AFRICA ADVENTURES


We offer many options for tours in Africa Below are a couple favorites.

TANZANIA

MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMB , WILDLIFE SAFARI, BICYCLE TOUR , KILIMANJARO MARATHON

KILIMANJARO CLIMB  MACHAME  ROUTE ITINERARY

10 Days / 9 Nights • 7 Days on the Mountain
Summary
This trek starts above the picturesque mountain village of Machame to the south of Kilimanjaro. After passing through the forest and into the moorland zone, we encounter an easy rock scramble and eventually emerge onto the Shira Plateau. We will then proceed clockwise below the southern face of Kibo, climb Lava Tower for magnificent 360 degree vistas, ascend the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging and exhilarating scramble, and approach Uhuru Summit from Barafu and the ridge that abuts the South East Valley. This approach provides incredible views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.

Day 1: Arrival/Mbahe Farm House
Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. A car will take you to Mbahe Village, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport. Accommodations are in the modern cottages at Simon’s Mbahe farm house.

Day 2: Mbahe Farm House
You have the morning to rest and relax. You can enjoy delicious “homebrew” coffee, grown and roasted on the farm, and meals made with fruits and vegetables from the garden. After lunch, we will have a brief orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take optional walks around Mbahe and swim in the waterfall on Simon’s land. We will all gather together for dinner. B.L.D.

Kilimanjaro forestDay 3: Machame Camp (9,950’)
After breakfast we will drive to the Machame Gate, where you will meet your guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. We begin our climb at 6,000 feet, walking a few hours through thick and undisturbed tropical forest. With luck we may see the colobus monkeys that live in the forest. B.L.D.

Day 4: Shira Camp (12,620’)
Today is an easy paced acclimatization day. We will hike over streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. Camp is located on the Shira Plateau, providing expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is a conditioning hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the clusters of giant lobelias and senecios that grow at this elevation. B.L.D.

Day 5: Lava Tower Camp (15,230’)
Today is another acclimatization day as we have a mostly uphill climb of 5 hours to an elevation over 15,000 feet. We will pass through the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses, and heather, to reach Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone. You will have a spectacular view of the steep Western Breach which we will not be doing on this climb. After an early afternoon rest we will take a 2 hour round-trip adventure climb up the Lava Tower. This scramble will help prepare you for the climb tomorrow. B.L.D.

Day 6: Karanga Valley Camp (13,250’)
Today we will climb the Great Barranco rock wall - not too steep but challenging for some – which our guides make safe and accessible for every­one. We will go pole pole (meaning “slowly” in Kiswahili). You will be able to see the breathtaking Heim Glacier. We descend into the Karanga Valley and then to our camp on a ridge above the valley, where you will be able to enjoy a rest and have a sponge bath with warm water. B.L.D.

Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp (15,360’)
As we begin trekking today the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we work our way to Barafu Camp. Barafu means “ice” in Kiswahili. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. The Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point for our push to the summit. After an early dinner we will rest. At midnight, under the stars and hopefully a brightly shining moon, we will begin the final ascent. We are going to go pole pole and drink plenty of water and tea, refuel with small snacks, and enjoy this final climb to the summit. B.L.D.

Kibo Ascent

Day 8: Uhuru Peak/Millennium Camp (12,530’)
We will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, you will have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. The hiking time is 7 to 8 hours. Tea and snacks will be served on the top. After a brief stay of 20-30 minutes and photos all around, we will descend 2 to 3 hours to our Barafu Camp for lunch, rest, and to pick up belongings. Then we continue downhill 3 to 4 hours to the edge of the Mweka Forest. Tonight’s camp is 7,000 feet below the summit! It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Eat, share your experiences of the climb, and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa! B.L.D.

Fluids

Day 9: Mbahe Farm House
Our last hike of 3 to 4 hours is another descent of 7,000 feet to the trailhead at Mweka Gate. The hike is steep in places and may be slippery if wet; again we recommend that you use trekking poles. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to Simon’s Mbahe Village farm house for a hot shower and a celebration dinner with the whole team. B.L.D.

