On our first morning, we visit animal conservation projects in Nairobi. There is the option to visit to Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage in time to see the orphaned elephants coming in from the bush for their morning feed – a great introduction to the work being done to protect Africa’s elephants and other species.

At The Giraffe Park we can find out everything giraffe-related, with an opportunity to hand feed giraffe in the beautiful grounds.

We have our Departure Meeting today and enjoy a fun first evening together getting to know our fellow travellers, the Crew and the big yellow truck. The first night camping in a tent, with an early rise in the morning.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X1 Dinner

Included Wildlife Activity: The Giraffe Park

Optional excursion: Sheldrick’s Elephant Park

Today the adventure truly begins. We have an early breakfast then set out for the bumpy and dusty road heading for the remote plateau of the Masai Mara.

En route we overnight at Loita Hills where we stay with the Maasai, East Africa’s most renowned ancient people who proudly retain so many of their traditional ways. We are welcomed with traditional songs and dance.

This afternoon we walk in the hills with Maasai warriors and learn about traditional life in the bush. We will also visit a woman’s village and the local hot springs. Traditional dancing is performed, and in the evening we spend time with some of the warriors around the fire to find out more about their culture.

Distance: 261 kms
Est. Drive Time: 7 hours incl. stopping at the Rift Valley Viewpoint and for shopping
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Up early we have time for some “warrior training” this morning before we say goodbye to our Maasai hosts.
We visit the local Maasai school and then are on the road to Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.

The Masai Mara is renowned worldwide for the wildebeest migration. These are our first game drives in the wilds of Africa and we are on the watch for all the wildlife for which Africa is famous. With some luck, expect to see elephant, lion, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, gazelle, warthog and more!

Distance, Day 3: 60 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 3: 2 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activities: Afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara (x2), Morning game drives in the Masai Mara (x1)
Vehicle for game drives: 4×4 Landcruiser with pop up roof.

Optional excursion: Balloon Safari

Following our first camp in the bush, we head out to explore further in the Masai Mara, either on an early morning balloon safari or a morning game drive. We then leave the park by lunchtime to head for Lake Naivasha.

There are numerous highlights on offer at Lake Naivasha. By day, hippo wallow in the lake and at night they come out to graze on the lawns near our camp.

There are options here to take a guided walk to the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, head out on a hippo cruise on the lake as well as enjoy high tea at Elsamere, the home of Joy Adamson of ‘Born Free’ fame, where we can also enjoy the antics of the black and white colobus monkeys on the lawns of the Conservation Centre.

A cycling safari can be arranged in Hell’s Gate National Park where you can see evidence of past volcanic activity, as well as a range of wildlife including gazelle, impala, eland, and the fascinating and abundant bird and plant life of the region. The Maasai Cultural Centre in the park also allows further insight into the Maasai people.

Distance, Day 5: 258 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 5: 6 hours to Naivasha camp incl. lunch and shopping stop
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Masai Mara
Vehicle for game drive: 4×4 Landcruiser with pop up roof

Optional excursions: Balloon safari, Elsamere for afternoon tea, cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park, guided
walk to Green Crater Lake, hippo cruise

Leaving Naivasha we head to our next camp near Nakuru National Park. Here we can enjoy a swim in the swimming pool at the camp.

We enjoy a day of game drives in Nakuru National Park amongst acacia forests, grasslands and candelabra euphorbia stands. There is a chance to see both black and white rhino, zebra, giraffe, eland and, with a little luck, lion and leopard. The soda lake can be pink with greater and lesser flamingo, and at Baboon Cliffs you can enjoy the views across this very special place. This small gem of a park is very much a highlight.

Distance, Day 7: 70 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 7: 3 hours incl. a stop for shopping
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Full days game drives in Nakuru National Park
Vehicle for game drives: 4×4 minivan with pop up roof

We visit Nakuru town for shopping before the mountainous drive through the Nandi Hills to Eldoret and Raj’s zany campsite.

The following day we cross into Uganda and head for our camp by the White Nile at Jinja, just downstream from the source of the Nile.

