Day 3 - Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

This morning you bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, here you will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of Flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968. (BLD)

Activity Package: Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion.

Day 4 - Jinja – Uganda

This morning you not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning you cross the Equator on your way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Crossing of the Equator.

Day 5 - Masindi – Uganda

After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, you head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and ais located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into your accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day. (BLD)

Day 6 - Masindi – Uganda

Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning you will meet up with your chimp guide who will take you on your trek through the forest in search of the chimps. You will also enjoy a boat cruise in the park. (BLD)

Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.

Activity Package: Chimp trekking (half day).
Included Highlight: Boat cruise (half day) in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 7 - Kampala – Uganda

While you spend the night in the bustling capital city of Kampala, this morning you have the opportunity to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. These majestic animals are in a literal fight for their survival. Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) was formed as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in 1997 and is tasked with overseeing its aim of reintroducing Rhinoceros, a highly endangered species across the globe, back into the National Parks of Uganda through a breeding and release program. Out of this emerged the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, 7000 hectares of imminently suitable savannah and native woodlands. (B)

Activity Package: Ziwa Rhino walk.
Optional Activity: Dinner (additional expense).

Day 8 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

Crossing the Equator once more you travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation you prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight you will receive a briefing on what to expect. (BLD)

Day 9 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 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 rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured. (BLD)

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where you actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible it is choosen to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should the tour operator not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then they will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Optional Activity: Gorilla Trekking (additional expense for Permit).

Day 10 - Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

Although there are two days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour. Today you will enjoy a visit to the Nyombi Village, a Pygmy village which is reached by motor boat from Bunyonyi Resort. You will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Pygmies and how they live. (BLD)

Activity Package: Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer).

Day 11 - Kampala – Uganda

This morning you set off on your return journey to Kampala and make a third crossing of the Equator along your way. Tonight your guide will brief you on the activities available in Jinja so that you can plan your day tomorrow. You overnight in Kampala and enjoy an optional dinner out. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Dinner out (additional expense).

Day 12 - Jinja – Uganda

A short distance from Kampala, Jinja offers many exciting activities and your guide will assist you to plan for this day. Most activities are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river. While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land. (BLD)

Day 13 - Eldoret – Kenya

Returning to Kenya you visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level. (BLD)

Day 14 - Nairobi – Kenya

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon you reflect on many memories that you have gathered together and brace yourself for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi. (BL)

Optional Activity: Dinner out (additional expense).

Day 15 - Nairobi – Kenya

Over the next 3 days you will have time to explore Nairobi and it’s surrounding areas. All the options that have been listed can be booked via your agent or through Nomad directly. Nairobi National Park is located just 10km from the Nairobi City Centre and offers lions, leopards, zebra, rhinos and wildebeest. A visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for baby elephants is also one of the more popular activities while in the National. (B)

Optional Activity: Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (additional expense).

Day 16 - Nairobi – Kenya

A wonderful way to spend the morning would be to participate in a tour to Kazuri Beads, who make beautiful handmade ceramic beads and other crafts. Through their bead creations, Kazuri Beads offers employment to people from disadvantaged communities around Nairobi. (B)

Optional Activity: Kazuri Beads Tour (additional expense).

Day 17 - Nairobi – Kenya

With so many day trips in and around Nairobi to choose from, another popular half day trip would be to the Giraffe Centre, a real highlight for many people’s stay in Kenya. You will get the chance to come face to face with giraffes, feed them and stroke them. (B)

Optional Activity: Giraffe Centre (additional expense).

