Northern Express

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Johannesburg to Khama Rhino Sanctuary

An early start and a long way to go as we depart Johannesburg and head north into Botswana. Passing through Serowe, birthplace of Botswana's first president, on our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary - home of white rhino, zebra and wildebeest. Our first game drive takes us around the Malema and Serwe Pans.

Day 2, Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Maun

Maun is our destination today as we prepare for the Okavango Delta excursion. Afterunpacking our gear we have a relaxing afternoon at the swimming pool.

Day 3, Maun to Okavango Delta

This morning we head to the airport, jump into our planes and head into the Delta where we are based for the next 2 days.

Day 4, Okavango Delta

Early morning and late afternoon game walks give you time in the middle of the day to relax, chill out and enjoy your surroundings. Why don't you have a go at poling your own mokoro? It is not as easy as it looks!

Day 5, Okavango Delta to Gweta (via Maun)

We are transferred out of the Delta to meet back up with our truck before a short drive takes us to our interesting overnight stop on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Day 6, Gweta to Kasane

Our drive today takes us through and around the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans before we turn north towards the Chobe National Park. The afternoon can be spent on a scenic boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Day 7, Kasane to Victoria Falls

After a hearty brunch we make our way into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls. Approx 1700 m wide and 100 m high, Victoria Falls is a memorable sight! Take part in one of the many adventure activities or relax by the pool.

Day 8, Victoria Falls

Spend today walking around this little town with its BIG waterfall, rest by the pool, write your postcards, shop or chill out at a little cafe. If that sounds too relaxing then finish off the adventure activities you haven't tried yet!

Day 9, Victoria Falls to Lusaka

After the wonder of misty Victoria Falls we head off towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka.

Day 10, Lusaka to Chipata

We journey from bustling Lusaka to our overnight stop situated just a few kilometers from the Malawi/Zambia border.

Day 11 to 12, Chipata to South Luangwa National Park

After a early start we drive to the South Luangwa National Park and spend 2 nights beside the Luangwa River. There is a good chance that you might see some of parks high concentration of leopard and hippo. A visit to the community run tribal textile project and a local village is also planned. NB: In the rainy season occasionally it is impossible to reach South Luangwa NP. If this happens an alternative itinerary will run.

Day 13, South Luangwa National Park to Lilongwe

We head to the Capital of Malawi, Lilongwe where we restock with fresh supplies in the local markets. The old city centres vibrant markets, cafes, shops and restaurants are well worth a visit.

Day 14, Lilongwe to Lake Malawi

Leaving the bustling city behind we travel to the shores of glorious Lake Malawi.

Day 15, Lake Malawi

The huge Lake Malawi stretches as far as you can see as you drive along the western coastline. Other than the beautiful views, spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer or trip into a local village to meet some real 'salt of the earth' Malawians.

Day 16, Lake Malawi

Today you can spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer, trip into a local village or relax on the beach and read your book.

Day 17, Lake Malawi to Iringa

After entering Tanzania our scenic drive takes in the beauty of the tea and banana plantations before arriving in Iringa at the 'Farmhouse'. Try out those decadent Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 18 to 19, Iringa to Dar Es Salaam

We pass through the Mikumi National Park en-route to Dar es Salaam where we get prepared for our departure to Zanzibar. The rolling hills and beautifully straight rows of the tea plantations give way to the bush and plains of Mikumi National Park before we reach the bustling city of Dar. Keep an eye out for Elephant calmly grazing beside the road.

Day 20, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

An early ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to this exotic "Spice Island", where we will spend the next few nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history which is reflected in the varied architecture of Stone Town while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 21 to 22, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 23, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

We take the ferry back to mainland for another night in Dar es Salaam. Time permitting there may be an opportunity to visit one of the local craft markets offering a large range of exquisite products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills).

Day 24 to 25, Dar Es Salaam to Arusha

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam we pass numerous sisal plantations and Mt Kilimanjaro before reaching our destination near Arusha.

Day 26, Arusha to Serengeti National Park

From Arusha you have the option of visiting the famous Serengeti National Park. You will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides, if you take up the two-night/three day option. From Arusha you drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you descend down onto the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game has never stopped to suprise anyone entering this wildlife heaven. The afternoon will be spent game spotting before setting up camp in the midst of the park. A camp fire and the night time noises of the wildlife finish off a day in one of East Africa's most famous game parks!

Day 27, Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An absolute 'must do' when in Tanzania. Pass through the 'Cradle of Mankind' and the Rift Valley whilst enjoying one of the best game viewing opportunities Africa has to offer. An early start takes us off for a full morning game drive in the Serengeti. We head back towards Ngorongoro where we sleep on the Crater's edge. We suggest you wear your winter woollies as it can get pretty cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

Day 28, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls. This Garden of Eden is 20-kilometre wide and a true natural wonder. The size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers great photo opportunities of most of East Africa's mammals, such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, and plain's game. After spending the morning in the Ngorongoro Crater you will return to our overnight stop near Arusha for the night.

Day 29, Arusha to Nairobi

Time for some shopping in Arusha this morning before a short drive returns us to Nairobi where our tour ends on arrival.

Meals included in your tour cost

27 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 23 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 16 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $40 Chobe National Park Game Drive
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• $20 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• TBA Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $130 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $130 Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls
• $130 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise