Day 1
We leave sunny South Africa on our epic adventure.
We ride through the Waterberg Bushveld towards the South African/Botswana border.
Lunch is en route before crossing our first major river and bridge into Botswana and settling into our first camp.
Here we can get to know each other on the banks of the Limpopo River.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets or Luxury tents can be arranged)
Day 2
After breakfast we head further north.
We will stop for lunch in one of the oldest towns in Botswana and then on to our campsite in the Makgadikgadi Pans area.
Now you know we are in Africa!
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast we head to the northernmost point of Botswana. This is Elephant country so keep your eyes peeled.
We need to be there by lunchtime so we can settle in and board our boat, taking us up the Chobe River, where we will see amazing herds of animals with stunning photo opportunities.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 4
After an early breakfast on the banks of the Chobe River, we head to the point in Africa where 4 countries come together, Kazungula.
We cross the mighty Zambezi River by ferry, and after border formalities, we head into Livingstone and our first Wondrous Water mass.
More than enough time today for a visit to the famous Victoria Falls - The Smoke that Thunders - one of the most awesome sights in the world!
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 5
From one wondrous water mass to another!
We need an early start today as we head towards Lake Kariba.
We leave Livingstone and head north. The scenery is quite unexpected and varied.
The roads are good and prepare yourself for some corners today!
After the dry bushveld scenery Kariba is a welcome sight.
Upon arrival at our destination we settle into our chalets , enjoy sundowners and dinner on the beach.
Accommodation: Chalets, Full Board
Day 6
After breakfast we board Bateleur, our Houseboat. We sail to a secluded bay where we will tour a local Zambian village.
We return to the boat and laze the afternoon away.
Dinner is a special event on land and then we retire to our floating beds for a truly different experience!
Accommodation: Bateleur Houseboat, Full Board
Day 7
The boat starts sailing back at sunrise and breakfast is on board.
Sadly we say goodbye to Kariba but we are well rested and ready for the next leg of the journey.
En route to Lusaka, the Zambian capital, we cross our first major river for the day, the Kafue River.
We head on through rural Zambia to our next very remote camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, the second major river for the day.
Now we really are in Africa and it shows!
Our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River offers us a welcome rest.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 8
We leave our camp and then cross the awesome Luangwa Bridge.
If twisty roads are your favourite then today is for you!
Today is an easy day with a few interesting road patches as well as a fair amount of villages and pedestrians.
Our campsite tonight is a true oasis and you would never guess this camp exists after our remote journey today, but it does and it is truly remarkable.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 9
Across the border and into Malawi.
Our destination - Lake Malawi, another wondrous water mass, and one of the most beautifully situated camps you will ever find.
You may be forgiven for thinking we are at the ocean. Words cannot do the spectacle justice!
Accommodation: Camping (Hotel room can be arranged)
Day 10
We have arranged a boat trip to Lizard Island today for those interested or just enjoy the sites, sounds and culture in your own time!
Stroll along the lakeshore or visit the market or just be in this beautiful environment.
Accommodation: Camping (Hotel room can be arranged)
Day 11
We are now heading due south and onto Cahorra Bassa.
We cross over into Mozambique and we bet you will be intrigued by the landscape.
Today is a day of complete scenery changes as the kilometres roll by.
We cross the mighty Zambezi again, this time by bridge.
After passing through a very dry, dusty, bustling city we turn off the EN1 and literally head for the hills.
An absolutely stunning sight awaits us at the end of the road.
Accommodation: Chalets
Day 12
A fishing boat has been arranged for those who want to net the Big One.
Hopefully you can fight the battle and land him!
Tiger fish, Bream and Catfish abound.
For the rest, just enjoy this man made wonder.
A dam wall visit may be possible - if the dam operator gives permission.
Accommodation: Chalets
Day 13
We continue further south today along some really beautiful roads and enjoy some awesome riding.
For those who only know Mozambique's coast, the beautiful bushveld will come as a welcome surprise.
Our campsite is on the banks of yet another, lesser-known dam.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 14
We leave our campsite and head through more spectacular Mozambiquan scenery.
As is true of most of the other days, the countryside changes all the time and is a feast for the eye!
Today we finally see our last Wondrous Water Mass - the ocean!
We head to the warm Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Camping (Chalets can be arranged)
Day 15
After breakfast we head on south along the EN1.
As we enter Inhambane Province the palm trees suddenly take over the landscape.
We ride on to Inhambane where we park our steeds and after a short transfer we settle into our comfy accommodation right on the beach!
Paradise!!
Accommodation: Chalets, DBB
Day 16
Nothing but beach and sun today. Oh, we have arranged a snorkelling trip and there are diving opportunities for those who are interested.
All gear can be hired at reduced rates.
Manta Reef is one of the best-kept dive secrets.
For the die-hard fishermen a deep sea fishing trip can also be arranged.
Accommodation: Chalets, DBB
Day 17
We head out early as we have a number of scenic stops en route and a lot of villages to pass through.
We cross the Limpopo River and the last of the beautiful bridges.
Since this is our last night together, we will be staying in a 4* hotel in Maputo. (Yes they do exist!)
We enjoy a great dinner at a popular seafood restaurant and reminisce on our fabulous trip in our Retro-Portuguese Restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel, DB&B
Day 18
After breakfast we head home.
We pass through the Ressano Garcia border post and into South Africa.
We ride through scenic Mpumalanga and back to Gauteng.
Our 5 countries, bridges, rivers, wondrous water masses and unique experiences entrenched in our memories forever!
We're sad that it's over but happy to be home!
Accommodation: OWN BED!!!!
Total Distance: 5700km (You really went on a bike trip!) |
