South East Adventure II

We depart the city early and make our way across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, enjoying views of the vast vista en route. We travel in small specialized safari vehicles that enable us to have a more intimate view of wildlife. We spend two nights camping on the edge of the Reserve with time to explore the park on morning and afternoon game drives.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 5 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 300 km

Maasai Mara Chronicle Tented Camp

1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We have the day to explore the Reserve in search for wildlife including the ‘big 5’ – lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. The sweeping plains, distant horizons, low slung acacia trees, and plentiful wildlife ensure a deeply evocative few days. The ‘Mara’ is crossed every year between July and October by great herds of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals in their migration from the adjoining Serengeti plains to the south (in Tanzania). How long they stay is dependent on rainfall and subsequent grass growth in the rainy season. Predators (such as lion, cheetah, leopard) and scavengers (hyena, vultures) follow the grazing animals and this enormous congregation of wildlife forms a spectacular display of Africa’s natural resource. But the Mara is excellent for game viewing at any time of year and regardless of when you can visit we hope to see some, if not all, of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard) and an array of other wildlife. We stop for a lunch before returning to our tented camp for the evening.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Maasai Mara Chronicle Tented Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

From the Mara we make our way back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we overnight.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 5 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 300 km

Karen Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

After crossing the border into Tanzania at the busy Namanga frontier we arrive at our destination, Arusha, in the late afternoon. Situated mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo, this is very much Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’ - a bustling city with colourful markets, shops, vehicles and people, all nestling in the shadow of the brooding Mt Meru (4556m). After exploring the curio markets, we head to our camp just outside Arusha on the open plains to the west of the city. It is from here that we prepare for our two night/three-day excursion to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This afternoon, if time allows, we enjoy a walk to one of the local Maasai villages to enjoy an insight into everyday life and traditions of this colourful culture.

Optional Activities:
Camel Ride USD5

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 5 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 270 km

Meserani Snake Park

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

This morning we transfer to smaller, more ‘game park friendly’ vehicles and drive west across the Great Rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘mosquito creek’) and enter the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. We enter the park and drive around the ‘Crater’s rim and down onto the Serengeti plains. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry, this is home to an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators, and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Maasai Mara the Serengeti is simply huge - indeed the name derives from the Maasai word Siringitu – ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. We game drive to our designated (but unfenced) campsite for the evening where lion and hyena roam nearby, for an unforgettable experience.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrstrecke: ca. 250 km

Buschcamp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We drive out of the plains, game driving en route, and after lunch ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim (you may need a jacket; it can be cold at night due to the altitude), where wildlife also roams free. At 326 square kilometres, the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the Crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Simba Campsite

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We wake early and descend the steep dirt road of the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving in this spectacular wildlife haven. All of the large mammals are present except giraffe (which cannot manage the steep slopes leading down onto the Crater floor). After our game drive we ascend to our campsite on the rim for a final view over the Ngorongoro Crater, pack up our camp and have lunch before retracing our steps to Arusha and our campsite at the Meserani Snake Park.

Note: We may enjoy the Maasai walk on this day if we were unable to make this on day 4.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrstrecke: ca. 250 km

Meserani Snake Park

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

This morning we wake early and head south via Moshi to Bagamoyo. If the weather is clear we will be afforded a view of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak (5895m). The quaint town of Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was one of the most significant trading ports along the East African coast. Our camp for the evening is situated clse by to the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 11 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 560 km

Campingplatz bei der Firefly Lodge

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Leaving Bagamoyo we make our way south to Dar es Salaam. ‘Dar’ is Tanzania’s main port and is a 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 in the world. To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of entry to the more exotic island of Zanzibar and other archipelago islands. We set up camp on the beach just outside of the city, take in the balmy Indian Ocean sea breeze, and prepare for our trip to Zanzibar.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 2.5 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 60 km

Campingplatz beim Kipepeo Beach Village

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm fringed 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 here is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for many generations, navigating 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 so 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 3 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, fabrics and wooden carvings, or 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 (B&B) is included 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 two 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.

Optional Activities:
Spice Tour USD35
Slave Markets USD15
Arabic Fort USD5
Palace Museum USD10

Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Dar es Salaam. Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Mazson's Hotel

1x Frühstück

Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer to the northern beaches from Stone Town. Relax on the sun kissed beaches of Kendwa, in the 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.

Optional Activities:
Spice Tour USD35
Scuba Diving local USD150
Yacht Trip USD120
Snorkelling Safaris from USD40
Massages from USD20

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Sunset Kendwa

1x Frühstück

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.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Sunset Kendwa

1x Frühstück

We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland and Dar es Salaam and onwards to our campsite on the coast for the evening.

Please note that some group members may be ending their tour in Dar es Salaam. Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Campingplatz beim Kipepeo Beach Village

1x Frühstück, 1x Abendessen

Leaving the bustling city and warm Indian Ocean coast, we drive inland through the Mikumi National Park where we may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. 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.

Optional Activities:
Mikumi Game Drive USD150

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 4 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 290 km

Campingplatz bei der Tan-Swiss Lodge

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We continue our journey heading to the town of Iringa and the Kisolanza Farm. At an altitude of 1600m Kisolanza ensures a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas in the Southern Highlands 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 Dar es Salaam. The farm house is a well-known spot to camp and is the overnight near our mid-way point for our journey from the ocean to the Malawi border.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 4 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 220 km

Campingplatz bei der Kisolanza Farm

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

After our last night in Tanzania, we head through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations to the Songwe border post into Malawi.

Lake Malawi formerly "Lake Nyasa" covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawi 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. The lake also has the highest number of endemic fresh water fish species of any in the world.

Note: Although it is our intention to adhere to the campsites described, a certain amount of flexibility is built into our time in Malawi and the crew may make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the Malawi section of the dossier as a guide line only.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 11 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 550 km

Chitimba Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or do the full day trip to Manchewe Falls where, after an 11km hike, 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 the game of Bao, haggle for some souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing day admiring the shimmering waters from the beach.

Optional Activities:
Livingstonia Day Hike USD10

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Chitimba Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Today we take 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 Kande Beach. Try some of the optional water sports typically available, horse riding or else simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as some of the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 5 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 240 km

Kande Beach Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving, snorkelling, and horse riding along the beach. Or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, by tradition very friendly, on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head out and explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals.

Optional Activities:
Horse Riding USD55
Village Walk USD10
Snorkelling Day Trip from USD15
Fresh Water Scuba Diving from USD45
Canoe Hire from USD10

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Kande Beach Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Saying our goodbye’s to ‘the Lake’, we head for the border crossing into Zambia to Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, the border town has a population of approx. 98,000, and is the capital of Zambia’s Eastern Province. The town has colourful fruit and vegetable markets and an unexpected number of ornate mosques due to its large Indian community. If time allows, we will stop in Chipata before arriving to our campsite situated a short distance from the town centre.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 9 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 440 km

Mama Rula’s Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Today we leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush country and small villages, cross the Luangwa River to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx. 1.7m inhabitants. It is located on Zambia’s southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa.
Our campsite for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 12 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 620 km

Eureka Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We head south to Livingstone and set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a few kilometres from the Victoria Falls. At various times of year, the spray from the ‘Falls’ can be seen from up to 20 or 30 kilometres away, hence the local name Mosi oa Tunya – the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry!
The campsite management provide information on all activities available in the area (typically these include rafting, canoeing, bungee, abseiling, gorge swinging, horse riding, scenic flights, river cruises), allowing you to plan your time accordingly over the next four nights.

NB: For the sake of practicality, meals in Livingstone are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back with the group at mealtimes. The Waterfront camp restaurant overlooks the Zambezi River and offers a good selection of reasonably priced meals and snacks throughout the day (allow USD15-30 per meal). Relax and enjoy these few days at your own leisure. Alternatively, take a taxi or free shuttle into Livingstone and try the local fare.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 10 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 520 km

Campingplatz beim Victoria Falls Waterfront

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen

We have a free day in Livingstone today to explore the town, pop over to neighbouring Zimbabwe or enjoy the many optional activities on offer such as rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, flights over the falls, just to name a few.

Optional Activities:
Bungee jumping USD160
Abseil (ganztägig) USD190
Mosi Oa Tunya Nationalpark Fußpirsch USD110
Chief Mukumi Dorfour USD50
Gorge swing USD95
Jet boat auf dem Sambesi und Cable car ab USD215
Halbtägige Kanusafari USD115
Zambezi Sunset Cruise USD70
Full day White Water Rafting USD180
Helikopter/ Microlight Flüge ab USD195
Halbtägigie Angeltour USD145
Bridge Tour USD65

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Campingplatz beim Victoria Falls Waterfront

1x Frühstück

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.

Please note that some group members may be finishing their tour in Livingstone today.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Campingplatz beim Victoria Falls Waterfront

1x Frühstück

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.

Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Livingstone today.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Campingplatz beim Victoria Falls Waterfront

1x Frühstück

Departing Livingstone, we cross the border to Zimbabwe and pass through Victoria Falls town and head to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree lined avenues and wide-open spaces. Our campsite is located just outside the city centre. Once we settle in and camp is set, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the surrounds at leisure.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 10 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 450 km

Burke's Paradise

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Matobo National Park is located a short distance outside Bulawayo and knowledgeable guides will take us to this very impressive park. This 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. This half day tour will end after the walk and a vehicle will transfer you back to the camp for an afternoon at leisure.

Optional Full Day:
The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are home to numerous Bushman paintings of which we get to visit on this optional full day tour. 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.

Optional Activities:
Upgrade to full day tour including Bushman paintings, historical tour and Cecil Rhodes Grave USD55

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Burke's Paradise

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

Leaving Bulawayo, we continue south to the border at Beitbridge. Completing formalities, we cross the Limpopo River -the second largest in South Africa and an important water source for this arid region. The Limpopo also acts as a natural boundary between South Africa and its neighbours Botswana and Zimbabwe, before it flows through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean. We continue to Tshipise, a town situated in the northern Limpopo province. Our campsite is located at Forever Resorts at the foot of one of Limpopo’s rolling koppies set adjacent the Honnet Nature Reserve. There is hot springs in the area which are surrounded by dense woodland comprising of Mopani, Red Bushwillow, Jakkalsbessie trees – and the third largest Baobab tree in South Africa.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 10 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 380 km

Campingplatz beim Forever Resort

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

From Tshipise, we head for southern Africa’s premier game reserve, the Kruger National Park. Fences between the National Park and surrounding private reserves were removed several years ago to form the Greater Kruger, an area of some 24,000 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 ‘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. We spend two nights within the Kruger area, enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing on our first night and take a full day game drive in the National Park itself to spot as many animals as possible the next day!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 7 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 400 km

Numbi Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

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.

Optional Activities:
Night game drive USD60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Numbi Camp

1x Frühstück, 1x Mittagessen, 1x Abendessen

We leave the Kruger behind and make our way to South Africa’s administration city, Pretoria, where our tour ends late afternoon / early evening on Day 31 (we recommend that you plan to stay that evening in Pretoria).

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:

Fahrzeit: ca. 7 Std.
Fahrstrecke: ca. 390 km

1x Frühstück