Day 10: Mbahe Farm House/Departure
Today is a rest and relaxation day at the farm house. Optional activities include light hiking, swimming, exploring the village and local school, visiting with the neighbors, drumming, tasting homemade banana beer, or shopping in Moshi Town. For those returning home you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight. Those continuing on safari will pack lightly for the continuation of your African adventure tomorrow. B.L.


2010 Price:
Machame Route:

$3175 per person (double occupancy)
Single supplement:  $425


Includes:

• All accommodations
• All meals as indicated (B.L.D.)
• Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
• All group camping and cooking equipment
• Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and to/from park entrance/exit gates

Does not include:
International airfare; optional tipping or gratuities to leaders, guides, crew, or other staff; additional accommodations made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations, travel insurance, passports, and visas; airport departure taxes; any other expenses of a personal nature such as alcohol and laundry.
 

MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMB    LEMOSHO CRATER  ROUTE ITINERARY

13 Days / 12 Nights • 9 Days on the Mountain
Summary
This is our most popular itinerary for its beauty, 9 total days on the mountain (for maximum acclimatization), and the excitement of spending an overnight at 18,500 feet inside the crater on Kilimanjaro. The route takes us from the west across the Shira Plateau with an ascent to the base of the Lava Tower, which you will be able to climb for magnificent 360 degree vistas. We approach the crater from the southwest through the Western Breach, with a challenging rock scramble done in the early morning. After an overnight camped in the soft sand of the crater, we have a sunrise climb to the summit before descending to the southeast and incredible views of Mawenzi Peak.

Day 1: Arrival/Mbahe Farm House
Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. A car will take you to Simon’s village, Mbahe, which is located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport. Accommodations are in the modern cottages at Simon’s Mbahe farm house.

Day 2: Mbahe Farm House (6,200’)
You have the morning to rest and relax. You can enjoy delicious “homebrew” coffee, grown and roasted on the farm, and meals made with fruits and vegetables from Simon’s garden. After lunch, we will have a brief orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take optional walks around Mbahe and swim in the waterfall on Simon’s land. We will all gather together for dinner. B.L.D.

Day 3: Simba Farm (5,600’)
You will have an early breakfast and depart for the 3 hour drive to Simba Farm in West Kilimanjaro. Simba is an old colonial farm presently owned by the Bruinsma family, good friends of Simon who have farmed in Tanzania for over 25 years. The farm produces mostly barley and wheat for local beer companies. The setting provides gorgeous views of the savanna and Mount Meru to the west. Above the farm is the lush mountain forest. Today we will do about 2 to 3 hours of hiking to the gorge in the forest where colobus monkeys can be seen. We will enjoy an early dinner with fresh vegetables from the farm garden. B.L.D.

Day 4: Londorossi Gate (6,800’) to Big Tree Camp (9,000’), 3.8 miles
After breakfast we will drive to Londorossi Gate, where you will meet your guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. From the trailhead we will walk for a few hours through the thick and undisturbed montane forest to our camp for the night. Many beautiful flowers are observed en route and with luck we will spot colobus monkeys and possibly signs of elephants. In the night you may hear the tree hyrax. B.L.D.

Day 5: Big Tree Camp (9,000’) to Shira 1 Camp (11,300’), 4.7 miles
Today we will reach the west side of the Shira Plateau in a hiking time of 6 hours. Taking our time walking through the forest will allow us to observe its animal and bird life. The day’s hike takes us from the montane forest, through a transition zone, and into the heath zone, where the old lava flows are visible. Your guides will point out unique environmental differences that characterize these zones. After a picnic lunch we reach the edge of the Plateau and then our camp that provides a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and its glaciers. B.L.D.

Day 6: Shira 1 Camp (11,300’) to Shira 2 Camp (12,700’), 5.3 miles
Today is an easy paced acclimatization day of 4 to 5 hours hiking. Camp is set higher on the Shira Plateau with more expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is a conditioning hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the clusters of giant lobelias and senecios that grow at this elevation. B.L.D.

Day 7: Shira 2 Camp (12,700’) to Lava Tower Camp (15,100’), 4.3 miles
Today is another acclimatization day as we have a climb of 5 hours to an elevation over 15,000 feet. We will pass through the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses, and heather, to reach Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone. You will have a spectacular view of the steep Western Breach. After an early afternoon rest we will take a 2 hour round-trip adventure climb up the Lava Tower. This scramble will help prepare you for the climbing days ahead B.L.D.

Day 8: Lava Tower Camp (15,100’)
Today we will spend a second night at Lava Tower to adjust to the high desert environment and to acclimatize. We enjoy day hikes to higher elevations and marvel at the fabulous views up and down the mountain. B.L.D.

Day 9: Lava Tower Camp (15,100’) to Arrow Glacier Camp (16,100’), 1.7 miles
We climb higher up the mountain from the west, moving pole pole to let our bodies adjust slowly to the elevation. The hike today is only about 2 hours, which allows plenty of time to rest and acclimate. With clear weather you will have great views of the Western Breach, through which we will reach the crater tomorrow. B.L.D.

Day 10: Arrow Glacier Camp (16,100’) to Crater Camp (18,600’), 1.6 miles
We will rise well before sunrise, eat a hearty breakfast, and begin our ascent of the Western Breach by 5:00 a.m. The climb is a steep and invigorating challenge, but with several days on the mountain behind you, you will be physically and mentally sharp for the climb. The trail has sections of scree and sections requiring scrambling over boulders. As you reach the lip of the crater your elation will be second only to that when summiting Uhuru Peak tomorrow. The wide crater floor is a magnificent arctic moonscape; our camp is set in soft sand near the indigo streaked Furtwangler Glacier. B.L.D.

Day 11: Crater Camp (18,600’) to Uhuru Peak (19,340’) to Millennium Camp (12,500’), 6.0 miles
After an early breakfast we make the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, reaching the 19,340 foot summit of Kilimanjaro by 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, you will have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. Tea and snacks will be served on the top. After a brief stay of 20-30 minutes and photos all around, we will descend 2 to 3 hours to the Barafu Camp for lunch, rest, and to take off extra layers. Then we continue downhill 3 to 4 hours to the edge of the Mweka Forest. Tonight’s camp is 7,000 feet below the summit! It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Eat, share your experiences of the climb and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa! B.L.D.

Day 12: Millennium Camp (12,500’) to Mweka Gate (5,400’), 7.7 miles; Mbahe Farm House
Our last day is another descent of 7,000 feet with 4 to 5 hours of hiking to the trailhead at Mweka Gate. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery if wet. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to Mbahe Village for a hot shower and a celebration dinner with the whole team. B.L.D.

Day 13: Mbahe Farm House/Departure
Today is a rest and relaxation day at the farm house. Optional activities include light hiking, swimming, visiting with the neighbors, drumming, and tasting homemade banana beer, or shopping in Moshi Town. For those returning home you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport today to catch your flight. Those continuing on safari will pack lightly for the continuation of your African adventure tomorrow. B.L.

2010 Price:

Shira Crater Route: U.S. $3,995 per person (double occupancy) Single supplement: U.S. $450
Price includes:

• All accommodations and meals as indicated (B.L.D.) • Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew

 

MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB  LEMOSHO ROUTE  ITINERARY

Approaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by the remote Shira Route is an exhilarating option for walkers keen to explore less trodden trails and who are comfortable in variable mountain conditions. From the forest and moorland to the caldera of Shira volcano, we explore the fascinating rock formations on the Shira plateau before traversing beneath the southern icefields of Kibo. We enjoy stunning early morning views of Kibo and our day spent in the rarely visited Lent Hills will be a highlight before we join the main route to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5896m) on the crater rim. The eight day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation and flexibility to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery that extends from the volcanic summit to the vast African plains.

11 Days / 10 Nights • 8 Days on the Mountain
Summary
Shira is a beautiful route with gentle ascents approaching the mountain from the west. We pass through the Lemosho Glades and traverse the Shira Plateau, providing stunning views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main peak. We will then proceed in a clockwise direction below the southern face of the mountain, climb Lava Tower for magnificent 360 degree vistas, ascend the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging and exhilarating scramble, and approach Uhuru Summit from Barafu and the ridge that abuts the South East Valley. This approach provides incredible views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.

Day 1: Arrival/Mbahe Farm House
Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. A car will take you to Simon’s village, Mbahe, which is located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport. Accommodations are in the modern cottages at Simon’s Mbahe farm house.

