Okavango, Zimbabwe and Kruger  

  Duration18 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.

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

While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below (optional activity), 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 9 – Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

This morning we leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind us as we make the journey south to Hwange National Park.  Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the diversity of wildlife that calls the park home.

Day 10 – Hwange National Park

Home to the big-5, Hwange National Park also offers a wide variety of plains game and birdlife.  We will spend the day game driving (in open 4×4 vehicles) through Hwange in search of the animals.

Day 11 – Matopos National Park

After breakfast we continue south towards Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the Matopos National Park with a local guide. The park received recognition as a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site in 2003 and includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. Named after the Ndebele word “Matobo “, whose meaning “bald heads” refers to the rounded granite hills that surround it. We return to Bulawayo and our overnight stop for the night.

Day 12 – Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Our journey today takes us to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic site. Dating back to the Late Iron Age, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. We take time this afternoon to marvel at the intricate stone work and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilisation.

Day 13 – Tshipise

Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa this afternoon. Our overnight stop allows us an opportunity to end the day with a swim in the hot springs of Tshipise.  

Day 14 – Francistown to Johannesburg

Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon. 

Day 15 – Johannesburg to Great Kruger National Park Area

Please note that during the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed.  This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.  It is possible on certain departures that a different vehicle type could be used at either the start or the end of your tour.  This means that on either day 15 (from Johannesburg to the Greater Kruger National Park) or day 18 (Kruger National Park to Johannesburg, your journey may be conducted in shuttle (minivan) vehicles to meet up with and/or depart from the Nomad truck in the Greater Kruger National Park.   If your selected date involves such a shuttle, we will inform you accordingly.

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. We set up camp at our base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive.

Day 16 – Kruger National Park

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. 

Day 17 – Panorama Route

This morning we will journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. 

Day 18 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off for Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where your tour ends upon arrival.