From the Okavango Delta to Zanzibar

Today is your arrival day in Maun, where you will meet your crew and fellow travelers in the late afternoon. You will stay overnight in Maun, and your crew will inform you about the upcoming days as you travel to the Khwai Conservation Area.

You will be separated from your vehicle for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic style mobile fly camp. Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity could take place the following morning, depending on the season).

Today is a full day of game driving as we spend the majority of our day in the Moremi Game Reserve searching for the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area with our 4x4 vehicles. We hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible while we provide habitats ranging from wetlands, open water to grasslands and savanna forest. Tonight we will return to Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings during the safari.

After a final sunrise in the heart of Khwai, we bid farewell to the untamed beauty of Botswana's wilderness and begin our journey south. Our route takes us through Maun, where we reunite with our vehicle. From Maun, we continue our journey northeast towards Nata and our overnight lodge. This is more than just a stopover — it is a truly unique destination where elephants roam freely through the unfenced lodge area and often drink from the natural waterhole just meters away from your chalet. We enjoy our dinner, surrounded by the gentle hum of the bush and the soft sounds of giants passing by.

This morning we begin our day early with a bush walk that gives us the opportunity to get closer to nature. It is a wonderful chance to see animal tracks and other subtle signs of the wilderness that are often hidden during a safari. After the walk, we travel from the Kalahari sand dunes of Nata to Kasane, arriving in time for lunch and a short nap before setting off in the afternoon to explore Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a pleasant boat ride that allows us a close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon.

With the memories of our encounters with the animal world firmly in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to the 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). While the majority of today's activities are dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge below, the vibrant adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking an adrenaline rush in the afternoon. For the more relaxed travelers, there are also craft markets and cafes. This evening you have the option to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and reflect on the day's adventures. Your guide will arrange a reservation for those who wish to participate.

With the many activities offered in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that best suits your style. Whether it's rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a flight over the falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions in Victoria Falls.

Since your tour will continue from Livingstone tomorrow, your accommodation for tonight has been booked in Livingstone. However, you can spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer back to Livingstone in the late afternoon. The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour. You can choose to book a morning transfer (08:00) or an afternoon transfer (16:00). Please specify your preferred time with your booking agent and/or at the time of booking.

Setting off early in the morning from the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, we catch a final glimpse of the mighty falls before embarking on a long travel day. We get our first impressions of East Africa through the window of our truck: colorful markets, busy villages, and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey as we drive through Zambia. We enjoy a prepared meal upon our arrival while our guides inform us about the coming days.

This morning we are driving through the bustling capital Lusaka in Zambia before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Littered with villages and subsistence farms, today's landscapes provide a stark contrast to the developed countries that so many of us call home.

We look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and this morning we're heading to the banks of the Luangwa River. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to take a look at their local jewelry and curiosities; these accessories are handcrafted by local ladies from South Luangwa using organic materials sourced from the African bush. The Chipata region is an important cotton producer, and we get a taste of the creativity of African culture. One of the most beautiful sunsets is certainly the one you can enjoy on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

The South Luangwa National Park is a top-notch safari destination, and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the wildlife diversity that can be found in the park. This morning, you can participate in an optional morning safari or, during the dry season (April to December), join one of the iconic walking safaris in the park. This afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset drive in the park, including a stop for a sundowner. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us the chance to discover the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen during the day.

This morning we get into our trucks and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination for tonight 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 the western border of Malawi and is home to more fish species than any other lake. We will spend the night on the shores of the lake, this natural wonder.

Today is all about the lake, and this day is intended for you to relax by the lake. Take the time to read a book, enjoy the sun, or delight in the many offered attractions. If you wish, an optional hike to the nearby Dwanbazi waterfall can be undertaken with a local guide. The waterfall, which is only a short 30-minute drive from the Nglala Beach Hotel, offers a breathtaking panorama from the summit. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the pristine waters, surrounded by the lush vegetation and natural splendor of the surrounding landscape.

Today we are on the road again for most of the day and traveling further north. We will again spend the night on the shores of Lake Malawi. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach this evening.

We set off this morning and continue our journey north towards the Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will spend the night.

Before we set off for Iringa, we will stop at a local coffee plantation, where we will have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and can sample some of the beans. Then we will ascend into the Great Rift Valley and continue our journey to Tanzania.

Today morning we reach the threshold of Mikumi National Park. We make a short stop in Baobab Valley, Tanzania. A fascinating landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have withstood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breathtaking scenery that casts dramatic shadows on the African savannah, the perfect backdrop for a group photo. Then we reach Mikumi, which is considered the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but part of a 75,000 square kilometer wilderness area focused on Selous, Africa's largest game reserve. Today you have the opportunity 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 will spend the night in our accommodation before we set off early the next morning to reach our transport to the island of Zanzibar.

“We set off early to catch our transport to the island of Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry terminal, we make our way to our hotel, which is located in Stone Town.”

With a rich history, this bustling port was once a landmark on both the slave and spice trade routes. Our morning begins with a walk through Stone Town to discover the more famous landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. After our city tour, we will travel by road to our base for the next 2 nights. Before our arrival, we will stop along the way to participate in a guided spice tour that leads through villages and spice plantations. You will experience up close how spice farmers climb trees and search for specific plants, and have the opportunity to buy fresh spices directly from these farms.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities that are offered. Water sports are on the agenda today. Whatever you choose today, you will have plenty of opportunities to create some memories of the island. Explore the many attractions offered or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sun.

This morning we enjoy our last breakfast together, say goodbye to our fellow travelers, and head back to Stone Town. Their tour will end after breakfast in Stone Town. Please note: You can choose to end your tour at the accommodation in Nungwi or go with the group to the ferry terminal.