We have a briefing of all the activities available to us over the next few days staying at this adventure hub.

Distance over 2 days: 420 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 9: 5 hours incl. lunch and shopping stop
Est. Drive Time, Day 10: +/- 7.5 hours (depending on the border) incl. stops for lunch and shopping
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X1 Dinner

After several days on the road we enjoy a welcome break from travelling. Jinja is known as Uganda’s adventure capital. Spend a day white water rafting or kayaking in the equatorial sunshine. Experience the thrill of the ‘Nile High’ Bungee. There are also options to explore this lush tropical region on quad bikes, mountain bikes or on horseback.

Many also enjoy helping out in a local preschool, or take their time on a village walk. Try the food available in small local restaurants or at the campsite restaurant.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: None

Optional excursions: Whitewater rafting, bungee jump, kayaking, boat trips and cruises, incl. fishing trips, sups, voluntary work in a local school, quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking

Leaving Jinja, we return to the bush to travel to the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhino in the wild. The 70 square kilometre reserve is a host to numerous species of monkey, antelope, hippo, crocodile and an abundance of birdlife, including the Shoebill.

In the afternoon there is the option to go for a rhino trek with one of the trained rangers on foot. Also an early morning boat trip is on offer with a chance to see more of the amazing swamps in the reserve.

Distance: 225 kms
Est. Drive Time: 4 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Entry to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Optional excursions: Rhino trek, boat ride

Today we drive to Uganda’s capital, Kampala. On our journey, roadside stalls sell fresh rotisserie meat such as ‘chix on sticks’. Reaching the capital we get to banks, e-mail and can do some shopping. We stay here overnight, at a popular backpackers.
The next day we leave the backpackers and head into the lush countryside of Uganda, hopefully seeing the beautiful Ankole (long-horned) cattle. On the way we stop at a local drum and craft market, and at the Equator there is time for that iconic photo shoot.

We head on to a simple camp by the hillside forest of Kalinzu on the edge of the Rift Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Distance, Day 14: 170 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 14: 3 hours
Distance, Day 15: 230 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 15: 8.5 hours incl. stops for lunch and photos at The Equator
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

In the morning there is an option to trek chimpanzee in the Kalinzu Forest. The jungle is dense and the chimps move fast up high in the trees. On some trips we have some amazing sightings and experiences, other times they can prove elusive. There are other primate species here including the striking black and white colobus monkey.

This afternoon we game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park in the overland truck. At Kazinga Channel we enjoy a game cruise, a chance to sit back and enjoy the company of hippo and Nile crocodile from the safety of a boat. Buffalo can also be seen by the Channel and there are elephant, lion, hyena and leopard in the park too. Birdlife is abundant, kingfishers diving behind us to catch small fish disorientated by the slowly passing boat.

Distance, Day 16: 40 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 16: 1 hour
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activities: Game cruise on the Kazinga Channel in open cruise vessel, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Slow transit afternoon drives, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Optional Excursion: Chimpanzee trek in Kalinzu Forest

This morning we head again into the park for an early morning game drive where we watch out once more for special sightings. The Queen Elizabeth N.P. is a haven for around 600 species of bird. Ugandan Kob are found in the wetlands, famous for their beautiful horns, migratory in that they return to the same grazing and watering places.

Then we make our way to Kisoro, stopping over at Kabale where we stock up with supplies. Travelling through spectacular scenery, the Virunga mountains, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arriving in Kisoro we settle into our guesthouse “home” for the next two nights in gorilla country.

A visit to Lake Bunyoni can be arranged on the way to enjoy time on the lake.

Distance, Day 17: 218 kms
Distance, Day 18: 75 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 17: 7 hours incl. lunch stop
Est. Drive Time, Day 18: 3 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

At altitudes of up to 3,500 feet, gorilla trekking through dense vegetation on the volcanic slopes of the Virungas is one of the trip’s high points. The gorillas are magic to visit. Herbivores, who munch the day away, when they are not playing or sleeping, they live in family groups under the charge of an older dominant male. Known as the silverback, this adult male can weigh up to 350 lbs. Despite their size, the gorillas are shy, gentle and sensitive creatures, in great danger of extinction.

