Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Tour (Camping) (43 Days)

Day 1 - 2

Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

We leave Nairobi today and travel to the Masai Mara Reserve – a vast region rife with incredible wildlife that allows for spectacular photographic opportunities. Our visit to the Mara will be in safari type vehicles and not in the overland truck. Please pack a small overnight bag containing basic essentials such as your towel, clothing, toiletries.

The Masai Mara is famous for being the Greatest Wildlife Reserve of Africa, renowned for its profusion of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Masai people who are well-known for their distinguishing customs and dressing styles. The Masai Mara is by far one of Africa’s truck popular and beautiful safari destinations. Spreading over 1530 square kilometres of land and is bound by the Serengeti Park at the south, the Siria slopes to the west and the Masai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west. The reserve’s landscape is mainly vast savannah grassland with occasional rivers that come and go according to the seasons. The Great Migration is one of the most remarkable natural phenomenons of the world, encompassing around 1.5 million wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson’s gazelle and approximately 191,000 zebras. These various travelling animals are shadowed closely on their yearly circular course by a wide assortment of ravenous predators, namely lions and hyena.

All animals comprising Africa’s Big 5 can be spotted in the Masai Mara, though the number of black rhino is extremely threatened with a population of a mere 37 (recorded in 2000). Hippo can be found in big gatherings in the Masai Mara and in the Talek rivers. Cheetah are also found, but their population too is threatened. In addition to this, more than 450 species of bird have been identified in the Park, including marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned crane, ostriches, long-crested eagles and African pygmy-falcons.

Accommodation: Camp: Masai Mara Excursion
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Nairobi to Masai Mara ±240 km
Meals: Breakfast x1, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Excursion

Day 3

Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru, Kenya

We depart from the Masai Mara and journey north to Lake Nakuru where we devote our afternoon to game driving. First established as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was developed into a National Park in 1968. White rhino roam frequently through the savannah area that surrounds the lake, providing us with incredible photo opportunities.

Lake Nakuru National Park inherited it’s name from the alkaline lake that surrounds it. Nakuru means ‘dry or dusty place’ in the Masai language. Though the Park was initially created as a bird sanctuary, it is now inhabited by an immense number of various animal species, including the Big Four – lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo (unfortunately the Park is not home to any elephants). Famous for its enormous flocks of flamingos that gather around the edges of its shores due to the abundance of algae in the waters, Lake Nakuru is also a haven for black and white rhino and, and has recently been extended in order to provide protection for these majestic, endangered creatures.

Accommodation: Camp: Kivu Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions (Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered)
Route: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park ±220 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru NP Game Drive

Day 4

Jinja, Uganda

We say goodbye to Lake Nakuru and make our way across the equator towards Uganda’s second largest city – Jinja. Jinja is famous for being the place where the Nile River flows out of Lake Victoria and initiates the 6695 kilometre adventure to Egypt and finally, the Mediterranean Sea.

Originally a fishing village that profited from being situated on long-distance trading courses, Jinja was established as a city in 1901 by the British as an administrative centre for the Provincial Government Headquarters for the Busoga area. This took place around the same time that Lake Victoria’s significance in transport heightened due to the Uganda Railway joining Kisumu – a Kenyan town located on the lake with Mombasa on the Indian Ocean, 1,400 kilometres away. Jinja was able to increase it’s size due to cotton-packing, nearby sugar estates and access to the railway. In 1906 a street layout was established and Indian traders began to inhabit the area from around 1910.

At one point in time, Jinja contained a massive East Indian community up until they were forced out of Uganda by Idi Amin in 1971/1972. Most of the architecture in Jinja is Indian-influenced, although the intricate shop-fronts and buildings were not well-maintained after the departure of the Indians. Local industrial concerns collapsed and the majority of the East Indians who are presently heading back to Uganda have decided to start up businesses again.

Accommodation: Camp: Eden Rock Resort
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Lake Nakuru to Jinja ±430 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Crossing of the Equator

Day 5

Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

We make a brief stop in Kampala before making our way to Murchison National Park – Recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. Once settled in at your accommodation, a briefing will be given on the various activities available for the upcoming day.

Accommodation: Camp: Kabalega Resort Hotel
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Jinja to Masindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk

Day 6

Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Today you will participate in a Chimpanzee trek in the Budongo Forest as well as a boat cruise in the Murchison Falls Nation Park. The Budongo forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa. Enjoy a game drive through the forest where you can spot other wildlife.

