Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam via Zimbabwe

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Johannesburg to Hazyview

Johannesburg is where your tour will begin. Today is a travelling day so we have a early morning departure. We make our way to the outskirts of the renown Kruger National Park - home of the Big 5.

Day 2, Hazyview to Kruger National Park

Game Drives and animal spotting take up our day with the odd stop for lunch or a swim if the weather allows.

Day 3, Hazyview to Polokwane

Today we bid farewell to the Lowveld and set off on a scenic drive to Polokwane. Stops along the way offer the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. With tons of great viewpoints of the Canyon, you’ll want to whip out your camera for brilliant photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.

Day 4, Polokwane to Musina

Travelling north, today we journey towards Zimbabwe after a quick replenishing of our stocks. The long, relaxing drive gives opportunity to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.

Day 5, Musina to Masvingo

We depart early this morning and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we have cleared customs we make our way to the historic town of Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. You are free to explore these ancient walls at your leisure.

Day 6, Masvingo to Gweru

Today we journey to Gweru, and stop at The Antelope Park. Here there a variety of wildlife species, including giraffe, elephants and zebra. One of the highlights of this Park is 'Walking with the Lions' and there are plenty of other exciting activities to choose from too.

Day 7, Gweru

Spend the day at leisure or try one of the many activities that are available: try your hand at fishing, elephant riding, walk with lions, the list is endless - you can even swim with elephants, assuming it is warm enough to do so!

Day 8, Gweru to Bulawayo

A scenic drive takes us to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a nice, laid back atmosphere and its unusually wide streets used to accommodate turning a full span of oxen. Many old British colonial buildings are still maintained as heritage sites and this tree-lined town has many interesting places to visit.

Day 9, Bulawayo

Here we visit the Matobo National Park which is renowned for its many leopards, black eagles and rhino. Many caves and rock paintings are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants in this area and Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) was buried here at his own request.

Day 10, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Now we head north, making our way to one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) will be a memorable finish to this trip and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and approx 100 m high, this is the world's biggest sheet of falling water!

Day 11, Victoria Falls

Today you will have a chance to do a few of the optional activities on offer in this adventure paradise. The Falls can be seen from many viewing points in the Victoria Falls Park or from the Zambian side. You will have many photo opportunities. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and the White water rafting is considered world class. Also, flights over the Vic Falls and the islands are available.

Day 12, Victoria Falls

Spend today walking around this little town with its BIG waterfall, rest by the pool, write your postcards, shop or chill out at a little cafe. If that sounds too relaxing then finish off the adventure activities you haven't tried yet!

Day 13, Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls. After a short drive cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana and arrive, in Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River. Prepare for a night under Botswana's star-filled skies on a Chobe National Park Sleepout.

Day 14, Chobe National Park to Livingstone

We take the Kazangula Ferry and make our way across the Zambian border to Livingstone.

Day 15, Livingstone to Lusaka

Leaving the Victoria Falls behind us we head for our camp in Southern Zambia a short distance from the capital city Lusaka.

Day 16, Lusaka to Chipata

We journey from bustling Lusaka to our overnight stop situated just a few kilometers from the Malawi/Zambia border.

Day 17, Chipata to Lake Malawi

After crossing into Malawi we stop in the capital, Lilongwe before reaching the western side of the lake and turning south. Bargain in the markets or relax on the beach and watch the local fisherman haul in todays catch. There are optional activities to keep you busy including water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

Day 18, Lake Malawi

The huge Lake Malawi stretches as far as you can see as you drive along the western coastline. Other than the beautiful views, spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer or trip into a local village to meet some real 'salt of the earth' Malawians.

Day 19, Lake Malawi

Today you can spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer, trip into a local village or relax on the beach and read your book.

Day 20, Lake Malawi

Other than water activities, scuba diving, visits to local villages or relaxing on the beach there is also time for some shopping! Locally made crafts are often beautifully turned out and reasonably priced. Don't forget to check your home country's rules regarding importing these products before you buy. Bartering with the locals is expected!

Day 21, Lake Malawi to Iringa

After entering Tanzania our scenic drive takes in the beauty of the tea and banana plantations before arriving in Iringa at the 'Farmhouse'. Try out those decadent Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 22, Iringa to Dar Es Salaam

Today we pass through the Mikumi National Park en-route to our seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam where we get prepared for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. The rolling hills and beautifully straight rows of the tea plantations give way to the bush and plains of Mikumi National Park before we reach the bustling city of Dar. Keep an eye out for Elephant calmly grazing beside the road.

Day 23, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We have the option to spend the following nights on the famous 'Spice Island'. The long and rich history of Zanzibar is reflected in the varied architecture, markets and cultures of Stone Town, while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 24 to 25, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 26, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

Take the ferry back to the Tanzanian mainland where our tour finishes on arrival.

Meals included in your tour cost

22 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches, 19 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 38 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• TBA Fishing on the Dam
• $75 Game Ride by Horseback
• $130 Gweru Elephant Ride
• $40 Gweru Elephant Swim
• $105 Jet Boating on the Zambezi
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• TBA Kande Beach Water Sports Equipment
• $45 Kruger National Park Game Walk
• $160 Kruger National Park Night Drive
• $20 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $130 Lake Malawi Water Skiing
• $15 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $35 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $500 PADI Dive Course - Zanzibar
• $50 Prison Island Excursion
• $25 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $130 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $75 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $30 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $80 Walk with the Lions - Gweru
• $130 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $165 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• TBA Zimbabwe Walking Safaris