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Country: KENYA, MALAWI, TANZANIA, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE
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| Africa Travel Co |
P.O Box 50425
Waterfront
South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
8001
Phone: 0027 21 3851530
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Program description: |
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One of our most popular trips, which incorporates the best of both worlds. Game parks, an island paradise, the warm heart of Africa and the adrenaline pumping adventure that Victoria Falls is. This trip is responsible for more people being drawn back to this amazing continent. It has obviously touched the raw nerve of many a traveler and once hit by it, it will stay with you until you return to further your interests and try and satisfy your thirst for a more intimate knowledge of the people and differing countries, you have traveled through.
From the mighty Victoria Falls to the capital city of Nairobi this safari takes in all the highlights that East Africa has to offer, from plundering waterfalls to the banks of Lake Malawi, to exotic islands and the wild open plains of the Serengeti.
This trip begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels north through Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania before ending in Nairobi, Kenya.
This trip departs from Victoria Falls on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Victoria Falls, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked through us.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls.
Check-In Time: 08h45
Departure Time: 09h30
Local Payment: US$300
Please Note:
This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject to change.
Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
DAY 1: Victoria Falls
Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari. All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge 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 occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside 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.
DAY 2: Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia) (B / L / D)
We leave Zimbabwe and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. We have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Another fantastic photo opportunity. The day affords us the opportunity to participate in the activities available in Zambia we weren’t able to do on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
DAY 3: Livingstone to Lusaka (B / L / D)
An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.
DAY 4: Lusaka to Chipata (B / L / D)
From Lusaka we head north east to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border. Here we spend the night before heading into Malawi.
DAYS 5 to 9: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches(Malawi) (B / L / D)
Leaving Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.
Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.
DAY 10: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania) (B / L / D)
After a relaxing 5 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
DAY 11: Iringa to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)
The next morning we make our way to Dar es Salaam. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
DAY 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
DAYS 13 & 14: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.
DAY 16: Dar es Salaam to Arusha (B / L / D)
From Dar es Salaam we travel through vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way, we pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
DAYS 17 - 19: Arusha / Optional Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti Excursion (B / L / D)
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore. (B / L / D)
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Those on the 1 night option will transfer back to Meserani after the game drive.
After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
DAY 20: Arusha to Namanga (Kenya) (B / L / D)
After a morning spent exploring Arusha’s city centre and vibrant craft markets, we head to lunch just outside of town. After lunch, we travel 120 km to the Tanzania / Kenya border. Once the border formalities are complete, we camp at Namanga just over the Kenyan border.
DAY 21: Namanga to Nairobi (B)
This morning we travel 180 km north to the capital city, Nairobi. On arrival, we head to the Hotel Boulevard, where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip.
Please Note
- these prices are approximate and are subject to change
- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 95
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 90
Zambia, Livingstone - Sunset Dinner Cruise US$ 40
Malawi, Lake Malawi - Water Skiing US$ 15
Malawi, Lake Malawi - Village Walk & Meal US$ 10
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$ 20
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 25
Tanzania, Arusha - 3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * US$ 380
Tanzania, Arusha - 1 Day Ngorongoro Crater Excursion (Min 2 People) * US$ 200
*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursions, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.
**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
FREE TRIP
When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari after your trip ends. The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
“Safari Njema”
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: over 18's
Travel to site: Varies
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 2-27
Living arrangements on the program: Tents/Rustic Accommodation
How long does the program last?: 3-6 months
What are the dates of this program: guaranteed departure dates throughout the year, contact us with the time of year you want to travel and we will find the date that suits you best.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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1/. We are an African based company and therefore very “hands on” with what is happening in the countries we travel through.
2/. We are the ONLY overland tour company to have 3 operational bases in Africa: Nairobi, Victoria Falls and Cape Town. Therefore we have unparalleled support to our passengers and crew, should it be required.
3/. All our African safaris have 3 crew members being, The Driver, Trip Leader and Safari Cook.
4/. We have an enormous frequency of guaranteed, scheduled departure dates operating in a Northbound and Southbound direction.
5/. We have over 30 scheduled trips to choose from, ranging from 3 days to 63 days. Therefore we have something that will suit every persons needs when it comes to adventure travel.
6/. We offer excellent incentives for clients booking our trips. Eg: Book any trip 10 days or longer starting or finishing in Nairobi and receive the TOUR PRICE of the 3 day Masai Mara Safari for FREE .. or book any trip 10 days or longer starting or finishing in Victoria Falls and receive the TOUR PRICE of the 3 day Hwange Community Experience for FREE... or book any trip 10 days or longer and receive the TOUR PRICE of our 3 day Cape Town City Package for FREE, local payment applies to all these offers.
7/. We do not have an upper age limit and will happily carry any client suitably fit for adventure travel and camping.
8/. Our trips are great value for money with out giving away quality.
9/. We use custom built overland trucks, self-contained with 300 – 400 liter tanks of drinking water, long-range fuel tanks, tents, camping equipment, tools and spares.
10/. All our drivers come from a strong mechanical background.
11/. We employ local staff on the road and in our offices, thus contributing to the local economy of the countries we operate in.
12/. All our vehicles have full passenger and company liability insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
13/. Besides our scheduled brochure trips we co-ordinate charters for agents and clients. Therefore we can design any itinerary that will suite your needs.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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GBP445, Local payment U$300
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Typical person for this program: |
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Our clients are an eclectic mix of world travelers, spanning all ages and nationalities, they are independent and adventurous, united by a desire to explore and learn about a countries customs and culture. They enjoy getting out and "doing" things with adventure activities being high on the list, but can be equally content to simply watch the tide come in or the sun set over the mountains. "Age is often more a number in the passport, than the condition of the body".
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