22-Days Maun to Lilongwe (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi)

Arrival at Maun International Airport, our crew will welcome you and transfer you to our overnight accommodation. Checking in, lunch and relaxing afternoon getting ready for the next day safari.

After breakfast in Maun, depart on a scenic drive toward the magnificent Okavango Delta. The journey takes you through beautiful wilderness landscapes and mopani woodlands as we cruise in our 4x4 vehicles. Upon arrival near the delta, leave the vehicles behind and board a traditional mokoro canoe for a peaceful ride into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Quietly gliding through narrow water channels surrounded by reeds and birdlife offers a true wilderness experience. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk on the delta islands, where your guide shares knowledge about animal tracks, plants, and the ecosystem. Spend the night in the bush under the stars, surrounded by the magical sounds of the African wilderness.

Discover the beauty of the Okavango Delta with an early morning guided nature walk through its untouched wilderness. Accompanied by experienced local guides, walk quietly along island trails while learning about animal tracks, birdlife, medicinal plants, and the delicate ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. The peaceful morning atmosphere offers opportunities to spot antelope, elephants, hippos, and colorful bird species in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy a traditional mokoro ride through the crystal-clear channels of the delta. Gliding silently in a dugout canoe, surrounded by reeds and water lilies, provides a truly relaxing and authentic safari experience. After the excursion, transfer back to Maun while enjoying scenic views of Botswana’s vast landscapes along the journey. For guests seeking a breathtaking aerial perspective, an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta offers unforgettable panoramic views of winding waterways, wildlife, and remote islands from above.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are among the largest salt flats in the world, located in northeastern Botswana. These vast, shimmering plains are the remnants of an ancient super-lake that dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind a surreal, lunar-like landscape of white salt crust stretching to the horizon. During the dry season, the pans appear barren and stark, offering dramatic scenery and incredible stargazing under clear skies. However, in the rainy season, parts of the pans fill with water, attracting thousands of flamingos and migratory birds, along with wildlife such as zebras and wildebeest during one of Africa’s lesser-known migrations. Nearby areas like Nata Bird Sanctuary become vibrant with birdlife. Visitors can enjoy quad biking, guided walks with meerkats, and cultural experiences with local communities, making the Makgadikgadi a uniquely diverse and captivating destination.

Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, famous for its large elephant population and rich wildlife diversity. Located along the Chobe River, the park offers exceptional game viewing with frequent sightings of lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. A highlight of any visit is the afternoon to sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. This relaxing experience provides a different perspective of the park, as animals gather along the riverbanks to drink and cool off. Elephants are often seen swimming, while hippos and crocodiles thrive in the water. As the sun sets, the sky reflects beautifully over the river, creating a peaceful and scenic end to the day, perfect for photography and unforgettable safari moments.

A safari in Chobe National Park offers unforgettable morning and afternoon game drives, each providing a unique wildlife experience. The early morning drive begins at sunrise, when temperatures are cool and animals are most active. Predators such as lions and leopards may still be on the move, while elephants, buffalo, and antelope gather near water sources to drink. After a midday rest, the afternoon game drive resumes as the heat eases. Wildlife becomes active again, and the golden light creates perfect conditions for photography. Herds of elephants — Chobe’s signature attraction — are often seen in large numbers, alongside giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife. Both drives are led by experienced guides who track animals and share insights, ensuring a rich, educational, and thrilling safari experience in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.

After breakfast, depart Chobe and journey south to the world-renowned Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve. Along the way, enjoy a meaningful stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, where you will learn about the remarkable efforts to protect the endangered African painted dog. Guided by knowledgeable staff, explore the educational displays, meet rescued painted dogs where possible, and discover how conservation, research, and community outreach are helping this iconic species survive. After the visit, continue through the scenic countryside towards Hwange National Park, watching for wildlife and rural village life along the route. Upon arrival at your lodge, settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious lunch before taking time to relax. As the afternoon unfolds, immerse yourself in the peaceful wilderness atmosphere while anticipating the exciting game-viewing adventures that await in one of Africa's finest safari destinations.

A full-day safari in Hwange National Park offers an immersive wildlife experience across one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Departing early, you spend the day exploring vast plains, woodlands, and waterholes that attract a wide range of animals. Expect to encounter large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes, along with predators such as lions and possibly wild dogs. A packed lunch is enjoyed at a scenic rest spot, allowing time to relax while surrounded by nature. The extended game drive increases your chances of varied sightings and deeper exploration, making it ideal for photography and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a rich and rewarding safari experience.

After breakfast, enjoy an immersive visit to the traditional Nambya Cultural Village, located near Hwange National Park in Dete. The Nambya people are one of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural communities, known for their warm hospitality, traditional homesteads, music, dance, and storytelling. During the guided village tour, guests interact with local villagers, learn about ancient customs, daily rural life, traditional cooking methods, and the importance of cattle in Nambya culture. Experience vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional songs, drumming, and energetic dances that reflect the community’s heritage and history. The visit also offers opportunities to view handcrafted souvenirs and support local artisans. After this authentic cultural experience, depart Dete and enjoy a scenic drive through rural Zimbabwe toward Victoria Falls, where your day concludes with a memorable Zambezi River Sunset dinner cruise.

