DAY 1: JHB - NORTHERN PROVINCE
Leaving Johannesburg early, we begin our trek north. Stopping en-route to do some last minute shopping, we head for our rustic bush camp set on a private game reserve in the Limpopo Valley. We arrive early and familiarise ourselves with the vehicle and equipment, before camping the night. Enjoy a traditional "braai".
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: ZIMBABWE RUINS
After a morning walk, we travel the short distance to the border where we complete formalities and then travel directly to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The afternoon is spent exploring this massive complex, and delving into the mysteries surrounding their origin. Tonight we enjoy a night of relative comfort, and a catered meal.(own expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: BULAWAYO / MATOBO A short drive today, we pass through the wide streets of Bulawayo, and on to our camp nestled amongst the precariously balancing boulders of Matobo. This afternoon we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park in search of animals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: HWANGE
This morning we stretch our legs with a climb on one of the "kopies" surrounding our camp before packing up and moving on to Hwange. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive drive in search of the animals for which Hwange is so well known. Tonight we drift off to sleep to the sounds of the wild at our bush camp in the Hwange area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - 6: VICTORIA FALLS
Leaving our bush-camp, we head for the amazing spectacle of Victoria Falls, and the surrounding tourist village. We spend two days here, at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN. There are numerous activities to pursue here, such as bungi-jumping, white-water rafting and aircraft flips (own expense) . Clients will have leisure time to explore the town. One evening meal will be at a local restaurant (own expense) . Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: GWABI CAMP
An early start, we have a view of the falls whilst crossing the historic Livingstone Bridge over the Zambezi Gorge into Zambia. Our journey takes us across southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we set up camp at Gwabi. Relax by the pool and enjoy a hot shower. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - 10: ZAMBEZI CANOE
After a river safety and procedure briefing we begin our canoeing adventure. These days are the highlight of the tour with excellent bird and game viewing opportunities. Hippo and other big game may be encountered at close range. This section does involve a certain amount of effort, and at night we camp wild on islands. We end the paddle at the Chongwe River, and camp here on the last night. The next day we conduct a short game walk before transferring back to Gwabi camp by boat, for a hot shower and a catered meal (own expense) . Camp the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: LUANGWA
We continue north via the capital city, Lusaka, where we stock up on provisions, before moving along the Great East Road to our overnight camp. We will cover as much distance today as possible.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 - 13: LUANGWA N. PARKS
Travel on to camp on the banks of the Luangwa River where we overnight for two nights just outside the Luangwa National Park. We enter the southern park for some spectacular game viewing with excellent opportunities of Leopard sightings. Camp both nights. (Optional night drive, own expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 - 15: LAKE MALAWI
Today we enter Malawi, and after replenishing stocks and spending some time at the curio stalls in Lilongwe, we continue down to the lake where we spend two nights literally camping on the beach. The days are spent simply relaxing and soaking up the sun, or for the more energetic, the crystal clear waters offer excellent snorkeling and lovely beach walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16 : LAKE MALAWI
Following the winding road along the lakeshore, we continue north and again camp the night on the beach, d enjoying Lake Malawi, one of Africa's jewels.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: MIKUMI
Entering Tanzania, we begin our journey across this vast country. Tonight we will camp in the remote village of Mikumi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: DAR ES SALAAM
We arrive in Dar Es Salaam, the historic port of Tanzania, around noon.
We will spend some time in this bustling city before moving to the
North Coast where we will camp the night on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19 - 22: ZANZIBAR
This morning we head directly to the harbour where we embark on a ferry ride across to the spice island, Zanzibar. Exploring the island thoroughly, we spend time at the remote villages and sandy beaches of the north, and enjoying the mystique and history of the Stone Town. Visit the slave pits and participate in a spice tour, the food and fruit market is not to be missed. Sample the local cuisine one night (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 23: ZANZIBAR / DAR ES SALAAM
Leaving the island behind, we board the ferry for our journey back to the mainland. We camp the night north of Dar Es Salaam at a small resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 24 - 25: ARUSHA
Moving inland we head for Arusha where we spend two nights camping in this bustling town. We enjoy a full day of curio shopping and exploring the numerous markets etc. At this stage it is possible to view Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, if the clouds oblige. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 26: SERENGETI
Travelling from Arusha to Serengeti we are bound to witness the impressive Masai herdsmen, herding their cattle amongst the game. Most of the day is a game drive with exceptional game viewing potential, and we arrive at the Seronera camp in the late afternoon to camp the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 27: SERENGETI / NGORONGORO
Rising early we continue game viewing for the entire day, before exiting the park and making for Simba Camp to camp the night on the lip of the Ngorongoro crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 28: NGORONGORO CRATER
We descend into the crater on the steep dirt track cut into the crater wall. The diverse habitats of lake, swamp, grassland, and acacia forests bring with them an equal diversity of game, with everything one can imagine, from Flamingo to Elephant and the ever-present Masai herdsmen. We finally exit the crater after lunch to return to Arusha for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 29: ARUSHA-NAIROBI After a final hopeful glimpse of Kilimanjaro we head due north to enter Kenya and to travel directly to Nairobi. We overnight in a simple hotel with an evening farewell meal
(own expense) .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 30: NAIROBI After breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow travellers and depart on our separate ways.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Clients may join or leave this tour at certain stages of the itinerary. Call us for a quote in this regard. On the northbound tours, clients may on occasion return to Johannesburg with the vehicle at a nominal cost, but Drifters will be under no obligation whatsoever.
DEPARTURES
This tour leaves from Johannesburg fortnightly on Wednesdays.
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