Premium Eastern and Southern Africa
An unforgettable African journey from Kigali to Windhoek
Embrace the adventure of a lifetime on a 37-day Premium journey through Africa. Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, take in quintessential East Africa in the Masai Mara, search for wildlife in the Kruger National Park, be amazed by the showstopping Victoria Falls, search for a wealth of elephants in Chobe National Park and marvel at the desert landscapes of Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. From the forests of Uganda to the vast grasslands of Kenya to the national parks of Southern Africa and Botswana, and the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia, few places on the planet offer such spectacular diversity and wildlife.
- Start
- Kigali, Rwanda
- End
- Windhoek, Namibia
- Meals
- 32 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 30 dinners
- Transport
- 4x4 Safari Vehicle, Boat, Private Vehicle, Plane
- Accommodation
- Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (23 nights), Permanent tented camp (3 nights)
- Days
- 37
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeEvery trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
- Wildlife
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Premium
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
With your gorilla permit included in the price of the trip, spend a day trekking (with an optional second) through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to get close to Uganda's rare mountain gorillas for an unforgettable hour.
Let your Feature Stays take you close to nature, from spectacular views at our gorilla lodge surrounded by jungle in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to a lodge next to the Namib-Naukluft National Park with views of the ethereal desert landscape.
Enjoy a front-row seat for wildlife viewings during 4x4 game drives in the Masai Mara, the Namibian desert, Lake Nakuru's National Park, Chobe National Park, Etosha National Park and Kruger National Park, with expert guides at the helm.
Discover the region’s best with Exclusive Experiences, including dinner with a local park ranger, a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, 4x4 drive through the Makgadikgadi Pans and a privately catered cruise down the Zambezi River.
Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable culture.
Take in the spectacular contrasts of Namibia – climb the iconic Dune 45 to see the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei, explore the picturesque Deadvlei Salt Pans, Sesriem Canyon and Damaraland’s ancient rock paintings and petrified forests.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city and the starting point for your adventure. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and small group for a 6 pm welcome meeting. Your accommodation for the next two nights is no ordinary hotel – the Hotel des Mille Collines is famous for sheltering and consequently saving more than 1000 people during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. If you arrive to Kigali early, perhaps take to the streets to explore this flourishing city in the midst of a great revival. Head to Nyamirambo, the Muslim quarter, to try some giant grilled tilapia, or stop by a local cafe and discover why Rwandan coffee is considered some of the world’s best. This evening, join your leader and small group for dinner at a lively East African restaurant popular with the locals. Enjoy live music, cocktails, incredible views and an authentic shared dining experience full of regional flavour.
- Hotel Des Mille Collines or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Kigali - Welcome Dinner
You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until tonight's important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have these to give to your leader.
This morning, head out of the city for a sobering visit to the Ntarama Church. Your leader will explain how this memorial marks the spot where 5000 people were tragically slaughtered during the Genocide. Reminders of lives lost remain in the church, including clothes and even bones. Continue to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, a former church where an incomprehensible 50,000 people were murdered. Your leader will discuss how the Tutsis sought refuge in churches, only for them to turn into death traps. Then, visit the Genocide Museum, a powerful yet confronting experience and important in understanding the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan people. This afternoon, re-energize with some local Ugandan treats before taking a tour of the thriving city and its vibrant market with your leader. The evening is free for you to enjoy.
- Hotel Des Mille Collines or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Kigali - City Tour
- Kigali - Local Food Lunch
After breakfast, depart Kigali and head across the border to the Bwindi National Park in Uganda (approximately 4 hours). Arrive at the Gorilla Heights Lodge, your feature stay accommodation for the next three nights. Sitting high on the Nteko Ridge, the lodge offers up magnificent views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s 800 mountain gorillas. Gaze out across the jagged Virunga Mountains that straddle Uganda's borders with Congo and Rwanda. An eco-friendly oasis, each elegant cottage has a private balcony overlooking the forest canopy. The lodge is solar-powered and works closely with the local people. Here, you’ll experience genuinely warm Ugandan hospitality – when they wish you welcome, they really mean it. There’s no better spot for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas.
This evening will be a truly special experience as you're joined by a field veterinarian from the Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. This organization is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They provide medical interventions to protect these magnificent animals from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You'll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and exclusive experience.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge (Feature Stay) or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk
Rise early and take a short walk to the park headquarters where you’ll be briefed on today's gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The trek can be strenuous, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it so worthwhile. We recommend investing in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once you encounter a group of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them swing from trees, groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is sure to be a life-affirming experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day. Freshen up with a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fireplace.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge (Feature Stay) or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Be aware that the trek can be strenuous and may reach altitudes of almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Depending on weather conditions, some of the paths can be slippery and these paths themselves can change depending on the location of the gorillas. Therefore, it is very hard to predict how long you will need to walk for, but a good level of fitness is recommended for this trek. Rangers may allocate you to different trekking groups based on your fitness levels and the group may be split. Those who find the trek most strenuous can often be allocated to a gorilla group located closer to the base of the mountain, but this obviously cannot be guaranteed.
You will be provided with a walking stick and the option to hire a porter who can carry your day pack and assist you on the trek. It costs 20 USD to hire a porter, plus an optional tip.
Hiring a porter not only makes your trek easier but also encourages local communities to embrace gorilla conservation and tourism. Some porters are ex-poachers who now recognize the value in gorilla conservation practices.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the forest. The day is free for you to do as little or as much as you please – your leader will be able to help tailor a day that best suits your interests. For those seeking another encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, there is the option for a second day of trekking. You may wish to simply relax at the lodge, take in the views from the outdoor pool, or enjoy a luxurious treatment at the spa. This evening, join your group and leader for dinner at the terraced restaurant overlooking the mountains.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge (Feature Stay) or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Trek To The Top of The World (2-3hrs) - USD50
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk (2-3hrs) - USD50
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Buniga Batwa Cultural Trail - USD30
Please speak to your booking agent about purchasing an additional permit if you plan to do another gorilla trek today as the permit will need to be pre-booked (subject to availability). Please note that you'll only be purchasing the permit itself and there are other associated costs that you'll need to pay locally. This local expense varies depending how many people have pre-booked the second trekking to share the transport (ie. 250 USD for a maximum of 6 people sharing one jeep) and if porters may be needed etc. Your tour leader will be on hand to help organize that.
After breakfast, early start and depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin the journey to cross border into Rwanda and onto its capital Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital, your adventure will come to an end at around 1pm.Take some time out for your own discoveries of Kigali, then say goodbye to your leader and hop aboard an unaccompanied flight to Nairobi, Kenya (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, an Intrepid representative will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi.
- Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
Welcome to Kenya! Your adventure begins in the capital city, Nairobi. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and small group for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.
- Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.
Today, we head off to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where our first stop will be in Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.
- Sopa Lodges Nakuru or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.
- Sopa Lodges Nakuru or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
- Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of the few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra River Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here, you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the surrounding wilderness.
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Today’s total driving time is approximately 7 hours.
Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there’s few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most magical places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening and freshen up before settling in for dinner.
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
- Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.
- Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
- Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - USD80
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.
Say goodbye to the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. Please do not book any international flights departing from Nairobi International Airport before 8pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay in Nairobi, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).
- Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours. To reduce your travelling time back to Nairobi, you may wish to consider a morning flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi (additional cost). This gives you the chance to catch a late afternoon international flight out of Nairobi. Please note that the flight from Masai Mara arrives at Wilson Airport (Nairobi). International flights leave from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). If staying on in Nairobi, you may require a transfer from Wilson Airport back to our Nairobi hotel. We are able to book the flight and also the transfer to our Nairobi hotel (additional costs involved).
Welcome to South Africa! Your trip begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Please ensure that you organise the details of your arrival transfer well in advance. You'll meet the rest of your group and leader for a welcome meeting at 6pm, but if you do happen to arrive early, the day is yours to spend at leisure. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at your hotel. South Africa enjoys a diverse food scene flavoured by its multicultural influences. This evening you may like to try some boerewors, a spiced South African sausage, or perhaps some springbok carpaccio.
- The Maslow Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer - OR Tambo International Airport to Radisson Blu Gautrain
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Set off early for a drive to Kruger National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at an exceptionally intimate lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three evenings. Developed in partnership with the local Mdluli community, Mdluli Safari Lodge is in perfect harmony with its wild surroundings. Luxury Tent feature first-class amenities, with private en suites, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and a gorgeous swimming pool for cooling off. Sit back and relax in the cosy lounge of the main lodge and take in spectacular views. In the afternoon you'll enjoy your first open 4x4 vehicle game drive. Experience close encounters with wild animals in their own habitat, and if you’re lucky, you may meet lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Retire to your lodge in the evening.
- Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Kruger National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.5 hours.
Rise early and make the journey into the heart of Kruger National Park. Upon entry, you'll find yourself in the perfect position to catch a glimpse of one, or hopefully all, of the Big Five. Take a packed breakfast at a picnic spot then proceed with a full day of wildlife safari, stopping off at waterholes and various other points to observe these animals in their natural habitat. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is not only home to members of the Big Five, but also 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species. The endangered African wild dog, herbivores like hippo, zebra, giraffe and numerous different types of antelope also enjoy the park’s rich mosaic of habitats, including savanna, mixed acacia woodland, rocky hills and mopane woodland. Return to the lodge this evening to relax and relive your favourite moments from the day.
- Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
Return to Kruger National Park for another thrilling game drive. This is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of any animals the group didn't see the day before. Today's game drive will finish in time for sunset and drinks, served on a kopje at your Feature Stay. Pronounced 'kopee' these large ancient rock formations provide scenic contrasts across Africa's vast landscapes. Take a moment to sit back and take in the sounds and sights of the bush as day turns to night.
- Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Kruger National Park - Sundowner Drinks
Rise early and depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where you will say goodbye to South Africa and board a mid-morning flight to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe, your gateway to the Victoria Falls. Continue to your lodge accommodation, which serves up stunning views of uninterrupted wilderness and a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or spotting wildlife from any of the multiple viewing decks around the lodge. This evening head above the falls onto the Zambezi River and embark on a small and intimate Dinner Cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above the Victoria Falls. Two private chefs will prepare dinner with locally sourced fresh ingredients and serve drinks while the captain navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls. Sit back in your comfortable lounge chair as you enjoy a four-course meal while looking out for crocodiles lazing on the banks or elephants and hippos submerging themselves in the river – this is truly an experience to remember.
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Victoria Falls - Zambezi River Dinner Cruise
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour, and your flight is approximately 2 hours.
This morning, visit the unforgettable Victoria Falls – one of the world's true natural wonders, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After an exciting morning at the falls, depart Zimbabwe and make the journey to Chobe National Park in Botswana, crossing the Kazangula border. The afternoon is free to walk in Kasane town (watch out for wandering warthogs!), sit poolside on the edge of the Chobe River and watch the sun set, or perhaps opt for an optional afternoon Game Drive in the Chobe National park.
- Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours (excluding border crossing).
Start the day with a game drive through Chobe National Park, the first designated national park in Botswana. Chobe is known for its huge population of elephants and buffalo and you may well see them drinking at the local watering hole during the drive. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants often seen crossing the river between the boats. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a drink on board and watch the sun set over the river.
- Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Welcome to Botswana! Your adventure begins at Chobe National Park – one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations and home to its largest population of Elephants. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River at the fringe of the national park. Here you will meet your tour leader and small group of fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. After your meeting, join your group and leader for dinner at the lodge. Enjoy a celebration of indigenous food and the rich flavours of Africa as you dine alongside the scenic Chobe River.
- Chobe Marina Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Chobe - Welcome Dinner
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive - BWP580
Rise early for a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impalas within the park. Head back to the lodge for breakfast, then journey to the Ngoma Border Post before continuing to the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. Here you will find your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Zambezi Mubala Lodge. Newly-built, modern, innovative and stylish, Zambezi Mubala is a secret river hideaway where you can find hippo, vervet monkeys and over 450 species of birds. Arrive in time for a hearty lunch at the lodge, then enjoy some downtime to relax by the pool, spot wildlife from the bar or soak up the wild surroundings on the banks of the Zambezi River. Speak to your leader about some fabulous optional activities for the afternoon, including a canoe trip, guided walking trail or a birding drive.
- Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours (excluding border crossing).
Today, head out for two boat cruises on the Zambezi River. The privileged position of your camp allows you to access a part of the river that most visitors don’t get to see, which means you’ll have the special opportunity to view abundant wildlife without the crowds. This region offers a wildlife spotting experience like no other – with a bit of luck you will see large herds of elephants, buffalo and antelope. Head back to the lodge to enjoy lunch, refreshments and time to relax. In the afternoon, head back out on the boat for sunset and enjoy drinks and refreshments as you watch the changing colours of the spectacular landscape.
- Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Zambezi River - Morning River Cruise
- Zambezi River - Afternoon River Cruise
Heading south, cross the Ngoma border back into Botswana and continue your journey to the vast salt flats and grassy plains of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Located in the north-east of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans are situated in the middle of a dry savanna and are all that remain of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. This afternoon, get to know your gold-hued, otherworldly surroundings during a 4x4 excursion. The immense, sprawling salt flat will unfold in front of you as you look out for aardvark, ostriches and mongooses. Surrounded by the Nata sanctuary, a breeding ground for thousands of water birds, the horizon is tinted pink by clouds of flamingos and pelicans. Savour the ethereal landscape as you sit out on the pans and enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun sets. Return to the lodge for dinner and relive the highlights of an exciting day.
- Nata Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & Sundowner
Today’s total driving time is approximately 7.5 hours.
We have selected the best available accommodation in Nata. However, due to limited options, tonight's accommodation does not meet the same standards as the rest of the tour.
Embrace a very early start this morning and head out with a packed breakfast in hand. Today’s experience will surely be one to remember. Travel to the edge of the Ntwetwe salt pan, home to a resident family of entertaining Meerkats. With the aid of trackers, arrive in time to observe their morning rituals as the sun rises. Watch the meerkats bask in the morning sun before heading out for their daily foraging – the fantastic conditions and lighting will help you snap an unforgettable picture of these marvellous creatures. Stop at a neighbouring lodge for lunch, then continue to Maun, the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta.
- Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman Experience
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
Today, you'll take a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams by mokoro before exploring on foot with a local guide. View plants, trees and animals from a different perspective and observe close-up details often missed on game drives. Your guide will provide expert knowledge and help you gain a deeper understanding of the environment. Lunch will be served on one of the many secluded islands created by the Delta waterways.
- Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk
- Okavango Delta - Full Day Mokoro
Check out of your lodge this morning and transfer to the airport for an unaccompanied flight to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, known for its colonial German architecture and relaxed atmosphere. On arrival, you'll be met by another transfer driver who will take you to your hotel.
Windhoek is known for its colonial German architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps head out for a stroll around town to admire the architecture of the Tintenpalast and Christuskirche buildings or stop by a local market to peruse handmade crafts.
- The Weinberg Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
Currently, there are no direct flights operating between Maun and Windhoek. Your flight will transit through Johannesburg.
We have selected the best available accommodation in Maun. However, due to limited options, tonight's accommodation does not meet the same standards as the rest of the tour.
The Namibian section of your Premium Adventure begins tonight with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll get to meet your new leader and travel companions. After your meeting, head to your boutique hotel’s sky lounge for a tapas dinner made with the freshest local ingredients. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valley – a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.
- The Weinberg Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Windhoek - Welcome Dinner
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travelers. It's important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, drive south to Sesriem, your gateway to the Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, situated next to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Take in the magnificent views, which can be enjoyed from your very own private patio. Enjoy lunch at the lodge’s restaurant, with the otherworldly landscape stretching far in each direction, then spend the afternoon relaxing by the bar or next to the sparkling pool. Later on, head out on a guided four-wheel drive (4x4) nature drive to discover the unique flora and fauna of the desert. Stop for a drink to take it all in as the sun sets, then return to the lodge for dinner and relax on the terrace overlooking the floodlit waterhole.
- Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Sesriem - Guided Nature Drive & Sundowners
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours, including stops.
Make an early-morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great opportunity for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with a spectacular perspective of the surreal desert landscape. After breakfast, travel to Deadvlei, a clay pan that lends itself to many iconic images. When you see the skeleton trees against a vibrant orange backdrop of dunes, you’ll soon understand what all the fuss is about. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, 'Big Daddy' or 'Crazy Dune' average about 350 metres in height. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.
- Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Salt Pan Visit
- Sesriem - Dune 45 Visit
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon Visit
Continue your journey to the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general store, and bakery. Enjoy a piece of the local apple pie which has earned itself quite a reputation. Continue on past moon valley, named for its eerie lunar-like appearance, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds. Upon arrival at Swakopmund take some time for lunch, then join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this interesting township with a German-Namibian atmosphere.
- The Delight or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Solitaire - Bakery Visit & Apple Pie Tasting
- Swakopmund - Leader-led Orientation Tour
- Walvis Bay - Visit
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours, including stops.
The day is yours to enjoy this gorgeous coastal town. Your accommodation conveniently located within walking distance of the town, where you can enjoy a walk on the beach, open air markets or the local museum. You may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle (quite a smell too, if the wind happens to change direction). Wander the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures with a photo or two, and visit the large cross that lies nearby, left by Diego Cao, the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485.
- The Delight or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against our policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
Leave the Atlantic Ocean coastline behind and drive towards the Namib Desert, along a portion of the Skeleton Coast. Take in the beautiful, diverse and colourful landscapes that stream past along the way; mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and, shipwrecks. Continue to Damaraland. Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area. Your accommodation while here features a centrepiece swimming pool fringed by beautiful chalets, each with a private garden. End the day with a walk to a viewing platform to take in truly remarkable views of the surrounding Mopane woodland. The best spot to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down.
- Damara Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Damaraland - Sunset Walk
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours, including stops.
Spend the morning visiting the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest with expert local guides to provide insight on these wonders. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. Continue on to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the 'lost culture’ of the Damara people. Your leader will tell you all about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest in Namibia. Return to the lodge in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool with a book.
- Damara Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
We will be accompanied by local guides at both the Petrified forest and the Twyfelfontein sites. The guided walks take between 30-60 mins and although not difficult there are some steep rocks and hills at the Twyfelfontein site. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you.
On instances where we use an alternative lodge to Mopane Lodge, the included activities scheduled for today may occur a day earlier to minimise driving time.
Leave Damaraland behind and head towards Etosha National Park. On arrival, the afternoon will be free to relax at your lodge. Maybe cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner by the bar. Be sure to charge your camera tonight as tomorrow will be a full day in the park. This is one of the world's premier game-viewing destinations; spotting animals in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.
- Etosha Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours, including stops. Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrugated. They are some of the worst on this itinerary so be prepared from some extra bumps.
Rise early for a full-day 4WD safari in Etosha National Park. Keep a close eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to some 340 bird species. After, return to your lodge and reflect on the day's adventures as you take in the views from the outdoor pool, viewing deck, or spacious veranda overlooking the mopane woodlands.
- Etosha Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Etosha NP - Full Day 4WD Safari
This morning after breakfast you will make your way back to Windhoek. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival. Please do not book any international flights departing from Windhoek before 8pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).
- Breakfast
Today’s total driving time is approximately 8 hours, including stops.
Inclusions and activities
32 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 30 dinners
4x4 Safari Vehicle, Boat, Private Vehicle, Plane
Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (23 nights), Permanent tented camp (3 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Kigali - Welcome Dinner
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Kigali - City Tour
- Kigali - Local Food Lunch
- Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
- Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
- Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
- Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
- Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
- Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer - OR Tambo International Airport to Radisson Blu Gautrain
- Kruger National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Kruger National Park - Sundowner Drinks
- Victoria Falls - Zambezi River Dinner Cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
- Chobe - Welcome Dinner
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Zambezi River - Morning River Cruise
- Zambezi River - Afternoon River Cruise
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & Sundowner
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman Experience
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk
- Okavango Delta - Full Day Mokoro
- Windhoek - Welcome Dinner
- Sesriem - Guided Nature Drive & Sundowners
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Salt Pan Visit
- Sesriem - Dune 45 Visit
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon Visit
- Solitaire - Bakery Visit & Apple Pie Tasting
- Swakopmund - Leader-led Orientation Tour
- Walvis Bay - Visit
- Damaraland - Sunset Walk
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
- Etosha NP - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Trek To The Top of The World (2-3hrs) - USD50
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) - USD120
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk (2-3hrs) - USD50
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Buniga Batwa Cultural Trail - USD30
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
- Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - USD80
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive - BWP580
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60
Is this trip right for you?
- Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, humid, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous walking. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours up and down hills (perhaps pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs). But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
- The gorilla trek is a shared activity. You may be split into different groups according to fitness level, and be accompanied by other travellers on your trek. However there will only be a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family, plus a local Uganda Wildlife Ranger and trackers.
- This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the given approximations of driving hours.
- As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
2. Please note that the Gorilla Permit included is only valid for one day on Day 4. For those who are interested for a second trek, please consult your booking agent about purchasing the second Gorilla Permit.
3. A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
5. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
6. This trip includes flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on.
7. Travel is always an adventure and our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
8. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.
9. Depending on the departure date, we may use other luxury camps for our Feature Stay in Kenya, including Mara Engai, Amani Mara or Fig Tree Camp.
10. Depending on the departure date, we may use Desert Hills Lodge for our Feature Stay in Namibia.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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