A guided tour of the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side offers one of the most complete and breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you walk through a well-maintained rainforest trail with multiple viewpoints, each revealing different angles of the falls. Learn about the history, geology, and local legends surrounding the falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” During high water season, feel the refreshing spray as it rises dramatically into the air. The tour also provides excellent opportunities for photography, with panoramic views of the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls. It’s an immersive experience combining natural beauty, cultural insight, and unforgettable scenery.

Livingstone experience begins with a guided tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls from the Zambian side, where you will walk through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and enjoy spectacular viewpoints of the cascading Zambezi River. Your guide will share the history, geology, wildlife and local stories surrounding this iconic natural wonder. After the Falls, continue into Livingstone city for a fascinating cultural and historical tour. Explore the city’s colonial heritage, important landmarks and local way of life before visiting the lively markets. Browse traditional crafts, handmade souvenirs, colorful fabrics, fresh produce and other locally made products while interacting with friendly local vendors. This combination of the Falls and city tour offers a wonderful introduction to Zambia’s natural beauty, history and vibrant culture.

Begin your morning with an exciting rhino tracking experience, accompanied by an experienced guide and conservation team. Set out early while the temperatures are cool and wildlife is most active, following fresh tracks, footprints and other signs that may lead you to white rhinos. Along the way, learn about rhino behavior, their importance to the ecosystem and the conservation efforts protecting these magnificent animals. The experience provides an opportunity to observe rhinos responsibly in their natural environment while enjoying the surrounding wilderness and other wildlife sightings. After the tracking activity, return for breakfast and prepare for the next stage of your journey. You will then depart Livingstone and travel towards Choma, enjoying scenic landscapes and rural Zambian communities along the way.

Lower Zambezi National Park is an unspoiled safari destination offering luxury experiences, incredible wildlife, greatest wilderness and breathing space. The remoteness of the Lower Zambezi is one of the biggest drawcards for most travelers as traces of people are hard to find — a rarity in the modern world. The park has big herds of elephants and buffalo, sunbathing crocodiles, sleeping lions, stealthy leopards, lively African wild dogs and many more. In the afternoon we enjoy a relaxing sunset boat cruise.

The Lower Zambezi, a key national park of Zambia, lies between the rugged and dramatic Zambezi escarpment and the wide and spectacular Zambezi River. It lies opposite the famous Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary. It covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers and has good birdlife in the riverine. Today we have a full day exploring the park on a full-day game drive.

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is one of the fastest-developing cities in Southern Africa. Lusaka is the Centre of both commerce and government in Zambia and connects to the four main highways heading north, south, east and west. The late afternoon can be your option to walk around the city and explore it by foot.

Petauke is a town and seat of Petauke District located in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The town is situated in an agricultural area where farmers produce maize, cotton and many more crops. The local tribe found in the area is called Nsenga.

South Luangwa National Park is in the east of Zambia’s Luangwa River valley. It’s known for its abundant wildlife; the river is often crowded with hippos. The woodland savannah is home to hundreds of bird species. In the late afternoon, we embark on an exciting night game drive from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, giving us daylight game viewing and thrilling night spotlighting when predators are most active.

Covering over 9,050 square kilometers, South Luangwa is celebrated as the birthplace of walking safaris in Zambia. Very few places in Africa can offer the unique combination of open grassy plains, mature woodlands, and the impressive Luangwa River. Today includes a morning walking safari and an afternoon/night game drive, delivering exceptional wildlife viewing of leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos in an uncrowded wilderness.

Central Lake Malawi offers a beautiful blend of sparkling waters, sandy beaches, scenic landscapes and authentic local culture. This peaceful region is ideal for relaxing beside the lake, swimming, enjoying boat trips or simply taking in breathtaking sunsets over the water. Visitors can explore nearby fishing villages and local markets, where friendly communities showcase traditional lifestyles, colorful crafts and freshly caught fish.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning cultural village and local market tour around Central Lake Malawi, offering an authentic glimpse into the traditions and daily life of local communities. Visit a nearby village to learn about traditional customs, livelihoods, crafts and fishing practices. In the afternoon, enjoy free time on the beach or choose from optional watersports like kayaking, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, or swimming.

After breakfast, depart Ngala Beach heading to Malawi's capital city, Lilongwe. In the afternoon, explore Lilongwe on a guided city and local market tour, discovering key landmarks, bustling market stalls filled with colorful fabrics and handmade crafts, and experiencing the friendly, welcoming culture of Malawi.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Lilongwe after an incredible 22-day journey from Maun through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. Take time for breakfast, unwind, and reflect on the unforgettable memories. You will be transferred to Lilongwe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Southern Africa expedition.