Your holiday starts at the group accommodation in Livingstone. Airport transfers are provided. In the early afternoon we meet our fellow travellers and guide for a briefing. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the town or relax at the accommodation.

Today is yours to spend at leisure around Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. Close to the falls are several handicraft markets which are great for some souvenir shopping. If you are feeling a little more adventurous or wish to see the falls from a different angle, you may wish to consider one of the extra activities that are available to book and payable locally. These include white water rafting or half-day canoeing the Zambezi. Whatever you chose you'll have a fabulous first full day on this incredible journey through Southern Africa.

Depending on season, water levels of the falls will vary (late November to early April is the wet season, with the remainder of the year being dry).

After breakfast, we leave Zambia for the natural wonderland of Namibia. After the straightforward border formalities at Sesheke we drive onto the Caprivi Strip. Wedged between the borders of Botswana and Angola, the Caprivi Strip provides a significant habitat for the endangered African Wild Dog and is also a vital corridor for elephants moving between Namibia, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. In the late afternoon we take to the water for a boat safari cruise on the Kwando River in this remote and beautiful region. Approximate drive time: 4 hours.

Enjoying breakfast with the chorus of African river-life our exploration of Caprivi leads us further into the area. The area sees many rivers and permanent waters, attracting big herds of elephants in the dry season. Lion, leopard and hyena are present, as well as the majestic giraffe munching on tall trees. Hippos, buffalo and zebra are usually seen - a true feast of the eyes and binoculars in the early stages of this marvellous safari holiday. Approximate drive time: 3 hours

This morning we have time to appreciate the river and we hope to spot many of the resident bird species such as the Lesser Jacana, Racket-Tailor Roller and Coppery Tailed Coucal. Although a rare spot, Pel's fishing owls are also resident in this region. Moving on from the Caprivi Strip, we continue our journey west skirting the border of Angola along the River Kavango and onto our accommodation near the Namibian town of Rundu. Luck being with us we can enjoy a spectacular sunset whilst sipping our sundowner. Approximate drive time: 3 hours

We set off this morning to Etosha National Park. Todays drive will give us a very good impression on the size and vast scale of Namibia as we travel south along straight roads. We pass a few small villages along the way and we have plenty of comfort stops to take in the scenery and enjoy lunch. Etosha is locally known as 'the great white place of dry water'. Our accommodation lies on the boundary of the park and once we have arrived we can cool off in the grounds and enjoy a refreshing sundowner before dinner. Approximate drive time: 8 - 9 hours including a game drive if there are no delays.

This is Big Game country. Four of the Big 5 are found here: lion, elephant, leopard and a healthy population of black rhino. Just the buffalo are missing. The central feature of the Park is the Etosha Pan, a 6000 square kilometre salt-flat, which can manifest itself either as a parched white desert or as a lush green land of plenty according to the season. Many of the rare animal species manage to survive here, such as the black rhino, the roan antelope and black-faced impala, which we may be fortunate to see on our afternoon game drive into the park. Etosha is, without doubt, Africa's most distinct National Park.

During infrequent flooding, the pan attracts thousands of flamingos and other wading birds, although the water is so mineral-rich that it is undrinkable. The key to life here is the occurrence of underground springs which form waterholes on the edge of the pan. Together with the savannah grassland that they nourish, these springs enable more than 110 species of mammals to exist in an otherwise hostile environment. One of the highlights in dry season will be the chance to view big cats and game such as giraffe, zebra and several antelope species, gathering at one of the many waterholes. The rainy season at Etosha extends from November into March and April. This is a season of plenty, when grazing animals and their predators are widespread across the park as they seek out better grazing. Regardless of the season, your experienced leader, will endeavour to seek out the best of Etosha's wildlife during your game drives. In the evening we return to our accommodation for the African chorus and a traditional sundowner.

Today we cross Namibia's desert landscapes getting a real taste of a prehistorical land in the area which has ruggedly beautiful, untamed, stark plains, petrified forests as well as the peaks of the Brandberg Massif. We have a short walk to see the Petrified Forest. The name Brandberg means 'fire mountain' which refers to the glowing red colour of the rocks, seen at sunset. With a dense concentration of San Bush art, dating back several thousand years, we walk with a local guide see the famous 'White Lady' rock painting. This evening our accommodation is situated at the dry Ugab River, home to the rare desert elephants. Slightly smaller in size, with wider feet to adapt to desert conditions, desert elephants are often seen with broken or worn tusks as they are used to dig through hard dry ground in search of water. Approximate drive time: 7-8 hours

Crossing the incredible plains our destination today is the breezy Atlantic town of Swakopmund. We meet the Altantic coast just south of the famous Skeleton Coast of Namibia where we stop at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the world's largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals. A short drive from here is our destination. Cool breezes, palm-lined streets and an ambiance reminiscent of a small German village, Swakopmund offers a distinct and refreshing Namibian experience. Here we have a couple of nights away from the canvas and stay in a guesthouse. Approximate drive time: 3-4 hours

Arguably Namibia's premier holiday resort, the town of Swakopmund was founded in the last decade of the nineteenth century, as the principal deepwater port of German South West Africa. Today it is a rather unusual place, with a quaint and atmospheric feel, sandwiched as it is between the Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean. It is as if a piece of 1950's Bavaria has somehow been cast ashore on the harsh Skeleton Coast. Amongst the distinctly Germanic architecture, an eclectic community have made Swakopmund their own, from artists to world travellers and big-game fishermen to stately African tribesmen, all contribute to the distinct character. We spend the day at leisure in this wild and whacky port-town. There are lots of activities that can be arranged locally, such as boat trips in search of dolphins, or to visit a nearby seal colony, ocean canoe safari, dune-boarding and even scenic flights over the Namib and along the Skeleton Coast - these are entirely optional and payable directly. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy, visit the Crystal Galley, do a township tour or stroll along the beach.

Moving through the ever changing landscapes we make our way to the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the second largest game park in Africa (after the Central Kalahari), with a total area of just under 50000 km2. Here we find the iconic sharp-ridged Sossusvlei Dunes of the Namib Desert. Argued to be the highest dunes in the world, their ever-changing colours make for wonderful photographic opportunities from sunrise to sunset! At the accommodation, we discover the true meaning of being 'star-struck' under African desert skies.

Approximate actual drive time: 5hrs. The desert scenery is varied but the road is rough gravel, so with a few stops it's a travel day of approximately 7hrs 30mins.

We visit Dead Vlei (the place of the iconic Namibia photo) and walk for 3-4km. Time permitting we might be able to ascend the highest sand dune of the area - Big Daddy (325m). For those who do not want to walk, there are optional 4WD vehicles (operated on a shuttle service by the park and payable locally) that can drive you in to the bottom of the dunes. Walking in these dunes is a true experience and provides us with superb views up and down the Sesriem Canyon of the Tsauchab River. If we are lucky, we may spot an ostrich or even a jackal.

We then walk up Dune 45, it is absolutely stunning. Going down is a lot quicker and easier than going up! It also gives us a sense of scale and enormity as these dunes reach almost unbroken, from here to the Atlantic coast. We also visit the Sesriem Canyon, and it is a place of arid beauty. The dreamscape stretches from towering lunar rock formations through to a natural sphinx formation close to the canyon mouth. With ample time to catch the ever-changing colours of a Namib Desert sunset, we return to our accommodation for a second night of desert skies.

Located in a basin between the Khomas Highlands and Eros Mountains, Windhoek's charm is its fusion of African and European cultures. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, we drive from African bush into the heart of a Germanic colonial era. More of a town than a bustling capital city, Windhoek's friendly centre, makes for easy exploration. On arrival we have the opportunity to spend some time seeking out souvenirs, or to simply admire the city's Neo-Baroque cathedral spires and colonial architecture. We have dinner together at a local restaurant. Windhoek is a wonderful city break within this safari adventure. Approximate drive time: 4-5 hours

Departing from the dreamland of Namibia we cross into the beauty of Botswana and head for the heart of the Kalahari. A desolate but mesmerising landscape, the territory of the Bushmen spans across most of Southern Africa with significant differences across each of the tribes. Hosted in traditional grass huts, it is possible we learn of Kalahari culture during our visit. Approximate drive time: 7-8 hours