Note: If there are more than 12 guests on the tour, the group will be split into two between the morning and the evening. We ask that you please allow for flexibility.

Accommodation: Camp: Kabalega Resort Hotel
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Chimp trekking (half day) / Nile River Cruise

Day 7

Lake Kikorongo Region, Uganda

We leave Masindi in the morning and are then transferred to the edges of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our overnight this evening is located at the top of a hill overlooking Lake Kiborongo.

Accommodation: Camp: Simba Safari Camp 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Masindi to Lake Mburo ± 435 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi), Uganda

A small, but beautiful lake with steep banks and plentiful birdlife, Lake Bunyonyi is circled by mountains and is most famous for its abundant otter population and picturesque surrounds. We take this day to unwind in this stunning spot the evening prior to our drive to the gorillas.

Lake Bunyonyi, or ‘place of many little birds’, is situated on the Rwandan border. At 25 kilometres long and 7 kilometres wide, the Lake spreads over 61 square kilometres, whilst it’s depth is said to deviate between 44 and 900 metres. It is one of the rare lakes in the area that is bilharzia-free and safe for swimming. All 29 of its islands are clustered in the central part of the region.

Accommodation: Camp: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi ±420 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 10

Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi), Uganda

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and although the precise numbers of it’s population vary, it is largely believed that there are just around 650 of the gentle giants remaining. Paying a visit to the gorillas is a lovely way to support their future on earth as the money you spend on your gorilla permit contributes towards their protection. A crucial part of conserving the gorillas that are still left lies within the community development work. As local communities adjust their attitude towards nature and wildlife, and begin to protect rather than poach, the future of the beautiful mountain gorilla looks promising.

Because permits granted to visit the gorillas are extremely limited, we will require some flexibility on both our travel itinerary and the location where will actually get to see them. The mountain gorillas reside in man-made borders, therefore, their range includes Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Whenever it is possible, we will be making use of the National Park in Uganda, but this is dependent upon the availability of permits. If we do not manage to obtain permits for our Gorilla Trek, all passengers will be notified beforehand that our journey will travel to Rwanda or the DRC.

On our free day spent in Bunyonyi, we will have the chance to partake in Optional Activities. You can opt to go hiking or to explore the region via mountain bike.

PLEASE NOTE: Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you only spend one day on the trek. The other day is there to provide a time period in which to obtain permits and to allow the group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.

Accommodation: Camp: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Lake Bunyonyi National Park to the starting point of the gorilla trek ±125 km (in safari or smaller vehicles)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Optional Activity: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour

Day 11

Lake Bunyonyi – Kampala, Uganda

Today we head back from the Gorilla Trekking at Lake Bunyonyi to Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This evening you will be briefed on the following days activities. We spend the evening in Kampala.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Hillside Plaza Hotel
Facilities: En-suites Bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala ±420 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Jinja, Uganda

We leave early in the morning for Jinja and our final night in Uganda where you will be able to relax and have the afternoon to enjoy some activities such as rafting, kayaking or swimming around the Nile. If you do not enjoy water activities you can enjoy horse riding or quad biking.

Accommodation: Camp: Eden Rock Resort
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Kampala to Jinja ±230 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, rafting

Day 13

Kenya – Eldoret, Kenya

On our way back to Kenya, we stop by the country’s 5th biggest city, Eldoret. The main geographical characteristic of this area is the Great Rift Valley and the altitude at Eldoret varies from 2,100 metres above sea level.

Eldoret is a Kenyan town established by Afrikaners in 1910. The town was initially known to the locals as 64 or Sisibo due to it being set up at the 64th mile post on the wagon course from Londiani. In the year 1908, Afrikaans speaking South Africans who journeyed there from Nakuru following a trek from South Africa by sea and by rail from Mombasa settled in Eldoret. Briefly following this, further settlers and traders of European and Asian descent started to arrive. When the governor chose to set up an administrative centre in 1912, the town became officially known as ‘Eldoret’.

When the town become an administrative centre, a massive increase in trade took place and as a result a bank and a few shops were built. Eldoret is the hometown of many well-known Kenyan runners, the most famous of whom is Kipchoge Keino. The elevation of Eldoret makes for a prime training ground for plenty of middle and long distance sportsmen. The athletes from this town have contributed immensely to Eldoret’s economy by sharing their winnings from races won all around the world.