Day 2: Mbahe Farm House (6,200’)
You have the morning to rest and relax. You can enjoy delicious “homebrew” coffee, grown and roasted on the farm, and meals made with fruits and vegetables from Simon’s garden. After lunch, we will have a brief orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take optional walks around Mbahe and swim in the waterfall on Simon’s land. We will all gather together for dinner. B.L.D.

Day 3: Londorossi Gate (6,800’) to Big Tree Camp (9,000’), 3.8 miles
After breakfast we will drive to Londorossi Gate, where you will meet your guides and mountain crew and enter the Kilimanjaro National Park. From the trailhead we will walk for a few hours through the thick and undisturbed montane forest to our camp for the night. Many beautiful flowers are observed en route and with luck we will spot colobus monkeys and possibly signs of elephants. In the night you may hear the tree hyrax. B.L.D.

Day 4: Big Tree Camp (9,000’) to Shira 1 Camp (11,300’), 4.7 miles
Today we will reach the west side of the Shira Plateau in a hiking time of 6 hours. Taking our time walking through the forest will allow us to observe its animal and bird life. The day’s hike takes us from the montane forest, through a transition zone, and into the heath zone, where the old lava flows are visible. Your guides will point out unique environmental differences that characterize these zones. After a picnic lunch we reach the edge of the Plateau and then our camp that provides a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and its glaciers. B.L.D.

Day 5: Shira 1 Camp (11,300’) to Shira 2 Camp (12,700’), 5.3 miles
Today is an easy paced acclimatization day of 4 to 5 hours hiking. Camp is set higher on the Shira Plateau with more expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is a conditioning hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the clusters of giant lobelias and senecios that grow at this elevation. B.L.D.

Day 6: Shira 2 Camp (12,700’) to Lava Tower Camp (15,100’), 4.3 miles
Today is another acclimatization day as we have a climb of 5 hours to an elevation over 15,000 feet. We will pass through the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses, and heather, to reach Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone. You will have a spectacular view of the steep Western Breach which we will not be doing on this climb. After an early afternoon rest we will take a 2 hour round-trip adventure climb up the Lava Tower. This scramble will help prepare you for the climb tomorrow. B.L.D.

Day 7: Lava Tower Camp (15,100’) to Karanga Valley Camp (13,100’), 5.9 miles
Today we will climb the Great Barranco rock wall - not too steep but challenging for some – which our guides make safe and accessible for everyone. We will go pole pole (meaning “slowly” in Kiswahili). You will be able to see the breathtaking Heim Glacier. We descend into the Karanga Valley and then to our camp on a ridge above the valley, where you will be able to enjoy a rest and have a sponge bath with warm water. B.L.D.

Day 8: Karanga Valley Camp (13,100’) to Barafu Camp (16,000’), 2.4 miles
As we begin trekking today the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we work our way to Barafu Camp. Barafu means “ice” in Kiswahili. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. The Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point for our push to the summit. After an early dinner we will rest. At midnight, under the stars and hopefully a brightly shining moon, we will begin the final ascent. We are going to go pole pole and drink plenty of water and tea, refuel with small snacks, and enjoy this final climb to the summit. B.L.D.

Day 9: Barafu Camp (16,000’) to Uhuru Peak (19,340’) to Millennium Camp (12,500’), 10.1 miles
We will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, you will have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. The hiking time is 7 to 8 hours. Tea and snacks will be served on the top. After a brief stay of 20-30 minutes and photos all around, we will descend 2 to 3 hours to our Barafu Camp for lunch, rest, and to pick up belongings. Then we continue downhill 3 to 4 hours to the edge of the Mweka Forest. Tonight’s camp is 7,000 feet below the summit! It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Eat, share your experiences of the climb, and sleep soundly. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa! B.L.D.

Day 10: Millennium Camp (12,500’) to Mweka Gate (5,400’), 7.7 miles; Mbahe Farm House
Our last day is another descent of 7,000 feet with 4 to 5 hours of hiking to the trailhead at Mweka Gate. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery if wet; again we recommend that you use trekking poles. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to Simon’s Mbahe Village farm house for a hot shower and a celebration dinner with the whole team. B.L.D.

Day 11: Mbahe Farm House/Departure
Today is a rest and relaxation day at the farm house. Optional activities include light hiking, swimming, exploring the village and local school, visiting with the neighbors, drumming, tasting homemade banana beer, or shopping in Moshi Town. For those returning home you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport today to catch your flight. Those continuing on safari will pack lightly for the continuation of your African adventure tomorrow. B.L.

2010 Price:
Shira Route: U.S. $3,575 per person (double occupancy)
Single supplement: U.S. $450

Tanzania Wildlife Safari Extension  (can be customized)
3 Day / 2 Night

Day 1: Tarangire National Park. After an early breakfast at the Mbahe farm house your safari guide will drive you out into the Maasai Steppe, home to the many spectacular wildlife parks of Tanzania, including Tarangire National Park, a gem of a park often overlooked on the standard tour routes. Here you will see the magnificent baobab tree and can observe the numerous herds of elephant that are resident in the park, as well as impala, gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, baboon, buffalo, and lion. Picnic lunch en route.

Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge. The Tarangire Safari Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the Tarangire River, the park’s only permanent water source and a popular watering hole for elephant, buffalo, and other grazing herds. Accommodations are in bungalows and permanent luxury tents with full amenities strung out along the ridge. The lodge provides excellent buffet meals, a full bar, swimming pool, and a small gift shop.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park/Lake Manyara National Park. You will take an early morning game drive before breakfast to experience the park as it comes to life with the new day. After breakfast continue your game drive on to Lake Manyara National Park, a small and beautiful park famous for its tree-climbing lions and soda lake tinted pink with huge flocks of flamingoes. You will see hippopotamus floating in the lake or grazing at its edge. In the park’s varied environments of groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and grassy flatland you can observe giraffe, buffalo, large troops of baboons, zebra, and monkeys. Manyara is also one of the best parks for bird watching as it boasts a profusion of more than 380 species. Picnic lunch within the park.

Overnight: E Unoto Retreat. Inspired by the architecture of a traditional Maasai village, the E Unoto Retreat’s main lodge and bungalows blend in with their environment at the foot of the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment. While at the Retreat enjoy the cultural and active trips offered by the lodge, such as hiking up the escarpment, bird-watching walks, bicycling, or a visit to a Maasai village, or just relax by the pool with a good book.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park/Arusha Town. After another early morning game drive into Lake Manyara National Park for more wildlife viewing or a leisurely morning at E Unoto, drive back through Arusha Town, the bustling commercial capitol of northern Tanzania, for a visit and shopping. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the luxurious KIA Lodge, just minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, prior to catching your evening flight home.

Contact Us for Current Prices

Tanzania Bicycle Tour Extension

Multi-day Mountain Loop
You’ve gone up Kilimanjaro, now go around it – by bike! SENE has created a 3-day bicycle tour starting at Simon’s Mbahe farm circumnavigating the mountain counterclockwise to finish at Simba Farm in West Kilimanjaro. This 100-mile (160 kilometer) route travels mostly on all-weather dirt roads that loop the mountain between 5000 and 6000 feet above sea level. The road takes us through colorful mountain villages, past lush coffee and maize farms, and out into the drier upland and less densely populated areas on the northeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. As we head west along the Kenyan border keep your eye out for elephant, giraffe, and other game that sometimes wander this part of the mountain. Carry only what you need for the day as your gear is transported to overnight camp sites with stunning views of both the mountain above and the plains below. Enjoy filling breakfasts to prepare you for the day’s ride and a sumptuous camp dinner in the evening. Lunches are picnics along the route.

Single-day Scenic Cycles
SENE also offers one-day guided rides of 15-50 miles around parts of Kilimanjaro. Options include rides through coffee estates, around Moshi town, across the Maasai steppe, visits to waterfalls or hot springs, or just along the back roads through mountain villages with beautiful scenery. Let us know your interest and ability level and we’ll do the rest. All rides include a delicious picnic lunch.

Contact Us for Current Prices

Kilimanjaro Marathon Packages
 

SOUTH AFRICA
 

South Africa Multi-Sport  and Wildlife Safari

Bush Walk, Game Drive, Hike, Bike, Kayak, Swim, Snorkel and Dive with Great White Sharks!

