Day 3 - Maun
Route: Ghanzi to Maun – 280km
This morning bid farewell to the San and make your way to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. There will be time this afternoon for those who wish to enjoy an optional Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta. Your guides will brief you this evening on what you will need for the upcoming Delta Excursions, please note that baggage restrictions apply for transfers to your camps so a small daypack or similar is advisable. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta.
Day 4 – Okavango Delta
Route: Ghanzi to Maun – 300km – then fly into the Delta for the Upgrade Excursion
This morning embark on your exploration of the Okavango Delta (this is an Optional Add On at additional cost), one of Africa’s great wilderness areas. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant. (BLD)
Please be advised that clients who have not selected the Okavango Delta Excursion Add On, will remain in Maun with the truck for the next 2 nights, accommodated clients in en-suite rooms and camping clients in the campsite with shared ablutions. Meals are provided by the base camp and optional activities are available.
Optional Add On: Okavango Delta Excursion (including a flight into the Okavango Delta).
Day 5 – Okavango Delta
A full day is set aside to enjoy the activities on offer in the Delta, while the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes in water levels, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas in the world today. (BLD)
Optional Add On: Okavango Delta Excursion.
Day 6 - Nata
Route: Fly to Maun from Delta and then Maun to Nata – 300km
After a leisurely breakfast you will be returned to the airstrip for your flight back to Maun. Upon arrival in Maun, your Nomad guide will be waiting for you at the airport to re-united you with your fellow travellers and Nomad truck. Leaving Maun behind you this morning you make your way towards the town of Nata. You will spend most of the day in your truck as you journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Your activity package will afford you the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary).
Day 7 – Chobe National Park
Route: Nata to Kasane – 325km
You rise early this morning as you continue north to your camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. You begin your exploration in 4×4 vehicles, which allows you an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon. Your day ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise.
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive.
Day 8 – Victoria Falls
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 90km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, cross the border to Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will 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 can enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights.
Day 9 – Victoria Falls
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls (at own expense), today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. (BLD)
Optional Activity: White water rafting, canoe trips, game drives and many more.
Day 10 - Lusaka
*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 from the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel. (BLD)
Route: Victoria Falls to Lusaka – 500km
Setting off early from Victoria Falls, you catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While you have a long day travelling today, you get your first impressions of the Africa that awaits you. Colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of your journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. You enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as your guides brief you on the days ahead.
Included Highlight: View of Victoria Falls from the Bridge.
Day 11 - Petauke
Route: Lusaka to Petauke – 420km
This morning you drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, your destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and you will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home. (BLD)
Day 12 – South Luangwa National Park
Route: Petauke to South Luangwa National Park – 200km
With two days of travel behind, you will look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning you make your way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Your first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton famers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away. (BLD)
Included Highlights: Textile visit.
Day 13 – South Luangwa National Park
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. 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, with your time split between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives you a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activity: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa
Day 14 – Malawi
Route: South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi – 500km
This morning you board your truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Your destination 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 for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than other lake. You spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder. (BLD)
Day 15 – Malawi
Today is set aside for you to relax at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer. (BLD)
Day 16 – Lake Malawi
Route: Lake Malawi – Move lodges – 300km
Today you are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. 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)
Day 17 – Lake Malawi
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. For the more adventurous amongst us, use today to participate in the Livingstonia hike. This is a strenuous hike that takes between 8 – 12 hours to complete. Your guide will provide additional information on the hike. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Ngala Village Walk.
Day 18 - Iringa
Route: Northern Lake Malawi to Iringa – 500km
Today as you leave Malawi, you will ascend the Great Rift Valley and make your way into Tanzania. You will round the northern extremes of the lake as you turn east and continue to your overnight stop in Iringa. (BLD)
Day 19 – Mikumi National Park
Route: Iringa to Mikumi – 250km
This morning you complete your journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing. (BLD)
Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park Game Drive.
Day 20 – Zanzibar
Route: Mikumi to Zanzibar (incl Ferry) – 530km
You rise early and travel from Mikumi to the Port of Dar Es Salaam, where you will board the ferry and make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. Your home for the next three nights, Stone Town offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer. (BLD)
Day 21 – Zanzibar Excursion
This morning you enjoy the local scenery by embarking on a spice tour with a local guide. The afternoon is free to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and you have the opportunity to book activities such as fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Stone Town City Walk / Spice Tour.
Optional Activity: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours, and more.
Day 22 – Zanzibar Excursion
Today you explore the beautiful Jozani Forest. For those wanting to do their last bit of sightseeing, the afternoon is free for optional activities. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Jozani Forest Half Day tour.
Day 23 – Bagamoyo
This morning you have some time to explore the sights of Stone Town, the rich history and vibrant markets are some of the highlights of any visit to Zanzibar. Bid farewell to the island this afternoon and board your return ferry. On arrival in Dar es Salaam make the short journey north to Bagamoyo where you will make your stop for the night. (BLD)
Included Highlight: Stone Town.
Day 24 - Arusha
Heading north this morning you travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, your destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha which is your launching point for the Serengeti. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. This evening you will be briefed on the excursion to Serengeti by our local guide as you prepare for the coming days. (BLD)
Day 25 – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
The following days are set aside for the 3 night optional camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater (at own expense). This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4X4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. Leave your accommodation in the morning and drive to the Serengeti. On arrival you will start with your first game drive. (BLD)
The campsites Nomad visits 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 Nomad have attempted to offer their services to improve the situation, however the offers were not accepted. We do ask that you have an open mind when visiting the ablutions in the Serengeti National Park. Please supply your own wet wipes and toilet paper.
For those are not taking part in the optional Serengeti Excursion, you will remain behind at the accommodation at Ndoro Lodge, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities available to be booked at the accommodation: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours and many more various day trips. Meals are not included for those not participating in the Serengeti excursion.
Optional Activity: Serengeti Camping Excursion (min. 4 people).
Day 26 – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Your route is depending on the movement of the game and sightings. (BLD)
Day 27 – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Today explore more of the Serengeti and make your way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Drive down to the bottom of the Crater, where you will try and see as many animals as possible. (BLD)
Day 28 – Arusha
Returning to Arusha tonight you will share your experiences of the Serengeti and prepare for the trip to Nairobi tomorrow. (BLD)
Day 29 – End of Nomad Johannesburg to Nairobi Tour
Cross the border into Kenya this morning and make your way to Nairobi where your journey ends on arrival. (BL)
Optional Activity: Dinner.