Day 3 - Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

Route: Masai 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: Lake Nakuru National Park game drive.

Day 4 - Kalagala Falls – Uganda

Route: Lake Nakuru to Kalagala Falls – 460km
This morning you not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning you 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 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Crossing of the Equator.

Day 5 - Masindi – Uganda

Route: Jinja to Masindi – 280km
After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, you 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 ais 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. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk.

Day 6 - Masindi – Uganda

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 – 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 boat cruise in the park. (BLD)

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.

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

Day 7 - Lake Kikorongo – Uganda

Route: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – 360km
This morning we depart Masindi and transfer towards the edges of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our accommodation for the night is nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo. (BLD)

Day 8 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

Route: Lake Kikorongo 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 9 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

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 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 it is choosen to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should the tour operator not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then they will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

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 (additional expense for Permit), Pygmy Visit, Rwanda day tour.

Day 10 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

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 11 - Kampala – Uganda

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 12 - Kalagala Falls – Uganda

Route: Kampala to Kalagala Falls – 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 13 - Eldoret – Kenya

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 14 - Nairobi – Kenya

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

Day 15 - Nairobi – Kenya

Today is free for you to explore the streets of Nairobi. A number of optional day trips can be booked including a visit to the Giraffe Centre and the Nairobi National Park. (B)

Optional Activity: Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park.

Day 16 - Arusha – Tanzania

Route: Nairobi to Arusha – 300km
Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi you travel south to the Tanzanian border. After completing border formalities you continue to the busy town of Arusha, your base for the night. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. (LD)

Day 17 - Karatu – Tanzania

Route: Arusha to Karatu – 200km
Although it is a 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 your overnight excursion into the crater and Serengeti National Park. (BLD)

Day 18 - Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti – Tanzania

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 19 - Karatu – Tanzania

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 20 - Arusha – Tanzania

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

Day 21 - Bagamoyo – Tanzania

Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo – 550km
You head out early this morning as you journey south to your overnight stop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Formerly a centre point of the East African slave trade, Bagamoyo lies just north of the port of Dar es Salaam and is a perfect launching point for our upcoming Zanzibar Excursion. While today is primarily a travel day, you experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Road travel in Africa is an experience in itself and the bustling markets, villages and scenic backdrops that line the routes give a window into the lifestyle of rural Africa. This evening you will prepare for your Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning. (BLD)

Day 22 - Zanzibar – Tanzania

Route: Bagamoyo to Nungwi (incl Ferry) – 225km
You complete the short journey into Dar es Salaam this morning and board your ferry for the two hour trip to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port you board and make your way to Nungwi on the northern shores of the island, you take the opportunity to visit the spice farms of Kidichi and Kizambani on your way this afternoon. Zanzibar is renowned for its spices and fragrances and you have the chance to experience this first-hand today. There are a number of excursions that can be arranged for the coming days in Nungwi and your guide will be on hand to assist. (BLD)

Day 24 - Zanzibar – Tanzania

Route: Nungwi to Stone Town – 60km
This morning your visit to Nungwi comes to an end as you transfer by road to Stone Town. Before you arrive in Stone Town, 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, seek out specific plants, and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms. Boasting a rich history this busy port of Stone Town was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Prison Boat Tour, Walking Spice tour.

Day 25 - Mikumi – Tanzania

Route: Stone Town to Mikumi – 400km
Departing Stone Town on the ferry back to Dar es Salaam this morning. An arrival there you will be met by you vehicle and crew and continue your journey to Mikumi and you next stop. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Mikumi Game Drive.

Day 26 - Iringa – Tanzania

Route: Mikumi to Iringa – 245km
The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The town centre offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII. (BLD)

Day 27 - Utengule – Tanzania

This morning you have an opportunity to explore the historic area of Stone Town before catching an afternoon ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Stone Town represents the historic centre of Zanzibar Town and is a must see for those with an interest in history, culture and the unique architecture of the historic port. Tonight you enjoy an optional dinner out in Dar es Salaam. (BL)

Activity Package: Zanzibar Excursion.
Included Highlight: Stone Town included in Zanzibar Excursion.
Optional Activity: Dinner Out (additional expense).

Day 28 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

Route: Mbeya to Northern Lake Malawi – 260km
Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the night enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. (BLD)

Day 29 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

Route: Lake Malawi – Move Lodges – 300km
This morning you board your truck and head further South of Lake Malawi. Your destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi. Stretching over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. You spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder. (BLD)

Day 30 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

Today is another day of leisure, relaxing 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 31 - South Luangwa – Zambia

Route: Central Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – 500km
This morning enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. After crossing the border into Zambia you will make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to your camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sunrise over Lake Malawi in the morning you will enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening. (BLD)

Day 32 - South Luangwa – Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and you will 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 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 a sundowner on the way. 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 33 - Petauke – Zambia

Route: South Luangwa to Petauke – 180km
Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning you will make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning you will get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December) to see how these colourful fabrics are crafted. Your destination tonight is the small town of Petauke. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Textile project visit (full tour available March to December).

Day 34 - Lusaka – Zambia

Route: Petauke to Lusaka – 420km
As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and you will cross the Luangwa River on your way to Lusaka. The route today is 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 35 - Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Route: Lusaka to Victoria Falls – 500km
Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia you make your way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls. This afternoon you get your first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe you get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language. Victoria Falls offers a host of optional activities and these can be booked on arrival in Victoria Falls. (B)

Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights.

Day 36 - Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. (BD)

Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights.

Day 37 - Kasane – Botswana

Route: Victoria Falls to Kasane – 90km
This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls. After lunch, you travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana and will arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon, to set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. (BLD)

Day 38 - Chobe National Park - Kasane – Botswana

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 39 - Khwai Conservation Area – Botswana

Route: Kasane to Khwai Conservation Area – 250km
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 camp today. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.

Today’s journey through the Savuti National Park 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) it is strongly suggested to layering up on clothing, pack a beanie and/or scarf and thick jacket. Animal sightings can never be guaranteed while you 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. It is suggested stocking up on snacks and at least 1 x 5l bottle of water in Kasane for the journey as there are no re-supply points.

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, it is hoped to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This afternoon you will arrive at your camp in the Khwai Conservation area. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive through Savuti Game Reserve in 4X4 safari vehicle.

Day 40 - Okavango Delta – Botswana

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 pole 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 the 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)

Day 42 - Kang – Botswana

Route: Ghanzi to Kang – 310km
Today you will make your way across the Trans-Kalahari highway towards the remote town of Kang. You will travel slowly along this stretch of unfenced road which could provide the odd sighting of wildlife in its natural environment. (BLD)

Day 43 - End of your Gorillas to the Delta Tour

Route: Kang to Johannesburg – 700km
A long day awaits you as you continue your journey south to Johannesburg and South Africa. Leaving the Kalahari behind you cross the North-West Province, arriving in Johannesburg in the late afternoon where your tour comes to an end upon arrival. (BL)