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| Viewing: 25 day African journey public transport trip |
Package ID: 1621 |
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| 25 day African journey public transport trip |
From Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls, explore the mighty waterways of Africa by public transport, from over night sleep trains to explorer ferries. Discover Africa the local way!
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This trip begins in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and travels to Zanzibar, and then south through Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
This trip spends the first night in Dar Es Salaam. Should you wish to explore more of Dar Es Salaam, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked through us.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 on day your trip commences.
Departure Point: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni.
Check-In Time: 17h00
Departure Time: (08h00 next morning)
Local Payment: US$450
Please Note:
Ensure you have received (and read) a copy of the Information Guide for this trip.
Travel Insurance is compulsory for this trip.
We make use of various forms of public transport on this trip and travellers are advised that they make use of these at their own risk.
Standards of accommodation vary from place to place.
Meals are only included where specified. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner and NM = No Meal)
This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.
DAY 1: Dar es Salaam (NM)
Our first day is spent at leisure in the vibrant harbour city of Dar Es Salaam or simply relaxing on the beach at our camp.
DAY 2: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (NM)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 5 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
DAYS 3 to 6: Zanzibar (NM)
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 an optional excursion around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to 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, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 7: Zanzibar to Mbeya (NM)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we board our overnight train bound for Mbeya. The route we follow is off the beaten track and we get to glimpse rural Tanzania. We travel through Morogoro at the base of the Uluguru Mountains before passing through the Selous Game Reserve where it’s possible to view a range of wildlife from our cabin. The train itself is fairly comfortable (by African standards) and affords us a great opportunity to meet the friendly local people. Some of our fellow passengers leave us on our return from Zanzibar.
DAY 8: Mbeya/Tikuyu (NM)
On arrival in Mbeya we board local transport and head to the small town of Tikuyu on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The locals in this area farm the slopes of the Mbeya and Poroto mountains producing bananas, coffee, tea and cocoa, which are bought into Mbeya town to be packaged and transported all over the world. Tonight we get a real taste of rural village life.
DAY 9: Mbeya/Tikuyu to Chitimba (Malawi) (NM)
Passing down the Rift Valley Escarpment, we head to the border post of Songwe where we enter the “warm heart of Africa,” Malawi. We make our way to Chitimba Beach Camp on the shores of tranquil Lake Malawi, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer optional excursions including a variety of water sports.
DAY 10: Chitimba (NM)
Today is at your leisure where you can hike to the Livingstonia Mission. Established in 1875 by Dr Robert Laws to honour the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone, this mission relocated several times before settling in its current position. Plagued by hardship and disease, Dr Laws decided to move the mission from the shores of Lake Malawi to the fertile Khondowe Plateau 900 m above the Lake Malawi. This higher altitude reduced the risk of malaria and it is here that many Malawians have received their education. For the less energetic, there is the option to enjoy a tour into the local village with a visit to the local school. Others can spend the day learning the game of bao from the locals, scouring the markets for a bargain or simply relaxing on the pristine white beaches.
DAY 11: Chitimba to Nkhata Bay (NM)
Today we head to Nkhata Bay via the inland town of Mzuzu. This area has the ideal climate for growing crops and much coffee and rubber is grown. It is here that we spend the next 2 nights in shared dorm accommodation.
DAY 12: Nkhata Bay (NM)
Nkhata Bay is a beautiful lakeside town straddling the lush mountains of Malawi’s Rift Valley, about 50 km from Mzuzu. It overlooks Lake Malawi like a lord overlooks his manor and it’s not hard to see why it’s a hugely popular destination amongst tourists visiting the north of Lake Malawi. In days gone by, it had the dubious history of being the port from where many Malawians began their long journey into slavery. We can spend the day relaxing on the lake’s shores or visiting the local Chichewa market. We have the option of participating in various water sports or hiking in the surrounding hills. A visit to the local brewery or witchdoctor can also be arranged.
DAYS 13 & 14: Ilala Ferry (NM)
Today we board the MV Ilala to cross the ‘Lake of Stars.’ The next couple of days are spent calling in at various ports in Tanzania and Mozambique along the edge of Lake Malawi before reaching our destination in Cape Maclear. The ferry is used by the locals to reach the opposite side of the lake and this is a great opportunity to meet these warm hearted people. We spend the next couple of nights sleeping under the stars on the main deck.
Please note: Should the ferry be unavailable, we will follow the coastal road south via Salima Bay to Cape Maclear.
DAY 15: Cape Maclear (NM)
Today we arrive at picturesque Cape Maclear, on Lake Malawi’s southern shores. After checking in to our dorm accommodation, we visit the local market. Here, those visiting Domwe Island stock up on their supplies for the next 2 days they’ll spend on this tropical paradise.
DAY 16 & 17: Cape Maclear/Domwe Island (NM)
With an 11 km perimeter, Domwe Island is the biggest uninhabited island in Lake Malawi. Separated from the mainland by the Ilala Gap, this gap occasionally dries up due to the fluctuations of the lake’s level enabling various mammals to cross from the mainland.
For those of us doing the 2 Night Domwe Island optional excursion, we transfer via boat to this beautiful island. Accommodation is in shared tents (2 persons). We prepare our meals in the self-catering kitchen (equipped with crockery, cutlery, pots and pans AND a fridge!) We spend the next two days just relaxing or exploring the island. Enjoy the myriad of non-motorised water sports on offer. Take a kayak around the island, snorkel and swim in the Lake’s warm waters or hire some SCUBA gear and search for the beautiful Cichlid fish. Spend an afternoon hiking 400 m to the island’s highest point or just enjoy the sunshine on the pristine white beaches. Included in this option is a return transfer to Cape Maclear, park entry fees and all non-motorised water sports and camping for 2 nights.
For those who’d prefer to spend the next 2 days relaxing in Cape Maclear, various activities are available. Hike up the mountain in Lake Malawi National Park, haggle with local vendors for a famous Malawi Chair or just relax on the beach.
DAY 18: Cape Maclear (NM)
After reuniting with the rest of our group, we spend one more day relaxing on Lake Malawi’s shores, before heading to Zambia tomorrow.
DAY 19: Cape Maclear to Chipata (Zambia) (NM)
Today we leave the “warm heart of Africa” and head towards Zambia. We cross the border and make our way to Chipata where we make the final preparations for our trip into the South Luangwa National Park.
DAY 20 & 21: South Luangwa National Park (L / D; B / L / D)
At 9050 km2, twice the size of Wales, the South Luangwa National Park is famous for large concentration of wildlife. It is said that for every oxbow in the Luangwa River, there is a leopard. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen. There are no rhino in the park due to poaching, but efforts are underway to re-introduce this pre-historic beast! So while looking out for the remaining members of the Big 5, look out for the Small 5 - Elephant Shrew, Rhino Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, Ant Lion and Leopard Tortoise and for the Green 5 - Elephant Grass, Rhino Thistle, Buffalo Thorn, Lion’s Ear and Leopard Orchid. Our camp for the next two nights is on the edge of this magnificent park. Keep an eye open for the Crawshay zebra, Cookson wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe - all species unique to this area!
DAY 22: Chipata (B)
After spending 2 wonderful days enjoying Zambia’s wildlife, we return to Chipata via the Kawaza Village. This project was set up by the local community with the help of the Zambian Wildlife Authority and some of the tour operators in the Luangwa valley, to offer visitors a glimpse into Kunda Culture. The belief is that the best way to get to know the local people and their way of living is to take part in their daily life. We have the opportunity to visit the Chief’s Palace, visit the local health clinic or attend a class at the nearby school. Zambia itself has 74 different cultural groups and although they are different, collectively, Zambians are a very friendly and welcoming people.
DAY 23: Chipata to Lusaka (NM)
Today we head to the nation’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia prospered when copper prices were at their peak. However, when these prices declined in the late 1970s, the country was plunged into debt. In recent years, copper prices have improved and the government has embarked on a diversification programme to move away from it’s reliance on this precious metal. Agriculture and tourism have begun to play a much larger role in contributing to Zambia’s GDP. Tonight we overnight in dorm accommodation.
DAY 24: Lusaka to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (NM)
Our last road journey sees us travelling south west, via Livingstone to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo opportunities. On arrival, we have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of Excursions available in Africa’s adventure capital.
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Our last evening together sees us looking back and celebrating the completion of our memorable journey.
DAY 25: Victoria Falls (NM)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you extend your stay by a couple of days to participate in some of the exciting activities. Your agent can book your accommodation. Our office, situated in the heart of Victoria Falls, will happily help you with booking any of the activities you weren’t able to participate in while on tour.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip.
Please Note
- these prices are approximate and are subject to change
- Where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$ 20
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 25
Malawi, Domwe Island - Camping p/p/p/n (Min 2 people) US$110
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 90
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 95
**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
Local Payment: US$450
FREE TRIP
When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari the Monday after your trip ends. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.
Minimum Age 18 years plus
“Safari Njema”
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
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To check availability and departure dates please complete the enquiry form below
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