipment
- Services of local tour guides and tour escort throughout the tour
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All camp meals as specified
- National Park entrance fees
Price does not include:
- International flights and all airport taxes
- Visa fees, all payable locally at the borders except for Mozambique (please apply for a visa prior to the trip at your nearest Mozambican Embassy)
- All drinks, meals and items not specified in the itinerary
- Insurance (trip cancellation & medical insurances are recommended)
- Tips / gratuities or other such costs
- Personal expenses (phone or laundry bills)
For your comfort and safety we recommend the following Safari Kit. Recommended Items:
- Hiking boots (or track shoes)
- Daypack/small bag for excursions
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Wet weather clothing (rain jacket)
- Light, robust clothing in natural colors
- Camera and films
- Sandals/slops
- Warm jacket /clothing for winter months
- Toiletries and personal medication
- Flashlights and batteries
- Rope and clothes pegs
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Hat or cap
- Swimming suit
- Mosquito repellent
- Suntan lotion, Lip protection
- Money belt for valuables
- Towels
Optional items:
- Music tapes
- Reading/writing material
- Mosquito net
- Inflatable mattress
- Dust proof bags
Departure dates for 2008 (all guaranteed departures!):
Feb 04, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 19, Jun 23, Jul 28, Sep 01, Oct 06, Nov 10, Dec 15.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour price for 2008
USD: 3,470.00 / CAD: 3,645.00 per person.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Mozambique
Malawi
Zimbabwe
Cultural Journey
Wildlife Viewing
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