26 day African Dream Safari. Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam

Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview, South Africa

The tour departs from Johannesburg and travels towards the Lowveld to the Kruger National Park, your camp for the next 2 nights, 8 kilometres from Numbi Gate. Here guests can enjoy the swimming pool, hot showers, and evenings of delicious food and great conversation. Lunch and dinner is included.

Days 2 & 3: Hazyview to Graskop, South Africa

Today you will explore the spectacular Kruger National Park, one of the world's most famous wildlife parks. Your days are spent on full game drives, trying to spot as many wildlife as possible. Tonight you will have option of a night drive in the Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 3 of your Africa overland tour, you leave the Lowveld and head towards the stunning town of Graskop. Explore the many wonders of Mpumalanga, including the striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.

You will set up camp on luscious green grass where you can enjoy a swimming pool with spectacular views. For those night owls, Graskop's nightlife is definitely something to enjoy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 4: Graskop to Messina, South Africa

A long and scenic drive north toward Zimbabwe affords the opportunity to relax, catch up on some reading, or just enjoy the scenery. Tonight will be your last night in South Africa, to be spent in the charming town of Messina. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 5: Messina to Masivingo, Zimbabwe

Today your Africa overland tour leaves South Africa for Zimbabwe, a country filled with tradition, culture and scenic beauty. The tour travels to the town of Masivingo, lying on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

The grand setting and historical background of this place can be considered one of the highlights of your trip. Wander through this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 6 & 7: Masivingo to Gweru, Zimbabwe

Today you continue to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Your tour will stop at the Antelope Park where you will have the opportunity to take part in a unique and memorable experience - Walking with Lions.

In addition to these majestic cats, the Antelope Park is also home to an abundance of Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and over 150 species of bird. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

You spend day 7 at leisure, from walking with Lion and Elephant riding, to trying your hand at fishing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 8 & 9: Gweru to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Today you travel to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. This laid back city offers a number of interesting places to visit, such as the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 9, your tour travels to the Matobo National Park, an area boasting a large number of Black and White Rhino, Leopard and Black Eagle. Here you will also find numerous caves and rock paintings, evidence of the ancient San people. You spend time game viewing, where you will gain insight into the history, geography and ecology of the area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 10: Matobo National Park to Victoria Falls

Today the tour heads north, making its way to the mighty Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and one of the most memorable sights of an African safari.

For the wild at heart, white water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is not to be missed, and bungi jumping from the Zambezi Bridge is memorable and exciting.

Other optional activities include day trips to the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, visits to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise. Breakfast is included.

Please Note: It is suggested that you allow yourself time after the safari to partake in the many activities available at the Victoria Falls.

Days 11 & 12: Victoria Falls

You spend the next 2 days at your leisure, partaking in activities or simply relaxing. The tour will also have new clients joining the second part of the tour at this point. Breakfast is included.

Days 13 & 14: Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba, Zambia

Today you pack up and say goodbye to the spectacular Victoria Falls. You cross the Zimbabwe Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering Zambia through the town of Livingstone. You will then travel to Lake Kariba, your base for the next 2 nights. The Lake is one of the largest man made lakes in the world, and home to a multitude of African game, bird life and flora and fauna.

Here you will have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boat on Lake Kariba. For those not taking part, there are a variety of activities to do at your campsite, including fishing, canoeing, hiking, exploring the local village, taking a dip in the on site swimming pool and relaxing on the banks of the lake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

House Boat option 2 nights/2 day:

You board the House Boat at about 13:00pm, followed by a delicious lunch. The House Boat departs the harbour at approximately 14:00pm and sails out to the Maaze River for a wonderful sunset and overnight on the House Boat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

The following day, relax on the deck and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. For the more active, fishing/game cruise on tender boasts or game walks on the island can also be arranged. There is an opportunity to view plains game and an abundance of bird species.

After a fulfilling lunch, head to Maaze Island for a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is then served while enjoying lovely sundowners over the lake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 15: Lake Kariba to Lusaka, Zambia

Bid farewell to Lake Kariba and head north through Southern Zambia to your camp, situated just before the capital city of Lusaka. Your campsite is home to some local wildlife and offers wonderful facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 16: Lusaka to Chipata, Zambia

From Lusaka, cross the northeastern side of Zambia to a beautiful campsite just 10 kilometres before the Zambia/Malawi border. Spend the night under a starlit African sky, heading to Malawi the following day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 17 - 20: Chipata to Lake Malawi

Today the Africa overland tour leaves Zambia to Malawi - the Warm Heart of Africa. You visit the capital city of Lilongwe. The tour travels the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days.

Lake Malawi boasts an excellent array of water sports from various beachside campsites. For the more tranquil hearted, wonder along the quiet shorelines and watch local fisherman sorting their daily catch. You visit the nearby villages and schools, gaining insight into the lives of the wonderful people of Malawi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 21 & 22: Lake Malawi to Iringa to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Today you will depart Lake Malawi and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe. Take in the beauty of the countryside, traveling through Tukuvu tea and banana plantations. You will spend the night at a lovely rustic campsite in rural Tanzania. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 22, wake up early for your journey to Dar Es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park, where wildlife roam along the roadside. On arrival in Dar Es Salaam, you spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite, situated to the north of the city. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 23: Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar

Take a ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes you to the Spice Island of Zanzibar, where you will spend 3 wonderful nights.

Please Note: Accommodation and food on the island is on your own account. A trip leader will accompany you to the island and will be able to book accommodation and island tours for you.

Days 24 & 25: Zanzibar

Zanzibar offers a host of activities for young and old. Visit the ancient streets of Stone Town, steeped in Arab influence, or tour the spice plantations of the island. Other options include trips to the nearby Prison Island, or even motor biking to the more remote areas of the island.

To satisfy your taste buds, Zanzibar offers numerous excellent restaurants where the freshest and most delicious seafood can be enjoyed. Alternatively, the market stalls offers a weird and wonderful selection of African style fast food at reasonable prices.

Day 26: Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Today you leave Zanzibar, taking the ferry back to the mainland of Dar Es Salaam to end your Africa overland tour.

Optional Excursions: