From the Okavango Delta to the Gorillas

Our continental African journey across the whole continent begins. Behind the city of Johannesburg, we leave the North West Province behind and travel to the Botswana border. After completing the border formalities, we continue on the Trans-Kalahari Highway (an important trade route leading from Walvis Bay to Johannesburg) to our overnight stop.

Today, we head north through the barren but nonetheless impressive landscapes of the Central Kalahari Desert to the gateway of the Okavango Delta. Along the way, we pass several smaller towns and villages that offer insights into daily life in Botswana. A notable point on our route is the Orapa diamond mine, an impressive testament to Botswana's mineral wealth. This mine, a joint project of De Beers and the Botswana government, is one of the largest diamond mines in the world. It is an important economic pillar and contributes significantly to Botswana's GDP and export revenues. Beyond Orapa, our journey passes the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park before we reach our overnight destination in Maun. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that moves between the waterholes.

For the next two nights, we will not be traveling in our overland truck, so it’s important that you pack your personal items that you will need before leaving Maun. There is little time in Maun for repacking and storage. Please pack light and bring only the essentials for the next two nights. Today we make our way to the Okavango Delta, thus beginning the first safari experience of this adventurous African journey. Early risers have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the delta (weather and time permitting). After your optional flight, you will be picked up in Maun and taken in smaller safari vehicles to the Khwai Reserve. Our guide will prepare us for what to expect on our afternoon mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note: The mokoro activity may take place the following morning, depending on the season.)

Today marks our first safari experience on our African journey. On a game drive, we will spend most of the day in the Moremi Game Reserve searching for the species that roam the plains. Here, the famous Big Five can also be found. Expect bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4x4 vehicles. With habitats ranging from wetlands to open water to grasslands and savanna woodlands, we hope to see as many animal and plant species as possible. In the evening, we return to Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings from the safari.

Today's journey from Khwai to Nata takes us past the impressive Botswana salt pans. We will leave camp at dawn in open 4x4 safari vehicles before continuing in the overland truck back to Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Keep your eyes peeled, as there is always the possibility of wildlife encounters before reaching your overnight destination near Nata.

After breakfast, we embark on an excursion through the shimmering salt pans that are home to many aquatic birds, like flamingos. In the rainy season, the salt pans transform into a breathtaking landscape of lakes. Afterwards, we travel from the Kalahari sands in Nata to Kasane, arriving in time for lunch and a short nap before exploring Chobe National Park from the river in the afternoon. A leisurely boat trip allows us to get close to many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon. The wildlife park is known for its enormous elephant population.

With memories of our safari experiences firmly in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today, you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your own pace, also known by the local name 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' (the smoke that thunders). The thundering smoke represents the large cloud of water that is created by the thundering water and rises up to 400 meters in height. These gigantic waterfalls were discovered before 1900 by a British explorer named David Livingstone. He named them after the then reigning Queen of England, Victoria. While much of the day is devoted to witnessing the mighty Zambezi tumbling into the Batoka Gorge, the vibrant adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are craft markets and cafés to discover.

With many activities offered in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today is the perfect day to choose the adventure that best fits your style. Whether it’s rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a flight over the falls, today you can enjoy many attractions in Victoria Falls. As your tour will continue from Livingstone tomorrow, your accommodation for tonight is booked in Livingstone. However, you can spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer to Livingstone in the late afternoon. The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour. You have the option to book a morning transfer (08:00 AM) or an afternoon transfer (04:00 PM).

This morning we continue our continental African journey through Zambia’s busy capital, Lusaka, before heading east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important connection between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia, and along the way, we cross the mighty Luangwa River. Lined with villages and subsistence farms, today’s landscapes provide a stark contrast to the developed countries many of us call home. We will make a delightful stop at the Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local Zambian traders showcase their goods. Among the treasures offered here are masau and masaku, seasonal fruits available year-round, known for their mouthwatering flavor. In addition, other African curiosities capture our attention, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets that add to the colorful mosaic of this vibrant marketplace.

Today we continue to our next safari experience, heading east to reach South Luangwa National Park, regarded as one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. The park boasts an impressive variety of animals and plants and is especially known for its high concentration of leopards. In the afternoon, we embark on an exciting game drive to observe some of the remarkable wildlife in the park. Keep your camera ready for elephants, buffalo, lions, and various species of antelope. We will overnight in a lodge close to the park, where we will conclude the day with dinner under the African starry sky.

We look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and head to the banks of the Luangwa River this morning. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to browse their local jewelry and curiosities. These accessories are handcrafted by local women from South Luangwa and are made from organic materials sourced from the African bush. The Chipata region is a significant producer of cotton, and we gain insights into the creativity of African culture. One of the most beautiful sunsets is surely one enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River. So grab a cold drink and watch the adventurous day come to an end.

South Luangwa National Park is a premier safari destination, and we have an entire day to explore the park and discover its diverse wildlife. This morning, you can participate in an optional morning safari or experience one of the iconic walking safaris in the park during the dry season (April to December). In the afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset drive in the park, including a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us the chance to see the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely observed during the day.

This morning, we board our truck and make our way to Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination today is the shores of the picturesque Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches over 500 km along Malawi's western border and is home to more fish species than any other lake. We will spend the night on the shores of this unique natural wonder.

Today is all about the lake, and this day is reserved for you to relax by the water. Take the time to read a book, soak up the sun, or indulge in the many activities offered. If you wish, you can undertake an optional hike with a local guide to the nearby Dwanbazi waterfalls. The waterfalls are just a 30-minute drive from the Nglala Beach Hotel and provide a stunning panorama from the top. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the clear waters surrounded by the lush vegetation and natural beauty of the area.

Today we will be on the road for the majority of the day, continuing our adventurous African journey northward. We will again overnight on the shores of the idyllic Lake Malawi. Our guide will take us on a village walk through a nearby village in the afternoon, where we will have another fascinating insight into local culture. After the walk, you can enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

This morning we depart and continue over the Tanzanian border north to Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will overnight.

Before we proceed to Iringa, we stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the growing and harvesting of coffee beans and sample some of the beans. Afterwards, we climb up the Great Rift Valley and continue our journey through beautiful Tanzania.

This morning we complete our drive to the threshold of Mikumi National Park. We make a short stop in the Baobab Valley in Tanzania. This fascinating landscape is dotted with ancient, gigantic baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breathtaking scene, casting dramatic shadows over the African savannah – the perfect backdrop for a group photo. We then reach Mikumi, Tanzania's fourth largest park, which is part of a 75,000 square kilometer wilderness area centered around the Selous Game Reserve, Africa's largest wildlife reserve. Today, you have the option to book a safari in Mikumi National Park.

Today you have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or participate in various cultural tours.

We overnight in the coastal city of Dar es Salaam before taking the early morning ferry to Zanzibar Island.

We set off early to take the ferry to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, we make our way to our hotel in Stone Town.

This busy port, rich in history, was once a significant trading hub on both the slave and spice trade routes. Our morning begins with a city tour of the lively Stone Town to discover the more well-known sights, including the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. After our city tour, we continue by car to our base for the next two nights. Along the way, we’ll take a guided 'spice walk' through villages and spice plantations. You will experience firsthand how workers climb the spice trees and search for specific plants. Additionally, you have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities offered. Water sports take center stage today. Whatever you choose to do, you will have plenty of opportunities to create memories on this picturesque island. Explore the many attractions offered or simply relax on the white sand beach and enjoy the sun.

We say goodbye to the dreamy island and take the return ferry. Upon arriving at the port of Dar es Salaam, we rejoin our truck and drive back to Bagamoyo, where we will spend the night.

This morning, we continue our adventurous continental African journey north, crossing the northern regions of Tanzania. Our destination today is the bustling city of Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the legendary Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa).

Although it’s only a short distance to Karatu, we will spend the majority of today's day approaching the Ngorongoro Crater. Before we reach Karatu, we will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market, located in the small village of Mto wa Mbu. Known for rice cultivation and their characteristic red bananas, the town is situated on the main road leading directly to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This evening, our guide will inform us about our 2-night excursion.

We rise early and are picked up from our camp and transported in 4x4 safari vehicles to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. We will spend the morning exploring the crater floor and looking for the animals that roam the plains. In the afternoon, we will reach our camp in the Seronera region, which lies in the heart of Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and diverse wildlife. Tonight, with a cool drink, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right outside your Meru tent.

A safari experience of superlatives awaits us on our unique safari journey across the whole African continent. This morning we again rise early to enjoy a full day safari through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the rich wildlife that thrives here, we will spend the majority of the day searching for animals.

We leave Serengeti National Park with great memories and begin our return journey to Arusha, where we will spend the evening sharing our safari experiences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and packing them into our travel bags.

This morning we cross the border into Kenya and make our way to Nairobi, where we will overnight. You have the afternoon free to repack your bags for your trip to the Masai Mara. The visit to the Masai Mara will be conducted in safari vehicles and not with the overland truck. Therefore, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag. You will need your towel, clothing, toiletries, and camping gear.

We leave the bustling capital Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, famous for its endless plains full of wildlife and breathtaking beauty. The Masai Mara, like Serengeti, is part of the Great Migration, promising ultimate safari experiences.

The gently rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The animals found here include elephants, black rhinoceroses, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. In the muddy brown rivers that flow through the reserve, there are numerous hippos and crocodiles. Today we will spend the whole day on a safari tour in the Mara searching for these animals.

This morning we say goodbye to the picturesque Masai Mara and make our way to Lake Nakuru National Park, where we will enjoy an afternoon safari through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans, as well as black and white rhinoceroses, leopards, lions, and numerous antelope. Originally established as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was declared a national park in 1968.

With countless safari experiences packed into our travel bags from our safari journey through Africa, we cross the border into Uganda today and head to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda's second-largest city after Kampala and is best known as the starting point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria (the largest inland lake in Africa) and begins its 6695 kilometer journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.

After a short stop in Uganda's capital, Kampala, we head towards Murchison Falls National Park. The Murchison Falls, also known as Kabaraga Falls, are a waterfall in the course of the great Nile and lie within Murchison National Park. The park is considered one of the best national parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, our guide will inform us about the activities for the next day.

Budongo Forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda. It is estimated that there are between 600 and 700 chimpanzees in Budongo Forest. This morning, we meet our chimpanzee guide who will accompany us on our trek through the forest to search for the chimpanzees. Additionally, we will enjoy a boat trip in the park. Note: As chimpanzee trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, if there are more than 12 guests, trekking will be split into morning and afternoon groups. Therefore, you may do the safari activity first and then the chimp trekking or vice versa. Please be flexible.

This morning we leave Masindi and travel in our safari journey towards the borders of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our accommodation for the night is atop a hill with a fantastic view of Lake Kikorongo.

Once again, we cross the equator line and travel south to the beautiful landscape of Lake Bunyonyi. We prepare with great anticipation for the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure, and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered, and although the exact numbers vary, it is generally believed that only about 650 remain. Visiting the gorillas is a great opportunity to support their future on Earth, as the money generated from the permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future preservation of the remaining gorillas lies in community development work; when local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and begin to protect instead of poaching, the future of the mountain gorilla is secured. Since the number of permits to visit the gorillas is limited per group, we will need flexibility both in the itinerary and in where we actually visit them. The home of mountain gorillas starkly contrasts with man-made borders, extending across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Whenever possible, we choose the national park in Uganda, but this depends on permit availability. If we do not obtain permits for visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda, we will inform all participants in advance that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. On your free day in Bunyonyi, you have the opportunity to participate in various optional activities. You may also choose to hike or explore the surroundings by mountain bike.

Although two days are allocated for gorilla trekking, you will spend only one day trekking. The other days are available to provide a sufficient time window to obtain permits and enable the entire group to go trekking when there are more than six participants on the tour.

We leave the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and head to another one of Uganda's beautiful lakes – Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is located in the Ankole region of Uganda near the town of Mbarara and covers an area of about 260 square kilometers. It is surrounded by gentle hills, open grasslands, and forested areas. With over 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park's diverse ecosystems, including acacia forests, savannas, and wetlands, provide ideal habitat for numerous bird species, including the rare and unusual shoebill stork.

This morning we leave the Ankole region and make our way back to Jinja. Jinja offers many exciting optional activities that focus on the waters of the Nile, including rafting, kayaking, and various boat trips on Africa's largest river. For those less interested in water sports, there are horseback riding opportunities or quad biking adventures on land. Our unique, adventurous safari and African journey across the whole continent is coming to a close.

Jinja offers many optional activities for thrill-seekers and less adventurous travelers. Today you have the whole day free, and your guide will help you plan the day perfectly for you.

Back in Kenya, we visit Eldoret, the fifth-largest city in the country. The Great Rift Valley remains the dominant geographical feature of this region, and the altitude of Eldoret is 2100 meters above sea level.

This afternoon we return to Nairobi, reliving countless memories we’ve shared together. We prepare to return to the bustling streets of Nairobi. Your unforgettable African journey full of safaris and adventures concludes upon arrival in Nairobi. The return flight will depart from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi.