18 Days Lake of Stars Music Festival Road Trip, South Africa

Day 1 Maputo Mozambique

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 Maputo was even better known than Rio de Janeiro for its vibrant nightlife and still is quite the party destination! (D)

Day 2 & 3 Tofo Beach Mozambique

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 onto Tofo where we spend our time relaxing on the beaches and enjoying Tofo’s exciting beach bars and vibrant the local nightlife. (BD)

Day 4 Vilanculos Mozambique

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)

Day 5 Bazaruto Islands Mozambique

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)

Day 6 Chimoio/Chikamba Dam Mozambique

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)

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)

Days 8, 9 & 10 Chintheche Inn (Lake of Stars Music Festival) Malawi

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)

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)

Days 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)

Days 14 & 15 Livingstone Zambia

Livingstone is the adrenalin “Capital of Africa” and also host to the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. You can try some of the many optional activities on offer such as white water rafting on the Zambezi, bungy jumping. Included is entry to Victoria Falls and a sunset/booze cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. (BD)

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)

Day 17 Palapye Botswana

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)

Day 18 Johannesburg South Africa

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

Tour Cost:. £ 900.00 Convert fee into your local currency

Local Payment: US$ 0.00
Start : Johannesburg
Finish Country: Johannesburg
Duration: 18 days
Countries visited during Tour: Botswana - Malawi - Mozambique - South Africa - Zambia

Included Highlight: Mozambique, Maputo, Tofo Villanculos, Dhow trip to Bazaruto, Islands for Snorkelling, Malawi, Lake of Stars Music Festival, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, Victoria Falls Game Drives in South Luangwa National Park, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Botswana Chobe Sunset Cruise

Tour Start Dates: Friday, 3 October 2008 - Monday, 20 October 2008

Transport: All ground transportation, services of experienced qualified driver/guide, camping equipment (2 person dome tents, mattresses, cooking equipment), all highlights, meals, entrance fees & accommodation per itinerary

Accommodation: Camping in two person dome tents; Dorm acommodation in Maputo

Meals: Johannesburg to Maputo (D)
Maputo to Tofo (BD)
Tofo to Vilanculos (BD)
Vilanculos to Bazaruto Islands (BD)
Bazaruto Islands to Chimoio
Chimoio to Blantyre (BD)
Blantyre to Chintheche Inn (BD)
Chintheche Inn to Lilongwe (BD)
Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park (BD)
South Luangwa National Park to Livingstone (BD)
Livingstone to Kasane (BD)
Kasane to Palapye (BD)
Palapye to Johannesburg (B)

Participation: Participation safari, clients to erect their tents and help with cooking, washing dishes and vehicle cleanliness

Optional Activities: These rates are in USD and can change at any time without notice. Please use as a guideline only. Activities in Botswana: Delta game flight $60; Chobe river cruise $45 Activities in Victoria Falls: White water rafting $95; Canoeing $95 Bungy $95; Jet boat $90 Rhino walk $80 Elephant ride $100; Helicopter flight $95 Kayaking $150 Activities in Malawi: Water skiing $25; Snorkelling $10 Windsurfing $20; Sailing $25; Canoeing $8; Scuba diving $65; Village Walk $15 Activities in Mozambique: Snorkelling safari $40; Fishing trip $95 Scuba diving $60; Dhow day trip $60 Horse riding $40; Parasailing $45

Extras: Local Payment needs to be paid over and above tour cost, this pays for all included highlights and is NOT a food kitty. This amount is payable to the driver on the day of departure. Wagon Trails has a strict policy of no hidden costs on all our tours, what you see is what you get!

What’s NOT included: All visa costs are the clients responsibility, travel insurance, flights, departure taxes, sleeping bags, items of a personal nature, drinks, and optional activities