Saturday. Welcome to Kenya! We’ll be there to collect you at Nairobi Airport. Your first night will be spent at our pre expedition campsite. On day 1 there will be a pre departure meeting at 17:00. Overnight - Nairobi

Nairobi - Masai Mara. Heading west from Nairobi on day 2, we reach possibly Kenya’s most famous natural attraction - the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kenyan section of the wildly beautiful Serengeti Plains teems with wildlife. The highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these beasts plus zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stray north from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania in search of lush grass on the savannah plains. Elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe and a multitude of hooved herbivores also inhabit the reserve. A game drive through the Mara on day 3 gives us the chance to spot the Big Five. During our stay we can also opt to visit a local Masai tribe. Overnight - Masai Mara N.P. (B:1, L:2, D:2)

Masai Mara - Kisumu - Kampala (Uganda). Leaving the Masai Mara early on day 4, we head out of Masai Land and pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, where we spend the night. The following morning, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala. Overnight - Kisumu (1), Kampala (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Kampala - Lake Bunyoni. From Kampala we drive to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, which is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda.

We depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in either Kisoro or in Rwanda. The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite. Overnight - Lake Bunyoni (B:4, L:4, D:4)

Lake Bunyoni - Kampala - Jinja. After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!

On day 11 we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or visiting a volunteer and community project. Overnight - Kampala (1), Jinja (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Jinja - Nakuru - Naivasha (Kenya). Departing early, we head back to Kenya and spend the night outside Nakuru at a lovely campsite on a local farm. Nakuru is Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province and lies adjacent to the small but wildlife rich Lake Nakuru National Park which is home to a veritable array of wildlife. The park supports a population of black rhino, lion, leopard, zebra, antelope and giraffe not to mention millions of pink flamingos. The lake itself is a shallow soda lake. The following morning we begin our exploration of the national park and after our game drive, we travel on to Lake Naivasha arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight - Nakuru (1), Naivasha (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Naivasha - Nairobi. Lake Naivasha, is home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. We spend the day enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. The next morning we head back to Nairobi. Overnight - Naivasha (1), Nairobi (1) (B:2, L:1, D:1)

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Leaving Nairobi, we cross the border into Tanzania. Arusha is the starting point for the optional 3 day excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 3 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. After our game drive in the Crater, we continue down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we bush camp (no ablutions) in the wild surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident wildlife. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! Overnight - Arusha (4), OR optional Karatu & Serengeti (B:3, L:4, D:4)

Arusha - Pangani - Dar es Salaam. We return to Arusha before continuing on towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. We may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We spend the night in Pangani midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam before reaching our lovely seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam the following day. Overnight - Pangani (1), Dar es Salaam (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar (optional). A ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes us to ‘Spice Island’, where we have the option to spend the next three nights.* Zanzibar is steeped in history and offers a wealth of experiences. Wander the streets of Stone Town, take an excursion around a spice plantation or simply laze on one of the pristine white sandy beaches, the choice is yours! Accommodation is not provided on Zanzibar, allowing you the freedom to choose where you spend your time on the island. Your trip leader can arrange accommodation for you locally should you wish.

* For those opting not to visit Zanzibar, the 3 days can be spent at leisure at the beach campsite or exploring Dar Es Salaam. Overnight - Dar es Salaam (3) OR optional Zanzibar (3) (B:1)

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam - Iringa. Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam. The next morning we head south and pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! Overnight - Dar es Salaam (1), Iringa (1) (B:1, L:1, D:2)

Iringa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we travel into Malawi, a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 4 days. Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Overnight - Lake Malawi (B:4, L:4, D:4)

Lake Malawi - Chipata - Lusaka (Zambia). We head away from Lake Malawi, and stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre, to stock up on supplies before crossing into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite. From Chipata, we head south-west via the Great East Road to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. Overnight - Chipata (1), Lusaka (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Lusaka - Livingstone. Heading further south, we journey to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Overnight - Livingstone (B, L, D)

Livingstone - Chobe (Botswana). Today we cross the border into Botswana and continue to the town of Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River which forms a border between Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. After lunch, we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River and tonight we enjoy an exciting overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Overnight - Chobe N. P. (B, L, D)

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe, a short drive takes us to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. We enjoy our last day in the adrenaline playground of Africa, where there are optional activities aplenty here including Zambezi white water rafting, bungy jumping from 111m and flights over the Falls in a variety of airborne machines! Overnight - Victoria Falls (B)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of optional excursions which include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. Overnight - Victoria Falls (B:2)

Victoria Falls - Hwange NP - Bulawayo. On day 38 drive to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve – the Hwange National Park, which is known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephant, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. After lunch we enjoy a game drive to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species. The following morning we’re up with the sunrise to further explore this reserve and head out of the park mid-morning to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Overnight - Hwange (1), Bulawayo (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Bulawayo - Gweru. After exploring the city we make our way to the town of Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands, and stop over at The Antelope Park. A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! We have the unique opportunity to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle. The following day is spent at leisure enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife. Overnight - Gweru (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Gweru - Bandula (Mozambique). We bid farewell to the lovely Antelope Park and make our way across Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands to Mozambique. Crossing the border near the town of Mutare, we stop off at our campsite on the banks of Lake Chicamba. Based at the confluence of the Revue and Messica Rivers, Lake Chicamba is a popular Angling destination and the lake is stocked with well sized Bass, Carp, Bream and Catfish – an Anglers delight! Overnight - Bandula (B, L, D)

Bandula - Vilanculos. Heading out early from Bandula we make our way toward the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and Mozambique’s tropical coastline. Our destination is Villanculous - the stepping stone to the 3 main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Arriving in the afternoon, we spend 2 nights here to give those who wish, the opportunity to take a boat charter out to the smaller island of Magaruque on day 44. Other activities include Dhow trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and more. Overnight - Vilanculos (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Vilanculos - Morrungulu. Today we take a leisurely drive down the coast to the picturesque Morrungulu resort. Situated in among a coconut palm plantation, this camp offers a truly tropical island feel – just watch out for the falling coconuts! Try your hand at deep-sea fishing, or simply enjoy a relaxing walk along this stretch of beach. Overnight - Morrungulu (B, L, D)

Morrungulu - Inhambane. Continuing further down the coast our destination for the next 2 days is Inhambane. The beautiful beaches just outside Inhambane are well known by locals and holiday makers alike for their close proximity to various scuba diving reefs. The days can be spent at leisure enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, taking a dive to explore the abundant marine life, or browsing the busy “Mecado Central” (central market), or exploring the beach on horseback. Scuba diving and snorkelling in Inhambane is amongst the best in the world with reefs close to every beach. Overnight - Inhambane (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Inhambane - Kruger NP (South Africa). Leaving the alluring waters of Mozambique, we cross border into South Africa and enter Kruger National Park in the late afternoon. We game drive en-route to our campsite within the park and enjoy a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our early morning game drive on day 49. After spending the day in search of animals and stopping off at some of Kruger's wonderful view points, we spend the night at the lovely Umvubu Camp situated on the border of the park. Overnight - Kruger N.P. (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Saturday. Kruger NP - Johannesburg. Leaving the Kruger region we head via the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route before making our way to the end destination, Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where the trip finishes. We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here. (B, L)