There are several other excursions on offer here as well apart from the gorilla trek. For another view of the forest head out to trek a troupe of golden monkeys in the lower reaches of the forest. The golden monkey is a sub species of the blue monkey and is named for its vibrant colouring. A tour to an indigenous group of Batwa or Pygmy can also be organised in Kisoro, this group of local peoples sadly having being relocated away from their traditional life in the forest. The local Pygmy dance troupe are invited to our camp to entertain with some traditional drumming.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursions: Mountain gorilla trek Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda). Golden monkeys trek or orphanage visit. Batwa (Pygmy) village visit, or coffee tour. Lake Mutande

Today we leave the beauty of Uganda to enter Rwanda “the Land of a Thousand Hills”. Amazing scenery can be seen as we drive through the deep valleys to Musanze. Here our camp is establishing a simple community based cultural centre. Get involved with projects such as basket weaving and banana beer making. Alternatively a cycle tour in the local area can be arranged.

Distance: 51 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 hours (depending on the border)
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursions: Golden Monkey trek, Banana beer making, Basket weaving, cycle tour

Those wishing to head out on the steep trek to see Dian Fossey’s grave spend time today in the Rwandan forest. On the trek you can also see Digits’ grave, one of her favourite silverbacks and the Karisoke Reseach Centre. Dian is world famous for her research work and passionate commitment to the mountain gorillas’ survival.

If you are not trekking we head off, making our way to the capital Kigali, a very European style city. For those trekking, a transfer is arranged for later in the day to catch the group up in Kigali.

We spend the next two nights in Kigali, the modern capital of Rwanda. A country that has had a turbulent history, Rwanda has now moved rapidly forward in an attempt to put their past behind them. We honour and reflect on this past during a visit to the Genocide Memorial in the capital Kigali.

The rest of the day is free to explore, many like to shop in the local market or visit the Nyamata Church Memorial. A visit to the Women’s Centre or Hotel des Mille Collines (made famous from the film “Hotel Rwanda”) can also be arranged.

Distance, Day 21: 115 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 21: 3 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursions: Trek to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, Genocide Memorial and Museum, Nyamata Memorial

We now cross the Rusomo border to enter Tanzania below Lake Victoria. Over two days travelling off the beaten track we see a little of the ‘real Africa’ away from the main tourist drag.

We stay in a small local African guest house on our first night in Tanzania in Nyakanazi. An opportunity to experience a warm welcome from the village and the owners of the guesthouse.

Next day’s adventure drive finds us on back roads heading for the south side of Lake Victoria to our camp in the city of Mwanza which we reach by ferry. Our camp is set by Lake Victoria.

Distance over two days: 535 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 23: +/- 10.5 hours (depending on the border) incl. lunch stop
Est. Drive Time, Day 24: 9 hours incl. ferry journey, lunch and shopping stop
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Reaching Bunda we prepare for the next exciting part of the tour, our entry into the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, ecosystems boasting the Big Five. There is time this afternoon to stretch our legs on a hill walk near camp offering wonderful views.

Distance Day 25: 156 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours incl. lunch stop
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursion: Hill walk

We pass through the Grumeti Reserve on our drive to Ikoma Gate where we enter the Serengeti in our overland truck for game drives. The famous migration often passes this area year in, year out in search of fresh grazing anytime from late April through to August.

Entering the park by truck allows the group to travel on an amazing journey from one end of this gorgeous park to the other. In the truck too, we are up high, and from the large windows we have a great vantage point across this fabulous environment.

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest national park. On our slow game drive through the park this afternoon we regularly have wonderful viewing including of the big cats and much other wildlife. Home to The Big Five, it is famous for the annual migration when more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek. Even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti is home to resident large herds of buffalo, elephant herds and giraffe, as well as thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle. Hippo pods can be found lazing in water pools, and the park is also home to the “big
cats” – lion, leopard and cheetah, and has fabulous birdlife including ostrich and secretary birds.

