I T I N E R A R Y :

Day 1 Nairobi - Arusha

Today we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. On our way to Arusha, catch a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2/3 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater

Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. We game drive in the Serengeti NP and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. In October and April the area is known for the circular migration of millions of herbivores travelling in pursuit of the seasonal rains. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.

Optional Activities: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Arusha

Today those that went in to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro will return to Arusha where there will be time sit together and share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. The Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Dar es Salaam

Today we take the long drive to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. The city is one of the oldest settled cities in East Africa and, although not the capital, is the chief commercial centre of Tanzania. After arriving in Dar Es Salaam, there will be some time to pack light bags for the trip to Zanzibar, the rest of the luggage will remain on the mainland with the truck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6/7/8 Zanzibar

A local ferry will take us from Dar Es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets and the island is known for its endangered red colobus monkeys, adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach.

Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkellin, Spice Tours.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Dar es Salaam

Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Iringa

It is a long drive from historical port city of Dar es Salaam to Iringa. We travel through Mukumi NP, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania. Iringa is a pleasant town located at 1550m above sea level and can get rather chilly between June and August.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 11/12 Malawi - Northern Lake Malawi

It is another long drive from Iringa to the northern beaches of Lake Malawi and Chitimba, a small village by the lake with white sandy beaches. Livingstonia Mission is at the top of the nearby mountains. You can hike up to the village, but be warned, this is not a relaxing stroll… there is a beautiful waterfall and interesting permaculture project on the way and it is possible to spend the night up there. Alternatively spend 2 relaxing days on the beach and enjoy the water sports on offer.

Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13/14 Central Lake Malawi

Next there is another couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village further south on Lake Malawi. There is lovely white sand and lots of water sport and leisure activities available. We will also visit a local village for some cultural interaction here.

Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15/16 Luwawa Forest

Today we leave the restful beaches of the lakeshore and we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend two nights at Luwawa Forest. Luwawa Forest camp are winners of the 2008 'Community Development Work and Sustainable Tourism Award'. Take a hike to the viewpoint to see the Lake form above, or rent a Mountain Bike for some exciting riding.

Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17/18 Zambia - South Luangwa National Park

Early in the morning we drive to the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights at our campsite right on the bank of the Luangwa River. You can often see Hippo and other animals from the campsite bar. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen.

Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 Chipata

We leave South Luangwa NP today and have a relatively short drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon.

Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa. There are many rural villages and farming communities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 Lusaka

The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls

We drive from Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border and into Victoria Falls. In the afternoon there will be time to plan any optional activities you may want to experience on the following day.

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 22 Botswana - Kasane

Today you have the day free for any of the optional activities on offer. White water rafting is always popular, but you can also walk with Lions, visit the Elephants or take a scenic flight over the Falls. In the late afternoon we travel across the border in to Botswana for a relaxing evening on the banks of the Chobe River.

Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungy Jump, Elephant Excursion, Walking with Lions, Horse Riding, Micro-light, Flight of the Angels, Skydiving etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 23 Maun

The afternoon is spent Game viewing on an included river cruise, into the renowned Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa’s spectacular wildlife. On arrival we prepare for our 2-day expedition in to the Okavango. We can only take limited luggage in to the Delta so careful re-packing will be required by some! The Okavango River has no outlet to the sea, so it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating some 15,000 square km’s and forming the world’s largest inland Delta.

Optional Activities: Crocodile Farm visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24/25 Okavango Delta

We travel in to the Delta on a large 4x4 vehicle and in high water season boats are also an option. We join up with some of the local people and set up our bush camp for the net 2 nights. During our time in the Delta we enjoy the best nature has to offer. We go on nature walks and explore the Delta by mokoro traditional canoe (water level dependant). The Delta is truly spec­tacular and an unforgettable experience as the wild animals here are not used to people. Simply sitting on the deck of your tented accommodation often results in rewarding bird or game viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26/27 Gweta

A second scenic air-transfer will return us to Maun and the truck. This afternoon we drive to Gweta where our accommodation for the next two nights is unique, and a little quirky. The next day we have an included Baobab Nature Walk with sundowner drink to view the unusual trees that grow in this area. The Makgadikgadi Pans are nearby and there is the option to visit them, or take a visit to a local village.

Optional Activities: Village Tour, Nxai Xini Pan trip, Ntwetwe Pan trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28 Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Palapye

We leave Gweta behind us and drive towards Palapye, previously known as Phalatswe. We stop at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community based wildlife project where there is an included game drive to view the now protected Rhinos. We spend the night at Palapye, located on the banks of the tranquil Lotsane River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29 South Africa - Johannesburg

Today we cross the border into South Africa and after quite a long, yet scenic drive we will arrive in Johannesburg. South Africa’s city of gold has much to offer and should not be underestimated as a travel destination. There are many excellent restaurants here where we can enjoy a final meal together.

Optional activity: Dinner out.

Meals: Breakfast

( THIS TOUR ALSO RUNS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION )