Wanderlust Africa – Camping between the Zambezi and Kruger

On the first day of your camping trip through southern Africa, you meet your group and your guide at 2 pm in Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Today and tomorrow you have time to explore this spectacular natural wonder and take part in exciting adventure activities.

For the adventurous, options include white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a 111 m bungee jump (optional, at your own expense). You spend two nights in a tent at a campsite in Livingstone.

A long drive takes you through the gentle hills of southern Zambia, covered in miombo woodland, to the Kafue River, where you spend the night at a campsite.

You paddle down the mighty Zambezi, home of the mythical tribal god Nyami Nyami, past small river villages and impressive scenery.

You spend the night wild camping on an island in the middle of nature – an adventure highlight of your camping trip through southern Africa. The next morning you continue your canoe safari through an area populated by elephants, hippos and other wildlife. You are then picked up by a motorboat and taken back to your starting campsite.

A unique experience you will never forget!

Please note: wild camping has no permanent facilities. Sunway provides water, food and the necessary camping equipment, which the group carries together in the canoes. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow from home. A simple bush toilet is available. Please make sure no rubbish is left behind and that your stay leaves no trace at all.

You drive to Lusaka, where you stock up on supplies in the lively shops and markets of the Zambian capital. In the afternoon you continue along the Great East Road until the sun goes down.

This is a very long travel day, but it allows you to reach the South Luangwa area as early as day 7.

Tonight you stay in a lodge.

You drive down into the ‘valley’ of South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one of Africa's most beautiful wildlife reserves, home to numerous hippos, elephants, lions and leopards.

You camp on the banks of the Luangwa River and explore the area on guided bush walks and game drives in an open 4WD, one of them at night with spotlights to watch nocturnal animals.

In the green season from December to April, walks may not be possible; in that case you will take additional game drives.

Malawi – the ‘warm heart of Africa’. You stock up on fresh supplies in the lively markets of Lilongwe before driving on to your campsite on the beach of Lake Malawi.

You then take a boat trip to the offshore islands and explore the dreamy bays and hidden little stretches of coast in this region.

Further south you reach Mozambique at the Zobue border post. After crossing the Zambezi, you travel through the Tete region and pitch camp along the way in this remote part of Mozambique.

The campsite facilities are very basic.

Having arrived at the Indian Ocean, you spend two nights in permanent accommodation in Vilankulos.

You then spend a whole day exploring Magaruque island on a traditional dhow, a local sailing boat.

Turquoise sea, wonderful snorkelling spots, wide white beaches and delicious seafood make this day an unforgettable experience on your camping trip through southern Africa.

In Inhambane, Arab influences can still be felt today. They date back to the time when enslaved people, ivory, gold and spices were traded here. You explore the town and its roughly 200-year-old cathedral before driving on to your accommodation right on the beach.

Dhow trips and dives on colourful coral reefs are offered locally (optional, at your own expense).

Along the coast you continue south to a remote fishing lodge on the beach north of Xai-Xai.

The lodge sits on the coastal dunes and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding nature and the sweeping beach. At low tide a long belt of rock reef is exposed, running parallel to the coast and forming a shallow, calm pool – ideal for snorkelling and swimming.

On your last evening at the beach, enjoy an optional fish braai (barbecue) in the lodge restaurant with a view of the warm Indian Ocean.

You drive across the border into South Africa and on into Kruger National Park – straight into classic big-game country!

On exciting game drives you look out for lions, giraffes and mighty elephants. In the peaceful bush landscape you can relax and experience a pristine, timeless wilderness.

After leaving Kruger National Park, you stay overnight in a private game lodge in Greater Kruger and enjoy your last dinner under the starry sky on your camping trip through southern Africa.

The following morning you explore the Panorama Route with stops at God’s Window and the Three Sisters.

On the afternoon of day 22 you reach Johannesburg – sun-kissed, relaxed and ready to dive back into everyday life. Your camping trip through southern Africa ends at around 5 pm.