From the Okavango Delta to the Gorillas

Our continental Africa journey across "the whole" continent begins. Behind the city of Johannesburg, we leave the Northwest Province behind and travel to the Botswanan border. After completing the border formalities, we continue on the Trans-Kalahari Highway (an important trade route that runs from Walvis Bay to Johannesburg) to our overnight stop.

We will not be traveling in our Overland truck for the next two nights, so it’s important that you pack your personal items that you need before departing from Maun. There is little time in Maun for repacking and storage. Please pack lightly and take only the essentials for the next two nights. Today we are heading to the Okavango Delta and thus the first safari experience of this adventurous trip to Africa. Early risers have the option to take a scenic flight over the delta (depending on weather conditions and time). After your optional flight, you will be picked up in Maun and taken to the Khwai conservation area in smaller safari vehicles. Our guide will prepare us for what to expect during our afternoon mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursion in the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity takes place the following morning, depending on the season.)

The today's journey from Khwai to Nata passes by the impressive Botswana salt pans. We will leave the camp at dawn in open 4x4 safari vehicles before continuing with the overland truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of the breathtaking landscapes of Botswana and the rich cultural heritage. Keep your eyes peeled as there is always the possibility of an animal encounter before you reach your overnight destination near Nata.

With the memories of our safari experiences on our safari trip 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, which are also known by the local name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). The thundering smoke represents the large cloud of water created by the roar of the water that rises up to 400 meters. These gigantic waterfalls were discovered before 1900 by a British explorer named David Livingstone. He named them after the reigning Queen of England at the time, Victoria. While much of the day is dedicated to the sight of the mighty Zambezi cascading into the Batoka Gorge, the vibrant adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are craft markets and cafés to explore.

This morning we travel through Zambia's bustling capital Lusaka on our journey across continental Africa 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 cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Lined with villages and subsistence farms, today's landscapes offer a stark contrast to the developed countries that many of us call home. We make a delightful stop at the Luangwa Market, a bustling center where local Zambian traders showcase their goods. Among the treasures offered here are Masau and Masaku, delicious fruits available year-round and known for their mouth-watering taste. In addition, other African curiosities catch our attention, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets, complementing the vibrant mosaic of this lively marketplace.

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

This morning we board our truck and set off for 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, we are on the road for most of the day again and continue our adventurous journey through Africa further north. We will once again spend the night on the shores of the idyllic Lake Malawi. Our guide will take us on a village tour through a nearby village in the afternoon, giving us another fascinating insight into the local culture. After the walk, you can enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

Before we continue to Iringa, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation, where we have the opportunity to see the cultivation and harvesting of coffee beans and to taste some of the beans. Afterwards, we will climb up the Great Rift Valley and continue our journey through the wonderful Tanzania.

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

We set off early to take the ferry to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port, we make our way to our hotel in Stone Town.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities. Water sports are the focus today. Whatever you choose today, you will have plenty of opportunity to create memories of this picturesque island. Explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the white beach and enjoy the sun.

This morning we are traveling north on our exciting journey through continental Africa and 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 Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa).

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

We are leaving the Serengeti National Park with great memories and are on our way back to Arusha, where we will spend the evening talking about our safari experiences in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and packing them away in our luggage.

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

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

After a short stop in the Ugandan capital Kampala, we make our way towards Murchison Falls National Park. The Murchison Falls, also known as Kabaraga Falls, are a waterfall along the Great Nile and are located within Murchison National Park. The park is considered one of the best national parks in Uganda. After we have settled into our accommodation in Masindi, our guide will inform us about the activities for the next day.

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

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered, and although the exact numbers vary, it is generally assumed that there are only about 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on Earth, as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas lies in the development work of the communities; when local communities change their attitude towards wildlife and start to protect it 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 need flexibility both in the itinerary and in where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas stands in stark contrast to man-made boundaries, and their habitat extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Whenever possible, we choose the national park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not receive permits for visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda, we will inform all participants in advance that the tour will travel to Rwanda or the DRC. On your free day in Bunyonyi, you have the opportunity to participate in various optional activities. You can also hike or explore the surroundings by mountain bike.

We leave the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and make our way to another 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 patches of forest. With over 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include acacia forests, savannas, and wetlands, provide optimal habitats for numerous bird species, including the rare and oddly-looking shoebill stork.

Jinja offers many optional activities for adventurers and those less adventurous. Today you have the whole day at your disposal, and your guide will help you plan the day perfectly for you.

This afternoon we return to Nairobi and indulge in the countless memories we have gathered together. We prepare for our return to the bustling streets of Nairobi. Your unforgettable African journey full of safaris and adventures ends upon arrival in Nairobi. The return flight departs from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi.