The
Capricorn Adventure
24 Days in Southern Africa -
Budget Safari
This is the new 24 day
budget safari around southern Africa. Starting from Johannesburg in South
Africa we head first for Botswana, then Zambia and and then Malawi plus
Kruger National Park in South Africa, finishing off back at Johannesburg.
The highlights of this first
section of the safari is the chance to travel in the Makgadikgadi Pans and
the Chobe River areas of Botswana followed by 2 nights at Victoria Falls.
After the falls we travel to Kiambi Camp on the banks of the Zambezi River,
before canoeing downstream with the gentle current to South Luangwa National
Park.
The highlights of the second section start
in Malawi with cultural insights, mountains and Lake Malawi. Plus the white
sand beaches of Mozambique, where you may swim with dolphins, whale sharks
and turtles. And finally the chance to watch the wildlife in the magnificent
Kruger NP, Africa's oldest national park.
The two sections are available as two
seperate safaris, so if you do not have the full 24 days to spare, you could
do either part now and the rest next year.
24 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to
Botswana
We depart at 06h30
from our hotel and travel via Ellisras to the border of Botswana. The
smallest country in the southern hemisphere, this monarchy, is known for
its friendly people and beautiful traditional crafts. We stay in a Game
Reserve, part of a conservation plan initiated and overseen by the king
himself. Camping. All meals.
Days 2 Makgadikgadi
Pans - Botswana
We travel north from the
border through Francistown to Nata. The pans are depressions where once
stood a gigantic lake which was part of the Okavango River complex. The
sunset over the pans is unforgettable.
Camping. All meals.
Day
3: Chobe River - Botswana
Chobe is famous for its
beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets. We should see a wide variety of
wildlife as we cruise along the river in the afternoon. The area is rich
in culture and wildlife. Camping. All meals.
Days 4 & 5: Victoria Falls &
Livingstone - Zambia
We travel into Zambia and spend
plenty of time marvelling at the sight of Victoria Falls plus some time at
Livingstone. Optional excursions can be arranged locally. Camping. All
meals.
Day 6: Lower Zambezi -
Zambia
We travel towards
Kiambi Camp on the lower section of the Zambezi River from where we will
commence canoeing in the morning. Camping. All meals.
Days 7 & 8: Canoeing
the Zambezi - Zambia
We start our 2 day
journey by canoe down (with the current) the Zambezi River. You will soon
be at peace with the world, as you float along this tranquil waterway.
There will be plenty of sightings of wildlife along the way. Camping. All
meals.
Day 9: Luangwa River -
Zambia
We travel via Lusaka, the
capital of Zambia, to the southern end of the Luangwa River. Along the
way we will experience local culture and maybe some wildlife watching.
Camping. All meals.
Days 10 & 11: South
Luangwa National Park
We are based near
South Luangwa National Park, which must be high on the list of "Best
preserved wild areas" in Africa. We spend our time exploring the park on
early morning and / or late afternoon animal viewing drives observing
numerous species of animals and birds. We can offer you an optional (paid
for locally) night drive in the park - during which you may see leopards.
During the rainy season (Dec-Mar) the park may become inaccessible in
which case alternative arrangements will be made. Camping. All meals.
Days 12 & 13:
Lilongwe Malawi
We reach
Lilongwe and we spend two days
relaxing and exploring the lake edge, where crystal clear waters lap on
sandy beaches. We also explore the nearby bush. Large herds of hippo are to
be seen. Swimming is not recommended. We camp on the shore. Camping. All
meals.
Days 14 & 15: Mount Mulanje -
Malawi
From our base at the lake we trek into
the mountains east of the lake. An early start is necessary on the morning
of day 3 and we arrive back at the lake late on day 4. The cool slopes of
the mountain are shaded by Mulanje Cedars, unique to the area. Camping. All
meals.
Day 16: Chicamba Area -
Mocambique
We cross the border into Mozambique at
Tete on the Zambezi. We are in a beautiful highland area which is dotted
with villages that are unchanged by modern life elsewhere in the world.
Camping. All meals.
Days 17 & 18: Vilanculos
- Mocambique
We move to the coast
and camp under an expansive canopy of palm trees near wide deserted beaches.
We relax and enjoy the Indian Ocean. Camping. All meals.
Days 19 & 20: Morrongulu
Bay - Mocambique
We move further south
and camp under an expansive canopy of palm trees near the deserted bay. We
relax and enjoy the Indian Ocean. The optional activities on offer, include
scuba-diving and snorkelling. Camping. All meals.
Day 21: Casa Lisa
- Mocambique
We move further southwards again, to Casa Lisa with colourful and
vibrant local markets, the social and economic hub of life in the towns and
villages, provide the visitor with an insight into the richness of local
culture. Our camp at Casa Lisa is situated north of Maputo. Camping. All
meals.
Days 22 & 23: Kruger
National Park
We travel into South
Africa and head straight to Kruger National Park, one of the oldest game
reserves in Africa, where we spend our time exploring the park on early
morning and late afternoon animal viewing drives observing the wide range of
animals and birds. We relax in camp during mid day. Camping. All meals.
Day 24:
Johannesburg
We return to our
hotel in Johannesburg at about 16:00 hours. (Breakfast and lunch).
The itinerary may need to be amended to suit conditions in each locality.
Tour Type: Participatory
Camping - you have to do some chores.
Accommodation:
12 Nights camping.
Meals:
All meals when camping.
Start Day:
Wednesday except in December
Group Size:
6-16 participants.
Sleeping Bag Hire:
EURO 22 / GB£19 / US$35 per week –
must be booked in advance.
Transfers:
Transfers in Johannesburg (EURO 50 / GB£39 /
US$73 pp) must be booked in advance.
Important:
Only recommended for participants who are
quite active.
Local Payment:
A small sum in cash is needed at the start of the trip to cover camp site
fees in Mozambique, see below.
POSSIBLE OPTIONAL EXTRAS
(booked locally)
Night drive in Kruger National Park
Scuba diving & snorkelling from the beaches of Mozambique
Code Start Wedneday (JNB)
End Friday (JNB)
2006 Price Indication Per Person
exc Local Payment
CAD1 04 January
06 27 January 06 EURO 1756 / GBP1214 /
USD2127
CAD2 08 February
06 03 March 06
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CAD3 08 March
06 31 March 06
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CAD4 05 April
06 28 April 06
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CAD5 03 May
06 26 May 06
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CAD6 07 June
06 30 June 06
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CAD7 05 July
06 28 July 06
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CAD8 02 August
06 25 August 06 EURO 1996 / GBP1476 /
USD2567
CAD9 06 September
06 29 September 06 EURO 2063 / GBP1394 / USD2457
CAD10 04 October 06
27 October 06
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CAD11 08 November
06 01 December 06
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CAD12 Sunday 10 December 06 -
Tuesday 02 January 07
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What is included
Our group equipment for tented camping or in lodges
(as per itinerary).
An experienced and careful
driver / English speaking local guide. Provisions for all meals and drinks
(as served with meals - tea / coffee) as detailed in the itinerary. Your help
around camp to erect tents and cook / wash etc..
What is not included
The price allows for joining in Johannesburg and
includes everything stated, except; international airfare, personal insurance,
visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a
personal nature and all drinks. Sleeping Bag (available for hire).
