36 day African Encounter. Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and around a 100 metres high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing aircraft, micro lights, ultra lights or helicopters.

On the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic opportunities. White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the 'floats' where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is also the option abseil in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!

The other optional activities around Victoria Falls include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, horse riding, a visit to the Crocodile ranch, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, Elephant safaris, the Falls craft village and the sunset cruise.

Days 21 & 22: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The next 2 days are at your own leisure to partake in activities or relax at the campsite swimming pool. You will also have some new clients joining you for the second part of the tour. Breakfast is included on both days.

Days 23 & 24: Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba

This morning you will pack up camp and depart Victoria Falls. Exiting Zimbabwe you cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. You head to the western waters of Lake Kariba, your base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of the largest man made lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.

Here you have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boats on Lake Kariba. For those who do not want to partake in the House Boats there are many activities you can do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hikes, explore the local village or just relax on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy soaking up the sun. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

House Boat option 2 night/2 day:

You board the House Boats at approximately 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. You depart the harbour at approximately 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset and overnight on the House Boats. Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets.

The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of the House Boat and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. House Boats on Lake Kariba are truly one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days. For those feeling a bit more active in the early morning you take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats or you have the option to do a game walk on the island in the Maaze area.

There is opportunity to see plains game and many different species of bird life. After lunch and head to Maaze Island where you do a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while you sit back and enjoy your sundowners over the lake.

Day 25: Lake Kariba to Lusaka, Zambia

After everyone has reunited you bid goodbye to Lake Kariba and head north through Southern Zambia to a camp just before the capital city of Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has beautiful facilities. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 26: Lusaka - Chipata, Zambia

From Lusaka you cross the north-eastern side of Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10km before the Zambia/Malawi border. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Days 27 - 30: Chipata to Lake Malawi, Malawi

Leaving Zambia you cross the border into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. You visit the capital Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre.  The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi.  The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in this clear blue fresh-waters all the year round.

You travel the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days.  This is the time for rest and relaxation.  Lake Malawi offers a variety of watersports from various beachside campsites. 

Alternatively, you can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe yourself.

Visit the nearby villages and schools as well as dine in the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets, learn the game of bao with some locals or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 31: Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania

You depart Malawi via Karonga and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe.  You continue your journey through the Tanzanian countryside and take in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea plantations and banana plantations.

Just before Iringa is the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania, where you spend the night. Try one of the signature Amarula Hot chocolates! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.