Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Tour (Camping) (45 Days)

Day 1 - 2

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: Permanent Tent 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
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: Two Per Room: Waterbuck Hotel
Facilities: En-suites facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
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 Kalagala Falls Tented and Overland Camp
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Lake Nakuru to Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: Kenya: Busia +254 20 2649524; Open 24 hours Uganda: Busia; +256 414 423 2645; Open 24 hours

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. This evening, we will stay at the top of a hill that overlooks Lake Kiborongo during our overnight.

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 Kikorongo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi), Uganda

Today we cross the equator one more time as we travel south to Lake Bunyonyi.

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
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 (in safari or smaller vehicles)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Optional Activity: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour

Day 11

Lake Mburo, Uganda

After leaving Lake Bunyonyi, we travel to Lake Mburo, another beautiful body of water in Uganda. There are rolling hills, open grasslands, and patches of woodland around Lake Mburo, which is located in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda near the town of Mbarara. Birdwatchers will find Lake Mburo National Park to be a paradise with over 350 species of birds recorded. Numerous bird species, including the rare and oddly looking shoebill stork, thrive in the diverse ecosystems of the park, which include acacia woodlands, savannahs, and wetlands.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Leopard Rest 
Facilities: En-suites facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Lake Bunyonyi to Mburo
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: Kalagala Falls Tented and Overland Camp 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Mburo to Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Crossing of the Equator
Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, rafting (time dependent, could happen the following day)

Day 13

Jinja, Uganda

In Jinja, adventurers and non-adventurers can choose from a variety of optional activities. It will be your day at leisure today, and your guide will assist you with planning it.

Accommodation: Camp: Kalagala Falls Tented and Overland Camp 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, river rafting, source of the Nile Cruise

Day 14 - 15

Nairobi, Kenya

As we return to Kenya, we visit Eldoret, the fifth largest city in the country. At Eldoret, the altitude is 2100 metres above sea level, the Great Rift Valley still dominates the region’s geography.

During our return to Nairobi this afternoon, we will reflect on the many memories we have gathered, and prepare to spend the night in Nairobi before departing for Tanzania.

Accommodation: Camp: Naiberi River Camp (1st night), Two Per room Hotel Boulevard  (2nd night)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions (Nairebi River Camp), En-suite facilities (Hotel Boulevard) Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Jinja to Eldoret to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner

There is flexibility in the itinerary and it can be modified at any time without notice in order to ensure that you are able to observe the Mountain Gorillas in the best possible way. Gorilla permits are also subject to change without notice.

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: Njiro Legacy
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:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: Tanzania: Namanga, no telephone number, Open: 24hrs, Kenya: Namanga, Tel: +254 455 32002, Open: 24 hrs

Day 17 - 19

Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu, Tanzania

Our safari style vehicles pick us up this morning, and we depart Arusha early in the morning to drive directly to the Serengeti National Park.  Our camp is located in the Seronera region of the Serengeti in the afternoon.  We will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your tent as we sip on a cold beverage this evening, while enjoying the spectacular views and abundant wildlife surrounding the camp.

The next morning we will enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing on a game drive through the Serengeti National Park.  As the park is well known for the abundance of wildlife that it has, we will spend most of our day searching for the animals that can be found there.

On our morning commute, we will head towards Ngorongoro Crater, where we will enter the conservation area and explore the crater floor in search of wildlife. Upon completion of the exploration, we will leave the crater and travel to Karatu for the night.

Accommodation: Two Per permanent Tent: Seronera Private Tented Camp (Serengeti), Camp: Kudu Camp (Ngorongoro)
Facilities: En-suite facilities (Seronera), Shared Ablutions (Kudu) Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (Seronera), Karatu via Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x3
Included Highlight: Afternoon safari drive into Seronera, Full day game Drive through Seronera, Serengeti National Park, Morning excursion to Ngorongoro Crater
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required, subject to availability & weather conditions)

Day 20

Arusha, Tanzania

We will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market shortly after our departure from Karatu, which is located in the small village of Mto wa Mbu. This town, which is noted for its rice crops and distinctive red bananas, lies on the main road that provides access to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area.  After departing from the Serengeti and visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, we return to Arusha and spend the night reminiscing about what we experienced.

