From south to north, this tour explores world renowned Big 5 game parks, friendly beaches of laid-back Lake Malawi, the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, and the mighty Zambezi River as it spills over the thunderous Victoria Falls. Ideal for game viewing and perfect for anyone wanting to see the best of Africa!

DAYS 1 - 6, Johannesburg, Kruger, Chobe National Park
From South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, we travel to the Greater Kruger. We search for Africa's diverse wildlife - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and an immense variety of birdlife - a perfect introduction to Africa. We continue north into Botswana, and pass through Francistown and Nata to Kasane and nearby Chobe National Park. Enjoy the famous fish eagle game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River, see hippo, buffalo or elephant wallowing in the shallows.

DAYS 7 - 13, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia, Lake Malawi
We cross the Zambezi River on the Kazangula ferry to enter Zambia and drive the short distance to Livingstone, our base to explore Victoria Falls. Numerous exciting activities are typically available - white water rafting, scenic flights, canoeing, gorge swinging or (more relaxed) elephant back safaris. We also visit the Victoria Falls themselves.

From Livingstone we continue north through rural Zambia, by passing Lusaka to Malawi - the 'warm heart' of Africa. We pass through Lilongwe to Malawi's main attraction, the enormous Lake Malawi - the third largest lake in Africa. Camp on the golden sandy beaches for a few days of relaxation.

DAYS 14 - 20, Tanzania, Zanzibar
We continue north along the lakeshore to the border and into Tanzania. Travelling through some remote areas we pass through Mikumi National Park before reaching the balmy Indian Ocean coast and port city of Dar es Salaam. 'Dar' is Tanzania's main commercial and industrial centre, and is the departure point to Zanzibar - the Spice Island! Zanzibar was one of the most important centres on the East African coast with slaves and spices historically being two of the main exports. There are palm fringed beaches, winding cobbled alleys, lush tropical forest, and delicious seafood.

Time here is your own - explore Stone Town's bazaars, palaces, courtyards; bask in the sparkling blue ocean the northern beaches.

DAYS 21 - 29, Arusha, Serengeti Plains, Nairobi
Back on the African mainland we travel inland to the grassy East African plains. In clear weather, you will see magnificent snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak (5895m) as we drive towards Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital. From the Meserani Snake Park Take a walk to a local Masai village to learn a little more about this impressive culture and visit the nearby snake park housing many different species of this much maligned reptile.

Transferring to 4x4 vehicles, we depart for a two night, three day game viewing excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Olduvai Gorge. Ngorongoro is Africa's largest intact caldera, a World Heritage Site, and contains the most concentrated populations of wildlife anywhere in Africa. In contrast, the open plains and empty horizons of the Serengeti epitomize many people's image of Africa.

We return to Arusha and the following day drive across the border into Kenya to finish our tour in Nairobi. From south to north, this tour explores world renowned Big 5 game parks, friendly beaches of laid-back Lake Malawi, the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, and the mighty Zambezi River as it spills over the thunderous Victoria Falls. Ideal for game viewing and perfect for anyone wanting to see the best of Africa!