Trade Route; Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique

The group will meet in Livingstone, in Zambia, at 14:00 where we have 2 days to explore Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, or a 111m bungi jump (own expense).

A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we camp the night.

We paddle down the mighty Zambezi River, home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. Canoeing past local riverside villages and magnificent scenery. We camp wild on an island in the heart of untamed Africa. The following morning we continue our canoe safari through an area teaming with elephants, hippos and other wildlife. We will be collected by a motorboat, and are transferred back up river to our starting campsite.

We head to Lusaka where we stock up on supplies in the bustling shops and markets of the Zambian capital. Taking the Great East Road we drive this afternoon until sunset. (This is a very long day of travel but this also allows us to get to South Luangwa sooner on day 7).

Make our way down into “the valley” of the South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries where hippo, elephants, lion and leopard abound. We camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and explore the area on 2 game walks and 2 open 4WD game drives, one at night with spotlights, to see nocturnal animals. (In the green season, Dec – Apr, walks may not be possible in which case we’ll do extra game drives).

Malawi “the warm heart of Africa”. We re-stock with fresh supplies in the markets of Lilongwe before heading to our camp on the beach at Lake Malawi. We’ll take a boat out to the islands to explore the fantastic bays and coves in the area.

Heading south again we enter Mozambique at Zobue border post. Making our way back over the Zambezi we travel through the Tete region, camping en route in this remote part of Mozambique. (Campsite facilities are very basic.)

Upon reaching the Indian Ocean we stay overnight in Vilankulos. We take a full day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, snorkeling, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood available – what a day!

Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200-year-old cathedral, before moving to our accommodation next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense).

We travel further south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with clear water and white, sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options of kayaking and snorkelling (own expense), and swimming in the shallow, calm waters.

We travel through the Transfrontier Limpopo Park into Kruger National Park - visit big game country! Exciting game drives to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness.

Departing Kruger, we overnight at a private game lodge in the Greater Kruger for our final dinner under the stars. The following morning we tour the Panorama Route, visiting God’s Window and the Three Sisters. We return to Johannesburg in the afternoon of the day 22, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends @ 17:00