Day 3 - Khwai Conservation Area
Route: Ghanzi to Khwai Conservation Area – 450km
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before you depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.
This morning you rise early and make your way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. This evening your guide will prepare you on what to expect for your mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and your game drive in Khwai. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta.
Day 4 - Khwai Conservation Area
Heading out early, you transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, where you will meet the polers who will be escorting you into the Delta. The polers will steer you through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler and after the walk, you return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra. After lunch, you will return to Khwai Conservation area for your afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles. The game viewing routes chosen during the afternoon by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta morning Mokoro excursion, Khwai Conservation afternoon game drive
Day 5 - Savuti Game Reserve
Route: Khwai Conservation Area – Kasane – 250km
Today’s journey through the Savuti National Park to reach Kasane is expected to take approximately 10 hours. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles. The road conditions can best be described as dense sand and depending on the season you are travelling in, could be through thick vegetation. During the winter months (May-September) we strongly suggest layering up on clothing, pack a beanie and/or scarf and thick jacket. Animal sightings can never be guaranteed while we transit/traverse these wilderness areas and any stops for viewing of the wildlife will add to the time spent in the 4×4 safari vehicle. We suggest stocking up on snacks and at least 1 x 5l bottle of water in Maun for the journey as there are no re-supply points until you reach Kasane.
The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east. Savuti is renowned as a big game area and known for having the largest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa. Today is a long day as you spend most of your day travelling through the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as you traverse this wilderness area in your 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, you hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This afternoon you arrive on the banks of the Chobe River and will be re-united with your Nomad truck in the town of Kasane. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Full day game drive through Savuti Game Reserve in a 4X4 safari vehicle.
Day 6 - Chobe National Park
For those that opt to participate in the optional game drive in Chobe National Park, you will be collected early from camp and will venture out in open 4×4 safari type vehicles. You will return to camp in time for lunch and a quick siesta before you head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows you an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise.
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive.
Day 7 - Victoria Falls
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 90km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, cross the border to Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight you can enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights.
Day 8 - Victoria Falls
While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below (optional activity), the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. (B)
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights.
Day 9 - Lusaka
Route: Victoria Falls to Lusaka – 500km
Setting off early from Victoria Falls, you catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While you have a long day travelling today, you get your first impressions of the Africa that awaits you. Colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of your journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. You enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as your guides brief you on the days ahead.
Day 10 - Petauke
Route: Lusaka to Petauke – 420km
This morning you drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, your destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and you will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home. (BLD)
Day 11 – South Luangwa National Park
Route: Petauke to South Luangwa National Park – 200km
With two days of travel behind, you will look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning you make your way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Your first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton famers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Textile visit.
Day 12 – South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and you have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon you will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, with your time split between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives you a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activity: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa
Day 13 - Malawi
Route: South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi – 500km
This morning you board your truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Your destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than other lake. You spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder. (BLD)
Day 14 – Malawi
Today is set aside for you to relax at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer. (BLD)
Day 15 – Lake Malawi
Route: Lake Malawi – Move lodges – 300km
Today you are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore. (BLD)
Day 16 – Mbeya Region
Route: Northern Lake Malawi to Mbeya – 260km
You depart this morning and continue north, crossing over into Tanzania, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where you will overnight. (BLD)
Day 17 - Iringa
Route: Mbeya to Iringa – 310km
Before heading to Iringa, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We then ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa. (BLD)
Day 18 - Mikumi National Park
Route: Iringa to Mikumi – 250km
This morning you complete your journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park Game Drive.
Day 19 - Zanzibar
Route: Mikumi to Zanzibar (incl Ferry) – 530km
You rise early and travel from Mikumi to the Port of Dar Es Salaam, where you will board the ferry and make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. Your home for the next three nights, Stone Town offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer. (BLD)
Day 20 - Zanzibar
Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. This morning you will travel by road to the north of the island, Nungwi and your base for the next 2 nights. Before your arrival in Nungwi, you will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations. You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Spice tour and city tour.
Optional Activity: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary visit, Village Tours, Jozani Forest and more.
Day 21 - Zanzibar
Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, turtle sanctuary visit, village tours, Jozani Forest and more.
Day 22 - Bagamoyo
Route: Nungwi to Bagamoyo (incl Ferry) – 225km
You bid farewell to the island and board your return ferry, on arrival back at the Dar es Salaam port, you reunite with your truck and return to Bagamoyo where you spend the night. (BLD)
Day 23 - Arusha
Route: Bagamoyo to Arusha – 550km
Heading north this morning you travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, your destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha which is your launching point for the Serengeti. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. This evening we will briefed on the excursion to Serengeti by your local guide as you prepare for the coming days. (BLD)
Day 24 - Karatu
Route: Arusha to Karatu – 160km
Although it is short distance to Karatu, you will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival in Karatu, your guide will brief you on the full day excursion into the crater. Karatu is conveniently situated to allow you the opportunity to participate in various optional activities in the coming days. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Local brewery tour, Karatu Iraqw market, local coffee plantation tour.
Day 25 - Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti
Route: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti – 300km
You rise early and will be collected from your camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles. you will spend the bulk of your day exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your overnight camp in the Seronera region, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, you will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Full day 4X4 Excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and afternoon game drive into the Serengeti.
Day 26 - Karatu
Route: Serengeti to Karatu – 170km
This morning you rise early to enjoy your time game driving through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, you will spend most of your day in search of the animals that reside here. You will arrive back in Karatu in the late afternoon and will spend your evening reminiscing about your encounters of the past two days. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Game drive through Seronera area of Serengeti National Park.
Day 27 - Arusha
Returning to Arusha tonight you will share your experiences of the Serengeti and prepare for the trip to Nairobi tomorrow. (BLD)
Day 28 – End of your Johannesburg to Nairobi Tour
Cross the border into Kenya this morning and make your way to Nairobi where your journey ends on arrival. (BL)