23-Day Kruger Vic Falls and Zanzibar Adventure Accommodated Tour from Pretoria

23-Day Kruger Vic Falls and Zanzibar Adventure Accommodated Tour from Pretoria

Experience some of Southern and East Africa's best highlights on this accommodated adventure tour. Game drive the famous Kruger, Matobo and South Luangwa National parks, visit the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy the white sandy and turquoise waters of Lake Malawi and the Indian Ocean on Zanzibar.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pretoria – Hazyview – Kruger National Park

Stop At: Hazyview, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
From Pretoria - South Africa’s administrative city - we travel via the panoramic region of Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and dramatic escarpment views, to South Africa’s famed national park – Kruger. Fences between the National Park and surrounding private reserves were removed several years ago to form the Greater Kruger, an area of some 24000 sq km. Wildlife is free to roam the whole enormous area and it has become incredibly diverse in both fauna and flora. From the dwarf mongoose to the famed ‘Big Five’, almost every major African mammal (148 species) is present. There is also prolific birdlife (over 505 species) and over 330 varieties of trees. This evening we enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Numbi, Hazyview, South Africa

Day 2: Hazyview – Kruger National Park

Stop At: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Waking early, we board our 4x4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide for an intense but rewarding day in Kruger National Park. The impressive atmosphere of the park enables you to see why it is held in such high esteem amongst visitors from all over the world. We game drive in the morning and afternoon in search for the abundance of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion together with a high density of other mammals and diverse bird species such as eagles, hornbills, vultures and bee eaters. We break during the middle of the day to enjoy the peace of the rest camp and wait out the hottest part of the day (when wildlife is usually less active). We then continue our game drive through the park exiting in the late afternoon and continue to our accommodation for the night.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Numbi, Hazyview, South Africa

Day 3: Hazyview, Greater Kruger – Tshipise, South Africa

Stop At: Tshipise, Tshipise, Limpopo Province
Leaving the Greater Kruger, we travel north through South Africa’s lush countryside to Tshipise, a town situated in the northern Limpopo province. Our accommodation is located at Forever Resorts at the foot of one of Limpopo’s rolling koppies set adjacent the Honnet Nature Reserve. There are hot springs in the resort offering a variety of swimming pools to enjoy. The area is surrounded by dense woodland comprising of Mopani, Red Bushwillow, Jakkalsbessie trees – and the third largest Baobab tree in South Africa.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Forever Resorts,Tshipise, South Africa

Day 4: Tshipise, South Africa – Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Stop At: Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Bulawayo Province
After a refreshing night’s sleep, we make our way across the border to Zimbabwe and on to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree lined avenues and wide-open spaces. On arrival we stop for supplies before heading to our campsite. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the surrounds at leisure.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Burke's Paradise, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe


Day 5: Matobo National Park

Stop At: Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Matobo National Park is located a short distance outside Bulawayo and knowledgeable guides will take us to this very impressive park. The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous people here. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and, provided conditions are right, our guides will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. The park also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world and we keep our eyes peeled high and low for these creatures. The hills are also home to the grave site of Cecil John Rhodes who chose this as his burial place owing to the intense natural beauty and startling views from the hills. His grave can be visited at World’s View - a place of continual debate owing to his involvement in claiming the land and its people for Queen & Country in colonial times.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Burke's Paradise, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe


Day 6: Bulawayo – Livingstone, Zambia

Stop At: Victoria Falls, Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone 20100 Zambia
Moving on from Bulawayo we continue north, and pass through the town of Victoria Falls, before crossing the border into Zambia, we travel the short distance to the Waterfront Resort a few kilometres from Livingstone. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Waterfront has a restaurant and small deck/terrace overlooking the river and is a base and booking point for the numerous optional activities available in the area. Staff will give a full briefing on what can be booked (typically including rafting, canoeing, bungee, abseiling, gorge swinging, scenic flights and river cruises). Choose your activity at leisure, if time allows or else simply relax and enjoy the mighty Zambezi as it flows past your vantage point.

But whatever you do, don’t leave Africa without seeing the Victoria Falls themselves! A visit to the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park is included in your tour – be sure not to miss it - at over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep the Falls at high water form the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray visible from 20 kilometres away (hence the local name Mosi Oa Tunya, or ‘Smoke that Thunders’). At low water the Zambezi dries so much that it is possible to walk out onto the river bed itself!

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

Day 7: Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Zambia

Stop At: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Livingstone 10101 Zambia
Today we have a free day to enjoy the many optional activities on offer or spend your day at leisure by the poolside at the Waterfront. The perfect time to catch up on your social media and share your experiences.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

Day 8: Livingstone, Zambia

Stop At: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Livingstone 10101 Zambia
We have a free day in Livingstone today to explore the town. Spend your leisure day in Livingstone exploring the activities, town and markets or simply relax poolside at the Waterfront. The perfect time to catch up on your social media and share your experiences before heading off for the next part of your holiday.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

Day 9: Livingstone – Lusaka

Stop At: Lusaka, Lusaka, Lusaka Province
This morning we visit the Victoria Falls themselves. At over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep in high water, it forms the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray visible from 20 kilometres away - hence their local name Mosi au Tunya (‘Smoke that Thunders’). We leave Livingstone and head through lush country and small villages to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx 1.7 million people and is located on the southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa. This city is the commercial hub as well as the centre for the government. Our accommodation for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Eureka Camp, Lusaka, Zambia

Day 10: Lusaka – South Luangwa

Stop At: South Luangwa National Park, South Luangwa National Park
We leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park, which is known to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Hippo’s, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe with many other species flourish in the 20,000 sq miles of savannah woodland watered by this 500 mile–long river. The river itself is the most intact and unaltered major river system in Africa and covers 9059 km2. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to lush green lands in the summer months. On arrival we set up camp and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the many optional activities from walking safaris and village walks.
*Driving times vary dependent on the number of stops en route. While we try to get to the camp in daylight, today is a long day on the road and we may arrive in the early evening.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa

Day 11: South Luangwa National Park

Stop At: South Luangwa National Park, Mpika Zambia
Relax around the pools edge, which is the best place to be in the hot hours of the day. Later that afternoon we embark on an open vehicle game drive with a local ranger along the river’s edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife inhabiting the area. Your tour includes one guided game drive during our stay. Additional walks and drives can be booked on arrival.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa

Day 12: South Luangwa National Park – Kande Beach, Malawi

Stop At: Kande Beach, Kande, Nkhata Bay Malawi
Leaving Zambia behind, we cross the border to Malawi. Please be patient as the officials process the group’s visas as this may take some time to complete. Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’, covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato, (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day or with lanterns by night

The lake also has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world and attracts divers globally to seek out the many colourful Cichlid species. We arrive at camp on the lake’s shore in the afternoon and have the rest of the day to swim and explore the beach and surrounding area.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kande Beach, Malawi

Day 13: Kande Beach

Stop At: Kande Beach, Kande, Nkhata Bay Malawi
Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving and snorkelling, take a horse ride along the beach or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as amongst the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head out and explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals. Why not learn to play Bao with the local wood carvers at the market – this traditional board game is played across most of East Africa. Using several skills such as game theory, complexity and psychology, this seemingly simple board game promises much fun and a great opportunity to interact with the local experts
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kande Beach, Malawi

Day 14: Kande Beach – Chitimba Beach

Stop At: Chitimba, Chitimba, Northern Region
Taking a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu – the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi, where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets before arriving to Chitimba Beach where time is at leisure in the afternoon to enjoy a game of beach volleyball or relax in the various lounge areas at this beach-side camp.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chitimba Beach, Malawi

Day 15: Chitimba Beach

Stop At: Chitimba, Chitimba, Northern Region
Relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or do the full day trip to Manchewe Falls where after 11km of hiking you can cool off in a natural bath. The surrounding hills are home to the Livingstonia Mission where David Livingstone worked from for a time while staying in Malawi. The views from here are simply magnificent and well worth the effort of hiking to. For those staying at the campsite, there is a local craft market where you can enjoy learning the ins and outs of woodcarving your own souvenir, or learn to play the game of Bao, haggle for some souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing day admiring the shimmering waters on the beach.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chitimba Beach, Malawi

Day 16: Chitimba Beach – Iringa, Tanzania

Stop At: Kisolanza, The Old Farm House, Iringa, Tanzania
Leaving Chitimba Beach, we travel the short distance north to cross the border into Tanzania. We steadily climb in altitude through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House. This farm is at an altitude of 1600m ensuring a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas of Tanzania. Home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza remains a working farm providing organic meat (beef, lamb and chicken) and vegetables to the surrounding markets as well as further afield in Dar es Salaam.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Iringa, Kisolonza Farm House, Tanzania

Day 17: Iringa – Mikumi National Park area

Stop At: Mikumi, Mikumi, Morogoro Region
Leaving the Southern Highlands, we make our way east to Mikumi National Park. Our campsite is located a short stone’s throw from the park and we enjoy sundowners at the local bar/ restaurant followed by the evening around the open fire under the blanket of stars.

If time allows we can go on an optional game drive in the afternoon to explore the magnificent park – Tanzania’s 5th largest. Expect to see Elephant, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and with some luck some buffalo or lion.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tan-Swiss, Mikumi, Tanzania

Day 18: Mikumi National Park area – Dar es Salaam

Stop At: Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Region
We continue towards the Indian Ocean coast and the port city of Dar es Salaam (‘Haven of Peace’). This route runs through the Mikumi National Park and we may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. ‘Dar’ is Tanzania’s hub of commerce and industry – a hot, humid and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets and Arab influenced architecture on the coast accessing one of the most important sea routes on earth (with an interesting history too). To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of call to the more exotic Zanzibar and the remaining of the Archipelago islands. We set up camp at our campsite on the beach just outside of the city centre, usually having time to browse curio markets - best known for ebony wood - and prepare for our trip to Zanzibar.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kipepeo Beach, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 19: Zanzibar Island

Stop At: Stone Town, Zanzibar City Tanzania
Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm fringe beaches; romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests. You will find all of these here – and an intriguing history. Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices. Indeed, the spice trade is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for generations, plying the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town This influence can be seen right along the Eastern coast – the Swahili language itself is a result of the mixing of Arab and African languages and cultures over many centuries.

Zanzibar’s other history is not romantic. The island was also a staging post for slaves bought from the African interior being held before shipping to slave owners in the Middle East. You can still see the places where these men and woman were held – and even a short visit is enough to convey the appalling conditions they had to endure.

Our time on the island over the next 4 nights is not structured and your time is at leisure. Perhaps the best way to see Stone Town is on foot: explore the bazaars for old maritime trinkets, cloths, wooden carvings, visit mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of the old town. Spices are grown in plantations nearby and you can take day tours to visit some and have your senses dazzled by the tastes and scents experienced. If it’s white sand, sparkling ocean and hot sun you prefer – head to the northern beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, indulge in some sumptuous seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book.

NB: As we leave the truck on the mainland, basic tourist class accommodation and breakfast on Zanzibar are included in the tour price, but for the sake of flexibility other meals are left for your own account. Typically, we spend one night in Stone Town and the next three nights in the north of the island at one of the beaches. Your tour leader will be available to assist if you if you have any questions or need activities arranged.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Safari Lodge, Stone Town

Day 20: Zanzibar Island

Stop At: Kendwa Beach, Kendwa Tanzania
Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer to the northern beaches from Stone Town. Relax on the sun kissed beaches of Kendwa, northwest part of the island, take an optional diving trip to the rich colourful reefs or grab a snorkel and goggles to explore these from above
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sunset Bungalows, Kendwa, Zanzibar

Day 21: Zanzibar Island

Stop At: Kendwa Beach, Kendwa Tanzania
Browse markets or enjoy hanging in a hammock with a cocktail and a good book. The beach is a great place to catch up with the locals who will pass by selling their wares, offering henna tattoos and inexpensive massages. Round the day off with a sunset dhow cruise or chilling to the tunes from the nearby beach bars.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sunset Bungalows, Kendwa, Zanzibar

Day 22: Zanzibar Island

Stop At: Kendwa Beach, Kendwa Tanzania
Adjusting to the lazy ways of the northern beaches is easy to do in such picturesque surroundings. Enjoy your last day on the island swimming in the warm ocean, snorkelling in the crystal turquoise waters and enjoy time at leisure in this tropical haven.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sunset Bungalows, Kendwa, Zanzibar

Day 23: Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam

Stop At: Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Region
We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland to Dar es Salaam and onwards to our accommodation on the coast where our tour ends in the late afternoon.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.