Accommodation: Camp: Njiro Legacy 
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
Included Highlight: Mto wa Mbu Market

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: FireFly Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 - 24

Zanzibar Beaches – Stone Town (Zanzibar), Tanzania

Upon departing Bagamoyo, we proceed to Dar es Salaam, where we will catch a ferry to Zanzibar Island. In Zanzibar, we spend the next two nights at a beachfront resort on the eastern shore of the island.  The hotel offers a variety of recreational activities such as a beach, swimming pool, and bicycle rental.

There is free time today to take advantage of some of the attractions and activities available. You will have ample opportunity today to create some memorable experiences on the island, no matter what you choose to do. Whether you wish to explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach, there is something for everyone.

We will be traveling by road to Stone Town this morning.  A guided walking spice tour will be offered before we reach Stone Town, which will take us through villages and spice plantations.  It will be possible for you to witness firsthand how spice farm workers climb the trees to search for specific plants. Furthermore, you will be able to purchase fresh spices directly from the farms.  The next stop is Stone Town, a busy port town that once marked both the slave and spice trade routes. This town has a rich history that was once a major landmark.  In addition to discovering the well-known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury, we will engage in a walking tour of Stone Town.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Zanzibar Bay (Zanzibar Beaches), Paradise Inn or Shangani Hotel (Stone Town)
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Route: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar(Eastern Shores), Eastern shores to Stone Town
Included Highlights: Zanzibar Excursion, Stone Town walking city tour, Spice Tour

Day 25

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

It is time to say goodbye to the island of Zanzibar and catch our ferry back to Dar es Salaam, where we will spend the night before continuing on our journey.

Accommodation: Camp: Kariakoo Sleep-Inn 
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 26

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 27

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. As we approach the town, we stop at the Baobab Valley, known for its ancient, towering baobab trees that have survived the test of time for thousands of years. Against the African savannah, these imposing trees create a surreal and breathtaking scene, ideal for taking group photographs.

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28 - 29

Mbeya Region –  Lake Malawi, Tanzania

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

The next day we leave Tanzania behind and cross the border into Malawi as we descend the Great Rift Valley. It is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because of its beautiful lakeside location. We will spend the night on the shores of Lake Malawi, where we look forward to exploring the attractions of the north of the lake.  The crystal clear waters of the crystal clear ocean offer the opportunity to observe first-hand the brightly colored tropical cichlids that are often found in colourful aquariums throughout the world.

Accommodation: Camp: Utengule Coffee Lodge (Mbeya Region), Chitimba (Lake Malawi)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Iringa to Chilumba
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Coffee Plantation Visit, Village Walk with your Tour Leader
Border Post: Tanzania (Kasumulu border): Chi’zumulu, Tel: +265 15 357 207, Open: 06h00-18h00, Malawi: Songwe (no telephone), Open: 06h00-18h00

Day 30

Lake Malawi, Malawi

In the morning, we board our truck and drive south of Lake Malawi. We are headed to Lake Malawi’s shores tonight.  There are more fish species in this lake than in any other lake in Malawi, which stretches over 500km along the western boundary. This natural wonder is where we spend the night.

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
Route: North Lake Malawi to Central Lake Malawi

Day 31

Lake Malawi, Malawi

The lake is the perfect place to relax today, it is yours to spend the day at leisure.  You can enjoy the many attractions, read a book, soak up the sun, or bathe in the sun.

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 32

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. As we traverse the stunning landscapes of Malawi’s oldest and largest national park, we engage in an exhilarating “on-truck” safari. 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
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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border: Zambia: Mwani Border / Tel: +260(0)21 138 1930, Malawi: Mchinji Border / Tel: +265 (0)12 42215

Day 33

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

We spend the day exploring this magnificent park. You will have a chance to partake in an optional game 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.

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
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 Activities: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

Day 34

Petauke, Zambia

We depart from South Luangwa today. Along the way, we visit Mulberry Mongoose to see their local jewellery and curios made of organic materials sourced from the African bush by local women from South Luangwa. The town of Chipata is home and producer of Chipata Cotton. We 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.

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mulberry Mongoose Curio Visit

Day 35 - 36

Petauke – Chirundu, Zimbabwe

As we travel west towards Chirundu, our destination for the night, we make a stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling marketplace where Zambian vendors sell their goods. There are a variety of delectable fruits on display, including masau and masaku, which are available all year round and are renowned for their delicious flavour. Other African curios add to the colourful tapestry of this vibrant marketplace, from exquisitely woven baskets to papyrus carpets. Along with the Luangwa River, the Great East Road serves as a vital link between Lusaka and Malawi. The landscapes of today contrast starkly with those of the developed countries in which we reside.

