29 days tour

Johannesburg To Zanzibar

Johannesburg To Zanzibar

This tour includes:

Others

Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Game drive Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Chobe National Park - River Cruise Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive

Meals

28 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 21 dinners

Guide

On this trip you will be accompanied by three crew members - Group Leader, Cook and Driver who will usually be Kenyan. Your Group Leaderโ€™s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, coordinating the tipping kitty (where applicable) and will form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. (From time to time your leader may drive as well) Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the coโ€“operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think itโ€™s the best of both worlds. Regardless of the country of origin, our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people. Your Cook is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organizing food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping. Your Driverโ€™s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way. Everyone is expected to participate and carry their share of the workload/duties, making camp chores easier. The duties Rota system is adopted where all members share in general camp duties โ€“ cooking, shopping, washing up etc. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Transport

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle,Mokoro,Ferry,Minibus Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/K: enyan 3 pronged outlet. There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you. African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While itโ€™s certainly our aim to avoid them, itโ€™s important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa itโ€™s not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. There may be the occasional night stop, when we stay in the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nights accommodation. The day by day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability). Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same sex rooms. Campsites do have facilities but they usually arenโ€™t to the same standard you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all. At times there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately these cannot be used without purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear, or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip. Camping (with facilities) (21 nights),Bungalow (2 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights)

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Johannesburg To Zanzibar

  • Day 1 Day 1: Johannesburg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Johannesburg

      Sawubona โ€“ welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get out and explore Johannesburg; the countryโ€™s largest city. Perhaps visit the cultural hotspots of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. Otherwise, the sobering Apartheid Museum is well worth your time. After your important meeting this evening, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel crew โ€“ your local leader will point you in the right direction with bar and restaurant recommendations.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 2 Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

      Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 8โ€“10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built to protect Botswanaโ€™s only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhinoceros. Later on, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are most active.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Maun
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Maun

      Jump aboard your vehicle and head to Maun (approximately 8โ€“9 hours). Here there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Maun is the gateway to one of the worldโ€™s most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world โ€“ a 16,000 square kilometre maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but itโ€™s the animals arenโ€™t the only drawcard here โ€“ the waterscapes and shimmering horizons will have you gazing for days.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Okavango Delta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Okavango Delta

      Get right in the action today, jumping aboard a traditional mokoro โ€“ a dugout canoe steered by friendly local โ€™polersโ€™ โ€“ for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the deltaโ€™s unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, led by experienced local guides. Tonight, youโ€™ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness, falling asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands.

      Accommodation: Bush camp (no facilities)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Okavango Delta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Okavango Delta

      Wake up early and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants, and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look, and their horns double as a kind of bone shield thatโ€™s fittingly known as a โ€™bossโ€™. Returning to camp for breakfast, youโ€™ve got the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, could be on the cards โ€“ both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.

      Accommodation: Bush camp (no facilities)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Maun
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Maun

      After taking down your camp, return to the โ€˜polerโ€™ station by mokoro, before continuing your Lonely Planet Experience to Maun by vehicle (approximately 2โ€“3 hours). Today youโ€™ll visit a rural village and interact with some of the locals, providing insight into daily life along the Okavango Delta. The waterways are the lifeblood of so many in this area, so learn more from locals about how important these fertile lands are. Tonight, settle in at camp on the outskirts of town.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Nata
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Nata

      Get up early and hit the road for Nata (approximately 6โ€“7 hours). This small town is situated near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 square kilometres. This afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the salt pans in an open vehicle. They are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year, and during this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as the shimmering mirages disorientate the senses. At other times they take on a layer of grass and, as soon as the rains hit, become a refuge for migratory birds and animals.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Chobe National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Chobe National Park

      Hit the road to Chobe National Park (approximately 6โ€“7 hours). Botswanaโ€™s first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the waterโ€™s edge, and cheetahs and lions coming down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe โ€“ an ideal way to spend the afternoon and toast to another day in Africa.

      Accommodation: Camping (with shared facilities)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Victoria Falls

      Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective, booking yourself in on an optional morning game drive. Afterwards, travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 2โ€“3 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then itโ€™s free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 metres as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see the little islets in the river below.

      Accommodation: Camping (with shared facilities)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Victoria Falls

      Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. If you are interested in the optional helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe. Your local leader can help you arrange this when you arrive. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy nature on full show.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Victoria Falls

      Today is your last opportunity to partake in the myriad of optional activities in Victoria Falls. Perhaps organise an optional sunset cruise to get to know your new group members better! Vic Falls is also home to some excellent local breweries and restaurants serving local specialties that you wonโ€™t want to miss. Ask your crew for their recommendations!

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Bulawayo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Bulawayo

      Depart Victoria Falls and travel toward Bulawayo (approximately 7 hours) via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust โ€“ one of The Intrepid Foundationโ€™s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Onwards to Bulawayo โ€“ known locally as the โ€™City of Kingsโ€™, Zimbabweโ€™s second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Bulawayo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Bulawayo

      Perhaps get up early and take the option to go to Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. This optional activity is highly recommended, otherwise you could head into town to check out the local museums or take the opportunity for some down time.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Masvingo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Masvingo

      Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5โ€“6 hours). This colonial settlement โ€“ the oldest in Zimbabwe โ€“ makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. Itโ€™s thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 15 Day 15: Harare
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Harare

      Travel to Harare today (approximately 5โ€“6 hours). You will arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabweโ€™s capital city, so if youโ€™re feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 16 Day 16: Lusaka
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Lusaka

      Today you will cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambiaโ€™s capital (approximately 8 hours). Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 17 Day 17: Petauke
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Petauke

      Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel. Youโ€™ll see that itโ€™s a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. Afterwards, travel on to Petauke (approximately 8 hours).

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 18 Day 18: South Luangwa National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: South Luangwa National Park

      After breakfast, travel (approximately 4 hours) to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. Afterwards, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 2 hours). The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroftโ€™s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip โ€“ ask your group leader for more details.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 19 Day 19: South Luangwa National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: South Luangwa National Park

      Rise early for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy classic savanna scenery while keeping your eyes peeled the parks abundance of wildlife. Thereโ€™s every chance you may spot a herd of zebra grazing on parched grass or a pride of lions passing by. Midday is the hottest part of the day here, so seek refuge from the sun and return to the camp for lunch. Return to the park for another Game Drive late this afternoon. Alternatively, perhaps head out on a village walk for a snapshot of daily life in the local community.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 20 Day 20: Lake Malawi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Lake Malawi

      Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi (approximately 9โ€“10 hours). Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 21 Day 21: Lake Malawi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Lake Malawi

      Take a dip in the lake this morning as you head out on a snorkelling trip with a local guide. Lake Malawiโ€™s high alkalinity has resulted in an abundance of brightly coloured fish and relatively low levels of plants. What you end up with is a tropical oceanlike snorkelling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake. This afternoon, enjoy free time to soak up your idyllic surrounds. As well as chilling out on the lakeโ€™s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians โ€“ easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 22 Day 22: Chitimba
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 22: Chitimba

      Drive to your camp in Chitimba (approximately 8 hours). Chitimba lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 23 Day 23: Iringa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 23: Iringa

      Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands (approximately 11 hours). Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. On arrival you will set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 24 Day 24: Mikumi National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 24: Mikumi National Park

      Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas โ€“ and maybe even a predator or two if youโ€™re lucky! Afterwards, weโ€™ll drive to Iringa (approximately 5 hours) and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 25 Day 25: Dar Es Salaam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 25: Dar Es Salaam

      Settle in for a 7-hour drive to Kipepeo Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Be sure to make the most of it โ€“ perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your camp today is on the grounds of a hotel situated next to the beach.

      Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

  • Day 26 Day 26: Stone Town
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 26: Stone Town

      Catch a ferry to Africaโ€™s โ€™Spice Islandโ€™ of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history โ€“ everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibarโ€™s main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. Youโ€™ll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 27 Day 27: Zanzibar Northern Beaches
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 27: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

      Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the islandโ€™s spice plantations, learning all about the history of this townโ€™s spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

      Accommodation: Bungalow

  • Day 28 Day 28: Zanzibar Northern Beaches
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 28: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

      Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day โ€“ perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. Itโ€™s totally up to you!

      Accommodation: Bungalow

  • Day 29 Day 29: Stone Town
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 29: Stone Town

      After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesnโ€™t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, weโ€™ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required