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 parts of five countries, and endeavors to highlight 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.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – NATA
Departing from Johannesburg, we head directly to the Botswana border. On completion of immigration formalities we continue to Nata, an oasis- like camp on the edge of the vast Makgadigadi salt pans.  Tonight we familiarise ourselves with the tour procedures over a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

DAY 2: CHOBE RIVER
This morning we enjoy a short excursion onto the fragile crust of the salt pans.  During the rainy season, huge flocks of water-birds are attracted to the pans, a sight not to be missed.  We then continue up to the mighty Chobe River where we share a night at a unique camp with the herds of Elephant that are attracted by the water.  B L D

DAY 3 – 4: VICTORIA FALLS
After an extensive morning game drive within the Chobe National Park, we cross the border and head for Victoria Falls, to spend two nights in comfort at the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN.  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 will eat at a local restaurant (own expense).B D

DAY 5: GWABI CAMP
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 Gwabi, where we will camp the night. Relax at the pool this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming days of canoeing. B L D

DAY 6 – 8:  ZAMBEZI CANOE
The Zambezi River needs little introduction, a mighty river winding its way through some of the best wilderness areas in Africa, this 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. On the third day we are transferred by boat back to Gwabi for a welcome shower and a catered meal (own expense). B L D

DAY 9: LUANGWA RIVER
Reunited with our vehicle we travel through the capital of Lusaka and then along the “Great East Road” to our next camp on the banks of the Luangwa River.  B L D

DAY 10 – 11: LUANGWA NAT. PARK
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 illusive Leopard and other species that make this park one of Africa’s best. Optional night drive (own expense).  B L D

DAY 12 – 13: LAKE MALAWI
Crossing into Malawi today, our first stop is Lilongwe, the capital. After stocking up with groceries and curios, we continue to Lake Malawi, an impressive inland freshwater sea. The snorkeling is a highlight, as are the sandy beaches and friendly locals. We spend two nights here, camping literally on the beach. B L D  

DAY 14 – 15: MULANJE MASSIVE
Turning south, we head for Mulanje, an impressive mountain of granite rising some 600m above the surrounding  forest and lush tea plantations. We will spend two nights camping in the area, and will enjoy a hike to the plateau  from where the views are exceptional. B L D

DAY 16: CHIMOIO
Travelling 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 wild tonight in the remote region of Chimoio.  B L D

DAY 17 : VILANCULOS
The tropical beaches of Mozambique have to be seen to be believed, bays lined with coconut palms, where the warm crystal water of the Indian Ocean softly laps at the white sand, Robinson Crusoe would feel at home here.  We spend a night at a resort overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. Tonight we sample the local seafood at a restaurant (own expense).B L

 DAY 18-19: INHAMBANE
Continuing down the coast, our next stop is the small town of Inhambane.  We spend two nights here camping literally on the beach and enjoying the many activities on offer. We will also take a dhow taxi across the bay of one of the oldest trading ports of Southern Africa and will spend time exploring the markets and bustling streets of this former trade center. B L D  

DAY 20-21: CHIDENGUELE
Today we cross vast coastal floodplains and drive through forests of cashew nuts towards our last beach stop, Chidenguele.  We spend two nights at this remote beach resort and will conduct long walks to an abandoned lighthouse and other places of interest. B L  

DAY 22: KRUGER NAT. PARK
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. B L D                                              

DAY 23: KRUGER NAT. PARK - HAZYVIEW
No visit to Africa would be complete without Kruger. We spend the entire day viewing animals in this premier National Park, and in the late afternoon travel the short distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN. Tonight we celebrate with a meal in the camps restaurant (own expense).  B L 

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG
A leasurely start today, after enjoying a walk on the property, we make way back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the DRIFTERS INN in the late afternoon. B