Johannesburg to Zanzibar - 29 Days

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins in Johannesburg with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After the meeting, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions. Your leader can point you in the right direction with the best bar and restaurant recommendations.

Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana this morning and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhino. Later, you’ll head out on a dusk game drive to hopefully spot the rhinos when they’re most active.

This morning you’ll drive to Maun – the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. A 16,000 square km maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife, the Okavango Delta is one of very few delta systems that doesn’t flow into the sea. When you arrive, there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Look out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats in the delta. The animals aren’t the only drawcard, though! The waterscapes and vast horizon are enough to write home about.

Today you’ll get right into the action and jump aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers'. Cruise the Okavango waterways and look out for the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birds. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, with your experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness! Fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands and soak up one of those ‘I’m so far from home’ moments.

Wake up nice and early this morning and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look and their horns double as a bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Return to camp for breakfast, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Take another optional mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere or maybe a nap could be on the cards.

After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing to Maun by vehicle. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the shimmering waterways and lush landscapes, a captivating perspective of one of the world's most unique ecosystems.

Get up early and hit the road for Nata. This small town sits near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on Earth covering around 12,000 square km. This afternoon, you’ll take an excursion in an open-air vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel, and the heat mirages can make you feel disoriented. After the rains hit, the pans become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals – a perfect setting for wildlife lovers!

Hit the road this morning and make tracks for Chobe National Park – Botswana's first ever national park. This area is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, crocodiles by the water's edge, cheetahs, lions and a huge variety of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a sunset cruise on the Chobe River – an ideal way to spend the afternoon, watch the sun descend and toast to another day in Africa.

Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective with an optional morning safari. After, travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch. Set up camp and enjoy some free time to relax, freshen up and plan out your next couple of days at Victoria Falls. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice. This evening, dine on a traditional Zimbabwe dinner hosted by a local community group committed to preserving and promoting African culture through the arts. Enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance and learn how this initiative has created opportunities for youth arts education and provided a platform for local talent.

Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls. There’s plenty to explore in and around town, whether you want to see the falls on foot, get out on the water, take to the skies or check out the local breweries, restaurants and cafes. Be sure to ask your leader for their tips and recommendations. Then, at 4 pm, you’ll meet the new travellers joining the group for the next part of your trip at a second welcome meeting. Afterwards, why not grab dinner together and get to know your new group?

Today is a free day for you to choose your own adventure! Maybe spend the day exploring the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km (1 mi) wide, falling 108 m (354 ft) into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m (1312 ft), and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

This morning, visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, an Intrepid Foundation partner working to protect wildlife and support communities in the region. Learn about the Trust’s conservation work, including wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, anti-poaching initiatives and efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Afterwards, cross the border into Zambia and continue to Livingstone, your base for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Rise early this morning and head to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a walking safari to get a different perspective on the landscape and its wildlife. After a safety briefing, set off with an experienced guide, who will share their knowledge of the plants, trees, birdlife and animals you encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebra, buffalo, warthogs, elephants and more, plus the park’s protected white rhinos – a major highlight of the walk. Finish with some homemade cake and light refreshments by the riverside, then return to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax or choose from one of Livingstone’s optional activities – perhaps a sunset cruise to get a feel for the surrounding landscape at dusk.

This morning, travel to Lusaka. When you arrive, set up camp on a private farm just outside the city, surrounded by bushlands. Settle in, then spend some time exploring the camp, stretching your legs and trying to spot the local impalas, giraffes and zebras.

Wake up early this morning and begin your journey to Petauke – a town in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Along the way, watch the ever-changing scenery shift from open plains to rural villages and bustling roadside markets, offering a glimpse into daily Zambian life. It’s a long travel day, so a book, podcast, music or some fun car games will be your best friend. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at your camp, under the African night sky.

After breakfast, travel to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen transform snare wire – recovered from poaching traps – into jewellery inspired by the African bush. When you arrive, the women will show you around their purpose-built workshop. Then, try your hand at coiling or hammering the wire yourself. After, continue your journey through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park.

After breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari with a local guide to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions. After, spend the afternoon relaxing, or maybe head out on an optional evening safari to try to spot any animals that you may have missed this morning.

Head out on another morning 4WD safari for a second chance to spot South Luangwa’s remarkable wildlife. After, you’ll make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.

Cross the border into Malawi today and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. The country is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the water. Your campsite sits right on the shore, so you can relax on the beach after today’s drive.

Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surroundings. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa! You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) to enhance your time here.

Drive to your camp in Chitimba, which lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

Today you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Along the way, enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy.

Today you'll head towards Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush, which makes it a bird watchers' paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you turn in for the night.

Head on to Mikumi National Park today. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park. When you arrive, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes and elephants.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, located on the white sandy beaches on the south coast of Dar es Salaam. When you get there, set up camp and take some time to unwind – maybe enjoy a stroll along the shore. Your camp for the night is set on the grounds of a hotel right next to the beach, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa’s famous ‘Spice Island.’ On arrival, enjoy some free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Stone Town, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. This afternoon, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, perhaps head out together for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 11 am. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).