From the Okavango Delta to Zanzibar

We leave the city of Johannesburg behind and drive through the North West province to the border with Botswana. After completing the border formalities, we continue on the Trans-Kalahari Highway to our overnight stop. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive deeper into the Central Kalahari to our camp in the Ghanzi district, where we will spend time getting to know the fascinating San people. The San people have long been connected to this harsh environment, and tonight we will enjoy an evening of dance that gives us insight into their culture through song, dance, and storytelling. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: San Evening Dance Performance. Optional Activity: Bushwalk with San guides late afternoon or the following morning.

We will be separated from our truck for the next two nights, so it is important that you pack your personal belongings that you may need before we head to Maun today, as there will be little time to repack and store in Maun. Please pack lightly and take only what you require for the next two nights. This morning we rise early and make our way to Maun. After arriving in Maun, you will have the opportunity to take an optional flight over the delta (depending on time and weather conditions). After the optional flight, you will be picked up in Maun and taken in smaller safari vehicles to the Greater Moremi Game Reserve Area. This evening our guide will prepare us for what to expect during our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Optional Activity: Flight over the Okavango Delta.

We set off early and drive by safari vehicle to the poling station, where we meet the polers who will accompany us into the delta. The polers will guide us through the tranquil area of narrow, reed-lined channels that open up into beautiful lagoons. When we reach one of the many islands, we can take a nature walk with the mokoro and then return to the poling station after the walk through the channels. Although the mokoro trail is not primarily for wildlife viewing, a variety of animals can be spotted in this untouched wilderness, including elephants, giraffes, kudus, impalas, and zebras. After lunch, we return to the Moremi Game Reserve for an afternoon game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. The routes chosen by the professional guide for the afternoon game drives may vary, especially during high water, as certain roads may be closed or impassable. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Morning Mokoro Excursion through the Okavango Delta, Afternoon Safari in the Moremi Game Reserve.

The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordering the Okavango Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east. Savuti is known for its big game and has the largest concentration of wildlife in southern Africa. Today we will spend most of the day traversing the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that inhabit the plains. The Savuti Game Reserve offers habitats from wetlands, open waters, to grasslands and savanna woodlands, and we hope to see as many varieties of animal and plant species as possible. In the afternoon, we will reach the banks of the Chobe River and reconnect with our off-road truck in the town of Kasane. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Full-Day Safari in 4x4 Safari Vehicles in Savuti Game Reserve.

Those opting for the optional game drive in Chobe National Park will be picked up early from camp and set off in open 4x4 safari vehicles. They will return in time for lunch and a short siesta before we set off in the afternoon to explore Chobe National Park from the river with a leisurely boat cruise, where we can observe the many elephants that populate the river in the afternoon up close. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Boat Cruise in Chobe National Park. Optional Activity: Safari in Chobe National Park.

With memories of our wildlife encounters in mind, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and take the short drive to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to view the spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as 'Mosi-oa Tunya' (the smoke that thunders). A large part of the day is dedicated to witnessing the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge below. The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those needing an adrenaline fix in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are also craft markets and cafés. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Sunset Boat Cruise on the Zambezi, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flight, White Water Rafting.

While much of today is dedicated to observing the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge (optional activity), the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a variety of optional activities for those needing an adrenaline fix in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are also craft markets and cafés. Meals: Breakfast. Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Sunset Boat Cruise on the Zambezi, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flight, White Water Rafting.

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that suits your style best. Whether it's rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a flight over the falls - today is your day to enjoy the many attractions in Victoria Falls. Meals: Breakfast. Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Sunset Boat Cruise on the Zambezi, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flight, White Water Rafting.

We depart early from Victoria Falls, taking one last look at the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. As we face a long travel day today, we will begin to get our first impressions of the Africa that awaits us. Colorful markets, bustling villages, and rural scenes frame our journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. Upon arrival, we enjoy a prepared meal while our guide informs us of the days ahead. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: View of Victoria Falls from the bridge.

This morning we drive through Zambia's bustling capital, Lusaka, before veering east toward Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia, and along the way, we cross the mighty Luangwa River. The landscapes of today, dotted with villages and subsistence farms, stand in stark contrast to the industrial landscapes that so many of us call home. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After two travel days, we look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and head this morning to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop, however, is the town of Chipata, home to Chipata Cotton, and an important center for the region's cotton farmers. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of African culture, and those interested can join a workshop tour (March to December). One of the most beautiful sunsets is certainly by the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cool drink and let the day come to a close. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Visit Tribal Textiles.

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination, and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the diversity of wildlife that lives there. This morning, you can take an optional morning safari or participate in one of the iconic walking safaris offered in the park during the dry season (April to December). In the afternoon, we will embark on a sunset drive in the park, which will also include a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night allows us the chance to spot elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen during the day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Sunset Drive in South Luangwa National Park. Optional Activity: Walking Safari (seasonal) or Morning Safari in South Luangwa National Park.

This morning we hop back on our truck and head toward Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination today is the shores of 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 natural wonder. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today is all about the lake, and you can take this day to relax by the water. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun, or indulge in the many attractions on offer. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today we will continue north for most of the day and once again overnight by the shores of Lake Malawi. Our guide will lead us on a hike through a nearby village in the afternoon. After the walk, you can enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Village Walk with Guide.

This morning we set off and drive north to the Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will be staying overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Before heading to Iringa, we stop at a local coffee plantation, where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and taste some of the beans. Afterward, we will drive up the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We will circle the northern end of the lake and head east to our accommodation in Iringa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Visit to a Coffee Plantation.

This morning we will continue to Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but it is part of a 75,000 square kilometer wilderness surrounding Selous, the largest game reserve in Africa. Today you have the option to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Optional Activity: Safari in Mikumi National Park.

We will spend the night in Dar es Salaam before heading out early the next morning to catch our ferry to the island of Zanzibar.

We set off early to catch our ferry from Dar es Salaam to the island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival at the ferry port, we make our way to our hotel in Stone Town. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Zanzibar Excursion.

This historic port once marked a milestone on the slave and spice trade route. This morning we will drive north on the island to Nungwi, our base for the next two nights. Before arriving in Nungwi, we will stop along the way to participate in a guided spice tour that takes us through villages and spice plantations. We will learn first-hand how the spice farm workers climb the trees and search for specific plants, and we will have the opportunity to buy fresh spices directly from these farms. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Prison Island Boat Tour/Spice Tour. Optional Activity: Fishing, Diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours, etc.

Today is yours at leisure to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities offered here. Water sports abound, and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkeling, diving, and a variety of options for a sea safari. Whatever you choose to do today, you will have plenty of opportunities to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sun. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

This morning we have some time to explore the sights of Stone Town. The rich history and vibrant markets are highlights of any visit to Zanzibar. We bid farewell to the island and board the ferry back to Dar es Salaam, where our journey ends upon arrival. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.