SOUTHERN CIRCLE TOUR
$4750
per person
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 best 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.
VEHICLE USED:
Custom 17-seater adventure truck
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:
• Six Countries Visited
• Dhow Trip
• Mozambique Beaches
• Chobe Boat Cruise
• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi Canoe Trip
• Luangwa National Park
• Lake Malawi
• Mulanje Mountain Hike
• Maputo
• Kruger National Park
24 Days (14/15 Nights Camping, 4 Nights Cabin, 4/5 Nights Lodge)
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Destination
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Departure
JOHANNESBURG/JOHANNESBURG
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Departure Time
Select Sundays at 0630
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Return Time
Select Tuesdays at 1700+/-
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Dress Code
Neat Casual
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Included
Accommodation
Entry Fees
Group Equipment
Inclusions as per Itinerary
Most meals
Professional Guide
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Not Included
Airfare/taxes
Alcohol & soft drinks
All Transport
Arrival Transfer
Bottled water
Departure Transfer
Items of a personal nature ie Laundry/telephone
Optional excursions
Permits
Taxes
Tips
Travel Insurance
Visas
1
DAY 1 : JOHANNESBURG – FRANCISTOWN Distance: 710 km
We start our 24 day adventure and depart from the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG at 06h30. We head directly to the Botswana border and enjoy the scenic beauty of the changing landscape as we drive.
On completion of immigration formalities we continue our drive into Botswana and make our way to Francistown and our camp for the night. We will cover some distance today. Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal. Camp the night.
Meals: D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Woodlands Stop Over
Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic Drive through South Africa , Botswana
2
DAY 2: CHOBE NAT. PARK - VICTORIA FALLS Distance: 550 km
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.
This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks we hope to approach the animals from the river for close up viewing. Our cruise will explore the Chobe River front and a section of the Namibian side of the Chobe River.
Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE VICTORIA FALLS. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and all other attractions.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls
Included Highlights/Activity: Chobe Boat Cruise , Zimbabwe
During our stay here we will view the spectacular Falls 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 a “braai” at the pool.
Meals: B D
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls
Included Highlights/Activity: Victoria Falls Entry fee
Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls, White water Rafting, Bungee,
More options available
As above. On the last night we eat at a local restaurant (own expense). On occasion we cross into Zambia and camp on the banks of the Zambezi.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls
5
DAY 5: KAFUE CAMP Distance: 570 km
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 Valley to Kafue.
We camp the night on the banks of the river and prepare for our canoe adventure the following days. We enjoy a catered meal in camp and fall asleep to the sound of the river.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Gwabi Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive through southern Zambia , Night at Kafue river banks
The Zambezi River needs little introduction, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa. The river 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.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping on day 6 & 7
Included Highlights/Activity: 2 Day Canoe trip , Wild camping along the river
As above
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camping on day 6 & 7
On the third day we are transferred by boat back to Kafue for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense).
Meals: B L
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent)
9
DAY 9 : LUANGWA Distance: +- 500 km
Reunited with our vehicle we travel to the capital of Lusaka where we spend some time to stock up on supplies and then travel along the “Great East Road” to our next overnight camp. We slowly make our way north and will cover as much distance as possible today.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent)
Included Highlights/Activity: Lusaka , Scenic drive through Zambia
10
DAY 10 : LUANGWA NAT. PARK Distance: 300 km on Day 10
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. Guests have the opportunity to do an optional night drive (own expense).
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Life Camp
Included Highlights/Activity: - South Luangwa , Game drive in park Camp overlooking Luangwa river
Optional Activities: Night drive
11
DAY 11: LUANGWA NAT. PARK
As above
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Life Camp
12
DAY 12 : LAKE MALAWI Distance: 400 km
We depart from Luangwa and drive to the border. After crossing into Malawi, our first stop is the capital, Lilongwe. 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.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Lake Malawi
Included Highlights/Activity: Lake Malawi
Optional Activities: Snorkelling , Boat trips, Village walk, Bike tour
As above : One night we enjoy an own expense meal.
Meals: B L
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Lake Malawi
14
DAY 14 : MULANJE MASSIVE Distance: 350 km on day 14
Turning south, we head for Mount Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding forest and lush tea plantations. The surrounding forest is home to the Mulanje Cedar, the national tree of Malawi.
We spend two nights camping in the area, and will enjoy a hike to the plateau from where the views are exceptional.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Mulanje
Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive through Malawi , Mount Mulanje Hike
15
DAY 15: MULANJE MASSIVE
As Above
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Mulanje
16
DAY 16: CHIMOIO Distance: 680 km
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 tonight in the region of Chimoio and will enjoy an own expense dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B L
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Chimoio
Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic drive through Tete corridor
17
DAY 17 : VILANCULOS Distance: 470 km
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 accommodation situated at the Beach. Tonight we enjoy a meal at a local restaurant (own expense).
Meals: B L
Accommodation: Accommodation Vilanculos
Included Highlights/Activity: - Vilanculos , Indian Ocean Beaches
Optional Activities: Snorkelling , Boat ride
18
DAY 18 : INHAMBANE Distance: 300 km
Moving south along the coast, we make our way to Maxixe from where we enjoy a trip with the locals across the bay on a traditional Dhow while the guide drives around to meet us in the ancient trading port of Inhambane.
We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our camp on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in Casitas at this camp near Barra.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Ngumula Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity: Inhambane, Dhow trip
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving , Ocean safaris , Snorkelling
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. Those who wish to have the option of scuba diving. (own expense).
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Ngumula Lodge
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. Those who wish to have the option of scuba diving. (own expense).
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Ngumula Lodge
21
DAY 21: MAPUTO Distance: 300 km
Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of Cashew nuts towards our last stop in Mozambique – the capital, Maputo. We arrive in the afternoon at our accommodation. (Dinner own expense)
Meals: B L
Accommodation : Villa das Mangas
Included Highlights/Activity : Maputo
22
DAY 22 : KRUGER NAT. PARK Distance: 160 km
Maputo boasts an interesting, almost Latino culture of street cafes 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.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Kruger Park rest camp
Included Highlights/Activity: Kruger Park , Game drives
23
DAY 23 : KRUGER NAT. PARK - HAZYVIEW Distance: +- 100 km
No visit to Africa would be complete without Kruger. We spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park. Our guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the animals we encounter during the day.
In the late afternoon we exit the park and travel the short distance to the GREENFIRE LODGE HAZYVIEW where we spend the last night celebrating our tour.
Meals: B L D
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview
Included Highlights/Activity: Full day Game Drive
24
DAY 24 : JOHANNESBURG Distance: 420 km
A leisurely start today, we make our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG in the late afternoon.
Meals: B
A sleeping bag, towel and pillow are required for this tour.
Seasonal malaria precautions are advised and are locally obtainable.
During winter the temperature can drop very low at night, clients should be prepared for this.
A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. It is the client’s responsibility to insure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip to all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they cannot be obtained at the border.
Our price includes transport, food, (no food kitty), coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, a professional guide, group equipment, accommodation, permits, canoe trip, park entry fees and Vic Falls entry. The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras.
Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information.
Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.