Wagon Trails - Small group adventure holidays and safaris in Africa

"Lake of the Stars" music festival

AFRICA OVERLAND TO THE LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL

TOUR COST	GBP £900
DEPARTS	Friday October 3rd, 2008
COUNTRIES VISITED	South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia & Botswana
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS	Maputo, Villanculos, Lake of Stars music festival, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls
MEALS	As specified on itinerary
ACCOMMODATION	Mainly campsites, Dorms in Maputo
VEHICLE	16 Seater Overland Truck
WE PROVIDE	All land transport, accommodation, meals as specified on itinerary, ticket to Lake of Stars festival, entrance to and game drives in, South Luangwa National Park, Entrance at Victoria falls, Sunset Cruise on Zambezi River,
NOT INCLUDED	Flights, visas, items of personal nature, drinks, tips & gratuities, optional activities
PARTICIPATION	Full Participation - Clients to erect own tents, assist with cooking & cleaning duties

Day 1:  Maputo                                                                                                 

We depart Johannesburg and head east via the Mpumalanga Province en route to the Mozambique border. We then make our way to the sprawling capital city of Maputo. Under Portuguese influence it became one of Africa's most beautiful and fashionable cities, and over the years it has maintained its historical and cultural charm. This bustling city has an impressive skyline and boasts a unique combination of Portuguese and African atmospheres. In the evening we'll enjoy the epic nightlife of this city, in the years of Portuguese rule this city was even better known than Rio de Janeiro for its vibrant nightlife and still is quite the party destination! (D)

Accommodation:  Hostel

 

Day 2 and 3: Tofo Beach                                                                                                                                                 

Leaving Maputo early we drive along the coast to the sleepy town of Inhambane. Hundreds of graceful dhows on the usually tranquil water are one of Inhambane's most obvious features. After visiting the local markets and buying provisions, we move on to Tofo where we spend our time relaxing on the beaches and enjoying Tofo’s exciting beach bars and vibrant the local nightlife. (BD)

Accommodation: Camping

 

Day 4: Vilanculos                                                                                       

Our journey continues as we travel to the coastal village of Vilanculos which is about halfway between Maputo and Beira. Here we'll find ourselves back in civilization with buzzing markets, restaurants, public phones, banks and quaint supermarkets. We will then use Vilanculos as our base to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago. (BD)

Accommodation: Camping

 

Day 5:  Bazaruto Islands                                                                                     

We leave the mainland of Mozambique and board a traditional Dhow to sail over the warm, blue waters of the Indian Ocean to the Bazaruto Archipelago, just off the coast. You will then have the opportunity to snorkel at the notorious 2 mile reef just off the southern tip of Bazaruto Island. After spending the day on the island we head back to the mainland and back to our camp. (BD)

Accommodation: Camping

Including highlights:  A Dhow trip to Bazaruto Islands with snorkelling at 2 mile reef.

  

Day 6:  Chimoio/ Chikamba Dam                                                                    
                                                                                                           
This will be our final stop over in Mozambique en route to Malawi where the Lake of stars music festival awaits us. Tonight we camp on the shores of the Chikamba Dam near the Zimbabwean border with sunsets that will simply take your breath away!  (BD)

Accommodation:Camping                                                                                                            

 Day 7:  Blantyre          Malawi                                                                                                  

After our breakfast we continue our journey driving north in the direction of Blantyre. Blantyre is one of the main cities in Malawi and buzzing with city life so different to the Lake Malawi-lifestyle. This is our last stopover before we leave for the Lake of Stars Music Festival on the shores of Lake Malawi.  (BD)

Accommodation: Camping

 

Day 8, 9 & 10: Chintheche Inn (Lake of Stars Music Festival)                 

This is what we’ve all been waiting for!  The festival, the lake, the music, the bands and the beach and all under African skies – what more can you ask for!!! With an exciting mixture of local and international artists this is bound to be an event that will stay with you forever! (BD)

Accommodation: Camping close to the festival

Included highlight: Ticket to Lake of Stars music festival

Day 11: Lilongwe                                       Malawi

We leave the music and the bands behind and head for Lilongwe on our way to Zambia.
Tonight you have the opportunity to explore the nightlife that Lilongwe has to offer again
or simply relax at your hostel. (BD)                                                                                                                                               
Accommodation: Hostel

lDay 12 & 13: South Luangwa National Park                  Zambia                                           

We enter South Luangwa National Park - the jewel of Africa's wildest and most remote national parks, which offers 100 different mammal species and a splendid birdlife. The park comprises a rich mosaic of habitats - from dense mopane forest and riverside woodland to open grassland plains and sheltered pools. The next two days are spent on game drives and game walks (depending on weather conditions) to see some of the various game species like elephants, giraffes, impala, puku, buffalo, hippopotamus, zebras and more, that inhabit this area. This combination lets you encounter both extremes - the typical safari 'mega fauna' as well as the subtle details at your feet. If we are lucky we could spot two species of animals, which cannot be found anywhere else in Africa: the Thornicroft giraffe and the cooksons wildebeest. The park is also famous for its lions, leopards, and hyenas. (BD)

Accommodation:  Camping
Including highlights: All game drives

 

Day 14 & 15: Livingstone            Zambia                                                                                

Livingstone is the adrenalin capital of Africa and also host to the Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. You can try some of the many optional activities on offer such as white water rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping etc… Included is entry to Victoria Falls and a sunset/booze cruise on the mighty Zambezi. (BD)

Accommodation: Camping
Including Highlights: Entry to Victoria Falls & Sunset cruise on Zambezi

 

Day 16:     Kasane Botswana                                                                                     

We leave the majestic Victoria Falls behind and head for Botswana, crossing the Zambezi at the Kazungula Ferry. We overnight at Thebe River Safaris on the banks of the Chobe River.This afternoon you have the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River.  (BD)

Accommodation: Camping
Including Highlights: Sunset cruise on Chobe River

 

Day 17: Palapye                                                                                                          

Before we leave Kasane you will have an opportunity to go on a 3-hour open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park (Optional Activity). After breakfast we pack up and head south towards the South African border. The evening will be spent camping at Palapye. (BD)

Accommodation: Camping

 

Day 18:  JHB               South Africa

Today we undertake our final transfer back to Johannesburg where we end a truly unforgettable journey. (B)