Departing Johannesburg you head towards the Lowveld and the renowend Kruger National Park. Your camp for the next 2 nights is 8km from Kruger Park's Numbi Gate. Spoilt by a swimming pool and good hot showers you spend the evening around the campfire anticipating your game drive the next day.

Today you explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21, 497 sq km - 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has been recorded to have more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23, 000 plants. Your day is spent in the Park on a full-day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. In the evening there is the option of a night drive in the park.

After a quick stock replenishment, you leave the Lowveld, climbing up in altitude to the beautiful town of Graskop, it is from this gateway that you get to explore the beauties of Mpumulanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Your stops for the day include the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. There is a chance to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offers fantastic photographic opportunities. You then set up camp on lush green grass before enjoying the luxury of a spectacularly sitauted swimming pool. For those in a party mood, the small town of Graskop's nightlife is not to be missed.

A long, yet lovely, day's drive as you head North towards Zimbabwe, this is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Tonight is your last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina - said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but with the mines closing down in the early 1990's it receded into the near desolation of a ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has again once returned to its former glory, complete with a rich history.

Leaving South Africa you enter Zimbabwe, a country of tradition, culture, soul and scenic beauty. You make your way to the town of Masivingo, which lies in the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara, and provides evidence that this ancient African civilisation was relatively advanced. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning 'great stone houses'. The grand setting and history-steeped walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of your trip. You will have time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for your first night in Zimbabwe.

Once you have finished exploring this historic area you continue your journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here you stop over at the Antelope Park. It's said that you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls ... and the Antelope Park. Here you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience, unique to the Antelope Park - 'Walking with Lions'. In addition to the lions there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park such as elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and over 150 bird species.

Today is spent at leisure with a variety of activities to enthrall you. From walking with lions and elephant riding, to trying your hand at fishing; the list is endless.

Bulawayo is the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe with a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is characterised by the many British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are also a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo such as the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, providing work for over 70 people.

Today you visit Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black & white rhino, and the region is also renowned for its high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock paintings which are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay! You spend time game driving through the park, giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment.

Heading North you make your way to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is one of the most memorable sights on your African safari. There are many activities available all year round, such as flights which give you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the Falls. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls 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 'floats' where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Leaping into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the fainthearted.

Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise.

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 group memebers joining you for the 2nd part of the tour.

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 manmade lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, birdlife and unique flora and fauna.

Here you have the option of taking a 2 night trip on the house boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to partake in the house boats, there are many activities you can do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, exploring 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.

House Boat option 2-night/2-day: You board the house boats at approx 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. You depart the harbour at approx 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 onboard Jacuzzi. For those of you feeling a bit more active in the early morning, we take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats, or you have the option to take part in a game walk on the island in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains' game and many different species of birdlife. After lunch you head to Maaze Island where you tour the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while you sit back and enjoy your sundowner over the lake.

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.

From Lusaka you cross the north-eastern side of Zambia, heading to a precious little campsite just 10km before the Zambia/Malawi border. Here you spend the night under the stars before heading into Malawi the following day.

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 serene Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in these clear blue fresh-waters all year round.

You travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days. This is time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can wander 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 your own dugout canoe.

Visit the nearby villages & schools, and 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.

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!

The next morning you proceed to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally oblivious to humans and their vehicles. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, you spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the North of the city, and prepare for your departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes you to the "Spice Island", where you will spend 3 nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history, and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quests for new lands.

Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have preferred to explore the island independently. Therefore, accommodation and food is at your own expense whilst on Zanzibar.

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of 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 still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches. Or perhaps you would rather the opportunity to hire a motorbike and 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 - giant lobsters being a popular specialty. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food, African style, at a very reasonable cost.

Leaving Zanzibar you take the ferry back to the mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (prices depend on your bargaining skills!), and goods are made on site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and appreciate the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket.

From Dar es Salaam you travel through the countryside with its vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way you pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain's snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed.

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. You conduct these excursions in locally operated 4x4 vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for 1-2 nights.

If you take up the 2-night/3-day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes you through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains' game in this area is truly astounding and the afternoon will be spent viewing game before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. Here you can fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

After a full morning's game drive in the Serengeti you will return to pack up camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. En route you will have the option of visiting Olduvai Gorge, known as the cradle of civilisation (time permitting), or a Masai village to learn a little more about these unique and intriguing people. From here you travel up to Ngorongoro Crater's edge to your campsite for the evening. We suggest you pack your winter woollies as it can get very cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

For those taking the 1-night/ 2-day option you will be collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening.

A natural wonder, with its 600m walls and 20km diameter, the crater offers spectacular views from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself, when the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal, and offers opportunities of viewing an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and plains' game. After spending the full morning in the crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today.

After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at your campsite in Arusha, you will take some time in Arusha for your last Tanzanian stop. Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch will be just outside town as you head the last 120km north to the Tanzania/Kenya border town of Namanga. After completing formalities you will camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border.

This morning you travel the final 180km north to the capital city, Nairobi, arriving in the morning. On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel, where you can disembark, before driving on to the campsite - the ending point of the tour.