Day 18 - Arusha – Tanzania

Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi you travel south to the Tanzanian border, after completing border formalities you continue to Arusha which provides the base for your optional Serengeti Excursion. This evening you will be briefed by your local operator on the Serengeti Excursion and you will have the opportunity to pack for the coming days. A smaller daypack or bag will be required for the Serengeti Excursion as it is operated on smaller vehicles and luggage space is limited. The Serengeti Excursion is offered only as a camping excursion and sleeping bags are available for hire. (BLD)

Day 19 - Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion – Tanzania

The following days are set aside for the 3-night optional camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4×4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. You leave your accommodation in the morning and drive to the Serengeti. On arrival you will start with your first game drive. The campsites you visit are fully owned by the Tanzania National Parks Board. Over 90,000 tourists visit the Serengeti National Park annually. These facilities are sadly not sufficiently maintained by the Parks Board and the tour provider have attempted to offer their services to improve the situation, however the offers have not been accepted. You are asked that you have an open mind when visiting the ablutions in the Serengeti National Park. Please supply your own wet wipes and toilet paper. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Serengeti Camping Excursion (additional expense).

Day 20 - Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion – Tanzania

You spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Your route is dependent on the movement of the game and sightings. (BLD)

Day 21 - Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion – Tanzania

Today You explore more of the Serengeti and make your way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. You drive down to the bottom of the Crater, where you try and see as many animals as possible. (BLD)

Day 22 - Arusha – Tanzania

You return from the Serengeti and re-united with your truck and crew in Arusha. A welcome shower awaits you on your return and tonight you share a meal in camp as you prepare for tomorrow’s travel. (BLD)

Day 23 - Bagamoyo – Tanzania

You head out early this morning as you journey south to your overnight stop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Formerly a centre point of the East African slave trade, Bagamoyo lies just north of the port of Dar es Salaam and is a perfect launching point for our upcoming Zanzibar Excursion. While today is primarily a travel day, you experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Road travel in Africa is an experience in itself and the bustling markets, villages and scenic backdrops that line the routes give a window into the lifestyle of rural Africa. This evening you will prepare for your Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning. (BD)

Day 24 - Zanzibar – Tanzania

You complete the short journey into Dar es Salaam this morning and board your ferry for the two hour trip to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port you board and make your way to Nungwi on the northern shores of the island, you take the opportunity to visit the spice farms of Kidichi and Kizambani on your way this afternoon. Zanzibar is renowned for its spices and fragrances and you have the chance to experience this first-hand today. There are a number of excursions that can be arranged for the coming days in Nungwi and your guide will be on hand to assist. (BD)

Activity Package: Zanzibar Excursion.
Included Activity: Spice Tour included in Zanzibar Excursion.

Day 26 - Zanzibar – Tanzania

Your visit to Nungwi comes to an end today as you travel back to Zanzibar Town in the afternoon. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes, you spend your final night on the island on the beaches south of the port city. (BD)

Activity Package: Zanzibar Excursion.

Day 27 - Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

This morning you have an opportunity to explore the historic area of Stone Town before catching an afternoon ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Stone Town represents the historic centre of Zanzibar Town and is a must see for those with an interest in history, culture and the unique architecture of the historic port. Tonight you enjoy an optional dinner out in Dar es Salaam. (BL)

Activity Package: Zanzibar Excursion.
Included Highlight: Stone Town included in Zanzibar Excursion.
Optional Activity: Dinner Out (additional expense).

Day 28 - Mikumi – Tanzania

Leaving the coast behind, you travel inland and make your way to Mikumi where you stop for the night. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. (BLD)

Day 29 - Iringa – Tanzania

You rise early this morning and enjoy an extensive game drive in the Mikumi National Park. This afternoon you continue to the southern highlands of Tanzania and your final stop in Tanzania. (BLD)

Activity Package: Mikumi National Park Game Drive.

ay 30 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

Leaving Tanzania behind, you descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty and your destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where you look forward to spending the next few days enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake. (BLD)

Day 31 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

Today offers a range of optional activities or simply a day at the beach, you will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Local Village Visit.
Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Community Volunteering (additional expense).

Day 32 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

This morning you set aside some time for a visit to Karonga, this interesting town has a turbulent history as a centre Malawi’s slave trade. Home to a museum that boasts a dinosaur amongst its displays, you learn more of the rich history of both people and the natural world. You return for a final afternoon of relaxation and a final sundowner on the shores of this great lake. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Karonga Town and Museum Visit.
Optional Activity: Snorkelling, Community Volunteering (additional expense).

Day 33 - Lake Malawi – Malawi

This morning you make the short journey south to the Nkothakota region of the Lake Shore, here you spend a final evening on the shores of the lake. (BLD)

Day 34 - South Luangwa – Zambia

This morning you enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. After crossing the border into Zambia you make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to your camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sun rise over Lake Malawi in the morning you enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening. (BLD)

Day 35 - South Luangwa – Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and you have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon you will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, you split your time between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day. (BLD)

Activity Package: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park.
Optional Activity: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa (additional expense).

Day 36 - Petauke – Zambia

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning you make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning you get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December) to see how these colourful fabrics are crafted. Your destination tonight is the small town of Petauke. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Textile project visit (full tour available March to December).

Day 37 - Eureka – Zambia

As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and you will cross the Luangwa River on your way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many call home. (BLD)

Day 38 - Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia you make your way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls, this afternoon you get your first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe you get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language. Victoria Falls offers a host of optional activities and these can be booked on arrival in Victoria Falls. *Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure. (B)

Day 39 - Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Today you visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight you enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available. (B)

Activity Package: Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fee.
Optional Activity: Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience, Dinner Cruise and more (additional expense).

Day 40 - Kasane – Botswana

After breakfast you travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana you set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch will be served from the truck and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. For those who have purchased the Activity Package you begin your exploration in 4×4 vehicles, which allows you an up close and personal experience with the many Elephants that frequent the Chobe riverfront in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely Boat Cruise and a meal served around the campfire. (BLD)

Activity Package: Chobe National Park Game Drive and Chobe National Park Boat Cruise.

Day 41 - Nata – Botswana

Leaving Kasane early, you set of for Nata where you will overnight. Those who would like to can join an optional excursion to the Pans this afternoon. This evening you will prepare for your journey to Maun, packing smaller bags for your journey into the Okavango Delta. (BLD)

Day 42 - Okavango Delta – Botswana

Your journey today takes you across the northern reaches of the Makgadigadi Pans and the road to Maun is lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree. Upon arrival in Maun, you say farewell to your truck and begin your Delta excursion. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character and while water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant. (BLD)

During your time in the Delta, the camping and accommodated guests will be staying in different locations. If you have chosen the accommodated Okavango Delta excursion, you will be taken to the Maun airport to board your flight into the Okavango Delta. For those that have opted for the camping Okavango Delta excursion, you will be transferred into the Okavango Delta by means of land based transport.

Activity Package: Okavango Delta Excursion.

Day 43 - Okavango Delta – Botswana

While the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, today you will enjoy a mokoro ride and a nature walk. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today. (BLD)

Day 45 - Central Kalahari – Botswana

This morning presents the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta before you travel to the Ghanzi district in the central Kalahari and tonight you get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling. (BLD)

Included Highlight: San Evening Dance Performance.

Day 46 - Kang – Botswana

You begin the day with a guided walk with your San guides who will introduce you to the many secrets of their survival in the Kalahari Desert. The nomadic San are hunter-gatherers that have passed down a rich knowledge of the plants and animals that play such an important part in their lifestyle. You carry some of this knowledge with you this afternoon as you travel south on the Trans-Kalahari highway to your overnight stop. (BLD)

Activity Package: Bush Walk with San Guides.

Day 47 - End of your Gorillas to the Delta Tour

A long day awaits as you continue your journey south to Johannesburg and South Africa. Leaving the Kalahari behind you cross the North-West Province, arriving at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. All travellers are invited to join together tonight for an optional traditional meal, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. (BL)

Optional Activity: Traditional meal at Belvedere Estate (additional expense).