Day 3 - Fish River Canyon

Route: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – 130km
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning you have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) you depart the Orange River and head inland to your overnight stop. At Ai Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Half day canoe trip.

Day 4 – Keetmanshoop

Day 5 - Namib-Naukluft National Park

Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft National Park – 470km
Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight you will camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon.

Day 6 - Namib Naukluft Area

Route: Naukluft National Park to Naukluft Area – 100km
Today you will rise early for your drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entering the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied you descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here you will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight empty the red sand from your shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that you have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei.

Day 7 – Swakopmund

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund – 300km
Your final day in the desert comes to an end as you join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly you leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, you continue to the Atlantic coastline. Making your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. You make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where you hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund you will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer (additional cost). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon and Guided desert walk with local expert.

Day 8 – Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad biking.

Day 9 – Brandberg

Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg – 200km
Leaving early, you make your way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. You will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for your overnight stop for the evening. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with a local guide.

Day 10 – Kamanjab

Route: Brandberg to Kamanjab – 250km
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning you will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After your exploration, your journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike.

Day 11 - Etosha National Park

Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park – 250km
Rising early this morning you drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon you reach the park and begin with your first game drive as you make your way to the rest camp. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in overland truck.

Day 12 - Etosha National Park

Your second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue your exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps your eyes wide open. You will explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in overland truck.

Day 13 – Windhoek

Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek – 460km
It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some of its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide.

Day 14 – Ghanzi

Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi – 500km
Today travel east and make your way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight you will enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling. (BLD)

Included Highlight: San Guided Walk (could take place the next morning), San tribal dance in evening.

Day 15 – Maun

**This is based on the normal tour staying at Maun and doing day trips to the Okavango Delta Area. There is an optional excursion available to head into the Delta and stay, please ask about pricing.**

Route: Ghanzi to Maun – 300km
This morning you head towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening your guide will prepare you on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Those guests who have pre-purchased the upgrade package – will be transferred into the Delta upon arrival in Maun and will re-join the group on the morning of day 17. Please speak to your consultant for your programme your Okavango Delta Excursion. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight.

Day 16 - Okavango Delta

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, you will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where you will meet the polers who will be escorting you into the Delta. The polers will steer us 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. After the walk, you return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring 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. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Okavango Delta Day Excursion.

Day 17 – Nata

Route: Maun to Nata – 300km
Leaving Maun behind you this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose the upgrade package) you make your way towards the town of Nata. You will spend most of the day in your truck as you journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Your activity package will afford you the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary).

Day 18 - Chobe National Park

Route: Nata to Kasane – 320km
Rise early this morning as you continue North to your camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. Begin your exploration in 4X4 vehicles (included in activity package), which allows you an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise (included in activity package) and a meal served around the campfire. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise.
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park game drive.

Day 19 - Victoria Falls

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 85km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, 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 and coffee shops on offer as well. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Sunset cruise, Helicopter flights.

Day 20 - Victoria Falls

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls (at own expense), this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Zambezi sunset cruise, bungee jump – solo, helicopter flights and White water rafting.

Day 21 – Lusaka

Route: Victoria Falls to Lusaka – 490km
Setting off early from Victoria Falls, you will catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While you have a long day travelling today, you will 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. Enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as your guides brief you on the days ahead. (BLD)

Included Highlight: View of Victoria Falls from the Bridge.

Day 22 – Petauke

Route: Lusaka to Petauke – 420km
This morning 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 23 - South Luangwa National Park

Route: Petauke to South Luangwa National Park – 180km
With two days of travel behind, you will look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning you will 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)

Day 24 - 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 in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari (at own expense) or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris (at own expense) on offer in the park. This afternoon you will enjoy a Sunset Drive (included in activity package) in the park, split your time 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 25 - Lake Malawi

Route: South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi – 500km
This morning 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. Spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder. (BLD)

Day 26 - Lake 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)

Included Highlight: Malawi Village Tour.

Day 27 - 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 28 - Utengule

Route: Lake Malawi to Utengule – 240km
You depart this morning and continue north, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where you will overnight. (BLD)

Day 29 – Iringa

Route: Utengule to Iringa – 310km
Before heading to Iringa, you will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where you have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. You then ascend the Great Rift Valley and make your way into Tanzania. (BLD)

Day 30 – Mikumi

Route: Iringa to Mikumi – 250km
This morning 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 you an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing (included in activity package). (BLD)

Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park game drive.

