Best of Africa – Northbound – Accommodated

Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal – 200km
Leaving Cape Town you make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at your overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality. (LD)

Route: Citrusdal to Orang River – 540km
Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. Continue your journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to your camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel. (BLD)
 

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)

Included Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot Springs.

Route: Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop – 260km
You will rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. There you will have time to watch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching your legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, you turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Your afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other - creating rock formations and a series of mazes. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of the Fish River Canyon, Visit to Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground.

Accommodation: 1 night Shutzenhaus Guesthouse (or similar).
-26.81516617.801081A small township located along the Trans-Namib Railway.

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)

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 4x4 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: Sesriem Canyon / Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 4x4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei.

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.

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.

Route: Swakopmund to Khorixas (via Cape Cross) – 400km
Your exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You will stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. You then visit the renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, known as the largest in the world with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals hugging the shore. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486, and was erected in honour of the then king of Portugal by explorer Diego Cao. (Please note that the Cape Cross Colony may be inaccessible at times which means that you will not be able to visit the seals). The road then continues away from the coast and takes you towards the Khorixas area. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Seal Colony at Cape Cross.

Route: Khorixas to Etosha National Park – 250km
This morning you will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide. This area has been inhabited for 6000 years by the Khoi San. These inhabitants used the site to conduct shamanist rituals. In the process, 2500 rock paintings were created. This site displays one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa. Also on route, we visit the Petrified Forest, a national monument, comprising of prehistoric tree trunks now fossilised. In prehistoric times huge tree trunks were washed down a river and deposited in alluvial sands, creating this relic. We leave Twyfelfontein for Etosha National Park. With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa's finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. you will spend the afternoon exploring the park in the Nomad Truck. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Afternoon game drive in Nomad vehicle.

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 explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day Game Drive.

On your third day in Etosha, you will have the morning at leisure. Climb the Okaukuejo tower to watch the sun rising or spend your time around the waterhole waiting for the animals to arrive for their morning drink of water. After lunch, you board your truck and head to your next Etosha Camp – Namutoni and enjoy an afternoon game drive en-route. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Afternoon Game Drive.

Route: Etosha National Park to Divundu – 650km
You leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for your overnight stop in Divundu. (BLD)

Route: Divundu to Maun – 420km
Prior to departing for Maun, you enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. You then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. You overnight in Maun before heading for your next adventure – The Okavango Delta. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Morning Boat Cruise.

Route: Maun to Khwai Conservation Area – 140km
You will be separated from your Overland 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.

Today you make your way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers 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. Your guide will prepare you on what to expect for your afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight.
Included Highlight: Sunset Mokoro Excursion.

The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east. Today is a full day game drive as you spend most of your day on safari in 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 4x4 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 evening you arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day Game Drive Savuti Game reserve.

Route: Khwai Conservation Area to Nata - 445km
Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4x4 safari vehicles before meeting the Nomad truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata. This afternoon, after Your arrival in Nata, you enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands (birds dependant on seasonal migratory patterns). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Afternoon pans drive.

Route: Nata to Chobe National Park - 445km
You journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive 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 us 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.

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. (BL)

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

Route: Victoria Falls to Livingstone – 25km
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. As your tour continues tomorrow from Livingstone, your accommodation for tonight has been booked in Livingstone. You can however spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer over to Livingstone in the late afternoon. The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour. You have the choice of booking a morning transfer (08:00) or afternoon transfer (16:00). Please indicate your preferred time with your booking agent and/or Nomad at the time of booking. (B)

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

Route: Livingstone to Chirundu – 490km
Setting off early from Livingstone, you catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before you head off on a long day travelling. You get your first impressions of East Africa through the window of your truck: colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey as we travel through Zambia. You enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as your guides brief you on the days ahead. (BLD)

As your lodge is situated along the banks of the Kafue River, today is free for you to participate in some of the activities on offer. Fishing on the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities, or book a full day safari experience in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Other optional activities include a river safari, birding and an excursion to the baobab forest and bat cave.

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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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

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)

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.