African Treasures

Day 1 - Arrive Windhoek (Namibia)

Welcome to Namibia! Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and the social, economic, political and cultural centre of the country. You’ll be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel. Conveniently located to town, your hotel is an oasis of lush gardens and a tranquil pool to relax beside after a day of travel. Tonight, settle in to your elegant room before a Welcome Reception and Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Here, you will meet and get to know your Tour Director and fellow travellers over delicious African-inspired cuisine.

Accommodation: Windhoek, Safari Court Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Windhoek, Sossusvlei

Today’s adventure takes you to Sossusvlei, home to the famous pan as well as the haunting yet spectacular Deadvlei. Translating to ‘dead marsh’, this area is every photographer’s paradise. Admire the towering sand dunes in the region as you make your way through the unspoilt desert beauty of the Namib Desert. En route to your lodge, delight in a picnic lunch among the sand dunes.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Sossusvlei Lodge

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 3 - Sossusvlei

Awake to a day that is ripe with adventure. Discover Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan found at the tail of the Tsauchab River in one of Africa’s largest conservation areas. Even in the rainiest of years, the dry, cracked earth will absorb any moisture, leaving no evidence to any rain at all. Literally translated to “dead-end marsh”, the Sossusvlei pan stops the mighty Tsauchab River from flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. From the stark white colour of the pan, to the rust-coloured sand dunes and the rich blue hue of the sky, the landscape paints a striking image that is guaranteed to stay with you long after your trip has come to an end.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 4 - Sossusvlei, Swakopmund

En route to Swakopmund, make a stop at Welwitschia Plains and discover the Welwitschia, an ancient plant unique to the plant kingdom found on the Namibian coat of arms. This species consists of only two leaves which grow with the plant, similar to a limb, from seedling all the way into adulthood. The larger species are thought to be between 1,000 to 2,000 years old, a triumph of survival in such a harsh and parched climate. Continue to the Moon Landscape, otherwise known as “Moon Valley”. Stop to admire the rocky granite valley which has been carved by the Swakop River over millions of years to produce the picturesque, moon-like landscape it is today. You’ll then make your way onwards to Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Swakopmund, Strand Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 5 - Swakopmund

The day is yours to discover Swakopmund at your own pace. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade or wander the city’s streets and admire the Germanic-inspired architecture, evidence of the city’s colonial past. Alternatively, you might like to enhance your experience and embark on a Scenic Namib Desert flight and take in bird’s-eye views of Swakopmund, the Namib Desert and more. Or, you might like to take to the water and step aboard a Walvis Bay cruise to glimpse at playful dolphins, leather-back turtles or even majestic humpback whales.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Swakopmund, Etosha National Park

Your journey continues as you depart for the fascinating landscapes of Etosha National Park. This evening, enjoy dinner at your lodge before retiring to your room to relax ahead of an early start tomorrow morning.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Etosha National Park, Epacha Game Lodge & Spa (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 7 - Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is home to a salt pan so large, the vast, white expanse can be seen from space. Despite this, wildlife is abundant. Animal sightings are almost guaranteed around the park’s waterholes. Lookout for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, lions and giraffes that call the park home, as well as a plethora of Africa’s smaller animals. After a heavy rain, the salt pan also attracts flocks of brightly-coloured flamingoes, as well as over 340 different species of birds. After a fun-filled morning of wildlife sightings, return to your lodge. This evening, you may like to embark on an exciting night safari and spot rare species of wildlife that are most active after dark.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 8 - Etosha, Windhoek

Following breakfast, head back to Windhoek. After an Insider Experience, enjoy a light lunch before continuing onwards to Windhoek. This evening, delight in a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Accommodation: Windhoek, Safari Court Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 9 - Depart Windhoek

Your incredible journey through Namibia comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast before boarding your onward flight to Johannesburg.

Accommodation: Johannesburg, Peermont Mondior Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Depart Johannesburg, Nairobi (Kenya)

After breakfast fly on to Nairobi and a warm welcome to Kenya. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, relax and enjoy dinner at one of the two restaurants at your hotel (own expense).