Day 31 – 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 32 – Zanzibar

Route: Stone Town to Nungwi – 60km
Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. This morning we will embark on a 20-30 minute boat journey to Prison Island, which was once a place where slaves were detained. On return to Stone Town, you will travel by road to the north of the island, Nungwi and your base for the next 2 nights. You will explore the beautiful Jozani Forest during the afternoon. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Prison Island boat trip / Jozani Forest half day tour.
Optional Activity: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary visit, Village Tours and more.

Day 33 – 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 and more.

Day 34 – Bagamoyo

Route: Nungwi to Bagamoyo (Ferry) – 210km
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 35 – Arusha

Route: Bagamoyo to Arusha – 550km
Heading north this morning travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, your destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha which is the launching point for the Serengeti. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. This evening you will be briefed on the excursion to Serengeti by your local guide as you prepare for the coming days. (BLD)

Day 36 – Karatu

**Please Note: The following 3 nights are based on the normal tour itinerary staying in Karatu with a day excursion into the Ngorongoro Crater. There is an opportunity to purchase an upgrade stay at the crater and Serengeti.

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 37 - Ngorongoro Crater

Route: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Return – 300km
You rise early and will be collected from your camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater. You will spend the bulk of your day exploring the Crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. You will arrive back in Karatu in the afternoon. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day 4×4 Excursion to Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 38 – Karatu

Today is free for you to relax at camp or participate in a number of optional activities available from the accommodation establishment. Some of the optional activities include village walking visits or a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. These activities need to be booked directly with the accommodation provide upon arrival in Karatu. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Karatu Cultural Tour and Elephant Caves Hike.

Day 39 – Arusha

Route: Karatu to Arusha – 160km
Returning to Arusha tonight you share your experiences of the Serengeti and prepare for the trip to Nairobi tomorrow. (BLD)

Day 40 – Nairobi

Route: Arusha to Nairobi – 295km
Cross the border into Kenya this morning and make your way to Nairobi. (BLD)

Day 41 – Nairobi

Today is the day to take a walk through the city and explore and participate in the optional activities available. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park.

Day 42Masai Mara Game Reserve

Route: Nairobi to Masai Mara – 300km
Leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for it’s endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty. The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles and not the overland truck. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials. (BLD)

Day 43 - Masai Mara Game Reserve

The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the other animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today you will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals. (BLD)

Day 44 - Lake Nakuru Game Reserve

Route: Massai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park – 320km
Rise early and enjoy your final game drive through the Mara before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, where you will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion.

Day 45- Jinja

Route: Lake Nakuru to Jinja – 450km
This morning you will not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning you will cross the Equator on your way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kms journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Crossing or the Equator.

Day 46 - Murchison Falls National Park

Route: Jinja to Masindi – 280km
After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and are located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into your accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day. (BD)

Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk.

Day 47 - Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 ጀ 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning you will meet up with your chimp guide who will take you on your trek through the forest in search of the chimps. You will also enjoy a game drive through the park in search of the great diversity of wild animals. Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Chimp trekking (half day).
Optional Activity: Nile River cruise.

Day 48 - Lake Mburo

Route: Masindi to Lake Mburo – 380km
Today you make your way to Leopard Rest Camp, nestled on the border of Lake Mburo National Park. This National Park consists of Woodland interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges. Lake Mburo is one of 13 other lakes, forming a 50km wetland system, linked by a swamp. The Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, buffalo, leopard, hippo and hyena to name but a few. (BLD)

Day 49 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)

Route: Lake Mburo to Lake Bunyonyi – 220km
Crossing the Equator once more you will travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation you prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight you will receive a briefing on what to expect. (BLD)

Day 50 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured. (BLD)

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where you will actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. The Gorilla Trekking permit is costed separately.

On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Optional Activity: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy Visit.

Day 51 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)

Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour. (BLD)

Day 52 – Kampala

Route: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala – 500km
This morning you set off on your return journey to Kampala and make a third crossing of the Equator along your way. Tonight your guide will brief you on the activities available in Jinja so that you can plan your day tomorrow. You overnight in Kampala. (BLD)

Day 53 – Jinja

Route: Kampala to Jinja – 90km
A short distance from Kampala, Jinja offers many exciting activities and your guide will assist you to plan for this day. Most activities are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river. While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, rafting etc.

Day 54 – Eldoret

Route: Jinja to Eldoret – 280km
Returning to Kenya you will visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level. (BLD)

Day 55 - End of your Best of Afrcia Tour

Route: Eldoret to Nairobi – 330km
Returning to Nairobi this afternoon you will reflect on many memories that you have gathered together and brace yourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi. (B)