Dar es Salaam to Okavango Delta Overland Tour

Day 02       Iringa

We rise early this morning and enjoy an extensive game drive in the Mikumi National Park. This afternoon we continue to the southern highlands of Tanzania and our final stop in Tanzania.

Route

Mikumi to Iringa

Activity package

Mikumi National Park game drive

Day 03         Lake Malawi 

Leaving Tanzania behind, we 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 our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the next few days enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake.

Route

Iringa to Chilumba

Day 04    Lake Malawi

Today offers a range of optional activities or simply a day at the beach, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above 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.

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Included activities

Local Village Visit

Day 05  Lake Malawi

This morning we 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, we learn more of the rich history of both people and the natural world. We return for a final afternoon of relaxation and a final sundowner on the shores of this great lake.

Included activities

Museum Visit

Karonga Town

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Livingstonia day trip (hike)

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Day 06  Lake Malawi

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

Route

Chilumba to Nkhotakota Region

Day 07    South Luangwa National Park

This morning we 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 we make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sun rise over we Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

Route

Nkhotakota Region to South Luangwa National Park

Day 08   Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we 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 we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, we split our 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.

Optional activities

Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

Safari Walk (seasonal)

Activity package

Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Day 09    Petauke 

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning we make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning we 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. Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

Route

South Luangwa to Petauke

Included activities

Textile project visit

Day 10     Lusaka

As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the Luangwa River on our way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms, today’s landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Route

Petauke to Lusaka

Day 11     Victoria Falls 

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia we make our way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls, this afternoon we get our first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe we 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.

Route

Lusaka to Victoria Falls

Day 12     Victoria Falls

Today we 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 we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Activity package

Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fee

Optional activities

Dinner at Victoria Falls

Boma Dinner Experience

Sunset Cruise

Gorge Swing

Helicopter Flights

Bungee Jump

Day 13    Victoria Falls to Kasane

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana we 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 we begin our exploration in 4×4 vehicles, which allows us 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.

Route

Victoria Falls to Kasane

Activity package

Chobe National Park game drive

Chobe National Park boat cruise

Day 14    Kasane to Caprivi Region

Today we cross into Namibia as we journey across the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent travelling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. Our base tonight is on the banks of the Okavango River, here we will prepare for the upcoming Delta excursions. Your guide will brief you on what you need to pack for the Delta excursions, please note that baggage restrictions apply for transfers to our camps so a small daypack or similar is advisable.

Route

Kasane to Rainbow River Lodge

Day 15  Caprivi Region to Okavango Delta

Returning to Botswana this morning we make our way into the Okavango Delta, 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 tranquility of this wilderness area remains constant.

Route

Rainbow River Lodge to Okavango Delta

Activity package

Okavango Delta excursion

Day 16  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 great wilderness areas in the world today.

Day 17      Okavango Delta to Maun

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to our overnight stop in the bustling town of Maun. Reunited with our truck we enjoy an evening together at the campfire reflecting on our Delta experiences.

Route

Okavango Delta to Maun

Day 18  Maun to Central Kalahari

This morning we travel to the Ghanzi district in the central Kalahari. The Kalahari Desert is home to the San people and our stay here will present us with the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating people. Tonight we get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

Route

Maun to Ghanzi

Included activities

San Evening Dance Performance

Day 19    Central Kalahari to Kang

We begin the day with a guided walk with our San guides who will introduce us 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. We carry some of this knowledge with us this afternoon as we travel south on the Trans-Kalahari highway to our overnight stop in the small town of Kang, the gateway to the Kalahari

Route

Ghanzi to Kang

Activity package

Bush walk with San guides

Day 20  Kang to Johannesburg

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

Route

Kang to Johannesburg

Optional activities

Farewell Braai at Belvedere Estate

We spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Our route is dependent on the movement of the game and sightings.