Before leaving the bushland we take a cool morning walk with the San Bushmen and learn more of their ancient and fascinating way of life. Bidding farewell to our San hosts, we drive onwards to the Okavango gateway town of Maun, where there is the opportunity to have experience free time in Maun. You may prefer to relax and take a dip in the pool or explore this capital town of Ngamiland. Alternatively there is the option to take a light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta (payable locally). Maun has a wonderful laid back atmosphere and also provides a chance to participate in a spot of shopping for local handicrafts, as we prepare to depart the delta region of Botswana. Approximate drive time: 4-5 hours.

Transferring into our open 4WD vehicles, we will drive for approximately 2 hours into the Okavango Delta. Every year, over 11,000 cubic kilometres of water flows from the Angolan Highlands into the Delta, making it the world's largest inland Delta. During our two days in the Delta we explore this wonderful wetland by way of a traditional dug-out canoe, the mokoro. Whilst the Delta is a wondrous-wetland, there are countless islands that are home to a vast number of wildlife species. Being gently poled along in our mokoro, provides the perfect opportunity to move within a safe distance of the wildlife without disturbing them as they go about their daily business. Such idyllic isolation of the Okavango makes for the most unusual encounters with the larger, iconic residents. Hippos, elephants, crocodiles and further down the food chain, antelope can be seen as we glide across Africa's most famous of waterways. Conditions today will dictate the timings of our Delta exploration. We make our way to our wild camp here in the bush. After the traditional African 'sundowner' we help out with the preparation of dinner and afterwards we can settle down for the night in the Delta accompanied by the soundtrack of croaking frogs. Transfer time to the Delta: 2 hours

The best time of the day in Africa is the early morning and with the sounds of the dawn chorus all around us we set out in the relative cool on a nature walk to explore this wonderful wetland. Before the walk our guides will give a safety briefing. We may encounter elephants or even lions on the walk and it is important to listen to the briefing and to follow the instructions of the guides. Returning to our camp for a well deserved brunch we have time to relax during the heat of the day and perhaps take a swim in the clear waters. We head out again into the Delta where we can enjoy another beautiful sunset before returning to camp or we may take another walk. Back at camp there will be an opportunity to take a bucket shower before dinner and spending our second night surrounded by the nocturnal murmurs of the Okavango.

Driving out of the Delta we may be lucky enough to encounter some wildlife en-route before preparing for another dramatic change of scenery. The shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi (pronounced ma hadee hadee), provides a glorious illusion of an endless plain. During the wet season (when the pans transform into a valuable refuge of grassland), herds of wildebeest and flamingos flock here, which we may be lucky enough to encounter! Although very little flora exists within the pans, Baobab trees thrive in this environment and have become very useful landmarks, when navigating across this barren land. One of the trees has even been named after the 19th century explorer James Chapman, whereby explorers would leave unofficial messages for each other. Approximate drive time: 4 hours.

In the last couple of years the Zimbabwe catchment area for the pans has had above average rainfall which has not subsided during the dry season meaning that the classic salt pans of this area maybe wetter than usual.

The Chobe River is a stunning feature of our time in Chobe and is a crucial lifeline to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Chobe is famed for herds of elephant which reside in the National Park. During the year the elephant population can vary from 500-50,000 and are most likely to be found on the banks of the Chobe, cooling off. Owing to its year-round supply of water, Chobe provides a permanent source of water for the elephant population of the Kalahari, known for their short brittle tusks due to calcium deficiency in the soil. Taking to the water in the afternoon, we embark on a sunset safari cruise to optimise our chances of meeting these majestic animals. Finishing the safari with the tradition of a sundowner, we return to our accommodation for our final evening. Approximate drive time: 4-5 hours

We cross the border from Botswana into Zambia and drive to Livingstone. Our holiday ends at Livingstone Airport, Zambia.

If your flight departs from Victoria Falls Airport you will transfer from Botswana into Zimbabwe, and therefore not entering Zambia.

Approximate actual drive time: 1hr. Its not a long way, but the border crossing can be busy and slow, so a travel day of approximately 3hrs.