We wild camp tonight in the centre of the Serengeti.

Distance to Ikoma Gate, Serengeti: 160 kms
Est. Drive Time: 5 hours to Ikoma Gate incl. slow transit through Grumeti
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Afternoon game drive, Serengeti National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Up early, the morning being the most active time in the Serengeti, we head out on the African savannah for morning game drives in the Serengeti National Park.

For a different perspective and unparalleled views of the African plains, a balloon safari can be arranged in advance allowing you to drift in silence as the sun rises over the Serengeti.

By lunchtime we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gradually making our way to camp. On the way we pass Olduvai Gorge. The Museum can be visited depending on timing and road conditions en route. The semi-nomadic Maasai tribespeople can be found throughout this region too still living their traditional lifestyle. Often dressed in their distinctive checked fabric and beaded jewelry, they can be regularly seen on our drive today tending to their herds.

We stop to visit a Maasai boma later today during which the Maasai perform a march past and the traditional adamu or jumping dance” for us.

Our landscape changes as we climb above the Ngorongoro Crater heading to camp with sweeping views across the Crater.

Our evening meal and overnight camp are above the Ngorongoro Crater. At altitude temperatures drop as the sun sets for another night camped in the wilds under African stars.

Distance: 161 kms
Est. Drive Time: 5 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Serengeti in overland truck.

Afternoon slow transit drive, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Optional excursions: Balloon safari, Maasai boma visit Olduvai Gorge Museum depending on road conditions. Please note if you wish to visit Olduvai Museum you must let the office know prior to the tour departure.

After an early breakfast, we descend 2,000 feet into the Crater in 4x4s landcruisers. The basin of the Crater is home to many, so a fantastic opportunity to see rhino, hippo, lion, elephant, hyena, buffalo, zebra, impala, wildebeest, cheetah, monkey, ostrich, flamingo and more.

After our morning game drives in the Crater and a picnic lunch we travel to Arusha. Time permitting we stop to purchase traditional beads, carvings and special artwork at a market stall on the way.

Back in Arusha, we enjoy a welcome hot shower and a barbecue tonight.

Distance: 195 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Ngorongoro Crater
Vehicle for game drive: 4×4 landcruiser with pop up roof

We spend the morning in Arusha to shop and explore the town. After lunch we travel to Marangu at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

The next day there is the option for a day hike in Kilimanjaro National Park to Mandara hut along the start of the Marangu route. This is a beautiful walk through tropical forest and on clear days there are nice views of both the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks of the mountain.

Alternatively there is the option to do a day tour of the Marangu area to visit the village to learn more of local life, to visit a coffee plantation and a nearby waterfall.

Distance, Day 29: 120 km
Est. Drive Time, Day 29: 3 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursions: Kilimanjaro day hike, Marangu day tour

We head south today parking up on the coast.

We make final preparations this evening for our break from truck life to spend four days on the exotic Swahili spice island of Zanzibar. The core arrangements for the visit to Zanzibar Island are made well ahead of time so we are assured our groups are comfortable in the popular beach cottages to the north of the island at Kendwa and for a night in a local lodge in the traditional capital.

We retire to camp, lulled to sleep by the sound of the nearby waters lapping nearby and the breeze in the coconut palms.

Nb: Alternatively for those who want to get to Zanzibar a day earlier there is the option of flying today straight on to the island where we can collect you from the airport to transfer you to beach accommodation a day early.

Distance: 485 (545 if to Dar) kms
Est. Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours incl. lunch stop (11 to 12 if to Dar es Salaam)
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursion: For those who want to get to Zanzibar early there is the option of flying to Zanzibar today with an extra night at the beach. Note that this needs to be pre booked as early as possible, contact us for prices and more information.

We leave camp for the ferry port in Dar es Salaam for the optional visit to the exotic island of Zanzibar. The tour leader travels over to the island with the group as well to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Heading north to Kendwa we enjoy white sand beaches, and can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Scuba diving can be arranged from the dive centre near the beach cottages, as well as fishing trips. Otherwise book a snorkelling trip to Prison Island famous for its giant Aldabra tortoise, or to Mnemba Atoll, or visit the turtle sanctuary or trek in Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys amongst beautiful scenery on the mangrove walkway.