Accommodation: Camp: Naiberi River Camp
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Jinja to Eldoret ± 290 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: Kenya: Busia 09256 454 3482, Uganda: Malaba

Day 14 - 15

Nairobi, Kenya

Arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Most travellers choose to spend the evening at Nairobi’s restaurants spending time with travellers who are leaving the trip. The following day is at leisure to explore. There are a variety of optional activities to choose from such as a visit to the Giraffe Centre and the
Nairobi National Park.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Sentrim Boulevard Hotel or similar
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Eldoret to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2

Day 16

Arusha, Tanzania

We leave the lively capital of Kenya today and make our way into Arusha, Tanzania the gateway to the most amazing game reserves. After all border formalities we make our way to our camp for the evening.

Enclosed by some of Africa’s most well-known landscapes and National Parks, Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru – on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley’s eastern branch. The city experiences mostly balmy weather due to its location on the hills of Mt Meru. Within close proximity to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha contains its very own National Park, situated on Mount Meru. The main industry of this area is agriculture. Producers of huge vegetables and flowers send superb produce to Europe. Small-scale farming was negatively impacted by the somewhat recent ‘coffee crisis’ and has therefore transformed into mostly subsistence farming. Arusha has several factories including a brewery, tyre and fibreboard plant as well as a big pharmaceuticals manufacturer.

Accommodation: Camp: Meru Mbega Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Nairobi to Arusha ±290 km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: Tanzania: Namanga, no telephone number, Open: 24hrs, Kenya: Namanga, Tel: +254 455 32002, Open: 24 hrs

Day 17 - 19

Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater & Seronera Excursion – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

We travel a short distance to Karatu, where most of the day is spent making our way closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. We will be briefed on what to expect on the overnight excursion into the crater.

Day 1 – Ngorongoro Crater and Seronera located in the heart of the Serengeti

In the morning we will climb into 4×4 safari vehicles taken from our camp to the Ngorongoro Crater. In search of the animals roaming the plains, we will spend most of our day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater floor.

The afternoon will bring us to our overnight camp in the Seronera region of the Serengeti National Park, while sipping on a cold beverage in the camp, surrounded by a spectacular landscape and abundant wildlife.

Day 2 Game Driving Through the Serengeti 

On our last day, we wake up early and spend our time game driving in the Serengeti. One of the most famous Game Reserves in Africa.  Our day will be spent searching for wildlife that resides in this park, which is famed for its abundance of wildlife. In the late afternoon, we will return to Karatu and spend the evening discussing our experiences over the past two days.

The Ngorongoro region makes up part of the ecosystem of the Serengeti. To the northwest, it meets the Serengeti National Park and lies adjacent to the southern plains of the Serengeti. These plains spread to the north into the unguarded Loliondo division and are open to wildlife due to the farming habits of the Masai. Volcanic highlands lie to the south and west of the region whilst the rim of the Great Rift Valley wall defines the southern and eastern boundaries. This wall serves to restrict animals migrating in these directions.

Accommodation: Camp Kudu Camp and a Private Tented Camp (Kanaga Tented Camp)
Facilities: Shared ablutions and in the Serengeti: Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Arusha to Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and return
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x3
Included Highlight: Full day 4×4 excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and afternoon drive into Seronera, Game Drive through Seronera, Serengeti National Park

Day 20

Arusha, Tanzania

We leave Karatu and make away back to Arusha, where we will have time to tell tales of incredible encounters you had in the Park.

Accommodation: Camp: Meru Mbega Lodge 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Karatu to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21

Bagamoyo, Tanzania

From Arusha we head south towards Bagamoyo, who’s name means “”lay down your heart”” and goes back to the days of slavery. Today is a travel day where you will experience the markets, villages and magnificent views that give life to the rural Africa. Our accommodation for the night is the Bagamoyo Travellers Lodge and we prepare for the following days Zanzibar Excursion.

Accommodation: Camp: Bagamoyo Travellers Lodge or similar
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo ± 550 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 - 24

Nungwi (Zanzibar Excursion) – 2 Nights at Nungwi Beach and 1 Night at Stone Town

We wake up early today in order to make our way to Dar es Salaam, where we will board a local ferry that carries us from Dar to Zanzibar. We are transferred to the island’s north region where we will spend time unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches.

While you are staying in Zanzibar we encourage you to explore, snorkel, scuba dive or go on sunset cruises. Explore the many attractions on a rented scooter or unwind on the serene beaches soaking up some sun.

Due to the dominant Islam religion in Zanzibar, conservative clothing should be worn most places except on the beach, where your regular clothes and swimsuits are acceptable. It is recommended that women wear t-shirts and knee-length shorts or skirts in town. The Islamic religion frowns upon the showing of arms above the elbow or legs above the knee. Shoulders should also remain covered and no revealing necklines are acceptable. Men’s clothing is less restrictive, allowing them to wear shirts and shorts. However, on the beach or in our resort, there are no dress codes other than the regular ones adhered to in most pool/public areas.

If you happen to be visiting Zanzibar during the month of fasting (Ramadaan), please speak to your local guide about the customs adhered to during this period. Regular eating times during the day are forbidden and most locals will be sure to make you aware of this. Majority of shops and restaurants will be closed during Ramadan, but it is acceptable as a foreigner to have meals at hotels or resorts. Your guide will be able to inform you of what is appropriate and when.

The main industries of Zanzibar are spices, raffia and tourism. In addition to this, Zanzibar is also home to the extremely endangered species of the Red Colobus Monkey. The word ‘Zanzibar’ was derived from the Persian term ‘zangi-bar’ meaning ‘coast of the blacks’. However, it is believed that the name could have also originated from the Arabic ‘Zayn Z’al Barr’ meaning ‘fair is this land’. ‘Zanzibar’ frequently refers specifically to Unguja Island and is sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, though this term is more often associated with the Indonesian Maluku Islands.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Amaan Bungalows (Day 1 & 2), All Seasons Hotel (Day 3)
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x3, Dinner x3
Route: Dar es Salaam to Nungwi (Zanzibar), Nungwi to Stone Town
Included Highlights: Zanzibar Excursion, Prison Island boat tour / Walking Spice Tour
Optional Activities: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours and more

Day 25

Mikumi, Tanzania

We depart from the warm Indian Ocean coastline today and begin our journey to Mikumi National Park. Mikumi National Park is one of the largest parks in Tanzania and contains countless lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephant.

Accommodation: Camp: Camp Bastian
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Mikumi Game Drive

Day 26

Iringa, Tanzania

Iringa is situated on a cliff and overlooks the Ruaha River Valley. The town takes visitors into the past with its German colonial influence and a popular market. There is the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery which memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII.

Tanzania is a mountainous region in the northeast, where Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located. The Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest lake, famous for its unique fish species) are to the north and west. Central Tanzania is comprised of a vast plateau complete with savannahs and fruitful land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the exotic island of Zanzibar situated just offshore.

Tanzania has tropical temperatures and, in the highlands, the climate ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. The remainder of the country has temperatures that seldom drop lower than 20 degrees Celsius. The hottest season is between November and February, reaching temperatures of over 30 degrees, whilst the coldest season is between May and August, dropping to below 15 degrees.

Accommodation: Camp: Kisolanza Farm
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Mikumi to Iringa ± 360 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27

Mbeya Region, Tanzania

We will visit a coffee plantation during our tour, where we will have the opportunity to see how the plant is grown and harvested beans, as well as sample some.

Accommodation: Camp: Utengule Coffee Lodge 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Iringa to Chilumba ± 560 km/
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Coffee Plantation Visit

Day 28 - 29

Lake Malawi, Malawi

The next two days are spent enjoying the magnificent views and sounds of Lake Malawi. You could laze around at the pool at your camp, snorkel or swim in Lake Malawi. We spend the afternoon exploring the small village of Ngala. The next day, we travel further south of Lake Malawi. Accommodation this evening is on the shores of this magnificent lake.

Lake Malawi is the third biggest in Africa and the eighth biggest in the world, located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake offers fantastic snorkelling and diving adventures and it’s tropical waters contain more species of fish than any other lake on earth. These fish support the locals who rely on the lake for survival, using mokoros (dug-out canoes) to set out massive nets. There is a massive variety of different ethnic groups dwelling in this area and as a result, there are plenty of dialects to be learned and spoken. Majority of these groups are Christians due to the countless missionaries who past through the area, whilst the remainder have maintained their traditional belief systems.

David Livingstone arrived at Lake Malawi in 1895 whilst he was attempting to put a stop to the awful slave trades taking place. He returned in 1861 accompanied by seven missionaries who established a mission station in the southern area of the lake, however some of them contracted malaria and various other illnesses. There was also some conflict with slave-drivers. The surviving missionaries soon withdrew to Zanzibar. Livingstone came back again in 1866 as part of his journey to discover the source of the Nile. In 1869 he travelled north and was subsequently out of contact for almost two years. He was found by journalist Henry Stanley on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in 1871 where the famous phrase from Stanley was uttered: “Dr Livingstone, I presume.” Livingstone then carried out his mission, eventually dying in a village called Chitombo in Zambia in 1873.

The death of this remarkable explorer revived the desire in other missionaries to come to Malawi and, after they finally finished setting up missions in various malaria-ridden areas, they constructed a malaria-free mission in the highlands of the eastern escarpment, aptly named Livingstonia. This particular mission is still operational today and is open to visitors willing to embark on a strenuous hike in order to reach it. Because of the relative difficulty of this 6-8 hour trek to the mission, you should be sure to partake in it but only if you feel you are truly fit enough to brave the steep slopes and boiling temperatures.

Accommodation: Camp: Maji Zuwa (day 1) or Ngala Beach Lodge (day 2)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: North Lake Malawi to Central Lake Malawi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Malawi Village Tour

Day 30

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Feel free to go snorkelling and discover the interesting creatures in the lake or take the time to relax, read and soak up the sun. We stay another night on the edge of Lake Malawi before making our way to Zambia.

Accommodation: Camp: Ngala Beach Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In the early morning we enjoy our last sunrise before we travel from Malawi and make our way into Zambia, carrying on to the South Luangwa National Park. We cross the border and stop briefly in Chipata before making our way to our camp, where we spend the following two evenings on the riverbanks. You can frequently spot hippos and other wildlife from the camp’s bar. Enjoying the sunrise over the lake, we enjoy an equally magnificent sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

Accommodation: Camp: Wildlife Camp or Marula Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Nkhotakota Region to South Luangwa National Park ±305 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Zambia: Mwani Border / Tel: +260(0)21 138 1930, Malawi: Mchinji Border / Tel: +265 (0)12 42215

Day 32

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

We spend the day exploring this magnificent park. You will have a chance to partake in an optional safari drive this morning or you could join one of the walking safari that is on offer here. In the afternoon we embark on an included sunset game drive through the beautiful South Luangwa National Park where there is an opportunity to spot nocturnal species and enjoy a sundowner along the way.

Located in eastern Zambia, the South Luangwa National Park is a world famous wildlife sanctuary that is well-known for its beautiful walking safaris. There are plenty of Thorneycroft’s Giraffe as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo and the Luangwa River is also home to plenty of crocodiles and hippos. Established as a game reserve in 1983, the area was declared a National Park in 1972 and presently covers over 9000 square kilometres. Hippopotami flourish in this Park due to the areas of flooded grasslands that are situated along the river, on which they happily graze during the evenings. We may be able to spot pods of over 500 hippos during the dry season as this is when the river dries up and leaves them restricted to areas of deep pools.

On average, there are most likely up to 42 hippos per kilometre. These magnificent creatures are crucial to the Park’s ecosystem as their excrement which is released into the river fertilises the waters and supports the fish population which, in turn, sustains the crocodiles. The South Luangwa National Park is also believed to contain the largest population of leopard throughout the entire African continent. It is estimated that there is one leopard for every kilometre of river in the Luangwa Valley. Therefore, the possibility of spotting this elusive and majestic nocturnal creature is fairly high.

Accommodation: Camp: Wildlife Camp or Marula Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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

We depart from South Luangwa today, we stop at the Tribal Textiles for a visit and journey through to Petauke where we spend the afternoon unwinding. Purely African, Zambia is somewhat of an adjustment to the more western ways of Southern Africa.

Note: Tribal textile production department is closed from December to March, but the textile shop is open all year around.

Accommodation: Camp: Chimwemwe Executive Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: South Luangwa National Park to Petauke ±185 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Textile project visit (full tour available March to December)

Day 34

Lusaka, Zambia

Our travels to the lively capital of Lusaka leads us along a fascinating path. On weekdays there may be a chance to pay a visit to one of the intriguing local markets in the area.

The capital and biggest city of Zambia, Lusaka has two primary spoken languages – English and Nyanja. It is situated in the southern region of the central plateau of Zambia at a height of 1300 metres and has a population of approximately 1.7 million. With one of the most rapidly developing city centres in Africa, Lusaka is situated in a prolific farming region and is Zambia’s administrative, financial and commercial centre. It is believed that with proper and effective economic improvements, Lusaka (as well as Zambia as a whole) will advance significantly. Lusaka is home to a varied community of foreigners, many of whom work in the aid industry, as well as diplomats, representatives of religious societies and several business people. Historically, Lusaka was once the site of a village named after its headman, Lusaka, which was situated at Manda Hill; close by to where the National Assembly building now stands. The area was extended by European settlers in 1905 with the construction of the railway.

During 1935, Lusaka was selected to replace Livingstone as the capital of the British colony of northern Rhodesia, due to its relatively central location on the railway. After the union of northern and southern Rhodesia in 1953, Lusaka became the heart of the independence movement, resulting in the formation of the Republic of Zambia. Zambia became the 9th African state to gain independence from the British colonialists in 1964, following which President Kaunda came to power, with Lusaka as the country’s capital

Accommodation: Camp: Eureka Camp
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Petauke to Lusaka ±403 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 35 - 36

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today we journey from Lusaka and make our way across the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe into the town of Victoria Falls and we get a first glimpse of the magnificent Victoria Falls. There are a variety of optional activities on offer here and can be booked upon arrival in the town.

*Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure.

Tomorrow we visit the remarkable Victoria Falls where you will be staying the night with a view of the mighty Zambezi River dropping into the Batoka Gorge below. A variety of optional activities are on offer for those wanting to experience an adrenaline dosage this afternoon.

A variety of adventure filled activities are made available for the adrenaline seeking traveller and for the more relaxed traveller you can explore Victoria Falls by visiting the craft markets or simply enjoy a delicious tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

At 1700 metres wide and 108 metres high, Victoria Falls is said to be the biggest falls in the world. According to popular belief, Scottish explorer David Livingstone was the very first European to stand witness to the mighty Victoria Falls and wrote: “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” The local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’, is used as the official name in Zambia. Because of its enormous power and size, the Falls are embellished with countless mythologies. It is believed by the local Tonga people of Zambezi that a river god, Nyaminyami, lives in the water in the shape of a gigantic snake.

The Zambezi River flooded thrice when the Kariba Dam was constructed in the 1950s, causing numerous deaths and much devastation. The locals believe that Nyaminyami became angry with the building of the Dam and thus was the entity that caused the horrendous floods. The peculiar form of Victoria Falls allows it’s entire width to be seen face-on from as near as 60 metres to the Falls due to the Zambezi River dropping into a deep and narrow slot-like fissure connected to a lengthy sequence of ravines. There are very few waterfalls in the world that permit this close of an approach on foot.

The Falls are created by the entire width of the river plummeting in a solitary vertical drop into a 120 metre wide chasm, whittled by the cascading waters along a breakage area in the basalt plateau. The chasm called the First Gorge varies from 80 metres deep at it’s west end to 108 metres in it’s centre. The only opening to the First Gorge is though a gap 110 metres wide, approximately two-thirds of the way across the width of the Falls from the western end, through which the entire volume of the river spills into the gorges of the Victoria Falls. Two islands, Boaruka and Livingstone, are situated on the peak of the Falls. They are big enough to divide the sheet of water, even at full flood. At less than full flood, other islands perform the task of dividing the curtain of water into dispersed parallel streams. The main streams are known as Leaping Water, Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls (the tallest) and the Eastern Cataract.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Shearwater Explorers Village
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offer
Route: Lusaka to Victoria Falls ± 570 km, Victoria Falls to Kasane ± 100 km
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Optional Activity: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, helicopter flights, boma dinner experience, dinner cruise

Day 37

Victoria Falls – Kasane, Botswana

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of optional activities available in Victoria Falls. As we travel towards the Botswana border after lunch, we cross into Botswana and arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon to set up camp along the Chobe River.

Accommodation: Camp Thebe River Safaris 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Victoria Falls to Kasane ±100 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, helicopter flights, boma dinner experience, dinner cruise
Border Post: Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00. Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50330, Open: 06h00- 20h00.

Day 38

Chobe National Park, Botswana

The second biggest park in all of Botswana, Chobe National Park spreads over approximately 10,600 square kilometres of northern Botswana. The park forms part of the medley of lakes, islands and floodplains created by the river systems of the Kwanda, Linyanti and Chobe Rivers. This region is well-known for it’s enormous buffalo and elephant herds – the population of which is presently around 120,000. The Chobe elephants migrate often and travel up to 200 kilometres from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they gather during the dry season to the pans in the southeast portion of the park during rainy season. They can be identified by their frail ivory and short tusks which is probably due to the lack of calcium in the soils. Because of their high population, much damage to vegetation is caused in certain areas and therefore, culls have been considered but never carried out due to the enormous controversy surrounding the act.

The initial inhabitants of this region were the San people, known in Botswana as the ‘Basarwa’. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers who travelled from place to place searching for the next source of food and water. The San were eventually forced out by groups of the Basubiya people and, in 1911, a congregation of Batawana moved to the area. It was decided in 1931 that a national park would be erected in order to guard the wildlife from extinction as well as to attract tourists. During 1932, an area of approximately 24,000 square kilometres in the Chobe region was declared as a non-hunting zone. Throughout the years, the boundaries of the park have been modified and the people who have settled in the region have been relocated. Chobe National Park was eventually completely rid of human occupation in the year 1975, and in 1980 (and once more in 1986) the boundaries were once again altered, increasing the park to it’s current size.

Accommodation: Camping: Thebe River Safaris
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Included Highlight Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity Chobe National Park Game Drive

Day 39

Kasane – Chobe – Savuti – Khwai, Botswana

The truck will be separated from you for the next 2 nights, so it is essential that you pack and gather your personal belongings before we depart for Maun today, since there is limited time for re-packing and storing in Maun.

Savuti Game Reserve is on the east side of Chobe National Park and on the west side of the Okavango Delta. In Savuti you’ll find the biggest concentration of wildlife in Southern Africa.

Today we’ll make most of our way through Savuti Game Reserve on the hunt for the animals that roam the plains. The park offers a variety of habitats, from wetland to open water, grasslands to Savannah woodlands, so as many species as possible can be found there. We’re getting to our camp in the p in the Khwai Conservation area this afternoon.

Accommodation: Camp: Magotho / Boga Campsite (no website available)
Facilities: Campsite with shared ablutions
Route: Kasane via Savuti Game Reserve to Khwai Conservation Area (long day ±6-8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Game Drive through Savuti Game Reserve in 4×4 safari vehicles

Day 40

Khwai Conservation Area, Botswana

Heading out early, we transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene narrow, water channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. While on one of the islands, you can take a nature walk with your pole, and then we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. This pristine wilderness area is not primarily a game viewing area, but you might be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffes, kudus, impalas, and zebras.

After lunch, we will return to the Khwai Conservation Area for our afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles. The professional guide may choose different routes for game viewing during the afternoon, especially when floods are present since certain roads may be impassable or closed.

Accommodation: Camp: Magotho / Boga Camp (no website available)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Morning Mokoro Excursion / Khwai Conservation Afternoon Game Drive

Day 41

Central Kalahari District, Botswana

Day 42

Maun – Kang, Central Kalahari, Botswana

Our journey today will take us across the Trans-Kalahari highway towards the remote town of Kang. It is likely that we will encounter wildlife in its natural habitat while traveling along this unfenced stretch of road.

Accommodation: Camp: Kang Ultra Stop
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Ghanzi to Kang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 43

Kang – Johannesburg, South Africa

Leaving the Kalahari behind we make our way to the North Western Province and arrive in Belvedere Estate in the afternoon where our tour comes to an end. An optional traditional dinner at Belvedere Estate is available for those wanting to spend the evening sharing stories before making their way back home.

Johannesburg is the biggest and most populated South African city and is the second biggest city in all of Africa (after Cairo). Gold was discovered in the mineral-rich Witwaterstrand in 1886 by George Harrison, an Australian prospector. His discovery resulted in a massive gold rush as fortune-hunters flocked to the region from all parts of the world. A large labour force of contract workers quickly sprung to work in the mines, and within the span of just three years, Johannesburg transformed into South Africa’s biggest settlement. This city is the now the economic and financial centre of the country and although mining no longer takes place within the bounds of the city, the headquarters of the majority of mining businesses can be located here. Johannesburg is also renowned as the world’s biggest man-made forest, with more than ten million trees planted throughout the massive city.

Accommodation: Own arrangements / post-tour accommodation can be booked through us.
Route: Kang to Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Traditional Meal at Belvedere Estate
Border Post: Botswana Pioneer Gate Tel: +267 533 3992, Open: 06h00 – 24h00. South Africa Skilpadshek Tel: +27 0800 00 7277, Open: 06h00 – 24h00

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.