Safari adventure holiday, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
A three-week adventurous small group camping safari from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, with big game viewing and some of Africa’s best beaches thrown in.
Livingstone Victoria Falls Kafue River Lower Zambezi canoeing trip Lusaka South Luangwa National Park Lake Malawi Tete Bazaruto Islands and Vilankulos Inhambane Bilene Kruger National Park Greater Kruger Johannesburg
Price
€3320 excluding flights
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Duration
22 Days
Countries
Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia
Type
Small group
Group size
Up to 12 people
Reviews
More info
Includes 14 nights camping, 7 nights casitas/chalets, park entrance fees, camping equipment, transport on safari, meals per itinerary, professional guides.
Single supplement EUR 390.
Local payment US$ 400pp.
Minimum age 12.
Description of Safari adventure holiday, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
The Trade Route is an extraordinary journey across South Eastern Africa. Active days canoeing on the Zambezi River and snorkeling in the warm Indian Ocean, game viewing in the world famous Kruger and bush walks in South Luangwa. We recommend Malaria prophylactics. Border crossings can be slow, so you need to be prepared for the experience. This journey has challenges and is for the adventurous traveller but also has magnificent highlights.
Highlights
* Victoria Falls–a natural wonder of the world
* Lower Zambezi–canoeing
* South Luangwa NP–game walk & 4WD game drives
* Lake Malawi–snorkeling and beaches
* Benguerra Island–explore islands on a dhow
* Inhambane–beaches and scuba diving
* Kruger National Park–game drives
Overnight – 14 nights on safari designated campsites, in national parks and towns. Campsites have hot showers. Please note there is 1 night of very basic camping with poor facilities in Tete (there is no alternative). 2 nights guest house twin bed accommodation in Vilankulos with ablutions shared between several rooms. 2 nights in lodges in Inhambane, 1 in Petauke and 1-night Chizavane-twin bedrooms with en suite facilities. 1 night in the Greater Kruger NPinalodge with en suite twin bedrooms, allowing you time to tidy up & pack before flying from Joburg on day 22.
Meals - 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches and 16 dinners will be provided by the crew, prepared at the vehicle and eaten around the campfire or in the boma. The breakfast in Petauke & the last dinner will be provided by the lodge.
Transport - Due to sometimes poor roads we only use Safari trucks for this tour. Potholes, damaged gravel roads and livestock on the roads can make travel slow, you’ll pass through villages and witness the local lifestyle all the way. For the game drives in South Luangwa we use open 4WD.
Limited participation - an essential part of your safari is participation. From putting up your tent to packing the truck in the morning – it’s all part of your adventure. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation, but we do ask the clients to help (on rotation) with the washing up. There are some long travel days which means early morning starts so we all need to get involved to make the day run efficiently.
Itinerary
| Days 1-2: | LIVINGSTONE: The group will meet in Livingstone, in Zambia, at 14:00 where we have 2 days to explore Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, or a 111m bungi jump (own expense). [ camping Bx1 - -] (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) |
| Day 3: | KAFUE RIVER: A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we camp the night. [camping BLD] |
| Days 4-5: | LOWER ZAMBEZI CANOEING: We paddle down the mighty Zambezi River, home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. Canoeing past local riverside villages and magnificent scenery. We camp wild on an island in the heart of untamed Africa. The following morning we continue our canoe safari through an area teaming with elephants, hippos and other wildlife. We will be collected by a motorboat, and are transferred back up river to our starting campsite. [camping BLD] |
| Day 6: | LUSAKA - GREAT EAST ROAD: We head to Lusaka where we stock up on supplies in the bustling shops and markets of the Zambian capital. Taking the Great East Road we drive this afternoon until sunset. (This is a very long day of travel but this also allows us to get to South Luangwa sooner on day 7). [chalet BLD] |
| Day 7-9: | SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK: Make our way down into “the valley” of the South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries where hippo, elephants, lion and leopard abound. We camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and explore the area on 2 game walks and 2 open 4WD game drives, one at night with spotlights, to see nocturnal animals. (In the green season, Dec – Apr, walks may not be possible in which case we’ll do extra game drives). [ camping BLD] |
| Day 10-11: | LAKE MALAWI: Malawi “the warm heart of Africa”. We re-stock with fresh supplies in the markets of Lilongwe before heading to our camp on the beach at Lake Malawi. We’ll take a boat out to the islands to explore the fantastic bays and coves in the area. [camping BLD] |
| Day 12-13: | TRANSIT MOZAMBIQUE: Heading south again we enter Mozambique at Zobue border post. Making our way back over the Zambezi we travel through the Tete region, camping en route in this remote part of Mozambique. (Campsite facilities are very basic.) [camping BLD] |
| Day 14-15: | BAZARUTO ISLANDS: Upon reaching the Indian Ocean we stay overnight in Vilankulos. We take a full day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, snorkeling, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood available – what a day! [chalets Bx2, Lx2, Dx1] |
| Day 16-17: | INHAMBANE: Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200-year-old cathedral, before moving to our casitas (reed cabin) under the palms next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense). [chalets Bx2 Lx2 Dx1] |
| Day 18: | CHIZAVANE: We turn south along the coast to a secluded fishing lodge on the beach north of Xai-Xai. The lodge is perched on the coastal dunes with a magnificent view of the surrounding natural bush and expansive beach. Low tide exposes a long rocky reef parallel to the beach, which creates a shallow, calm pool ideal for snorkelling and swimming. For our last night on the beach we enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean. [Casita BLD] |
| Day 19-20: | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK: Leaving Mozambique, we cross into South Africa and continue into Kruger National Park, entering classic big game country. Exciting game drives to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness. [camping BLD] |
| Day 21-22: | GREATER KRUGER – JOHANNESBURG: Departing Kruger, we overnight at a private game lodge in the Greater Kruger for our final dinner under the stars. The following morning we tour the Panorama Route, visiting God’s Window and the Three Sisters. We return to Johannesburg in the afternoon of the day 22, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends at 17:00 [lodge Bx2 Lx1 Dx1] |
Map
Price information
€3320 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Includes 14 nights camping, 7 nights casitas/chalets, park entrance fees, camping equipment, transport on safari, meals per itinerary, professional guides.