Accommodation: Nairobi, Eka Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Nairobi, Amboseli National Park

Head for Amboseli National Park, arriving at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch. Located against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro and in the heart of this world-famous national park, the lodge offers you the perfect base from which to embark on your Kenyan safari. After lunch, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive to look for the Big Five as well as hippos and a variety of water fowl which can be found near the park’s wetlands. It is a truly incredible spectacle to see these animals free-ranging across the plains or wallowing in the swamps, all with Mt Kilimanjaro looming majestically in the background. Sundowner drinks at Observation Hill rounds out a perfect first game drive in Amboseli National Park. You’ll then return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Amboseli National Park, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12 - Amboseli National Park

Wake early then enjoy some tea and a snack in preparation for another exciting day. For this afternoon’s game viewing, your expert game driver/tracker will be on hand to ensure you get the best possible chances to see the animals of Kenya.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13 - Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park

Take a short flight to Nairobi, then continue by 4WD to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is all about wildlife spotting, with an afternoon game drive. You may also wish to take advantage of the lodge’s beautiful surrounds on a stunning nature walk around the property.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14 - Lake Nakuru National Park

Bound by rocky escarpments and brimming with hordes of animals, a day of game drives at Lake Nakuru National Park offers yet another glimpse into life in Africa’s animal kingdom. Later, return to your lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits your taste buds.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15 - Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara

Soak up the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from the Middle East all the way to Mozambique. Onwards to the Masai Mara, where vast open spaces provide excellent game viewing. At certain times of the year, you may see enormous herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra during the incredible Great Migration. This afternoon, head out on an exhilarating game drive.

Accommodation: Three Nights, Masai Mara, Mara Leisure Camp

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16 - Masai Mara

Perhaps experience the Masai Mara from the skies on a magical hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy breakfast while hearing the sounds of the bush as you get ready to head out on another game drive. Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch before a free afternoon gives you the chance to relax and unwind.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17 - Masai Mara

Experience the beauty of an African sunrise and discover the morning rituals of the local wildlife accompanied with a light snack ahead of today’s first game drive. Afterwards, a delicious breakfast awaits before the rest of the morning at leisure. Enjoy this afternoon’s game drive to catch a close-up look at the animals that call the expansive grasslands of the Masai Mara home.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18 - Masai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha (Tanzania)

Transfer to the airstrip and board your scheduled flight to Nairobi. Be met by a bus on arrival at Nairobi, Kenya’s buzzing capital. You’ll then transfer to Arusha in Tanzania, with a packed picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. You’ll arrive at The Arusha Hotel, an elegant boutique property situated on five acres of manicured gardens in the shadow of Mount Meru. This active but dormant volcano is Tanzania’s second largest mountain next to the colossal Mt Kilimanjaro. Unwind and enjoy a free evening in and around your hotel.

Accommodation: The Arusha Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Day 19 - Arusha, Serengeti National Park

Transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight into Serengeti National Park. You’ll be met on the ground by your driver guide for a game drive into the golden plains of the national park. Best known as a host to the epic Great Migration, the Serengeti is also famous for its predators who spend their days pursuing impalas, zebras, buffalo, gazelle and more.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Serengeti National Park, Kati Kati Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 20 - Serengeti National Park

Get acquainted with the Serengeti on a full-day game drive with your expert driver/tracker. Relish the classic safari setting back at camp this evening, as you relax after an exciting day around the campfire with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21 - Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

Drive to Oldupai Gorge to explore one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. You’ll then descend into World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a tour and a picnic lunch.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farmhouse

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 22 - Ngorongoro Crater, Mto wa Mbu, Lake Manyara, Arusha

Head to Mto wa Mbu, a tiny village set at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive at Lake Manyara, famous for its flamingoes and baboons that reside here.

Accommodation: Arusha, Mount Meru Game Lodge

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 23 - Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Depart Nairobi

From Kilimanjaro Airport, fly to Nairobi where your tour ends.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast