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SD 02 – Big Five to Big Blue
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Introduction
 Larger than France, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary combined, Zambia sprawls over 750 000km in Central Africa. Completely landlocked by Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, the country consists mainly of a kidney shaped plateau about 1300m above sea level that descends gently in the south towards the Zambezi River.
Dotted with vast open grassy plains, Zambia is also an extremely well watered country. The Zambezi and Kafue rivers and tributaries, Lake Kariba and Lake Tanganyika and the hundreds of other smaller rivers comprise about 45% of all the water in Southern Africa.
This safari will take you through the Lower Zambezi National Park and the heart of the Luangwa Valley. The Luangwa Valley is the drainage system between the Muchinga Escarpment and the hills of Malawi and Mozambique. The primary reason for visitors to go there is to see the magnificent Luangwa Valley and the game reserves that have made the valley such a famous wildlife sanctuary and tourist destination. We will also visit Lake Malawi, Cahorra Bassa and the coral reefs of Mozambique.
Safari Venues
The Botswana, Luangwa Valley (Zambia), Malawi & Mozambique safari circuit includes the following venues:
 Chobe Safari Lodge - Livingstone
- Lusaka
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- Lilongwe
- Lake Malawi
- Cahorra Bassa
- Chimoio
- Bazaruto Archipelago
- Mpai
Time of Year
- 29 May 2009 – 16 June 2009
- 02 Oct 2009 – 19 Oct 2009
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Meet and Greet
André Van Vuuren, Managing Director of Explore Africa and fully qualified safari guide, will meet you at the Groblersbrug border post with Botswana. We suggest that you spend the previous night at Kwanokeng (just inside the Botswana border). We will leave for Kasane (800 km) and stay over at the Chobe Safari Lodge. (Beautiful campsite and ablutions, hot water showers, swimming pool and a character thatched pub. Chalet and tented accommodation will also be available for your own account. Contact +267 6250 336). |
| Day 2 |
Chobe Safari Lodge
Today will be spent in the Chobe National Park. The Chobe National Park is famous for its abundance of elephants, the highest concentration to be found anywhere in Africa.
The Chobe National Park is also famous for its huge herds of buffalo, rich bird life and exquisite sunset boat cruises, this is definitely a wildlife experience not to be missed, once again the night will be spent in our camp at the Chobe Safari Lodge. |
| Day 3 |
Zambezi Waterfront
Leave early morning via ferry we cross the Zambezi River at Kazungula headed for Livingstone where we will camp at the Zambezi Waterfront. We will visit the world-renowned Victoria Falls (on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe) from the Zambian side. The Victoria Falls is approximately 1690m wide and varies in height from 62m (Devil's Cataract) to 109m (Eastern Cataract). In comparison the Niagra falls are 968m wide and on average 54m high. |
Day 4
Day 5 |
Lusaka & Chipata
A hard drive from Livingstone to Lusaka where we will camp at Eureka Farm for the night.
From Lusaka we drive on the Great East Road to Chipata where we will spend the night with Wynand and Andréa Breytenbach at Mama Rula's. |
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8 |
South Luangwa
We leave early morning on a long day’s drive to South Luangwa National Park for the next three nights. We will pitch camp at Wildlife Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and spend our days game viewing in the park. |
| Day 9 |
Lilongwe
A long hard drive through Chipata to reach Lilongwe where we will camp the night at the Golf Course. |
Day 10
Day 11 |
Monkey Bay
We will stock up at Shoprite Checkers before driving through to Monkey Bay/Cape McClear/Mangoche on the southern tip of Lake Malawi where we will spend the next two days at leisure. Lake Malawi is 365km long and 52km wide and the south is probably the most popular tourist destination. |
| Day 12 |
Cahorra Bassa
Travel via Zobue to the Cahorra Bassa Dam where we will pitch camp at Ugezi Tiger Lodge. We suggest that we have dinner and breakfast in their restaurant (Bills payable in S.A. Rands). |
| Day 13 |
Chimoio
After breakfast we leave for Chimoio. It is a distance of 400 kilometers and includes some stretches where one has to negotiate a vast amount of ugly potholes. |
Day 14
Day 15 |
Vilanculos
Today we head for the Bazaruto Archipelago where we will camp at Blue Waters for the next two nights. Lovely campsite with power points and a beach pub/restaurant overlooking the Archipelago. |
| Day 16 |
Bush Camp
Today we drive in a westerly direction towards the Kruger National Park. It is a sand road that winds through villages and we will camp wild nearby the Limpopo River. |
| Day 17 |
Mpai & Pafuri
We do a river crossing through the Limpopo River and travel via Mpai and Pafuri where we will enter South Africa. This is the end of the safari and everybody will head back home. |
Costs
The costs listed below are based on a minimum of 7 vehicles/14 adults.
( All prices are subject to exchange rate
fluctuations )
| Adults |
R 6 500 per person |
| Children 8-17 yrs |
R 3 250 per person |
| Children < 8 yrs |
R 500 per person |
Included
- FGASA & DEAT registered guide
- Level 2 First Aid Personnel
- Fully equipped recovery vehicle
- All park entry fees
- All camping fees
- All vehicle entries
Excluded
- 3rd Party insurance
- Road tax
- Ferry fees
- Personal purchases
- All Activities
- Camping Equipment
- Fuel, Food and Beverages
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required in order to confirm a booking. The balance is due a minimum of 14 days prior to departure. Enquiries & Bookings
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