Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa. We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop where we will overnight.

Our morning will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. We spend the next two nights on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration concludes with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion (this activity could take place the previous afternoon). While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where head to Brandberg for a nature walk with your Nomad guide to see the San rock art. The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning early.  The hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River)

With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park.

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park.

This morning is free for you to relax around camp. After lunch, we will board our truck and enjoy an afternoon game drive as we head towards our next overnight camp.

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and journey toward the Kavango River, entering the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Spanning five countries, including parts of our route through Botswana and Zimbabwe, one of the world's largest protected areas, supporting diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Our overnight stop in Divundu offers a glimpse into this rich natural haven.

This morning we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the tranquil waters of the Kavango River, taking in the serene scenery, birdlife, and perhaps spotting hippos or crocodiles along the banks. In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to embark on an optional game drive in Mahangu National Park, a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and frequent sightings of elephants, buffalo, antelope, and even big cats.

We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.

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 Maun.  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 on an alternative day 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 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.

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 in Nata.

We journey from the 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 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.

This morning, we depart the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls and head south toward Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve. After settling into our accommodation, we venture into Hwange National Park in the afternoon for our first game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Known for its impressive elephant herds, lion prides, and wide-open landscapes dotted with acacia and teak trees, Hwange offers a spectacular introduction to Zimbabwe’s wild side. Keep an eye out for giraffe, buffalo, sable antelope, and, if you’re lucky, one of the park’s elusive predators.

Rise early with the sounds of the bush and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea before heading out on a morning game drive in Hwange National Park.

Hwange’s diverse landscapes are home to more than 100 mammal species and nearly 400 birds. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants moving silently through the teak forests, kudu standing alert in the thickets, or a pride of lions resting after a night’s hunt. We return to our lodge late morning for a bit of relaxation during the heat of the day, before visiting the nearby Painted Dog Conservation Centre in the afternoon, a vital project dedicated to protecting one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores — the African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf. Here, you’ll learn about the threats facing these remarkable animals and the community-driven efforts to safeguard their future.

After breakfast, we depart Hwange and journey toward the mystical realm of Matobo Hills, also known as Matopos National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its otherworldly rock formations, rich spiritual history, and diverse wildlife. Unlike the open plains of Hwange, Matobos offers a dramatically different environment: massive granite boulders balance precariously on each other, and ancient caves hide millennia-old San rock art. Matopos is one of the best places in Africa to track white and black rhino on foot (if conditions and park regulations allow).

After breakfast, we hit the road heading east toward one of Africa’s most significant historical landmarks — the majestic Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

By early afternoon, we arrive at Great Zimbabwe, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and once a thriving trading centre between the 11th and 15th centuries. The stone structures — including the Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex, and the iconic conical tower — are marvels of dry-stone architecture and steeped in myth and mystery. After exploring the ruins, we head just a few minutes away to our accommodation for the night.

This morning, we depart the historical heart of Zimbabwe and set our course southward toward the wild frontier of our overnight lodge, nestled near the Limpopo River in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. The journey takes us through remote, seldom-visited parts of Zimbabwe — a land of open skies and baobab-dotted hills. As we travel, the landscape shifts from highveld to lowveld, gradually giving way to the semi-arid bush that characterizes Zimbabwe’s deep south. By late afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation – surrounded by mopane woodland, ancient sandstone formations, and the calls of wild birds echoing in the distance. Enjoy a relaxed dinner under the stars, with anticipation building for the wildlife encounters that await in this beautifully preserved corner of southern Africa.

We set off on a journey that blends ancient human expression with raw African wilderness. Our first stop is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where San (Bushman) paintings dating back thousands of years adorn the sandstone walls. These vivid images of animals, hunters, and spiritual symbols offer a powerful glimpse into the beliefs and daily life of southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants. In the afternoon, we participate in an unforgettable guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve. Walking through the private reserve, your guide and tracker will teach you how to read the bush — from fresh tracks and broken branches to calls in the distance — piecing together the movements of cheetah, rhino, or perhaps the wild dog.

After an early breakfast, we make our way south toward the iconic Kruger National Park. Entering the park through one of its northern gates, we enjoy a scenic drive through Kruger’s diverse landscapes, with the chance to spot the animals along the way. By late afternoon, we arrive at our lodge, located just outside the Phalaborwa Gate. After checking in and freshening up, we head out on an exciting sunset game drive, exploring the nearby private reserve. As the bush transforms under the golden hues of dusk, we search for nocturnal wildlife beginning to stir.

We begin the day with a morning bush walk in the Phalaborwa area. This immersive experience offers a ground-level perspective of the bush — where every footprint, scent, and bird call tell a story. After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we travel southward toward the Timbavati region, a renowned conservation area that shares unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing wildlife to move freely. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our overnight lodge, and shortly after check-in, we head out on a sunset game drive in the greater Timbavati/Greater Kruger area. With luck, this could be the day you spot the Big Five. We return to the lodge, where dinner and storytelling around the campfire complete another unforgettable day in the bush.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive along South Africa’s famous Panorama Route — a day filled with dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Our route takes us to iconic viewpoints such as God’s Window, the remarkable rock formations at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the sweeping vistas of the Three Rondavels overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. We pause along the way to explore the Lisbon or Berlin Falls and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local spot. By late afternoon, we arrive at our lodge, nestled in the tranquil surrounds of Hazyview. Settle in, enjoy a quiet dinner, and prepare for the final stretch of your journey.

Today is all about the thrill of the wild as we embark on a full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park. Setting off early in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, we enter the park through one of the nearby gates and begin our search for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

We will enjoy a break at one of the park’s rest camps, with time to stretch, grab a bite to eat and take in the surroundings before continuing our game-viewing journey. By late afternoon, we return to our lodge, where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with incredible sightings and unforgettable moments in the African wild.

After a final breakfast, we begin our return journey to Johannesburg. This relaxed drive offers time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days — from ancient rock art and dramatic escarpments to thrilling game drives and quiet moments in the bush. We arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon or early evening, where your tour concludes.