36
Day African Encounter
Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town
(Trip Code: ZC36 - 2008) Departs every 2nd Thursday
Rate till 30 Sep
2008 : R11 790 & Local payment: US$735
36
Day African Encounter
Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town
(Trip Code: ZC36 - 2008) Departs every 2nd Thursday
Rate till 30 Sep
2008 : R11 790 & Local payment: US$735
This trip starts in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and finishes in Cape Town, South Africa. This trip takes you from the Spice Islands of Zanzibar to the richness of the wine growing regions of the Southern Cape. Relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi to the adrenaline pumping White Water Rafting down the mighty Zambezi River. There is the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta by mokoros, superb game viewing and exploring the vastness of the deserts of the Namib, Naukluft and Kalahari. Come see what Africa has to offer you!Please note that this trip departs Dar Es Salaam on a Thursday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check In Time: 8:45am HIGHLIGHTS
Zanzibar - "Spice Island"
Mikumi National Park
Lake Malawi
Chipata
Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park
Okavango Delta
Etosha National Park
Cheetah Park
Spitzkoppe
Sesriem
Fish River Canyon
Cape TownDAY 01: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. (B)
Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own. thereforee accommodation and food is for client’s own account whilst on Zanzibar.
DAYS 02 & 03: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.
Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.
DAY 04: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills) and where the goods are made on-site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket. (D)
DAY 05: Dar es Salaam to Iringa
Leaving Dar es Salaam we head for Iringa, passing through Mikumi National Park. It is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their vehicles. Tonight we camp at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania.Try one of the signature Amarula Hotchocolates! (B, L, D)
DAY 06 to 09 Iringa to Lake Malawi
The next morning we head for Malawi passing through the beautiful tea plantations of Tikuku before exiting Tanzania. We enter Malawi through the border post of Songwe and head to Chitimba Beach campsite in Malawi for the night.
The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in these clear blue fresh-waters all the year round. We travel the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days. This is the time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe yourself.
Visit the nearby villages and schools as well as dine in the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets, learn the game of bao with some locals … or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Lake Malawi to Chipata
We cross the border into Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10kms before the Zambia/Malawi border, where we spend the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Chipata to Lusaka
The landlocked country of Zambia is quickly crossed, passing through the capital Lusaka for one night. The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has beautiful facilities. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 & 13: Lusaka to Lake Kariba
This morning we will pack up camp early and head south for Lake Kariba. We head to the western waters of Lake Kariba and our base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of the largest man made lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.
Here you have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to partake in the House Boats there are many activities you can do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hikes, explore the local village or just relax on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy soaking up the sun. (B,L,D)
House Boat option 2 night/2 day:
We board the House Boats at approx. 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. We depart the harbour at approx. 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset and overnight on the House Boats. Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets. (B; L, D)
The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of the House Boat and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. House Boats on Lake Kariba are truly one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days. For those of you feeling a bit more active in the early morning we take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats or you have the option to do a game walk on the island in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains game and many different species of bird life. After lunch and head to Maaze Island where we do a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while we sit back and enjoy our sundowners over the lake. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Today we cross the border into the town of Victoria Falls. 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on your African safari. A couple of days are spent here to enable you to experience the sights and the many activities available. All year round, flights can be taken which give you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the Falls. Flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities. (B)
White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is one of the latest activities at Victoria Falls and is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at the Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village.
DAY 15 & 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The following 2 days are at your leisure allowing you to partake in the many activities available, or you can just relax around the pool at our campsite. (B)
DAYS 17: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night. The rest of the day is spent exploring the area and relaxing on the banks of the Chobe River. and prepare for our afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. (B,L,D)
DAYS 18: Chobe National Park
An early morning start sees prepare for our morning game drive in the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. Later this afternoon there is an option to partake in a boat dries along the Chobe River. (B,L,D)
DAYS 19: Chobe National Park to Maun
Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long day’s drive with lunch on the roadside. (B,L,D)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World.
Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.
DAY 20: Okavango Delta
Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. With this excursion we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers station. From there we hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness. (B,L,D)
DAY 21: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)
DAYS 22: Okavango Delta to Maun
There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region (US$55+ dependant upon numbers). (B,L,D)
DAYS 23: Maun to Rundu:
Departing Maun we head in a south west direction along the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the Northern region. We stock up our supplies in Rundu before reaching our campsite for the night. This campsite is spectacular and located right on the banks of the Kavango River complete with "open air" facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn. (B,L,D)
DAY 24: Rundu to Etosha (Namutoni)
Today we arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon. Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over 20 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit water holes at both Namutoni and Okakuejo. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink. (B,L,D)
DAY 25: Etosha (Okaukuejo)
Another full day of game driving as we make our way across 150kms of the park from east to west. Tonight you have another opportunity to spend at leisure around the fantastic floodlit waterholes. (B,L,D)
DAY 26: Etosha to Cheetah Park
A short drive take us to the Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed! (B,L,D)
DAY 27: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe
A days drive takes us to Spitzkoppe, the 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding area. A night camping under the stars is a must here! . (B,L,D)
DAY 28: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
We follow the Atlantic Coast south to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. Seals are present through out the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia. We arrive in Swakopmund later afternoon. (B,L)
DAYS 29 & 30: Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights, water sports, golf and 4WD hire.
Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available. (B included both days)
DAY 31: Swakopmund to Sesriem
Leaving Swakopmund we head south and drive past Walvis Bay along the Atlantic Ocean on route to Sesriem. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area.
An optional and must do excursion is to walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight we will view the sunset from the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. (B,L,D)
DAY 32: Sesriem to Helmringhausen Area
Departing the Namib - Naukluft Park area we drive south and choose our camp for the evening – no matter where we camp here it will be a remote experience. (B,L,D)
DAY 33: Helmringhausen Area to Fish River Canyon:
Today we drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world although reputed to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27 kms wide and about 550m deep, the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. (B,L,D)
DAY 34: Fish River Canyon to Orange River
We will continue our short drive south onto the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. You have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and relaxing ride. (B, L, D)
DAY 35: Orange River to Cape Town
Today is a long days drive through the beautiful wine growing regions of Namaqualand and Ceres, as we make our way to the picturesque city of Cape Town or better know as the "Mother City" (B,L,)
Day 36: Cape Town
This morning your trip will end. Please note that if you wish to partake in the many activities offered in and around Cape Town we recommend that you spend a few extra days post your tour. Accommodation can be arranged though your travel agent.
Local Payment: US$735
Optional Excursions:
Zanzibar Accommodation US$15p/p
Kariba House Boats (2 nights) US$110
Game Walk on Maaze Island US$10
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Scenic Flight Okavango Delta US$65
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$25
Canoeing on Orange River ½ day US$50(Prices subject to change)
Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change without prior notice.
2008 DEPARTURES
African Encounter African Encounter ZC36 - North Bound CZ36 - North Bound Price R 11 790 Price R 11 790 Local Payment U$735 Local Payment U$735 START FINISH START FINISH DAR CPT CPT DAR SAT SAT SUN SUN 23-Feb-08 29-Mar-08 17-Feb-08 23-Mar-08 8-Mar-08 12-Apr-08 2-Mar-08 6-Apr-08 22-Mar-08 26-Apr-08 16-Mar-08 20-Apr-08 5-Apr-08 10-May-08 30-Mar-08 4-May-08 19-Apr-08 24-May-08 13-Apr-08 18-May-08 3-May-08 7-Jun-08 27-Apr-08 1-Jun-08 17-May-08 21-Jun-08 11-May-08 15-Jun-08 31-May-08 5-Jul-08 25-May-08 29-Jun-08 14-Jun-08 19-Jul-08 8-Jun-08 13-Jul-08 28-Jun-08 2-Aug-08 22-Jun-08 27-Jul-08 12-Jul-08 16-Aug-08 6-Jul-08 10-Aug-08 20-Jul-08 24-Aug-08
