Nairobi to Johannesburg - South  

  Duration30 Days

Day 1 – Nairobi – Arusha

Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi we travel south to the Tanzanian border. After completing border formalities we continue to the busy town of Arusha, our base for the night. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro.

Day 2 – Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

We are collected this morning in safari style vehicles and depart Arusha early, heading directly towards the Serengeti National Park.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti.  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 3 – Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

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 4 – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

We spend the morning commuting towards Ngorongoro Crater where we will enter the conservation area and explore the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. After our exploration, we exist the crater and make the short journey to Karatu where we will overnight.

Day 5 – Arusha

Soon after our departure from 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 links the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area with Arusha.   Returning to Arusha, we spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

Day 6 – Bagamoyo

We head out early this morning as we journey south to our 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. While today is primarily a travel day, we 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 we will prepare for our Zanzibar excursion that begins tomorrow morning.

Day 7 – Zanzibar Beaches

We depart Bagamoyo and head towards Dar es Salaam and the ferry port to catch the ferry to Zanzibar Island. After arriving in Zanzibar we make our way to the eastern shores of the island where we will spend the next two nights at a beachfront resort.  Relax on the beach, enjoy the infinity swimming pool or rent a bicycle and explore the neighbourhood.

Day 8 – Zanzibar Beaches

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the attractions and activities on offer. 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 9 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)

This morning we transfer by road to Stone Town.  Before we arrive in Stone Town, 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.  We continue to Stone Town, boasting a rich history this busy port town was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.  We will enjoy a walking tour of Stone Town to discover the more well known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. 

Day 10 – Dar es Salaam

We bid farewell to the island of Zanzibar and we catch our ferry back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the early afternoon, where we will overnight before continuing our journey.

Day 11 – Mikumi

Leaving the coast behind us we travel inland and make our way to Mikumi where we 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.

Day 12 – Iringa

The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley.  The town centre offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII.

Before reaching the town, we have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley, 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.

Day 13 – Mbeya Region

This afternoon 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.

Day 14 – 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 Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the night enjoying the attractions of the northern regions 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. 

Day 15 – Lake Malawi

This morning we board our truck and head further South of Lake Malawi. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi.  Stretching over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Day 16 – Lake Malawi

Today is another day of leisure, relaxing at the lake.  Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer.

Day 17 – South Luangwa

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 Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

Day 18 – South Luangwa

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, enjoying a sundowner on the way. 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 19 – Petauke

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning, 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.  Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

Day 20 – Petuake – Chirundu

Setting off we head west towards Chirundu, our destination for the night, 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. 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.

Day 21 – 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 22 – Livingstone

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia we make our way to the adventure town of Livingstone located right on Victoria Falls. This afternoon you can get your first look at the mighty Victoria Falls, or as the Zambian locals call it, “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language.  Your accommodation has been booked in Livingstone for tonight. 

Day 23 – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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 from Victoria Falls, a transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls is included in your tour price.  However, you can choose to spend the day in Livingstone and transfer to Victoria Falls in the late afternoon.  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. You will meet with your crew for a briefing at 17:00pm in the reception area of Shearwater Explorers Village. 

Day 24 – Victoria Falls – Kasane – Chobe National Park

This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls.  After lunch, we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana and will arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon, to set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day 25 – Kasane to Nata

We leave the banks of the Chobe River, and head south into the Kalahari Desert. You’ll notice the ‘bushveld’ change as you get closer to our overnight accommodation.

Day 26 – 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 camp today.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.   Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta, stopping at the viewing point of the Salt Pans en-route. Upon arrival in Maun, you 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 in Maun in open 4×4 safari vehicles and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area.  Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.

Day 27 – 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 28 – Khwai to Maun

We will depart early this morning in our 4×4 safari vehicles and make our way back to Maun, where we will overnight. 

Day 29 – Maun to Palapye

Today we head south through the stark yet striking landscapes of the Central Kalahari desert. Our journey starts by skirting the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes. 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. Along the way, you’ll pass by several smaller towns and villages, offering glimpses into everyday life in Botswana before arriving in Papapye.

Day 30 – Palapye to Johannesburg

Leaving behind the town of Palapye, we travel through the Kalahari to the South African border. After completing border formalities we continue on through the North-West Province before our tour ends in Johannesburg.