Taste the adventure of South Africa! Hike spectacular mountains, track big game in the African bush, raft the scenic Sabie River, experience the fabulous wine region of the Cape, learn about traditional Africa cultures, cycle to the tip of Africa, kayak among penguins and explore a rainforest on a zip-line tour!

Days 1-4 Panorama Route-Sabie River-Kapama Game Reserve. Explore South Africa's famed Panorama Route through the Great Escarpment highlighted by a hike through verdant forests and open grasslands. Some whitewater excitement follows with the fun rapids, lush scenery and outstanding bird life of the Sabie River. Bush walk and game drive in Kapama's wildlife-rich terrain. Kapama is home to the Big Five--lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - plus hippos, crocs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wild dogs, wildebeest, cheetah, impala, baboons and over 500 species of birds.

Days 5-7 Garden Route-Tsitsikamma-Knysna. A flight to the seaside town of Port Elizabeth leads to the "Garden Route" and Tsitikamma National Park. Experience a thrilling zip-line forest canopy tour--no experience necessary--through giant yellowwood trees over 200 feet tall. We also visit Bloukrans Bridge, where adrenaline junkies can take the 7-second, 600-foot freefall on the world's highest bungee jump. Day 7 is filled with options: relax at the beach, cruise in search of whales and dolphins, go mountain biking, visit a wildlife center to see cheetahs and tigers, or do the township cultural tour.

Days 8-11 Cape Wine Lands-Stellenbosch-Cape Town. Explore the shops and galleries of Franschhoeck, nestled between towering mountains in the heart of the Cape Wine Lands. Hike the Vineyard Trail--three miles of amazing vistas with wonderful wine-tasting opportunities. Finally, it's on to Cape Town, justly famous for the beauty of its setting at the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain, the signature landmark that dominates the city. Then kayak, swim, snorkel, bike and hike in this adventure paradise.
Taste the adventure of South Africa! Hike the Blyde River Canyon, track rhino, elephant and lion in spectacular game parks, savor the famous wines of the Cape, cycle along the Cape Peninsula, kayak among penguins, explore world famous Cango Caves and dare to dive with great white sharks!


$4798  USD per person double occupancy   Single Supplement $650

Zambezi Canoe and Walking Safari
Mana Pools National Park and the Lower Zambezi 4 days/3 nights

This is a fully backed-up canoe/walk safari which takes place in the Mana Pools National Park on the shores of the Zambezi River. A fully licensed-armed Professional Guide, who is permitted to conduct canoeing and walking safaris, leads each safari. The Department of National Parks and the Zimbabwe Hunters and Guides Association monitor all guides and set rigorous exams in order for a guide to become licensed. These safaris are co-owned and operated by two of Zimbabwe's most experienced and respected guides.

Walks are dependant on animal and weather conditions at the time and there will be a back-up vehicle available if required or if cyou do not want to walk the entire distance between camps.

Zambezi Mana Canoe Trail

Day One

After being collected by your guide you are driven to the first nights camp, a distance of approximately 30km. This is a leisurely game drive through the spectacular Mana Pools floodplain. The vehicles are open Toyota Land Cruisers with tiered seats and good all round views. This area has some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Zimbabwe and the drive through is usually very productive, enabling your guide to give you an overview of the various animals, birds and plants that make up this unique floodplain habitat.

On arrival at “Vundu”, the first camp, you will be met with the welcome smiles of our support staff and a lunch of cold meats, a variety of salads and freshly baked breads.

After a refreshing lunch break you will be taken on a short drive to the launch spot near the confluence of the Ruckomechi and Zambezi Rivers where the professional canoe and walking guides give a full safety briefing include pointing out where all the equipment is kept, such as radio and first aid kits, as well as explaining what to do in the case of an emergency. The briefing will also run through the basic ideas of steering and controlling the Canadian style 18 ft canoes. After the briefing, depart in the canoes downstream to Vundu.

This is a slow paddle allowing time to become used to the canoes and the different steering techniques. You should also start to see some of the multitude of animals and birds that are attracted to the water’s edge. Hippo, buffalo, elephant and crocodile as well as a variety of antelope species may be seen.

Arrival at camp is around sunset. The camp is fully prepared and you will be able to sit back and relax with sundowners and snacks – tea and coffee and hot showers are also available. A campfire is already burning and this is invariably where guests will gather to discuss the day’s events and plan for the morning. In the background your support staff and resident chef are busy preparing a three-course dinner for you.

Overnight Camp Vundu

Day Two

An early wake up, just as the dawn breaks. Hot water is placed in raised basins outside each tent, while tea, coffee, muffins or home made biscuits are already waiting by the campfire. While everyone gets their personal kit together the support staff loads the canoes with everything that will be needed for the day. You need only worry about a small daypack carrying the essentials such as sun block, camera and spare film, hat and binoculars. A large dry bag per canoe is provided.

The aim is to be in the canoes and on the water in time to watch the sunrise. This is one of the most magical times of the day and you will be enchanted as you drift along quietly, listening to the sounds of the African bush wakening to a new day.

Paddle for a couple of hours before stopping the canoes to breakfast under a grove of acacia trees. After breakfast set off on a walk into the floodplains and surrounding woodlands. This is a great time to try and catch some of the predators before they hide up for the day. You may even be lucky enough to spot one or more of the diurnal animals making their way down to the river.

This walk offers an opportunity, not only for game viewing, but also a chance for you to explore some of the smaller more interesting aspects of the environment. You will spot a variety of animal spoors, and may even find yourselves engrossed in tracking down a particular species. You will be fascinated by strange insects and spiders as your guides share a wealth of knowledge about this miniature world that forms such an integral part of the bush. You will listen to the sound of the many brightly colored birds and marvel at the beauty and tranquility of this unique area.

Returning to the canoes you head downstream to an area renowned for its huge, old elephant bulls. Your guides try to time the trips to catch them swimming or wading out to the grass islands, where you will be able to glide quietly alongside these awesome giants. Their age makes them so placid they tend to ignore the canoes. Lunch break coincides with the heat of the day.

To find an escape, pull up the canoes below a grove of mahogany trees whose dense shade provides a welcome relief. The campstools, tables and lunch are all offloaded from the canoes. Lunch generally consists of cold meats, freshly prepared salads, pizza or quiche and cheese and biscuits. After eating and drinking ice cold drinks you have a choice to either take another short walk through the mahogany forest or to just relax and enjoy an afternoon siesta. The late afternoon and evening is spent drifting down to camp and enjoying the game and birding on the river’s edge. Where you will once again reach the camp at sunset to be met by the smiling faces of the support team. This night’s camp, Chessa, overlooks a small channel, with a large grass plain separating it from the main Zambezi, 500 metres away. Frequently the plain hosts buffalo, waterbuck, elephant and hippo in the evenings.

Overnight Chessa Camp

Day Three

This follows the same basic itinerary as day two, with a predawn wake up and sunrise whilst drifting down the Zambezi. However, this is the day that you will enter the “Wilderness Area” of Mana Pools National Park where there is limited access to people and vehicles. In fact the only road is 3 to 5 kilometres in-land and is the one that our support team will use. From here on it is a much more remote environment with very few people.

Breakfast may be taken on the Mbera River floodplain, which comprises stunning acacia woodland with large patches of thick “Adrenaline” grass – a habitat much favoured by all the predators. Towards the end of the dry season it also hosts large groups of female elephants with their babies. This day’s paddling is through a maze of small channels before once again joining the main Zambezi River. For a change lunch is on one of the shallow sandbanks in the middle of the river, where a table and chairs are set up in ankle deep water with the whole width of the river stretching out on either side of us. This afternoon is your last chance for canoeing. Depending on water levels and time allowed, there may be an opportunity to explore Chikwenya Island on foot. This unique Island, the largest island on this section of the Zambezi River is host to a prolific bird population and a number of interesting mammal species. In the afternoon you will paddle into Illala Camp to spend the last night.

Overnight Ilala Camp

Day Four

Depending on your departure time, or if you are moving on to an alternative camp, you may either take another early walk before breakfast or have a lie in! After that, there will be a short game drive to the airstrip where we bid you farewell.


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