Caprivi & Delta To Zanzibar

After breakfast beside the Zambezi, we continue along the Caprivi (Zambezi) Strip. Our journey to Divundu takes us through remote villages and verdant landscapes, with the occasional glimpse of elephants or sable antelope along the roadside. By early afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation on the banks of the Okavango River.

This morning, we begin the day with a scenic boat cruise upriver to Popa Falls. These aren’t towering waterfalls, but rather a series of beautiful cascades and rapids where the Okavango River tumbles over rocky outcrops — a tranquil and photogenic spot. Along the way, we glide past lush riverbanks teeming with life: crocodiles sunning themselves, hippos bobbing in the water, and a vibrant array of bird species flitting through the reeds. After returning to our lodge enjoy some time to relax before the afternoon’s adventure begins. In the late afternoon, we set off on a game drive in 4x4 safari vehicles to Mahangu National Park.  This compact but wildlife-rich park offers excellent sightings of elephant, buffalo, hippo, sable, roan antelope, and more. Tonight, fall asleep knowing you’ve witnessed one of Namibia’s most biodiverse corners — where the Okavango begins to fan out into its legendary delta.

We say goodbye to Namibia and cross into Botswana, continuing south toward the legendary Okavango Delta.  Our journey takes us through rural villages and open savannah, gradually giving way to the lush, watery channels that define the delta’s edge. Our lodge is tucked away on the remote fringes of the northern delta and after arriving at our overnight stop, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering trees, winding waterways, and the soft symphony of bird calls — a true delta haven. After settling in, take time to relax on the deck or wander along the water’s edge, before enjoying a sunset boat cruise.  This is the beginning of your delta immersion — slow-paced, serene, and deeply connected to nature. As evening falls, enjoy a peaceful dinner, with the gentle sounds of frogs and night birds setting the rhythm for a magical night in Botswana’s northern frontier.

After an early breakfast, we set off on a remarkable day trip to Tsodilo Hills — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spiritually significant locations in Botswana. Known as the "Louvre of the Desert," these dramatic quartzite hills rise unexpectedly from the flat Kalahari landscape and are home to over 4,500 ancient rock paintings. The drive to Tsodilo takes us through dry bushveld and remote villages, offering glimpses into traditional life in the northwest corner of Botswana. Upon arrival, we will walk along one of the walking trails, view the rock art — some dating back thousands of years.  We return to our lodge in the late afternoon.

Embark on a scenic journey from the Northern Okavango Delta to the vibrant gateway town of Maun. Along the way, you'll pass by several smaller towns and villages, offering glimpses into everyday life in Botswana.

You will be separated from your Nomad vehicle 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. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic style mobile fly camp.  Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet. 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 afternoon 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).

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 4x4 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.

After a final sunrise in the heart of Khwai, we bid farewell to the untamed beauty of Botswana’s wilderness and begin our journey southward. Our route takes us through Maun where we re-unite with our Nomad vehicle.   From Maun, we continue northeast towards Nata and our overnight lodge.  This is more than just a stopover — it’s a truly unique destination where elephants roam freely through the unfenced lodge area, often drinking from the natural waterhole just meters from your chalet.  We enjoy our dinner, surrounded by the quiet hum of the bush and the soft sounds of giants passing through.

This morning, we start our day early with a bush walk, giving us the chance to get up close to nature. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see animal tracks and other subtle signs of the wilderness that are often hidden from view on a safari vehicle.  Walk completed, 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.

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. This evening, you have the option to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and reflect on the day’s adventures. Your guide will arrange a booking for those who wish to participate.

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, 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.

Setting off early from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. This evening enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

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

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.

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.

Today you will have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or embark on a variety of cultural tours.

We overnight at our accommodation before an early start the following morning to catch our transport to Zanzibar Island.

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

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.

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.

This morning, we enjoy our final breakfast together, bid farewell to our fellow travellers and transfer back to Stone Town.   Your tour will come to an end after breakfast in Stone Town. Please note:  You can choose to conclude your tour at the Nungwi accommodation or transfer with the group to the ferry port.