There is a wide diversity of marine life off Zanzibar. The diving is some of the best in the world, with stunning coral gardens and more than 350 fish species recorded. Sightings of dolphins and turtles are quite regular occurrences, while humpback whales and whale sharks are occasionally spotted.

On the last day we spend time in the traditional capital, Stone Town. Take a spice tour to find out a little about the spice trade that dominated the island’s history, as well as the slave trade. On our final night here we can explore the colorful night market.

Distance: 60 kms
Est. Drive Time: Up to 2 hours
Meals, Day 32: X1 Breakfast

Optional excursions: City tour, snorkeling, scuba diving, Mnemba Island, Turtle Sanctuary visit, Prison Island with a visit to the Aldabra tortoise, Jozani Forest to view the red colobus monkeys

Leaving the island we head west to Morogoro where we stay the night before continuing our journey.

Distance: 194 kms
Est. Drive Time: 6 hours
Meals: X1 Dinner

We pass through Mikumi National Park, with frequent sightings of elephant, giraffe, zebra and antelope from the roadside. Travelling through Baobab Valley our journey takes us passed the Ruaha River and to our overnight campsite at Iringa for our last night in Tanzania.

Distance: 310 kms
Est. Drive Time: 9 hours incl. lunch stop
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

We move through the mountains of the southern Rift Valley and enter Malawi. Travelling south close to the shores of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, created in the chasm provided by the Rift Valley. Malawi is one of the poorest countries en route yet visitors are often struck by the warm welcome we receive. Malawi is affectionately known as “the warm heart of Africa”.

We stay on campsites beside the Lake, ideal locations and set beside local fishing villages. We are welcomed here and this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional village life. Try bartering too with local craftsmen selling beautiful carvings including the traditional Malawi chairs, and enjoy sharing in a village meal during our stay.

The Lake itself is home to the brightly coloured and prolific mbuna cichlid fish and scuba diving or snorkelling here has been described as ‘rather like a dive into a fish tank’. Canoeing is also an option on the lake. Malawi is a spectacularly beautiful country and horse riding and trekking can be arranged too.

Distance, Day 38: 498 kms
Distance, Day 39 or 40: 235 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 38: 11 hours (depending on the border)
Est. Drive Time, Day 39 or 40: +/- 5 hours incl. stop for shopping
Meals: X4 Breakfasts, X4 Dinners

Optional excursions: Water sports, including snorkelling, canoeing, scuba diving and pedalo hire, horse riding, village walk, wood carving lesson

We travel to Zambia today, heading for one of the country’s treasures – South Luangwa National Park.

Slightly off the beaten track, Luangwa is a stunning national park with high populations of game, including 60 different animal species and 400 different bird species. On our full day in the park, we have time to relax by the pool and enjoy the wonderful African bush surrounds, with the chance for a game drive or walk in the morning and also in the evening. The evening drive gives you the chance to see some of Africa’s nocturnal and more elusive animals such as the leopard and genet.

Distance: 600 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 42: +/- 11 hours (depending on the border) and incl. stops for shopping and lunch
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: X1 game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Open 4×4 safari vehicle

Optional excursions: Extra game drive or walk, South Luangwa National Park

We now make our way towards Lusaka the modern capital of Zambia. Here we have an opportunity to catch up on communications and stock up on supplies from a supermarket.

Distance over two days: 560 km
Est. Drive Time, Day 44: +/- 6 hours incl. stop for lunch and shopping
Est. Drive Time, Day 45: +/- 6 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

0ptional stay on Lake Kariba houseboats

From here we travel to Lake Kariba where we hire a houseboat for a couple of nights’ break from truck life. The man-made lake took 9 years to build, the dam wall being completed in 1959 when the plains began to flood; animals became stranded on submerging islands and Matusadona National Park launched a massive rescue exercise known as Operation Noah. Whilst cruising on the houseboat we may be lucky enough to view elephant, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck and perhaps even lion, as they come down to drink by the water’s edge. Sunsets over the lake create a rich backdrop of colour for the stark silhouettes of the fossilised leadwood trees remaining in the lake.

The boats have bedrooms, a jacuzzi and the houseboat crew cook our meals, so this is a fun change from camping and life on the road. This is an outing always popular with all local Zimbabweans. For those who want to stay back you can relax
at the campsite.

Distance, Day 46: 208 km
Est. Drive Time, Day 46: 4 – 5 hours depending on the border and incl. photo stop at Lake Kariba dam wall
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursion: Houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba

We travel via Chinoyi to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins – the remains of the ancient capital of the Shona people which was constructed between the 11th – 15th century. There are three main areas of ruins known as Dzimba dzamabwe (“stone houses”) from which modern-day Zimbabwe gained its name. These were formed using the dry stone technique, completely without mortar. The term “Great” distinguishes these rock constructs as different to smaller formations in the region and Great Zimbabwe are known to be the largest collection and most impressive ruins south of the Sahara.

Distance, Day 48: 249 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 48: +/- 6 hours incl. shopping stop
Distance, Day 49: 440 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 49: 9 hours incl. shopping and lunch stops
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

This morning we have a guided tour of the ruins before continuing our way to the city of Bulawayo.

Arriving into Zimbabwe’s second largest city, we organize our safari into Matopos National Park.

Distance: 307 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included activity: Visit to Great Zimbabwe with guided tour.

The rhino trek in Matopos National Park is one of the most thrilling highlights of the tour for many of our travellers. The park is home to both the endangered black and white rhinoceros, now closely guarded in an intensive conservation program, and the magnificent sable antelope. We track rhino on foot withone of Zimbabwe’s most knowledgeable professional guides, as well as look for other game. We also find out the different uses and medicinal value of the plant life in the park.

The Matopos Hills have the largest concentration of raptors (birds of prey) in the world and black eagles can be seen soaring high over the dramatic ancient landscape of granite boulder stacks. This is a hauntingly beautiful park for our last wildlife experience on tour in the African bush. This is an area of spectacular scenery of large balancing granite boulders, which lead Mzilikazi, founder of the Ndebele nation, to give the area its name, which means ‘Bald Heads’. Cecil Rhodes and several other leading early white settlers are buried amongst the rocky outcrops. There are also very special San Bushmen cave paintings found in the hills.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activities: Game drive and rhino trek in Matopos National Park.
Vehicle for game drive: Open 4×4 safari vehicle

Optional excursions: Extra game drives in Matopos National Park, Afternoon visit to rock paintings and Cecil Rhodes’ grave or a Ndebele Village

Today we head to Victoria Falls – ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’, ‘the smoke that thunders’. The Falls provide breathtaking views of sheer drops and raging waters. Mists from the Falls rise metres into the air and have given rise to a lush tropical rainforest along the rim.

Distance: 438 km
Est. Drive Time: +/- 7 hours incl. a stop for lunch
Meals: X1 Breakfast

Included activity: Visit to Great Zimbabwe with guided tour

We spend our last few days camped at a backpackers within walking distance to the Victoria Falls. Here you can select and arrange many activities: take a flight by microlight or helicopter over the Falls known as ‘The Flight of the Angels’, or enter the National Park and stop at the different viewing areas of the incredible falls. For the adrenaline junkies you can bungee from the bridge, gorge swing and get wet white water rating in the Zambezi. There are lots of fun bars and restaurants to try, or enjoy “High Tea” at the Victoria Falls Hotel with warthog grazing on the lawn.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: None

Note this safari can finish in Victoria Falls on either side of the Zambezi River in Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Do note extra visa and transfer costs apply if you need to cross the river to fly out.

Please note safari itineraries are given as a guide only. A safari is a journey and true journeys in Africa unfold and are of an adventurous nature. The unexpected can arise, so do allow for this. Feel free to give us a call about your safari plans. We look forward to your further enquiries.