43 Day Delta to Gorillas - Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland Tour
Itinerary
DAY 1: Botswana - Palapye
We depart Johannesburg heading north to Botswana. After border formalities we continue towards Palapye, previously known as Phalatswe, where we'll spend our first night. Palapye is located on the banks of the Lotsane River.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun
This morning we visit the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community based wildlife project, established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino. We arrive in Maun in the afternoon and prepare for the Okavango Delta. As our transport is in small planes the limit on personal luggage is a maximum of 10kg, for most people this means repacking! Do not forget your cameras! In the late afternoon there is sometimes time to visit a local Crocodile Farm.
Optional activities: Crocodile Farm
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 3 & 4: Okavango Delta
We leave the truck in Maun and take transit in to the Delta on a large 4x4 vehicle. During high water we may also take boats. We then join the local people of the Delta and finally set up our bush camp for the next 2 nights. During our time in the Delta we enjoy the best nature has to offer. We go on nature walks and If possible will explore the Delta by mokoro. The Delta is the world's largest inland delta. The Okavango River has no outlet to the sea, so it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating some 15,000 square km's. This is a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience where wild animals are not familiar with people.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Gweta
We leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The area is also full of Baobab trees, these large trees are often extremely old and there are many local fables in which they play a part.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Kasane - Chobe National Park
Today we head north to Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River. Apart from being the 2nd biggest National Park in Botswana, Chobe is renowned for its high population of migratory elephants. The afternoon is spent game viewing on a river cruise, into the renowned Chobe National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa's spectacular wildlife. If you did not see enough animals already there will be time tomorrow morning for an optional game drive in the Chobe National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day's adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi as it drops over 100m in to the gorge below. The local Batoka tribe named the Victoria Falls 'Mosi-o-Tunya' which translated means 'The Smoke that Thunders'. In high-water season the plume of spray rising from the Falls can be seen for kilometres.
Optional activities: Chobe National Park early morning Game Ddrive, Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Victoria Falls
You can choose between relaxing and getting mundane things like laundry out of the way and taking part in some of the amazing adventure activities on offer here. The Zambezi White Water Rafting still boasts the most grade-5 white water to be commercially tackled and this is a serious must-do activity for most people. If braving the white water, or bungy, is not for you then the lion walk or elephant encounter are both amazing options, it's a totally different experience to meet one of these creatures up close!
Optional activities: White Water Rafting, Bungy Jump, Elephant Excursion, Walking with Lions, Horse Riding, Micro-light, Flight of the Angels, Skydiving etc.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9: Lusaka
Leaving behind the natural wonder of Victoria Falls we begin our expedition. After Livingstone we journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka where we see locals going about their daily business. You will notice the vegetation becoming sub-tropical and the roads a little rougher.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Chipata
Today is a long drive through lush country, crossing rivers enroute to Chipata, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa. There are many rural villages and farming communities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 11 & 12: South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the border of the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights at our campsite right on the bank of the Luangwa River. You can often see Hippo and other animals from the campsite bar. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen.
Optional activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 13 & 14: Malawi - Luwawa Forest
We depart from South Luangwa early and cross the border in to Malawi where we begin climbing in to the mountains that border the Malawian shores of Lake Malawi. In these higher areas there is a lot of commercial forestry and the cooler climate can be a very pleasant change from the more humid temperatures below. Luwawa Forest camp are winners of the 2008 'Community Development Work and Sustainable Tourism Award'. Take a hike to the viewpoint to see the Lake form above, or rent a Mountain Bike for some exciting riding.
Optional activities: Mountian Biking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Canoeing, Sailing
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 15 & 16: Central Lake Malawi
The road down the mountain from Luwawa to the lake shore is scenic and quite exciting. We take a break from travelling with a couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village on Lake Malawi. There is lovely white sand and lots of water sport and leisure activities available. We will also visit a local village for some cultural interaction here.
Optional activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 17 & 18: Northern Lake Malawi
Leaving Kande Beach we travel north to Chitimba, a small village by the lake with more white sandy beaches. Livingstonia Mission is at the top of the nearby mountains. You can hike up to the village, but be warned, this is not a relaxing stroll ... there is a beautiful waterfall and interesting permaculture project on the way and it is possible to spend the night up there. Alternatively spend another 2 relaxing days on the beach.
Optional activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: Tanzania - Iringa
Today we leave Malawi and enter Tanzania. We ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, passing vast tea plantations in the highlands before arriving at our camp outside Iringa.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: Dar es Salaam
Today we transit through Mikumi National Park, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania, to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. The city is one of the oldest settled cities in East Africa and, although not the capital, is the chief commercial centre of Tanzania.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 21 to 23: Zanzibar
A local ferry will take us from Dar Es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets and the island is known for its endangered red colobus monkeys, adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach.
Optional activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling
Meals included: Breakfast x 3
DAY 24: Dar es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing about our days on the island.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 25: Arusha
Today we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania and known for its authentic craft markets. On a clear day it's possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 26 & 27: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. We game drive in the Serengeti NP and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. In October and April the area is known for the circular migration of millions of herbivores travelling in pursuit of the seasonal rains. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.
Optional activities: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 28: Arusha
Today those that went in to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro will return to Arusha where there will be time sit together and share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. The Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 29: Kenya - Nairobi
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi. As this portion of the tour ends here most groups like to spend the evening at a local game restaurant.
Optional activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 30: Lake Naivasha
Leaving Nairobi we travel north to Lake Naivasha and a day spent at Hell's Gate National Park. The interesting name comes from the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the entrance to the geothermal interior. This is the only National Park where you can go hiking and activities include game and bird watching. The park entry fees are included and one of the more popular optional activities is to go game viewing from a bicycle. An alternative way to spend your afternoon is to take high-tea at Elsamere, the former home of Joy Adams, best known for her autobiographical novel, Born Free.
Optional activities: Cycle hire, High Tea at Elsamere
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 31: Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the Kenyan side of the Serengeti National Park (located in Tanzania). Today the tour will be entering this huge area of spectacular game viewing to photograph some of Africa's most abundant wildlife. Famous for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other animals, including lions. In addition to what we hope will be a successful day's game viewing, cultural interaction with Kenya's native Masaai people will round off your experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 32: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning there's more game viewing in the Masai Mara before we travel towards Lake Nakuru NP, a great place to spot flamingos. White Rhino also inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake, with great photo opportunities for the keen photographers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 33: Uganda - Kampala
Leaving Lake Nakuru we drive to the Uganda border, then stop for a photo at the equator. Later we arrive in Uganda's capital and largest city, Kampala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 34: Kamapal / Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala, most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Ngamba Island is situated 23 km from Entebbe (near Kampala) on Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat.
Optional activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets, Dinner Out.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 35: Lake Bunyoni
Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, the lake is best known for its dense Otter population and stunning scenery. We make use of this beautiful spot to relax and spend the night before the final drive to the Gorillas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 36 to 38: Mountain Gorillas
The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the Gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining Gorillas rests in the community development work - as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the Mountain Gorilla is assured.
As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the Mountain Gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits.
Should we not obtain permits to visit the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.
Please note: Although there are 3-days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one-day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 39: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Many game species are to be found in this mainly wetland park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometres of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and we recommend the optional sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel.
Optional activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 40: Kampala
The morning is spent on further game viewing and this afternoon we return to Kampala where we can dine out at one of the city's many restaurants. The next day the tour will leave early for Jinja, home to some of the best White Water Rafting in the world. As we need to pre book this activity, our guides need to know on arrival at Kampala, if you wish to brave the Nile River.
Optional activities: Meal out in Kampala
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 41: Jinja
Jinja is Uganda's second largest city and is famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. If you do not want to go rafting, why not volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education, a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job educating Jinja's youth.
Optional activities: White Water Rafting, Soft Power Education Project
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 42: Kenya - Eldoret
Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country's 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 43: Nairobi
Returning to Nairobi, the largest city in the East Africa region, there's an optional dinner at the city's famous Carnivore Restaurant, where we can swap stories and exchange contact details.
Optional activities: Meal out in Nairobi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Please note: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit prices to view the Gorillas can also change without notice.
