The Tri-Nation Explorer

Meet at Barefoot Camp, tucked into a wooded grove on the western edge of the capital, for a group meet-and-greet and full briefing ahead of the safari to come.

Set off early through the Warm Heart of Africa's villages and towns, passing through Blantyre, Malawi's second city, before the massive granite dome of Mt Mulanje rises into view as you approach camp.

Hike the slopes of Mt Mulanje, the "island in the sky" and a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with local guides leading the way to viewpoints, natural springs and waterfalls, and sharing a true Malawian welcome along the trail.

Leave the mountain behind for Liwonde, a national park of floodplains and woodland teeming with wildlife, for a two-night stay of safari excursions.

A full day of safari drives through Liwonde in search of the wildlife that calls this park home.

Head for the shores of Lake Malawi, arriving in Senga Bay, a village on Africa's third-largest lake, known as Lake Niassa in Tanzania and Mozambique and home to the greatest diversity of freshwater fish of any lake on Earth. Camp on the shore for two nights, with time for craft markets, snorkeling and fishing.

A full day on the beach, soaking up the sun and taking part in the water activities on offer.

Pack up and cross into Zambia via the Mchinji and Mwami borders, continuing to the famous South Luangwa National Park.

A full day of safari drives through South Luangwa, with a chance to spot painted dogs, leopard and abundant general game.

A relaxed morning before a drive to the village of Petauke, breaking the long haul toward Lusaka.

An early start crosses the historic Luangwa Bridge and valley en route to Lusaka, Zambia's capital. Overnight on the city's outskirts at a camp where zebra and giraffe roam freely.

Descend the escarpment into the Zambezi Valley, arriving at Chirundu in time for lunch. Prepare gear for tomorrow's canoeing excursion, then head out to the Kafue-Zambezi confluence for a sunset boat cruise, overnighting on the banks of the Kafue River.

A water-focused day: a half-day canoeing excursion with lunch served on an island in the mighty Zambezi, followed by a relaxed boat cruise back to camp, with optional fishing along the way.

Climb out of the valley and cross into Zimbabwe, arriving in the town of Kariba, named for the world's largest man-made lake by volume. Explore the town's scenic viewpoints and craft markets before boarding a houseboat for an overnight drift on the lake.

Wake to sunrise on the lake, then return to the mainland and head toward the country's center. Stop at Chinhoyi Caves, limestone and dolomite sinkholes, a national park since the 1950s, before continuing to the gold-mining town of Chegutu for the night.

Drive toward Harare, stopping at Kuimba Shiri, a bird rehabilitation sanctuary home to more than 400 endemic species, before a traditional lunch in the city center. Continue east toward the Eastern Highlands, arriving at your hotel by sunset.

A full day in the mountains of Nyanga, with nature walks, waterfalls and sweeping scenery, plus the option of trout fishing.

Cross to the other side of the Eastern Highlands, through forests, manicured tea plantations and picturesque villages. Camp tonight sits directly beneath the Bridal Veil Falls.

Descend into the Save Valley, stopping at the Birchenough Bridge, designed by Ralph Freeman, the engineer behind Sydney Harbour Bridge, and completed in 1935, before continuing to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Monument.

Explore the monument with a local historian, uncovering the stories of the fallen kings of the Dzimba Dzemabwe Kingdom, the civilization that gave Zimbabwe its name, before continuing to Bulawayo, the City of Kings.

Explore the rugged granite terrain of Matopos, with the day built around rhino trekking both by vehicle and on foot.

Continue to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, with a stop at a wild dog rehabilitation center en route: a firsthand look at the conservation work protecting one of Africa's most endangered predators.

Morning and evening game drives through Hwange, one of Southern Africa's oldest parks and famed for its National Geographic-caliber sightings, ending with sundowners in the wild.

Depart for Victoria Falls, arriving by lunchtime at one of the region's most picturesque lunch spots, then enter Victoria Falls National Park to take in the falls themselves before checking into your lodge.

A final full day to choose from the falls' many activities, from high-adrenaline adventure to relaxed boat cruises, closing with a farewell dinner and speeches as a group.

Tour ends after breakfast.