Johannesburg to Nairobi - North  

  Duration30 Days

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Palapye

Leaving behind the city of Johannesburg, we travel through the North-West Province to the Botswana border. After completing border formalities we continue on the Trans-Kalahari highway to our overnight stop.  

Day 2 – Palapye to Maun

Today we head north through the stark yet striking landscapes of the Central Kalahari desert towards the gateway of the Okavango Delta. Along the way, you’ll pass by several smaller towns and villages, offering glimpses into everyday life in Botswana. A notable point of interest on our route is the Orapa Diamond Mine, an imposing testament to Botswana’s mineral wealth. This mine, which is a collaborative venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, is counted among the world’s most extensive diamond mines. It serves as a critical economic pillar, contributing considerably to Botswana’s GDP and export earnings. Beyond Orapa, our journey skirts the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park before reaching our overnight destination in Maun, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes.        

Day 3 – Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Nomad truck 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.  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 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).

Day 4 – Moremi Game Reserve
Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains.  Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles.  Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible.  This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari.

Day 5 – Khwai to Nata
Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the Nomad truck in Maun.  The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination near Nata.

Day 6 – Nata to Kasane – Chobe National Park

We journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. 

Day 7 – Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, 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 and coffee shops on offer as well.

Day 8 – Victoria Falls / Livingstone
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.  As your tour continues tomorrow from Livingstone, your accommodation for tonight has been booked in Livingstone.  You can however spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer over to Livingstone in the late afternoon.  The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour.  You have the choice of booking a morning transfer (08:00) or afternoon transfer (16:00).  Please indicate your preferred time with your booking agent and/or Nomad at the time of booking.

Day 9 – Livingstone – Chirundu

Setting off early from Livingstone, we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before we head off on a long day travelling. We get our first impressions of East Africa through the window of our truck: colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey as we travel through Zambia. We enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as our guides brief us on the days ahead.

Day 10 – Chirundu

As our lodge is situated along the banks of the Kafue River, today is free for you to participate in some of the activities on offer.  Fishing on the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities, or book a full day safari experience in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Other optional activities include a river safari, birding and an excursion to the baobab forest and bat cave. 

Day 11 – Petauke

This morning we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we 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. We make a delightful stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local Zambian vendors showcase their wares. Among the treasures on display are masau and masaku, delectable fruits that are available year-round and renowned for their mouth-watering taste. In addition, other African curios catch our eye, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets, adding to the colourful tapestry of this vibrant marketplace.

Day 12 – South Luangwa National Park

We look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to view their local jewellery and curios, these accessories are hand crafted by local ladies from South Luangwa using organic materials originating from the African bush. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton and we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. 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.

Day 13 – South Luangwa National Park

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 including a sundowner stop. 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.

Day 14 – Lake Malawi

This morning we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our 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 any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of the lake this natural wonder.

Day 15 – Lake Malawi

Today is all about the lake and this day 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. If you wish, an optional hike can be done with a local guide to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall. Located a short 30-minute drive from Nglala Beach Hotel, the waterfall offers a breath-taking panorama from the summit. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the pristine waters surrounded by the lush greenery and natural splendour of the surrounding landscape.

Day 16 – Lake Malawi

Today we are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi.  Our Nomad guide will lead us on a village walk through a nearby village in the afternoon.  After the walk, enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

Day 17 – Mbega

We depart this morning and continue north, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where we will overnight.

Day 18 – Tanzania – Iringa

Before heading to Iringa, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We then ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way further into Tanzania.

Day 19 – Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. We have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley, Tanzania. A mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breath-taking scene, casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah, the perfect backdrop to stop for a group picture. We then reach Mikumi, which 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. Today you will have the opportunity to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park.

Day 20 – Dar es Salaam

We overnight in Dar es Salaam before an early start the following morning to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island.

Day 21 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)

We head out early to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island from Dar es Salaam. After arriving at the ferry port we make our way to our hotel located in Stone Town.

Day 22 – Zanzibar Beaches

Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.  Our morning begins with a walking tour of Stone Town to discover the more well known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.  After our city tour, we travel by road to our base for the next 2 nights. Before our arrival, we will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations.  You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms.  

Day 23 – Zanzibar Beaches

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day.  Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 24 – Bagamoyo

We bid farewell to the island and board our return ferry, on arrival back at the Dar es Salaam port, we reunite with our truck and return to Bagamoyo where we spend the night.

Day 25 – Arusha

Heading north this morning we travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, our destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro.

Day 26 – Karatu

Although it is short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater.  Before our arrival in Karatu, we will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market which is situated in the little village of Mto wa Mbu.  Known for crops such as rice and their distinctive red bananas, the town sits on the main road that leads directly to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area.   Tonight, our guide will brief us on our 2-night excursion.

Day 27 – Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park (Seronera) Excursion

We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles.  We will spend the morning exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park.  The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent.

Day 28 – Serengeti

This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day’s game drive through Serengeti National Park.  Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here. 

Day 29 – Arusha

We depart the Serengeti National Park with amazing memories, and make the return journey to Arusha where we will spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 30 – Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi where our journey ends on arrival.