The following day is free to enjoy some of the activities offered at our lodge along the Kafue River. There are many activities available in the Lower Zambezi National Park, including fishing on the Zambezi River and safaris. You can also go on a river safari, go birding, and visit a bat cave or baobab forest as optional activities

Accommodation: Camp: Gwabi River Lodge 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offer
Route: Petuake to Chirundu
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Market visit
Optional Activities: Fishing, Birding, Baobab forest & bat cave, Lower Zambezi National Park game drive, River Sarfari

Day 37

Livingstone, Zambia

Our journey takes us through the southern reaches of Zambia to the adventure town of Livingstone, which is located on the banks of Victoria Falls. You will have the opportunity to see the mighty Victoria Falls this afternoon, or as the Zambians call them, “Musi oa Tunya,” the Smoke that Thunders.  We have booked your accommodation in Livingstone for tonight.

Accommodation: Camp Victoria Falls Waterfront, Livingstone, Zambia 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 38

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We begin the day by visiting the magnificent Victoria Falls viewing the thundering Zambezi River as it drops to the Batoka Gorge below. Spend your day partaking in a variety of optional activities for those adrenaline seekers. There are also craft markets for those looking to have a more relaxed afternoon and a delicious high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Accommodation: Camp: Shearwater Explorers Village
Facilities: Pre-erected dome tent with camper beds with shared ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: No Meals
Optional Activity: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, helicopter flights, boma dinner experience, dinner cruise

Day 39

 Victoria Falls – Kasane – Chobe National Park , Botswana

We start the day with a delicious breakfast before we travel to the Botswana border crossing into Kasane where we setup camp on the banks on the Chobe River. We begin our day exploring the park in 4×4 vehicles where we enjoy up close and personal experiences with elephants along the river. Our day ends in the afternoon with an incredible sunset cruise and enjoy a delicious meal around a camp fire.

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: 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 kms
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 40

Kasane to Nata, Botswana

The Kalahari Desert is reached after leaving the banks of the Chobe River. Your view of the ‘bushveld’ will change as you approach our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Camp: Elephant Sands 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kasane to Nata

Day 41

Khwai Conservation Area, Botswana

Before we depart camp today, make sure you pack and gather your personal belongings which you may need, since you will be separated from the truck for the next 2 nights.  Be sure only to take what you need for the next two nights when packing. Continuing towards the Okavango Delta, we stop to view the Salt Pans en route. A scenic flight over the Delta can be arranged upon arrival in Maun (weather and time permitting).

The Khwai Conservation area will be reached after your optional flight in open 4×4 safari vehicles.  After lunch, we’ll head into the Okavango Delta by mokoro. Our guide will discuss what’s in store for the afternoon excursion.

Accommodation: Camp: Khwai Tented Camp (no website available)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions
Route: Nata to Khwai Conservation Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Stop at the Pans viewpoint / Sunset Mokoro Excursion
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight (this optional activity could move to the following morning)

Day 42

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

The Moremi Game Reserve is our destination for today, as we spend most of the day on safari exploring the plains in search of wildlife. We will be traveling in 4×4 vehicles through this wilderness area, so be prepared for some bumpy roads. We hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible with our range of habitats from wetlands and open water to grasslands and Savannah woodland. As we return to Khwai this evening, we will discuss all the incredible sights we saw while on safari and compare them with each other.

Accommodation: Camp: Khwai Tented Camp (no website available)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Moremi Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve

Day 43

Khwai to Maun, Botswana

Day 44

Maun to Palapye, Botswana

The Central Kalahari desert is a stark yet stunning landscape in the south today. Keep an eye out for wildlife moving between the watering holes as we skirt the southern end of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Our route takes us past the Orapa Diamond Mine, one of Botswana’s most imposing monuments to its mineral wealth. Diamond mines in Botswana, operated jointly by De Beers and the Botswana government, are among the world’s largest. Botswana’s GDP and export earnings are largely dependent on it, which serves as a critical economic pillar. Before arriving in Papapye, you’ll pass by several smaller towns and villages, giving you an overview of everyday life in Botswana.

Accommodation: Two per room: Cresta Palapye 
Facilities: En-suite Facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Maun to Palapye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 45

Palapye – Johannesburg, South Africa

As we leave Palapye behind, we travel through the Kalahari to the South African border. Our tour concludes in Johannesburg after we have completed border formalities.

Accommodation: Own arrangements / post-tour accommodation can be booked through us.
Route: Palapye to Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.