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Index > South Africa > Guide > Guided Safaris >
Southern Circle
Included Highlights
Six Countries Visited
Dhow Trip
Mozambique Beaches
Chobe Game Drive
Victoria Falls
Zambezi Canoe Trip
Luangwa Game Reserve
Lake Malawi
Mulanje Mountain Hike
Maputo
Kruger National Park
Optional Activities
Elephant Back Safari
White Water Rafting
Bunji Jumping
Scuba Diving
Luangwa Night Drive
Deep SeaFishing
South African Safaris
Southern Circle
Johannesburg to Lake Malawi - Victoria Falls - Chobe, Luangwa & Kruger Park back to Johannesburg
23 Night / 24 Day Overland Safari
4 Nights - Inns/Lodges
5 Nights - Cabin
14 Nights - Camping
For those that wish to experience the highlights of Southern Africa with the convenience of flying in and out of Johannesburg.
This tour will show you the highlights of several countries, and endeavours to reveal the contrasts that make up this region. From the desert landscapes of Botswana to the lush forests of Zambia, the tea plantations of Malawi to the deserted beaches of Mozambique, you will experience built up cities and rural homesteads, good highways and dirt tracks.
This tour also concentrates on some of the finest Game Reserves in Africa, including Chobe, Luangwa and Kruger where you will see a huge variety of animals all in their natural environment. An open and flexible approach is essential for this tour.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Transport
Most Meals
Coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast
Accommodation
Permits and park entry fees
Group equipment
Game drives and walks
Vic Falls Entry
Canoe trip
Professional guide
Rates Exclude:
Restaurant meals
Tips, curios and optional excursions and extras
Alcohol and soft drinks
Visas and taxes
Day 1: Johannesburg - Nata
Departing from Johannesburg, we head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities we continue to Nata, an oasis-like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans. Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.
Day 2: Chobe National Park
This morning we travel through the Chobe forest reserves up to the mighty Chobe River and adjoining National Park where huge herds of Elephant gather at the water. After an extensive afternoon game drive within the Chobe National Park, we cross the border and head for Victoria Falls, to spend three nights in comfort at the Victoria Falls Inn.
Day 3 - 4:Victoria Falls
During our stay here we will view the spectacular Fall's and the other highlights of this "Africa's Adventure Capital". Those seeking adrenaline may wish to try the Bungi jump, White Water Rafting or a variety of aircraft flips (own expense). One night we enjoy traditional dancing
and a "braai" at the pool. On the last night we eat at a local restaurant (own expense).
Day 5: Kafue Camp
Crossing the original railway bridge, we have a last view of The Falls before entering Zambia. Our journey today takes us through southern Zambia and then down into the Lower Zambezi Valleyto Kafue, where we will camp the night. Relax at the pool this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing.
Day 6 - 8: Zambezi Canoe
The Zambezi Riverneeds little introduction, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, this provides for what can only be described as the finest canoe adventure in the world. What better way to see big game at close quarters than from a canoe. We will spend two nights camping wild on the banks of the river. On the third day we are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense).
Day 9: Luangwa
Reunited with our vehicle we travel through the capital of Lusaka and then along the "Great East Road" to our next overnight camp. We will cover as much distance as possible today.
Day 10 - 11: Luangwa National Park
Our next stop is the Luangwa National Park, where we spend two nights camping on the banks of the river, well known for its impressive Hippo population. During our stay here we will partake in an extensive game drive in the park in search of the elusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa's best. Optional night drive (own expense).
Day 12 - 13: Lake Malawi
Crossing into Malawi today, our first stop is Lilongwe, the capital. After stocking up with groceries and curios, we continue to Lake Malawi, an impressive inland freshwater sea. The snorkelling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We spend two nights here, camping literally on the beach.
Day 14 - 15: Mulanje Massive
Turning south, we head for Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. We will spend two nights camping in the area, and will enjoy a hike to the plateau from where the views are exceptional.
Day 16: Chimoio
Traveling via Blantyre, today we enter Mozambique. Our journey takes us through the Tete corridor, across the Zambezi River and alongside the mountains that form the border with Zimbabwe. We camp wild tonight in the remote region of Chimoio.
Day 17: Vilanculos
Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos - on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the night here in casitas, situated literally on the beach. Tonight we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense)
Day 18 - 20: Inhambane
Moving south along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our Barra Beach Camp under the Coconut Palms on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in Casitas at this camp and during our time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. On the last night we enjoy a catered meal (own expense). Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense).
Day 21: Maputo
Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards our last beach stop in Mozambique - the capital Maputo.(Dinner own expense)
Day 22: Kruger National Park
Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafés and markets, and we will spend time this morning driving through and viewing these and the other attractions of this once grandiose city. This afternoon we cross back into South Africa and make our way to the Kruger National Park to camp the night.
Day 23: Kruger National Park - Hazyview
No visit to Africa would be complete without Kruger. We spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and in the late afternoon travel the short distance to the Hazyview Inn.
Day 24: Johannesburg
A leisurely start today. After enjoying a walk on the property, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the Johannesburg Inn in the late afternoon.
- For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in developing countries
- Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambie; these are the client's responsibility
- Seasonal precautions against malaria are advisable and are locally obtainable
- A small daypack is advisable for the hike on Mulanje.
- The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations
- Spending money required will be for tips, curios and any other optional excursions
- All trips are accompanied by two professional guides for optimum efficiency, catering for a maximum of 20 people per vehicle
- Remember, help us to help you by participating and keeping an open mind and remaining flexible
Luggage
A barrel bag or internal frame backpack is best suited for this trip (suitcases do not fit into the space provided and will not be permitted). An extra tog bag or camera bag is advise
Group Size and Age
Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 20 persons. By travelling in small groups, means that we don't invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service with our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The mere physical and youthful mentality, which prevails on these tours, makes them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years. The minimum size of a group for a guaranteed departure must be 6 people, although we may run with less.