Single supplement EUR 390.
Local payment US$ 400pp.
Minimum age 12.
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Holiday information
'Free from' food:
We can cater for Vegans, Vegetarians, gluten free and celiac. We will just need to know this ahead of time when the bookings are being made.
LGBT:
With experience of personally guiding tours through a large number of African countries, and having previously led groups including LGBT travellers through those countries, I have not experienced any issues in accommodations or during the trip as a whole to date.
The important thing is to know the local laws and gain an understanding of local points of view before you travel – we can advise you on these and the UK Foreign office FCO also has lots of country-specific information on local laws and customs. If a country is on the conservative side, generally being careful not to openly show affection in public for example is enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. All our guides are welcoming of LGBT travellers and will be happy to give advice on the trip when/where needed.
Reviews
3 Reviews of Safari adventure holiday, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2019 by Gyongyi Dr Valisko
The most memorable part of the holiday was visiting South Luangwa NP seeing 3 leopards the same day, I really enjoyed the canoe trip on Kafue river. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
Small Group TravelWe specialise in small group safaris, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of 4 clients per tour. Travelling together means transport and activities are shared between a limited number of travellers, while our experienced guides manage the driving and logistics.
Fuel Use
Our purpose built safari trucks average approximately 25L/100km. With an average of 9.5 clients on board, this equates to approximately 2.6L/100km per passenger. For comparison, a typical 4WD rental using 12L/100km and carrying two people uses around 6L/100km per passenger. Actual fuel use varies according to the vehicle, route, road conditions and passenger numbers.
Waste and Water
We follow a leave no trace approach and collect waste for disposal at appropriate facilities. At our workshop, we recycle used oil and containers, use oil traps and use biodegradable cleaning products wherever practical. Our safari vehicles carry tanks of clean, safe tap water, which clients can use to refill reusable bottles, reducing the need for single use plastic water bottles.
Resources and Wildlife
Where practical, we use gas rather than wood or charcoal for cooking, particularly in remote areas where firewood is limited. We also ask clients to use water thoughtfully, especially in the drier regions we visit. Our guides follow established wildlife viewing practices, including maintaining appropriate distances, avoiding unnecessary disturbance and never feeding wild animals.
People
Local Crafts and MarketsWhen visiting curio markets, we encourage clients to buy locally made crafts and to consider smaller wooden items rather than large pieces. This supports local artisans while reducing the amount of timber required for larger carvings. When bartering, we encourage clients to do so respectfully and remember that even a small purchase can be meaningful to a local vendor.
Tours for Young People, South Africa
We run educational trips to South Africa’s national parks for young people aged 14 to 18 from Johannesburg, in partnership with the PEN Organisation. Many participants have never visited a protected area or experienced wildlife in the wild. The trips provide an opportunity to learn about nature, conservation and careers in tourism.
National Park Fees
National park entry fees contribute towards the operation and management of protected areas. Depending on the park, these funds can contribute to infrastructure, conservation activities and services for park staff and surrounding communities. Clients can ask their guide about the park fees included in their safari and how they are used.
Locally Owned Accommodation
Where practical, we use locally owned lodges, guesthouses, B&Bs and tented camps. Staying at locally owned properties means that our accommodation spend contributes to businesses operating in the areas we visit, including through local employment and the use of local services and suppliers.
Local Guides and Community Experiences
Our safaris include two professional Sunway guides, and we also use local guides and community experts for specific activities. Their knowledge provides a direct connection to the places we visit, while the activities provide income and employment within local communities.
Camping in National Parks
Some of our safaris include camping within national parks and protected areas. Where applicable, camping fees and park entry fees contribute to the management and operation of these protected areas. By camping within national parks, we support the systems that help maintain these areas for wildlife, visitors and local communities.
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